Skincare (Day Time) Within Your Budget. My Favourites from 2022.

I don’t think we’re ever too old to learn more about exercise, diet, skincare and style. At 62, I like to keep an open mind to any changes in my lifestyle, especially if they are for the better. I mention style as mine is continually evolving. And, I love experimenting with new looks, particularly, if I find something to wear which makes me feel good. I have thrown the rule book out regarding what I can and can’t wear – though, my main aim is staying healthy and fit to, hopefully, enjoy the next 20 to 30 years, or so.

We are, generally, more knowledgeable regarding beauty and grooming, which means most of us are naturally ageing better than our mothers did. A notable example of this was someone we met the other day.  My son is buying a new home and the one he has settled on is owned by a lady who is 85 years young. I say that as I could not believe it when she told us her age. She has lived in the house for 58 years, working hard and bringing up her family. When she was showing us around, I noticed how fit, smart, and sprightly she is, as well as being totally switched on to the economics, discussed – what an inspiration!

When it comes to self-care, I tend to take the same high-low approach (expense-wise) as I do with fashion. I love to experiment with beauty products. But, they must be affordable and effective. Although, there are certain items I don’t mind paying a tad more for – especially, if they last a long, long time and I see a difference.

In today’s post, I am sharing with you the beauty products I use in my “morning routine”. These are my “staples.” I will do a “night-time” version in the next post.

These are the products I have been using for a long time as well as some new ones that I have been trying. Some are particularly good – which I have restocked – and, some are simply …..”duds”.  I thought separating my day and evening run-through would be the  easiest way to detail the products I use. I hope you find it useful!

My Morning Skincare Routine (In Order of Use)

CurrentBody LED Mask

I use this mask for ten minutes, every morning, when I wake up (whilst coming around from my sleep). I have done a more detailed review of this LED mask as well as the Sensse LED mask that I have previously used, below.

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin 236ml £10.00 (lasts me around 4 to 6 months)

I have used this cleanser for around three to four years, on and off. I used to send off to the US for it prior to CeraVe expanding to the UK. Thank goodness they did, because I love their products! They are highly recommended by skin experts and dermatologists. I still find this to be the best cleansing wash I have used – I sometimes try other products, especially if they are on offer. But I always return to this facial wash. It is simply great for dryness and does not leave my skin feeling parched and in desperate need of moisture. It’s well worth the £10.00 price tag and lasts for ages.

Pixi Facial Glow Tonic £18.00 or Aldi dupe – Glycolic Acid Toner £2.99

I have written a review on both the Aldi and Pixi versions in an earlier post which you can read, here.

But if you want to skip through this post, here is a brief snippet of my opinion.

After using both toners, and comparing them, I cannot see any difference at all, apart from the price tag. I have bought the Aldi version on repeat for around three years. I apply with a round cotton pad following my wash and it gives my skin a tingly glow, waking it up ready for my serums.

The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% £6.90

I have used this for a few years, on repeat. I first bought it as it offers a mild exfoliation. As we age, the dead cells build up on the outer layers of the skin, which can cause it to look dull, dry, and flaky. This can also lead to clogged pores which can cause breakouts. So, regular exfoliation can prevent this from happening. I find this to be very good and will carry on using it as it is doing what it says on the bottle.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% & Zinc 1% S 60ml £10.00 (only using in the morning)

I do love “The Ordinary” products as they are not expensive and I find them so effective, such as this one. It’s my third purchase of this serum. The Ordinary claims that it improves the look of the skin’s radiance and luminosity and I had read that it can take over eight weeks to see results.

I started to use this serum in the early Spring, so I am well beyond that period. I am not seeing dramatic results, yet, though it is contributing to an improvement in my skin’s texture (open pores have improved) and, because of the price, I will persevere. It goes well with the Lactic acid.

Lacura Vitamin C Brightening Serum £4.99, 30ML

I have tried a few “Vitamin C” serums, this year – there seems to be so many to choose from. Apparently, “Lookfantastic” (the beauty site) reported that this skincare ingredient is one of the most searched for and sought-after beauty products, this year. My personal favourite is still the “Timeless Vitamin C serum,” but this Aldi version is incredibly good. It combines 15% vitamin C with PHAs and the all-important ingredient, “hydrating hyaluronic acid”.

I have found that high strength vitamin C serums can be too harsh on my skin. But, I am tolerating this one and I am seeing a slightly even skin tone, since using. The important thing with vitamin C serums is they are notoriously unstable and can oxidise if the container isn’t airtight.  When the serum oxidises, it turns a dubious shade of copper.

This product already has a slight orange colour to it, instead of the usual clear liquid – so, if you do try it, just be sure to tighten the lid following each use.  This is excellent value for money and has a nice texture.   I will buy on repeat – if I can find it in store while doing my weekly food shop.

PS… Self-Tan drops £4.00 (Primark)

I love to use a few drops of facial self-tanning drops in my morning routine (usually at the end). I do not wear makeup much unless going out, somewhere. I find these drops give me a healthy glow throughout the day.  Over the years, I have tried other related products such as “Tan Luxe” tanning drops and Clarins Radiance tanning drops, too, which I found to be incredibly good – but I really like these Primark drops.

The only negative I can find is I need to apply twice to see a result – whereas, the more expensive products only need one.

Crave PM Facial Moisturising Lotion 52ml £15.00

I keep coming back to this moisturiser, again and again.  I use it both morning and night unless I’m trying other moisturisers. Some of the reasons I repurchase is it includes niacinamide (which improves the skins texture).  I also find it absorbs very well – leaving my skin feeling hydrated.  It’s also great for sensitive skin and, to top it all, it’s non greasy and a good price. If you shop around, this is always on offer, somewhere.  The only negatives I find is the tube is not big enough and I tend to go through it very quickly. The cream is also thin in consistency, so I tend to use more.  A little tip is, when I get to the end of the tube, I cut the bottom off to use the last of the cream.

Nivea Sun UV Face Suncream SPF 50 Shine Control 50ml £8.00

I have used this creamy, SPF50 sunblock for a while and would highly recommend. It’s good for all skin types, particularly sensitive skins, such as mine.  It’s also non greasy, so sits well underneath makeup. It has a light consistency and absorbs well. There is no white cast as with other high SPFs.  And to finish off, it’s a great price. which is another reason to re-stock.

Sensse Professional LED Mask

Before purchasing a LED mask, I had been doing a lot of research, for months – because I did not want to make a costly mistake. There is an abundance of these masks on the market. Initially I settled on the “Sensse Professional LED Mask” which retails at £130.00. But I managed to buy it for £90.00. This mask was in my price bracket and the reviews on the “Boots” website were particularly good, which won me over.

In case you are looking for one, I will give you the info I have on the Sensse mask. This mask is supposed to improve blood circulation, stimulate collagen growth (reducing wrinkles), and improve age spots and skin imperfections. It has four sets of lights claiming to help with acne control, pigmentation, and sun damage. The Sensse mask doesn’t have the all important “near-infrared light” which is supposed to penetrate deepest into the skin,

I only had my “Sensse Mask” for a short while when I won a “CurrentBody LED Mask” in an Instagram competition. The “CurrentBody LED mask is regarded by many to be the “gold standard” LED mask on the market. I was thrilled to win it – so sold the Sensse mask on eBay. I didn’t use the mask long enough to give you a thorough review. But, my initial thoughts were positive. I noticed my skin had a glow after using for only a few weeks – like when I have just had a facial. But, I would have had to use it longer to evaluate it, thoroughly.

CurrentBody LED mask Price is £279.00 – Please note my review of this LED mask is the weeks prior to my laser treatment.

The CurrentBody device uses the same gold standard LED technology that is used in salons around the world, though it’s not as powerful.

“CurrentBody” claim:

• the near-infrared light will reduce wrinkles by 35% in just 4 weeks whilst improving skin tone, texture, and firmness;

• it targets facial skin concerns such as acne, pigmentation, and blemishes;

• the patented flexible silicone ensures light penetrates every area of the face; and

• it instantly hydrates skin.

My family find it highly amusing when I put this mask on and think I have finally “lost the plot”! They’re probably right!  Also, I cannot work out if my cat, Jarvis, is scared when I am wearing it, or he thinks I am bonkers, too.

Jokes aside, I have found the Currentbody mask has helped my dry, parched skin. It feels more hydrated and has a glow that it didn’t have, before. I have also found my skin tone has improved and it is slightly better in texture and pigment.

Under my eyes seems to be less dry, too. In terms of change, I would say around 20% improvement after three months use. However, I have found that I may have hit the limit – and, usage may be just maintenance, at this point. Only time will tell!

This mask is super easy to use. It’s made of silicone, and I find it amazingly comfortable (soft and flexible).  I just turn on, then 10mins later, I am done. There are protective goggles included if you require more protection. I use this five times a week along with my micro-current device Magnitone Lift-off (three times a week) – please read more about this by clicking here.

And that is it for the moment. I will be back soon with my “night time” routine”, along with a few products I have tried.

Finally, this morning routine takes me minutes to do, I simply wouldn’t follow it if it was a lengthy process.

I do hope you have enjoyed my post and have found it helpful. If you have any questions, or, alternatively, if you have any suggestions for products that you have used and loved, please let me know in the comments, as I would love to hear from you.

All products are my own – this post may contain affiliate links. If you click through to the products, there is no cost to you. If you purchase anything, the small commission I receive will contribute to the running of my blog.

Until the next time!

Alison xx

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