Skincare 'consultation'?

[Quietplaces]

It's embarrassing to admit but I'm turning 40 and I have zero skincare routine besides literally washing my face with some Simple face wash and whatever moisturiser I've got on hand. I'd like to start more of a facial skin care routine but I'd like to somewhere and have someone talk me through what I need, like a Clinique counter but someone told me their products are quite drying, and I have dry skin already. What other brands should I look for, I'm near a major city so probably have a counter for all the main brands nearby. I know there's a John Lewis and a large Boots but I basically want to be fussed over for a minute, and then inevitably sold to, what brands still do that for skin care instead of just telling you to go online?

What you are using sounds fine.
Wear an SPF and you're all good.

The trouble is…. They’re all trying to sell you something aren’t they… so it can still be a bit of a minefield.

I can’t rate highly enough, the book “pretty honest” by Sali Hughes. Lots of explanations about skin types and skin problems (from a beauty perspective), followed by sensible recommendations that don’t all break the bank).

You don’t need to read it all either… there will be a section on teen skin, for example, or maybe lipsticks or something that may not apply to you right now.

If what you're doing works for your skin I'd say don't change it - but totally get you want a bit of a fuss and pamper, I am exactly the same and I've always loved my skincare!

Clinique has some good products for dry skin, I have very finicky, sensitive and dry skin and the moisture surge range is my staple. Fragrance free, very plain but very good.

If you have a branch of khiels near they also have some nice products.

The most key skincare is SPF. My favourite is the Bobbi brown primer + protect, great for dry skin, great under makeup and really works. Go for a separate one rather than a moisturiser than contains one, the amount of moisturiser you put on will never be enough to get the SPF advertised on the jar.

Wherever you end up - Ask for samples - my skin never tells me it hates things until day 3 or 4. I think Clinique let you return lightly used products or at least exchange for something else. For dry skin consider layering up - I use 2 eye products and 2 moisturisers night and day to keep my skin happy, applied as 2 separate layers.