to ask you what I'm meant to put on my face?

[MiddleClassProblem]

Posting for traffic and sage advice

I'm clueless about face creams. I'm now 32 and wondering if it's a good time to start with this. My skin tends to be normal with the odd dry patch a couple of times a year. I don't wear make up so don't have anything moisturisery incorporated there.

I'm bemused by face creams, night creams etc

My mum always used them in my childhood but has recently switched to using suncream daily regardless of the weather but I think she also has other creams for night time. My brother uses cocoa butter.

I have no clue if it even makes a difference (tempted to just do half my face for a few months). I used to be rubbish at keeping any type of beauty routines like moisturising my legs or even shaving on set days. Now having a kid routines are everywhere so I think I might be ready for it now.

Do you use anything? What do you swear by? When is best to apply?

Also I don't like feeling stuff on my face hence the no make up so nothing too greasy or heavy.

I'm 32 too, and I rarely wear make up. I use Kheils oil free moisturiser, but only because on a whim I popped into Kheils and the lent lady in there gave me a skin routine and spent about an hour with me discussing what would work for me. (Facewash to use in the shower, moisturiser and bb cream when I do bother to wear make up)
If you can be arsed I'd suggest going somewhere like that and having a chat, but be totally honest, tell them you've no interest in an over the top skin care routine that you won't stick to!

I've got no idea if it's actually making a difference to my skin, but I'm protected from the elements and it makes me feel slightly more grown up.

I cleanse tone and moisturise every morning and night. I have normal/dry skin and it does get a bit dryer and dull if I don't keep up my routine. I also wear make up every day so have to make sure I thoroughly clean my face at night.

My morning routine is Clarins cleansing milk followed by Clarins camomille toning lotion then I moisturise with Clarins Hyrdrquench moisturiser. Night time is the same except I will first remove my make up with a Simple wipe and I'll use the Multi Active night cream moisturiser. I use Clarins gentile refiner to scrub my skin 3 times per week, usually just do this in the shower.

It sounds like a bit of a faff but realistically it takes around 3 mins in the morning and 5 at night. Go to boots and ask for samples, find what works for you, I never feel like I have greasy skin it just feels smooth and clean.

I'm always worried that they're only going to sell me something to make a sale and had no idea which brands were best. Do you stick to the routine?

Cleaning and toning flies over my head. Do you need to do them? What are they for? I'm like a beauty alien lol

You need the fantastic skincare thread, hang on a sec...

Liz earle cleanse and polish- it's quite moisturising and they usually have mini samples at the counter, or they used to let you buy it but refund if you returned it if you didn't like it.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/2874633-Fantastic-Skincare-Snail-Optional?pg=1&order=

Since starting to use the products recommended on here a few months ago, my skin has improved massively.

My skin care routine involves baby wiping my face at the end of the day (very rarely wear makeup), face wash in the shower in the morning and when I remember I use a light face cream (usually Nivea). People comment on how nice my skin is. I think most of it is down to genetics, not smoking, drinking plenty water and staying out the sun rather than skincare routine.

Ditto to Liz Earle cleanse and polish. I also use their light moisturiser, skin tonic, superskin eye cream, eye bright lotion and face masks. I buy it all from their website, you can also buy trial sizes which might be a good place to start?

Superdrug Brightening Hotcloth Cleanser is way better than Liz Earle and only £5 (or less when on offer). I use that and Aveeno with Clinique City Block (factor 40) over the top.

I'm early 30's and still get ID'd every other week.

Yes I keep up my routine and honestly my skin has never been better, I doubt you will stop once you start. When you see all the crap that the toner wipes off of your face even after cleaning you will see that it is definitely needed. It cleans and protects your skin.

I just use Nivea. DH uses Aldi's own brand and has skin as soft as a baby's bum.

Mrsglossandthegoss page on Facebook is your friend, women of all ages who are beauty and make up ninjas and always ready to help

I'm 48 and have love the whole shebang that is skincare,

Use a balm for cleansing and wipe it off with a flannel rinsed in warm running water, I'm currently on Clinique's TTDO and Ren's hot cloth cleansing cream [I double cleanse as I wear a lot of make up]
Tone with a watery spritz, I use Serozinc then Moisture Surge.
Moisturise .

You should always wear a sunscreen, I'm using La Roche Posay Anthelios.

I was the same a couple of years ago, saw my skin in my cousin's wedding pictures and realised I need to start doing something. It can be a bit mind boggling with all the toners, serums and oils but I bought Sali Hughes' book Pretty Honest that breaks fown the basics for beginners. That and lurkin on skincare threads on MN really helped choose products and have a routine- once established you don't even think abiut it and it's only 3 minutes as PP says.

I use Simple products for their lack of animal ingredients and also because my face is quite sensitive. However, just about every woman I know back home in the US is using a skin care brand called Rodan + Fields and they swear by it. Seems a bit pricey to me, but they love it.

I only started moisturising a few years ago and I'm 37.

I started with cheap as chips Tesco cucumber sensitive one but recently upgraded to the Aldi caviar one which is £7 a pot I think. I really like it, my skin feels lovely.

I don't bother with the whole cleansing and toning bollocks or using expensive balms or anything though. And I still have great skin.

So do you need to do toner too? ImYourWomanJonSnow there are just so many names for things I have no idea what does what and what you actually need or can get away with bare minimum.

I always assumed toner was to do with make up.

Depending on your personal preference & water type, you can use a cleanser or wash for cleaning. Double cleansing isn't as important if you don't wear makeup.
Toner next, I just use plain rosewater from an aromatherapy shop (smells gorgeous, not too pricey). Basically it gets rid of any residue of your cleanser.
Serum - good if you have specific skin concerns. I use mine to sort out dehydrated skin.
Moisturiser - you need to find the right one for you... basic moisturiser is fine, serum is actually more important.
Sunscreen last. I always LRP Anthelios SPF 50 if it's hot / going out, it's great, sweatproof & suitable for most skins. I still wear another sunscreen even at work (inside) but it's not sweatproof & sadly discontinued, looking for a replacement.

That's a pretty basic routine.

That's 5 things! And that's basic? I suddenly feel a bit overwhelmed. I was hoping to just slap one thing on and go

I'm the same as you middle

I bought tub of face cream from boots and wash face then apply that. If you've lasted this long without doing it all then introduce one thing at a time.

Middle if that's the case then I'd just start with using a cleansing wipe and some moisturiser that suits your skin type. Better than nothing and you should notice a difference for the better.

Ok so start with a good basic cleanser. Clinique Take The Day Off is often recommended, or La Roche Posay Toleriane fluid cleanser (which is what I use). At the very least, your face needs to be clean. Add products as you get more confident & feel you know what your skin might benefit from.

Botemp on the skincare thread I linked earlier gives some excellent advice. You can keep it really simple if you want.

I'd do 3 things.

Cleanse
Moisturise
SPF

You don't need to go crazy with loads of products. Just wash your face before bed and in the morning (probably in the shower), and use a light moisturiser or serum afterwards (night time too). I use La Roche Posay Effaclar face wash and Duo, which is like a serum, but that's because I have combination skin prone to breakouts, and acne scarring I'm trying to fade.

You could also try hot cloth cleansing with an oil blend - you apply oil to your face, run a flannel/muslin under the hottest water you can bear and lay it over your face for a couple of minutes, then gently wipe the excess oil off. This does the job of both cleansing and moisturising. You can buy special hot cloth cleanser but if you know what oils work for skin you can just blend your own (try Holland & Barrett). My friend does this and her skin is perfect, but I couldn't quite get on with it, being a spotty cow anyway. Be sure to use non-comedogenic oils either way.