My Winter Skincare Routine: Current Favorites

Hello readers,

TGIF! What are your plans for the weekend? I'm currently studying for law school exams so mine are nothing crazy. Just spending time with friends and taking time to relax and release the stress with a yoga session, or some cooking. Or, with a facial massage, the benefits of which I came to know thanks to this video by Into The Gloss. 

In today's post I'm gonna walk you through my skincare routine and favorite skincare products in general. I'm gonna make my little disclaimer here just to let you know that I'm not a dermatologist by any means, so this post is not meant to give expert advice. Skin types vary from person to person and I don't have the medical knowledge that's necessary in order to suggest anything for your own skin type and concern. I am here to give my honest review on these products just in case you're interested in them and want to know more. 

My skin type is quite normal, leaning towards dry in the wintertime. I get dry patches around my mouth sometimes when the weather shifts abruptly and I do break out on my cheeks from time to time, although that's been minimized thanks to a treatment I followed suggested by my dermatologist (not shown here). In the summer I can get sort of an oilier forehead - although still manageable. Overall you would say that my skin isn't very problematic - it's not perfect either but whose is, to be honest.

CLEANSING:

Cleansing is probably the step that's the most important to me in my routine. I cannot stand the idea of makeup leftovers sitting in my pores and clogging my skin. I think the worst thing anyone can do for their skin is not wash their makeup off before they go to bed. I do a two -sometimes three- step cleanse just to make sure I get everything out. It usually depends on how much makeup I'm wearing on the day.

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

Now this product is a cleansing "butter" which means it's more stiff than a balm but works the same way. You scoop out a bean sized portion, rub your hands together to warm it up and you basically have a cleansing oil. You massage it on your face to break up the makeup and then you take a cloth - I am using a cotton one - dip it in hot water, squeeze the excess out and wipe the oil off your face with it. I prefer cotton to muslin because it exfoliates my skin and feels nicer. This my favorite cleansing method - the so-called hot cloth cleansing - because it leaves my skin soft and silky smooth. Do not worry about any oil residue lingering on your face as this butter emulsifies when it comes in contact with water and rinses off perfectly. Sometimes I repeat this step.

Garnier Micellar Water

A lot of people think they're 'done' after using one cleansing product but unless you're wearing very, very light makeup that's just not enough. If you take a cotton pad, dip it in micellar water and sweep around your face - making sure you get all the nooks and crannies and around the hairline - you will find that there's plenty sitting on your face even after your first cleanse. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it's not there. I do this step when I'm wearing a bit more makeup than usual or I use the cleanser which I'm gonna talk about next.

Korres Wild Rose Exfoliating Cleanser

This cleanser is my preferred "morning cleanser" or second step to my evening routine (instead of the micellar water). This is a gentle cleanser without any soap, with exfoliating beads that aren't too abrasive. I love this in the daytime because it helps me start my day with a fresh, smooth face which allows the moisturizer to sink in more easily and creates a perfect canvas for my makeup. It's natural and affordable and it does its job well.

MOISTURIZING:

Natural Collection Intense Care Face Oil (the green bottle)

Now this is a small Greek brand that you probably can't find unless you're in Greece. I went to a Christmas Meet Market during the holiday season and picked up this oil which contains a lovely blend of calendula, avocado, myrrh, wild carrot seed oil and more. It has a nice herbal, relaxing scent and it sinks in beautifully. I use slightly damp hands to apply this because it spreads more easily that way. It has definitely helped keep my skin moist and plump throughout the cold months and gives me a lovely glow. I also love to add a tiny drop of this to my foundation to help it glide more effortlessly and give my skin a dewy effect while keeping it hydrated for the day.

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Moisturizer (without SPF)

This moisturizer is fantastic - it plumps up my skin in seconds. It feels luscious and deeply nourishing and the oils it contains are doing a fantastic job at keeping my skin smooth and soft for several hours. The oils in it do not aggravate the occasional hormonal breakout. It works great worn underneath makeup, or even mixed with my foundation for a natural, healthy look. I love that it doesn't have any scent, I hate perfume in my skincare. It's effective without the fanfare. Reasonably priced too.

Physiogel A.I. Cream

This cream was suggested to my mother by her dermatologist and it truly is magical. Whenever my skin feels ridden or sallow, I apply some of this on and it instantly feels better and nourished. It's great for that dry, patchy skin after having the flu and it makes for a replenishing night cream. If you use this in conjunction with a face oil it's a dry girl's dream. 

Let me know which are you favorite skincare products!

xoxo