For some reason, I've always liked the Botanics line from Boots and have more than a few items on staple. They are affordably priced and perform really well especially for my deep cleansing routines. With some weekly diligence and the aid of these sensible drugstore offerings, my skin has kept quite clear and smooth these days.
Ah, this would be my favorite of all, and I have been using it for ever. I dislike the current packaging quite a bit (and grumble everytime I open a new bottle) because I do not think this particular formulation should be "spritzed". It is more like a gentle astringent and contains alcohol. I do not like the idea of closing my eyes tightly when I should be most relaxed.
Luckily, I still have the vintage bottle (as you see in the pic above - isn't it pretty?) and pour the content in the glass bottle. For me, this toner is the last step of cleansing and I like using cotton pads with it, so it works better this way. I hope the folks at Boots will bring the old plastic bottle back if the hefty glass one is not an option anymore.
Other than the packaging, it is pretty much perfect for me to finish the cleansing step and tone my skin. The realistic almost shy rose scent is pleasurable and refreshing. If you have normal to oily skin, do give it a try. Highly recommended.
I am on my third tube and might try something else next time, but I find this quite effective to rid of impurities from wearing waterproof sunscreen and makeup. It contains some salicylic acid (from willow bark) to control acne yet it is not irritating at all. Don't get me wrong, though. It dries up pretty quickly on face and has that tight feeling, but it leaves skin supple and clean. I like using this once a week before shower (like all other mud based masks, it makes the sink messy). This clay mask doesn't sting, and rinses off clean and fast as well.
I purchased this on a whim during the spring when I was looking for some light oil to occasionally mix with my foundation. This oil with medium consistency worked nicely for that, but I quickly started using it on its own whenever my face felt tight and looking uneven. The oil has a very faint herbal scent that is almost sweet. I also mix it with my unscented body lotion from CeraVé (another staple) to boost hydration. The dropper makes it easy.
Lately, I've been doing deep-cleansing twice a week, and it has made a visible difference for me. These affordable and easy-to-find products from Boots are a big part of the routine, which I want to share with you below. It is fairly easy but could be too much for sensitive dry skin, so please keep that in mind.
- Apply cleansing oil and massage face gently yet thoroughly. You might feel some whiteheads are already loosened up and even come out of the pores. Rinse off.
- On wet face, apply a gentle exfoliator and massage. Gentle is the keyword here.
- Apply your choice of deep cleansing mask (Shine Away Ionic Clasy Mask for me at the moment). Let it dry. Rinse off.
- Slough off dead skin cells with Clarisonic and a mild foaming cleanser. This step is totally optional and I actually don't recommend it to most people. I do it anyway. (*shrugs*)
- Tone and soothe with a toner (Rosewater Toning Spritz on cotton pads).
- Apply a few drop of facial oil (Boots Botanics Facial Oil) or a sheet mask (I like Hada Labo Shirojyun).
- Take a nap.
I hope you enjoyed this post. Feel free to share some of your favorite skincare routines with me.
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