Staying Zen with Your Skincare Routine

What’s Hot | 28th Sep 2021 | 7min read

When it comes to skincare, the goal is always to glow. But that doesn’t mean that you have to spend loads of time or use 15 different products just to achieve great results.

As with make-up and fashion, less is more. Simplifying your skincare routine saves you time, effort and money.

Layering multiple skincare products may interfere with your skin barrier and block the natural oils in your skin, leading to breakouts and irritation.

Remember, 8 is the magic number. Getting at least 8 hours of sleep per day and drinking 8 glasses of water a day will keep you looking fresh and hydrated. Eating a lot of vitamin-rich fruits and vegetables is also a must for healthy skin.

Putting these habits into practice, along with finding a 4-step routine using products that suit your skin type will take you one step closer to your skincare goals.

We’ve built this 4-step routine for every skin type featuring skincare essentials from LOOKFANTASTIC. And heads up, when you use Zilch to pay, you can split your payments into 4 over 6 weeks with 0 interest.

Step 1: Cleanse

Cleansing is the first step of any good skincare routine. Dermatologists recommend cleansing your face twice a day – in the morning and in the evening. A gentle cleanser with natural ingredients is the way to go.

Here are our picks for every skin type:

Dry

CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

Rich in ceramides and hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, this cleanser will refresh and revitalise thirsty skin while sweeping away dirt, grime and traces of makeup that may be lingering on the surface.

Oily/Combination

La Roche Posay Effaclar cleansing gel

Meet the needs of oily skin with this gentle yet effective formula that purifies the complexion and leaves skin fresh.

This hardworking facial wash is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and imperfection-prone skin.

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Kiehl’s Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash

Staying Zen With Your Skincare blog landing desktop - Zilch

The creamy formulation is enriched with calendula extract to create a luxuriously dense foam. The refreshing formula is safe for normal to sensitive skin types, leaving the complexion feeling replenished, soothed and clean.

At night, it’s advisable to double cleanse if you spent the day wearing make-up. Whatever your skin type, a mild, botanical cleansing stick will do the trick. Our recommended product?

Merci Handy Magic Plants Facial Cleansing Stick

This solid facial cleanser melts on contact with the skin, working to remove dirt, impurities and traces of makeup.

Apply the stick directly onto wet face in small circular motions and avoiding the eyes. Lather it up using your fingertips (make foam, not war!) then wash it off with lukewarm water. Double cleanse with your desired facial wash after.

Step 2: Tone

Why do you need toner when you’ve already cleansed your face? Won’t it make your skin dry?

No, it won’t. Toners get rid of the extra dirt, oil and make-up that your cleanser might not have 100% gotten rid of. They also balance and condition your skin, in preparation for the next step, which is moisturising.

Here are the best toners for your skin type:

Dry

Dear Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner

A K-beauty essential, this unscented toner has a hydrating formula that leaves the complexion looking bright and healthy. It contains Hyaluronic Acid, which helps maintain the skin’s natural pH balance whilst boosting moisture.

Oily/Combination

Pixi Glow Tonic

Powered by Glycolic Acid to gently exfoliate dead skin and impurities, this purifying treatment helps to refine the appearance of pores and stimulate cell renewal to create a brighter and clearer canvas.

Make sure to wear SPF when using this, because Glycolic Acid can make your skin more sun-sensitive.

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Normal: Dr. Hauschka Facial Toner

Suitable for normal, dry and sensitive skin, Dr. Hauschka Facial Toner boasts a multi-tasking formula that supports the skin’s natural cleansing and renewal processes, whilst balancing moisture levels, regulating oil production and minimising the appearance of pores. 

Step 3: Moisturise

This is the most important part of your skincare routine because this is where the hydrating and nourishing parts come in.

Moisturising is essential because it gives your skin vitality and prevents dullness. You can skip toning but not moisturising!

Here are our fave moisturisers for every skin type:

AM

In the morning, using a moisturiser with SPF is a must. You need protection from harmful UV rays which contribute to 90% of wrinkles, fine lines, sun spots and skin ageing.

Even when it’s not sunny outside or when you’re staying indoors, an SPF-infused moisturiser is still ideal because UV rays can penetrate through windows. Better to stay protected!

Dry

Avène Hydrance Rich-UV Hydrating Cream SPF30 Moisturiser for Dehydrated Skin

Incredibly rich and protective, the Avène moisturiser is designed to bring essential nourishment to dry and sensitive skin types.

Its  SPF 30 formula helps to guard against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays while also creating a shield against other forms of pollution and environmental aggressors.

Oily/Combination

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Imperfection SPF50+ Salicylic Acid Sun Cream

This moisturising sun cream is formulated with Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide to target existing breakouts, and protects skin from post-sun breakouts to encourage clearer, more radiant-looking skin

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Aesop Sage & Zinc Facial Hydrating Cream SPF15

This rich cream is infused with a superior blend of botanicals to hydrate and soften the skin, while micronised Zinc Oxide forms a sunlight barrier.

No white cast. No clogged pores. Just nourished and protected skin.

PM

At night, use a richer cream to replenish your skin after being exposed to pollution, wind, coldness and the sun.

A trusty night cream will help restore your skin overnight and promote cell turnover.

Dry

Cetaphil Pro Moisturising Night Cream

This night cream improves skin texture and soothes dryness.

Its gentle and mild formula is suitable for sensitive and dull skin so you can wake up to softer, smoother skin.

Oily

The Inkey List Tranexamic Acid Night Treatment

This night treatment contains a meticulous blend of ingredients to keep your skin in tip-top shape.

2% Tranexamic Acid combats sensitivity with its anti-inflammatory benefits and 2% Acai Berry, rich in antioxidants, promotes a more even tone.

Normal: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Night Cream

This night cream helps to promote a surface that’s deeply hydrated. Creating a smoother look and feel, the formula helps to target signs of ageing while supporting normal reparative cycles as you sleep.

Step 4: Treat

Some people have naturally amazing skin. But some of us also have flaws, and that’s okay because we can always find ways to treat them. With these skincare finds, all those tiny issues can be kept at bay.

For puffy eyes and dark circles

AHC Hydrating Essential Real Eye Cream for Face

This cult favourite Korean formulation is designed to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while supporting collagen production to naturally firm and plump the under eyes.

It also doubles as a facial moisturiser!

For acne and red spots

CosRx AC Collection Acne Patch

These acne patches work by absorbing excess oil and bacteria blocking your pores.

Three different sizes mean that every blemish and imperfection is catered for, so you can stick them on top of your spots overnight and wake up with clearer skin.

For dull and tired skin

TonyMoly I’m Red Wine Sheet Mask

Saturated with natural and concentrated enriched essences, offering intense hydration, nourishment and a reignited radiance, this naturally-charged sheet mask is enriched with powerful actives, transforming tired and dull skin into a dewy complexion that warrants a double-take.

There you have it! 4 easy steps are all it takes to achieve your skin goals. Of course, it won’t happen overnight but you will definitely see results when you stick to your routine consistently.

Zilch those products for your 4-step skincare routine at LOOKFANTASTIC so that you can pay in 4 over 6 weeks, 0 interest!

Remember, you can also pay in full and get cashback in Zilch Rewards.

Now, that makes skincare even more simple and fun. Enjoy pampering yourself!

*Spend responsibly, spending more than you can afford could seriously affect your financial status. Credit subject to status, 18+, UK residents only. Representative APR 18.1% (fixed). Rep Example: based on total spend: £240 (+ £2.50 transaction fee). Total repayable: £242.50 paid over 6 weeks, 1st payment £62.50, then 3 payments of £60.00 every 2 weeks. T&Cs apply.