Skin Saving Face Masks

 The majority of my skin care routine is pretty set in stone - as far as cleansing, moisturising and toning,  I use the same products every day. I use various different masks to target specific problems my skin may be having, like feeling extra dehydrated, or breaking out.
Starting with the Aesop Parsley Seed Mask, this is the one I turn to when my skin is looking spotty and horrible, or just really congested and like it could break out any moment. I find this manages to calm down any current breakouts, and neutralise any oiliness or under the skin blemishes. I really like the fact that although this is a clay mask, it doesn't feel too heavy and clogging or dry my skin out at all.
The changing seasons often leave my skin really dehydrated, and as a result its starts to look dull. The Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask is the one I turn to in these situations, and overnight it restores the moisture into my lifeless skin and leaves it with a nice glow. This mask feels like a really heavy duty moisturiser, and smells gorgeous - peaches I think? I just apply a nice thick layer before going to bed, and I do find my skin really does 'Drink it up' as once I wake up its been fully absorbed.
I do suffer from some black heads on my nose and find them really tricky to get rid of. I recently discovered the Glam Glow Super Mud Clearing Treatment, and it is the first product I've tried that has made a noticeable difference. Once the mask has dried you can actually see the little black dots where the blackhead was which I must say is very satisfying but disgusting at the same time! After one use my pores look so much clearer, and my blackheads are pretty much gone. Miracle worker? I think so. 
And finally, my favourite all rounder has to be the Antipodes Manuka Honey Mask. Manuka Honey has amazing antiseptic and moisturising properties, and this amazing mask treats blemishes whilst leaving your skin feeling really soothed and hydrated. The Vanilla Pod and Mandarin scent is also beautiful!

Basic skincare routine

I love reading about skincare just as much as make up, so I thought I'd share my skincare routine. I have never had particularly spot phone skin, but do suffer with the odd blemish and blocked pores, and my skin is quite sensitive. I would say my main problem is redness and unevenness, and my skin looking dull and feeling dehydrated. I have a lot of extra oils, serums, lotions and potions that I use in conjunction with these products, but these are the bare bones of my daily routine.

The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil +  Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel  

The first product I use is the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, which I would describe as much more of a balm cleanser than a gel. It melts into the skin, is great for doing a quick facial massage to get some blood flowing, and makes my skin look really alive and glowy. It leaves my face feeling really clean with no oily residue, and smells of roses which is an amazing bonus. I use this cleanser in the morning, and as my second cleanse at night. To remove my make up in the evening I love The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil. Its a lightweight oil, which feels moisturizing and soothing on the skin, whilst really getting in there to easily remove every trace of make up. I haven't found another product that removes my make up as well as this does, and at this price, why would I be looking?

Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner

In the evening I use an exfoliating toner such as the Clarins Gentle Exfoliator Brightening Toner. I use this after cleansing at night, and it does a great job of brightening and evening out my skin tone. I feel like it helps keep blemishes at bay, and I feel it keep my skin looking more clear and radiant. Its like a more gentle version of the Alpha H Liquid Gold (more on that in another post) and is gentle enough to use every evening. In general I prefer acid exfoliators to gritty ones as my skin is quite sensitive, and they tend to bring out the redness in my skin rather than evening things out.

Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream + Antipodes Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream

As for moisturizers, I have been using the Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Face Cream and the Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream for about 6 months now, and I love them both. Antipodes is an all natural brand and these products don't make any big claims apart from to nourish and moisturize the skin, but I prefer to target my skins specific problems using serums, masks and oils, and keep my moisturizers very basic. The day cream has a strong smell of vanilla, which I know may be off putting for some people, but I love it, and I find it doesn't linger once its on the skin. It feels very thick and nourishing which is great for my dehydrated skin, but still works well under make up. The Avocado night cream has a much more subtle scent, and feels really soothing and smooth when you apply it. When I wake up in the morning I find my skin has really drunk it up, and is feeling really soft and plumped out.

As I've mentioned, there are a lot more steps involved in my skin care routine, and I will probably do a couple more posts on my favourite masks and other treatments that do most of the hard work!