My current skincare routine

I’ve decided to do a post on what I’m currently using on my skin, partly because this is the most stable my routine…and skin… has been for a while (I am naughty for chopping and changing and faddy - going with the next new product, often at the expense of my skin), and mostly because I love reading other people’s posts about what they use and have been inspired to do my own!

Cleansers

Elemis Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser, Avene Cleanance soapless gel cleanser, Origins clean energy cleansing oil (review), Alpha H triple action cleanser (not pictured), Vichy Normaderm Micellar solution for acne prone skin.

Exfoliators: Alpha H Micro Cleanse and  Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash

Moisturisers/ Treatments

Vichy normaderm Day: Tri-Activ Anti-Imperfection Hydrating care, Night: Chrono-action Anti-imperfection care, Alpha H daily essential moisturiser spf 50+,  Alpha H Liquid Gold,

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Clarins Lotus Face Treatment oil (sample pictured), Origins Plantscription Eye Treatment and Eye Serum (samples pictured).

Masks

Alpha H liquid Gold Smoothing and Perfecting Mask, Origins Clear Improvement, Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask

Morning Routine

I am guilty of previously just rinsing my face in the shower and not doing anything with it in the morning, so in the past it probably served me right that my skin wasn’t at its best. My morning routine is still short and quick (6am alarms really sap motivation) but I cleanse whilst in the shower with Avene Cleanance Soapless gel cleanser, or Alpha H Triple Action Cleanser, very occaisionally I will cleanse using Elemis Pro-Radiance Cream Cleanser if I fancy something a bit richer, this used to be a favorite evening cleanser of mine but since I started oil cleansing I haven't really reached for it.  Cleansing is followed by Alpha H Daily Essential Moisturiser (spf 50+) - this is the first time I’ve used a day moisturiser with an SPF component, I wouldn’t normally actively seek out a moisturiser with SPF but this one came as part of a kit and my skin has responded really well to it. On days that my skin is particularly oily or my chin problematic I will use Vichy Normaderm Tri-Activ Anti-imperfection hydrating care moisturiser. I have started trying to be careful about keeping my neck hydrated (noticed a change in my skin there… and lines!) So I will usually apply Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream,(its too rich for my face) although I have yet to see much improvement. I have also started using Origins plantscription eye treatment in the morning and I am, so far, loving the results, fine lines under my eyes and dehydration above my eyelid are definately less noticable.

Evening Routine I pay much more attention to my skin in the evening. I usually remove my makeup as soon as I get in from uni or work using Vichy Normaderm Micellar Solution for acne prone skin. This is just to remove most surface makeup and help my skin feel fresh at the end of the day. I was initially wary about using micellar solutions and wasn’t sure how my skin would respond but there have been no ill-effects from using this. Eye-makeup is removed with No7 Beautiful Skin Eye make-up Remover, this is a dual-action oil based formula, it feels like it really conditions as it removes and I find it very gentle around my eye and very effective at removing waterproof mascara, obviously, due to the oil content one to be avoided if you have eyelash extensions. Before bed I usually double-cleanse. Initially using Origins Clean Energy gentle cleansing oil (review)I have been using this product a little while now and have totally fallen in love with it and oil cleansing. I follow this with Alpha H Triple Action Cleanser or Alpha H Micro Cleanse. Occasionally I will use Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash if I feel my skin needs a bit of a kick. This is followed 3 nights a week by Alpha H Liquid Gold (like many others, I love this product), and on the other nights Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil, concentrating on my chin and forehead. On particularly congested evenings I use Vichy Normaderm Night: Chrono-Action Anti-imperfection care, I find this really calms and clears my skin overnight and tackles any blemishes that may have reared their ugly heads. Origins plantscription eye serum for around the peepers overnight.

 2-3 times a week I use a mask after cleansing and exfoliating in the evening. My usual is Origins Clear Improvement – an activated charcoal mask which I find really helps to clear and freshen. I will apply this all over, or just apply it to problematic areas, using Alpha H Liquid Gold Smoothing and Perfecting mask, or Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Gel Mask to the rest of my face (usually focussing on my forehead).

Those of you who are observant, or didn't fall asleep whilst reading will have noticed there is not toner included in my routine. I have yet to come accross a toner that my skin gets on with and doesn't break me out. I have tried toners from various brands (Liz Earle, Elemis, Vichy, Clarins) and have had the same (poor) results from each. Every now and again I have a surge of optimism and try one for a lenght of time, only to spend the following weeks nursing break-outs and cystic spots. So I am open to any recommendations if anyone can restore my faith in the humble toner!





Natural U balms

I was recently given the opportunity to try some products from the natural-u handmade organic skincare range. Founded by Catherine Matthias and her close friend Nicola in 2009 as a result of suffering from sore, itchy, dry hands - they say necessity is the mother of invention- the range bases itself on natural, organic ingredients chosen for their known benefits to the skin.

I have to say, the balms could not have arrived at a better time. I was going through a lot of upset and stress at home and it was showing all over my skin; my lips were chapped and flaky, my cuticles and hands were a mess, and my eczema had flared up. Big Eeek, but perfect opportunity to see what these balms could really do! I have used them daily for the last couple of weeks, and in place of some of my other moisturisers and products to really put them to the test… and these babies have performed!!

As mentioned above, my three main areas of concern were dry, chapped lips; dry cuticles and that horrid dry skin you get at the sides of your nails, and eczema: I have suffered with eczema on my right foot for years. Just my right foot, just a certain place, and whenever I’m down, tired or stressed it comes back with a vengeance. I applied the original all purpose balm to all of these areas as required (once daily after bathing on my feet, and throughout the day on my hands and lips). I began to notice a difference after the first application but now I notice that the problems have not threatened to return and my skin is soft and feels nourished.

The all purpose balm contains some well-known natural goodies including shea butter, beeswax, chamomile, callendula and manuka, with well-known benefits which include natural anti-inflammatory, moisturising and anti-septic properties. Catherine has explained these fully on her website. The balm itself is a solid at room temperature but melts in the warmth of your hands and leaves a rich silky finish which I did notice as it sunk in, especially on my lips, but it was not oily or greasy and did not break out my skin (which I have noticed previously especially around my mouth when using mineral-oil based lip products). The fragrance is fairly neutral, although reminded me of something else which I couldn’t put my finger on, it doesn’t linger and isn’t over powering as some products with essential oils can be. The daily body rub has an almost sweet minty eucalyptus fragrance (owing to the inclusion of peppermint, tea tree and eucalyptus essential oils) to give an invigorating feel when applied. I mainly used this on my legs and feet, and lower back after working long shifts and it is definitely soothing, and has all of the moisturising benefits of the all purpose balm.

I suspect I will also be reaching for this when the dreaded summer cold comes – that comforting smell of eucalyptus smells like it could do some good there!

I have really enjoyed using these balms and they have well and truly earned themselves a place in my day to day regimes. They have also become regulars with friends and family. They come packaged in neat but weighty little glass jars which I feel adds to their natural charm and organic feel. I always think that glass packaging adds to the luxury of a product, giving it an almost classic apothecary feel which we know has been very successful for certain other big brands specialising in organic products. Appearances aside, I am very glad I had the chance to try these balms as they have restored my faith that you can get good results from totally natural, organic, uncomplicated products and that not *everything* in skincare needs chemicals.

Balms are available in a variety of sizes and range from £2.99 to £16.50. Available from b-natural.co.uk.

*These balms were a PR sample

Origins Clean Energy Gentle Cleansing Oil

I have recently developed a little obsession with all things “oil” for my skin after sampling a selection of oil cleansers from various beauty boxes I have a list as long as my arm of cleansing and treatment oils I want to try.

Various people in the know have extolled the benefits of oil cleansing and after researching what different brands have to offer, and what ingredients I should perhaps avoid (i.e. mineral oil) (Caroline Hirons over at beautymouth has some great advice) I chose this oil to start.

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What Origins say: "...This lightweight, high-tech, hybrid formula with non-comedogenic, Sunflower, Sesame and Safflower Oils removes dirt, makeup and pollutants with high efficiency. It helps protect precious natural moisture resources and helps reduce effects of environmental hazards such as irritation that can threaten the comfort of skin."

I have been using this as part of a double cleansing evening routine, applying this first to melt away makeup. The oil has a lovely texture and ‘slip’ which allows you to give your face a good old massage. It is not greasy or heavy and emulsifies with water to cleanse the skin. The scent is a lovely uplifting citrusy aroma. It does remove eye make-up but I usually remove my eye-makeup first with a dedicated eye-makeup remover before cleansing (usually as soon as I get home!) just because my tired eyes need a break, on the odd occasion I have used this alone to take mascara off it has performed very well. Cleansing with this oil leaves my skin feeling fresh, clear and calm (no mean feat). The oil has in no way aggravated my oily, spot prone skin (the only initial concern I had about using a cleansing oil) so I would like to reassure fellow sufferers reluctant to use an oil, although obviously, everybody is different and react to products in different ways, I would thoroughly recommend giving this one a try.

My only concern is the bottle/opening which is not too suitable for oil, as others have pointed out. It is quite a wide opening and it takes concentration to decant the product without it running down the sides of the bottle, but I have found it OK with a bit of care. I have heard that you can purchase a pump dispenser at Origins counters for an extra £1, but this option has not been available online (where I purchased). I purchased this from Boots who have a fab offer on at the moment of a free sample set of the Plant-scription eye cream and serum when you buy 2 or more Origins products.

It retails at £17.00 for 200ml, something my student budget and I considered an investment but I have been using it daily for a couple of weeks and have hardly made a dent in the contents, and in those 2 weeks my skin definitely appears smoother, clearer and brighter. Lets hear it for oil cleansing!

Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Body Oil

Another luxurious “spa feeling” treat from the Elemis Sp@home range. This body oil provides moisture on the next level. The product exists as a solid at room temperature but turns to a silky sweet smelling (I am in LOVE with the smell) liquid when warmed. I usually put it on after a bath so just stick the bottle into the warm water with me for a while to liquify the contents. Failing that, I have been known to er… encourage it, with my hairdryer…. But that’s probably not advisable!

The oil provides long lasting hydration and a satin-like sheen to the skin, both of which were still noticeable a few days later (yes, I did shower in between)... which is great for me because I am a bit hit and miss with moisturising and tend to neglect my body so something which lasts is a much needed.  I have also used it as part of a special hand/nail treatment under hand cream before bed. Lovely. Elemis also advise that it can be used as a hair treatment which I have yet to try but I can imagine the gorgeous smell lingering in my hair. It’s definitely on my list.

It claims to clinically reduce the depth of wrinkles by 19% and increase hydration after 10% after 15 days of use. I can’t vouch for the wrinkles but the hydration of my skin has definitely improved. The product doesn’t leave me feeling greasy or sticky and sinks in straight away – a must for my limited patience- leaving behind that lovely fresh tropical (but not sickly) fragrance. I am trying very hard to develop better habits concerning moisturising and caring for the skin on my body as much as I do my face, and I think this is really going to help me on the way.

Available from Elemis salons and counters nationwide, time to spa, QVC and selected branches of Debenhams and John Lewis (and their online stores), retailing for £26-30.

My hair care staple

I have yet to even try the widely celebrated Argan “miracle ingredient” Oil that burst onto the hair care scene a little while ago. Truth be told, when it comes to hair treatment I have used the same product for years, and it hasn’t let me down.

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Deemed “natures golden elixir” by founder Denis Simioni who discovered the 500-year-old beauty secret of the Miskito Indians or Tawira, deep in the Central American tropical rainforest; Ojon oil is obtained from the nut of the Ojon tree native to the area and is still extracted using ancient eco-friendly methods.

The restorative treatment contains no water, preservatives or silicones and exists naturally in solid form and quickly melts upon contact with warmth from your hands, allowing you to massage the chocolate-y coffee scented oil into your scalp through to the ends of your hair. The treatment does have a very distinctive, instantly recognisable, rich smell, as described above, which may not be to everybody’s taste but I don’t find it at all unpleasant. If anything I think this adds to the comfort of the treatment.  

My hair has a tendency to be fine and limp, even though there is a lot of it, so I exercise my use of hair products with caution and usually stay away from the “leave in conditioner/ serum” kind. I use this treatment once or twice a week overnight and shampoo and condition my hair as normal in the morning. I have fairly long hair, and I don’t like getting it cut very often (slap my wrists) so I have to keep on top of it to stop it resembling horse-hay! This does the trick. The ends are nourished and the lengths of my hair appear conditioned and more supple, also with a nice healthy shine that lasts so when I *do* make those few and far between trips to the hairdresser, I receive compliments on the condition of my hair. I have also noticed that I suffer less breakage and frizz which is always a plus when trying to keep your hair at a longer length.

Ojon restorative hair treatment retails at £32.50 for 100ml (83g) tub, but it lasts for months and months. Available from Ojon , QVC uk, John Lewis and House of Fraser.

*purchased with my own pennies*

The Cridford Inn and Vanilla Pod Restaurant, Devon.

A couple of weeks ago I was a very lucky lady and whisked off to Trusham in Devon for a meal and night away at the Cridford Inn. The bar area, restaurant and accommodation are all set within an old Devon longhouse believed to date back to the 14^th Century and the whole place oozes luxury and character. There is a perfect partnership between stylish interiors and finishing touches and the character of the old building with exceptional original features, slate floors, roaring fires and so much charm. We are always on the look out for hidden gems and this ticked all the boxes.

We stayed over as part of the winter stay and dine offer (£49.95pp) which included dinner, bed & breakfast. From the moment we arrived the staff we encountered were friendly and couldn’t do enough for us. Our bedroom (the Dart room) was cosy and warm but en trend with modern neutral décor sympathetic to the age and style of the building, as was the theme throughout. You know you’ve fallen in love with somewhere you are staying when you are taking inspiration to use in your own house! Another bonus (for me more than fiancé) was that the Inn is only a 15-20minute drive from Exeter… so a bit of shopping to complete the pampering experience.

We ate in the bar area which still allowed for intimate uninterrupted dining that you would expect from an exclusive restaurant and may not always get from a pub, and the set menu included ample variation and choice with meals comprised of locally sourced ingredients, cooked to order and executed superbly. (A “perfect steak", which is praise indeed from my steak-obsessed fiancé!). Ian’s famous desserts were also amazing.

The service was prompt and the staff attentive throughout. I thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing but exciting dining experience in perfect ambiance which continued through, after a peaceful and very comfortable night’s sleep, to breakfast the next morning. Local produce cooked well, fab surroundings and lovely staff who appear to genuinely care and take pride in customer service and high standards. The Cridford has also recently launched a takeaway menu offering a taste of their gorgeous traditional food to go. If we were local, we would definitely be taking advantage. But then, if we were local, we would probably just take up permanent residence in front of one of the lovely wood-burning stoves. I am already trying to plan our next visit.

For more information you can visit their website.

Elemis sp@home pro-radiance hand and nail cream

I am a hand cream fiend.

It doesn’t matter what time of year it is my hands seem to crave almost constant moisture, add to this the abuse they receive from continuous hand-washing and alcohol cleansing (occupational hazard of nursing) and you have some very needy paws. I often have several different hand creams on the go, spread across various bags, the car, and different rooms in the house but at the moment these are being overlooked in favour of just one.

Step up: Elemis pro-radiance hand and nail cream.

 

Launched in February this year as the latest addition to the Elemis Sp@home anti-ageing range this luxurious hand cream combines a blend of natural actives and powerful antioxidants avellana seed oil, omega 7, macadamia, camellia, virgin plum and milk protein with Elemis’ revolutionary skincare technology to provide a moisturising, silky, silicone-free barrier without a greasy finish and my hands have loved it! This has been an instant remedy to the usual dryness and general lack-lustre appearance my hands can have, which make my 25 years appear double that. Since using this hand cream my hands have not suffered their usual chapping and the skin, especially on the backs of the hands, appears conditioned and plump. It has also been great around stubborn dry cuticles. I have applied this hand cream as needed throughout the day, it soaks in quickly with no residue, but I have one on my bedside table to apply very generously before bed as an overnight treatment which works wonders. All of this with that lovely Elemis fragrance of white flowers magnolia and jasmine. An all round treat.

At £22 for 100ml tube, this may be considered steep for a hand cream but the lush formula delivers results and that 100ml goes a looong way.

Available from Elemis spas, John Lewis, Debenhams (online and in selected stores) and timetospa


*Small print: I purchased this myself as part of a set, all views expressed in this review are my own.*