Pretty Little Potato: S K I N C A R E

I have noticed that over the past two/three years I have developed some serious wrinkles and I'm determined to do something about it. I'm still very new into my research and finding the best products for me, so I'm sure this will be the first of many skincare blogs. I love watching documentaries and I watched a BBC programme called 'The Truth About... Looking Good' and it talked about the importance of SPF in your daily moisturizer, glycerin and retinol. It was enough to spark my interest and I started looking into cream, lotions and potions. So here are some of my favorites so far...

Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex

I love this as the last thing I put on at night, its quite thick and cooling but it feels amazing over any serum I put on. I normally pick it up at airports where its a steal for £15-£20.

No7 Laboratories LINE CORRECTING Booster Serum 15ml

​I have only recently started using this in the past two weeks but I have heard very good things so I am very excited if it does what it says on the tin.

Tropic Smoothing Cleanser Complexion Purifier + Bamboo Cloth

​I ADORE this cleanser. It is one of the best products I have ever used. It is vegan, organic and cruelty free and my nose has no bumps at all after I use it and when you heat the bamboo cloth it smells like the Spa in Bali. Its fabulous and so relaxing.

Langé Collagen Eye Contour Patches​

I can feel this collagen booster working the second I put it under my eyes, I just wish there were more in the packet. A great place to keep an eye out for these is TK Maxx.

The Ordinary - Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane

​Retinols need to be used very carefully as they can irritate your skin if you use too high of a percentage too quickly. This Granactive Retinoid is like a hybrid retinol which is meant to reduce the chance of irritation. I think its a product that will show its strengths in the long run and it's an amazing price.

WISHLIST

There are so many more products that I want to try:

Elemis - Eye Cream

There are 3 types of Elemis eye cream that are legendary:

• The Pro-Collagen Advanced Eye Treatment is a serum-based eye product that can be used on its own to tackle early signs of ageing and dehydration;

• The Pro-Collagen Eye Renewal to target fine lines and wrinkles around the eye; and

• The Pro-Intense Eye and Lip Contour Cream for a more powerful lifting effect.

Tropic- basically everything

• Skin Revive Nourishing Cream Concentrate

• Eye Revive Age-defying Cream Concentrate

• Deep Hydration Soothing Cooling Mask

• Clear Skin Blemish-fighting Mask

• Organic Elixir Age-defying Facial Oil

BOTOX

The B word and yes, I have seriously considered it. I booked a consultation with Therapie Clinic to see what options were available and to further my research. They had a great offer one (three areas for £180 which would be perfect for me because the worst areas on my face are my frown line, my forehead wrinkles and my eyes). I spoke to a nurse for around thirty minutes about my concerns, about what was involved (a few simple injections which last between three to six months) and how apparently common it is.

I've decided that I haven't exhausted all other remedies yet; I'm only really at the start of my research into skincare and I don't want to immediately jump to the 'extreme'. I think its something that you have to continue properly once you start it and I'm not sure I'm there yet. Also botched Botox horror stories are quite common and scary. Some people really like 'the frozen look', but I'm quite an expressive person with a big smile so it's not just me. Maybe in a few years but not quite yet.

LESS PLASTIC

I also want to incorporate less plastic and unnecessary waste into my life generally so I have stopped using make up wipes. I used to use alcohol free, sensitive wipes but now I'm on a mission to reduce my environmental impact.

ROUTINES

My daily morning routine:

• Wash face

• Use No. 7 Line Correcting booster Serum- 5 dots- 1. Frown line, 2 &3. Forehead lines and 4&5. Under eyes. I also use a little of the excess on my top lip.

• Olay Anti-Wrinkle Firm And Lift Eye Renewal Gel

• Olay Anti-Wrinkle Firm & Lift Day Cream SPF15

My daily nighttime routine:

• Wash face and use No. 7 cleanser with a face cloth

• Use toner to remove any excess (Pixie have just come out with a retinol toner that I'm dying to get my hands on)

• Use No. 7 Line Correcting booster Serum- 5 dots as before

• Olay Anti-Wrinkle Firm And Lift Eye Renewal Gel

and then I switch the next product up on different days;

• Olay Anti-Wrinkle Firm And Lift 2 in 1 Day Cream And Firming Serum; or

• The Ordinary - Granactive Retinoid 2% in Squalane; or

• Rodial Snake Booster Oil.

then I end my routine with a little bit of the Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex

SHARING IS CARING

If anyone has any recommendations as to what they would like to try or products they love, please let me know!