My guess would be that you miss out one simple step , albeit the most important step , of your skincare routine. . exfoliation.
Dead skin cells are the main cause of dull looking skin, and in order to eradicate those pesky glow inhibitors , I'll share with you my all time favourite products and how I use them , that will have you begging for summer to last forever, so that you can confidently bare all in nothing more than a tinted moisturiser or BB cream.
Once or twice a week (time permitting) I dedicate a good half an hour or more in the evening to my glow getting routine. I begin by double cleansing , even if I am makeup free , with the heavenly scented and gorgeously textured Rodial Glamtox Cleansing Balm and muslin cloth to prep my skin. I then dab my face dry and commence my exfoliation by applying Guinot Gommage Biologique Biological Peeling Radiance Gel, which contains fruit acids and green tea, in a firm circular motion all over the face and the under eye area , until the gel liquifies. I then remove thoroughly with warm water soaked facial sponges , dry my face and follow with a second exfoliation using the amazing Ginvera Green Tea Whitening Marvel Gel which literally makes blackheads disappear before your very eyes , as if by magic. I remove by splashing warm and then cool water over my face and gently dab my face dry and looking back in the mirror my skin looks as smooth as marble. It's polished , refined and blackhead free. Now my skin is prepped for my masks, serum and moisturiser to work much harder. I then paint on , with a clean foundation brush , Doctor Organic Rose Otto Face Mask which in their words (and I most definitely concur) "This nutrient rich clay based formulation draws oil from the pores while ridding the skins surface of dead cells and impurities stimulating the circulation deep into the capillaries to leave the skin younger in appearance, toned, regenerated and purified." I leave on whilst pottering about for 10 minutes , then remove with 2 facial sponges saturated in warm water. Again my skin looks even more refined and ready for the final step which is the jewel in the crown. It is the most radiance creating mask I've used and I've tried many, it is Guinot's Masque Essentiel Nutrition Confort. I've just read on www.jerseybeautycompany.co.uk that is has won Best Radiance Mask for 3 consecutive years and I can definitely see why . With it's heavenly scented essential oils, vitamin E and menthol and lavender it softens , brightens and makes you look like you've had 10 hours sleep even if you've had 5. If my peepers are looking tired I also apply Guinot Masque Yeux a deliciously cooling gel that reduces puffiness, dark circles and refreshes the delicate skin around the eyes. I leave both on for about 10-15 minutes , and again use facial sponges that have been immersed in warm water , to thoroughly remove. To ensure there is no residue I soak two cotton pads in Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic, which smells incredible and refreshes like no other toner I've used, and sweep over my face and eyes on both sides of the pads. I then either massage in a facial oil or a serum (my favourites being Neals Yard Organic Orange Flower Facial Oil , Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment or Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum) , dab on a lifting eye cream like Guinot Longue Vie Yeux and massage in a moisturiser that I'm currently loving , Philosophy's Miracle Worker Moisturiser which firms and hydrates and is packed with vitamin C, Glutathione, Resveratrol and lots of wonderful anti aging antioxidants.
The difference in my skin before and after this routine is immense , and although it may seem like a real effort , your skin will definitely thank you and the change you will see shall encourage you to keep it up. Regardless of your budget it is so important to exfoliate and rid your skin of the dead cells that will stop your lotions and potions working to the best of their ability . So put aside that special you time and get scrubbing! I look forward to hearing all the compliments you are most certainly going to be inundated with. All brands mentioned are available online and in selected salons and stores. Some favourite high street ranges are La Roche Posay (for super sensitive skin) and Superfacialist by Una Brennan both available at Boots.com.
