Beauty: My New Year Skincare Regime

Sara's New Year Skincare Regime

I don't think I have posted about skincare in a while but what better way than to kickstart the new year by doing so.

So, I have always been about makeup since I was 19/20 which is roughly when I started to wear it.  I have always worn skincare but I haven't been crazy about it.  Now with me being 30, I have realised the importance of looking after your skin. I am thankful that whilst I did go through a stage of teenage spots, my skin is looking at its best.

With regards, to skincare I don't think you have to purchase high end products. It's all about the products, ingredients and how they perform on your skin. For example, my skin is normal/dry whereas my sister's skin is sensitive so we don't tend to use the same products on our skin, as it reacts differently. I like to use a mix of products and I do switch it up at times, as over time some products stop working as your skin has become immune to it. 

I am going to list and provide a brief explanation of the products that are currently in my skincare regime for 2018.

My Skincare Regime ( Top - Bottom)

1. Soap & Glory 'Peaches and Clean' Cream Cleanser: I actually first heard of this from 'Yummy Mummy's Beauty Blog' ( I don't think she blogs anymore). I was intrigued and bought it whilst it was on a promo offer from Boots. I was literally hooked until after I purchased it and I continue to purchase it now. It is so creamy with a subtle peachy smell but the formula thoroughly cleanses my skin, leaving it smooth. For reference, I use this every morning and evening.

2. Bioderma Hydrabio Micellar Water: My sister got me using Bioderma and I haven't looked back. I will admit I have used the red/pink  and green topped waters and have stayed with this one since forever. It is a fragrance free water which is to be used to cleanse the face of makeup. I use it as a cleanser and at times as a toner. It refreshes and hydrates my skin really well.

3. Paula's Choice 8% AHA Exfoliant Lotion: This product is new. I originally used the 2% BHA which was amazing at chemically exfoliating my skin, leaving it so smooth and radiant. But I decided to try this one, as apparently it is supposed to deep clean your pores more. So far, consistency is lightweight and fragrance free. It sinks into my skin well, but I will only know the results after about a month so I will keep you updated. Please note, if you use and AHA/BHA it is extremely important to wear SPF.

4. Soap & Glory No Pores Scrub: This is basically a product I have had from last year which is a gritty exfoliator. It is a good product but probably one I would not repurchase. I am aiming to use it up and focus on using the Paula's Choice ones.

5. Liz Earle SuperSkin Eye Bright Cream: I LOVED this so much last year and this is my third bottle. It is fragrance free, lightweight moisturiser for the eyes. I have found that it really brightens up the eye area especially when you massage it too. My only gripe is that the bottle is quite heavy for such little product. 

6. The Ordinary 'Buffet' Serum: Again, this is a new purchase. I am hoping it performs as well as the Kiehls Hydro Plumping Serum I used to have and the Bioderma Hydrabio. I bought this because of the rave reviews and the price too. Out of the serums I have previously tried, this is the cheapest one, so it will be interesting to see if it delivers results.

7.The Body Shop SPF 50 Essence: This is AMAZING! When I started to use AHA/BHA products I went on the hunt to find an inexpensive SPF and I read so many reviews hyping this one. I decided to give it a go and I have to agree with all the other reviewers. This essence is milky, lightweight and absorbs so well onto the skin. It provides enough protection and I will definitely repurchase when this is finished.

8. The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil: I was watching an interview with Victoria Beckham a while back and she was listing some of her favourite skincare products. I originally used to use Vitamin E Oil but have now changed to Rose Hip Seed oil and find that it really nourishes my skin overnight leaving it super smooth in the morning. I have already re-purchased a back up!

So, did I mention any of your skincare products? What do you prefer to use? Let me know, below!

Sara xx

My Skin...

I thought I'd start my blog with a beauty based post which focusses primarily on my skintype and skincare regime.
Sometimes I have a habit of rambling on and on...but I intend to keep this post short and sweet :)

My Skin Type

*My skin type is combination and therefore tend changes with the seasons, during Spring/Summer I would describe it as oily whereas in the Autumn/Winter it is normal/dry - my cheeks and undereye areas are prone to dryness so I switch to a more rich moisturiser.

*At the moment, I would say it is normal/oily but because the weather is changing it isn't as oily as it can be! During the summer months, I tend to wear less makeup and it literally slides off :S I don't really wear a lot of makeup anyway but I love to experiment with colours and I do love my blush!!

My Current Skincare Regime




Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Gel Wash

This is quite a strongly scented gel which lathers up a little on the face and it is invigorating indeed. I have been using it for over 3 months now and it cleanses my skin nicely.




Rosewater/Cucumber Toner

I actually mixed a Garnier toner with some Rosewater and it really freshens up my skin after cleansing it and also provides my skin with extra moisture.




Neutrogena Visibly Clear Oil Free Moisturiser

Let me tell you...I have been through so many skincare products high end and drugstore and well both have their pros and cons. The high end moreso with their pricetags and the low end with their short-lived improvement for the skin. In terms of high end if i could afford it I would perhaps buy Dermologica. I tried out a travel pack just over a year ago and the results were amazing, honestly my skin felt so well cared for! Whereas in terms of low end I used to work for Lush's sister company 'B' and I bought Lush skincare for a good while but it was shortlived :(

At the moment I have been using this moisturiser for over 3 months as well and I love it. It has a very mild scent, the consistency is very good and my skin feels instantly smooth and toned. I will definitely be buying this product again when I've ran out!




Soap and Glory 'You Won't Believe Your Eyes' Eye Moisturiser

I like the fact that this eye moisturiser is an illuminator as well as an undereye moisturiser. It has a very nifty rollerball applicator which means you don't use too much product and that it also glides onto your skin smoothly. I have been using this for about 6 months and I am just coming to the end of the tube now. It has really brightened up my eye area and dealt with some minor dryness perfectly.





Neutrogena Deep Clean Invigorating Daily Facial Scrub

I like this scrub but not as much as the Neutrogena Visibly Clear. Why? I feel I don't get much of a scrub out of this product even though the the exfoliating beads are of a reasonable size...hmm it just isnt working for me. Thankfully I am halfway down the tube so not long to go before I repurchase the VC scrub.




Neutrogena Deep Clean Makeup Remover

Love, love, love this product. The only makeup remover that does the job properly! It is a creamy gel which I apply to cotton wool and then use on my face to remove my makeup.




Vitamin E Skin Oil

This product is amazing especially since it is getting quite chilly now. I tend to use this in the evening after I have cleansed and toned. It smells divine and although in the evening it leave my skin slightly greasy, by the morning my skin is a soft as a baby's bottom :P

So these products make up my skin care regime at the moment and they have been working pretty much fine for my skin although I have tried and tested way too many products but these have worked best for me so far.

I hope you all enjoyed reading my 1st proper blog...

Peace out