There’s nothing better than getting to the end of the day, especially a day that I’ve been wearing a full face of makeup, and having to remove it all. Maybe it’s because I’m getting older (I turned 36 last week) and I’m starting to notice fine lines around my eyes as well dark under eye circles, but I’ve gradually started to up my skincare game lately.
Here are three of the products that have been in high rotation in my skincare routine, especially at night.
Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm
I’ve always been a Clinique skincare fan, but I haven’t used any of their products (except for makeup) for a number of years, until I recently picked up the Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm. It’s a thick, but very lightweight cleansing balm that dissolves into an oil as soon as you start rubbing it into your skin. It dissolves away makeup so fast that it honestly shot to the top of my favourite skincare item list almost immediately.
Once rubbed into the skin and all the makeup is dissolved, I simply rinse my face with warm water and all the makeup is gone. Just like that. It’s the perfect pre-cleanse, which I then follow up with my facial wash.
The consistency is very similar to that of coconut oil, but I love that it isn’t greasy, that it’s suitable for all skin types and that it doesn’t have any fragrance. It leaves my skin feeling really soft and ready for the next step in the cleansing process.
I also love the packaging. It’s a convenient flat tub that’s travel-friendly and can’t be knocked over spilling its contents.
L’Oreal Paris Pure Clay Glow Mask
Following my facial cleanse, I move onto using a mask, which is something I do weekly. Lately I’ve been loving the L’Oreal Paris Pure Clay Glow Mask. While I realise the importance of moisture getting into the skin, I know that it won’t penetrate my skin if it’s not properly exfoliated, which is why I like use this mask.
It has a beaded, creamy texture which illuminates tone by exfoliating the skin’s surface without drying it out. This is what it says on the packaging, but I can honestly testify to that. While it’s on my face I can feel a very slight tingling sensation, which to me means that it’s effectively exfoliating my skin, and once I’ve left it to dry and rinse it off, my skin feels a lot smoother and looks brighter. This is due to the red algae extract, which is known for its brightening properties.
It also contains the three following clays: koalin, a highly effective natural clay, known to absorb impurities and excess sebum; montmorillonite, rich in minerals, a clay recognised for helping to eliminate imperfections and ghassoul, a pure clay highly concentrated in minerals renowned to help clarify complexion.
I think the fact that it contains all these natural ingredients is one of the main reasons I love it so much. It leaves my skin feeling softer, smoother and brighter with my pores visibly reduced. (That sounds like like an ad, or like I’m repeating the promise on the packaging, but it’s really true!)
Estēe Lauder Hydrationist Maximum Moisture Cream
As I’m getting older my skin is starting to lean more towards normal to slightly dry, which is why I’ve been obsessed with using facial creams that cater for that. And this is where Estēe Lauder Hydrationist Maximun Moisture Cream comes in. It’s a rich, intensely moisturising cream that claims to boost moisture all day. For me this has been true, as I feel like it’s completely improved my moisture situation throughout the day. I’ve been using it both day and night.
It comes in two versions. There’s one for dry skin which actually actually felt too rich for me (I think it’s geared towards ultra dry skin), so I ended up opting for the normal/combination skin one and it actually works a treat.
It claims to provide all day hydration, which it does for me, as well as being age resisting, works against fine, dry lines, and against dullness and a loss of radiance.
The packaging is really sleek in a beautiful glass jar in the usual elegant Estēe Lauder design.
It has a lovely fresh, floral fragrance which I actually like and at £39.00 for 50ml it isn’t really budget friendly, but then it’s no secret that Estēe Lauder is on the pricier side. I would definitely purchase this cream again though as my skin is currently thanking me for it!
Have you tried any of these products before? If you have let me know what you think of them in the comments below.
