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In my twenties and early thirties, it’s probably safe to say that I didn’t always take the best care of my skin. But now into my forties, you can bet I’ve changed my tune!

When new motherhood (and all the sleepless nights that come with it) started to take it’s toll in my mid thirties, I upped my skin care and started to pay this little ol’ face of mine some much deserved attention. I wrote a blog post on it which was a surprising hit (this post still remains one of my most popular posts ever much to my astonishment) and so today, I thought I’d write something a little similar and share my skin care saviours. Otherwise known as products that I’ve tried, tested and loved.

They might not work for everyone (that’s the tricky thing with beauty products, they don’t suit us all sadly) but they certainly work for me. I recommend because I love them and I hope you will too.

THE  ALPHA HYDROXY ACID

The product I’m about to share with you now is probably my most favourite skincare product of all time. I love it so much, quite simply, because it is a skin transformer! 

It’s not the cheapest product of it’s kind on the market so occasionally when I’ve ran out of it in the past, I have opted for a more purse-friendly version. However, I have always regretted it, kicking myself days later when I’ve realised – yet again – that no other AHA acid I’ve ever tried, even comes close.

I use the Alpha H Liquid Gold Rose (I prefer this version as I find it’s gentler to my skin) every couple of days, adding it to a cotton wool ball which I sweep over my face before I go to bed at night. And as god as is my witness, I wake up in the morning with fresher, brighter and – after a couple of weeks of consistent use – dare I say it, clearer, smoother and younger looking skin.

It really is the most extraordinary product and one that I simply cannot live without. I deal with the expense by reasoning that a small bottle will last me around 3-4 months and that it is the only skin care product I’ve ever used which delivers visible results in days.

THE CREAM PROTECTOR

When the cold, wet weather ravages my sensitive skin, there is no other moisturiser which protects it as well or as beautifully as Weleda’s renowned and divine Skin Food.

Thick and creamy, Skin Food is a moisturiser than can be used all over, but it absolutely saves my face in winter from the harsh extremities, delivering moisture and protection in spades.

It is greasy so if you don’t like the feel of a thicker moisturiser or have greasy skin, you’d be best just sticking to using it on your body only. However, I find, that in the colder months it delivers everything I need from a facial moisturiser – comfort, protection and a beautiful base for make up.

In late spring when the weather heats up, I’ll be switching over to Skin Food Light (also a good option if you want to try it but want less grease) which is a lovely -as the name suggests – lighter version.

THE MASK

Have you tried a sheet mask yet? If not, then please let me introduce you to a really good one. I was given a box of the No7 Restore & Renew Serum Boots Sheet Masks by a good friend of mine and besides giving me a really good excuse to find 15 minutes for myself on the busiest of days, they’re also really, really good!

Effortless to apply (you literally take one out of a packet, unfold it carefully and stick it on your face and neck), I’ll be honest with you they look horrific (my husband was quite appalled when he first saw me wearing one!) but work really well.

Packed full of goodness, they leave my skin, soft, plumped and glowing although I haven’t seen any visible anti-ageing benefits yet. Each box comes with four masks and they’re currently half price too so if you’re interested, go, go, go.

THE TOOL

Years ago I was very kindly invited to try out facial reflexology. I absolutely loved it and the results that were delivered, so when my monthly Birchbox arrived back in January with a jade roller for me to use, I was seriously chuffed as I know that these little tools can work wonders (even in the hands of an amateur.)

I’ve been using mine most days now for about 4-5 weeks and what I can tell you is this. It won’t deliver miracles (sorry!) but it does make a difference.

I roll the jade roller over my face from the middle of my face to the outer edges, being careful around the delicate eye area and find that it leaves my skin looking healthier and much more toned. Plus I’ve discovered that the lines on my forehead always look better if I use the roller in the morning and at night, consistently, for a good few days.

Just one note of caution – be careful if you do purchase one, not to use it to apply serums or creams. I did exactly this for the first few days and found that it left me with lots of little pimples. Not quite the effect I was hoping it would have! I have since learned that it’s better to use on a cleansed face. So I clean my face and then after washing the roller (if you pop it under the cold water tap, it makes it extra cold!) I use it before applying my serums and moisturiser. And guess what? I haven’t had any pimples since.

THE CLEANSER

I am an affectionate admirer of this lovely, unassuming cleanser. It doesn’t look fancy nor does it claim to do anything extraordinary but for the price it is brilliant and I’m not sure can be beaten.

Superdrug’s Vitamin E Hot Cloth Cleanser is cheap, cheerful and does a really good job, leaving me with cleansed, super soft and glowing skin. My tip? Ditch the muslin cloth it comes with and use it with a flannel instead as it’s much kinder to the skin and feels nicer too.

THE DRINK

Real beauty always comes from within, so drink water and drink a lot of it! It’s probably the easiest (and cheapest)  thing we can do to make a real difference to our skin (not to mention health) and yet so many of us, including me, are pretty rubbish at it.

I’m not a fan of cold water per se, particularly when it’s colder, so I take mine boiled and cooled down, with a big squeeze of fresh lemon instead. It’s boring advice I know but I find that drinking lots of water always make a difference.

Would love to hear of your favourites or your thoughts if you’ve tried any of my beloved products above. Leave a comment below or say hi on social media.