I've found myself taking a far more laid back approach when it comes to make up these days. No longer do I feel the need to be contoured, highlighted and lined to within an inch of my life and I've really been enjoying using minimal products for a simple everyday look. The same can't be said unfortunately for skincare. I mentioned recently that only packing a basic routine for a week away had seriously taken it's toll on my face (although I'm sure the overindulgent meals and being too lazy to take my make up off every night may have had something to do with it too) and I needed a good deep cleanse to set things back to normal. Enter the three step 'Skin Recovery Facial' thats been pulling my skin out of it's slump.

I like to start with exfoliation to bring back the glow and open up all those blocked pores. As much as I'd love to reach for the nearest abrassive exfoliant I've been sticking to the rule of 'no harsh scrubs' and kept to all things chemical. The REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask* has been serving this step well and uses gentle fruit-acids to brighten skin and prepare it for a deeper cleanse. For this my product of the moment is the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask, some serious detox in a tube. The Manuka Honey which draws moisture to the skin is also antibacterial and anti-oxidising, cleansing it deeply but leaving it soothed with no signs of over-stripped tightness. Last up I like to end with a good injection of hydration and for that I turn to the La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Masque*. Packed with hyaluronic acid, the go-to ingredient for retaining moisture, a thick layer of this gel textured cream left on for ten minutes will make your skin impossibly smooth and incredibly plumped.

Tools should not be forgotten either and I find using an old foundation brush makes for a more even and precise application. Also polishing each mask off with a muslin cloth or flannel adds some extra exfoliation too, especially around stubborn areas like the nose or chin.

I find this combination of products work well for me but it's a simple three step routine of exfoliate, cleanse and hydrate that most masks could fall into easily. So if your skins feeling a little down in the dumps, pick out a few products and give yourself an hour for a spot of pampering, I know I'll be indulging in these again tonight!
* Gifted PR Samples

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