We were meant to be getting married this summer in South-West France, however with much dismay we've had to postpone. Whilst we're absolutely gutted, the decision is out of our control. That said, we were still lucky enough to have our 'legal wedding' here in London last week. This is because to get married in France, you must be a resident for at least 30 days prior to your nuptials. That wasn't feasible for us, so we booked a small registry office affair to get the legal stuff out of the way before our big white wedding day.

With Covid19 measures still in place, our registry office wedding was smaller than ever, with just 6 of us including myself, my partner and our son in attendance. Having the legal ceremony without the big white wedding wasn't how we thought things would go. However, we were unable to change/cancel the registry office without losing our payment. So we went ahead anyway, and actually it was lovely to have this intimate ceremony with our close family. It was very special day and has made us even more excited for France when it's able to take place.

In the build up to all of this, it's been super important for me to take care of my skin. Both in preparation for our wedding, but also because stress instantly causes me breakouts.

I like to think I've had a good skincare routine for a while now, but I've taken it up a notch thanks to some helpful tips from my hair and makeup artist. In today's post I'm going to share my favourite brands and products, and what I now use on a daily or weekly basis to keep my skin in top condition.

Pre-Wedding Skincare Must Haves:

• Clinique Take The Day Off Balm

I alternate between this Clinique cleansing balm and Dermalogica PreCleanse. (I've also heard great things about Emma Hardie but am yet to try theirs). This is the first step in my skin care routine, used with a cleanser as part of a double cleanse solution. A cleansing balm is a gentle way to remove makeup and dirt that has built up over the day. I find double cleansing a very relaxing end to my day too. Almost therapeutic.

• Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel

This cleansing gel by Dermalogica is my go-to. It's recommended to use with their PreCleanse but mine had ran out, so I've been using it with Clinique and it's still been just as good for my skin. Gel cleansers are often better for sensitive or acne prone skin, and I've found they've always worked well for me. That said, if my skin is particularly dry, I'll switch to a cleansing milk - I particularly like Elemis Rehydrating Rosepetal Cleansing Milk

• Glossier Solution Exfoliating Skin Perfector

Glossier is a brand I've only gotten into in the last year or so, but this particular product is a game changer! Instead of using a traditional exfoliator which physically scrubs at your skin, this solution is a blend of skin care acids (including AHA, BHA and PHA) that help create a smoother and softer complexion. It's also helped with reducing the appearance of redness on my skin.

Simply grab a reusable cotton pad and push down once (one pump is enough for my skin) and sweep across the face.

• Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil

I was debating whether or not to include this product in the list as I've only been using it for a couple of weeks, but I'm really loving it. Rose oil is so good for the skin. It too helps reduce redness/acne and helps to rehydrate the skin. So I tend to pop this on after my exfoliating solution before my moisturiser as part of my night routine.

• Glossier Priming Moisturiser Rich

Another Glossier product I love is their Priming Moisturiser Rich which I apply at night. A blend of shea and murumuru butters, I find this moisturiser is particularly good at night as it's rich and luxurious .

• Dermalogica Melting Moisture Masque

About once or twice a week, or if my skin is particularly dry (usually after drinking or having a bad weekend of food), I'll apply Dermalogica's Melting Moisture Masque. Again, I only use this at night so that it can get to work whilst I sleep. You only need a small dot of this masque and as you rub your hands together, it warms up and changes from a balm to an oil, spreading easily onto the face. It's a lovely texture and leaves the skin looking super dewy and feeling well hydrated.

• Green People Scent Free Facial Sun Cream

I'll admit it, sun cream was something I rarely wore on my face. Other than on a very hot holiday. However, in recent years I've learned more about why sun cream is so important - particularly for our face. Not only does this Green People Facial Sun Cream help fight ageing with green tea, but it helps protect against UVA and UVB rays. It's suitable for sensitive skin, is vegan and is a non-greasy/non-whitening consistency. So it can be easily worn under makeup. I now wear this product each day under makeup.

• Glossier Rose Balm Dotcom

Finally, my 'little extras'. I can't go to bed without apply a slather of this rose balm. It smells heavenly and glides on easily, leaving no build up of residue, making it easy to sleep in.

• Antipodes Manuka Honey Brightening Eye Cream

Another 'little extra' but equally as important is an eye cream. I'll admit I never used to understand the hype with eye creams. I fortunately don't suffer from eye bags or dark circles, and whilst I have a few laughter lines, I wouldn't say my eyes are particularly wrinkled. So I've always found eye cream a bit of a faff. An extra unneccessary step in an already long routine. That was until I found Antipodes. This beautiful eye cream look amazing, smells great and only needs the lightest touch and it goes a long way. I don't know whether it's made any longer lasting improvements to my skin, but it certainly looks lovely when it's on! This is my final step before jumping into bed.

Other products that didn't make the cut here but I sometimes switch things up for are - Origins GinZing Ultra Hydrating Moisturiser, which I use every morning. Plus The Ordinary 'Buffet' which I use in replacement of the Glossier exfoliator and vitamin C rose oil. Just a couple of drops worked all over the face, it includes hyaluronic acid to help hydrate the skin and a peptide complex to help stimulate collagen. It shouldn't be used in conjunction with any other acids or vitamin C products.

I'd love to hear about your 'go-to' skin care products or your skin care routine. Leave me a comment below!

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