Help me sort my skincare routine please

[M0reGinPlease]

I recently decided to try and spend a bit more money, time and effort on my skin but am unsure if it's getting me anywhere! Advice very welcome please.

I have dry, slightly dull skin. I don't get too many spots but when I do they take ages to heal and usually leave a mark. I'm mid-thirties. My budget is not huge by any stretch of the imagination. My current routine is as follows:

Night time (which is where I feel I should spend the most time and effort and use the best products) I remove my make up with a miceller water on a cotton pad. Then I use Liz Earle cleanse and polish. I know it's a bit like marmite, but I really like what it does for my skin. I follow this with a serum. I'm currently using a No. 7 radiance serum, which feels nice but I don't think is doing much. Sometimes I use The Ordinary salycilic (sp?) acid prior to the serum if I have a spot- just on the affected area. I finish with Superfacialist Vit C sleep and reveal night cream, which I really like.

Morning I wash my face in the shower (I know I shouldn't but it's practical) with a gel cleanser. I can't afford to use Liz Earle cleanse and polish twice a day. I follow this with Liz Earle toner. Again, not sure if it does much but I like it. Then Superfacialist Hyaluronic Acid Moisturiser, which I feel has been good for my dry skin.

I follow with cheap make up as I don't wear a lot and can't afford premium stuff. I use a primer and then Rimmell wake me up foundation and some concealer.

I just feel my skin looks a bit... meh. Not sure where to go from here really? I'm after clarity, even tone and a bit of a healthy glow.

Using an acid toner every day would help, I noticed Aldi are doing their own version of Pixi Glow Tonic which is very affordable

Thanks, what would an acid toner do? Do I use every day? I've just looked at the Aldi one. It sounds great but am skeptical for £3.99...

Bump

Instead of Rimmel try Make-Up Revolution. Aldi skin care has won awards and is comparable to high-end brands but I like The Ordinary Glycolic acid toner. Also try a dewy setting spray. Wilkos do some great ones.

Thanks. How often should I be using acid toner and at what time of day?

You can use them any time of day, but make sure you are using a separate SPF 50 every day (you should be doing this anyway). It doesn't get much mention on here, but of all the things I've tried I found Garden of Wisdom Azeliac Acid made a very noticeable difference. So much so that two friends noticed and now they both use it as well. I think The Ordinary do one as well. For longer term results a retinol is probably a good idea. Have you read the skin care guides in the first post of the skincare threads (latest one is Nufaces...)? Fantastic information and should set you in the right direction.

Where do I find those threads @lightningstrikes? I can't seem to find Skjncare 🤦‍♀️

I think the latest one is New Year, Nufaces. Usually has a snail in the title and can be found in the first couple of pages. It's pretty active. Just read the info sheets and then follow along. Very knowledgeable group of women on there!

Thanks. I popped into Boots today and all Nip+Fab products were half price. I bought a few items but am going to try the Glycolic Fix Overnight Purifying Gel first. It says apply to cleansed skin, do I follow with moisturiser?

If you need it, yes. I don't use much moisturizer on my face as it rarely gets dry. Depends on your skin type. People on here rave about the Nivea blue pot moisturizer if you need a recommendation.

Yes I'm very dry so think I'll need it. I'll check out the Nivea.