Skincare update + Clear Improvement Mask review

While I was away my skin started acting a little confused, so I'm pretty much over my tinted moisturiser phase. It got spotty and yet drier than usual. I washed my face with Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser twice per day and ended up using Bobbi Brown Eye Cream on my cheeks and occasionally on my face as my normal moisturiser (Clinique Superdefense) started to go funny about three days after I left home. I also used Clarins Wrinkle Control Sun Cream SPF30 if I was spending more than a few hours in the sun. My sister, who is very sensitive when it comes to body sun creams, got on really well with the Clarins cream. Although my body is fine with sun cream, my face tends to get greasy whatever SPF I put on it (I used Lancome Genifique Face SPF30 while on holiday earlier this summer and didn't really get along with that) even though I didn't really sweat a great deal while in Europe.

I wished I'd brought my Good Things Five Minute Facial Mask with me for a bit of grease relief. On my previous holiday I used it a couple of times to even out my skin's texture as it had started to go slightly bumpy.

When I came home I went to my local Origins counter - while it's going to be a challenge to break up with chemical-laden makeup, I am making a vague attempt to go more natural with my skin and hair care - to get me a new moisturiser and something to sort out my problem patches. I came away with (as I said in my previous quick post) the super-lightweight Balanced Diet Moisturiser, £24, and much praised Clear Improvement Charcoal Mask, £22. 

I used the mask last night on my problem areas and saw some improvement immediately after I removed it. I had about 6 spots each on my forehead and chin and a couple on my nose, along with the classic redness. After the mask the redness had almost completely gone, and this morning half the spots have completely dried up. Fantastic stuff. The Origins lady recommended using it twice per week, which I'll probably do until my skin calms down, when I'll start to use it once a week. So far, so good with Balanced Diet as well. Considering trying an Origins cleanser when my beloved Ultra Facial runs out, but I'm not sure I can bear to part ways with Kiehls.

Skincare Routine

I must credit Into The Gloss with getting me interested in skincare. Only after reading all the interviews with various French models and tastemakers did I actually research what toners are actually for, or how many steps I should have in my skincare regime, or the important of using SPF every day (very important.)

This is the "correct" order of product application:

1) Cleanse
2) Tone
3) Eye Cream
4) Serum
5) Moisturise

I wash my face once a day, usually in the evening, but sometimes if I'm too cold to get to the bathroom or if the girl who shares my bathroom is having a shower, I'll do it in the morning instead. Currently my skincare routine begins with Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser, which replaced their Blue Herbal Gel Cleanser on recommendation of the lovely lady at the Kiehl's counter at Jenners in Edinburgh. I thought the blue cleanser did a marvellous job but I have since discovered that my skin is combination/dry not combination/oily so I need something a little gentler.

Then I proceed on to Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner, but only on my T zone - I used it on my cheeks for about a week and became almost immediately drier and frecklier, so I stopped. I love my freckles but it was a little alarming.

The final step is Clinique Superdefense moisturiser with SPF 25, which I apply twice a day. I probably don't need SPF 25 while I'm asleep but the cream has anti-aging benefits too.

I am on the look out for a good scrub - despite the positive reviews, Mario Badescu's Kiwi Scrub did nothing for me, and I don't want to spend any more money on one until I can be sure we will get along. I also have a shortlist of eye creams that I'd like to try. I also worked through a sample of Guerlain Super Aqua-Serum, which was wonderfully moisturising and did make my skin a little brighter, but I just can't justify spending that much on a serum at my age. 

Yves Saint Laurent Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Stain in #9 Rouge Laque

I thought it would be sensible to start off with my long-term favourite lip colour, YSL Glossy Stain in Rouge Laque. I get compliments virtually every time I wear this. It's bright, warm toned and impossibly glossy. The shine lasts for a couple of hours on me and holds up relatively well through drinking and snacking, less so through a meal. The stain it leaves behind is opaque, though my lips are fairly pigmented so it may well vary from person to person.

First I must say that I'm using my webcam for photos and my University bedroom, which is about 6' by 9', has appalling lighting. Hopefully I'll remember to send off my phone insurance form to get a replacement iPhone 4 as my temporary iPhone 3G simply cannot take a colour-accurate or focused photograph. I am going home on Wednesday so may update with improved photos.

This is me with only Vaseline on my lips.

This is one coat of the Glossy Stain. Lots of previous bloggers and reviewers have said that one coat can be used for a more subtle and less opaque colour. I find that one coat is definitely not subtle, and slightly patchy.  I have only tested this colour and suspect that for less vibrant shades such as #15 Rose Vinyl, which I love but do not suit, one coat would have a better effect.

This is two generous coats. Boom! Even with these poor-quality shots it is clear how glossy and enormous my lips look.

Though I'm sure you're aware of what the tube looks like, here is a photo. I am a sucker for YSL packaging and I love that there is a window on it for easy reference (if you're lucky enough to have more than one shade this is a great feature.)

And the applicator. A huge flat doe foot. This is one of my favourite applicator styles as it makes application so quick. Definitely stick to this applicator instead of using a lip brush.

This baby cost me £22.50 but some shades will cost £23.50. Not sure what the idea is behind the price discrepancy. You can buy them at all the usual places, and on YSL's UK website you can purchase Vintage shades. I have my eye on a couple but am hesitant about purchasing blind, especially when I know that none can beat this shade for me.

On my face: YSL Glossy Stain #9, Rouge Bunny Rouge Blush Wand in Titian, Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara.

*Just in case you're wondering, those aren't affiliate links!