My skincare routine changes all of the time. The products I use are generally based on how my skin feels and what I think it needs and can be influenced on the season too. The reality is it’s a bit of guesswork sometimes as to what products are the right ones to use and it can be trial and error but some stand out and remain a constant in most routines.

This year, some of the skincare that I have used have been older favourites and some are new that I’ve discovered during the year. Here’s my 2018 Favourites.

Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel

This is my go-to cleanser for my AM routine.  It has vitamins A, C and E, Omega 6, Starflower oil, pumpkin enzymes, Chamomile and Rose.  It smells AMAZING and my skin feels soft and awake.  I apply this to dry skin, massage it in then add water to work it more, removing with a wet flannel.

Pixi Glow & Rose Tonic

Pixi Skintreats Glow Tonic is 5% Glyolic Acid and also contains Ginsing to improve circulation and energise the skin and Aloe Vera to soothe and hydrate which is an ideal combination.  It is said to refine the appearance of pores and gently accelerate cell renewal to promote a brighter and more glowing complexion.  It is Alcohol free so isn’t drying on the skin. I use this most days and sometimes twice a day and find it to be super gentle on my skin.

The Rose tonic is a lovely, fresh smelling tonic that helps to soothe as well as tone, balance PH, minimise redness and calm the skin.  Pixi also say that it rehydrates, replenishes and refreshes.  All I can say, now that I’ve used it for around 3 months regularly, is that the claims are spot on.  My skin feels super hydrated, calm, soothed and replenished, I also love the soft, fresh scent that it has.  I cleanse my skin, use the glow tonic then this, followed by whatever serums I am using that day, completing my routine with moisturiser and SPF (AM only).  On days that I am not using an acid toner, I will still use the rose tonic to keep up with hydration in my routine.

Clarins Double Serum

Clarins Double Serum contains 21 active plant extracts including Tumeric which is hailed for it’s protective, healing and anti-inflamatory properties.  This concentrated formula is suitable for all skin types and aims to help tackle multiple signs of ageing leading to firmer, more radiant skin….who doesn’t want that right? The dual sided bottle contains hydric (water soluble) and lipid (oil soluble) parts of the serum which are mixed together in the dispenser to then be applied to the skin.  This keeps the concentration of the ingredients at their maximum for as long as possible. I absolutely love this serum and am on my second bottle of it. There’s many products that I use which contribute to my skin looking more radiant but this is definitely one of the best!

NIOD SDSM

NIOD Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist (I can’t even spell that without reading it out to myself!!) SDSM is not like a traditional toner. It is classed as a ‘Dermal Treatment Mist’ which helps to protect the skin from oxidative stress, dermal water loss and inflammation.  It can be applied to the face and body and as frequently as you like.  The technologies in this mist are extremely complex as far as me reading the products description are concerned but in a nut shell:  

•  Yeast-derived Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) fights against oxidation
• Purified North American Four O’Clock Flower derrivative helps to reduce the look of inflammation  
• Marine Exopolysaccharides help to prevent water loss which in turns helps to keep the skin hydrated

It’s one of those products that my skin absolutely loves!

The Ordinary Azelaic Acid

Azelaic Acid is known for it’s anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties but also known to help treat rosacea and help acne-prone skin. I don’t suffer from rosacea, perhaps a little redness from time to time, but I do suffer from hormonal cystic acne on my chin which can range from a spot or two, to a cluster of them. I’ve been using this for a few months now and have seen an improvement in the overall texture of my skin and it’s helped no end with the hormonal cystic acne that I suffer with from time to time on my chin. This has to be on the list of my favourite 2018 products that will be staying in my 2019 routines!

Clinique Fresh Pressed

This serum is designed to brighten the skin from first use and over time, target fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Vitamin C 10% is housed in the top part of the container, with an emulsion underneath.  When this is ready to be opened, it has to be primed by pressing (with the cap on!) the plunger at the top twice to release the powder into the lotion below.  This then needs to be shaken before each use.  Adding the powder to the emulsion like this allows the vitamin C to remain stable without coming into contact with oxygen.  The serum is like any other serum in texture, perfectly smooth.  I add 2 drops to my moisturiser and apply as normal. I have used three of these vials now and they do last longer than advertised but the Vitamin C is at it’s most potent for the first seven days. I do tend to get at least two weeks out of it. The serum does gradually turn darker in colour which is where it is oxidising but it is still fine to use, it’s just not as strong. My skin has again seen an improvement since using this, especially when I’ve added it to both my AM and PM Moisturiser.

Clinique Moisture Surge & Formula Absolute Sleep Cream

Speaking of AM and PM Moisturiser, the final two items on my favourites list are my go-to Clinique Moisture Surge and Formula Absolute Sleep Cream.

My AM routine rarely has a different moisturiser and this has been an absolute favourite for a few years now. It is a light-weight gel formula that is great for my combination skin. It works brilliantly with all other products that I layer it with and is perfect under makeup. It helps to continually hydrate the skin, leaving it plump and protected.

The Formula Absolute Sleep Cream has been on my blog a few times as I’ve used this for a while also. A rich, nourishing night-time moisturiser, again working well with whatever I apply underneath it and leaving my skin soft and hydrated the following morning. It has a gorgeous smell to it too which is lovely and calming. Perfect!

So there’s my 2018 Holy Grail products! Spot any favourites?

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