They’re few and far between these days but there’s something about tossing aside your slobbies and slippers and getting dressed up for a night out with your beau. Whether it’s a trip to the cinema or a slap-up meal, it still gives me butterflies almost 6 years on! Amongst the chaos and stress of everyday life, I’m a big believer in date nights every now and again to take a breather, have fun with each other and step away from the everyday routine. Because let’s face it, separating your darks and de-scaling the kettle may be necessary but it’s not exactly sexy! Although my make-up routine will still be relatively low-key, I love to amp up my date night skincare – not only is it the perfect excuse for a bit of ‘me’ time pampering, how my skin looks, feels and smells is as much a part of the night as my outfit and hair do.
I have a very specific date night skincare routine and it’s one that I’ve perfected for some time, albeit it with slightly different products but it’s quick, effective and makes my skin sparkle.
THE RITUAL OF DAO SHOWER FOAM BY RITUALS
This is my all-time favourite body skincare brand at the moment and I’ve been saving these products for such a long time! To prepare my skin for the wedding, I’ve updated all of my in-shower products to incorporate really hydrating and softening ingredients. My skin is very dry and now that winter is finally over my priority is to get it back to its best.
Rituals focuses on balancing your skin and creating beautiful, spa-worthy products that benefit your mind as well as your body through the scents they use. The Shower Foam is my latest date night skincare must-have as it includes White Lotus which leaves my skin smelling like a warm summer’s night, and Yi Yi Ren, which is regularly used in Chinese medicine for overall skin wellbeing.
THE RITUAL OF DAO BODY SCRUB BY RITUALS
Body scrubs are like gold dust in my house! Not only do they leave your skin sparkling and new, they also make your limbs look more toned and smooth. I have incredibly sensitive skin and find that harsh scrubs can scratch my skin rather than buff it, but this Rituals scrub is the perfect all-rounder thanks to its Chinese Bamboo particles within a rich cream base. This also really important to ensure your skin is nourished rather than dried out which some body scrubs can do in an instant.
I always leave my body scrubs on the skin for as long as possible, allowing them to sink in and dissolve any dead skin that I’ve missed. Although it’s tempting to aggressively rubbing the skin with the product, it actually causes more harm than good and it’s actually not necessary – small circular motions is more than enough to do the job.
My only issue with this is that it’s such a small pot!
FRANGIPANI MONOI SHOWER CREAM BY ELEMIS
I know I’ve included two body washes but I actually use a small amount of this Elemis Frangipani Monoi Shower Cream on my dry skin after a shower or bath to keep it super soft all evening. I was told about this little trick from a make-up artist on a photoshoot and have been doing it every since. It only works with highly nourishing bath and shower creams as opposed to gels or soaps but it’s worth a try. Plus, if you haven’t smelt this yet, the only way I can describe it is Hawaii in a tube – soft, floral and totally tropical, it’s heaven!
BALANCING TONER BY ELEMIS
When I step out of the bath and shower, the first thing I reach for is this spray-on toner. It breathes new life into my skin by instantly plumping it out, leaving it dewy and fresh. By rebalancing our skin’s pH levels, it tones it on contact and purifies the complexion without the usual harsh alcohol ingredients you typically find in toners. Sure, they make our face look like glass, but they upset the balance of the skin which can actually create sensitivities. And let’s face it, red, angry skin is not ideal for date night!
THE RITUAL OF DAO BODY MOISTURISER BY RITUALS
Now that my skin is warm, buttery soft and sparkling clean, it’s almost calling out for moisture which is when I turn to this little gem. Yep, Rituals again (can you tell I’m loving this brand yet?!) When it comes to date night, I want my skin to have a gorgeous, subtle, natural sheen that you can only get from good skincare. The kind that catches the light and looks touchably silky – that’s my aim and this moisturiser delivers. Every. Time. It smells like fresh flowers and that stays on my skin until my next shower which is so rare with body creams. It’s a winner!
PIGMENTCLAR DAY UV SPF 30 BY LA ROCHE POSAY
Date night skincare starts with a really good moisturiser and this is my current fave. My complexion is going through a bad patch at the moment due to stress so I’m exploring new, calmer products that are gentler on my skin which La Roche Posay are perfect for. This daily moisturiser is specific for stressed-out, uneven skin that needs a bit of TLC. Not only does it reduce the appearance of dark spots, it protects your skin from pollution and UV rays that cause them in the first place. Light enough to use under make-up, it sinks into the skin quickly, leaving a silky smooth layer over the complexion ready for your base. I’m obsessed!
With thanks to The Wellesley Hotel
SHOP THE POST
