James Atkinson reveals his top tips for glowing skin
What kickstarted your love of skincare?
Throughout my teenage years, I had severe eczema on my face and body and it felt like no treatments were working. I eventually started doing my own research into skincare and would spend hours every day analysing ingredients and products to figure out which ones would suit my skin. I finally got my eczema under control and honestly felt like a new person. From then on, I developed a real love for skincare and realised the power it holds. When you have a good skincare, you can conquer anything.
What type of skin do you have?
My skin type is the definition of ‘combination’. It has changed over time, it was once very dry and dehydrated, but now its combination. This means I have dry cheeks, combined with an oily T-zone…oh the joys!
What three skincare products could you not live without?
1. Avene, The Recovery Cream
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£17.50
You need this in your routine. Full stop. It’s a saviour for any time your skin is feeling a little sensitive or dry. Too much sun? Feeling a little hungover? Winter taken a toll on your skin? - this cream is the answer. It’s a
2. Biossance 100% Squalane Oil
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£26.00
3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+
This is a gorgeously lightweight SPF that will suit quite literally any skin types. Remember to apply this dream cream every, single, day.
What does your morning skincare routine look like?
I begin with a lightweight gel cleanser such as the
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RRP: £14.50Current price: £11.60
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£22.00
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RRP: £28.00Current price: £22.40
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£29.00
Can you take us through your ideal night time skincare routine?
In the evening, I double cleanse using the
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£52.00
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£39.00
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RRP: £21.00Current price: £17.85
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RRP: £65.00Current price: £48.75
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RRP: £90.00Current price: £63.00
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£59.00
What's one skincare tip you always follow?
Wear SPF every single day. I know people sound like a broken record when they say this, but it helps to prevent so many skin problems later down the line. With the lightweight formulas that are now available on the market, there’s no excuse to not wear SPF all the time!
What's the secret to a glowing complexion?
Not over doing it! The purpose of our skin is to provide a barrier, and that barrier can easily be damaged by using too many products. Keep it simple, know what works for your skin and enjoy the time out of your day that you spend doing your skincare!
As someone with an affinity for all things beauty, discovering fantastic new products is my not-so-secret obsession. Over the years I've tried and tested a mountains worth of creams, serums and cleansers, finding some of my favourite 'holy-grail' products along the way. However, I'm always on the lookout for more ways to nourish my hair, perfect my dewy base, or enhance my skincare routine. Working as a beauty blogger for over 3 years, I've been lucky enough to collaborate personally with lots of amazing beauty brands including Christian Dior, The Body Shop and Dermalogica. I've used the Dermalogica special cleansing gel religiously since I first got it and their products are some of my ultimate skincare faves. When it comes to cosmetics, NARS Sheer Glow foundation is definitely my go-to - I live for a light, glowy base!
