Problem skin.

The above term has been used to describe my skin because while I don't have acne, I am prone to the odd breakout now and then. Why? I have combination skin although according to my facialist, it's totally normal to have skin that's ridiculously sensitive but also gets extremely oily. UGH. The only way around this apart from the usual advice like eating properly, getting enough sleep and drinking lots of coffee water, is establishing a proper skin routine. Below are some of the products I currently can't live without. Some of them are on the expensive side because with skincare, you sometimes have to spend a little extra before you see results. In my experience, finding the right products has meant upping my skincare budget but it has majorly paid off in the long run.

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Kiehl's Breakout Control Targeted Acne Spot Treatment, €26 This stuff is the business. I had a belter of a spot last week. On my chin, of course, glaring like a big red traffic light and of course, I felt like it was all you could see. I went home, applied this around 8:30 p.m and by 10, I could see that it had deflated considerably and the redness had lessened. I put it on again before bed and honestly, (I was also amazed), it was gone by morning. Completely. Skinceuticals Clarifying Clay Masque, €65 I know it's on the pricey side but again, this is a wonder product in so far that you can see a difference in your skin immediately. After rinsing off this pore cleansing, exfoliating masque, my skin looks and feels cleaner and the next day, it is glowing. It appears healthier, even radiant and yes, genuinely glowing thanks to the natural earth clays, (kaolin and bentonite) that lift impurities and remove excess oil. No 7 Lift & Luminate TRIPLE ACTION Eye Cream, €23 Eye creams are tricky. Hydration is key here but some products can be too rich and greasy, leaving the delicate skin around the eyes irritated. This product is light and immediately soaks in without any residue which is a major bonus point. If you use it religiously, (I always seem to miss at least one night a week), you should see an improvement in those tell-tale crows feet lines and dark circles. Sometimes, depending on how I've slept, I'll wake up with puffy eyes. Using this has a cooling effect so it's a great quick fix when you're rushing in the morning. NYX Professional MakeUp Setting Spray, €9.99 I store this with my skincare because I don't know why, and maybe it's just me, I can never EVER remember to apply setting spray when it's in the same place as my makeup. Random I know. Anyway, this is the perfect budget buy for helping your makeup to stay in place. That's like the eternal quest for me, the queen of oily skin, and I'm all about the Matte Shine-Free Finish option. There's also a Dewy Fresh Glow option if your skin is more on the dry side. Shiseido IBUKI Multi Solution Gel, €35 Another winner for me as it has a triple-action focus: alleviates breakouts, minimises pores AND also tackles any dry areas. It contains Salicylic Acid, key when it comes to fighting blemishes, and keeping 'problem skin' under control. This is just a great product to have in your beauty arsenal when your skin is playing up a bit. IMAGE Skincare Clarifying Clear Cell Gel Cleanser, €35 If you feel you need a cleanser that works a little harder than your average product, this is for you. It removes makeup while gently exfoliating dead skin cells, leaving your skin smooth, soft and my favourite part, shine-free. It's a salicylic-based gel cleanser which isn't harsh at all and works a treat for my combination skin. In fact, if I have to use any other cleanser, I feel like my face just isn't clean which is part of why I'm calling it a hero buy.