Morning Skincare Routine 2017


On a daily basis, I receive quite a few questions and queries regarding my morning skincare routine, and how I manage to look so awake at the crack of dawn. I'm not, by any means, claiming to have the best skin in the world (I honestly don't you guys, I'm a teenager. I think that says it all...) however, I certainly know how to help my skin to look as fresh and as clear as possible, using affordable products.

I've been experimenting with skincare for a number of years now; when I was about twelve years old, after experiencing a minor acne scare, I purchased my very first cleanser from The Body Shop. Since then, I've tried hundreds of products on and off and put them to the test but, at this present moment in time, my collection is beginning to settle down, as I discover which ones are keepers.

The following products are the first things I reach for in the morning; they've really contributed towards  the recovery of my skin, and they could do the same thing for you.




Neutrogena - Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleanser ($7.99)
Benefits and key ingredients: 

  • Oil-free
  • Non comedogenic (won't clog pores)
  • Salicylic acid 
After dampening my face with a warm flannel, I always put a pea sized amount (well, to be honest, it's more like a Brussel sprout sized squirt) into my hands and apply it onto my face, really massaging as it lathers. This gel cleanser is not only incredibly refreshing and sweet smelling, but has also been my lifeline for reducing blemishes, impurities and lumps. It really works, so I highly recommend this. 

Benefits and key ingredients:
  • Aloe
  • Salicylic acid
  • Snail mucin (supports natural cell regeneration)
I couldn't be happier with the way that this product's treated my skin overtime. This aloe-based toner by Benton is a beautifully balanced product that's suited to all skin types, including sensitive, due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. I love toners in general and this one is no exception; it calms down my skin and removes all of the excess dirt that provokes breakouts. So, if you haven't tried out Benton's products yet, you should definitely start by adding this one to your wishlist.

Eden's Semilla - Vitamin C Serum in 30ml format* (£12.95)
Benefits and key ingredients:

  • Vitamin C
  • Hyaluronic acid
  • Jojoba oil 
  • Retinol
  • Rosehip oil
Now, I know this is the eighty eighth million time I've mentioned this product but, to be honest, it's very deserving of my constant praise. Serums are so important within anyone's skincare routine; I make sure I use one daily, without fail, and I really reap the benefits. This vitamin C serum by Eden's semilla is incredibly softening, smoothing and evens out my complexion. For best results, I recommend storing in the fridge. (It just gives it that extra burst of hydration!)


Benefits and key ingredients:
  • 75% Vitamin Tree Water
  • Vitamin E
  • No stickiness or irritation
  • Rejuvenating and anti-aging
I've been enjoying this cream by Wishtrend a lot lately! (It even made my April favourites... would you believe it?) Everything about this product is perfect for a morning routine; it's light weight, the scent is pleasant and it penetrates deeply into the pores. This has kept my skin looking gorgeous and glowy all day long, so feel free to make that purchase. 

Benefits and key ingredients:
  • Hydrating
  • Nourishing
  • Non sticky
My lips are about the only things that I'm 100% confident about on my face, so I always like to keep them looking and feeling as supple as possible. And, after all of the liquid lipstick application I do throughout the day (sorry lips!), they can end up looking quite dry and lifeless if I don't apply a lipbalm. This one by W7 is reasonably priced, smells amazing and does it's job really well. 

I've also been obsessed with the rose lipbalm by Jack Wills, however, due to the length of time that I've owned it for, the packaging wasn't deemed suitable for photography. (In other words, it looks like trash.)

* The products marked with an asterisk have been gifted to me, free of charge, for review. However, all opinions on them are strictly honest.


So there we have it: my five holy grail products for the morning! I really hope you guys enjoyed this post; feel free to follow this blog and come back for more! Don't hesitate to drop me a comment either - I love reading your feedback and opinions.
What products do you swear by within your morning routine?

Until next time,
Marina Rosie x

66 comments

  1. I like the sound of the Atomic Apple lip balm, I have a balm similair to it.
    TargetGirl
    targetgirlonline.blogspot.com

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    1. I love any fruity balms! They make me hungry though! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  2. Great morning line-up hun. I love using Vitamin C in the mornings too. That Benton Toner is on my wish list and I can't wait to get my hands on it xxx
    UmmBabyBeauty

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    1. Hey Sal,
      Thanks so much, really appreciate it and so glad you agree on my product choices! xx
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  3. I love the products you used! I've also tried the Benton toner and loved it! I also loved loved loved their propolis aloe gel! so soothing and nicely moisturizing! :D

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    1. Thanks very much gorge! x I will have to try the aloe gel, I haven't yet! x It sounds amazing! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  4. These products sound great and I'm really into skincare at the minute! I haven't tried any of these before but I'm really loving the sound of the gel cleansing wash and vitamin C serum!

    Ellie x

    www.elliesbitsofbeauty.wordpress.com

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    1. That's fabulous Ellie, skincare is my MUSE! x You should definitely those two; they're wonderful products! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  5. Atomic Apple lip balm sounds delicious! Also love the sounds of the vitamin C serum, I know Vitamin C does great things for my skin when I add it into my routine!

    Di from Max The Unicorn

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    1. It smells just as delicious as it sounds Di, trust me! xx Vitamin C is such a fantastic ingredient to wake skin up in the morning! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  6. Loved learning about your morning routine Marina! I've heard so many people rave about the Benton toner, but I'm a still bit scared to try the brand after my terrible experience with their steam cream. The Wishtrend cream sounds really nice too, thank you for sharing!

    Jenny // Geeky Posh

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    1. Ah Jenny, thanks so much for reading hun! x I'm sorry to hear that you've had a bad experience with the steam cream! I've not tried it out myself but the toner itself is wonderful, and I think you should give the brand another chance! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  7. Nice post! I haven't tried any of these products but the Vitamin C serum sounds great. I love serums and try all sorts!! Great post xx

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    1. Hey Rach, thanks so much! x The serum is honestly a life saver - I'm running out and will FOR SURE repurchase! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  8. I nearly picked up the Neutrogena Grapefruit Scrub today if I had seen this I would have definitely bought it. I'm always using a Brussel size amount of product haha!

    Taslyn| www.hiddenbeau-t.co.uk

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    1. Haha, here's to the girls that always use WAY more product than the recommended amount! Awe Taslyn, pick it up next time girl, it's a very effective product. x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  9. Oooh thanks for this! I'm desperately looking for new skincare products at the moment and need inspiration!

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    1. No problem there Nay! I recommend any of these; they'd be perfect for you! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  10. Skin care is very essential and importantly the products have to be good. I'll have a look at these when I visit USA in July.

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    1. You're spot on with that comment Shobha! Please do have a look whenever you can; these are wonderful! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  11. Interesting line up of products. I suppose many of us are at different stages in our lives and also have different skin conditions so the effectiveness of various products can vary. Great review though and appreciate the detail which makes these products worth checking out.

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    1. Thanks very much, so glad you enjoyed this review; I always try to keep them detailed for you! x I do appreciate that everyone has different skin; I chose quite generic products that could definitely work for a lot of people. x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  12. Great products, i love the Neutrogena Pink Grapefruit Cleanser!

    <3
    perfectfixations.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. Thanks so much, glad you share some of my favourites! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  13. Ahhh, I love this post so much; I'm so glad I've just found your blog :) You're super informative which I like. You've given me some new ideas for products to try, especially that grapefruit wash.

    Thank you,

    Chloe @ https://girllgonerogue.blogspot.co.uk/

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    1. Awe Chloe, this comment made my day! I'm really glad you can draw inspiration from what I do, and that you're enjoying what you're seeing here. x So touched. I'll come over and check out your blog now hun. x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  14. This is a great morning routine! I think it's really healthy, I only would add some sun protection :) x

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    1. Ah yes, of course Natalia. I tend to do my skincare very early in the morning, way before going out, so I do add sun protection as soon as I actually leave the house and am exposed to the light! xx
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  15. Skincare is so important, and I'm really glad more people are starting to take it more seriously. I would definitely add an spf in there though to cover your sun protection.

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    1. So agreed, skincare is what vital. x I always apply sun creams throughout the day whilst I'm out and exposed; protection first! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  16. Atomic Apple lip balm sounds delicious. Vitamin C is such a fantastic ingredient to wake skin up in the morning. These are the great line of products.

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    1. Thanks very much Shirley! So glad you're liking the sound of the products and ingredients! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  17. Great collection for morning routine! I love the serum and lip balm! I also have the same routines every morning except the serum. And the fact that it is a vitamin c, i will definitely get that one!

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    1. Psyched you enjoy my collection! yes, Vitamin C is a key ingredient to wake up that skin in the morning. I totally recommend! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  18. Nice post, never tried much skin care product but atomic apple lip balm looks great. The vitamin C looks great!!
    Even grape fruit facial cleanser.. I've never heard of these products.. are they for men also???
    Thanks for sharing!!

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    1. Thanks very much Prateek! I'm so glad you asked that question - skincare is for everybody, it's a one size fits all kind of deal, so yes, men can of course use these products. No problem at all!
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie x

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  19. I follow a similar skin care routine though I don't use a toner every day. I also apply sheet masks in the mornings once a week when I feel like pampering my skin :)

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    1. Pampering the skin is a lovely idea, I absolutely adore pearl sheet masks for that glowing look in the morning! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  20. Love seeing others' morning routine! Also, i love The Body Shop, their products smell so good!
    Dunja; http://beinghalcyon.blogspot.com

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    1. Yes Dunja, the body shop do some fantastic products, some of which I want to eat they smell so nice! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  21. Thank you for sharing your tips! I am useless with my skin care regime, I really need to get sorted and find one to suit me. These products look great!

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    1. Hey Laura, you're very welcome! Haha, that's very honest, I used to really slack on my skincare but the moment I actually got it together, my skin started to look a lot clearer and smoother. It's definitely worth it. x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  22. Great skincare tips. I would share this with my wife and lady friends who, I'm sure, would find this really helpful.

    Ivan
    http://www.ivankhristravels.com

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    1. Ah, thanks very much Ivan! Feel free to share it with them if you think they'd enjoy it!
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie x

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  23. I always love reading people's skincare routines, it's interesting to find out what other people do and why (and I pick up lots of new ideas!) I love the sound of the Neutrogenia pink grapefruit cleanser, it must smell amazing! I'll have to look out for that.

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    1. Thanks so much for reading Helerina, I'm totally agreed! And, yes, it smells divine: I love grapefruit so the scent is right up my street! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  24. I know the Jack Wills lips balm and its great! This was a lovely post Marina, keep them coming.

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    1. Thank you Ellie, so glad you enjoyed my post and the lip balm haha! x I will keep them coming for you, don't worry! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  25. I totally love how you keep your morning routine everyday! I also love the products, let me check it out too.

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    1. Hey Dana, thanks so much for coming and visiting today! Do check out the products and create a skincare routine; it's so beneficial, trust me! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  26. I have never used and am completely unfamiliar with serums. I have seen all of the other skin care products but that one is completely new to me. I am very curious about it though. What other kinds of serums are there, and what would you recommend and why?

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    1. Hello David, thanks so much for reading! Appreciate the questions, I'm always ready to help! I've actually written an entire guide to serums, which you can find here: http://marinawriteslife.blogspot.fr/2017/04/the-importance-of-facial-serums.html
      I hope this helps you! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  27. I've been thinking of changing my toner because it gives a burning feeling when I apply it. Will check out the one you've recommended.

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    1. Oh that's nasty to hear, maybe it contains alcohol, which can be quite painful to the skin when it hits rough/blemish-ridden patches? Try this one out - I too own an alcohol based toner and understand how it feels, but this one couldn't be more soothing. x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  28. This is such a great routine! I'm a little bit lazy, and do not always do all the steps :D
    xoxo

    Ileana

    Novelstyle Blog

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    1. Haha Ileana, thanks for reading! x (psst... I don't always follow them all either!) x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  29. that is a very thorough list, love it. I wonder what the skin toner smells like, because I am also sensitive to smells. Blessings!

    Claudia
    http://avalon-media.org

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    1. So glad you enjoyed Claudia! The toner really doesn't have too much of a scent to it, so I wouldn't worry about that at all! Have a fabulous week! xx
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  30. I always love peeks into people's morning routines. I'm such a minimalist with my moisturizer, sun screen, and mascara. I haven't heard of the vitamin C serum, and am super curious. I'm going to pick some up the next time I'm at Target. Thanks so much for your great recommendations!

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    1. Haha, I love finding out what people are using too! It's super interesting to see the differences in each individual's skin care routine! x yes, the vitamin C serum has been a game changer for me - I'm running out so I'm going to have to pick some up too! Thanks so much! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

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  31. Replies
    1. Thanks so much! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie xx

      Delete
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    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you very much, this comment made my day, I'm so glad you're enjoying my content - even my OLD content! x
      Lots of love,
      Marina Rosie x

      Delete
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    Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner

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