Build me a skin care routine please

[TheOriginalNutty]

I've got so many products bookmarked that I've seen mentioned here and there but the range is overwhelming and I never know which should be used when.

For information, I'm 44, have an oily forehead, but dry lower face, large pores and some spider veins on my nose. I'm lucky enough to not have any forehead wrinkles yet due to the oiliness, but I do have lines around my eyes and under my eyes is looking noticeably older to me.

I need a simple morning and evening routine with maybe the odd thing thrown in that only needs using a couple of times a week.

At the moment all I use is cerave moisturiser and whatever face wash is floating around in the cupboard. I also don't use a daily facial sun screen.

Budget is up to mid priced only unless it's gonna change my life and then I might splash out.

Thank you all in advance x

Trinny London, they do skincare and make up, with a 'match to me' on their website to tailor exactly to your needs

I found the ordinary products good and reasonable price. They have a skincare quiz https://theordinary.com/en-gb/regimen-builder.html?gclid=CjwKCAjw_ihBhADEiwAXEazJsUrsjhKkYZZwVcxrJRbuTCdBlq13i4rLmdMBlgtuQqZ7nMXPJ0U8RoC-qMQAvDBwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Morning routine:
Cleanse
Vitamin c serum
Moisturise
Sun cream
Night routine:
Cleanse
Moisturise
Once a week:
Face mask
Exfoliate - I choose something gentle, nothing rough.
Argan oil massage then wash it off in the shower.

I look for natural products as much as possible with no alcohol for example which can be more expensive. Also nothing tested on animals of which there are loads in Superdrug, Boots, Holland and Barrett etc.

I just had a look at this. Really great. Now to bite the bullet and pay for the bits in my basket!

Thanks all. Off to investigate those suggestions now

Don’t buy anything you aren’t happy to repurchase as consistency is key. Some products out there are very expensive.

I’d get a Cerave cleanser (non foaming), an SPF (you need plenty of this so I personally wouldn’t pay more than £20 tops).

Niacinamide is good for oily skin, you could also try a Vit C serum.

@TheOGCCL yep that's a good point. I need to be able to commit to what I'm buying.

I've looked at the Trinny range but way too expensive for me.

I don’t think you can go far wrong with Boots No. 7. You often get 3 for 2 offers on it too.

If you have a limited budget I would focus on priorities. The most important thing is sunscreen. I like the beauty of joseon one (liquid I haven't tried the stick version) but there's load out there.

My current personal routine is;
AM
Wash face with warm water.
Cosrx snail mucin essence.
The ordinary hyaluronic acid serum.
Cerave moisturising lotion mixed with the ordinary l-absorbic powder.
Sunscreen.

PM
Jojoba oil (I use this as an oil cleanser)
Cerave hydrating facial cleanser.
Toner with glycolic acid
Cosrx snail mucin essence.
Tretinoin 0.1%.
E45 cream.
Cold cream as a mask before bed.

I change it up sometimes and try new things. Larger samples and trial sizes are a great way of trying new products without wasting your money. The ordinary is a good brand for affordable skin care.

Hi OP,

I've got combination skin too. The products I'm currently using and would recommend are:

AM

Cleanse: Vanicream facial cleanser (prefer using this with a flannel)
Moisturiser: Byoma moisturising gel cream
Sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon

PM

Retinol: Indeed Labs retinol reface

A few times a week, I use the Ordinary's Lactic acid 5% or FaceTheory's Saliatica if I notice my skin looking congested.

I usually have sunglasses in my handbag to cover any dark circles!

I've also used Cerave's hydrating cleanser and would recommend that too!

In the end after lots more googling, falling down several tik tok holes and reading a million reviews, I've decided to try the e.l.f skincare range. They do minis so I can try without spending too much.

I'll feedback in a couple of weeks incase anyone else is looking for a lower priced product.