I’ve Worked in Beauty for 6 Years & This Is My Routine for Skin That’s Glowy, Not Greasy

I have a secret: I fake my way to great-looking skin.

I want plump, glowing skin that makes people think I’ve had ten hours of sleep, I eat every vegetable in sight and I’ve been going to a beauty therapist for years!

The truth is, I haven’t had a facial in over two years, I am binge eating because I am not getting enough sleep and if fruit ever enters my diet, it’s usually candied and dipped in chocolate.

Despite all of this, I am often complimented on how great my skin looks.

I am not shying away from it - I know it looks good.

Radiant, even skin tone and a texture that looks like velvet (if I do say so myself).

I have been in the beauty world for nearly six years now - let’s not work out the age.

I’ve seen every trend you can think of!

I remember when vitamin C took off, I remember strobing, and don’t even start me on how many renovations of Genifique or Advanced Night Repair I have seen.

Needless to say, I’ve seen it all and tried *nearly* everything.

So what do I use to fake my way to great skin?

Well, unlike Gossip Girl, this is a secret I am willing to tell.

This is my routine on how to get that dewy, glowy finish - perfect for anyone who wants that healthy look and definitely for those who want that natural, no-makeup look.

My Dewy Skin Routine.

Let’s cover the basic question - skin type.

I would say I am your run-of-the-mill, normal skin type.

I get an oily t-zone, don't get too many breakouts so the main focus of my routine is pigmentation, ageing and texture.

I'm also not about a 10-step skincare routine despite having a wardrobe of products at my disposal.

I don’t have time for it nor a desire to stand in front of the mirror for hours on end rubbing and washing products with cotton pads and more.

It’s got to be quick and easy!

Granted, I probably have an easier time with skincare given this.

But I would say that my tips are still ideal for any skin type - just adjust them accordingly for your skin type or concerns.

Considering I have been in beauty for so long, I know my skin pretty well; I know what it can handle.

My overall routine is very focused on a simple three-step AM and PM routine: cleanser, serum and moisturiser (SPF as well, of course).

I have done this for years and continually change out the products but generally stick pretty tight to either vitamin C, niacinamide or alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) in the morning and always retinol at night.

All dermatologists are probably fretting right now - but it works for me.

1. Foaming Cleanser (AM & PM).

This is an absolute key step for me.

I don’t ask much of it - generally speaking, it needs to foam, work in the shower and be easy to dispense.

It cannot be lightweight in texture either.

I want it to really get into all the crevices and give me that washed feeling.

It ideally needs to take the makeup off too.

I use the same cleanser morning and night (yes, I am a two-shower-a-day kinda guy).

My go-to foaming cleansers:

The SkinCeuticals Soothing Cleanser is unreal!

The pump action on that thing is one of the best I have ever seen.

Because I need to use the cleanser in the shower, there is no lost product as you lather the oil to foam - it comes straight out of the bottle as the foam.

It's exceptionally great value for money too and such a great way to enter into this super premium skincare brand. It takes everything off in one go and one pump is all you need.

The Ordinary Glucoside Foaming Cleanser - 150ml ain’t too shabby either.

It’s at the complete opposite end of the price spectrum but actually works a treat. I find a double cleanse is needed with this one.

2. AHA (AM).

For me, this is a critical step that I usually alternate into the routine.

If you have poor texture, particularly around the nose, then you haven’t been using one.

Forget using an aggressive exfoliator with bits in it to get all the crap off. These are usually a little delightfully stingy as they get into all the pores and clean them out while also helping to shed that unwanted dry skin.

The biggest tip here is that after a few weeks of use, it helps your makeup go on so much smoother and helps to give you that dewy glow.

Remember, great makeup performance starts with a great skin texture.

I have used multiple different ones over the years - and some are made for the AM or the PM.

My top picks for AHAs:

Alpha-H Liquid Gold is first on the list.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Glycolic Acid Serum 30ml is possibly one of those lesser-known winners; I mean, you don’t always think to reach for them first. But say you’ve been trialling a lighter potency for a few months, this is a great next step.

As it says on the bottle - bye-bye pores as it cleans them out and gently exfoliates the surface of the skin.

I've found that using it supports the journey towards inner glow - that radiance that people are desperate for.

I am currently using the SkinCeuticals Phloretin CF as my 'acid' and while it’s not an exfoliator, I am still finding fantastic texture payoff due to the vitamin C L-ascorbic acid and ferulic acid combo.

3. Vitamin A/Retinol/Retinal (PM).

I will never go past it!

I am holding off Botox for as long as possible but I cannot deny that the massive line on my forehead is reason for concern.

I am a retinal fan as opposed to retinol because it works faster and from my own experience, appears to just work better on my skin.

As we know, not every active ingredient brand is designed the same and it all comes down to the delivery system so not everything works for me.

I am also a big fan of a retinol regime that advances by strength, so as your skin adjusts, so too can your routine.

This is of course only at night and is usually followed by a hyaluronic acid (HA) moisturiser to give some added comfort to the skin with what can be quite tough ingredients.

Here are a few of my favourite vitamin A treatments:

The Murad Retinal Resculpt Overnight Treatment is potent!

Going for more than just addressing those lines, it literally sculpts the skin as it targets sagging and aims to smooth skin and increase elasticity. It’s like having that therapist treatment!

If you’re looking for something that's stronger, - go with the Aspect Retinol LGS.

It’s an AHA and retinol in one - talk about convenience! Go to sleep and wake up with improved skin in time!

Be warned though, this isn’t for the faint of heart.

As for moisturisers, I generally use whatever I have on hand. As I say, it will often be strongly leaning towards HA to provide comfort to the skin for the other harsher ingredients.

4. Foundation (AM).

My biggest tip for great glowing skin is to get the right foundation.

I am so sick of men being scared of makeup or there being misconceptions about who can and cannot wear it - screw that!

Everyone should be using every trick in the toolbox to fake those ten hours!

For anyone wanting glowing skin, pick up the M.A.C COSMETICS Studio Radiance Face & Body Radiant Sheer Foundation

Lightweight yet buildable, this is my desert island must-have - never to be without! I have used this for years and still believe it to be the GOAT.

It really is a foundation that makes you radiate or glow without it being pearlescent, which is why it’s so great for all.

It looks incredible over a fake tan too! Add a bronzer over the top for the ultimate summer glow all year round.

Final Thoughts.

My routine for sure, isn’t for everyone.

It’s simple but ultra-effective.

It’s not for the skincare aficionado who knows anything and everything about skincare (hello to you Joanna Fleming).

But it’s for someone who needs skincare that is done in literally 60 seconds and delivers a payoff.

Plus, when everything feels just that little bit more expensive at the moment, you need a routine that is going to work - but don’t take my word for it, try it and see the glowing results for yourself.

For more skincare tips and products to try, head here:

• Peptides: The Collagen Boosting Skincare Ingredient You Need to Know

• The Bougie Lip Mask We Can’t Stop Slathering on Our Dry Pouts

• You Can Now Buy Dr. LeWinn’s & Their Cult Collagen Skincare at Adore Beauty