This post contains gifted products and affiliate links, which are marked "AD". Read my full disclaimer here.
One of the joys of blogging is occasionally being sent products that you weren't expecting to receive. This happened to me recently when Soap And Glory got in touch out of the blue and asked if they could send me "a cute little something". Now if there's one thing I love, it's being sent "a cute little something", so I said, "please do!".
A week or so later, a package arrived on my doorstep containing two very generously sized skincare products - a micellar water and a foaming cleanser. These are two types of product my skin tends to get on very well with, so I was keen to try them out, as well as curious, as Soap And Glory is not a brand I have much experience with.
Drama Clean 5-in-1 Micellar Cleansing Water (AD)
I always use a micellar water to remove my makeup in the evenings, and nearly always buy the Garnier Sensitive Skin one. It's super affordable, does an amazing job at removing all traces of makeup and doesn't irritate my skin, so I haven't really felt the need to explore others. That said, it's always nice to try something different, so I was happy to give the Soap And Glory version a go. The biggest difference compared with the Garnier product is the fragrance - the Garnier is unscented, while the Soap And Glory has a light, fresh cucumber scent. I personally really like this, although some might prefer their micellar water to be unfragranced.
The product works every bit as well as the Garnier one in terms of actually removing makeup. It comes off effortlessly, with no scrubbing required, even on tougher things like waterproof mascara and matte lipstick. Afterwards, my skin feels smooth and soft, and not dried out in the slightest.
Drama Clean retails at £6 for 350 ml, while my usual Garnier product is £5.99 for 400 ml. For this reason, I will probably go back to the Garnier one when I have finished this. However, the Soap And Glory version is still an affordable product and works very well, so I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it if you are looking to try a new micellar water. Now that I know it does a good job and suits my skin, I would definitely pick it up if the Garnier one wasn't available.
Face Soap And Clarity 3-in-1 Daily Vitamin C Facial Wash (AD)
I was slightly concerned when I first saw this product as it appeared to contain microbeads, however after some research I can confirm that they are in fact made from a type of jojoba wax and completely safe for the environment. The beads create a mildly exfoliating element to the cleanser, which is very satisfying to use, particularly if you've been feeling that your skin needs a really good, deep cleanse. Best applied to damp skin, the product gradually lathers and foams as you massage it in, and then rinses away to leave your complexion feeling cool, fresh and very smooth.
Because this Facial Wash contains the exfoliating beads, as well as Vitamin C, it's most suitable for me to use two to three times a week as an extra deep cleanse, rather than as a part of my daily skincare routine. My slightly sensitive, combination skin would, I am sure, react to this negatively with sustained daily use. However, used sparingly, it has definitely been helping my skin to look bright and clear in recent weeks and I fully intend to continue using it. If your skin requires a fairly strong cleanser on a regular basis then this is definitely worth checking out as well, and at £8 for 350 ml it's pretty good value.
Are you a fan of Soap And Glory? Have you tried either of these products?
Kate x
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Ah, January... the month of gloom! Although, to be honest, I quite like it really. It's a time of beginnings, when the diary is fresh and clean and new year motivation is as yet untarnished. It can also be a month that's quite hard on my skin, however. I think most of us find that our complexions need a little more care in the cooler months, and by January, we're deep in the midst of them, with the end not yet in sight. Add to that the effects (and excesses) of Christmas and New Year and it's clear to see why January is the month when a lot of us up our skincare game! I am definitely trying to do just that at the moment, and luckily I was sent quite a bit of new skincare just before Christmas, which I've been loving experimenting with. Of course it would be rude to keep it all to myself, so I've put this post together to tell you all about the new essentials in my winter skincare routine.
Jane Scrivner Masquerade*
This is a light and easy to use mask which gives skin an instant radiance boost, even if you only have time to leave it on for a few minutes. Containing French Clay to cleanse and gently exfoliate and Witch Hazel to tone, it's also rich in skin repairing vitamins C, B, D and E and essential fatty acids, making it the perfect restorative treat after all the festive indulgences. If you like the clearing effect of clay masks but don't like the heavy way they sit on the skin or the dryness they can leave behind, this is definitely one for you. It's so gentle on the skin and so lightweight that you hardly know you have anything on at all, while the Aloe Vera it contains helps to leave behind a soothed, softened feel, so you can enjoy all the cleansing benefits without feeling as though your skin has been stripped.
Jane Scrivner Skin Elixir*
A moisturising facial oil suitable for daily use, the Jane Scrivner Skin Elixir is a beautiful combination of essential oils including Jojoba, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, Lavender and Sweet Orange, especially chosen to replenish and restore the skin's natural barrier function. I love a good facial oil in the winter, especially one that's fragrant and feels nourishing on the skin. This one delivers on both those counts, yet still maintains a lightweight feel and sinks into the skin quickly after application. Used over time, this should help to slow the signs of ageing and improve elasticity, while it also balances sebum production, making it suitable for all skin types. I have a feeling this one might be sticking around in my routine for a long time to come.
Beatitude Revitalise Night Facial Oil*
Having been a fan of Beatitude bath oils for some time now, I was excited to try a facial oil from the brand. I find this one very hydrating on the skin, just like a long drink of water for my complexion, so it is a real pleasure to use. Like the Jane Scrivner oil, it's lightweight and sinks in very easily - neither of these oils leave any sort of greasy residue on my skin, which is good to know for those who find this a turn-off. Containing Vitamin C, Raspberry Seed Oil, Pomegranate Seed Oil and Rosehip, I find my skin looks radiant in the mornings after applying this at night, and feels silky soft too.
Bio-Extracts Normal Facial Moisturiser*, Anti-Oxidant Boost* And Even Skin Boost*
Some of you who have been following my blog for a long time might remember me talking about Bio-Extracts before. This vegan brand offers a very interesting, bespoke approach to skincare, allowing you to pick and choose booster serums to add to your moisturiser, depending on your skin's particular needs at the time. Just before Christmas, they were kind enough to send me one of their moisturising creams and two boosters - one packed full of powerful anti-oxidants and the other designed to even skin tone and leave my complexion looking luminous. I've been using these in the mornings, adding a couple of drops of both boosters to the moisturiser before applying.
What are some of your winter skincare essentials?
Kate x
What are some of your winter skincare essentials?
Kate x
*Gifted item. All opinions, as always, are my own.
If you saw my What's In My Travel Makeup Bag post the other week, you'll know that I travel (reasonably) light when it comes to the makeup I take away with me on holiday. Well, the same is true for skincare. While I like to make sure I have everything I need to keep my skin cleansed, moisturised and protected from the sun while I'm away, I tend not to bother with masks, serums, exfoliators or any of the "extras" that form part of my weekly routine when I'm at home. As a result, while I don't return from my holidays with terrible skin, I definitely feel as though it's in need of a bit of a pamper when I do get home.
My recent travels were no exception. With my skin feeling a little congested, dull and dry from my two weeks in the sunshine, I was excited to get back to my stash and give myself a mini facial. I loved the way my skin looked and felt afterwards, so I thought I would share what I used. So here it is - my post holiday skincare routine.
Step 1: Garnier Micellar Water
What did we do before Micellar Water was a thing? Seriously, how did we ever manage to get our skin clean enough?! Whether I'm at home or away, I'm never without this product, and it's always the first step of my evening routine to make sure I've swept away every last trace of makeup before moving on to actually cleansing my face. My favourite Micellar Water is the original Garnier one. I find it so effective at removing makeup, even waterproof mascara, but it doesn't dry out or irritate my skin in the slightest. I like to soak a large cotton pad or two in the product and gently wipe them over my face until it's completely makeup free.
I have a couple of cleansers on the go at the moment. The one I took with me on holiday was the Jurlique Radiant Skin Foaming Cleanser, so purely in the interests of giving my skin a break, I decided to switch back to the Image Skincare one for my post holiday skincare routine. I wrote in more detail about this product a while back, but essentially it is a gentle yet effective product, leaving my face feeling thoroughly cleansed, yet still soft. Exactly what I wanted for my slightly stressed, post holiday skin!
With my skin thoroughly cleansed, it was time to start giving it that little bit of TLC it had been missing during my holiday. Just before I went away, I was sent the Manuka Doctor 24k Gold & Manuka Honey facial peel to try, and now seemed like the perfect time. Housed in a very pretty white and gold tube, there is an addictive smell to this product that I can't quite put my finger on - sweet yet fresh. It's also lots of fun to use, applying as a pure golden mask that's perfect for face mask selfies, if those are your thing!
The product contains Kaolin Clay to draw impurities out of the skin, Hyaluronic Acid to moisturise, Vitamin E for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Manuka Honey to boost moisturisation and elastin, and Purified Bee Venom to nurture natural collagen formation and increase skin's elasticity. As per the instructions, I applied a thin layer of the mask and allowed it to dry, and I found that this took a little less time than the 20 minutes indicated.
When I peeled the mask away - again, fun to do! - I was impressed with how much brighter my skin looked, and by how smooth it felt. Having neglected exfoliation during my holiday, it had been a little dull and somewhat rough in texture, and this sorted it out straight away. I love this product and will definitely be incorporating it into my regular routine as a one or twice weekly treat.
Another product I had recently been sent was this luxurious looking face oil from Antipodes. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it feels incredibly nourishing on the skin yet still absorbs quickly without leaving any stickiness behind. The Organic Avocado Oil in this can apparently boost collagen production by up to 51%, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines, age spots and scars and nurturing the skin with essential fatty acids and key vitamins. In addition to this, the Rosehip Oil adds moisture and helps to repair parched and damaged skin - definitely what I needed post holiday!
Having only used this product a handful of times so far, I can't say anything about its long term benefits, but it feels wonderful to use - so much so that I find myself looking forward to getting ready for bed at night just so that I can put this on! My face is lapping this stuff up, and because it's suitable for all complexions, it's not upsetting the balance of my combination skin. Again, a product I've fallen in love with at first use and one which will be incorporated into my routine for the foreseeable future - nightly, in this case.
No night time routine is complete without eye cream! The No 7 Protect & Perfect eye cream is one I always go back to - in fact, you could say the same for the whole range. Eye creams can be tricky as it is the one area where fine lines tend to show the most for a lot of people, and it can be difficult to find an eye cream that really makes a huge difference. This one is no miracle worker, but it does a decent job at keeping my under eye area hydrated and fine lines softened. I don't suffer from puffiness or bad dark circles, but it's designed to target those as well, with its combination of peptides, antioxidants and pro-retinol Retinyl Palmitate.
The final step in my post holiday skincare routine was to apply a moisturiser before snuggling up in bed, and I chose an old favourite. I reviewed this Vitamin E mask almost a year ago when I first tried it, and I still love it now. Containing a blend of ingredients designed to both brighten and hydrate, including Vitamin E, Niacinamide and Adenosine, this product always seems to make me look fresh and awake in the morning after applying it the night before. The perfect finishing touch!
Do you keep up your full skincare routine on holiday, or do you opt for a good old pamper session once you get back? Or both?!
Kate x
Step 2: Image Skincare Ormedic Balancing Facial Cleanser*
I have a couple of cleansers on the go at the moment. The one I took with me on holiday was the Jurlique Radiant Skin Foaming Cleanser, so purely in the interests of giving my skin a break, I decided to switch back to the Image Skincare one for my post holiday skincare routine. I wrote in more detail about this product a while back, but essentially it is a gentle yet effective product, leaving my face feeling thoroughly cleansed, yet still soft. Exactly what I wanted for my slightly stressed, post holiday skin!
Step 3: Manuka Doctor 24k Gold & Manuka Honey Facial Peel*
With my skin thoroughly cleansed, it was time to start giving it that little bit of TLC it had been missing during my holiday. Just before I went away, I was sent the Manuka Doctor 24k Gold & Manuka Honey facial peel to try, and now seemed like the perfect time. Housed in a very pretty white and gold tube, there is an addictive smell to this product that I can't quite put my finger on - sweet yet fresh. It's also lots of fun to use, applying as a pure golden mask that's perfect for face mask selfies, if those are your thing!
The product contains Kaolin Clay to draw impurities out of the skin, Hyaluronic Acid to moisturise, Vitamin E for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Manuka Honey to boost moisturisation and elastin, and Purified Bee Venom to nurture natural collagen formation and increase skin's elasticity. As per the instructions, I applied a thin layer of the mask and allowed it to dry, and I found that this took a little less time than the 20 minutes indicated.
When I peeled the mask away - again, fun to do! - I was impressed with how much brighter my skin looked, and by how smooth it felt. Having neglected exfoliation during my holiday, it had been a little dull and somewhat rough in texture, and this sorted it out straight away. I love this product and will definitely be incorporating it into my regular routine as a one or twice weekly treat.
Step 4: Antipodes Divine Avocado And Rosehip Face Oil*
Another product I had recently been sent was this luxurious looking face oil from Antipodes. Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, it feels incredibly nourishing on the skin yet still absorbs quickly without leaving any stickiness behind. The Organic Avocado Oil in this can apparently boost collagen production by up to 51%, while also reducing the appearance of fine lines, age spots and scars and nurturing the skin with essential fatty acids and key vitamins. In addition to this, the Rosehip Oil adds moisture and helps to repair parched and damaged skin - definitely what I needed post holiday!
Step 5: No 7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Eye Cream
No night time routine is complete without eye cream! The No 7 Protect & Perfect eye cream is one I always go back to - in fact, you could say the same for the whole range. Eye creams can be tricky as it is the one area where fine lines tend to show the most for a lot of people, and it can be difficult to find an eye cream that really makes a huge difference. This one is no miracle worker, but it does a decent job at keeping my under eye area hydrated and fine lines softened. I don't suffer from puffiness or bad dark circles, but it's designed to target those as well, with its combination of peptides, antioxidants and pro-retinol Retinyl Palmitate.
Step 6: Klairs Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask
The final step in my post holiday skincare routine was to apply a moisturiser before snuggling up in bed, and I chose an old favourite. I reviewed this Vitamin E mask almost a year ago when I first tried it, and I still love it now. Containing a blend of ingredients designed to both brighten and hydrate, including Vitamin E, Niacinamide and Adenosine, this product always seems to make me look fresh and awake in the morning after applying it the night before. The perfect finishing touch!
Do you keep up your full skincare routine on holiday, or do you opt for a good old pamper session once you get back? Or both?!
Kate x
*Gifted product. Some links may be affiliate links. This poses no extra cost to you, the customer. All opinions, as always, are my own.
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