Skincare - what are we aiming for?

[CremeDeSudo]

I'm nearly 34 and after a really bad breakout a year ago I've been following La Hirons routine religiously. My skin looks sooo much better and I feel like the scaring has reduced loads, I barely get spots and I swear my fine lines have reduced.

Yet I still don't feel like I'd be happy leaving the house without BB Cream on. I've got dark marks sort of underneath my eyes/next to my nose that don't seem to go no matter how much sleep I get, and I feel splotchy without something to even me out.

I was about to post here asking for recommendations to tackle these issues when it occurred to me that this might be the best it gets and started wondering what I was hoping for by spending a small fortune on skincare products.

What's the best your skin gets? Can you happily go out without makeup?

The thing is, La Hirons (who I LOVE. Seriously. LOVE. She's changed my life) doesn't leave the house without a base of some sort often either! Nor do other bloggers with really great skin. Even if it's great, it can look better with some coverage.

I do go out without make up/base probably 1 - 2 times a fortnight, but although my skin is mostly good, I notice a little redness to the sides of my nose, and the fact that my skin tends to be on the sallow side (probably because I smoke, to be honest) without make up.

Perhaps I'm an old cynic but despite claims to the contrary by skincare companies, I don't believe that skincare products can do much for pigmentation issues.

Some however, swear by lightening products and retinoids. Seeing as you're a Hirons fan check out this from her website. It might give you some ideas. She seems to like Pepta-bright. www.carolinehirons.com/search/label/pigmentation

I'd stick with the make-up, myself.

Pepta-bright is fab (just adding my two pennies' worth).

What is this 'la hirons' you speak of...? Better skin, reduced fine lines? I need this. Tell me more!

Is it expensive? How many of my children will I need to sell to be able to afford it?

desperately turns to mr google for more answers

She's a facialist and blogger, mint, Caroline Hirons. She recommends quite a complex routine, which isn't for everyone, but I think her basic principles around cleansing, using oils and acid toning can be applied to all.

I dont leave the house without at least concealer and powder. I havent done since I was around 15, despite having good skin. When you see how much better you look with a little make up why go without? My goal now is to keep my skin looking my age (or a little younger) and healthy. Going without make up was never a goal.

Up until about 5 yrs ago maybe, I only wore eye make and the odd bit of concealer and wore tinted moisturiser when I went out. I think I was hoping I might be able to get back to that but as I'm almost (ahem) mid 30's I should probably accept that ship has sailed and have the same goals as burnished!

Might give that pepta-bright a try though. I'm not one to admit defeat