Skincare over haul, part one (cleanse and tone)

Over the past few months I have been working on over hauling my skincare routine, which feels like its abit of a trend with loads of beauty bloggers at the moment. I have been desperately trawling reviews and trying out new products, desperate to find my holy grails and I'm pleased to say I think I'm almost there!

Firstly I have to say that what works for me, might not work for everyone so here is the low down on my skin. Its almost balanced, I don't get oily and I dont get any dry flaky areas (I know, boo hoo me right!). My biggest concern is dehydration. My skin gets crepey and lined, especially round my eyes and on my forehead and I'm only in my early 20's. I also get the occasional break out but nothing major, although at the time I think its possibly the end of the world!!

When I started to change things up, I added new things in one by one, trying not to over load my skin with all new products and this seemed to work quite well. The first thing I lost from my previous routine was my beloved cleanse and polish. After some amazing reviews from one of my favourite bloggers, Caroline at beauty mouth, I started using the Emma Hardie Moringa cleansing balm with a muslin cloth. At first I wasnt sure about this cleanser, in fact it was only the cost that made me keep going with it. I got it in my head that it wasn't cleaning my skin properly, but this balm actually cleans it better than any other, its just the fact that it didn't make my skin fell irritated and tight that I think was a whole new concept to me.

The balm is, obviously, a balm texture that you mix with a drop of water and spread over the face. I personal quite dislike the smell in the pot, but it seems to smell much nicer, like essential oils, once its all over your face. It literally doesn't leave a scrap of make up on your face once you clean it off and your skin feels super soft.

After I've patted my skin dry I tone with one of either two products shown above (I actually prefer the Caudalie beauty elixir but I only bought a tiny 30ml bottle and its almost finished). Both of these toners have a beautiful refreshing feel and smell and I love them. When I use the beauty elixir I either spray it onto a cotton wool pad and wipe over my face (usually in the evening) or I spray it into my hands and pat it over the face. With the elixir I have noticed a reduction in the fine line on my forehead so I will 100% be repurchasing this product once the Liz Earle is finished. I'd love to hear if anyone else uses the Caudalie beauty elixir everyday to tone because it does feel like it might be alittle much for everyday but I don't know if I am imagining that?

Keep your eyes pealed for part two, where I'll show you my new moisturiser addiction and all the extras. I am on the look out for a great mask for my skin so if anyone has any recommendations leave a comment please.