Winter skincare

As much as I like to experiment and try new products, by now I think I have figured out what my skin needs and when it needs it, so I have a fairly clear view of what types of products I need to have in my skin care kit even though I might change brands. Except for the occasional hormonal break out, I have normal to combination skin and my biggest challenge all year around is battling dehydration. As if it's not enough with the horrible weather we've had lately; storms, rain and the cold, I sit in front of a computer all day long, enjoying the benefits of central heating which sounds cushy and cosy, but it all takes a toll on the skin. So in the winter time this means I have to bring out the big skin care guns and use products that are gentle on the skin and that cleanse and exfoliate without stripping it back, but that also give deep hydration and nourishment to keep my skin supple and smooth. This winter these are the hero products that have helped to maintain my skin.

Like most of us I don't have much time to get ready in the morning, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I prioritise a couple of minutes of more sleep over a time consuming morning routine, so using a micellar water works perfectly for me. The Gatineau Gentle Cleansing Micellar Water (£19) is a very gentle solution that cleanses, moisturises and soothes at the same time. It's suitable even for very sensitive skin, so I know that it won't cause any irritation or make my skin feel tight. Just like Bioderma this product makes your skin feel as clean as if you had done a proper deep cleanse, and all that after a quick sweep with a cotton pad - perfect!

This micellar water also works to remove eye- and face makeup (including waterproof) so I've been using it in the evenings as to take off my eye makeup before using my Caudalie Instant Foaming Cleanser (£15). Micellar waters are great when you need a quick fix but for me there's no replacing a great cleansing product in the evenings to make sure the skin is nice and clean before applying all the night products. You may remember that I've mentioned this cleanser before - it has the most wonderful light and fluffy, cloud like consistency and it kind of "pops" on your skin. It contains grape extracts, sage and camomile that soothes and purifies the skin, and it's so gentle that you can definitely use it twice a day if you so choose, and the refreshing cucumber scent is a lovely pick me up after a long day.

Call me old school, but I like to use a toner after I've used a cleanser to make sure that there's no product at all left on my skin and Clarins Toning Lotion with Camomile (£18) works beautifully together with the Caudalie cleanser, and it helps to rebalance and stimulate the skin's moisture level. It's has a zesty sligthly peppery invigorating scent and a little tip if you don't want to buy an expensive facial spray is to pour some of this in a spray bottle and you can use this throughout the day instead and you'll get almost the same effect.

As you can tell, all these products are about gentle every day cleansing, but at the same time it's essential to get rid of dead skin cells to make room for new ones to push up from underneath, so a few times a week I exfoliate using Origins Modern Friction (£33) - "Natures Gentle Dermabrasion" (in the photo I show a limited edition packaging but it's the same formula as the original). What I like the most about this is the consistency, which is very fine and granular since it uses rice starch as the exfoliating ingredient and although it's gentle, you can feel that it definitely gets the job done. I prefer to use this on damp skin to get a lovely creamy foaming consistency but you can use it on dry skin as well. I find that it gives amazing radiance without any redness or irritation, and since it also has a great aromatic spa scent, this ticks all the boxes for me.

The perfect partner to Modern Friction is the well known, super hyped Origins Drink Up Intensive (£22) Overnight Mask. It contains seaweed that helps not only to repair the skin but also to retain moisture. Is it worth the hype? Absolutely 100% yes. For me this is THE Holy Grail product, that makes your skin look plump, supple, nourished and hydrated. I'll use this at least 3-4 times a week either after my exfoliator, or as a double intense night cream - applying one coat immediately after I've removed my makeup for the evening, and then another coat a few hrs later just before I go to bed, and I have even used this as a pre-moisturising treatment. It is FANTASTIC and the beautiful creamy orange peel candy scent just makes it even more lovely to use and the price for 100ml is more than reasonable. If you haven't tried Drink Up Intensive yet, it should definitely go on your list of products to try this year - you won't regret it!

 

I like to use serums and oils as part of my skin routine and during the winter there's nothing like Clarins Santal Face Treatment Oil (£30) for a mega boost of moisture. It's a fairly heavy oil, intended for dry or extra dry skin based on 100% pure plant extracts that soothe, tone, hydrate and decongest the skin. You only need a tiny drop to massage all over your skin or just a specific area that needs some TLC before applying moisturiser, and fortunately it comes with a pipette so it's easy to get exactly the right amount. It is a rich oil, but as long as you only use a tiny amount there's no need to worry about shininess during the day, and it immediately makes the skin look smooth, plump and it feels soft as velvet. Last but not least I have to mention the scent because I absolutely adore it. It's a warm, aromatic and slightly sweet cardamom scent, almost like something from a bakery it's so comforting and relaxing - and if this was a perfume I'd wear it every single day.

For the delicate eye area I've used Kiehl's Avocado Eye Treatment (£33) which is rich in ingredients to protect and nourish the skin and that builds up moisture. If feels heavy on the skin when you first apply it but it absorbs very quickly, almost turning liquidy and it doesn't leave any shininess at all. The eye area feels protected, bright and soft and you can also use this as a masque both around the eye area and the lip contour,applying a thicker layer and then just letting it absorb naturally for 15-20 mins.

After the eye cream I apply the Gatineau Melatogenine Aox Probiotic Advanced Rejuvenating Cream (£76.25) - now that's a mouthful... It's a very luxurious, rich anti-ageing cream which is more for mature skin, and although I fortunately don't have any real issues with that yet, there's nothing wrong with starting well in advance to try and prevent wrinkles and sagging, or at least delay the inevitable as long as possible. It adds an intense boost of moisture and in the evening when I remove the day's makeup my skin still feels hydrated and nourished which is exactly what I want from a moisturiser. Another reason why I love this cream so much is because of the instant radiance that it gives, and my slightly blue tinted skin tone in winter all of a sudden looks glowy, rested and fresh without having to use any fake tan.

For night time I've turned to an old friend, the Decléor Aromessence Iris Night Balm (£34.50) which I've used during the last few winters and it's amazing for restoring skin that has been battered by the cold and wind. In the jar the balm has a very firm texture but as soon as you rub it between your fingertips, the essential oils heat up and as soon you apply, it just melts into the skin, making it feel very nourished and protected. The skins does feel a little bit sticky from the oils, although that is gradually absorbed into the skin and when you wake up in the morning the skin looks stimulated, rested and refreshed - a great intensive treatment.

The last two products I've used regularly, at least a few times a day starting with the wonderful Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment (£20) which a great moisturiser and softener for both hands and nails and it's almost like it forms a protective soft glove over your hands and it definitely helps to nourish and maintain the cuticles too. The finishing touch of my skin routine, morning and evening as always has been the Caudalie Beauty Elixir (£9.20 - currently on amazing sale from Escentual). This is the limited edition design by L'Wren Scott, but it's exactly the same formula and scent as the original Caudalie. I love this facial mist and find that not only does it help to boost moisture levels and add radiance but the lovely aromatic scent is so energising and perfect to carry with you in your hand bag for a little spritz every now and then to freshen up your skin and makeup.

My skin has actually been behaving quite well this winter (touch wood) and I'm convinced it's not just because the products are suitable for my skin type, but I think it's also down to finding a regular routine and then sticking with for a reasonable amount of time to give the products an actual chance to do their magic. What products have you used this winter and is there something you recommend that I try?

Salon Skin Care: Dermalogica

If like me you are big into skin care, you are really spoilt for choice when it comes to great skin care brands. There are so many that I enjoy to use, but I do have a soft spot for so called salon skin care. I love the concept of getting a professional consultation and treatment and then to be able to continue maintain my skin using the same products at home. Another benefit of salon skin care is that you're less likely to be bedazzled by fantastic looking packaging and glamorous marketing. Instead it's all about the quality of the products and proven results, and a few great examples of brands like these is Gatineau, Décleor, Elemis and Dermalogica.

This is the first post in a series on salon skin care and I thought I would start with a brand that I actually haven't tried much from - Dermalogica. Since I had only tried the Daily Microfoliant previously, I was very interested to try some other items from their range. 

First up is the Dermalogica Special Cleansing Gel* which is a nice and light soap free gel cleanser, with a lovely invigorating scent of subtle lavender. Apply the gel to slightly moist skin and you'll find that despite being soap free it works up a really good lather and gives a great deep cleanse without dehydrating the skin or leaving any tightness. The formula contains mint balm, which helps to balance the production of oil in your skin and as such it's perfect for oily to combination skin, but it also works really well on my skin which is normal to combination, controlling the oil and shininess of the T-zone. You can use this as part of your morning and evening routine, but since my skin isn't particularly oily I especially like to use it in the evening. First I use a separate eye make up remover, and then the cleansing gel for a relaxing and thorough cleanse, getting rid of any grittiness and build up of impurities after a long day of wearing makeup, leaving the skin feeling very refreshed.

The most famous Dermalogica product is probably the Daily Microfoliant* and it almost has sort of a cult status with a loyal following amongst celebrities and models alike. It's a dry exfoliating powder based on rice extracts which are great for a gentle but deep cleanse, and you mix the powder with a little bit of water to create a frothy paste. It's tender enough to be used on daily basis, after an initial cleanse to polish and decongest the skin to reveal a glowing complexion.It's very effective and leaves your skin supple and velvety smooth.

As I mentioned earlier I had tried this product before, but after an initial honeymoon period when I loved the soft and bright skin that it gave me I stopped using it since it caused tiny little breakouts to appear on my skin - and it was exactly the same for me this time around. It is a nice and gentle exfoliant that definitely gives results, but unfortunately it also gives me skin irritations so it's not for me and it won't be getting a permanent place on my bathroom shelf.

After using the exfoliator my skin was a little uneven, and with tiny red marks I desperately needed something calming and comforting (for my skin, not just my nerves), so I was interested to see what the Dermalogica Ultra Calming Relief Masque* intended specifically for sensitive skin, could do to improve the situation. The formula has a lovely silky, pearlescent consistency and it instantly soothes and calms angry skin. I used about half of the sachet for each application, so I managed to get two luxurious pampering sessions out of it. I know my skin has a tendency to be dehydrated and it almost drank up all of the masque leaving very little to be wiped away with a hot towel after 10 mins. My skin felt completely calmed down afterwards and I would definitely recommend it to anyone with sensitive skin and I can imagine it would also be lovely to minimise redness from harsh windy weather or sunburn, or even for Him Indoors to care for any razor burns. A real treat!

 

Since I spend most of my day staring at a computer screen, it's very important to me to care for the delicate area around the eyes and having tested quite a lot of eye creams and I now know exactly what I'm looking for. It needs to be rich, hydrating, nourishing and protecting anti-ageing qualities. As you can tell I'm demanding to say the least, when it comes to eye creams and the Dermalogica Total Eye Care* was up against a very tough critic. The consistency is amazingly light and whipped, almost mousse like and it has a lovely buff colored tint to it as well for an instant subtle under eye coverage. It also has light reflecting particles that help to add brightness and to reduce the appearance of puffiness and dark circles. The long list of ingredients all intend to hydrate, strengthen and smooth the eye area, which is exactly what I'm after. You only need a tiny grain sized amount and it's so creamy that it blends into the skin immediately, leaving it feeling buttery smooth and protected, without any tackiness or oilyness.

 

Of course you can use the eye cream both in the day or during the night, but because of the subtle coverage and the light reflecting ingredients this eye cream really work at its best during the day time. I would even say that you may not need to use an under eye concealer since the cream does that for you. I was a harsh critic, but this eye cream easily won me over and I am absolutely blown away by how lovely this is. It's so pleasant and refreshing to wear, it give a lovely radiant glow to the under eye area and most importantly, it keeps the hydration throughout the day and in the evening my skin stills feel soft and smooth - I will definitely be repurchasing it.

If you're tempted to add some Dermalogica products to your routine, Beauty900 has a vast selection to choose from and they also offer free delivery and samples with every order - and we all like free samples now don't we!

Do first impressions last? - Origins Modern Friction

My skin has definitely taken a bit of a beating lately. As much as I love being outdoors in the summer (wearing sunscreen of course!!), it's inevitable that my skin will go through a phase of not quite knowing what to do. One minute it feels dehydrated and next minute it goes oily with the occasional breakout - but then again I guess it is a lady's right to change her mind.

Using an exfoliator a few times a week helps to balance my skin, so when my Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser finished (see July Empties post) and I needed a replacement product I turned my eyes to another super brand when it comes to natural skin care, using only organic ingredients and 100% natural essential oils - Origins.

I decided on Modern Friction, which is marketed as Nature's gentle dermabrasion. I have only tried it a few times now so in a way this is about first impressions, and you know what they say - it counts and it only takes a few seconds for someone to make their mind up, so no pressure right?! 

I really like the packaging of this limited edition; it's cute, fresh, colourful and completely captures Origins values and commitment to the environment. Personally I think that the standard packaging of Origins products could do with some snazzying up and I find this much more appealing. 

First of all - when you apply the scrub (and you don't need a lot of it), you instantly sense the aromatic, clean and herbal typical spa scent, so we're off to a great start! Secondly you'll notice that the consistency isn't coarse like some exfoliating or dermabrasion products where it feels as if you're cleansing your face with gravel... ouch! Here the exfoliating element is rice starch which gives a gentle smoothing effect. You can massage it on to either dry or damp skin, and personally I prefer it on damp skin since it develops into a lovely thick and creamy texture, similar to some masks and I was even tempted to leave it on since it felt so nourishing and soothing. Rinse away with lots of water and follow with whatever toner you use.

The effect is noticeable straight away - your skin is soft, feeling impossibly clean and radiant, which is probably the effect of the lemon oil in the product. Even though I'm lucky enough to not have very sensitive skin I usually get a little bit rosy cheeked after an exfoliation, but there's been no redness or irritation to be seen. My first impression is overwhelmingly positive - I am so SO happy with this product and would recommend it for all skin types, even sensitive!

Sometimes you have to revisit your first impressions and be big enough to change your opinion either for the better or for the worse, but I have a feeling that won't be necessary in this case.

Order from the Origins website where you'll get free standard delivery as well as some goodies and they always have some great offers on!