Going Natural

Around three or four weeks ago I woke up on a Saturday morning to find I'd broken out. Badly. Seriously, my skin hadn't looked so bad in a good couple of years. I'd been looking into taking my skincare down a more natural route since the beginning of the year, and blogs such as Annabel's had really inspired me to take the plunge. Instead of changing out products one at a time, I basically decided to ditch everything I was using and bought some new bits instead.

I had actually bought the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask after Christmas in the Feel Unique sale, and it's the only mask I've used since. It doesn't sit heavy after application, and when washed off my skin feels clean and smoother than ever. To me it's worth the hype and I will be repurchasing after it's all used up.

I also introduced myself to Trilogy with two pieces - the Very Gentle Cleansing Cream and Very Gentle Moisturising Cream. I think the products I was using before weren't really formulated for sensitive skin and that's where I was going wrong. The cleanser has a nice, light texture and does a great job at removing makeup and really cleansing the skin, whereas the moisturiser is of a slightly thicker consistency and sinks right in. I love that it comes with a pump, too!

I bought the Weleda Skin Food on Sam's recommendation. It's a really thick heavy duty moisturising cream that can be used on rough, dry skin. I have ridiculously dry heels, but this has been working miracles on them. I think it's a little heavy to use on my face, but definitely on the drier parts of my body such as my knees, elbow and back.

The Fushi Calendula Oil was purchased to help calm my skin down a bit. At the time of buying I had red, irritated skin - particularly on my cheeks, but using this morning and night has reduced both the redness and irritation by a tenfold in just a matter of weeks. It's also very great at hydrating the skin, and with the cold and dry air at the moment it's been appreciated.

If you have any natural skincare (or even makeup) recommendations I'd love to hear about them!

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New Skincare Bits | First Impressions

Over the past month or so I've splashed out a little more than I usually would on skincare. Before I added these into my routine, I was using whatever I had in my stash whether the products were right for my skin or not. I've become more consistent however and these products have quickly become staples.

First up is the Super Facialist by Una Brennan Vitamin C Cleansing Oil. I bought this on sale in Boots for £7.99 after hearing great things - and great it is. This cleansing oil is a super effective makeup remover, making the task quicker and far less hassle.

I follow up with the Emma Hardie cleansing balm to ensure that every last trace of makeup and dirt is removed. I got myself a sample pot of this at the same time last year and don't know why I never went on to repurchase, it truly is worth the hype. 

As a twice-weekly treat, the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask provides an intense moisturising, cleansing and antioxidising treatment that feels like a dream on the skin. Every mask I've used prior to this has left my skin looking read and feeling slightly stripped, but this delivers just the right amount of moisture and will be a definite repurchase.

The Balance Me Radiance Face Oil rollerball was included in the Latest in Beauty Glamour Edit box, and was a product I wasn't expecting to love. However, a small amount used all over the face before my moisturiser and voila, an extra hit of hydration without the heavy residue that I find oils usually leave.

Last but not least is the Clinique Moisture Surge Intense. I've had a little pot of this before and absolutely loved it, but after reading more about this I've learned that it's not a moisturiser at all but rather a hydrator, to be used as the final step of your skincare routine. It hasn't affected my opinion at all however. I love how soft and supple this leaves my skin, particularly overnight. 

I can honestly say that I'd repurchase every single one of these products. My skin has never felt or looked better (even with a breakout from a dreaded cold) and they're all perfect for the colder months when I'm sure we're all appreciative of hydrating skincare. 

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