8 November 2013

Winter Skin Cleansing

I've been really enjoying Autumn this year. Getting up most days to crisp sunny weather, wrapping up in big tartan scarves & sipping hot chocolate on long dog walks. Unfortunately a downside to the dropping temperature is often that our skin gets quite abused & products that were fine for summer are no longer keeping up.


 
I have definitely noticed this in the last couple of weeks with my skin getting pretty dry on my forehead & cheeks. Taking this as my cue I have begun updating my skincare routine, making the transition into the winter months with richer more hydrating products.

First up; cleansers! I find using a rich cleansing cream or balm to be the most effective step in maintaining good winter skin. It preps your skin with a good amount of moisture & removes any dead skin or flakes that can make applying makeup later-on a nightmare!

So far I've picked up two new cleansers the illustrious Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm & the Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser from Superdrug. So far I've been using the purse-friendly Superdrug option, anticipating the more potent Emma Hardie will be better served for when the temperature truly plummets.


So far I've been so impressed with the £5.99 Superdrug find. I've used (& loved) Liz Earle's Cleanse & Polish in the past & think that this holds its own against the multi-award winner. 

A thick, rich textured cream with a natural botanical scent it leaves skin feeling baby soft, clean & nourished. I don't ask much more from a cleanser!

It's also worth noting that I have pretty sensitive, combination skin, prone to redness & irritation. This doesn't aggravate my skin in anyway & actually feels calming & soothing. A big thumbs up from me, I'm very happy to find such an affordable & effective product!

I'll let you know how I get on with this in the coming months & also the results of the EH cleansing balm. 

What are your winter skincare must-haves?

Harriet x

5 February 2013

L'Occitane en Provence Haul




Harriet and I decided to make the most of a 20% off voucher I had for L'Occitane so we ordered a few things online to help us get through the coldest February London has seen in the last 28 years!!

Harriet and I both went for an Almond Shower Oil (£17.50) as she raves about it and I'm really into oils for my skin at the moment so I really wanted to try it. I also bought a HUGE jar of Repairing Mask for Dry & Damaged Hair which at £20 is kind of pricey but it should last ages and it's totally worth it. You can read a little review I did of it here. If you spent over £30 you could get a Comforting Winter Collection for just £14 which I thought was a nice little bargain and a great way to try out some different products without having to buy the full sizes for the full prices! It came in a lovely cream, knitted bag which I am going to keep as a winter essentials (lip balms, hand creams etc) that I take to work bag. In it came 6 miniature products from their Shea Butter range. Hand Cream, Foot Cream, Lip balm (which, by the way, I have tried already and is heavenly!), Ultra Rich Body Cream & Face Cream and an Extra Gentle Soap. Unfortunately L'Occitane have stopped this promotion but they've got some good offers on sets of their new Spring products at the moment. Harriet also bought a tried, tested and much loved Shea Butter Rose Petals Hand Cream (£8), I love the packaging of this one. 

Isobel x