@EMILYJANEBIRKS
Emily B.
LOCATION: Spalding, England
Hiya! I'm Emily, I'm 21, and I'm a psychology student at the University of Durham and lifestyle blogger! I write about books, coffee, living with a chronic illness, skincare, studying and everything in between! Most of the time I can be found studying, but otherwise I like to read, draw and nap!
SKIN TYPE: Combination
CONCERNS: Acne, Blackheads, Clogged pores, Dark circles, Sensitivity, Texture, Uneven skin tone, and Whiteheads
FAVORITE GOOD MOLECULES PRODUCTS:
Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel
Niacinamide Brightening Toner
Niacinamide Serum
Discoloration Correcting Serum
Silicone-free Priming Moisturizer
SKIN CONCERNS
ACNE
CLOGGED PORES
UNEVEN SKIN TONE
Q&A WITH EMILY
DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE SKINCARE INGREDIENTS?
I always use an SPF, but I would say anything with an added SPF in is an added bonus! I also really love aloe vera on my skin, especially as a toner, so I sometimes look for that too. Other than that, I would say I tend to look more for skincare with as few ingredients as possible, and since I'm allergic to a couple of skincare ingredients, that reduces my chances of having any reactions.
WHAT ARE YOUR TOP 3 SKINCARE PRODUCTS?
I would say a really good facial wash, niacinamide and SPF. I've recently started using Good Molecules' Rosewater Daily Cleansing Gel as my facial wash which I find really refreshes my skin and leaves it feeling lovely and hydrated! Niacinamide is definitely my serum of choice, I find it really helps with my blackheads and whiteheads, acne scars and overall skin texture - it's something I definitely won't be removing from my skincare routine anytime soon! SPF I feel speaks for itself, skincare means nothing if you don't protect your skin from UV!
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO PRACTICE SELF CARE, APART FROM SKINCARE?
I really love to read and take baths! My perfect idea of a self care evening is a hot bath, a great face mask, with pouring rain outside, lots of bubble baths, a big cup of tea, a great book and 2+ hours of silence and relaxation. Other than that, I really enjoy walking and spending time in nature, especially taking photographs with my boyfriend.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE STEP OF YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE?
I really love an oil cleanse at the moment - I find it gets rid of so many of my blackheads in my skin and does a great job of removing any leftover make up and dirt. It's so pleasing to watch all the horrible stuff come off of your skin and know you're left with nice, fresh skin!
BUYING SKINCARE
HOW DO YOU CHOOSE YOUR SKINCARE PRODUCTS?
Since I'm allergic to a couple of things, I tend to stick with brands that are clear about the ingredients they use, and focus on using only basic ingredients! I make sure to stay clear of any products containing alcohol too, since that really dries your skin out. I'm a massive fan of simplicity, and genuinely believe that less is often more when it comes to skincare. I have my favourite basic brands and tend to stick with products from them as I know that I like their ingredients and that their products work for my skin.
EMILY'S PICKS
Niacinamide Brightening Toner
"This toner is the first toner I've used that I really feel makes a difference to my skin - it's so noticeably brighter when I use this!"
Niacinamide Serum
"I find Niacinamide serum perfect for my skin type - it really helps to refine my skin's texture and reduce the appearance of blackheads, imperfections and acne scars."
Discoloration Correcting Serum
"I love this serum!! It's honestly like nothing I've ever used before - it makes my skin look so smooth and blemish-free that I feel confident enough to not wear make up when I use it!"
