Getting things in order...

I am not an organized person. But I try. Occasionally.

Above is my latest attempt to be more “Type A”. It’s a container from Crate & Barrel stuffed with skincare, body care and makeup.

The idea behind this is to put the things I use the most frequently “front and center” and to present them in a semi-neat way. It’s also become a dumping ground for things that I need to use up. By rubbing my nose in them daily, I get reminded that they need to be gone from my life. Products that fall into this category include my Bath & Body Work body sprays (I buy these things and then forget to use them!) and the Boscia Detoxifying Black Cleanser (very drying).

I won’t take you through everything – I’ll spare you the deodorant breakdown – but I thought I would focus on skincare today: makeup post coming up!

As previously revealed, I know jack all about skincare and really needed some guidance on what products were going to work magic on my very dehydrated sad, old face.

I find the whole realm very confusing and I sometimes feel that brands capitalize on that by bombarding us with “the science” in an attempt to convince us at the checkout that it’s an investment worth making. I needed a professional’s opinion and Caroline (check out her blog here – Link!) gave amazing advice. I call it the “skintervention” – she effectively prescribed products for me - and a few weeks later I can attest to the fact that everything I am using makes my skin happy.

Here are some of my new essentials (L-R)

Emma Hardie Amazing face cleansing balm – Link! - I like this so much I got one when I was in the UK and then went to Space NK to buy another. It’s the same premise as so many other cleansers– slap it on, massage it in and then let a muslin cloth massage it away. It reminds me of Eve Lom – just without the mineral oil – and leaves skin incredibly nourished.  It affectively removes the toughest mascaras (something Liz Earle never really did) and the consistency is heavily oil-based so applying it feels like a facial massage. It’s ideal for dry and dehydrated skins – I think oily textures might find it a little too much – and you only need about half a teaspoon to remove all the facial slap.

I got this in a kit with the exfoliating rosehip seeds. These I haven’t got on with at all. You are meant to add a small amount to the balm to both cleanse and exfoliate in one. It’s a nice idea but I feel like I am scratching the surface of my skin when I do this. So cleanser yay, exfoliator nay!

Hydraluron – Link! - this was the first product Caroline prescribed and OH MY GOD, this is a must have. If you take anything away from this post, make it this. This is a reasonably priced clear gel that you can wear underneath moisturizer or on it’s own. It’s basically hyaluronic acid - something that holds up to 1000% its molecular weight in water – and improves the texture and tone of skin.

This was the first addition to my new skincare routine and I noticed an immediate difference applying it twice a day. It traps the moisture, plumps, is quickly absorbed and should eventually fade some fine lines. Hurray!

I think everyone would benefit from using this and if you have dry or flaky skin and you don’t own this, then you seriously need to.

Zelens Z Matrix Energy and Moisture Infusion – Link! - I am new to Zelens and they are what I would define as a premium brand. This moisturizer is not cheap but I do enjoy using it. This makes me a bit sad because the price tag will make me think twice about purchasing. I predict many angst conversations with myself as I try and justify buying it. But in it's favour is that just the tiniest amount over the Hydraluron combines for the ultimate hydration cocktail.

This is very good  at soothing and boosting skin but unlike so many hydrating creams, it’s extremely light. It doesn’t leave the skin shiny – just soft and refreshed and I am able to slap on my makeup almost immediately. If you can get a sample or try it in Space NK then I highly recommend that you do so!

Avene skin recovery cream – Link! -  this is my second tube of the recovery cream and was what I depended on before the Zelens one came into my life.  I have to admit that when I compare it to the latter it’s just not as effective but I do think this is a great product. I generously slather this on sometimes and I feel like it really helps soothe skin without clogging it up.

Avene is a great brand and nicely accessible – it’s not too expensive and freely available in Boots. The eye cream – Ystheal – also gets a thumbs up from me and is what I am currently using.

Zelens PHA+ Bio-Peel pads – Link! - if you have ever tired Origins’ Brighter By Nature pads then you know the premise – thin pads drenched in acids to gently exfoliate the skin. I use these maybe three times a week.

The Zelens version is soaked in polyhydroxy acids, lactic acid, citric acid and salicylic acid and it’s the polyhydroxy acid that is meant to be the best for sensitive skins as it provides a gentle exfoliation that also acts to bind moisture. I have only used these a handful of times but the pesky flakes I sometimes have round my nose are gone – whether it’s down to this or the other products who knows…but the good news is that it’s not doing anything damaging or irritating.

All in all I am really pleased with what I am using and the results I have seen on my face. Okay, it’s not perfect – I could probably drink more water to help out in that department – but compared to 6 weeks ago I think there is a huge difference. It’s more how it feels – I still need to wear makeup to look decent! - the texture is very even and it feels balanced with the right amount of moisture.

There is something very comforting about skincare,  the chatting, buying and applying, but I still think it’s a total minefield. There are so many products and brands, all promising miracles, and I am one of those idiots that believe them.

Out of the new additions to my routine I think I rate the Emma Hardie cleanser and the Hydraluron the most. 

If you have any top tips product wise let us all know in the comments below – I can’t be the only one that looks to blogs for a bit of direction and guidance – so what’s your very favourite product that you would recommend?