skincare routine

Why we moisturise

Can you believe in all this time of Audrey & Elizabeth (6 years this month!), I have never written about moisturiser and why we use it? I know! It seemed a bit surprising to me as well.

For many, a skincare routine started with a simple moisturiser. But as we give more attention to skincare, the focus now often seems to be on serums and treatments, rather than this fundamental step.

What is your skin saying?

Have you ever found yourself looking in the mirror wondering about a change in your skin? What’s going on? Why is that there? I’m not talking about the appearance of a fine line, but rather when skin seems to be dry suddenly? Or breaking out? Or flushed? While there are many reasons why our skin changes, here are a few of the top causes to keep in mind when you’re trying to problem solve.

Timing is everything

Is it just me or do you get overly excited when trying out a new skincare product?  Anxious to see if the benefits will live up to the claims, every time a jar is opened or a bottle dispenses, I hope the contents will be my face’s new best friend. While what’s inside is very important to this determination, another key component is time and so I want to encourage you not to expect an overnight transformation.

My favourite masks

Happy New Year!  Hope you enjoyed the festive season and are excited about the start of 2019.  I can’t believe it’s this time again!
 
What I also can’t believe is how many masks I had hiding in my bathroom cupboards!!!  When I started Merry Maskmas, I knew I had enough masks to make it into a thing, however I had no idea that I would trial and share thoughts on more than 30 masks!

Creating the perfect canvas

It’s nearly a week since it happened, but we can still talk about the royal wedding, right?  What a beautiful, touching ceremony held on a spectacularly gorgeous day.  And while I could spend many more hours talking about everything that happened on 19 May, my connection to the wedding right now is all about skin. Particularly, how amazing the Duchess of Sussex looked in her decidedly no make-up look.

Hand gestures

In the winter, my hands can become as chapped as my lips.  Even though I apply facial serum and moisturiser to my hands on a daily basis (just what’s left on my palms), when the mercury drops and the air gets drier, I need to pay special attention to maintain softness.  Particularly as rough hands make for a less than enjoyable treatment for my clients. 

What's the fuss with Korean skincare?

Magazines and the internet abound with information about skincare innovations courtesy of Korea.  A big focus has been on the 10-step (or more!) routine that many women there follow on a daily basis.

Do you: apply facial essence?

We’ve made it through Blue Monday (hurrah!) and while the days really are getting longer (sunset isn’t till 4:27 pm today), chilly temperatures let us know we’re still in deepest, darkest winter. 
 
With all the time we’re spending indoors right now, I find this season to be perfect for supersizing my skincare routine.  While I still advocate a basic skincare practice, shortened daylight hours inspire me to apply face masks more regularly and spend extra time on facial massage.  I’m also loving the addition of a new product to my routine: facial essence.