Skincare is great. Unsurprisingly, we can’t get enough of it here at UpCircle! Your face, on the other hand, most definitely can get enough of it (however tempting it might be to wear our Cleansing Balm all day, every day). Using too much, too little, too often or not enough of a product can be a reason for not seeing the results that you’re hoping for. So, when it comes to skincare you have to act like a bit of a Goldilocks to get it ‘just right’. To help you on your merry way we’ve made a handy UpCircle skincare guide to help get to grips with your new skincare routine.
Our faces are all different, so this isn’t a set in stone get your kitchen scales out guide, more of a start with this and tweak to suit you guide. Remember, if you have any questions we’re always here to help!
Cleansing Balm
Your first cleanse is here to makeup and remove the surface layer of dirt, pollution and toxins from the day.
How to use: Simply apply the balm to all areas of the face, including around the eye area, before removing thoroughly with a muslin cloth or flannel.
How much to apply: We recommend using a 5p coin-sized amount. It should be enough to cover your face and remove makeup etc. but not too much that your face is left feeling oily and you must scrub to remove it all! Aim for a small raspberry-sized amount!
Frequency: Daily- before bed time
Top tip: As this is an oil-based product it should be removed with a warm damp cloth, check out our Certified Organic Muslin Cloths!
Cleansing Face Milk
Known as double cleansing, your second cleanse should be a water-based cleanser to remove any remaining oil as well as bacteria and dead skin cells.
How to use: Simply apply the milk to damp face and massage in circular motions to ensure a deep cleanse and then rinse with warm water.
How much to apply: We recommend using 1-2 pumps which should be more than enough!
Frequency: Daily- morning and night
Top tip: Avoid using water that is too hot, as this may leave your skin inflamed or dehydrated
Chai Soaps
This step is the same as the above but for those who prefer a face soap rather than a face milk. This will help to deeply cleanse pores and remove impurities to prevent breakouts, build up and black heads.
How to use: Dampen face and apply soap bar with a little water to lather.
How much to apply: This one isn’t so easy to quantify! We would recommend using enough water to produce a healthy lather.
Frequency: Up to twice daily
Top tip: Rub the soap directly on to skin for a gentle exfoliation, or lather in your hands and then apply to face for a more smooth application.
Face Scrubs
Exfoliating after you've thoroughly cleansed is a great way to buff away dry dead skin preventing build up and spots.
How to use: Our oil-based scrubs should always be applied to damp skin. Apply in circular motions, leave for a short moment, and then rinse.
How much to apply: This should be a similar amount to your Cleansing Balm - you want enough to cover your face and neck. A grape-sized amount should be enough.
Frequency: 2-3 times per week
Top tip: The Scrubs can double up as a great face mask. Apply, leave to rest for 5 minutes, gently massage into your skin and then remove as normal!
Face Mask
Using a Face Mask is a great way to help clarify skin to minimise pores, fight blackheads, and prevent breakouts.
How to use: Apply mask to damp skin in a thin layer and relax for ten minutes. Rinse with warm water or a damp cloth (UpCircle muslins are perfect) to reveal fresh, cleansed skin.
How much to use: For our Face Mask you want enough for a thin layer to be spread over the face and neck. After 10 mins it should have dried leaving your skin looking a pale grey colour.
Frequency: 2-3 times per week
Top tip: Leave two Hemp & Cotton Make Up Pads soaking in some green tea in the fridge. After you’ve applied the Mask pop them on your eyes, sit back and relax!
Face Toner
Our Face Toner is perfect for hydrating and soothing skin at home or on the go and giving it some extra love!
How to use: Apply to fingertips or cleansing pad and gently sweep over the face. It can also be used as a mist – spritz over the face at any time to revitalise.
How much to use: If you are spritzing the Toner straight on to your face 1-2 pumps should be enough to cover you! If you are using a pad to apply it, dampen around 2/3 of the pad and apply. Don’t forget to use both sides of the pad! Using a pad will use up more of your toner as the material will partially absorb some of the liquid.
Frequency: Multiple times daily
Top tip: Keep your Toner in your bag to spritz throughout the day! It’s great post gym or to spritz on straight after removing your face covering!
Eye Cream
Give your eyes some extra love and help to firm, brighten and protect them.
How to use: Dab onto the delicate eye area and allow the cream to soak into the skin.
How much to use: Our Eye Cream is packed full of great ingredients, so you only need a tiny amount for it to work its magic. You want enough to cover the lid and below the eye. A pip amount should be plenty for both eyes. It may sound like a small amount, but give it a try – the cream spreads very easily across the skin.
Frequency: Morning and night
Top tip: Use our soothing eye roller to massage in the eye cream for deeper absorption and to boost circulation for brighter eyes!
Face Moisturiser or Night Cream
You’re nearly finished with your skincare routine now, but these last steps are crucial. First up is a moisturiser! As a general rule of thumb when moisturising, use the lightest, water-based products first when layering your skincare. Our Face Moisturiser has cocoa butter and aloe vera to soothe and nourish the skin, whilst our Night Cream contains hyaluronic acid and rosehip oil to hydrate, niacinamide to balance as well as blueberry extract which is rich in Vitamin A.
How To Use: Apply with fingertips, massaging in upwards and outwards motion
How much to use: Enough cream should be used to cover your face and neck in a thin layer, but you don’t want to be left feeling greasy or oily. We’re all guilty of applying too much moisturiser in the hopes it will ‘work faster’, don’t fall into this trap! A juicy blueberry-sized amount will be perfect!
Frequency: Face Moisturiser once in the AM and Night Cream once in the PM.
Top tip: Keep your creams in the fridge. In summer it will feel even more amazing to apply!
Face Serum
As one of the final steps in your skincare routine, use an oil-based serum to deliver intense nourishment and hydration. Through a combination of linoleic-acid rich oils and vitamin C, our Face Serum helps to promote the production of collagen, keeping skin supple.
How to Use: Apply a few drops to damp skin with fingertips, massaging in slow circular motions.
How much to use: Just a few drops of Serum are needed for best results- between two and four should be plenty!
Frequency: Morning and night
Top tip: Massage the Serum gently into your face for 30 secs before bed- focusing on your temples is a great way to relax before going to sleep! It also works brilliantly our Gua Sha to sculpt the face and release ant tension from the face.
Mineral SPF
Finally, protect your skin from the sun to give it the love it deserves.
How to use: Massage into the skin at least 30 minutes before venturing out into the sun – don't forget your ears, eyelids, and lips!
How much to use: A teaspoon sized amount should do the trick!
Frequency: Start by applying in the morning and when directly in the sun, reapply around every two hours.
Top tip: Our SPF is silicone-free, meaning it doesn't clog your pores, so is the perfect base for makeup.
