Several weeks ago, I was at breaking point with my skin. Some of you may have seen the hideous (but honest) photograph I put on Twitter – of my red, patchy, hyper pigmented and extremely dry skin which was met with lots of helpful advice and tips. Within half an hour of moisturising, my skin would go back to the dry and irritated state it was in previously – and with no possible way of creating a good canvas for my make-up, I often had to go foundation-less which made me even more self conscious.
Without trying to blow my own trumpet, I’ve always felt that I’ve had pretty good skin, so to be suffering with a giant red rash on my face (which looks like acne under foundation) for over a year has been absolute hell. I’ve been to the doctor’s, had steroid creams, antibiotics and allergy tablets – all to no avail.
While at London Fashion Week, I had the pleasure of meeting skincare GURU/GODDESS (both apply) Caroline Hirons, who runs an expert blog on all things skin related. She posted fairly recently about a similar problem, so when I spotted her – I (rather clumsily) badgered her for advice.
She took me under her wing, checked my skin out and recommended a whole host of amazing products to use – as well as talking me through some other underlying issues that I should look at – as they may be connected. It was the most honest and brilliant advice I’ve heard since I first started suffering a year ago, so it was a huge relief to hear that it could be fixed with some persistence.
However, one thing that Caroline really said rung true with me. When reeling off the list of products I use make-up wise, she noted that I spend A LOT on my beauty products – opting for high-end over drug-store wherever possible, but that I tend to opt for cheaper items for skincare. This doesn’t make an awful lot of sense considering that in order to create the perfect look make-up wise, you have to start with the best canvas!
So, in the coming weeks – I’ll be trialling a number of products that she has personally recommended I try out. I’m excited to see the results – and to share it with you.
I know how horrible and draining having such dry and dehydrated skin can be – especially when it feels as though no products are properly working, so if you are suffering too – then please let me know if you have any tips, recommendations or are finding my advice (or more likely – waffling paragraphs) helpful. We can help each other together!
First up, is a whole host of brilliant products from The Body Shop – all of which Caroline recommended I try out. I didn’t want to post a review without actually trialling them for a little while – so I actually picked up these bits while at London Fashion Week, however I can say that I have noticed a considerable difference so far, bolstered by the fact the products are so pretty – I have absolutely loved creating a night-time routine with the oils and prepping it for bed (something I’ve never made a huge deal of before).
My absolute life-saver product has been the Vitamin E Face Mist (£8.50) – which can be spritzed on with or without make-up. I usually use this when I wake up in the morning as it’s very refreshing – and gives your skin an instant (and much needed) boost having had no hydration for 8 or so hours. It contains Rosewater, which is ideal for dry skin and it soothes any itchiness or irritation before the main moisturising begins. It sinks in very quickly, so even if you opt to spray it for a quick refresh – it doesn’t sit uncomfortably on your skin for ages nor does it give you a ‘just walked in the rain’ look for long!
Lots of people were saying that they use it before stepping onto a plane (and during) – especially as the travel size makes it ideal for carrying in your handbag, however I absolutely love this product at ALL times of the day and although it sounds cliche – I’m not sure I could live without this ever again. Once you’ve added it into your life, you’ll never go back!
Another recommended product was the Vitamin E Overnight Serum-In-Oil (£13) which claims to replenish and recharge moisture, re-enforcing your natural hydration. Although it is what it says on the tin – oil, it’s bloody good! The little pipette helpfully collects the amount needed for a one-night refresh and you simply drop it on, rub it in and sleep in it. It helps keep your skin hydrated overnight and provides a much better ‘canvas’ to work with in the morning.
I know it can be easy to get carried away with oil and end up on the other end of the spectrum – however this is very soothing, very natural and super hydrating rather than creating excess grease – so be rest assured you’re in good hands! I’d never previously thought to sleep in an oil, but this has worked absolute wonders and if you are going through a dry patch, using this for a couple of nights in a row is a sure fire way to remedy the problem!
Another fabulous product is the Nutriganics Soothing Eye Cream (£15), which not only helps to reduce and prevent the signs of ageing but it’s super silky, soft and soothing (what a mouthful). You only need the tiniest dollop each morning as it sinks in super fast and acts immediately. I use it under my make-up for a refreshed and highlighted under eye area. It’s amazing for curing dark circles and other lack-of-sleep symptoms and it’s also great for ensuring that your under-eye concealer stays put without collecting or sliding off. It’s a fab product which is probably underestimated when you see it on the shelf – but I ABSOLUTELY love it!
I’ve got a couple of other products that I’ve been trialling, so I can’t wait to share those with you too! In the meantime – if you do have any advice regarding dry skin, do let me know!
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