This post was supposed to be about seasonal skincare changes, but in order to provide a bit of context I started writing about my usual skincare routine and then I went off on a tangent about how I feel about my face in my forties and then about eighty-seven years later I looked up and realised I’d suddenly written a thesis.
Loved this post. Appreciate the inclusion/spotlight on mostly affordable products and not overcomplicating things. Also appreciate (though it’s of course personal choice) that you’re not a particular fan of tweakments.
I really think we’ll look back in years to come at how odd it is to look at a face that is so overly smoothed and plumped. I feel like you’re restoring some sanity/sense check to skincare. Thank you. 💛
Thanks for sharing, Ruth! How long do you keep the LED mask on after your cleansing step? Do you not find that skin will feel dry without any product whilst the LED mask is on? Have you tried the Beauty Pie LED mask, how do you rate it? Thanks!
It automatically shuts off when it’s done! 10 mins! Have only tried the current body one. You can use a hydrating serum beforehand if you want to and worry it’ll feel dry, but never really bothered me… x
I love reading about about other people's routines. I'm with you re EH balm,ultimate close your eyes,enjoy the mini self facial massage moment! Do you use any lip care products?
I love the Inkey balm cleanser. Also a shout out for Soap and Glory's Glow Your Mind cleansing balm. Absolutely amazing and I got it on offer for SIX QUID!
Am still a Beauty Pie member but tbh the prices have gone up so much since I joined years ago that I'm considering cancelling. A friend who knows a BP employee said apparently their memberships have nosedived hence the price rises. I do love their retinol and lip balm though.
Oh interesting re BP! I’m just too reliant on a few of their products, especially the cleansing balms and Youthbomb stuff! Will look up the soap and glory, had actually forgotten that brand existed, used to absolutely love it!
Ooh I love being nosey about other people’s skincare so thank you for sharing. I have a nuface (which I rarely use 🤦♀️) Would you say the zip is better / different? I’m also a recent convert to Dr Sam’s stuff which is quite potent at first but excellent. Azelic acid is some sort of wonder product on lumps and pmt bumps x
Yes Dr Sam’s brilliant. That serum was actually the one I was thinking of adding in next! You don’t need ziip if you have nuface. Ziip has two types of current but honestly, you have to stop somewhere. Unless the nuface breaks and you need a new device, you’re all good!
Excellent, excellent article! Looking forward to the deep dive on each topic, and to before and after photos. Your pics of foundation are the BEST, so I know these pics will also be superb!
Great summary! Also good to be reminded of what to do when: Vit C + spf in the morning and retinoids plus richer cream in the pm. And I love a good cleansing balm! My problem is remembering to do it all - I definitely need to improve. I’ve got the Current Body face mask and a Nuface (rather than Ziip), curious to know how many times a week you use them both. Thank you!
Thank you - I need to use my mask more as I’ve been getting to it about twice a month: nowhere near enough! And you are right: they are strangely relaxing in an odd sort of way :)
I love everything you’re using here. Can I check if the RUTH15 code should give 15% off the currentbody mask as it only discounts 10% at the moment. Thanks.
It’s temperamental. Maybe it’s RUTHZIIP that gets 15%, but that’s only on the Ziip and the gels! Have a google, there are always codes floating about I think, you might get better!!
I always love reading about a skincare routine! :) I have extremely sensitive skin, and the affordable retinol that I've found to be the best is actually the Peace Out Retinol Face Stick. I'd love to know if you've tried that one! It combines Vitamin C and other antioxidants with retinol, and because it's slow-release retinol it genuinely doesn't irritate my skin at all. Because it's a stick, and it's basically clear, I can literally keep it on my nightstand and just put it on in the dark in bed! Plus, because it's clear, I can actually get my boyfriend to use it (as long as he also behaves with his sunscreen...)
I really enjoyed reading about your routine. Sounds very manageable (which is what we all want).
I bloody love a balm cleanser. Never without one. It's the workhorse of my routine. I'm 50 with dry skin that can be sensitive so anything aggressive (be it exfoliants, retinols or whatever) are out. For anyone looking for a gentle retinol that works, I love either the Elizabeth Arden capsules or the Oskia ones. No irritation whatsoever!
It’s the arsing for me. I simply cannot be a lot of the time. I like to buy skincare in the hope that it will magically transform me somehow from the sink side where it lives. Without actually putting it on my face. Then I’m surprised it hasn’t worked! There is no hope. But I do enjoy reading about it very much.
Love a skincare routine post! I’ve just ordered the Current Body mask… do you use it pre or post evening skin care products? 🧐
Loved this post. Appreciate the inclusion/spotlight on mostly affordable products and not overcomplicating things. Also appreciate (though it’s of course personal choice) that you’re not a particular fan of tweakments.
I really think we’ll look back in years to come at how odd it is to look at a face that is so overly smoothed and plumped. I feel like you’re restoring some sanity/sense check to skincare. Thank you. 💛
Loveee Paula's Choice, their Vitamin C line is so good.
Thanks for sharing, Ruth! How long do you keep the LED mask on after your cleansing step? Do you not find that skin will feel dry without any product whilst the LED mask is on? Have you tried the Beauty Pie LED mask, how do you rate it? Thanks!
It automatically shuts off when it’s done! 10 mins! Have only tried the current body one. You can use a hydrating serum beforehand if you want to and worry it’ll feel dry, but never really bothered me… x
Have been super-tempted by the ZIIP - even more so, now!
Honestly thinking of getting another so that I can do both sides of my face at once. 🤣
😂Brilliant (you’ll give them ideas now! 🤔) XO
I love reading about about other people's routines. I'm with you re EH balm,ultimate close your eyes,enjoy the mini self facial massage moment! Do you use any lip care products?
I love the Inkey balm cleanser. Also a shout out for Soap and Glory's Glow Your Mind cleansing balm. Absolutely amazing and I got it on offer for SIX QUID!
Am still a Beauty Pie member but tbh the prices have gone up so much since I joined years ago that I'm considering cancelling. A friend who knows a BP employee said apparently their memberships have nosedived hence the price rises. I do love their retinol and lip balm though.
Oh interesting re BP! I’m just too reliant on a few of their products, especially the cleansing balms and Youthbomb stuff! Will look up the soap and glory, had actually forgotten that brand existed, used to absolutely love it!
Ooh I love being nosey about other people’s skincare so thank you for sharing. I have a nuface (which I rarely use 🤦♀️) Would you say the zip is better / different? I’m also a recent convert to Dr Sam’s stuff which is quite potent at first but excellent. Azelic acid is some sort of wonder product on lumps and pmt bumps x
Yes Dr Sam’s brilliant. That serum was actually the one I was thinking of adding in next! You don’t need ziip if you have nuface. Ziip has two types of current but honestly, you have to stop somewhere. Unless the nuface breaks and you need a new device, you’re all good!
So you don’t double cleanse? I hear people saying that’s necessary but can’t understand why if you just have a decent cleanser.
I mean if I haven’t got all of my eye makeup off then I might go in for another quick go but otherwise, never.
Excellent, excellent article! Looking forward to the deep dive on each topic, and to before and after photos. Your pics of foundation are the BEST, so I know these pics will also be superb!
Thank you! Must get back on it with the foundation reviews.
Great summary! Also good to be reminded of what to do when: Vit C + spf in the morning and retinoids plus richer cream in the pm. And I love a good cleansing balm! My problem is remembering to do it all - I definitely need to improve. I’ve got the Current Body face mask and a Nuface (rather than Ziip), curious to know how many times a week you use them both. Thank you!
Face mask every day (but apparently this is overkill, I just love putting it on 🤣) and ZIIP every other day or three days.
Thank you - I need to use my mask more as I’ve been getting to it about twice a month: nowhere near enough! And you are right: they are strangely relaxing in an odd sort of way :)
I love everything you’re using here. Can I check if the RUTH15 code should give 15% off the currentbody mask as it only discounts 10% at the moment. Thanks.
It’s temperamental. Maybe it’s RUTHZIIP that gets 15%, but that’s only on the Ziip and the gels! Have a google, there are always codes floating about I think, you might get better!!
I always love reading about a skincare routine! :) I have extremely sensitive skin, and the affordable retinol that I've found to be the best is actually the Peace Out Retinol Face Stick. I'd love to know if you've tried that one! It combines Vitamin C and other antioxidants with retinol, and because it's slow-release retinol it genuinely doesn't irritate my skin at all. Because it's a stick, and it's basically clear, I can literally keep it on my nightstand and just put it on in the dark in bed! Plus, because it's clear, I can actually get my boyfriend to use it (as long as he also behaves with his sunscreen...)
I haven’t tried but have seen it around - interesting to have it in a stick form! Must try it x
I really enjoyed reading about your routine. Sounds very manageable (which is what we all want).
I bloody love a balm cleanser. Never without one. It's the workhorse of my routine. I'm 50 with dry skin that can be sensitive so anything aggressive (be it exfoliants, retinols or whatever) are out. For anyone looking for a gentle retinol that works, I love either the Elizabeth Arden capsules or the Oskia ones. No irritation whatsoever!
I LOVE those EA capsules!! Also there’s a moisturiser version that’s even gentler but still as effective imo.
It's absolutely lovely!
I bought the Kevyn Aucoin skin tint at your recommendation! I love it! Thank you 🙏
Isn’t it brilliant? I think it’s going though…
I saw you say that, so I bought an extra
I love the VIEVE new face balm, very similar !
It’s the arsing for me. I simply cannot be a lot of the time. I like to buy skincare in the hope that it will magically transform me somehow from the sink side where it lives. Without actually putting it on my face. Then I’m surprised it hasn’t worked! There is no hope. But I do enjoy reading about it very much.
Hahahaha! Arsing.