Tweaks to skin care / make up

[eitherneither]

This is my current routine:

Evening:

• Cleanse with micellar water
• Nivea Q10 anti wrinkle cream

Morning:

• Bobbi Brown tinted moisturiser, blusher and mascara

It's beautifully quick but I'm approaching 40 and I now need a bit more to address wrinkles / blemishes / dark circles.

I'd love to hear advice on good products to add to my current routine or replace existing items. Quite happy to pay more for good quality stuff if it's worth it. I'm a bit clueless about make up generally... I'm pale with freckles and regular outbreaks of spots if that makes a difference.

Ive done a bit of research and through trial and error introduced products by the Ordinary which have really impressed me ie the granactive retinoid at night and the MAP vit c serum in the morning. You must wear daily sunscreen but these products have helped both my ageing and spots.

I wear a proper foundation rather than a tinted moisturiser (which disappears on me within the hour). Bobbi Brown mascara and blush are nice though.

investigate double cleansing - cleansing with micellar water is not sufficient.

and you should absolutely be using a sunblock every day.

i would also include an acid toning step (after cleanse) and a mild retinol as a matter of course. after that (as your base regime),and when your skin is adapted, add in any nourishing serums etc.

Another recommendation to investigate The Ordinary - just older than you and it has literally transformed my skin.

You can email them directly (or Victoria Health) to ask for personalised recommendations for your skin.

Thank you. It sounds like I need to up the cleansing/toning and maybe think about foundation for the day.

Do you put on SPF underneath foundation?

Yes, spf, wait a minute or two, then foundation

Sorry to hijack but what exactly is meant by "double cleansing"? Is it literally doing the same thing twice?

Yes. Do one cleanse to remove sunblock and make up then another to make sure skins really clean.

I had acne for years and a lot of it went after starting double cleansing.

Me too Fluffy. I remove makeup with a makeup wipe (not loved on here but they work for me) and then do a second thorough cleanse with a damp warm flannel.

That makes total sense and could be part of the reason I still get spots at 46!

Sorry another question from me.

I ordered The Ordinary granactive retinoid and it's arrived now. Do I put it on after cleansing but before my night cream? Or instead of night cream? As you can tell I'm a novice...

I've also ordered The Ordinary MAP product recommended up thread, plus Bobbi Brown concealer and foundation. I shall be looking 10 years younger as of next week...