A while ago I spoke of a skincare routine experiment that hideously went wrong (check it here), and while most of the products in that routine were really good for Autumn, I decided to switch things up a bit and tailor it a bit more to what my skin needs at the moment. Winter is here (it finally started snowing a few days ago!), so soothing, protecting and hydrating are what I’m all about these days. A few tweaks here and there might be a bit of an understatement, most products have been replaced by richer versions, like a snuggly sweater and a cashmere scarf for my skin, all rolled into one.

Taking over from the Radical Hydrating Cleanser is the 001 Skincare Exfoliating and Conditioning Cleanser*, which, though less hyrating, is a lot more soothing and balancing, with an added exfoliation to boost (so one less product to use and a minute longer in bed!). A triple performer: it completely eliminates all that morning puffiness, it relaxes and calms my skin and somehow manages to give this can’t fake it healthy glow. Unusually brand-loyal for my doing (I usully just mix & match several brands), I follow this up with the 001 Skincare Pure Lavender Hydrolat Toner*, one of the best toners I’ve had in yonks, and the 001 Skincare Active Marine Concentrate*, for that anti-ageing boost us 30-plus gals need. Like a one-two-three punch for me face to wake me up! By now, prepping, priming and protecting is done, so time to dive into the richness of full on hydration.

Straight after the serum, I warm a few drops of the Aesop Fabulous Face Oil in the palms of my hand and softly press that on my skin. Somebody once told me that face oil is like a primer for a moisturiser – it helps the moisturiser blend and absorb better. Juniper berries, jasmine and ylang ylang are three of nine botanicals that are the core of the this oil, and though it has some great hydrating and softening qualities and has a way of detoxifying patchy skin, this isn’t the fix-all, end-all face oil to top all other (Pai, you know you still hold that title…)

All oiled up and good to go? Not quite, I quickly apply a dab of the Verso Super Eye Serum* to zap away (and keep at bay) those fine lines and dark circles with the brand’s famed powerful Retinol 8 complex, and then, last but not least, the Vichy Liftactiv Supreme*, a rich, creamy slick of wrinkle busting goodness, you can just feel the moisture sink in and you skin feels ready for the day to come. Time to get started!