Croma Farewell Dry Skin Face Serum

 (post features sample)

 When I first opened the box containing the Croma FarewellDry Skin face serum, my initial thoughts were all about how exquisite the packaging is. I mean, a frosted glass dropper bottle presented atop its very own little wooden podium with the company name debossed into it is very much next-level skincare product presentation and I am completely here for it! It really is quite gorgeous and makes the product feel even more luxurious.

Croma is an Austrian brand that, quite interestingly, specialises in the industrial production of Hyaluronic Acid Syringes. It seemed like quite a natural progression then for the family owned business to start producing their own skincare ranges.

The Croma Farewell collection is a range of vegan and cruelty free serums designed to target specific skin concerns. Each of the serums contains high and low molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid at the core, with other ingredients added to address particular issues/areas. The collection includes Farewell Ageing Skin, Farewell Irritated Skin, Farewell Oily Skin, Farewell Puffy Eyes and Farewell Dry Skin, which is the serum I’ve been trialling.

With Hyaluronic Acid, D-Panthenol, Aloe Vera and Niacinamide, Farewell Dry Skin delivers a hefty dose of hydration and moisture to skin that needs a little extra help. The ingredients also work to strengthen the skin’s barrier and maintain softness and elasticity. The lightweight serum is designed to be used morning and night, with the recommended dosage of 3 drops to be applied after cleansing and before any moisturiser and SPF you might like to use.

I really like the texture of this serum; it’s so light and sort of feels like thick water on the skin. It’s therefore incredibly easy to apply and spread, with my face feeling like it’s had a big drink of water almost instantly. It absorbs well too and doesn’t really leave an obvious sign that I’ve just applied anything to my skin, except that it makes me look a little more awake and healthy, but there’s no sheen or shiny finish. I do however notice an immediate difference in the feel of my skin - there is an instant softness and sort of bounciness, almost like fine lines are being plumped and everything is being rehydrated. It's a very welcome sensation!

The Farewell Dry Skin Serum also plays very well beneath other products – I absolutely detest products that ball up and pill and this is not one of them, so it gets a big tick from me in that department too.

The serum does not have a scent and feels incredibly gentle so unless you are sensitive to Niacinamide it should be suitable for virtually everyone. All in all, a lovely luxury serum that I would suggest to anyone dealing with dry skin.

Croma Farewell Dry Skin target-specific face serum for dry skin is £109 for 30ml at Croma.

Common Skincare Complaints and How to Deal With Them

(collaborative post)

If you're anything like me you'll know that skincare should be an essential step in your daily routine. Not only can good skincare help give you a natural glow and help tackle any areas that you perceive to be a problem, but for many (myself included) it's just as much about self care as it is about results. However, it can be hard to know where to start - especially as there are hundreds of products on the market at any given time, each one making different or contradicting promises about which products are truly the best.

With that in mind, here are some of the most common skin complaints - and how you can deal with them! 

Complaint: Dry Skin. 

Solution: There are many reasons why you may be dealing with dry skin. It could be due to environmental factors, such as spending a lot of time outdoors in warm weather or a lack of hydration. Thankfully, there are also various ways in which you can deal with dry skin too. 

• Drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. This can improve your hydration, giving your complexion some much needed TLC. Even if you don't notice any improvement in your skin, it's still a great way to ensure your body stays hydrated

• Invest in dry skin products that can help reduce flakiness and dryness.

• Wear sunscreen every day - even if the sun is hidden behind the clouds (as it so often is in the UK). Pay special attention to your suncare if you use an acid in your routine.

Complaint: Under-eye bags. 

Solution: Under-eye bags are another common skin complaint that many of us have to deal with in our daily lives. The key cause behind them is a lack of proper sleep, though stress and anxiety can also cause them to worsen. To treat under-eye bags, you should: 

• Purchase products that are specifically designed to combat them, such as eye care creams and serums - and add them to your daily routine. 

• Try to get a good night's sleep - focusing on developing a strong nighttime routine that helps you fall asleep quickly and get some much-needed shut eye. 

• Applying a cool compress underneath your eyes, such as a wet cloth or even ice, can reduce the puffiness and appearance of under-eye bags. 

Complaint: My Skin doesn’t look like the models on instagram. 

Solution: As we spend so much time lurking on social media, especially on the pages of models or influencers, it’s easy to compare ourselves to the faces we see on our screens. However, it’s essential to realise that while our skin doesn’t look like theirs appears in the pictures - this is not an accurate depiction of how they look, either. In fact, photos posted on social media are often heavily edited using tools that blur out skin texture altogether. It's really quite deceptive and damaging.

• Keep an eye out for evidence of filters on photographs, and remind yourself that they aren’t real.

• Don't be afraid to hit Unfollow! Stop following those who post unrealistic social media content if it makes you feel uncomfortable in your own skin. Focus on following accounts that promote authenticity - and celebrate their blemishes and quirks. 

• Though this is easier said than done, try to feel confident in who you are - as this is perhaps the most straightforward ticket to confidence!

Top Products for Dry Winter Skin

Collaborative Post

It might be a massive cliché but January really is a pretty gloomy month isn't it? Christmas is over and done with, payday feels like it's years away and it usually starts to get really, really cold.

With the cold comes dry skin that needs a little extra love and I have a few favourite products I use to keep the skin on my body happy and hydrated.  A scrub with cult status, some lovely Aromatherapy body oils, pampering lotions and an OG bath bomb all feature. Read on to find out more about the bits I use on my body for a little less gloom and a lot more glow!

Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish is my ultimate body scrub. Thinking back to a few years ago, I remember seeing this on US beauty blogs and feeling extremely left out! Fresh wasn't available in the UK at the time and I thought I'd never get to try the scrub for myself. Fast forward to present day and we have Fresh at our fingertips and their original product does not disappoint. Made with brown sugar crystals (a natural humectant), the body scrub smoothes and softens with a blend of evening primrose, sweet almond, apricot kernel and jojoba oil. Citrus oils are in the mix too and give the scrub that signature Fresh scent. Blissful.

Speaking of exfoliating, I have to mention Italy Towels. If you're not familiar, an Italy Towel (not pictured) is basically a textured, reusable mitt that you slip over your hand and scrub your body with. You can use an Italy Towel either with or without soap or shower gel and they're most effective after you've soaked in the bath for a while or when used towards the end of your shower. I really like mine and have found that a very light touch is enough (in other words, don't scrub too hard!) because these things are quite abrasive. Italy Towels are a Korean Beauty staple and are named as such because they're made from viscose rayon, which was originally imported from Italy. That's what the internet has told me anyway. They are truly excellent at smoothing the skin and getting rid of flaky bits so I imagine they'd be brilliant for pre-fake tanning sessions and equally as good at removing old tan. I found mine on Amazon where a pack of 4 is under a fiver.

Clarins Renew Plus Body Serum has been a favourite of mine for years. It's a bit of a spendy body lotion but a bottle lasts me a good while as I only use it on the upper part of my body. This stuff is fanstastic for keeping dry, flakey skin at bay because it contains gentle exfoliating ingredients including a pre-retinol and Wintergreen extract. It also has a sort of gel/lotion texture that means it sinks in quickly so you can get dressed pretty much straight after applying without feeling tacky or sticky. You can read my post dedicated to Clarins Renew Plus Body Serum here 

I'd settle for any of the Aromathery Associates body oils to be honest but the De-Stress Body Oil is one of the standouts for me. With arnica, rosemary and ginger, it feels incredibly soothing on aching or tense muscles and the coconut, peach kernel and jojoba oil base is neeply nourishing. I really rate the De-Stress Muscle Gel too. Heaven when massaged into an aching lower back. 

I came across Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Lotion with Pistachio Cream and Magnolia in Boots quite recently. I'm borderline obsessed with pistachio scented things ever since I fell in love with the Laura Mercier Creme de Pistache Body Souffle without knowing it was limited edition! I've been looking for something similar ever since, and while this doesn't quite have the same luxury gourmand scent, I'd say it's a pretty good dupe. The fact that it's incredibly affordable is a bonus too. Aesop Geranium Leaf Hydrating Body Treatment was given to me last Mother's Day and it's still going strong so it's safe to say a little goes a long way. Geranium is my favourite Aesop collection (the body cleanser in particular is gloriously refreshing) with geranium leaf, mandarin and bergamot rind. The Hydrating Body Treatment blends skin-softening macadamia and sweet almond oils with antioxidant Vitamin E to leave skin glowing and subtly scented. 

Is there anything more comforting than a Lush Butterball Bath Bomb? One of the originals and one of the best, this little fizzer brings me so much joy. I'm not really a 'bath person' to be honest (give me a steamy shower please) but when I do soak in the tub, I always wish I had one of these in there with me! Packed with cocoa butter and featuring a comforting musk and ylang ylang scent, the Butterball Bath Bomb satisfyingly fizzes away to leave buttery, chocolate scented bathwater that leaves my skin smelling sweet and feeling moisturised enough to skip and after-bath lotions.

In keeping with the cocoa butter theme, Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula will forever be a reliable treat for my skin when it's feeling a bit dry. It's affordable, effective and deliciously scented, though there are unscented variations of Palmer's products available. When a product is this iconic and so universally adored, it must be decent right? 

So those are just a few of my favourite products for dry winter skin. All perfect for the beginning of the year when skin needs some extra attention. Any favourites of your own you'd like to share? Let me know in the comments.

*Paid collaborative post

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm

I would say I'm kicking myself for not buying Kiehl's Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm when it launched a few years ago but truth be told I don't think I really needed it way back then. You see, my skin was what could best be described as 'normal' before baby Tom but as I've said too many times before, since going through a pregnancy, breastfeeding and not really sleeping for two years, my skin has changed. And by changed I mean it's become mega dry. Of course I see the silver lining in this change; that is now I can try out all the lovely rich products I wouldn't have had much use for before. One such product is the Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm. 

This is described as a 'hydration blanket for the skin' which I have to agree is a pretty accurate description. Like a turbocharged version of Kiehl's best selling Ultra Facial Lotion, the thick, rich balm forms a sort of barrier on the skin while it's moisturising ingredients get to work. Speaking of which,  the balm contains olive-derived squalane, edelweiss extract , glycerine and antarcticine (a type of marine 'bacteria'). Squalane and antarcticine are moisture retaining ingredients which feature in other products in the Ultra Facial range while the edelweiss extract (edelweiss are famous for their ability to thrive in high altitudes) help strengthen the skin's barrier function.
You may have noticed I made a point of writing that the squalane is olive derived. This is because squalane used to be largely sourced from sharks (ugh!) or sugarcane. Thankfully most large cosmetics companies (including L'Oreal) no longer use shark squalane in their products these days but there are sugarcane- derived products on the market such as the Indeed Labs Squalane Oil. I had issues finding any huge difference between the olive and sugarcane variations other than that olive-derived squalane may be a little thicker than the sugarcane variant. If you're reading this and happen to know the difference please let me know in the comments because I am curious!

In addition to my already dry skin, I've been 'experimenting' with some Retirides (a Retinoid product) that I picked up in Spain a few months ago which is resulting in a bit of uncomfortable flaking and peeling in some areas and I've found this balm to be very helpful in keeping this at bay. When my skin balances out a bit I'll probably mainly reach for the balm at night as a treatment while I sleep but for now I'm happily smoothing it on morning, noon and night as and when I feel like it. If you don't have dry to very dry skin/are not about to go on some kind of arctic trek, this product might not suit you. It is very thick and as mentioned, it doesn't absorb quickly at all (which I personally love in cold weather particularly) and forms a sort of barrier on the skin. It just feels comfortable and cocooning and soothing and I feel like my face is in safe hands when I've got it on. Due to the thick consistency of the balm, you really don't need much product to sufficiently cover the face so you could expect it to see you through the Winter and then some. You can find Kiehl's Ultra Facial Deep Moisture Balm anywhere that stocks Kiehl's but I bought mine from Escentual for £24.50

Dermalogica Limited Edition Christmas gift sets

Dermalogica have a selection of limited edition sets for Christmas 2015, meaning we don't have to rely on Santa to bring us healthy, glowing skin this year - we can just go and get it ourselves! 

The limited edition Dermalogica gift sets are clever kits that contain at least three products that complement each other to create the ideal Dermalogica skincare or bodycare experience.

The sets are a perfect introduction to the brand as well as a good way to test any specific products you may have been keen to try because they are pretty decently priced. Of course, they make great gifts as well and there really is something for everyone with gift sets ranging from teenage skin specific through to skins in need of intense hydration.

I have the Skin Smoothing Cream Set (£47.70) which I was very keen to try as I've heard great things about the Skin Smoothing Cream. The set features a 100ml tube of Skin Smoothing Cream Moisturiser, a travel sized bottle of Special Cleansing Gel and a limited edition Facial Cleansing Mitt.
This three piece set has everything you need to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise so is a nice little introduction to the brand for people who haven't used Dermalogica products before.
The Special Cleansing Gel is soap free and slightly foaming and is designed to remove impurities without stripping the skin and upsetting the natural moisture balance.
Using the cleansing gel with the mitt means you get a good cleanse and exfoliation in one go - just squeeze a little bit of the gel onto the damp mitt and massage over the face and neck before rinsing. Job done.

The Skin Smoothing Cream comes in a generous 100ml tube (still safe for carrying in your hand luggage, yay!) and is designed for combination/ dry skin types. The thick cream contains Aloe Gel, Lecithin (which I remember as that stuff my mum used to sprinkle on her cereal), Mallow, Cucumber and Arnica to nourish and encourage suppleness. Antioxidant Grape Seed Extract and Vitamin C and E are added to provide some environmental protection.
The cream is absolutely perfect for this time of year and even though it's quite rich, it absorbs pretty quickly on my face and doesn't leave a shiny sheen.

Here's some info on the rest of the limited edition Dermalogica Christmas Sets:

• Body Therapy Favourites Kit (£17.50) - perfect gift for frequent travellers who need relaxation on-the-go made easy. Contains Conditioning Body Wash, Body Hydrating Cream and Stress Relief Treatment Oil
• Dermalogica Favourites Kit (£30.00) - the gift of skin health, anywhere, anytime. Four top-selling travel friendly Dermalogica products which are suitable for all skin conditions. Contains the multi-award winning Daily Microfoliant™, MultiActive Toner, Skin Hydrating Masque and MultiVitamin Power Firm
• Active Moist Set (£44.60) - contains top-selling 100ml Active Moist moisturiser for normal/oilier skin conditions, specifically paired with a travel size Dermal Clay Cleanser and a limited edition facial cleansing mitt for a supreme level of clean
• Super Rich Repair Set (£62.85) - contains a top-selling 50ml Super Rich Repair moisturiser for mature skin conditions, specifically paired with a travel size Skin Resurfacing Cleanser and a limited edition facial cleansing mitt for a supreme level of clean
• Intensive Moisture Balance Set (£55.50) – contains a top-selling 100ml Intensive Moisture Balance moisturiser for dry/prematurely ageing skin conditions, specifically paired with a travel size Essential Cleansing Solution and a limited edition facial cleansing mitt for a supreme level of clean
• Clear Start Set (£13.70) – the Clear Start Tonight set contains a Breakout Clearing Foaming Wash; Breakout Clearing Overnight Treatment and Breakout Clearing Pore Control Scrub to ensure younger, congested skin is clear and healthy for the festive season

The kits are available for Dermalogica stockists and the Dermalogica website.

*Post contains sample

CeraVe Comes to the UK

(Samples/Affiliate Links) CeraVe already has a huge following on its home shores of the US and now the Dermatologist-developed skincare brand is making a name for itself in the UK thanks to its gentle, effective products. I have been trying three different products from CeraVe; the Hydrating Cleanser, Facial Moisturising Lotion for PM and the Daily Moisturising Cream.

Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser Review

The Hydrating Facial Cleanser has already achieved cult status this side of the pond thanks to its gel formula rich in Ceramides and Hyaluronic Acid. This particular cleanser was developed for 'normal' to dry skin (there are cleansers for other skin types available) and is described as being fragrance-free, non-irritating and non-comedogenic. The Ceramides in the formula work to protect and restore the skin's natural barrier while Hyaluronic Acid does it thing as a humectant by attracting hydration to the skin. Something I have found with this cleanser is that sometimes it ever so slightly 'stings' my skin during use. I couldn't figure out why sometimes it did this and sometimes it was perfectly fine and soothing until I looked at other products I was using. Basically I have used anything very active the night before (exfoliating acids, retinol products etc), this will sting a little bit! I know for a fact that many, many people get on extremely well with this and the sensation I experience when using after actives doesn't take away from the fact that it's a very well known, well loved product.

Cerave Facial Moisturising Lotion for PM Review

The Facial Moisturising Lotion for the PM however is a whole different story. I really like it as a light but effective moisturiser (and not just at night either). Packaged in a tube with a convenient pump, the moisturising lotion features Ceramides, Niacinamide, Glycerin and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, which is an antioxidant consisting of coconut oil and glycerin. As forementioned, Ceramides work to protect and restore the natural barrier function of the skin while Niacinamide (Vit B3) improves fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone and dullness. Glycerin, which is second on the list of ingredients after Purified Water, is also a humectant that works to keep the skin shielded and hydrated. A very nice night cream that feels much more luxurious than it looks. ETA I have linked above to the lotion available at Boots - though it doesn't say PM on the tube, it seems to have the same ingredients!

Cerave Moisturising Cream Review

The Moisturising Cream for Dry to Very Dry Skin is designed for use on both the face and the body (which are words that usually frighten me a bit for no particular reason) contains 3 different Ceramides as well as Hyaluronic Acid to attract hydration to the skin and keep it locked in. This is a very nice, very inoffensive, very decent product that I imagine pretty much everyone would like. Because it doesn't really smell like anything at all (except, maybe a bit like...water? Does water smell like anything??), absorbs quickly and leaves skin suitably soft and smooth, it seems to me that it's a one-size-fits-all sort of moisturiser that you'd have in your bath and body stash ready for when you don't want anything fancy or scented but just crave a decent hit of moisture and don't want to wait an age before you can get dressed. By happy coincidence it just so happens that the Daily Moisturising Lotion is recommended by various pro fake tanners as an excellent aftercare moisturiser. It was great timing when this arrived because I was literally sitting there in a fresh layer of fake tanning foam in preparation for our holiday when the Postman turned up. The reason it's praised for its faux-tan maintaining powers is because the formula doesn't contain any of the oils that usually break down the colour.

One of the main selling points of the products is that they are affordable yet effective with the cleanser on sale for £9.50, the facial moisturiser at £13 and the moisturising cream coming in at £9. CeraVe products are available at Boots.

Croma Skincare Pure HA Liquid Mask

 (samples)

 In all my years blogging about beauty it's unbelievable that it's taken me this long to try a liquid mask. The Croma Pure HA Liquid Skin Mask is my second product from the brand and my first time trialling a liquid mask and it's made me interested to try more from both fields!

Croma Pure HA is a highly concentrated mask with an odourless, gel consistency that comes in 1ml doses in ready to use syringes.

The formula contains 1.8% Hyaluronic Acid that works to smooth, moisturise and revitalise the skin while improving hydration levels and enhance elasticity at the same time. It’s designed for all skin types, is extremely lightweight and is made from minimal ingredients including water and glycerin. This mask is designed to be used one to two times a week for best results – so far I have only used it once.

The consistency is like a thick serum and you simply spread it over your face (onto clean dry skin) then rinse it off after fifteen minutes.
The mask sort of absorbs/dries down into the skin so you can go about your business with no worries of product sliding off and splatting onto your keyboard or floor, so in that sense it’s an extremely user-friendly masking option. Perfect for work-from-home days; I even wore my glasses after applying the mask with no worries.

When it comes to removing the gel mask, I used a flannel and warm water and it was similar to removing cleanser, though it took a little more time. Immediately afterwards, my skin felt the same as when I’ve removed my cleanser – just quite clean and refreshed. It was after I dried my face that I really felt the effects of the mask.

In a nutshell, my skin felt like it had had a big drink. If you’ve ever had a Hydrafacial, it felt quite similar to that really. My skin was soft, yet firm at the same time and things just felt a little more plump, in the best way. While I couldn’t see these immediate effects, I could certainly feel them. Maybe with further uses I’ll be able to see the difference I can so obviously feel?

Revelling in this lovely hydrated feeling, I left it a few hours before applying my skincare. As I write, it’s been almost 24 hours since I used the mask and my skin is still feeling bouncy and hydrated. I would liken it to feeling like a sponge that’s plumped up after sucking up a load of water. A fantastic product. 

The Crome Pure HA Liquid Skin Mask comes in a box of a set of four 1ml syringes, with an rrp of £75 at Croma. but if you google it you’ll see it available at a few retailers for less than half that price. Croma aslo make a variety of serums and other skincare - you can read my review of their Farewell Dry Skin Serum here and I also have some sheet masks from the brand that will be on the blog very soon.

Chantecaille Just Skin

[Affiliate Links] I've already shared my review of Chantecaille Just Skin* on my Instagram but figured it's time I write a whole blog post about it, so here it is!

Firstly, a little bit of a background on my makeup habits or lack thereof; I'm not excellent with makeup and I'm pretty open about that, which is honestly probably why I'm so into my skincare.
I've watched countless smoky eye tutorials and contouring videos but at the end of the day I like makeup products that are easy to apply, require minimal time and the least amount of effort possible. I don't have a steady hand so I've accepted that the perfect winged eyeliner probably won't ever happen for me and as for my blending technique? Well, I don't really have one. It's a good thing then that I've finally found what might just be the best makeup product a low-maintenance girl like me could hope for, in the form of Chantecaille Just Skin.
I'm aware that this is not a new product and many bloggers and beauty writers have been singing it's praises for years but now that I actually own it, I can finally add my own two cents!

Chantecaille Just Skin Review

Just Skin is a tinted moisturiser but it's also so much more than that. It's a skin perfector that leaves a virtually seamless finish and offers some sun protection with its SPF of 15. I find that my shade-aptly named 'glow'- blends with my skin easily (I just use my fingers most of the time to buff and pat it in) and evens things out, covers any tired looking bits (ie my entire face) and just generally creates a nice base for a touch of blush and/or highlighter.
It gives my skin a dewy sort of look, perks up my complexion and makes me feel a bit better and more presentable in general. That's what easy every day make up should be about really.
The tinted moisturiser contains honeysuckle, algae and green tea extracts as well as thyme, damask rose, edelweiss and 'butterfly bush extract' which offers antioxidant benefits. I have generally dry skin at the moment and find this to be absolutely what my face needs in terms of a base; something that won't cling to dry bits, won't sink into and accentuate fine lines but will give me a hit of hydration and protection while it makes me look generally better. Just Skin contains titanium dioxide for the sun protection, which is a physical SPF rather than chemical and is advertised as suitable for sensitive skin.
I find that it lasts well on the skin (though I purchased when summer was on it's way out so I'll have to see how well it stays on if this summer is as sweaty as the last) and feels virtually weightless - just like a light face cream really and definitely not greasy or uncomfortable in the slightest. It really is a pleasure to use in pretty much every aspect.
I love that Chantecaille Just Skin was specifically designed for both women and men,too. That's obviously not to say that men can't or shouldn't wear regular foundation or other tinted moisturisers but I like that the brand has been deliberately inclusive in this instance.
I bought my tube of Just Skin from Space NK* but it's also available at Look Fantastic* at an rrp of £64.

Nourish London Targeted Skincare Collections

Vegan beauty brand Nourish London have released a new range of Targeted Skincare Collections, designed for specific skin concerns.

These handy kits have everything you need to help out with a range of skin issues including acne and blemishes, dry skin, sensitive skin and rosacea. At £65 each, these sets offer great value for money and are perfect for Nourish devotees and those who are new to the brand.

Nourish London Acne & Blemish Prone Skincare Collection, £65.00

A soothing set of balancing skincare solutions. This trio includes the Kale 3D Cleanse (100ml), Balance Essential Moisturiser (50ml) and Radiance Firming Facial Oil (15ml). The Kale 3D Cleanse is an amazing cleanser that I’ve used quite a lot. It’s refreshing and leaves skin feeling suitably clean but never stripped.

 

Nourish London Dry & Mature Skincare Collection, £65.00 

This set is all about hydrating, moisturising and firming. It includes the excellent Nourish London Kale 3D Cleanse (100ml), Kale Enzymatic Exfoliator (50ml) and Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser (50ml). The moisturiser is exceptionally hydrating and rich - I've used this one both during the day and overnight.

Nourish London Sensitive Skincare Collection, £65.00

This set is a relaxing trio of calming products perfect for soothing skin prone to sensitivity. The Sensitive Skincare Collection includes Nourish London’s Skin Renew Cleanser (100ml), Relax Hydrating Peptide Serum (30ml) and Relax Calming Moisturiser (50ml). The serum and moisturiser both have a lovely, true-lavender scent to them which I find incredibly comforting.

 

Nourish London Rosacea Skincare Collection, £65.00  

This set is a trio of gentle, soothing skincare solutions designed to calm areas of rosacea and inflammation. The set features Nourish London’s Skin Renew Cleanser (100ml), Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask (30ml) and Argan Skin Rescue (15ml). The mineral mask is a really cooling, soothing treat for the skin - a cream mask that doesn't set.

The brand new Targeted Skincare Collections are available now at Nourish London.

Lush Sympathy For The Skin Hand and Body Lotion

Looking for a lush lotion for dry skin? I've been trying something you might want to know about! A beautiful blend of vanilla, almond oil, cocoa butter and bananas (!), Sympathy for the Skin is already my autumnal skin saviour.

An oldie but a goodie, this concoction has been with Lush since the very beginning and is as popular now as it ever was thanks to its beautifully nourishing texture and gorgeously subtle scent.

The consistency of Sympathy for the Skin is fairly light due to the fact that it's a 'loose emulsion' and while it sinks into my skin pretty quickly, it does feel a tiny bit greasy, which I actually really like in colder weather but it's something that has the potential to be a deal breaker for me in the summer.

I love that Sympathy for the Skin contains actual organic bananas (you can even see the seeds in the cream) and I really love the way it smells. Vanilla, cocoa butter, lemon oil and sandalwood oil combined with the fresh bananas makes for one seriously delicious scent that I find strangely comforting, especially now that cardigan weather has arrived in London.

Sympathy for the Skin Hand and Body Lotion is available in Lush stores and online for £16 for a rather generous 240g pot. I bought mine about 3 weeks ago and I've barely made a dent in it so I think it's pretty good value too!

Why It’s Important To Take Care Of Your Skin

 (Collaborative Post)

When you think about it, your skin does ever such a lot for you - it’s your body’s largest organ, your first line of defence, and it makes you look and feel good, so it’s clearly an important thing to be aware of and, of course, take care of. The problem is that a lot of the time we don’t really think about our skin that much unless we’re applying cream or makeup, perhaps. But it does so much, from dealing with harsh winters to handling the food choices we make (good and bad), and the fact is that our skin actually deserves better. 

You really need to think of your skin as a kind of armour, protecting you from all kinds of things like harmful UV rays, pollution, and other nasties. At the same time, it’s also working hard to keep moisture in, regulate temperature, and even act as a sensory organ, so why do we take it for granted and just put on some moisturiser and hope for the best? The fact is your skin needs some TLC to do its job well, and neglecting it can lead to premature ageing, dryness, and irritation. So with that in mind, let’s take a look at why it’s important to take care of your skin. 

Your Emotions 

Have you ever noticed how you feel when your skin is glowing? This isn’t just about vanity - good skin literally boosts your mood and makes you feel amazing, and that confidence then glows out for everyone to see. Radiant skin can turn a bad day into a good one and ensure that you always see the positive side of things, including spotting important opportunities, and that’s exciting and pretty impressive - who knew there was such an emotional side to your skin? 

Of course, on the other hand, when your skin isn’t looking so great and it’s acting up by giving you acne, red patches, being dry, and so on, you’ll feel bad about yourself and you’ll want to hide away - those opportunities you might otherwise have grabbed will just pass you by. So in the end, taking care of your skin isn’t just about your appearance - it’s about self-care, and that’s vital to get right. 

What Does Taking Care Of Your Skin Really Mean?

So it’s clear that taking care of your skin is important for a variety of reasons, and when you do it it can really make a big difference in your life - in a good way. But how can you do it? Well, skincare is very often going to be different for everyone because everyone’s skin is different, we all have different amounts of time to spend looking after ourselves, and we all have a different budget. However, there are some things that everyone can do, and here are some to get you started. 

To begin with, cleansing is vital, and that’s something everyone can do - you’re essentially washing your face. However, rather than (or as well as) using soap and water, you should use a gentle cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and makeup, as that’s going to keep your skin healthier. Then you should moisturise your skin (even if it’s oily - it still needs hydration). And when you leave the house (or just as a matter of course when you’re putting on moisturiser) you’ve got to wear sunscreen, even if it’s not a particularly sunny day - the UV rays from the sun can cause damage through cloud cover, and although you might not feel it burning like you would on a hot day, damage can still be done. 

On top of that routine, which everyone can and should do every day, you might want to take some additional steps, and perhaps visit some professionals for advice and treatments. Visiting the best cosmetic clinic can make a world of difference, especially if you’re dealing with stubborn issues like acne scars, wrinkles, or issues with pigmentation, for example. These clinics have the tools, expertise, and professionals who’ll know exactly what to do to get your skin back on track. 

The Science Of Your Skin

Here’s a bit of skin-related trivia for you: your skin actually renews itself every 28 days. That means you have a fresh chance every month to make it look great and healthy, so that’s exciting. The issue is that as we age, this process does slow down, and that’s why it’s so important to give yourself some extra help like exfoliation, hydration, and good skincare products that contain things like retinol and hyaluronic acid. 

The key thing to remember is that skin care isn’t a battle - it’s about working with the skin you have (which can change over time, so you need to be aware of it). You’ve got to be gentle, you’ve got to use the right products, and you often need a bit of patience to help your skin really glow and look its best. However, once you hit on the right combination of products and care (for now, at least - as we said, things change), your skin will improve and you’ll see the difference so you’ll know you’re on the right track. 

It’s Not Just About Your Face

It’s easy to forget that skincare isn’t just about your face - that’s just the most visible part of your skin, but you still need to take care of the parts that aren’t so visible, including your neck, hands, and basically everywhere else. 

The good news is there are plenty of different products you can use to give yourself an all-over skincare routine, like body scrubs, hydrating lotions, and SPF again - it’s so important. 

The truth is that good skincare is really all about prevention, so you can’t ignore it - the more you take care of yourself, the healthier, happier, and safer you’ll be in the future, and that’s got to be worth doing. Regular care, sunscreen, and occasional visits to experts to boost your look and give you some advice is definitely the right way to go. 

THE Guide to Picking Your Winter Moisturizer

(Guest Post) 

The colder temperatures have officially arrived and it is time to switch up your moisturizer if you haven’t done that already. If your skin is feeling extra dry to the touch and/or becoming a bit flaky, you have to get a heavier cream for the winter season to get ahead of further irritation...but the question is: which texture best suits you and your skin? It can be hard to choose the right product for your unique skin type, so here is your guide to picking your winter moisturizer:

Guide to Picking Your Winter Moisturizer

Basic moisturizers

Basic moisturizers for the wintertime are easily accessible, as you can find them at any chemist or food market. While they aren’t packed with extra ingredients that will give your skin an extra boost, they do the job! And another major benefit for the winter especially when you are probably using way more moisturizer than you are used to, is that basic moisturizers are the most budget-friendly.

Active creams

Some argue that active creams are the best types of moisturizers! For example, products like the Blue Lagoon moisturizers for body skin, are thick in texture and while your skin is able to absorb all of the incredible ingredients, it is also left feeling and looking incredible. If you are struggling with significant dryness or really want that boost for a specific occasion, for example, using an active cream for even just a couple of days can allow you to feel a difference! 

Gels

Ideal for those who have more oily skin, generally more water based. If you have more oily skin, using a heavy-duty winter cream can cause your skin to be more-oily and just not feel its best. Gel moisturizers, on the other hand, are generally more water-based and better absorbed for this skin type. They help to nourish the skin but don’t add that slick feeling that some active creams and intense moisturizers can.

Moisturizers with targeted ingredients to help treat your skin

If you are dealing with specific skin issues or even just finding that your skin could use from a little boost of something in particular, using a moisturizer with targeted ingredients can be just what your skincare routine needs. If your skin is lacking in hydration for example, after washing your face and while your skin is still damp apply a cream with hyaluronic acid to help your skin maintain water levels and hydration. If you live in a city and find your skin could use a little extra protection and/or vibrance, opt for a moisturizer with antioxidants to help protect and boost your skin. It is never easy to find the perfect winter cream and it may take some trial and error. Before buying, try to see if you can get samples or inquire about their return policy so that you can make sure a product really works for you before being stuck with the investment. Stay in tune with your skin because even throughout the winter season, your skin’s needs may chan