Autumn/Winter Evening Skincare Routine

Since my last evening skincare routine post, a lot has changed. Oh, how I thought my routine back then was the creme de la creme. Little did I know that the majority of my ritual way back when, was probably the cause of any skincare stresses I experienced. Oblivious to the fact that my already dry skin was being stripped further and then overloaded by a generous dollop of mineral oil filled moisturiser, I happily kept up that routine for months. Fortunately, I eventually realised my mistake and proceeded to drastically give my routine an overhaul, with the exception of one or two items. Don't get me wrong, I loved the products I used at the time, but I just got my skin type wrong. One product though, the Re Gen Cream, won't be coming anywhere near my face, ever again.

To remove my makeup, I use the cult-favourite Bioderma Crealine H20 Micellaire Make-Up Removing Solution. Like water, this feels so light and gets rid of makeup in an instant, all without any irritation. Removing hardcore, eye makeup isn't this product's forte and you will be left with panda eyes if you wear heavy-duty mascara. But, I'd never recommend using makeup remover on its own, without properly cleansing afterwards, anyway.

Next up is one of the most exciting additions to my skincare regime, the Oskia Perfect Cleanser. I've tried many balm cleansers in my time and none come close to this. Heavier than others on the market, this is perfect for the colder seasons and for drier skin-types. Suspended in the thick balm are tiny beads, which help to exfoliate as you massage the product in. With the heat, they melt and the formula turns into a nourishing oil. Packed full of omegas, shea butter and vitamins, it really injects the skin with moisture. With anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, it also helps to treat problem skin, so if you suffer from regular breakouts, don't be afraid of the rich formula, as it can help to balance your skin and reduce oiliness. Skin isn't left stripped or tight-feeling and has a glow to it, after use. There's no greasy residue left behind, but I always use a hand-hot flannel to buff the cleanser off, rather than just splashing my face clean with water. Honestly, this is my favourite cleanser of all time and has knocked any of my previous loves out of the park. If you want to read a more in-depth review of this cleanser, then check out my May Beauty Favourites.

Instead of using harsher exfoliating scrubs to rid my skin of rough areas, I prefer to use liquid products that harness the power of fruit acids and enzymes. Effective enough to resurface the skin, but gentle enough for daily use, they're quick and easy to use in the evening, when you just want to dive into bed. Sweeping on a drop of the Clarins Exfoliating Brightening Toner with a cotton pad, leaves my skin feeling so soft and smooth and thoroughly prepped for my serum and moisturiser. There's plenty of similar products on the market, but Clarins' formula is the best I've tried, as it doesn't sting, or cause my face to turn red and angry.

Yes, I've banged on about the Sarah Chapman Intense Hydrating Booster Serum a lot lately, but it's just so darn good and it is part of my evening (and morning!) routine. Silky and luxurious, this serum is such a treat for the skin. Absorbing instantly, the oil-free formula plumps and firms the skin in seconds, whilst delivering a generous dose of hydration to parched complexions. My face is left with a dewy glow that isn't tacky to the touch or greasy, like I've experienced with similar products. If you fancy reading a few more of my thoughts on this miracle worker, then you may want to have a look at my September Beauty Favourites post.

If you struggle to find a moisturiser that is thick and rich enough for your skin in A/W, then the La Roche Posay Toleriane Sensitive Riche Moisturiser could be one to try. I recently mentioned my love for the Toleriane range in my Skincare SOS post, so I won't ramble on too much about the line. But, it's great for easily irritated skins that need some TLC. Non-comodegenic, the Riche moisturiser is super emollient, but won't clog pores. If my skin is going through a sensitive period, thanks to allergies or weather, this thick, rich cream helps to sooth and repair. Plus, it's cheap.

I'm fickle with my eye creams and, each time I run out, chances are I'll purchase something entirely different, on the hunt for my holy-grail. In the evening, I want my eyes to be nourished and I'm not worried about the formula making my under-eye concealer crease. At the moment, I'm using the Avene Ystheal+ Eye Contour Cream, which is still light, but more moisturising than the gel rollerball I use in the morning. Hypoallergenic, it doesn't ever sting or make my eyes water. It may be aimed at anti-aging, but I'll only start to see whether the eye creams I've used have been effective in years to come. Heres hoping! Honestly, as soon as I've hit the bottom of this tube, I doubt I'll choose to buy this particular formula again.

My bottle of the Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial is brought out a few times a week, to really give my face a helping hand. Although this is technically an oil, it doesn't feel like one. I'll either slather half a pump on top of my moisturiser, or double the portion if I use it as a replacement. Whilst the majority is sucked up by my skin straight away, a little is left on the surface. Don't fret, there's no horrible stain left on my pillow. The next morning, I can guarantee my face will look and feel healthier. If I've fallen short on the amount of sleep I've had, this will always make me look as though I've had a solid, eight hours. You can read my full low-down on this overnight oil, in my Sarah Chapman Skinesis Overnight Facial Review.

On nights when I've come home later than usual, I've had a gin and tonic, or I just can't be bothered with a twenty minute ritual, I turn to my one-step wonder. The Alpha-H Liquid Gold treatment has been part of my skincare routine since my last skincare post. A year or two ago, this product was mentioned on pretty much all beauty blogs out there, hailed as a must-have, but it's still a skincare staple of mine. A lazy girl's dream, you can simply cleanse your face and then follow up with the Liquid Gold and you're done. No toner, serum or moisturiser needed. More like a light lotion than a serum, it's full to the brim with glycolic acid that exfoliates and firms. Taking on fine lines, enlarged pores and blemishes, it works to correct the skin and reverse any damage, to renew lack-lustre, dull complexions. It's a bit like the Clarin's Exfoliating Toner, but souped up by ten levels. This stuff is strong and doesn't need to be used more than twice a week, trust me.

To finish off, I like to give my pout some moisture. Currently, I'm using the Nuxe Reve De Miel Ultra-Nourishing Honey Lip Balm, which is super thick and coats the lips in a protective, repairing layer. This is definitely the longest-lasting balm I've ever used, as one application lasts for hours and I can still feel it on my lips when I wake up. Fragranced with orange, it's not at all sickly like vanilla-scented formulas. If your lips are chapped, this will penetrate any dryness and soothe them if they're cracked and sore. I may be over-sharing here, but if I use this at night, I can literally peel any dry flakes off my lips when I get up. As it's so concentrated, you need the smallest amount per application and one pot lasts for months.


Which products and brands make up your evening skincare routine?

AGB X