This post contains gifted items, which are marked "AD". Read my full disclaimer here.

Thanks to some truly lovely PR packages, which were waiting for me when I got home from an extended stay with family recently, my skin has been enjoying some delightful summer treats over the past few weeks. Two are from Dr Botanicals, a tried and tested (and much loved) brand, while one is from a brand I hadn't heard of before - 001 Skincare, an unexpected but very welcome surprise. All three have proved such a joy to use that it would have been rude of me not to share, so here are the details!

Oil based cleansers and my skin aren't always the best of friends, so I was somewhat wary of trying this product and have only been using it two to three days a week, relying on my trusty micellar water to remove makeup the rest of the time. So far it hasn't had any adverse effects, and I'm thrilled about that because it is such a wonderful product to use - this cleanser is worthy of a place in the fanciest of spas! First of all, it smells like a dream, due to its combination of jasmine, neroli and yang ylang oils. I can't resist a beautifully scented product and anything with jasmine in it is going to get my attention! It also feels nourishing, soothing and softening on the skin. Anyone who dislikes a stripping effect from their cleanser will love this, as it honestly feels like you're moisturising your skin rather than cleansing it. Yet it's also very effective at removing makeup. I tend to use a separate eye makeup remover, but other than that this will do the job very nicely, while caring for your skin at the same time. Cleansing your face never felt so luxurious.

I love a cream mask that's super hydrating. Used two to three times a week as a sleeping mask, I always find I wake up the next morning with plumped, baby soft skin. This rich offering from Dr Botanicals is a perfect example and a very welcome addition to my collection. Containing cocoa and coconut, it has a very faint fragrance to it that is reminiscent of both those ingredients - good enough to eat! Feels deeply nourishing on application yet sinks into the skin surprisingly quickly, leaving you looking perfectly rested the next morning. 

There couldn't be a nicer product to use in summer than this one. I've been using it as a hand cream but it's also a handy little multi-tasker, perfect to use on cuticles, elbows or just anywhere you might have dry skin. Like the cocoa mask, it manages to be both super rich and fast to absorb, and doesn't leave the slightest residue on the skin. As for the fresh lemon scent, it's divine and so perfect for warm summer days. I'm absolutely loving this one and think I will feel quite bereft once I've finished it!

Don't forget, if you fancy checking out the Dr Botanicals products or indeed anything from the Dr Botanicals website, you can enter the code KATELOUISE for a 20% discount at checkout.

What beauty products have you been loving this summer?

Kate x

I always feel as though my skin needs that little bit extra TLC in the cooler months, and perhaps for that reason, the whole ritual of my skincare routine feels a bit more like a treat at this time of year than it normally does. One thing I've particularly been enjoying lately is layering face oils under my moisturiser for extra nourishment and protection. I've been lucky enough to have been gifted two really lovely ones, and I've found one of them to be an ideal addition to my morning routine, while the other has become a night time favourite. Below, you'll find a concise review of both products, why I like to use each of them at different times of day, and links to where you can shop them.

Oh, and if it's the day time oil you like the sound of, you're in for an extra treat, as I also have a discount code which you can use to get 20% off your purchase. Read on, and all will be revealed!

My Current Favourite Day Face Oil

As soon as the Dr Botanicals Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil* arrived on my desk, I knew I was going to love it. It has rose in it, for one thing, and we all know how obsessed I am with rose as an ingredient. It's also pink (pink makes me happy, what can I say?!), and has the most beautiful light, sweet fragrance. 

There are a few reasons why I love using this in the mornings. Firstly, it's super light and absorbs into the skin almost instantly, meaning I don't have to wait around before applying my moisturiser and moving on to my makeup. It's also rich in anti-oxidants, so I feel as though I'm helping to protect my skin against free radicals and pollutants in the atmosphere by applying this before going out and about during the day. Finally, it has Vitamin A as a main ingredient, which helps to even out skin tone. When I apply this, I feel that my skin looks instantly clearer and brighter, with any redness calmed - definitely ready to face the day!



In addition to Vitamin A, the other main ingredients in this product are Vitamin C, which stimulates collagen production for younger looking skin and Almond Oil, which adds moisture and also helps to brighten the complexion.

Designed to be suitable for all skin types, I think a lot of people would find this a great addition to their routine. If you like the look of it, you can find the Moroccan Rose Superfood Facial Oil here. Entering the code KATELOUISE at checkout will get you 20% off your purchase, and that applies not just to the oil but across the entire Dr Botanicals site. Their products are natural, vegan and cruelty free, and having had a good browse myself, I would say it's well worth a look as there were quite a few things that made me "ooh" and "ah". You might even, dare I say it, want to get a head start on some skincare related Christmas shopping?! (No? Too early? Ok, let's all forget I said anything and just look for treats for ourselves.)

My Current Favourite Night Face Oil

I've already talked about the Antipodes Divine Face Oil with Rosehip and Avocado* in my Post Holiday Skincare Routine, but I'm still absolutely loving this product and it's perfect to use at night after the Dr Botanicals oil in the morning, so I just had to mention it again.

While both oils are rich and nourishing, you feel it a lot more with this one, as it's much oilier in consistency as opposed to the super light, almost watery Moroccan Rose oil. This makes it feel very comforting to apply at night. It's also packed with Vitamins, as well as Organic Avocado Oil, which boosts collagen production while reducing the appearance of fine lines and scarring. Rosehip Oil also adds moisture and repairs damaged skin. With all that repairing going on, I think that the evening is the ideal time to apply it, as it can really get to work to aid the skin's natural healing process.


Are you using any facial oils at the moment? Which are your favourites, and do you prefer to apply them in the day time or at night? And don't forget to use the code KATELOUISE for 20% off anything from the Dr Botanicals website.

Kate x