I tend to rotate which beauty products I use on a monthly basis, either because I’ve run out, because I’m bored or because I want to refresh my routine and try out something new. I often find that this means I overlook several products undeservingly (because they are pushed to the back of the shelf) so I’ve decided to start up a monthly feature summing up my favourite ‘go-to’ products. As always, I wouldn’t recommend something if I hadn’t used it personally myself (and loved it), so hopefully it will give an insight into my beauty fueled mind.
Sudocrem Skin Care Cream
I know that for many people, Sudocrem is their go-to product. Their emergency spot-buster and their immediate irritation relief. For me personally, I love Sudocrem for sunburn and rashes – but I’ve never (until now) used it as a skincare product, or incorporated it into my skincare routine. I was recently sent a little sample of the new skin care cream, developed specifically for facial/skincare use (rather than the primary function being nappy rash) and was really blow away by how much of a difference it actually makes.
Whilst it’s a little too thick for me to use alone as a moisturiser, I find that it really soothes my skin before moisturizing/priming, leaving me with a much smoother, softer and less irritated base to apply make-up. I find that some foundations tend to make my skin a little itchy (in the name of vanity I put up with it for smooth skin), but with a thin layer of this underneath, that irritation almost completely disappears. This is definitely one of my favourite May go-to products, and I would recommend it to anyone who already uses Sudocrem (or those who don’t) but want something a little lighter and tailored specially for facial/skincare. It’s a lifesaver and a must have. You heard it here first!
FaceB4 Daily Cleansing Foam
Although I was initially put off by this product because of the packaging (I don’t know what it is, but I have a pet hate of ‘people’ being featured on the packaging of skincare products), the cleansing foam itself is unlike no other – and I know there has been mixed opinions, but I absolutely love it. It didn’t ‘foam’ up as much as I expected it too, but with anti-bacterial properties and a combined cleanser and toner, it is the ultimate product for those who want clear skin but who cannot be bothered to fiddle around with various different cleansers and toners.
One thing I did find really helpful about FaceB4 is that it clears away any excess oils and keeps them at bay for at least 24 hours (usually my foundation slides off halfway through the day due to having oily skin, but when using this – it didn’t). It is quite a strong anti-bacterial product, but it doesn’t burn your skin or make it feel tight/uncomfortable like I find the stronger, harsher products do and overall, I really rate this, despite my initial apprehensions.
Prada Candy
I have been lusting over this perfume for months, but I only recently plucked up the courage to buy it during a shopping trip in Bath, when I spotted it was down from £50 to £36. Bargain! Designer fragrances aren’t usually my thing (I prefer fruity, or vanilla scented body sprays), but this one was too ‘me’ to miss. It has vanilla, fruity and floral under notes, with a really musky tone to it – resulting in quite a strong, distinct yet perfectly wearable girly fragrance. It’s a very light, summery perfume that matches playsuits and maxi dresses – but it’s very lasting, and unlike other perfumes which fade away after 5 minutes, this one lingers playfully, giving little bursts of floral and fruity notes all through the day (I’ve given it the trial run – sniffing my wrist at random intervals).
FACE Matters Anti-Elixir
With a scent reminiscent of citrus fresh aromatherapy oils, this has to be the most relaxing and soothing face oil I own. Although primarily used for anti-aging purposes, I have been using the Face Matters Elixir once a week to hydrate my face after exfoliating, as I tend to find it gets quite dry and dull looking. The product itself has collagen properties, which is known to assist in plumping skin and making it appear more luminous and I can definitely vouch for this – even after just a few weeks of use. Oils tend to be associated with making skin appear greasy, spotty or overdone, but this is so silky and light – that none of the above occur as a result of using it.
A bit of Googling tells me that this product has lots of celebrity fans – and I can definitely see why!
Yuko Kokoro G Treatment and Shampoo
I know the general consensus regarding having healthy, voluminous and long looking hair is to leave it a day (or more) between washes, so that the natural oils replenish your cuticles, however I rarely stick to this (bad beauty blogger, I know). My hair seems to get greasy within a few hours of washing it (slight exaggeration, but I have to wash it every day) so for me, it’s more about finding products that are tailored towards my hair type – and which keep hair looking fresh, clean and hydrated – as well as moisturizing it and providing the same nutrients that are found in natural oils.
The Kokoro range (I have the treatment and the shampoo products) is something I’ve been trialing for the past few months, and so writing about them is long overdue. Specially formulated for dry, sensitized and damaged hair, the product soothes all the irritations that you can often get from washing your hair regularly, as well as moisturizing the cuticles and leaving it looking long, thick, luscious and healthy. My hair has made a definite improvement since using it – I’d even go as far to say it looks longer and much thicker than it did previously!
Headmasters Heat Styling Defence Spray
I try (at all costs) to avoid using heat on my hair if I can. I think this stems from my 14-year-old self, when I used straighteners on my hair every day and as a result, completely ruined what once used to be very healthy, silky and smooth locks. In the past month, I have attended several events which required me to use a little heat treatment on my hair – so I’ve had to find protective products to ensure that my three years of persistent growing were not in vain.
I do own the ghd protective range, which I have found to be very effective – however I did find that they left my hair a little sticky at times (perhaps a result of my overzealous spraying), so I went on the hunt for something that left my hair glossy and silky, without any hint of sticky residue. Headmasters Miracle Protect Heat Defence Styling Spray protects and conditions hair, shielding your delicate cuticles from temperatures up to 220 degrees. The directions advise you to spray on clean, wet hair before blow drying, straightening or curling. The fresh scent of the product means it stands as a lovely sweet smelling leave-in conditioner, whilst the effects mean you won’t be left with frazzled locks, but smooth ones. I absolutely love this product (in fact, I love the entire Headmasters range) and it now takes pride of place on my dressing table, so I would definitely recommend it to anyone who (like me) is trying to grow their hair, but who still uses the occasional heat treatment.