Friday 27 November 2015

Current Skincare Heroes

I'm the first to admit that I find skincare a bit of a minefield. There's about fifty million brands, and products galore for dry skin, acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, aging skin, congested skin... but what if you're all of the above? My skin definitely doesn't sit neatly in one category that's easy for me to look after with a specific set of products. It fluctuates between a whole host of issues, all of which seem to require certain things from skincare that are really bad for the other issues. Ugh.

Lately, I've been experiencing a bit of an acne breakout - something I suffer from randomly from time to time - and I decided that there was no point in overthinking things. The breakout is my main issue right now, so I kept it simple and just looked for products that will combat that issue. And as it turns out, I've stumbled across two little gems that target the acne without destroying the moisture in my skin. Result! The products in question are the Witch Naturally Clear Gentle Exfoliating Face Wash and the Avene Cleanance Expert Emulsion.

Witch Naturally Clear Gentle Exfoliating Face Wash and Avene Cleanance Expert Emulsion

The Witch face wash was part of the goodie bag I received at the Pegasus Beauty Showcase back in September (and something, at the time, I didn't think I would use), and the Avene product was sent to me just a few weeks ago by the same PR company. I have to say that this is the perfect example of how blogging opens your eyes to new brands, because I don't think I would have gravitated towards either product had I not been introduced to them through Pegasus.

Witch Naturally Clear Gentle Exfoliating Face Wash

One of my biggest bugbears with my skin is that it's often congested but it's also sensitive. How to clear it up without aggravating it and making it all red and dry? Normally I would have been too nervous to try a product like this, with exfoliating granules in it, especially as a daily cleanser, but having spoken to the Witch team at the Pegasus event, I knew that this was a gentle formula, designed to unclog pores without drying out the skin. I've been using it for almost a month now and it does a fantastic job of deeply cleansing my skin, without giving me any dryness or issues with sensitivity whatsoever. The blurb on the back does recommend caution with sensitive skin, so now that my complexion is clearer I will probably switch to something with a creamier formula, and keep this in reserve for the next time it's needed.

Witch Naturally Clear Gentle Exfoliating Face Wash

Witch Naturally Clear Gentle Exfoliating Face Wash

The Avene Cleanance Expert emulsion won the "Best New Skincare Treatment" in the Pure Beauty Awards 2015. It's unique in the sense that it's a moisturiser which actually contains acne fighting ingredients, and this got me interested straight away. It's a lovely, mid-weight sort of cream with a light, fresh scent. It feels very pleasant to use. It's definitely effective at moisturising my skin, but it also gently exfoliates, mattifies, regulates sebum production and reduces redness and inflammation. My complexion feels perfectly balanced once I've used this after the Witch face wash. Not greasy, but definitely not dry either. It's a lovely product and it's great to know that I can keep my skin hydrated and fight that nasty acne bacteria at the same time.

Avene Cleanance Expert Emulsion

This little wonder in a tube was formulated by Avene after they surveyed women suffering from adult acne. They discovered that a lot of women are reluctant to use acne targeted skincare because they are afraid it will strip their skin and be too harsh for daily use. That's definitely something that's always worried me. Especially since, once over the age of 25, we all need to be careful to make sure that our skin gets enough moisture. Thanks to Avene, I've been able to battle the breakout without feeling like I'm sacrificing the quality of my skin. Brilliant!

Avene Cleanance Expert Emulsion

Avene Cleanance Expert Emulsion

There's no miracle cure for acne breakouts, and there are times when medication is the only answer. However, they can be kept under control with the right products, and I'd definitely recommend both of these. Anyone who's suffered with breakouts will understand when I talk about that dreaded tell tale feeling that something hideous is about to erupt on your face. Well, once I had been using these products for a week or so, those hideous somethings started to reduce before the eruption happened. I honestly didn't think that skincare alone could do that, but I've been really impressed. For now, the little episode seems to be over, but I will definitely be keeping these in my stash for the next time they're needed.

Have you tried either of these products?

Kate x
SHARE:

42 comments

  1. I haven't tried Cleanance Expert for myself but I have been introduced to it and heard some amazing stories from people using it with improved results x

    Beauty with charm | AVENE GIVEAWAY

    ReplyDelete
  2. Ugh my skin is being an absolute pain at the moment too, I always thought it was meant to get better as I got older! That moisturiser sounds ideal for what I am looking for, as I find I avoid moisturisers when my skin is like this even though I know it will help. Definitely need to try! x

    Jasmin Charlotte

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm exactly the same, and I think a lot of people are. This moisturiser is the perfect solution! x

      Delete
  3. I stay away from physical exfoliants most of the time, but it is great these two worked for you! Blogging is great to get to know different brands that may come in handy quicker before you even know.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It certainly is! I can get stuck in a rut with products I know, but blogging has really encouraged me to broaden my horizons. x

      Delete
  4. These look like great products! Very nice!

    http://www.theaisleofstyle.com/

    ReplyDelete
  5. Looks like a great brand :) Bonjour from France, Sand.
    .
    www.taimemode-fashionblog.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love Avene skincare! It's so gentle yet effective!

    Danielle's Beauty Blog

    ReplyDelete
  7. I really need to pay more attention to Avene's products, there's been lots of good reviews on the brand but somehow it always escape my attention. The problem for me...well, I shouldn't call it a problem, is I find it hard to see the differences that a product or range gave to my skin. I'm very lucky in the sense my skin has always been good but at the same time, it's a huge problem whenever I test a product.

    Shireen | Reflection of Sanity

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I think when skin is good it's hard to notice if a product makes much of a difference or not! I feel the same about Avene - I hear so many good things about it, but it's just not a brand I know that well. x

      Delete
  8. I am loving the Avene Cleanance range at the moment. I don't use it daily as it feels too much for my sensitive skin but using it every other day makes my skin blemish free from usual. Xx


    eLLa
    every LiTTLE thing07

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think that's another good idea - using products on alternate days to get the benefits without aggravating your skin. x

      Delete
  9. Great products. I've heard some very nice reviews about witch hazel.
    wendeeisaacs.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm surprised by how good it is to be honest! x

      Delete
  10. Both of these sound so lovely, I love Avene products!

    Paula
    Thirteen Thoughts

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I definitely want to try some more of them now! x

      Delete
  11. If you're into DIY skincare, a turmeric/honey/yogurt facemask is EXCELLENT for clearing up acne-prone skin, even if your skin is sensitive!
    If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add crushed up non-coated aspirin as well. :)

    -Alex
    A Northern Light

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This is something I always like the idea of doing, but I've yet to try it. I'm too lazy! Maybe one day I'll give it a go. x

      Delete
  12. This makes me wanting to try more Avene products!! They're so gentle (:
    Nati xx
    www.simplyartdicted.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I was really impressed! I want to try some more too now. x

      Delete
  13. Thank for sharing, honey!

    Happy Sunday! *_*

    xoxo, Nastya Deutsch

    NEW POST ON MY BLOG | INSTAGRAM

    ReplyDelete
  14. I purchased the Witch Blemish stick a couple of weeks ago when I had a large breakout and was very impressed - this has made me want to try some more of their range! Thanks for sharing


    Jodie @ Jodetopia x

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sounds like the blemish stick is another good thing to keep on hand for breakouts! x

      Delete
  15. I like the sound of the Witch Face Wash ♥

    summerdaisy.net

    ReplyDelete
  16. I've not tried either of these but they both sound great! Especially the cleanser, I love face scrubs x

    Josie | Sick Chick Chic

    ReplyDelete
  17. I don't think I've used anything from Witch since my teens so I've totally forgot how fantastic their cleansers can be! And you can usually pick Witch up pretty cheaply too! I might have to give this one another go!

    Sarah :)
    Saloca in Wonderland

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I think that was another thing that always put me off it before, thinking it was more for teens! But I've been pleasantly surprised and you're right - it's very affordable! x

      Delete
  18. I hate acne! And usually I use effclar, effaclar a.i, effaclar mat and effaclar duo as treatment! It always get better.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Although I tend to favour chemical exfoliators, I also really like the Witch scrub. :) I haven't tried the Cleanance Expert yet but I love Avene's products. x

    Renata | Speaking Beauty UK

    ReplyDelete
  20. I tend to avoid gel exfoliators too as my skin ends up like a stripped potato, but I'm pleased you didn't find the With product too harsh :) Love, love Avene! :D

    Style Sunrise☀

    :)
    x

    ReplyDelete
  21. How interesting the Avene Cleanance Expert won that award, I hadn't realised it was so highly rated! Your review truly does make me want to try it as well :) Have a lovely week!

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice
    x

    ReplyDelete
  22. I love the sound of the witch cleanser, it looks really good, especially because I suffer with the whole congested feeling but my face is also really sensitive so I need something gentle :) Love your choices thank you Kate <3 :)

    Serene | I Am Serene L

    ReplyDelete
  23. Avene is such a brilliant product. really love the fact that they take into consideration these facts :)

    Jessica | notjessfashion.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm a fan of Avène! I'm not surprised at all Avene won an Pure Beuaty Award. Their products are indeed very pleasant to use!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I've never heard of Avene, but I love the way it looks. Thanks for having a little swatch so I can kind of get a feel of it. :]

    // ▲ itsCarmen.com ▲

    ReplyDelete

Blogger Template Created by pipdig