So here I am, as promised, delivering another installment in the creatively-titled ‘skincare series’. Gradually I began making drastic changes to my skincare routine about a year ago but ever since the initial changes I’ve been rather consistent with my morning and evening skincare routine with results that I can’t complain about by any stretch of the imagination. However as one reaches the end of skincare products and is a beauty addict such as I am, some products are purchased and switched in for others and the rare additions are added to the routine, having made the cut.

Not too long ago, I featured the newly-acquired Boots no7 Beautiful Skin Hot Cloth Cleanser($12 CDN) when I confessed my accidental shopping sins. While it is a new addition to the routine, I picked it up to replace the Cleansing Balm from the same line that I actually finished up after loads of use because the formulation was similar and I was curious. As expected, this offering that presumably is created to imitate the oh-so-popular Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish – that I’ve never tried – without the fragrant essential oils seems to be just as nice, rich and soothing whilst removing makeup effectively with a washcloth but it comes with 50 mls of extra product and is housed in the practical pump packaging. The following two products received mention in mere passing in contrast here to the cleanser that I’ve discussed before in some detail.

This purchase was induced by the brand being available at a 20% discount but truly I was interested in adding a serum with all of the benefits they seem to be toted as providing that could be used once or twice daily and the La Roche-Posay Rosaliac AR Intense Localized Redness Serum ($35 CDN) seemed to fit the bill without having irritating alcohol or stuff of that sort. While I don’t suffer from rosacea, I do suffer from redness and all-around skin irritation and this doesn’t have any sort of life-altering ingredients but this glycerin-based serum has proven to be gentle, soothing and hydrating and it has been a valuable addition to the routine. Unlike my serum love, the Indeed Labs Pepta-Bright, this can be used daily, evening and night and I have been doing so. The pump packaging of the serum is also to die for especially if you’re particularly concerned with keeping ingredients stable and avoiding contamination.

With some legitimate sadness and regret, I’ve noted that my beloved brightening and smoothing treatment/serum, Indeed Labs Pepta-Bright has been running dangerously low and I was not ready to be without an effective AHA chemical exfoliant in my routine somehow I ended up at the cash register with the smaller size of the First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads ($14 CDN) – it’s funny how that happens. However, I’ve been impressed to say the least — not only are these alcohol-free AHA-filled cotton pads fairly affordable, they are extremely concentrated yet gentle with their abundant aloe-leaf juice and I’m able to report that they provide the adequate results of a brightening resurfacing chemical exfoliant – and they are so concentrated that I’ve been able to get two uses off of one pad, using both sides individually. The exact percent of the acid doesn’t appear anywhere (that I can find) but I assure you that its concentrated without being irritating in the least. I can see why everyone seems to be holding these pads in high regard but I’m not ready to offer any definite conclusions yet…

Have you tried any of these products? What have you added to your routine as of late?

Maggie, x.