👋🏻 This is not a sponsored article and I was not paid to write about any of these products. I was gifted some though due to my job as a Beauty Editor.

A sunny picture of Donna Francis, Beauty Editor in Florida for an article about her skincare routine

Since Escape To Florida aired on Channel 4 this week, I’ve had a flurry of new followers (hello - I am so grateful that you are here) and a few have been asking about my skincare routine. A Beauty Editor living in Florida? One that also admittedly ‘enjoys the sun’? What do you use on your skin?

After 28 years of testing skincare, my own routine isn’t as complicated as you’d expect. And I have a healthy expectation for the results that skincare can give. I don’t trust anything that says it’s ‘botox in a bottle’ - it’s impossible for a cream to freeze your muscles. I don’t like any product that promises to ‘anti-age’ me either. So why on earth would I want to be anti-age? What’s the alternative? A coffin?

I don’t have time for fluff, but at 49, I do expect my skincare to tick a few boxes:

🪭 I want to enjoy using it

🪭 I want it to feel good

🪭 I want it to hydrate and nourish. Aging skin = dry skin.

🪭 I want to look the best I can for my age.

I don’t have botox or injectables and I am trying to show women that there is a way to love the skin you are in as you age. I know it’s not easy but it is possible. We all know that it’s about what goes on the inside that truly reflects on the outside right? And skincare can 100% help for glow, hydration and texture - but it can do nothing if you’re ugly inside.

Anyway, here is my full 24-hour skin routine…

A 49 Year Old Beauty Editor’s Morning Skincare Basics

I get up at 5:30am for my 6:15am gym class (I know, I know - but it’s literally transformed my mental health). So I essentially do my skincare twice. Once before the gym and once after I get out of the shower:

Pre-Gym: I only rinse my face in the morning as I thoroughly cleanse the night before. Then I apply a lightweight serum. At the moment, I’m using The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro Barrier Serum, and for an extra layer of hydration, I follow with a moisturiser. Not often I use the same brand, but it happens and I am also loving The Inkey List Bioactive Ceramide Repairing and Plumping Moisturizer

Post-Gym: After my shower, I cannot get dressed until I apply body cream all over. We buy CeraVe Daily Moisturizing Lotion in bulk as the whole family uses it. I use it on my face too when I’m not testing other face creams. What I love about it, is that it is developed by dermatologists and works on all skin - even the most sensitive.

To my face, I apply serum again and always follow with SPF. Minimum 30. At the moment I am loving No7 Future Renew Defense Shield SPF 50. It’s a great primer for makeup - no white cast and really lightweight but still nourishing. Talking of makeup, to finish off I am loving the Victoria Beckham Beauty Foundation Drops(I use Shade 5 Light) right now. You can read my review on them here:

A 49 Year Old Beauty Editor’s Evening Routine

This is when I do my thorough cleanse. I love a balm cleanser as they are so luxurious and give you and your skin a micro spa moment in the evening. But right now I am testing out this cream cleanser: SkinCeuticals Gentle Cleanser Cream which feels very lightweight but still removes all of the makeup, dirt and oil your skin has gathered during the day.

I then follow with Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 which is in my opinion, one of the best retinoids out there. This helps to keep my skin smooth and glowy, and alos it’s great for banking and boosting your collagen levels. The stuff that makes your skin look plump and glowy. If my skin feels tight afterwards, I follow with Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair. This is a product I always recommend my friends too!

And that’s it! If you want to listen to my podcast where I talk you through the whole routine then click here ♡

My 24-Hour Skincare Routine: Some I Buy on…