The Smart Beauty Edit

It feels like a lifetime ago, but I vividly remember the days when I used to fall into bed after a long work day or a night out without removing my makeup. I just about managed to brush my teeth, but removing the makeup and grime just seemed a step too far.

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I improved in my thirties, but raising little kids made for a practically non-existent evening routine. I was in and out of the bathroom after hastily running a cotton pad with makeup remover over my face and lathering on extortionately expensive skin cream.

It wasn’t until I was in my late forties that I finally started focusing on creating a relaxing and nurturing skincare routine. At the time, I was still using expensive creams from brands like Valmont and Sisley and alternating these with French pharmacy brands like Nuxe and Caudalie.

At a certain point, I became fascinated by skincare. YouTube helped, as I started following dermatologists like Dr. Dray and Dr. Shereene Idris and began religiously implementing their recommendations and advice. With the discovery of Korean Skincare, I found a way to make taking care of my skin an ultimately enjoyable experience.

At first the results were negligible or non-existent. After all, it takes 60 days or more for skin to renew itself after the age of 50, a milestone I was rapidly approaching! But my new-found ritual gave me a sense of peace and enjoyment, which overrode my results-driven approach. It felt like perfect me-time, complete with soothing music playing in the background and the delicious clean scents of the skincare products enhancing the atmosphere.

Once I saw the texture of my skin improve, and my pigmentation fade over time, it became a non-negotiable. Now I’m horrified at the lacksidasical attitude of my youth! But I learned an important lesson: it’s never too late to start!

My routine is relatively simple. I start by cleansing my face with an oil-based cleanser. I’ve tried different brands over the years, but I keep coming back to Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil, which feels light but still manages to properly remove the day.

I then follow with a very gentle gel-based cleanser. Experience has taught me that the first cleanse doesn’t remove everything and I love that clean feeling – without the dryness or tightness. Currently, I’m enjoying Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture 5.5 Soft Cleansing Gel, which manages to do both.

Then comes retinol. I’ve been using Retinol Gel O.1%, which my husband kindly brings back for me when he travels abroad. It’s a strong vitamin A derivative – only really surpassed by tretinoin, which is prescription only – and I’ve found it incredibly effective over time. Don’t let the ‘acne care’ part of the product put you off, it’s also great for anti-aging.

That said, after a period of increased skin sensitivity last year, I have started alternating it with something gentler. I’ve been reaching for Purito Seoul Bakuchiol Timeless Bloom Revitalizing Serum, which gives me some of the same smoothing benefits, but in a more forgiving way.

For the eye area I keep things consistent with Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum (Ginseng + Retinal). It’s one of those products that I return to without really thinking about it.

Finally, I apply a moisturiser. I prefer something simple and fragrance free. I’m not looking for it to do too much, just to support the skin barrier. Lately, that’s been Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Moist Cream.

I’ve linked the products I use above, but more than anything, simplifying my routine has made the biggest difference.