Layering skin care is something I like to do as I can chose products that will target different concerns rather than choosing one.  My skin type is combination / oily and I suffer with large pores, dry skin under my eyes and also fine lines as well as slight hormone related acne on my chin caused by PCOS.  So I am looking for products that can help with all of that!

There’s so many products on the market that target different issues it is hard to know where to start but my main concern has always been my pores so I need a good skin care routine to avoid them becoming clogged, especially as sometimes I wear quite heavy makeup.

I started using Clinique 3-step cleansing routine around 2years ago and I find it a really good routine to prepare the skin for serums and treatment moisturisers.

Around 18months ago I also introduced their Sonic Cleansing Brush into my routine and only takes 1 minute.  My skin always feels really clean after use.   It is suitable for use with any cleanser –  I am currently using is the Clinique liquid soap.  It is good and makes my skin feel soft after use but I think it feels a little oily when washing it off whereas the cream cleansers wash off a little easier…that’s just preference.  I have used the Clinique Sonic Cleanser and Estee Lauder Perfectly Clean, which are both cream cleansers and both work well with the brush.

 

 

The 3-step routine follows with the liquid exfoliant ‘Clarifying Lotion’.  This helps to get rid of dead skin cells and also any last traces of dirt missed by the cleanser.  I then use the Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel which is a lovely lightweight moisturiser.   It seemed strange to then follow this with more products but what the 3-step does is prep the skin to allow any serums or treatments to be absorbed better.

 

Estee Lauder’s Clear Difference Advanced Blemish Serum is my current serum of choice.  It helps to control oil and break the cycle of blemishes and I have found that this works really well and leaves my skin feeling smooth.  Finally I follow with Clinique Moisture Surge which is a lightweight gel formula.  Having oily skin, it is tempting to miss moisturiser from a skincare routine but lack of moisture in the skin can encourage oil production.  The gel formula sinks into my skin quickly which is ideal either if I am running out of the house, or if I want to apply makeup.  Although you’re meant to leave around 10 minutes from applying moisturiser to allow it to absorb, this gel is absorbed quick enough to get on with makeup sooner.  Bonus!

Something to note about all of this is that one of the best things you can do for your skin (and body) in general is to drink plenty of water!  Dehydrated skin is different to dry skin….it needs more water!

The last steps I don’t class as part of my ‘layering’ as the serum and moisturisers aren’t designed for the under-eye area.  The skin under your eye is thinner than the rest of your face so heavy creams and oils will build up under the skin.  I use Clinique All About Eyes as I have dry skin under my eyes and this really helps.  It is moisturising, leaves my skin soft and prepared for concealer.  What I also like about this eye cream is that it is suitable for the whole eye area so I use this on my lids too.

I also apply a lip balm as I have really dry, chapped lips.  The one I am currently using is by Forever Living, Forever Sun Lips SPF30.  It contains Aloe Vera and Jojoba seed Oil and has a cooling sensation as it contains mint!   I don’t use a face moisturiser that contains SPF as I have found in the past that they tend to make me break out but I do use a separate SPF by Clinique called City Block or a foundation containing SPF so that either way I am using something to help protect my skin!

Once a week I also add a Mask!  Just for a treat!  As I’ve mentioned, one of my major concerns is my pores so the mask I use is Body Shop’s Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask.  I apply it with the mask brush also from Body Shop and leave it on for 10minutes or until the mask is dry (turns to a light grey colour).  When its washed off my skin feels unbelievably clean and pores look and feel clean too.   I don’t then use my Clinique liquid exfoliator as that would be too much but I follow with the rest of my routine and the serums and gels are absorbed so much better!

 

 

That’s my daily skincare routine and every now and again I add in another serum if I have a sample of it, such as an anti-ageing one, providing it isn’t the same active ingredients as the Clear Difference.  It did feel to begin with that I could be throwing too much at my skin and some people will say that it is but others including industry experts advise layering as the best way to care for your skin’s needs.

I just use what works for me!

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