I feel like a terrible beauty blogger for saying it, but I've always found it so difficult to get into a proper skincare routine. It's probably because I'm a lazy so-and-so, but the idea of going through a several-step process before finally being able to get into bed at night, or as soon as my alarm goes off in the morning just hasn't appealed to me and I've always just done the bare minimum.

That is, until recently. Since having the opportunity to use some amazing products, I've found that I've almost fallen into a routine by accident, and I actually enjoy going through my skincare routine, especially in an evening when I can get into bed all squeaky-clean and feeling fresh.

So I thought I'd share my current skincare routine with you all, containing products that I absolutely love and have finally turned my lazy habits around!

Dermalogica Precleanse
I was gifted this product as part of the Dermalogica #skinfluencer programme, but it's very quickly become a skincare staple for me. Double-cleansing has made such a difference to my skin, and although this precleanse is like an oil, it feels really lightweight and just melts away make up and other grime that your skin has picked up through the day.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish
I can honestly say, hand on heart, that I will never use another cleanser again. Cleanse & Polish is my absolute holy grail, not only does it smell divine, it leaves my skin feeling so so soft and nourished.

Dermalogica Daily Microexfoliant
Another one from Dermalogica, I've always been cautious of exfoliators as I hear about some products being too harsh on the skin. This one is made of rice powder, and is perfect for everyday use as the particles are really fine. I only tend to use this in the evening, but it feels so lovely after having make up on all day. I always find my skin looks a little brighter after using it which I love

Freshly Cosmetics Purifying Facial Toner
Freshly are fast becoming one of my favourite brands, and the Facial Toner is just incredible. The lime scent is amazing, it and it feels so refreshing on the face, especially first thing in the morning. I never really saw the point of toning until using this, but I can see after I use it that my skin looks just that little bit more glowing.

Skinkissed Serum
You may have seen my previous blog post talking about this product which I was gifted a few months ago. I love using it in the evening as a little bit of a luxurious treat, as it feels so lovely and nourishing on the skin. It makes my face look so much brighter which I love about it and it's really helped clear up my pesky spots.

Soap & Glory For Daily Youth Moisturiser
My favourite moisturiser EVER! I've been using this product from Soap & Glory on and off for a good couple of years now and I don't think I've ever not replenish it. It smells amazing and feels so lightweight on the skin, but gives amazing results, especially for my super dry skin.

What are your skincare must-haves?

Love,
Sian xo

I've always prided myself on knowing how to be a 'good friend'. I'm usually the one in the friendship group who people know they can rely on to be there, whether that's for advice, a chat or for someone to bring the wine. When a friend's been through a break up or a tough time, I'm normally the first one there offering ice-cream, a hug and a 'he-wasn't-good-enough-for-you-anyway' pep talk.

As you get older and move away from various friends, obviously keeping your friendship going is always going to be a bit more difficult. Even then, I've always put in as much effort as I possibly could at keeping in touch with people and being there for them as much as possible, even when I'm a good few miles away from them. Having friends around me has always been so important to me, especially after a lonely few years at school where I felt like I had none.

I've noticed though, during the last six months or so, that contact has started to fall away a bit. It's not been a gradual realisation though, it's been more of a smack-you-in-the-face realisation that actually, I hadn't spoken to a lot of my friends in weeks, even months. Why?

Well, my family circumstances have meant that I've had an incredibly tough year. My focus has shifted slightly because, well, it's had to. But as I started to think of the friends from uni, or from previous jobs, or other aspects of my life who I haven't spoken to or seen in a really long time, I decided to have a glance through my phone and see where it's gone wrong.

When I started to see the missed calls, unanswered texts and WhatsApp messages left on Read, my heart sank.

It's been my fault. 

There has been the occasional person who I've told about my family situation, and they've all of a sudden stopped communicating with me since. Probably because they don't know what to say, and I do understand that. But I've found on the whole, I've ignored text messages asking how I am, forgotten to call back for weeks and weeks on end and bailed on plans at the last minute. I haven't seen my best friends from uni in almost a year.

I think it's important to recognise when you're in the wrong. And it's important to try to fix it. In this case, yes I have been through the toughest time of my life in the last six months, however that's no excuse for forgetting to make friendships a priority.

So, I'm going to fix it.

To my uni girls. To my old work squad. To friends I've had since I was five. For all of the times I forgot to call for a catch up when I said I would, I'm so sorry. For all the times I didn't respond to your text messages, please know I wasn't being ignorant, I've just had a million and one other things on my mind. For the cancelled plans, it wasn't that I didn't want to see you. I've just found it really hard to put on a brave face when I've been so so low.

My friends are going back at the top of my priority list, where they belong. No more being the rubbish friend.

Love,
Sian xo