Taking care of your skin is crucial to maintaining a clear complexion, but finding a routine that works for you is proving more difficult as we are bombarded with an insane range of products that all claim to make you airbrush perfect.
Scrolling through endless pages of products can be overwhelming, and the concept that pricy products give you better results couldn’t be further from the truth.
Checking ingredients is a must! Do some research to find out what problem areas you want to improve, and what ingredients target it head on without drying out or irritating your skin.
After trial and error of trying to find the perfect products that reduce redness, minimise pores and keep your skin hydrated, I have finally settled on a routine that works for me.
All of these products are available in the UK and wont break your bank account!
Top Picks
Paula’s choice skin perfecting 2% BHa liquid exfoliator (£10-£28)
Paula's choice has been advertised everywhere recently, but it really does work! The lightweight liquid exfoliant is proven to unclog and shrink pores and smooth and even skin tone. This is a staple in my daily routine and has put me off micro-exfoliants for life! Since using my complexion is visibly clearer and more even. And it's cheap too!
-unclogs and shrinks enlarged pores
-smooths and evens skin tone
-lightweight liquid absorbs quickly
-use once or twice daily
Glow recipe pineapple c bright serum (£46)
Glow recipe is the Japanese brand that is crushing it's competitors on the market! Their Pineapple C bright serum leaves your skin looking like glass and has visibly reduced the appearance of acne scars on my skin. It's a little pricier than the rest, but well worth the money (and it smells amazing too!)
-boosts radiance, smoothness and improves overall skin tone
-anti-oxidant rich vitamin c
-combats acne scars, dark spots and hyperpigmentation
-leaves your skin looking like glass
Cerave moisturising cream (£9)
Finding a perfect moisturiser has been trial and error for me, but Cerave's moisturising cream is the perfect balance of lightweight and hydrating, and is the only moisturiser that will continue to be used in my routine. The formula sinks perfectly into your skin and can be worn under makeup.
-developed with dermatologists
-helps restore protective skin barrier
-fragrance free
-super hydrating
-lightweight
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% and zinc 1% (£5)
If Glow recipe isn't in your budget, or you want to try and new serum before splashing the cash, The Ordinaryl serum is the perfect alternative! The Ordinary has proven it's a top competitor in the market, with formulas that are proven to work and don't dry out your skin. this is perfect serum for blemish prone skin.
-vitamin and mineral blemish formula
-regulates sebum
-minimises pores
Dermalogica stress positive eye lift (£9-£59)
Dermalogica's eye cream is perfect for those of us who aren't necessarily seeking to reduce wrinkles, but minimise dark circles and visible signs of fatigue. The eyelet cream is true to it's name and can be purchased in smaller sizes for those who want to try before they buy.
-energizes skin to to reduce visible signs of stress
-minimises appearance of puffiness and dark circles
-increases skin luminosity
Origins super spot remover blemish treatment gel (£16)
The Origins spot zapping gel is a must have for those unwanted breakouts! This quick working treatment has saved me more times than I can count, and is well worth a try if you are yet to find a product that works for you!
-targets spots while reducing redness
-Strong formula that is harsh on breakouts
-Eliminates excess oils and pore clogging debris
Sand and Sky Australian pink clay Poreless Face Mask
Freshen your skin in just 10 minutes with this natural face mask. Refining pores and cleansing all-in-one, this is the perfect face mask to treat your skin at the end of a long week.
-Refines pores and cleanses
-Skin brightening benefits
-boosts radiance for a clearer complexion
Glow recipe watermelon glow PHA + BHA pore tight toner (£31)
Another showstopper from Glow Recipe, a toner is a must-have in your skincare routine and this recipe in particular decongests those pesky pores and soothes skin for a clearer complexion. With skin restoring vitamins this product is jam packed with ingredient your skin will thank you for.
-Skin-restoring vitamins
-Tones for a poreless-looking complexion
-lasting hydration
Oskia Renaissance cleansing gel (£36)
Perfect for all skin types, this cleansing gel is refreshing and melts onto skin, vanishing all signs of debris from your skin. The refreshing scent is a plus and the formula is a creamy indulgence for your morning and night time routine.
-Illuminating and nourishing
-gently removes impurities
-rich with vitamins and enzymes
Emma hardie plump and glow hydrating mist (£42)
Locking moisture into our complexion whilst protecting your skin from external aggressors. This plumping mist is perfect for a more youthful look, and reduces any signs of stress and fatigue, giving you an enviable morning glow.
-soothing, toning, moisturising and softening
-hydrating and plumping
-invisible colour correction
-luminous glow
