Hello everyone! The winter is nearly here and you know what that means right? No? Oh well..
I'm someone with very dry skin, and the winter season is a particularly complicated one. It's a time where I amp up my skincare to help give my skin a fighting chance against the harsh irish winds.
I got into skincare a bit later after I got into makeup, but it's quickly becoming more and more prominent into my regime. Taking care of my skin feels so relaxing, and I figured it would be a good idea to share my favourite products to help fellow dry-skin gals(and guys!) out there.
Liz Earle - Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
For the most part of my life, I didn't even use a cleanser (I know I know, shocking!). My skin is very sensitive and most cleansers & makeup removers irritate my skin, so I would just use water. Until I found this. I think I heard Fleur de Force that about it first.
This cleanser is so creamy and gentle but also exfoliating. The way it works is that you rub it all over your face (even the eyes!) and then use a muslin cloth soaked in warm water to remove everything (you can buy them in a kit).The product removes every bit of makeup, even my strongest mascaras, and the cloth gently exfoliates the skin. I use this everyday and I never want to go back to anything else.
Garnier - Soothing Botanical Toner with Rose Water
2 years ago, I didn't even know toners were a thing! But when I did try them out, I soon realized that while they definitely remove all the dirt leftover on my skin, they would also strip it of everything else. My skin almost felt raw. So I didn't incorporate toners into my routine until I found this. This toners preps the skin for serums and moisturizer, removes the dirt leftover from cleansing, but doesn't irritate the skin in the slightest. Rose Water is very soothing for the skin, plus it smells absolutely divine!
Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream
I read somewhere that no matter your age, the beauty product you MUST use is eye cream. I think I started using this at 22. I don't have fine lines or wrinkles yet, but I can attest that this product definitely helps with morning dark circles. It feels fresh and moisturizing on the skin, and absorbs quickly so it applies nicely before makeup. This isn't the richest of moisturizers though (which is kind of what I like about it), so for those with very dry undereyes, I would use something different at night.
First Aid Beauty - Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum
This thing is my saviour. It's perfect for keeping my skin hydrated during the day without feeling greasy. First Aid Beauty is an excellent line when it comes to sensitive skin, and I love most of the products I've tried to far. This serum is great as a solo moisturizer for day wear, but can also be layered under other moisturizers for days and periods when the skin is especially dry (winter anyone?). I always get brilliant feedback whenever I recommend FAB to someone, so for me this is always a sure bet!
Caudalie - Instant Detox Mask
I never had acne-prone skin, but sometimes my skin does go bonkers with weird textures and random pimples. When that happens, this is what I run to. The pink clay gets all of the nasty stuff out of the skin and leaves it oh so smooth. I was a bit freaked out the first time I used it because it kind of..sank in my nose pores to create a really weird pattern... but the results are so so good. It's a quick and easy mask to do on the go, it dries fast and never feels goopy.
Origins - Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask
This. This is my other great love apart from the Liz Earle Cleanser. I mentioned I have very dry skin before, but this is my magic trick. I usually use this mask on a Sunday night to get myself ready for the week, and then use it again on the Wednesday to give my skin a little boost. I was always afraid of overnight masks because I always thought "Yeah but doesn't it stick everywhere on the pillow and the bed?". I can't sleep only on my back just for a face mask right? No. It's hard to explain, but this mask is very rich while still drying down enough for you to enjoy a good night's sleep. Plus IT. SMELLS. SO. GOOD. If I could bathe in this I think I would.
Bite Beauty - Agave Lip Mask
Bite Beauty is one of my favourite makeup brands (Plus they're from Canada!). All of their products are made from food-grade ingredients, which is especially good considering this is a lip product company... I had heard to many good things about this product that I decided to try it for myself, and boy did it not disappoint. This is like an extra thick lip balm that you put on before bed, and I swear that when I wake up in the morning it's still there. My lips feel so hydrated and plump afterwards, it's amazing! I have to admit I'm not the biggest fan of the smell/taste, but I saw that they also do a maple version, and when has THAT ever tasted bad?
Dr. Hauschka - Rose Nurturing Body Oil
The last product on this list but not the least, this oil is wonderful. I have very dry skin that marks easily. Rose oil is amazing for hydration, but also to help the skin healing process. It's good for helping scars heal over time along with stretch marks and the like. This oil feels rich without feeling sticky. I like to put it on after taking a shower to retain the moisture, or before I go to bed to let it work. Plus, it smells of actual roses. Not the fake scent kind, but actually as if you were in a rose garden. Very relaxing.
