Facialist & Skincare Pro Michaella Bolder Shares Her Skincare Routine
In The Morning…
Mornings for me are all about waking up my mind. I have the Lumie Bodyclock which, in my opinion, is the best way to be woken up. Before I do anything else, I’ll make a hot water and lemon, and drink it while I make the beds and tidy up. If I am lagging for any reason, I’ll opt for a juice in the morning instead, like a celery and green apple one. This cleanses the body and skin while delivering a huge vitamin C boost.
My routine always starts with an oil cleanser. The one I’m loving right now is Medik8’s Lipid Balance Cleansing Oil. I start by opening my lymphatic system up with a full-on, deep tissue facial massage, using my fingers and knuckles. This encourages blood circulation and livens up the facial muscles. The benefit of an oil cleanser is it gives you slip to move effortlessly around your facial contours, without ever tugging or dragging on your skin.
Then, a cold splash of water is essential. Without fail, every time after I remove my cleanser, I splash my face about 30 times with cold water. It completely awakens my senses and closes my pores for a smoother, more even surface. One you’ve tried it you’ll never look back.
Serums are my go-to in the morning. After cleansing, I follow up with a vitamin C serum. Preferably a pH formula (as this is less astringent) like Vita C’s Serum. Then, I apply Lancome’s Genefique as it is brimming with hyaluronic acid for plenty of hydration and nourishment. Finally, I layer up De Mamiel’s First Fix Serum for a probiotic boost. It’s incredibly soothing, keeps the skin calm and gives you a plumper-looking complexion. Once all my serums are applied, I use my Augustinus Bader Rich Cream, followed by an SPF 30 if I am heading outside. Finally, two to three times a week, I finish with a misting of St Tropez’s Purity Face Mist – it’s brilliant for providing a delicate winter glow.
My routine changes monthly. In terms of the application and what comes where, everything stays consistent, but I do switch up the products I use frequently. I think it’s important to do so, as you should cater to your skin’s needs. For instance, the weather, your hormones and general lifestyle can all impact your skin, so it’s key you adapt your products and formulas accordingly.
In The Evening…
For me, night-time equals downtime. I tend to remove my make-up and cleanse my face quite early while my daughter is in the bath. This is always a double cleanse, with another facial massage. I use my gua sha tool at night to get right into the grooves of my face, draining any toxins that are hanging around.
The evening is also a great time to exfoliate. I like to do this after cleansing, at least two to three times a week. Right now, I am using the Dr Dennis Gross Peel Pads, then following up with a hyaluronic serum and a facial oil, too – I love the Decelor Neroli one for its silky-smooth finish.
Staggering my routine throughout the evening is key. It’s better when I am time poor, too, but it can also increase relaxation. For instance, after cleansing, I’ll sometimes add in a face mask, or have a session with my Dr Dennis Gross LED Mask. It’s a great way to bring something extra to your regime, without creating endless steps.
Finally, I swear by a good body brush. I do this morning and night at least three to four times a week. Using two body brushes, I run both of them over my skin in circular motions before jumping in the shower. I’ll then use an uplifting body wash – my go to is Le Labo’s Noir in 29 – and really massage it into my limbs to stimulate blood flow. Once I’m out the shower, I’ll apply my body serum from Goldfaden MD Firm Believer, then an all-over body cream, like Forlle’d Hyalogy Body Treatment. I’ll finish off the entire evening with a camomile tea, then spritz both my bed and SLIP eye mask with a lavender spray.
Book an online virtual skincare consultation or a one-on-one facial massage tutorial with Michaella here. Or email her on facial@michaellabolder.com to book a treatment at her London clinic. Follow @MichaellaBolder for more.
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