My moisturiser journey

When it comes to the topic of skincare, moisturisers, in my opinion, is a boring chapter that people just want to skim read. It's that final stage in the routine that we just have to slap on. Then again, there are so many questions that go into consideration before purchase - Does it need to have SPF? Should I have one for am and pm? How much money should I spend? It's just a faffy topic that doesn't excite me as much as cleansers.

My skincare journey so far has encountered a variety of brands and I thought it was finally time to share my thoughts on the moisturisers.

1. Origins Make a Difference + was one of the first moisturisers on my journey. SPF, hydrating, and amti-angling. However, when I bought this moisturiser I was only 17 so I'm not sure if the sales adviser advised me correctly... Nevertheless, I found this a great skin protector at the time and I don't remember suffering from dryness, spots or redness. 

2. Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream is a great, simple moisturiser. It's light, moisturising and is a great base for makeup. Whilst some people may complain that it doesn't have an SPF this really is a moisturiser that ticks lots of skin care boxes. Moreover, as advised by Caroline Hirons, SPF shouldn't really come from skincare...

3. Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins stands out as one of my favourite skincare products of all time. If you want to see impressive results quickly then I would definitely recommend this one! Big statement - I know.  If I remember correctly then my skin was absolutely blooming blemish free, hydrated and plump. I definitely can't wait to buy this again.

4. Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream. This is my current moisturiser and so far I'm pretty pleased. It's definitely one for the winter months/dry skin gals due its thick consistency which makes it very hydrating. If you're Vegan then this is also one for you - Antipodes is a very earth friendly brand with 'natural' ingredients. I have been using this as both day and night moisturiser as it just gives so much hydration - it's also the best smelling of the bunch. 

4. Super Facialist by Una Brennan Rose Hydrate Peaceful Skin Night Cream this is a moisturiser that generated a 'meh' response from me. Perhaps I was not a target customer as I don't actually like the overwhelming smell of roses. However, it was very calming and very moisturising. But if budget was no option then the Origins night cream will always be my true night time love. 

5. Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser is an absolute favourite and classic. No nasties, just simple, great skincare. This moisturiser comes in three variations for different skin types and I have always used the normal/combination formula. I find it super hydrating, it helps against redness and absorbs well into the skin. I would definitely  recommend this for younger skin types. Again this does not contain SPFs as Liz Earle similarly believes that sun protection should be a separate step in the routine. Overall I think if I was going to recommend someone a great, value for money moisturiser then I would put forward this one. 

What are your favourite moisturisers? 

Read More

Morning Skincare Routine

I love my morning skincare routine. All of these products help me achieve a healthy, dewy glow and a perfect base for applying my makeup. 

I start off with the Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel. This is perfect for my skin first thing in the morning. Containing vitamins A, C and E it really helps to 'waken' up my skin. It looks instantly brighter and cleaner. Whilst it is called a gel, once you rub it between you fingers, and apply on to your skin, it turns into an oil-like consistency. This means you have such a gentle cleanse in the morning and really helps to give a glow at the end. I love this cleanser!

I then use the Omorovicza Queen of Hungry Mist. This is a lovely, hydrating toner. Whilst some people may argue that this is far too expensive for its purpose, I honestly have never used a product that has given such an instant glow. Ingredients of rose, orange blossom and sage water help to purify and tone the skin. The apple pectin really hydrates the skin leaving such an instant result. This product can also be used throughout the day when your skin needs that extra boost. 

I began using the Sarah Chapman Intense hydrating booster  last year when my skin was suffering from dryness, especially on my cheeks, and stress. This is a lovely silky, serum that adds such a nourishing layer of moisture in my skin. It really helps me to achieve a natural glow whilst also plumping the skin. 

Finally, I go in with my Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream which I wrote about in my last post. Now I understand that these products are on the luxury side of skincare. But then again, my ethos is that our skin is the most important thing we own - it needs to be looked after. Most of these products I bought when I worked at Harrods. If I had to only use one thing from this list it would probably be the Oskia cleanser. For £28 I think this is a reasonably priced, premium quality cleanser that leaves the skin feeling so smooth and nourished. 

What are your morning favourites?

Read More

The Moisturiser

After quite a few months of using the Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream I thought it was time to give you some feedback. First things first, lets start with the basics: simple, lightweight packaging makes this great for travelling. It's fragrance free so there is nothing too sickly or sweet to endure. 

When it comes to texture it is very light. It is therefore very easy to absorb into the skin but still extremely moisturising. I've so far found this very easy and simple for balancing out my complexion and leaving my skin feeling comfortable. By that I mean my face doesn't feel heavily caked in moisturiser and I can straightaway move on to applying my makeup for the day. 

Now, at the moment I have been using this day and night. Weirdly I have LOVED it for the daytime, but not so much at night. When it comes to evening skincare I do like a thick, rich texture.  Something like the Origins Night-A-Mins for example, which feels like it will do wonders overnight! However, as a daytime moisturiser that has been great, especially in the warmer months when I want something lightweight.  Then again, this is not claiming to do the specifics of a night cream. It is a simple all-rounder. 

The only negative about the cream is the lack of SPF. I assume that Kiehl's choose this so that it can be applied morning and night. Moreover, Kiehl's do other SPF specific products which can be applied after the cream. Nevertheless, if you are looking for something simple that's going to do the job of moisturising your skin then I would definitely recommend this product. 

Have any moisturisers to recommend? Please leave a comment. 

Read More