Giving Up Makeup!

Ok, so I don’t mean give up makeup for good, that would be impossible, but to feel comfortable in my bare skin was the ultimate goal.

Recently, one of my guilty pleasures is to sit down with a cup of tea, a pack of biscuits and binge watch the US version of Snog, Marry, Avoid called Love, Lust or Run. For those of you who don’t know, this programme involves fashion and makeup blind members of the public who are in desperate need of a makeover. After a quick shame by people on the street who confirm the presented victim’s lack of style by declaring they would run from said person, fashion expert Stacey London works her magic and completely transforms each one.

It’s amazing!

However, as I was on to my 10th episode of the night (always just one more), I noticed that as each one removed their layers and layers of makeup, they all looked so much better without all that shmutz, as Stacey calls it, on their face. Every single one!

As I sat there shouting at each crying girl how great they looked, how clear their skin was and  how beautiful their eyes were without ten pairs of eyelashes, I realised I was a massive hypocrite. Suffering from hormonal breakouts, uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation, I very rarely if not ever went out the house without at least foundation and powder.

It was then I decided this needed to change. I needed to find those skincare products that would make me feel confident in my bare skin and go out in public without wearing so much makeup.

I have tested a lot of skincare products along the way, and although I am always trying and discovering new ones, these three are the reason I now go to work in the morning with clear, glowing skin.

The first one is Superacids x-treme glycolic cleanser by luxury skincare brand Rodial. This gel cleanser smooths onto skin like a dream and smells amazing. It may feel gentle but this cleanser means business. Containing glycolic acid, it breaks down dead skin cells to reveal brighter, more even looking skin. As someone who has combination skin, with a very oily t-zone, I do find it difficult to find cleansers that thoroughly clean my skin without stripping it of natural oils. This cleanser doesn’t do this. It just leaves my skin lovely and clean.

When I feel like my skin is in need of extra exfoliation, particularly after a hot day wearing full makeup, I like to use Brighten up! exfoliating cleanser by Vasanti. I received this sample in one of my Birchboxes and I am a total convert. You only need a small amount to cover all of your face and this cleanser is jam-packed full of micro-crystals to gently but thoroughly exfoliate your skin. It smells lovely, slightly fruity but not overpowering, which is important for me, as I like scented products but don’t want to smell like I have just washed my face all day. I feel like this gets deep into my pores to clean out any dirt and oil to leave my skin smooth and bright.

Finally, after I have cleansed my face, I like to apply a few drops of Optimal Skin Proserum by luxury skincare brand ESPA. I received a small sample of this with a previous ESPA purchase and decided to give it a go. Even though this is an oil, combination/oily skin types should not fear as ESPA’s proserum is composed of a delightful cocktail of natural oils high in linoleic acids. This type of fatty acid is excellent for oily skin as it unclogs pores, hydrates and moisturises without feeling greasy and heavy. It also contains tumeric to brighten, and vitamin E to protect skin and keep it supple. I’m not surprised this oil has won the natural health category in the International Beauty Awards 2016!

I have been using these three products for quite a while now and noticed massive differences in the appearance of my skin. I know these products won’t suit all skin types but if you do suffer from excess oil or breakouts, I would seriously recommend all three. Even my Nan commented last week on how clear my skin is, and everyone knows Grandmothers don’t hold back on their thoughts!!

Obviously, I still love to wear makeup and foundation gives me that ultimate airbrushed look, but I feel an unbelievable confidence now my skin is clearer, and I venture outdoors without full face makeup often.

Go bare,