This just might be the post where I write the most (in word count) about skincare. Winter has so far been about survival. Moods are low, power bills are high and lips - well chapped. I have rounded up all the skincare products that have been making a difference for me.
A bit of background on my skin:
I have typical combination skin that is dry in some patches, oily around the t-zone, stubborn spots / blemishes and leftover scars from adult chicken pox. There's also the once every blue moon eczema breakout.
Also, a disclaimer: What works for me may not work for you, so do your research especially before you hit the cosmetic counters. For advice on anything skincare related, head over to CarolineHirons.com or her YouTube channel where industry experts make guest appearances. For example, this one here featuring Dr Marko Lens (Zelens). Your "wipes will do" or "I'll be okay without sunscreen" attitude will never be the same again.
So back to the products...
Nude Perfect Cleansing Oil
The Nude Perfect Cleansing Oil has been in my skincare rotation since the end of April / start of May. Initially, I only used this in the evenings but my regular AM cleanser - the Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser, has been a bit harsh, leaving my skin feeling stripped. I now use this oil twice a day and it is best applied to the face dry. It then turns into a milk once you introduce a bit of warm water and it breaks down makeup, including mascara. This is 100% gentle enough to use around the eyes. Using a warm face cloth or muslin cloth helps to remove the dirt, makeup and SPF. This is ideal for double cleansing as well. The face does not feel stripped after and you are left feeling clean and nourished.
Aesop Parsley Seed Mask
My Instagram tells me I purchased this Aesop Parsley Seed Mask from World Beauty 17 weeks ago, captioned "Skincare pick me up" which could be translated as I was feeling spendy on my lunch break. Depending on the state of my skin, I would put this on once a week - Sunday seems to be the perfect day for a mask while you do the laundry. There are some weeks which require two masks but this can also be applied to just the troublesome areas. This mask doesn't feel tight compared to other bentonite masks like the Tailor Mask. I leave it longer than the recommended 15 minutes and rinse it off with a warm face cloth. The skin feels refreshed after. If you use this as a spot treatment, you can expect volcanic looking spots to appear calm and less inflamed.REN Vita Mineral Emollient Rescue Cream
I crack open this REN Vita Mineral Emollient Rescue Cream every time the dry patches and eczema like conditions start popping up. This came in super handy when I got a reaction from an eye cream, possibly targeted for the younger market. This eye cream which I'm not ready to talk about yet, started making me dry all over the lids. The skin around my nose was really dry too and ordinary moisturiser was just not cutting it. This thick cream soothes and provides relief for dry patches and I fully recommend this. Expect to feel and see a difference after regular use. By that I mean, you can't just use it once and expect it all to be fixed. You need to use it over a few days but the relief is almost instant.Kate Somerville Clarifying Treatment Toner
Toner is one skincare step I take very seriously. I don't know why but I just do. It's the most boring of all skincare steps but I like toners that do more than just act as the first step of hydration after cleansing. I've been using the Kate Somerville Clarifying Treatment Toner once a day for over three months now and this one definitely has its pros and cons. I like it because it's like a baby exfoliant, containing a small amount of alpha hydroxy acid (I still haven't ventured that way but we'll get there). However, the witch hazel is causing some discomfort with my winter skin. I get a slightly tight sensation straight after application. This was working so well before the temperatures dropped but I'm going to persist as the next two products in this post help balance everything out.Aesop Fabulous Face Oil
Caroline Hirons said in this Top 10 post for Cult Beauty last year that the Aesop Fabulous Face Oil would be her number one choice if she was stranded on a desert island. That stuck with me and I have been using this non-stop since I got it in May. I use it two ways: on its own or mixed in with moisturiser. The ingredients list includes Juniper Berry which is apparently used to treat stubborn skin conditions like psoriasis. While the Ylang Ylang in this blend adds to the calming fragrance. Interestingly, I've been complimented on 'my scent' but I really think it was just this. This also doesn't leave the skin looking shiny.
Skinfood Nourishing Moisturiser
I treat the Skinfood Nourishing Moisturiser like an overcoat to an outfit. It locks in moisture and seals all the previous steps I've just done. The fragrance is something to look out for if you have sensitive skin but the smell is nothing too overpowering. This on top of the Fabulous Face Oil leaves my skin looking juicy and alive, instead of prune like.
Extra Viewing: How to Give Yourself a Face Massage with Alexandra Soveral via Into the Gloss YouTube and How to Give Yourself a Head and Neck Massage via Vogue Russia YouTube.
