With Christmas parties being penciled in to all the corners of my already full diary the time has come to prepare for battle... with my skin!
Over the last few weeks my skin has not been looking its best - in part due to poor health, but I am sure that the harsh weather contrasted with the toasty warmth of central heating at home and air con at work has made a valid contribution. So to perk up my complexion I will be investing some time into my skin over the next few days and thought I would share with you some of my favourite skin treats!
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm - (£21.50
here)
This is a recent purchase for me, and I can't believe I have waited so long to try it! It really is a miracle cream and I adore it for giving my skin a quick boost. Beauty Flash Balm brightens and tightens the skin (gently) with extracts of olive and Witch Hazel, while boosting radiance and softening.
It can be used as a quick remedy before a night out - apply (without massaging) a very thin layer over the face, neck and eye area, following immediately with make-up. I have also enjoyed using it as a facial mask- apply a generous layer and leave to soak in for 15 minutes, then blot excess with a tissue.
Decleor Aromessence Ylang Ylang Purifying Concentrate - (£40.85
here)
This serum is a lovely treat for dehydrated skin. With 100% pure and natural essential oils specially formulated for the daily care of combination and oily skin it feels really soothing and comforting, as well as having an amazingly relaxing scent. As I have oily skin I have always been wary of using oils, but in the last year I have really learned how to make them work for me - little and often! I like to apply a couple of drops after cleansing and toning at night and either massage it in alone, or add it to my favourite moisturiser. Thanks to its natural affinity with the skin this serum penetrates efficiently to balance and purify, as well as reduce excess sebum production and clear impurities.
Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil-in-Gel - (£24
here)
I'm probably one of the few beauty addicts who doesn't have a huge soft spot for Shu Uemura's cleansing oils. It's not that I don't like them, I just prefer to use a cream cleanser (
Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish is my absolute favourite) and find oils a little too 'thin' to give me a thoroughly cleansed feeling. This is why I have really enjoyed using Shu's new Cleansing Oil-in-Gel, which gives the smooth feeling of an oil and effectively removes impurities while still leaving behind the fresh feeling of a gel wash. I also like the fact that it can be used both wet and dry, though I prefer to use a little luke warm water to create the perfect texture.
Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate - (£19
here)
The Superskin concentrate is a lovely serum that comes in a convenient rollerball dispenser, which is perfect for popping in your bag for use during the day or travel.
For optimal results Liz Earle's therapist recommends:
After cleansing, massage with Superskin Concentrate to help clear toxins, reduce puffiness, boost circulation, encourage cell renewal and aid lymphatic drainage.
Step 1: Warm a small amount in your hands and breathe in the divinely aromatic aroma. Then massage onto your skin with upward and outward movements using firm pressure.
Step 2: With your fingertips, lightly smooth in an outward circular direction along the cheekbones to above the eyebrows.
Step 3: Finish by gently sweeping your hands up the neck and over the décolletage.
Neal's Yard Wild Rose Beauty Balm - (£35.35
here)
Anything rose scented wins favour with me and this wild rose beauty balm does not disappoint! This multi purpose product can be used as a rich cleanser, gentle exfoliant (with a muslin cloth) or deeply nourishing balm – to quench areas of dry or dehydrated skin. The high levels of wild rosehip oil (a potent antioxidant to help repair, firm and smooth the skin) are combined with geranium, starflower, hemp and rosemary seed oil, to help decongest and enrich the skin, restoring its natural radiance.
In the cold weather it's also important not to forget the rest of your skin. I know that my routine isn't quite as meticulous in the winter - my legs are hidden by opaque tights, and I don't like to think about my feet at the best of times! My favourite moisturiser at the moment is undeniably
Kiehl's Creme de Corps (from £8.50
here).
This is an amazing cream. It's rich, without feeling greasy and sinks in quickly without leaving behind too much residue, leaving my skin like velvet. Due to its natural colouring and the inclusion of beta-carotene (a naturally derived antioxidant predominantly found in many orange/red vegetables such as carrots, it is used in Vitamin A production and gives an orange tint when used in skin care products) it can dye any clothes that come into contact with it. Heading the warning I like to wait a few minutes after application before dressing, but I haven't experienced any problems with staining myself.
Liz Earle Superskin Bodycream - (£28.75
here)
This super rich and indulgent aromatic cream contains 25% plant oils and is perfect for drier skin areas. It requires a little effort to rub into the skin and some time to become fully absorbed, but it is well worth it. With East African shea butter, organic rosehip oil, antioxidant cranberry seed oil and pomegranate extract, natural source vitamin E, plus the divine scent of neroli, this luxurious cream makes a great gift for anyone, and a fantastic skin treat for yourself!
Lastly, I couldn't live without
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream (£18.50
here). If you haven't tried it, you need to! Lips, cuticles, knees, elbows, cuts, blisters, scrapes, blemishes, burns it works to soften, heal and protect any skin ailment you can think of!
I hope you find this little guide for winter skin indulgences useful. Let me know what your winter skin saviours are!! xxx
