All About Skin

Skincare is one of those ever changing, ever evolving things in our lives. I go in and out of phases more than the moon with pretty much everything and skin care is right up there on that list. I have  more or less the same skin care routine for about two years and it's a no frills, easy to keep up routine.

I always take off my makeup before I go to bed. The only exception is perhaps a gin & elderflower tonic infused evening when I'd prefer to go straight to sleep... Ok who am I fooling? I rarely take off my makeup if I've been out out. If I do, I take off a few layers of skin along with the makeup because I'm so rough - not good! But I really do take off my makeup every night unless I've been out out. It does make a difference and consistency is better than an elaborate laboratory of products and procedures.

Modest Skincare Routine

1. I go in with coconut oil and dissolve whatever makeup is on my eyes, brows, cheeks, and lips. This really helps take everything off quicker and easier.
2. I take - get ready for it- a makeup WIPE - shock! and take off whatever I can with that. I like the makeup wipes from Aldi or Nivea or whatever is on offer when I run out.
3. I then pour micellar water on a face cloth and move in circular motions all around my face until the remaining makeup is off. This not only cleanses but exfoliates and leaves the skin fresh and clean.
4. Next step is moisturizer. I'm not overly fancy and use the Lacura Night Cream by Aldi which I find works fine for me - so why not?
5. In the morning I'll wash my face with a cleansing gel and moisturise. However any time I wash my face in the winter, the warm water gives me a nosebleed so I usually just take a glycolic pad and use that instead. What sort of a nerd am I? Who gets nosebleeds past the age of 9?
6. I was gifted a beautiful Clarins moisturizer for Christmas from my mam and I've been using that as a base layer of moisturizer in the morning. I use this whether I'm wearing makeup or not.

Skin Makeup I've been loving

I love wearing makeup to work but I don't like taking it all off at the end of the day. I also don't like my face feeling cakey and mucky on a daily basis so I have been really loving lighter coverage skin makeup. I was so inspired by Sarah Hill on Instagram with her yoga skin and I fell in love with the finish it gives. Basically, it's a "your skin but better" type of vibe. It looks like you've just stepped off the yoga mat and are glowing and radiant and healthy. 

I love how you can wear this no matter how heavy you go with the rest of your makeup. I wore it with glittery winged out eyes, barely there eyes, a strong brow, a fluffy brow... It really is a lovely way to freshen up your foundation.

Yoga Skin How to

For the yoga skin I simply mix 2/3rds light moisturizer with 1/3 of my regular foundation, and a tiny amount of strobe cream. I work it into my skin using a big fluffy brush (although Sarah recommends using your hands to stimulate blood flow). 

I apply a small amount of concealer to the under eyes and wherever needs it and I don't set the skin with powder. I go in with a touch of bronzer and a whole lotta highlighter and that's it! It's perfect for day to day and you're getting extra skin care with the moisturizer as well as a big of coverage without the cake. Best of all it takes no time to get off in the night either.

Yoga skin in the making

I used to have combination / oily skin but I think just maintaining a consistent skincare routine has changed my skin and it doesn't go very oily anymore. I can get away with a lot of different types of foundation and powder and my skin reacts normally enough. I get a bit of texture on my cheeks that is annoying especially when wearing highlight but I've learned to accept my flaws hehe.

I hope this might inspire you full coverage foundation lovers to try something new! even if it's just for one day. I've been really loving it. Tag me if you use this technique I'd love to see it!

Now go forth and be glowy!
Sophie