Am I the only one who finds that their make-up basics always seem to run out at the same time? Once my foundation is on it’s way, I know that my mascara and concealer will be following shortly after. And it’s the same with skincare!

Now, I’ll let you into a secret. I used to be awful with skincare. There have been times when I’ve been known to go to sleep with my make-up on and then just wash it off in the shower the next morning, then remove the remainder with a wipe or two. I’d slap on a bit of moisturiser and then wonder why my make-up application wasn’t smooth! I’ve never been committed to one brand and would tend to buy whatever was on offer, or if there was something in particular I fancied. I’d buy new products, go through bouts of following a routine and then completely lose it again. A total skincare rut. Toner would sit unused for months on end. However, since turning 25, I’ve turned a new leaf, ladies and gents! 25 isn’t old, but it’s definitely time to start thinking about anti-ageing products and well, just being more consistent with skincare, so I decided to buy a heap of new products!

I knew I wanted a moisturiser with an SPF that didn’t leave my skin too oily and products that smelt great, lasted a while and weren’t too expensive to repurchase— and of course, worked! I had a look in Boots, but nothing much caught my eye or fitted my specs, besides Soap & Glory. I was dubious though, as I’ve never used any of their face products and thought they might be too strong and synthetic, so I went for an old favourite, The Body Shop! Not only were some of the products on sale, but they had some great discount codes too, which you can see here.

Cleanse
1 • Camomile Gentle Eye Make-Up Remover (£3)
I remove my make-up as soon as I get in the door if I know I’m not going out again, because if I leave it until I’m tired and ready for bed, I get too lazy to do it properly! This eye make-up remover is gentle but really effective, so I don’t have to drag or rub the eye area. According to the website’s “How To Use”, you should rinse with water afterwards, but I haven’t found that necessary at all.

2 • Passion Fruit Cleansing Gel (£2)
I know a lot of people will just use a cream-based cleanser, but to me, you have to have a facewash that can be used in the shower, to get squeaky clean! This has such a fruity smell and leaves my skin feeling fresh and clean. I use this every morning.

3 • Tea Tree Blackhead Exfoliating Wash (£5.50)
I love a good exfoliating scrub, but I think in the past I’ve used ones that are a little too harsh, so this scrub is perfect, as the beads are small and gentle, but still do the job. Used twice a week, the tea tree does wonders for my blemish prone t-zone.

4 • Warming Mineral Mask (£9)
My mum had this years and years ago, when I was very young and I can remember being allowed to use it once or twice. Warming masks are great for opening the pores and the thick, clay texture of this one leaves skin feeling soft and less oily. I use it at least once a week!

5 • Cucumber Cleansing Milk (£2)
This smells so good. You can just smell how refreshed your skin is going to feel afterwards, and the application doesn’t disappoint! It removes all traces of make-up, without my skin feeling oily or greasy. I use this morning and night, daily.

Tone
6 • Cucumber Water (£2)
Like the Cucumber Cleanser, this toner leaves my skin so refreshed and cool. In the morning, I use it after any cleansing I do in the shower, but in the evening it’s lovely to use after just the eye make-up remover and cleansing milk— you might think you’ve removed every last trace of make-up, but this toner will always find some more!

Moisturise
7 • Seaweed Mattifying Moisture Lotion SPF15 (£10)
I used the Seaweed Mattifying Day Cream on my wedding day, so this was an easy choice for me to make, as it’s basically the same formula but with an SPF. The lotion is really thin and easily absorbed which is great for oily skin like mine, and make’s a great base for make-up. A little bit goes very far!

8 • Vitamin E Nourishing Night Cream (£5)
I’m in love with this night cream! It’s so rich and moisturising and just lovely. I wish my skin wasn’t so oily and shiny, so that I could use creams from the Vitamin E range in the day! I use this every night before bed and find I can’t stop stroking my face the next day!

Little Extras
I’m also currently using an eye brightening cream from Aveeno and nose strips from Poundland, of all places!