The Skincare Series: Part Two

I've talked cleanser, make-up remover and toner but now it is time to find out what products I like to use on a daily basis to keep my skin hydrated...

After using my L'Oreal Velvety Soft Toner I like to prepare my skin for moisturiser by using a serum, my current go to is Hydraluron from Indeed Labs, this contains a pure form of hyaluronic acid - an incredibly moisturising ingredient that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water which helps to keep skin feeling hydrated and plumped.

To prepare my eyes for moisturiser I like to use The Body Shop's Drops of Youth Eye Concentrate, like Hydraluron this helps keep the skin plump and youthful, it also helps to reduce fine line and eye bags. I love the cooling sensation of the metal roller ball - this is perfect for waking yourself up in the early winter mornings. The active ingredient is Elderweiss - a plant stem cell proven to help with the skins renewal properties.

After my serums have had time to sink in and work their magic I like to apply my moisturiser, the Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet, again by The Body Shop, is perfect for my combination skin type, this lightweight sorbet texture sinks into the skin very quickly so there's no waiting around to apply my foundation, it is enriched with wheatgerm oil so keeps my skin hydrated all day. For my eyes I have been using the Origins GinZing refreshing eye cream to brighten and depuff. The formula is enriched with coffee bean, ginseng, magnolia extract and natural optic brighteners, these ingredients help to reduce eye puffiness and dark circles.

Next week I'll be discussing skin treatments and skin saviors so stay tuned.....

Disclaimer: Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion. 

New Skincare and Haircare Additions

Disclaimer - Although I work for The Body Shop this in no way effects my opinion. 

Recent purchases that made it to the top of the favourites list.

When it comes to cleansers I have tried a fair few, oil cleansers however have never appealed to me mainly because my skin is oily and putting and oil based product onto my skin feels like a big no no, that being said however Kate from Gh0stparties recently revised the Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil from The Body Shop and loved it so I thought it must be worth a try, and I have to say I am now fully converted to oil cleansers. Of course it is a common misconception that an oil based product will increase the skins own oil production, this particular oil cleanser is gentle and effective and removes dirt and make up in an instant, I apply this onto dry skin and then add water to emulsify the product which produces a rich, soapy lather. Then using a warm muslin cloth I remove the product to reveal a nice cleansed face, If I am in a hurry however I will use The Body Shop's Vitamin E Cleansing Facial Bar which effectively removes dirt and impurities whilst providing the skin with hydration.

Another moisturising product on my list is the Origins Overnight Drink Up Intensive Mask, this is perfect if my skin is feeling dehydrated, I just pop this on right before bed and wake up to thirst quenched skin. The last product on my list is in the hair care

category, something not often mentioned on my blog as it takes a real backseat in my entire beauty regime, this product however deserves a mention, the NSPA Hair and Scalp Miracle Mask  is the perfect hair treatment, I was looking for a rescue and repair product that would not weigh down my roots and mid lengths but that would still be rich and hydrating enough for my ends, I had previously tried masks that direct users to apply only to the ends so as not to weigh down the roots, my hair however is incredibly hard to brush post hair wash so ideally I needed a product that would smooth and condition all my hair - not just the ends, that is why I love this mask, it is super hydrating at the same time it is great for my roots as it is so lightweight. As directed I apply this after my usual shampoo and conditioner routine, I massage this into my scalp working it right through the lengths of my hair to the very ends. I leave this on for around five minutes and rinse thoroughly.  I do this once or twice a week depending on how in need of a treatment my hair is.

That is it for my most recent additions, I am sure it won't be long until my next haul post... I may have made a few cheeky purchases already... Stay tuned.

Hand & Foot Care Must Haves

With all the lovely body care products out at the moment it can be hard to remember to include our hands and feet into our moisturisation routine...

Fear not though, here is my list of staple products to add to your wishlist! Up first is a pot of pure perfection, ever find that your nice new manicure is ruined by unsightly cuticles? Try Burt's Bees Lemon Butter Cuticle Cream, this is super hydrating and smells amazing and the tin pot is great for a manicure on the go. Another product from Burt's Bees is the Coconut Foot Cream, this thick oil like cream is super rich combating dry, hard skin on the feet - this feels like a really luxurious treatment, pop this on before bed and wear some bed socks and you will wake up with a brand new pair of feet... well almost.

For a lighter foot cream that can be used before putting your sandals on try the Elemis Spa at Home Foot Cream, the creamy lotion soothes the skin and hydrates it so your tootsies will look perfect - I love applying this after being on my feet all day. This sinks in really well too so you don't have to worry about walking round the house after application.

I always have a hand cream in my bag, and the two currently on rotation at the moment are the Burt's Bees Shea Butter Hand Repair Cream and the Origins Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment, both are great at providing must needed moisture to dry hands.

What are some of your favourites?

The Origins Duo

The moisturiser and pre-treatment that every girl needs to add to their skincare regime...

I picked these two Origins products up in the Boots Christmas sale, I had heard great things about this skincare brand so I was really looking forward to trying these out. First up is the Make A Difference Plus Rejuvenating Treatment Lotion, I use this pre-moisturiser on clean dry skin. As directed I apply a few drops to a cotton pad and dab onto my face. This treatment lotion is fortified with Rose of Jerico, Lychee and Watermelon complex that helps to prepare the skin for treatments to follow. I like to use the Make A Difference Plus Rejuvenating Moisturiser after the treatment lotion. Using the same active ingredients it really re-hydrates the skin. This sinks into the skin really well and does not feel too heavy or rich so is great to use in the mornings as well as the evenings.

To my surprise both these skincare products are recommended for oily to combination skin, as I have oily skin I never thought this kind of intense hydration would suit my skin but oily skin can often be dehydrated and in desperate need of moisture, and after using this as part of my skincare regime for a few weeks I can definitely see the difference, my skin has found it's balance and oil is less of a problem.

I have also been trying out the Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, review coming soon!

What are your Origins favourites?