Skincare Swaps

Hello everyone, welcome back! Since the start of lockdown, I’ve been channelling my energies into updating and rehauling my current skincare routine. After watching various YouTube videos, reading multiple articles and gathering info on all the different serums, moisturisers and cleansers out there, I’ve managed to pick out products that are actually good for you and aren’t part of one big marketing ploy. So I’m throwing out the old and embracing the new by breaking down all the skincare swaps and additions I’ve made to my routine, giving my thoughts and opinions on the products I’ve been trying out and making some recommendations for anyone looking to switch up their own skincare game.

*DISCLAIMER* PLEASE don’t take my views as gospel! Lots of products work and react differently for every person, so if one of my current faves isn’t quite your cup of tea, then that’s okay! I’m also NOT a skin expert. This is all information that I’ve picked up from doing my own research, so if you want to discuss your skin issues further, I would recommend visiting a dermatologist, aesthetician or a doctor to get some professional advice.

Morning Routine

Cleanser -> Eye Cream -> Moisturiser with Hyaluronic Acid or Niacinamide -> Sunscreen

Evening Routine (no makeup)

Micellar water  -> Purifying lotion -> Toner -> Lactic /Salicylic acid -> Eye Cream 

Evening Routine (makeup)

Cleansing oil -> Cleanser -> Lactic/Salicylic acid -> Eye Cream

STEP 1: CLEANSE

OLD: Baby/Makeup wipes; NEW: Double cleansing

Wipes have always been super handy for taking off layers of makeup after a messy night out, but they really should be left for those times when a whole routine seems like WAY too much effort. Despite being a classic staple in many skincare routines, wipes merely push the makeup around the face instead of taking it off effectively, leaving a thin film that can clog pores. Also, dragging a wipe across the face is a harsh action in itself, causing irritation and can lead to wrinkles further down the line.

A good swap to make is introducing a double cleanse system into your routine. Think of it like washing your hair; you wash your hair twice – once to lift the dirt, then again to remove it – and that’s pretty much how double cleansing works too. For makeup-heavy days, I LOVE massaging a cleansing oil all over my face, lifting the excess product from my skin and breaking it down. I’m currently using the Simple one, which is super effective at getting rid of everything but doesn’t leave my face feeling mega oily. I then follow up with my favourite cleanser to make sure there’s nothing’s left. For those bare-faced days, I gently smooth a cotton pad of micellar water over my face, then follow with a purifying lotion and toner to lightly cleanse.

OLD: Neutrogena/Clean & Clear; NEW: Simple Skincare 

I’ve tried various cleansers over the years, and the brightly-coloured packaging and too-good-to-be-true claims managed to suck me in every time. As a teen, I loved using Neutrogena’s Refreshing Clear Face Wash (its grapefruit fragrance smelt INCREDIBLE!) and the Clean and Clear Exfoliating Daily Wash became a staple for attempting to combat my hormonal breakouts. 

But over time, I found that you don’t need flashy, nice-smelling cleansers for them to be effective. I’ve been using Simple’s ones for a good few years now, but I’ve recently fallen in love with their new Water Boost Micellar Gel Wash. It doesn’t leave my face dry like other cleansers do, but is just as effective at getting rid of the day’s dirt and makeup.

STEP 2: TREAT

OLD: Apricot scrubs; NEW: Lactic acid/Salicylic acid

I used to SWEAR by apricot scrubs, particularly when I lived in the US. The air-con would constantly dry out my skin, so that extra bit of daily exfoliation was needed to slough away the dead skin. However, I don’t need to exfoliate every day anymore, and I’ve found that the irregular-sized particles within the scrubs can be really harsh and irritating on the face. 

Instead, I’ve been slowly introducing chemical exfoliation into my routine, which uses naturally-derived acids to gently buff away dead skin cells and unclog blocked pores, revealing beautifully smooth skin. Lactic acid, derived from milk, is my current acid of choice as it’s super gentle on the skin and helps retain moisture – perfect for acid novices like myself. It’s also amazing for improving multiple skin issues including hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and improving fine lines and wrinkles, so it’s really suitable for most skin types. I’ve also been obsessed with using salicylic acid. Derived from willow bark, it’s the go-to product for targeting those pesky spots as it penetrates deep into the pores and breaks down all the gunk hiding beneath the surface, reducing the initial swelling and redness. 

A piece of advice for acid beginners – take it SLOW! I tend to use lactic acid one night, salicylic acid the next and then take a break day, just to avoid mixing the acids and giving my skin time to recover. Unlike the instant results you get from using scrubs, it does take time for acids to work their magic, so you may experience purging. This means that acne will initially crop up before improving, but be patient – your skin will thank you in the long run!

OLD: No eye cream; NEW: Eye cream

There’s been a lot of debate over eye creams and whether they’re actually beneficial for your delicate under-eye area, but personally I LOVE using them. As a contacts wearer, my eyelids and under-eyes have become a bit more sensitive in recent years and can get dry pretty quickly, so eye creams can offer that extra bit of TLC that they need.

At the moment, I’ve been OBSESSED with CeraVe’s eye cream. It has a lovely, creamy texture that smooths so easily around my eyes, instantly taking away the dryness and giving them that extra moisture boost!

STEP 3: MOISTURISE & PROTECT

OLD: Nivea/Jergen’s; NEW: CeraVe moisturiser and Hyaluronic acid/Niacinamide

There’s nothing better than massaging a rich, thick and creamy moisturiser into your face every morning, and I loved using the classic Nivea Creme and Jergen’s Multipurpose Cream in the US as they kept my dry skin moisturised and hydrated. But naturally I don’t have super dry skin, and I’ve gradually phased them out of my routine as they started clogging my pores and were causing more harm than good.

I switched to CeraVe’s Daily Moisturiser, which is perfect for my combination skin. Despite being formulated for dry skin, it sinks in SO well as it contains hyaluronic acid and ceramides – active ingredients that are great at retaining moisture – but is still light enough to use every single day. I also like to mix in a little more hyaluronic acid as a booster or add some niacinamide. Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 and is a fantastic all-rounder that I think everyone should be using. From reducing excess oil to combatting hyperpigmentation, improving fine lines and brightening the skin, this little hero product is a great place to start if you want to venture into the serum world. I found that the amount of blackheads on my forehead and nose dramatically reduced whilst using it, which is amazing as they are notoriously difficult to keep under control!

OLD: No sunscreen; NEW: Sunscreen

As mentioned in my July monthly favourites, I’ve been incorporating sunscreen more into my routine as it’s really important for preventing aging and sun damage. At the start of lockdown I used to wear it every day, but I found that it started to clog the pores on my chin and jawline. So instead, I apply a thin layer when leaving the house to protect my skin. La Roche Posay’s sunscreen is still my favourite as it’s super lightweight and easy to apply, as well as being specifically formulated for sensitive eyes like mine.

To conclude, my skincare routine AND my skin are far from perfect and I’m constantly learning new things all the time, but I’ve been super impressed with the products I’ve been using so far and I cannot wait to (hopefully) see some sort of improvements in my skin. Let me know in the comments below what your favourite skincare items are; I’m always on the hunt for new recommendations to try out!

Thanks for reading, see you in the next one!

Fiona xx

A Week of Outfits: Autumn Edition

Hello everyone, welcome back to Fi.Gee! I know it’s been a LOOONG time since I’ve posted on here; I decided to take a bit of a pause from everything to clear my head and evaluate where I’m at in life. But now I’m BACK, and I’m ready to create some more awesome content for you lovely lot!

As the months start to get a bit darker and gloomier, there’s nothing better than pulling out huge jackets, comfy sweatshirts and sturdy boots from the corners of our wardrobes to see us through another cold period. However, my wardrobe was severely lacking in anything transitional to carry me through the autumn, so I took myself on a BIG shopping spree to splurge on some key pieces from this season’s collections. I’ve curated a week of outfits that combine brand-spanking new pieces with some old favourites, showcasing the latest trends that I’ve been trying out and loving!

Outfit 1

I’m SO GLAD to see the return of long-sleeved roll-necks underneath sweatshirts and t-shirts, and this ever-popular layering trend is perfect for transitioning into the autumn. This white bodysuit adds that extra layer of warmth to the outfit, and despite the fabric being very see-through, I love wearing it under this tennis jumper which is super cosy and fleeced-lined! If anyone’s looking for their first item of leather clothing, I cannot recommend these trousers enough; Topshop’s petite range manages to nail the trouser length every time, as these are the perfect fit for my short legs! The felt lining adds another toasty layer and makes the trousers easy to slip in and out of, avoiding a messy Ross Geller/talcum powder situation! 

  • White roll-neck bodysuit (pack of two): Pretty Little Thing, £18.
  • Blue tennis jumper: Boohoo (SOLD OUT –  check the Boohoo website for similar styles!)
  • Leather trousers: Topshop, £35.99.
  • Trainers (worn throughout): Nike Air Force 1 Lows.
  • Blue headband (pack of three): Claire’s, £3 (originally £5).
  • Jewellery (worn throughout): Gold/pearl (£10) and gold bee (£6) necklaces – Brandy Melville. Gold T-bar ring – Sugar + Style, Camden, £6. Purple peridot and pearl ring – my own. Star, opal and blue eye rings (£2.50 each), gold disc necklace (£3) and star and moon earrings (£3) – all from White Rose, Nottingham.

Outfit 2

I’ve been after a pair of Burberry-inspired checked trousers for a while, so when Nasty Gal came out with these, I had to snap them up. They pair perfectly with these gorgeous platform boots from Topshop; I was sceptical about them at first as I wasn’t sure if the chunky sole would suit my tiny 5’4 stature, but I’ve truly fallen head-over-heels in love with them. Despite taking a bit of time to break them in, they’ve become my new favourite shoes for the autumn, and I love their versatility – I am a chunky boot CONVERT! I spotted this t-shirt in Brandy Melville and couldn’t not take it home. It’s super baggy and oversized – a trend I’m obsessed with at the moment – and I LOVE the super cute bears on the front! Finally, I absolutely adore this oversized denim jacket. I’ve been on the hunt for a jacket like this for SO LONG, so when I picked this up in Zara’s men’s section, I was ecstatic. A medium is ideal for that oversized vibe and I love having the two front pockets for holding all my stuff in, making it practical and comfy!

  • White roll-neck bodysuit: As before.
  • Yosemite t-shirt: Brandy Melville, £22.
  • Checked trousers: Nasty Gal, £15 (originally £30). (side-note: Nasty Gal bottoms tend to run small, so I’d recommend sizing down from your normal size when shopping!)
  • Denim jacket: Zara (men’s), £29.99.
  • Boots (worn throughout): Topshop, £42.99.

Outfit 3

Graphic t-shirts have definitely seen a resurgence in the past few years, so pairing roll-necks underneath them is the best way to showcase the coolest designs I’ve been collecting, as well as keeping me toasty warm in the autumnal weather. My beloved Frank Ocean t-shirt is from Cold Prints, an Instagram-based shop from Bristol, and I always rave about their 90’s-inspired designs as they’re so unique and creative. Checked shackets (aka shirt jackets) are all the rage this season, but the women’s ones can be incredibly expensive. So instead, I headed to H&M’s men’s section to find something similar to snuggle into, and I instantly fell in love with this overshirt. The fleece lining adds a lovely cosy layer and the brown hues give it that perfect autumn vibe – at £17.99, I think it’s a total BARGAIN!

Outfit 4

Granted, this skirt is more of a spring/summer vibe, but by pairing it with a cosy sweatshirt and boots, you can definitely extend those skirt-wearing days right into the autumn. I bought this one from Motel Rocks for a sunny day date in London and I absolutely LOVE it; it’s the perfect mid-length for my short frame and has a sexy side split if you fancy showing off your legs. Although, you could definitely get away with wearing tights underneath the skirt if the thought of bare legs makes you shiver! A good-quality black sweatshirt is a staple for anyone’s wardrobe and I found this one in H&M’s men’s section for a tenner, which is a great price considering the quality is fantastic and can be worn all year round. The chunky boots nail that edgy yet girly vibe – a classic and ever-popular trend that I’m super excited to try out more.

Outfit 5

I posted this outfit on my personal Instagram story the other day and the response to it was AMAZING! It’s so far outside my comfort zone, but I’m honestly obsessed with it and the urban, punky, almost androgynous vibe it gives off. The Pop Smoke t-shirt is another Cold Prints creation and it’s uber cool – one of the only drunken impulse buys that I don’t regret! I’ve paired it with the black version of the roll-neck bodysuit and these blue cargo trousers, which definitely set the tone for the rest of the outfit. They’re slightly baggy in the legs which make them SO comfy to wear, and the two large pockets on the thighs add to the utility vibe, making them incredibly easy to style accordingly. The boots really cement the look, and makes me want to stomp around like a badass all day!

  • Black roll-neck bodysuit (pack of two): As before.
  • Limited edition Pop Smoke t-shirt: Cold Prints (NO LONGER SOLD – check out their online shop and Instagram page @coldprintsstore for similar styles!)
  • Cargo trousers: Pretty Little Thing, £22.

Outfit 6

This outfit is super casual and laidback, as I wanted to create a cool, hip-hop vibe to reflect the t-shirt’s graphic. Space Jam is such an iconic film and I loved watching the Looney Tunes cartoons as a kid, so I was gassed to snap this up as it’s such a cool design and brings back all that childhood nostalgia. The mom jeans were a recommendation from my gorgeous gal pals and I’m so glad they put me onto these. I love the vintage blue colour and the denim itself is super thick and sturdy, so they’ll last ages. Paired with my well-loved Air Forces and a simple blue bandana, this 90’s-inspired outfit is definitely here to stay.

Outfit 7

To round off the week of outfits, I’ve gone super-chilled with my favourite flares and a simple sweatshirt to emanate a cosy Sunday spent lazing around the house and binging our favourite Netflix shows. If anyone knows me, I absolutely ADORE wearing flares and this pair are the newest addition to my collection, renewing my old ones that have become a little see-through! I’ve paired them with this Chicago sweatshirt from Boohoo Man; I wish I’d known about their sweatshirts sooner, as I love lounging around in this one – it’s SO COMFY! To complete the look, I’ve added a simple light blue hairband; I love getting packs of these as they’re handy for keeping my crazy long hair back and are cute enough to wear at any time!

  • White sweatshirt: Boohoo Man (SOLD OUT –  check the Boohoo website for similar styles!)
  • Flares: Boohoo, £9.
  • Light blue headband (pack of three): As before.

So, there you have it – a whole week’s worth of outfit and styling ideas for the cold Autumn months that have crept up on us very quickly! Let me know which ones your favourites in the comments below or feel free to connect with me on my Instagram at @fi_dot_gee!

Thanks for reading, see you in the next one!

Fiona xx

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