tips

I think we can all agree that these days, very few of us have a simple skincare routine. More often then not, we’ve added product after product into our routine, and rightly so, as they all have their own benefits. Where it can get tricky is understanding the best order in which to layer your skincare for the best results. Let me be your guide.

No two skincare gurus are the same and very often we’ll never totally agree on the same order of skincare layers. That said, there is a golden rule that helps cut through all the confusion; lightest to heaviest. The lighter the product, the smaller the particle size. That means they can penetrate deeper into the layers of your skin. We’re talking serums and toners here.  Then you can work your way up to facial oils and moisturisers.

Another top tip that has served me well has to be…less is more. Trust me when I say you do not need more than 3 steps between your cleanser to your moisturiser. Your skin will thank you for it. Don’t confuse your skin. Keep it simple and concise and you’ll reap the rewards.

So if that’s the case, I’m sure you’re thinking…’how hard can it be to pick an order?!’. Well, there’s a teeny thing you need to be aware of…ingredients. There are a few big ones that you shouldn’t mix unless you’re up for a bad reaction.

Acne Prone skins: If you’re fond of spot treatments you need to bear this in mind; benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, lactic acid, and glycolic acid shouldn’t be mixed with any retinol products as the Retinol will break down your skin barrier and lead to irritation.

Serum: The ingredient to watch out for here is vitamin C. While it can be a little miracle worker treating the likes of acne to helping with sun protection, it can also be quite drying and irritating when used with too many other active ingredients. The best way round this is to use your vitamin C products in the daytime and saving any irritants like your retinols or acids until after your evening cleanse.

Facial Oils: This one’s a bit obvious. Remember kids, oil and water don’t mix, so make sure you layer your water-based serums on before adding a few drops of oil to lock it in…but only after leaving it enough time for the product to be absorbed first. Let each product soak in completely before adding another product on top. My favourite Decléor Aromessence Neroli Hydrating Oil Serum 15ml

SPF: Don’t skip this step. It’s important for your skins health. SPF should always be the last step of your skincare routine. Adding a layer of moisturiser on top of it can mess with the protection factor of your chosen SPF, and you don’t want that.

So remember my golden rule, lightest to heaviest and you can’t go wrong. At the end of the day, it’s your skin, your rules. Just bear in mind, less is more and take the time to let your products absorb before adding more layers.

xoxo

Curly hair…everyone wants it, unless they already have it. If you have curls naturally you know…curly hair comes with issues. Sure, it can hold style like nobody's business, but it's fragile in its own way. There's the obvious problems, such as curls tend to be on the dryer side and are prone to breakage. But some problems you wouldn’t know unless you were born with curls, like the fact that brushes are the enemy. Brushes will only ruin your bounce. 

So let me fill you in on the secrets behind styling your curls and help put those issues to bed. The basics of styling curly hair with minimal heat damage, involves three main styles: wet, natural and dry and roughly pulled back. Allow me to guide you through each style

Style 1: Wet

Not really a style, mainly just a starting point. This is when product plays a key role to give you the foundation you need. For finer curls opt for a product that will give you some grip and hold, such as a mousse. I always recommend Kérastase Resistance Volumifique Mousse 150ml. If you find your curls are a little more coarse, you’ll need to layer a mousse over a moisturising cream when your hair is still holding water. Try Moroccanoil Intense Curl Cream 300ml. It will control your curl and stop any frizz in one step.

Style 2: Diffused

To dry your curls naturally, without too much styling, you need a low-heat, low-fan setting along with a diffuser attachment for your hairdryer. As you dry your curls with the diffuser twist your hair between your forefinger and thumb. By using this action on your hair cuticle you ensure your hair is fully dry. If your curls aren’t completely dry, they will change shape and change style throughout the day.

Style 3: Roughly Pulled Back

The other great thing about curly hair is that buns are easy and all you really need a hairband. Something about roughly pulled back curls makes it look like you’ve made an effort. Winner. Just make sure that when you pull your hair back, to keep it from feeling too ‘ready for the gym’, pull some strands out in the front for some curls to frame your face. In many cases, the best way to show off the amazing texture of curly hair is a simple ponytail with lots of volume in the back. Don’t be too precious about it though. Curly hair rarely stays where you put it for long. Sometimes it's best to just let it do it’s own thing. Afterall…you have the hair everyone wants.

xoxo

Indulge me for a second. You and I both know that the chances of you being on this site if you don’t already have skincare routine sorted are pretty slim. I’m not trying to teach you to suck eggs here, but sometimes it never hurts to check your facts and get back to basics. Remember, skincare doesn't need to be complicated to get results. It just needs to be well thought out.

1. Cleanser

Be wary of cleansers that promise you the world. If we’re honest, there's really only so much it can do. Most cleansers are only on the skin for a few minutes and frankly, that's not enough time to brighten, hydrate, tone, clear, and exfoliate your skin all at once. So, when you're looking for a cleanser, simple is best. Decléor Aroma Cleanse Micellar Oil 150ml is a favourite of mine. Simple, feels great on the skin and gets rid of makeup and dirt from the day. Winner.

2. Exfoliator

This is where moderation is key. Over-exfoliation, especially after you’ve discovered its skin brightening benefits, is a real problem people. Less is more. I know it’s tempting but trust me, you have that many layers of skin for a reason. Once a week with most exfoliators is more than enough. Acids are the best way to exfoliate in my book as they do the job without scrubbing away at your skin. Try Thalgo Clear Expert Exfoliating Lotion 125ml.

3. Serum

Now this is where the thought comes in. Think about what your skin really needs. Tackle the most pressing concern you have for your skin first. Serums work best when they are kept in rotation to keep your skin from adapting to them too much. Six months is the maximum amount of time to stick to one serum…then change it up. For hydration, try for a hyaluronic acid or for acne reduction and prevention, try a vitamin C alternative. You get the idea.

4. Moisturiser

Don’t skip the moisturiser. No excuses. No matter what your skin type. Even those of you with an oily skins. Trust me, your moisturiser isn’t what’s breaking you out. In fact, the less you moisturise, the more oil your skin will produce. Try a lighter formula for day time such as Decléor Hydra Floral 24hr Hydrating Light Cream 30ml, then step it up to a richer formula overnight. I reach for Decléor Aromessence Neroli Hydrating Night Balm 15ml.

5. SPF

All day. Every day. No excuses. In my eyes it should be the last step in all complete skincare routines. If you only do one thing…SPF. My favourite is Thalgo SPF50+ Age Defence Sunscreen 50ml. Just layer over your moisturiser for all day protection.

As I said, this is a back to basics guide to skincare. I’m always an advocate for simple routines but to each their own. You can add on as many extras as you feel necessary at this stage, but these are my ride or die products that are non negotiable in every routine. A five step routine is all you really need to see results.

xoxo