Saturday 13 September 2014

Recent skin care additions including Elemis, Bioderma, GLAMGLOW and TheBody Shop
























I have been absolutely loving my skin care recently. Although let's be real, I've always loved skin care. I've been chopping and changing it up and I've tried out some right gems. In fact, I have another skin care post coming very soon - crazy! Although don't worry, I have been using every item for a prolonged period of time. This post has been a long time coming...

When it comes to skin care, I really rate Elemis as a brand. These three Elemis newbies aren't half brilliant. In terms of diminishing fine lines, banishing acne or fading scarring well, they won't do that. But what they will do is ensure your skin is kept balanced and hydrated throughout the day - and night. I use the Hydra-Boost Day Cream* more than the Hydra-Balance Day Cream* because although my skin is combination, it can become extremely parched and thirsty as the day goes on. It balances my skin beautifully and the gel-like formula makes my skin feel gorgeously soft. As for the Hydra-Nourish Night Cream*; it's fabulous. I wake up with glowing skin that's ready to face the day. No complaints. 

As I mentioned above, my skin easily becomes dehydrated and the new GLAMGLOW THIRSTYMUD Hydrating Treatment* has become a necessity in my skin care routine. I slather a generous layer on my skin every Tuesday evening and my skin soon drinks it up. I find that I don't have to wipe off any excess as it melts away into my skin and leaves it nourished. Pricey, yes but a product I'd have no problem repurchasing. 

Throughout the summer months, the Bioderma Sebium Mat Moisturising Mattifying Fluid* became my go-to day time moisturiser. As I've mentioned, my skin is combination so when the sun is at its hottest it tends to easily get oily throughout the day. This gel-like moisturiser instantly mattifies the skin yet leaves it feel hydrated. It also uses lots of fancy ingredients to help prevent blocked pores, speed up cellular renewal and tighten the pores. Oh, and did I mention that it's unbelievably lightweight on the skin?

Although The Body Shop Aloe Protective Restoring Mask* is branded as a face mask, I use it as an intense night time moisturiser. Aloe is great for calming the skin so personally I love using it when I have a breakout. The following morning, redness has toned down and my skin is left feeling beautifully soft and hydrated. Sticking with the aloe theme; The Body Shop Aloe Eye Defence* is one that I've been loving. It doesn't really have an instant effect but then again, I wouldn't expect an eye cream to - prevention is better than cure after all. This eye cream is lightweight and cool and almost brightens the eye area. I love the fact that it's a pump bottle which means application is quick and easy. 

The Body Shop Tea Tree Pore Minimiser* has quickly become my everyday primer and it's made me more determined to try out the store's Instablur. This primer smooths over the skin and leaves it nicely matte and prepared for make up. In terms of pores, I tap a bit of product over them and it instantly fills them on and leaves my skin look - almost - flawless. I wouldn't recommend this if you're not a tea tree scent fan though - it's quite prominent.

One that I'm still not so sure of is The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Make Up Remover.* Don't get me wrong, it does everything it says it should but I do think that when it's full priced, it's quite expensive compared to a lot of similar eye make up removers out there. It is gentle, it does melt away eye make up and it does leave the surrounding skin feeling soft.

I found out which products best suited my skin by using The Body Shop's Skin Diagnostic Tool which is free, quick and easy to use. It asks you a number of questions and then works out which cleanser, toner, moisturiser, exfoliator, serum and special treatments are better for your skin type and concerns. Genius. I wish every brand did something like this as it's a fabulous way to discover suitable products.

Phew, that was a long 'en! What skin care products have you been loving recently?
*PR Sample
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