Three times this week I’ve been asked what I do to my skin… so I’m taking a break from my usual subject matter to write about it here.

Just to be very clear: I am not a beauty editor or skincare expert. I only know about my own skin (which is dry), but from all the reading I’ve done over the years, I do think there are certain basic things skin needs to look its best.

Obviously what you eat, drink, how much you sleep, and how much you exercise all impact your skin too, so I should also say that I sleep 7–8 hours a night, drink 2–3 litres of water a day, and exercise five times a week.

I also don’t have facials (although I am obsessed with lymphatic drainage), and I haven’t had any tweakments. I say this because there is only so much skincare can do, and the results you want will ultimately determine the path you choose.

But just like knowing which clothes help you look and feel your best, there’s something satisfying about knowing the skincare products that help your skin feel its best too — healthy, bright, and cared for.

Deep breath… here goes.

Morning Routine

ZiiP Halo
A skin device that uses nano and microcurrent to plump and lift the face. I apply their gel first and then choose a programme depending on what my skin needs that day. I am religious about this. (There’s a discount code when you click the link below)

Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel
A simple gel cleanser that cleans very well without leaving my skin dry.

Tatcha The Essence
Like a toner… but not. It hydrates and seems to supercharge the rest of my products. I was gifted this, so we’ll see if I miss it when it runs out.

Paula’s Choice Vitamin C
This also contains ferulic acid, a plant-based antioxidant that stabilises and boosts Vitamin C — essentially making it work better. I’ve used this for years.

COSMEDIX Opti Crystal Liquid Eye Serum
I’ve tried other eye creams because this is expensive, but I keep coming back to it.

Emma Lewisham Supernatural Vitale Face Elixir
I used to use La Roche-Posay Hyaluronic Acid daily, but I switched to this New Zealand brand because I love the smell and texture.

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
I received this in the Harvey Nichols Christmas Beauty Advent Calendar and genuinely cannot believe how good it is. I never want to use anything else. But remember — my skin is dry. I also really like Tatcha’s Dewy Skin Cream, which doesn’t come with quite such an eye-watering price tag.

Heliocare 360 Sunscreen
I love this because it’s light, slightly tinted, and sits beautifully under makeup.

Then I move on to very minimal makeup. I’ve used Chantecaille Just Skin for about 20 years, and a newer discovery I’m obsessed with is the Rodial Blush Drops, which give that glassy, fresh-skin look.

I also put collagen in my coffee… and I’m done.

Evening Routine

Eve Lom Cleanser
I use this when my skin feels vulnerable or needs extra love — mainly in winter. Otherwise I stick with the Dermalogica cleanser above.

The Light Salon LED Mask
I use this every second night. It helps keep pigmentation at bay and improves the overall quality of my skin.

LED Hair Helmet / Head Light
I have genetically very fine hair, and this helps stop it looking even thinner by reducing fallout and making the strands stronger and glossier.

Alpha-H Liquid Gold
I use this twice a week because it resurfaces and exfoliates the skin. I always wake up glowing afterwards.

Boots Retinol 1.0
Retinol boosts cell turnover and stimulates collagen production. I’ve been using retinol and retinal for years, so my skin is very accustomed to it now. If you’re starting out, I’d begin with something gentler like Medik8 Crystal Retinal 3 and build up slowly.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate
I love using this over retinol for extra moisture, or on its own when my skin feels dry. It’s also brilliant on flights.

Medik8 Advanced Night Ceramide Cream
I use this whenever my skin barrier feels compromised.

I’ve added all the products above in the order I use them for easy reference.

Click here. 

One thing I am still looking for is a really good face mask. I have the Drunk Elephant Babyfacial, but I’d love something more vitamin-rich and deeply moisturising. If you have a recommendation, hit reply.

Penny.

P.S. There’s something so nice about knowing what to do with your skincare and when to do it. It’s a bit like our wardrobe app — knowing what to wear and when to wear it. If decision-free dressing appeals, of course it does, book a call.