My Colleague Complimented My Skin, Here’s My Secret
Madison is Adore Beauty's Videographer. When she's not directing and editing skincare, haircare and makeup videos for the Adore Beauty YouTube channel, you'll find her rocking a bold eyeshadow look, usually with matching statement earrings.
Not too long ago I was editing away on my computer at work and our Senior Beauty Editor Sadaf said to me:
“Wow Maddy, your skin is looking really great, what are you using?”
Which, first of all, is an INCREDIBLE compliment to receive from someone as stunning and knowledgeable as Sadaf.
Secondly, I was wearing very minimal makeup that day so I felt extra validated (pic above!)
I had to ponder because I hadn’t really changed anything in my routine. Eventually, I realised what the secret was:
A consistent routine.
Now don’t let me lose you!
I do have a routine full of excellent products that I’m going to share with you, but my very temperamental skin has been noticeably calmer lately, and I’m chalking it up to the fact that I’ve been actually doing my routine every. day.
For some of you that might be a boring answer, but I’m hoping for others it’s a relief because while beauty products require spending your hard-earned dollars, forming good habits is free!
You can basically switch out any of the products I have below for ones that better suit your specific skin needs. Or with products that suit your budget and lifestyle.
But just take it from me and keep it consistent.
Consistency: The Foundation of Effective Skincare.
So what does a ‘consistent routine’ even mean?
For me, it means doing a routine every single morning and night. My routine is relatively simple so it’s pretty easy to stick to.
If you’re finding it challenging to commit, I’d highly recommend simplifying your routine to just the basics - cleanser, moisturiser and SPF.
One extra thing I’ve noticed is that my skin seems to change depending on my menstrual cycle.
So there are certain times of the month that my skin will flare up with redness and breakouts, and there’s not a lot I can do about it.
Instead of worrying and trying to frantically spot-treat, I’ve learnt to just stick to the routine and it will calm down eventually.
So the point of this whole article is essentially to encourage anyone listening to stop buying new products every week.
Just stick to what you have until the bottles are used up, and you might notice a difference (unless your skin is reacting badly of course, then put the bottle down).
Now enough blabber from me, here’s my fresh, glowy, simple routine.
AM ROUTINE.
Avène Cleanance Gel.
Fast facts:
- Anti-irritating in nature, non-comedogenic and safe for sensitive skin.
- Helps reduce the rate of sebum (oil) production without drying out the skin.
- Monolaurin helps to mattify the skin, smoothing out texture and helping reduce excess oil.
I’m gonna be honest here, any cleanser that cleans your face is good.
At the moment, I have the Avene Cleanance Gel because the 400ml bottle is great value and it thoroughly cleans my oily skin without stripping it.
Medik8 C-Tetra Lipid Vitamin C Antioxidant Serum.
Fast facts:
- Hydrates and smoothes skin.
- Brightens and restores radiance.
- Fights and repairs free radical damage.
- Promotes collagen and elastin production.
This is the product that converted me to vitamin C.
I originally thought I wouldn’t like the oil texture since I have oily skin but it sinks in pretty quickly and leaves your skin feeling surprisingly satin, rather than dripping in shine.
FYI, vitamin C can help with the appearance of pigmentation along with just giving your skin a fresh glow in the morning.
AB LAB Dewy-C SPF50+ Facial Sun Milk.
Fast facts:
- Lightweight, milky formula.
- Protects against free radical damage.
- Gives skin an instant boost of glossy luminosity.
- Evens out the appearance of skin tone and texture.
- Provides SPF50+ broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
SPF all day every day!!
I don’t have a moisturiser in my morning routine because I use AB LAB Dewy-C, which has ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, plus a very dewy finish.
PM ROUTINE.
AB LAB Dewy-C Enzymatic Cleansing Balm.
Fast facts:
- Skin-softening cleansing balm.
- Gently purifies and polishes the skin.
- Emulsifies in the hands to form an oil.
- Brightens the appearance of skin tone and texture.
- Designed to help melt away dirt, makeup, oil and impurities.
I’m so glad AB LAB was born because this is my favourite cleansing balm ever! It melts off makeup so satisfyingly and leaves your skin feeling super fresh afterwards.
Alpha-H Liquid Gold.
Fast facts:
- Rejuvenates ageing skin.
- Strengthens the skin's barrier.
- Smooths out the appearance of fine lines.
- Resurfaces and brightens dull-looking skin.
- Improves the appearance of pigmentation, age spots and acne scarring.
She’s an icon, she’s a legend and she is the moment.
I use the famous Liquid Gold exfoliant twice a week to resurface my skin.
Fun environmentally friendly tip: use a reusable cotton pad and dampen it with water first so it doesn’t soak up all the product!
The Ordinary Aloe 2% + NAG 2%.
Fast facts:
- Lightweight soothing serum.
- Helps to reduce the appearance of pores.
- Helps to reduce the appearance of post-blemish marks.
- Helps to reduce the look of skin redness caused by irritation.
- Improves the appearance of uneven skin tone and the feel of uneven skin texture.
See, I told you you don’t need to spend big bucks!
This hydrating serum is only $22.90 and I can rely on it to soothe my skin if I’m feeling a little bit irritated or ‘blah’.
Wishful Honey Whip Peptide Moisturizer.
Fast facts:
- Whipped-cream moisturiser.
- Hydrating but still lightweight.
- Helps lift, firm and replenish skin.
- Contains honey, collagen, peptides and cica.
- Minimises the look of redness and an uneven complexion.
The final step in my routine, Wishful Honey Whip is the perfect moisturiser texture.
When I imagine what the ideal moisturiser feels like, this is it.
Nice and creamy but not too thick, it smells nice and keeps my skin looking plump and glowy.
Final Thoughts.
Now that’s it!
Keeping in mind that I have oily skin but I also like my skin to look dewy, these are the products I use that have me looking heckin’ fresh when I consistently use them.
Do your wallet a favour and use up the products you have before getting too excited and buying new ones, kay? x
Looking for more no-BS skincare tips and product recommendations? Check out these BIQs:
