As winter is in full swing and the weather in London has dropped to 0 and somedays below, my skincare routine has had to change to suit it's needs and take to what it's being faced with each day. Essentially, it's had to have a bit of a soothing and hydration boost. The blistering cold winds outside and central heating inside confuses skin leaving it to feel dehydrated on a day to day basis. This is when it's time to amp up the skincare routine, adding in extra products where needed, whether it being a mask, a more intense serum or an ultra comforting, rich cream. Whilst getting to grips with a routine to work with my skin this winter, I've discovered new serums, face masks and shots... but not the kind you drink, complexion shots.  

SERUMS // Naturally, us folk believe that moisturisers are what provide us with hydration, it is in the name after all but what you really need, is a serum. Serums should be apart of your morning and evening routine and should be applied before your cream which will then lock in the serum, keeping your skin hydrated for a long period of time. I've been reaching for a few of serums throughout the winter from Vichy, Origins and Pai, a different one for a different concern.

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum* gives skin the optimum amount of intense hydration, helping to soothe sensitive and dehydrated skin, restoring comfort and a healthy complexion. Enriched in hyaluronic acid, skin is protected from the daily aggressors we face such as heating, pollution and the cold weather, making thus the perfect serum for confused, winter skin. 

When my skin is undergoing a mid week crisis, the Origins Original Skin Renewal Serum* is my new best friend. A serum that has an active ingredient of Willow Herb and restores skin in 5 ways, is one worth keeping in my routine. Working at de-stressing, smoothing, refining, shrinking pores and minimising flaws, this Origins number gives skin back, the glow it's lost leaving a vibrant, perfected complexion. The best news? It's suitable for dry, normal and oily skin. 

The newest serum addition that is apart of my skincare shelfie, is the Pai Copaiba and Zinc Perfect Balance Serum*, designed to calm inflamed blemishes in the gentlest way, this is a great serum for times when skin is feeling clogged, for when you feel a blemish coming or you want to reduce an existing blemish. Copaiba's unique triple action complex has many an anti property from anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant helping to really target those blemishes that just won't go. Zinc has been used to reduce skins shine and congestion but to hydrate, so skin is never left feeling dry and your skin never has a dull moment. 

MASKS // This is where I really like to treat my skin and ramp up the moisture, glow, nourishment and calm everything down. I don't believe in only applying a mask once or twice a week, I'll listen to my skin and use one when it feels and looks as though it needs one, whether that is just twice a week or four times a week. I have a few favourites that I find myself reaching for each week and with my skin being stressed at the moment, I've introduced some masks with more advanced ingredients into my routine. 

Aromatherapy Associates Inner Strength Soothing Repair Mask* has been specially formulated for sensitive skin and skin that is bombarded with aggressors of living in a city each day. Plant based Prebiotic's help strengthen the skins protective barrier to prevent the skin from being affected from such aggressors in the future. The camomile is perfect for soothing and minimising redness, instantly reducing skins stress levels in the 20 minutes a thick layer is soaking into the skin. 

Another option for those days when skin is suffering is the new Ren Ultra Comforting Rescue Mask*, a newly launched product that came in perfect timing for a winter routine. Again, thus has been specially developed to combat redness and to strengthen the protective barrier to prevent skin becoming stressed, promoting long term, healthy skin. Suitable for all skin types, this is a lovely mid week treat to hydrate, nourish and repair the skin for the result of luminosity and velvet like skin. 

EXTRAS // Here's where I introduce some extra good bits to my routine that take everything to the next level, whether it's a luxurious cleansing oil, eye masks or lip gels but in today's case, it's a complexion shot and a deliciously sounding (and smelling) eye cream. Adding extra's into your skincare routine is a great way to give your skin a boost and to get in that added hydration and nourishment, helping everything be, the best it can. 

Antipodes Manuka Honey Mask has been a favourite of mine since the beginning and then they brought out a Manuka Honey Eye Cream*, which is just as heavenly to use and works just as well. Enriched in Silk Flower, Manuka Honey and Vananza from grape seeds, this is a ultra creamy and rich eye cream that brightens, hydrates and nourishes, leaving you with radiant and fresh eyes. You can wave goodbye to fatigued eyes and dark circles with this super invention. 

When I've had a busy week at work, late nights and general stress, the exhaustion kicks in and my skin really takes the hit. My eyes start to look tired and my skins glow dulls down resulting in a not so youthful and alive looking complexion. This is when the Time Bomb B12 Complexion Cocktail* steps in, a innovative product formulated with Vitamins B12 and B3 to kick skins energy back into gear, Ginseng to improve micro circulation, putting the colour back into my face and lastly, an ultra powerful blend of 12 Amino Acids and 2 types of Hyaluronic Acid that replenish skins surface. It's fair to say it's a miracle working, feeding the skin with all sorts of goodness. 

How do you adapt and change your skincare routine according to the weather?