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I keep messing with my skincare routine but part of this is down to the feeling that I although I love each product that I use individually, they’re not working together to work to the best of their ability on my skin. You might want to grab a snack and a drink for this post as it looks like it’s going to be a long one.
*The ARK Skincare products were gifted but all views and opinions are my own.
About ARK Skincare
ARK Skincare is a British skincare brand producing products which can be integrated into your skincare routine or used to make a whole new one for yourself. Their products are cruelty-free and many of them are also suitable for vegans too. The ranges are designed for different age groups and I’ve been using the Age Defend range which is for anyone aged 30-40. The Age Defend range also ” boosts skin’s collagen production and minimises redness for a calm, supple complexion”.
These ranges are also supported by the skinperfectors range which can be used to treat specific skincare concerns you may have and skinessential which are a range of everyday products and can be used by all skin types and lifestyles.
Make-Up Removal
I don’t wear a lot of make-up (I know, bad blogger) but when I do I like to know that when I take it off, it all comes off. The pre-cleanse and make-up remover* by ARK Skincare (£30 for 150ml) is amazing. Not only does it smell like a facial in a bottle but it actually removes all my make-up. Although I was only gifted a travel size I can definitely see myself repurchasing this in the future.
As with a lot of skincare, a little of this goes a long way. I used way too much the first time I tried it but I’ve now found that a small amount poured into one hand and then rubbed into my face does the job. I then wash it off with hot water and a flannel to make sure all my make-up has been removed. I only use this on days I’ve been wearing make-up as I want to make it last as long as possible.
Cleansing and Toning
I cleanse and tone my skin every day. but the products I use change depending on what I’m doing and how I’m feeling. Most of the time I use the Gentle Cleansing Milk by Caudalie which I apply using cotton wool. But on days that I need to give my skin a deep clean, I use the Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser* (£25 for 200ml).
I’ve been using the cleanser when I’m in the shower as I need to rinse it off and I make a mess doing it any other way. It has a jelly-like consistency and as with all my skincare, I used too much the first time I gave it a try. I love this cleanser and the scent. My skin feels clean once I’ve used it but there’s no dryness or tightness which I usually associate with cleansers which need to be rinsed off. Adding this cleanser into my skincare routine means I know I’ll be stepping out the shower with a clean face and only needing to tone and moisturise.
When it comes to toning I’m addicted to the Pixi Rose Tonic and it’s one of the few toners that helps to calm my rosacea particularly after a hot shower which is one of my triggers. I also use the Caudalie Toner after using it’s cleanser as it removes any residue before the Pixi treats my skin and leaves it feeling soft and less red than it would be without the toner.
Moisturising
I have a love/hate relationship with moisturiser. I love what it does for my skin but I hate it when brands either change the recipe or discontinue one that was working for me. Now that I’ve found the Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser* (£35 for 50ml) I don’t think I’ll have this problem.
I love the design of this pot of moisturiser. At first look, I thought I was going to have to delve into the pot for it which although I’ve had to in the past I’m not that keen on doing. Instead, there is a pump that pulls the moisturiser up onto the plate above and means that there isn’t any waste.
The shea butter and olive oil in this moisturiser make my skin feel amazing. While it is a moisturiser that is on the thicker side it doesn’t sit on my skin but instead, it skins in and leaves me feeling moisturised and refreshed. I work in a currency bureau with air-con and it does nasty things to my skin but this seems to counteract all of that.
Sun Protection (SPF)
SPF is an absolute for me at any time of year. Being a fair-skinned girl that burns easily I need to include an SPF in my skincare regime. I had been using a moisturiser which had SPF in it but with a moisturiser that doesn’t, it’s fab to know that I have that extra layer of protection. I also use it on my arms and hands if its warm instead of sun cream as it feels better and sinks in better.
What I also love is that the SPF 30 Primer* (£36 for 30ml) can also be used as a primer before applying make-up. It can be used on its own as a moisturiser or on top of your moisturiser for extra protection. I love the fact that as it’s a 30ml bottle that I can pop it in my bag when I travel hand luggage only.
There you have it, all my thoughts on the ARK Skincare range I was sent and how I’m integrating them into my regular skincare routine. even once they’re finished I’m fairly certain I’ll be repurchasing the products that I’ve tried. I’ve also got my eye on a few other products from the website too.
