Starting a skincare & makeup routine from scratch

[Beeday]

Due to a long and boring list of things like life changes and depression, I've got to a place where I never wear makeup and my 'skincare' is literally cleanser and moisturiser in the evening.

I've been told I have pretty good skin but it can get dry. I'm in my 40s now and would like to start looking after myself better, partly because I still have depression so I find looking after myself hard and would like to pamper myself a little more.

Trouble is I'm so out of touch from my 20s when I felt like I had some idea about what to use. Now there's serums and so many different creams etc let alone make up, I feel stupid that I don't know where to start. I've watched a couple of YouTubers and omg, they use about 15 products in one go, I haven't got the time!

I've been using Loreal fine flowers gel cleanser which seems really nice but I could change, and Lush Peace moisturiser for my face, which I've fallen in love with so would like to stick with. I just got a Nyx foundation and concealer thanks to a helpful assistant and they seem ok but haven't used them much so far.

Please can any of you with far more style suggest steps to build up a good but easy/quick skincare routine and essential makeup?

I started a similar journey just over a year ago and I've learned loads but it can be overwhelming.

To start with just focus on the basics which are cleanse, tone, moisturise and sunscreen.

You say your skin is on the dry side so maybe start off there. Could the cleanser you currently use be a bit drying? If so, try one formulated to be more hydrating.

Maybe you'd like to brighten your skin a bit? A gentle exfoliating toner could help with this. You could alternate with a milk/rice toner which adds extra hydration.

You're happy with your current moisturiser so that's good. A nice daily spf can be added on top - a lot of the k beauty ones have lovely formulations and are like an extra layer of moisture.

Once you've got a basic routine down with products you enjoy then you can think about adding a serum or active to target any specific concerns you might want to address.

Make up is a bit more of a personal thing. How much do you want to wear? For work/every day or going out? Again though you can just start with the basics ad go from there.

I'm in my late 40s and use as a basic routine -primer, medium coverage foundation with a satin/dewy finish, mascara, blush, powder, brow pencil and lipstick or lip oil. I'll sometimes use eyeshadow, eye pencil and highlighters if I want a stronger look. It sounds like a lot but the result is actually just a more refreshed, put together look. I don't like heavy make up or bold colours.

I haven't made any product recommendations because it depends on your budget and specifically what you want from a routine but there are great products at a variety of price points.

I would continue watching youtube videos from creators you like, especially of a similar age. Ignore that they use a zillion things, you don't have to use loads but I've found youtube really useful to learn about what's available, ingredients and wear tests.

I completely overhauled my skincare nearly a year ago and it has been so worth it. I am a bit younger but my skin got so bad and extremely sensitive following the birth of my second child.

Personally, I love Nip + Fab and have got myself into a routine of cleanser, serum, moisturiser, spf in the morning and double cleanse, serum, moisturiser in the evening. I like their ceramide serum which helps to repair the skin barrier and I use a retinol twice a week. The retinol is supposed to increase cell turnover. I would say introduce one new thing at a time.

You need very little

a good cleanser for make up removal - ideally an oil based one followed by a gel / other cleanser (double cleansing is good especially if you wear SPF which you should every day)

morning - water, vit c serum, moisturiser and spf
evening - double cleanse, retinal, moisturiser

you can add an eye cream if you want

I am 49 and been following this for a year and the vit c and retinal have been game changers

I’ve literally just recommended this on another thread, but for me It’s always going to be Tropic skincare. I don’t sell the stuff, but it is one of those commission sales companies, which seems to put some people off. Don’t let it put you off though, as the products really are amazing. I would start by getting yourself the 123 skincare set, and then you can try a different product gradually from there. If you want to get a bit more involved, you can also go onto the ordinary brand, they sell very reasonable products that are some of the latest in skincare developments.

You can then lay of these under your lovely smelling and feeling tropic products and find your way with what works for your skin.

Your basic skincare regime should look like this:

AM
Cleanse (gentle cleanser)
*tone
Treat (vitamin C serum)
Moisturise (the Lush one you like!)
SPF every damn day always (Ultra Violette’s supreme screen would be a good fit as it works as a makeup primer too)

PM
Cleanse (oil based cleanser or micellar water to remove makeup and spf)
Cleanse again (gentle cleanser to remove any remaining spf and dirt/grime)
*tone
Treat (retinol)
Moisturise (**thicker night moisturiser)

Once you're happy with the products you're using, you can add extras in like a toner after your cleanse, an eye cream and heavier moisturiser for PM.

Makeup depends on what kinda look you like! Personally I like my face to look like me but glowy!
If I’m in a rush I just do my skincare regime and put on a lil..
tinted moisturiser
mascara (or id get lash extensions which I get infilled every payday, so I can forgo mascara altogether which saves time!)
brow gel
tinted lip balm🩷

if I’m going out for the day I’d spend a lil longer so would use..
primer
tinted moisturiser
concealer
setting powder
blusher
highlighter🤍
Brow gel
brow pencil
tinted lip balm
setting spray

also carry a tinted spf lip balm, and an spf mist or powder for top ups on the go!x