#1 beauty how-to: speedy facial
“Fuss-free beauty is my kinda beauty”
Spending your sweet time furiously washing, scrubbing and slathering in skin potions is not my ideal. But… having a radiant complexion is.
If only there was a way to #GetTheGlow without putting in the hours? Here I am offering up a 7 step regime to help you fast-forward your way to clearer, more hydrated and brighter looking skin. This speedy facial combines a series of cleansers, serums, hydrating sprays and moisturising balms.
I first developed this facial because I needed a skin regime I could do that didn't require spending ages stood up, hopping around the sink. You don’t need to wash anything off and it all soaks into the sink- but most importantly this regime is SPEEDY, taking an average of 3 minutes depending on how long you’ve got!
STEP ONE: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water followed by Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2
French Pharmacy fave, Micellar water is the low maintenance, cost effective solution to an all-in-one cleanser, moisturizer, and makeup remover. Microscopic micelles in the solution act as magnets to lift impurities out of the skin without requiring abrasive rubbing. My step one. Always.
Once the skin has had its initial clean, I tend to opt for a liquid exfoliator in the form of Clinique Clarifying Lotion. Designed to scrub away dead skin and remove excess oil, I love the fact it doesn’t require water and means there’s no faffing around at the sink. You can reveal fresher skin, in 30 secs flat.
STEP TWO: Nip + Fab Glycolic Night Pads
Super-charge your complexion with these exfoliating facial pads by Nip + Fab. Impregnated with glycolic, hyaluronic and salicylic acids, a quick swipe of one pad will minimise pores and de-congest the skin. For more sensitive skin types they advise using them once a week- I find it’s just perfect to combat oily and congested skin on the regs.
STEP THREE: Diego Dalla Palma Vitamin C Serum
First stage in my quest to get that all-elusive glow- enter Vitamin C serum. Apply a few drops onto the fingertips and massage into the skin, this will (supposedly) stimulate the production of collagen to plump your skin and minimise fine lines. Vitamin C is also great for counteracting any uneven skin tone and pigmentation. Major benefits of this one by Diego Della Palma is the gorgeous scent and the fact it’s extremely absorbent. None of that dreaded greasy residue boo hiss hiss- my skin just drinks it up.
STEP FOUR: 111 Skin Space Brightening Booster
Radiance 2.0- you’ll only need one to two drops of this concoction to brighten tired skin. Again this product, developed by Harley Street cosmetic surgeon Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, contains a high concentration of Vitamin C and a bounty of other nutrients to repair and protect skin cells against damage.
STEP FIVE: Susanne Kaufmann Harmonising Moisturising Spray
A spritz of this calming moisturising spray is the perfect match for newly cleansed and refreshed skin. This step isn’t wholly necessary but feels super indulgent if you want to be living your best pampered self. The active ingredients claim to repair damage caused by ultraviolet light, have an anti-oxidising effect and fight against free radicals.
STEP SIX: Dr. Jackson’s Coconut Melt
Coconut oil hit the zeitgeist a few years back. But did you know you should be slathering it on yourself, not just your vegan thai curry? Developed down the road from me, Dr Jackson’s Coconut Melt is the ideal fast-acting, multi-purpose fix for softening skin, lips, hair and cuticles. Solid at room temperature, but melting upon touch, it slicks onto your skin to soothe dryness- I usually massage a generous blob of this into my eyebrows. FYI the smell is sensational, a Barbadian beach in a pot.
STEP SEVEN: Glossier Cherry Balm Dotcom
Speaking of zeitgeists… Glossier’s balm dotcom wrote the definition. This cult fave is invariably referred to as ‘life-saving’ and ‘a girl’s bbf’ across the gram. But believe the hype, this isn’t your humble lip balm, Glossier’s balm dotcom offers long-lasting hydration and an ultra dewy sheen. I finish off my speedy facial with this lip balm (you could call it the cherry on top). Available in six shades, this one offers a juicy red tint. Cherry chapstick for Gen Z.