Modern Skin Routine

In a reality when we are bombarded by more and more specialist products treating yet more specific skin concerns we didn't know we had, the truth is all we need is a simple, concise and effective skin regime. It's time we re-think what a good skin care regime entails and start using products that work with our skin and not just act as 'fire extinguishers'. It's time we reclaimed the understanding of how capable of renewing our skin is, as long as we treat it with respect and protect is from further harm. The skin routine of the future should involve gentle, multitasking, well-formulated products which help achieve and maintain happy skin, capable of repairing itself. It should not cost you much either, just nip down to your local beauty store and make informed choices.

Cleanse

The best cleansers are fragrance free, non-irritating and effective. After cleansing , your face should feel soft and plump and not 'squeaky clean'. Cleanser- in fact all skincare products- should cause no sensation of stinging, cooling, tightening or redness. If the ones you use do so, consider ditching them for kinder ones.

My top picks: 

• Avene Extremely Gentle Cleanser
• Simple Kind To Skin Moisturising Facial Wash
• Bioderma Crealine H20

Moisturise & Protect

Depending your skin type, you could decide to use a serum, lotion, liquid or a cream. The oilier the skin, the lighter the consistency. You do not need to layer on many products addressing different skin concerns. There are plenty of well formulated moisturisers on the market that do it all. Choose a moisturiser with a broad spectrum SPF for day and one without SPF for night. Or have a moisturiser for day and night and top it up with a sunscreen in the morning. Well-formulated moisturisers double up as eye creams. Think about combinations of good ingredients, as products marketed on the back of only one great/exotic ingredient often fail to deliver. Do not waste money on moisturisers, however tempting, unless they are packaged in opaque, air-tight containers.

My top picks: 

• Olay Total Effects 7-in-1 Moisturiser & Sensitive Protection SPF15
• Simple Kind to Skin+ Protecting Moisture Cream SPF30
• Aveeno Positively Radiant Triple Boost Serum

Exfoliate

Effective exfoliation is done by applying an AHA or BHA product on your face after cleansing and before moisturising. Alpha Hydroxy Acid helps treat signs of sun damage and reveals new smoother even toned skin. Beta Hydroxy Acid penetrates into the skin and helps treat blocked and enlarged pores, acne and blackheads. Both AHAs and BHAs promote collagen production, more even toned and supple skin, reduce irritation, redness and inflammation. Depending our your skin concerns you could choose to use either or both types of exfoliants. I prefer to use them once a day, on alternative days, as part of my evening routine. I urge you to try this new type of exfoliation and be completely amazed at how good your skin will feel and look within weeks.

My top picks: 

• Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Exfoliant Lotion
• Paula's Choice Weekly resurfacing Treatment with 10% AHA
• Olay Regenerist Night Renewal Elixir

Foundation Brushes

I bet you have seen enough badly applied streaky foundations out there to know about the importance of a good foundation brush. When you find one that works, you will know straight away. The best ones make application easy, give perfect smooth finish, wash well and will be as good as new even after years of use. A very important thing to consider is how you like your face to be touched. For example, I like the soothing strokes of flat or dome shaped brushes, compared to the tap-tapping action of stippling brushes. There is no right and wrong choice when it comes to which method you prefer, as there is so much choice of good quality affordable foundation brushes on the market at the moment. Here are several of my preferred ones:

For Applying Liquid and Cream Foundations

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush

This small domed synthetic brush is the perfect all-rounder for applying liquid and cream foundation. It is super soft and does not irritate sensitive skins. Its perfect shape helps with blending foundation over all areas of the face and achieves airbrushed finish. Use in small circular motions for best results. Great for building coverage. Washes easily, does not shed and dries in no time.

MAC 190 Foundation Brush

A firm synthetic flat brush with chiseled tip. Great for both emollient and water based foundations. A preferred option for people with skin concerns. Use downward strokes to smooth foundation over small hairs, pimples, dry or sensitive patches.

Multi-tasker Foundation Brushes

Shiseido Foundation Brush

A brush for the make up connoisseurs. Designed to achieve the ultimate natural finish with all types of foundation. Its unique slanted shape and densely packed artificial bristles help cover all areas. Could be used for applying concealer too. Use small tap-tapping (stippling) action. A word of warning- it takes twice as long to apply foundation, however the end result is worth the effort.

Cosmopolitan Blend Perfection Sponge

The idea here is to bounce foundation on you face rather than rub it in. Run under water for couple of seconds and squeeze excess out before applying foundation. Great for all types of foundation, its shape is great for blending around tricky areas. Use the pointy tip for applying concealer under the eyes. Achieves perfect, natural finish. Clean with warm soapy water regularly.

For Powders

EcoTools Recycled Retractable Kabuki Brush

This synthetic cruelty free brush is perfect for applying loose or pressed powder foundations. It's super soft and picks up just the right amount of powder every time. It's housed in a retractable metal casing which is very handy for carrying in your handbag. Use circular motion to achieve soft airbrushed finish. Great for applying bronzer and blusher too. Washes well and does not shed.

Healthy Skin in a Bottle

When YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation came out last year it caused big splash across across the cosmetics industry and rightly so. It is one of the best foundations currently available on the market. At £29 for 30ml , it is beautifully formulated and offers great naturally radiant coverage for all skins types apart the really oily ones, which will most likely find it too radiant. It is smooth and lightweight in texture, easy to blend and offers luminous satin finish that looks good in all lighting conditions. Great at covering small imperfections and redness. Only a small amount is required to cover the whole face. Comes is a extensive variety of shades.

Recently Bourjois came up with a great alternative to the YSL foundation. Available at £7.99 for 30 ml (currently on offer , general RRP is £11.99), Bourjois Paris Happy Light foundation is a total steal. It is every bit as good at the Touche Eclat Foundation, offering a similar finish, coverage and ease of use. The foundation is only slightly thicker in texture and a shade less luminous. Happy Light is an excellent choice for anyone with normal to oily skin. People with dry skin might want to use an good moisturiser below it to make it work for them.

Both foundations include fragrance, which people with extremely sensitive skins may find disturbing. The YSL foundation smells faintly of cucumber and the Bourjois has a sweet flowery smell. I find that both foundations last well on me, though I would recommend using a primer or finishing powder over any oily areas if you need to. 

Lip Crayons

I absolutely love lip crayons. As someone who has always found lipsticks high maintenance and a faff to put on and reapply, lip crayons have been a total revelation and lots of fun. I carry several shades in my bag at all times as they are so easy to apply on the go. Since Clinique introduced the iconic Chubby Sticks, most make up brands have produced their own versions of lip crayons. Most come as twisty pencils that don't require sharpening. Personally I avoid the ones which require sharpening. Here are my top picks :

Bourjois Color Boost Lip Crayon

They come in 6 flattering shades and offer a great colour pay off and glossy finish. They are long lasting and moisturising on the lips. An added bonus is that they offer an SPF15 protection. I love Peach on the Beach which is a soft pinky nude shade that goes with most make up looks, and Fuscia Libre as a vibrant, wake-me-up colour which looks amazing on minimal make up days.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

These crayons offer a more opaque finish and are incredibly long lasting.The pigment in them is densely packed and the shades are modern and very flattering. I adore Crush Beguin for winter berry lips and Honey Douce for lips that looks like my natural colour but better. People with sensitive lips may find that the peppermint in them is a bit drying on the lips.

Clinique Chubby Stick Intense Moisturising Lip Colour Balm

I feel that the Intense version of the original Chubby Sticks is an improvement on their predecessor. They offer better colour pay off, travel less on the lips and stay put for longer. Like other Clinique lip products, they work great at keeping lips moisturised. My favourite shade of the range is Mightiest Maraschino which is a gorgeous cherry red colour.

Rimmel London Colour Rush Balm

Gorgeous shades, lovely weightless feel on the lips and amazing staying power. These lip crayons have a faint vanilla smell and keep lips soft and comfortable. I have been wearing Not an Illusion a lot- it's a lovely browny nude shade that looks great with stronger eye make up.