This blog post is sponsored by iHerb however, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Today I wanted to talk about Winter skin, in particular, my updated Winter skincare routine; something I simply couldn't be without and what I see as part of my self-care (I truly enjoy applying different products to my skin!). All products mentioned here work for my oily/combination skin but would also be suitable for all other skin types I feel.
As you may notice today's post is sponsored by iHerb, a website that carries over 30,000 natural products and ships to over 180 countries! I had the pleasure of selecting all my own products and ordering through iHerb for a full user experience. I personally found the website a breeze to use especially when it came to searching for products and checking out customer reviews before buying.
iHerb orders are shipped from climate-controlled distribution centers to ensure quality is maintained especially on skincare items. For delivery to the UK, there are two available shipping methods; DHL and Hermes. I went for DHL express shipping and received my order in only 5 days which is pretty great! It's also worth looking out for offers that are run on free shipping over certain order values! iHerb also offers customer service 5 days a week in 10 different languages should you require help with your order.
My own order arrived in my perfect condition and I can honestly say I have enjoyed trying out some unique skincare and Korean brands I simply wouldn't have come across anywhere else. Below you will find my Winter skincare routine and all about the amazing products I decided to try out.
Cleanse
Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser
When it comes to cleansing in the morning I never want anything that will leave my skin feeling tight or stripped. This is especially common in cleansers for oily skin but for one of the first times ever with Cosrx (a brand I love!) I have found the perfect cleansers that leaves the skin feeling perfectly clean and comfortable thanks to the low pH formula - which is also ideal for protecting the skin's moisture barrier.
The Cosrx Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a wonderful light cleanser in both formula and scent; with a gel-like texture (only the smallest amount is needed) and a subtle tea tree herbal scent that's refreshing.
Since starting using this at the beginning of Winter I have found my oily/combination skin has been happier especially around my time of the month when I find I'm more oily and prone to breakouts. It also works well after using a balm or oil cleanser in the evening to ensure all makeup and product has been removed and really leave a clean canvas for the rest of your skincare to be applied.
While this is a simple and inexpensive skincare product it truly does the job especially with having the low pH value that keeps skin happy and healthy. It's also a product you will see recommended by skincare gurus and experts for good reason! This is now a staple in my winter skincare routine.
Another Korean skincare product that is hailed as one of the best by skincare experts online is Heimish All Clean Balm and in fact has become a cult classic because of this. This intensive cleansing balm removes makeup and sebum not only with ease but fast.
On my first use of this cleansing balm, I was surprised at how easily the solidified balm melted to a silky oil, removing makeup with the lightest touch over the skin. I was also happy to see that it then turns into a milk when washing it off, which basically makes removing the cleansing balm all the easier.
One of my favourite skincare products to use is a cleansing balm as I love knowing my skin is completely clean of makeup and this truly has to be the best I have come across in how it feels on the skin and how it performs and so easily. I now understand what the hype is about with this cleansing balm and I'm simply loving it being a part of my skincare routine.
Hydrate
Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essence
If you are into your beauty products then I'm sure you will know the brand Laneige for their cult Lip Sleeping Mask, but what you might not be aware of is their skincare range. I wasn't too familiar with the range myself however based on the popularity of the lip masks, along with the aesthetically pleasing packaging I wanted to try out one of the hydrating products. I decided to go with the Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essense as I particularly love to layer hydrating skincare, especially in the colder months.
Laneige Water Bank Hydro Essense is a lightweight essence that helps shield against water loss and boosts hydration throughout the day making it ideal for use in Winter when moisture loss can occur due to the use of indoor central heating and the extreme change in temperature when going for a warm room temperature to the cold outdoors. Also with the formula being a lightweight essence, you can easily add it into your existing routine as an additional dose of hydration without clogging pores or experiencing piling when makeup is applied.
What I love about applying this essence straight after cleansing is simply how fresh and plump it makes my skin feel - basically like it's had a drink! There's no stickiness or oiliness to it, just a hydrated base that's prepped ready for moisturiser. For me, this has been a great addition to my skincare routine that I feel keeps dry patches around my nose and chin at bay.
The Creme Shop Pink Water Creme Ultra Dewy Face Cream
I then follow up with my new favourite moisturiser, which aside from working really well, makes me smile every time I use it... because who wouldn't want Hello Kitty skincare! This is one of the reasons why I turn to iHerb as you are guaranteed to find unique and fun products that you can't find anywhere else easily.
This dewy face cream is enhanced with hyaluronic acid and watermelon and is a great way to add moisture to the skin without feeling too heavy or greasy. The cream also has a high water count which not only can you feel how lightweight it is but it boosts the skin's moisture levels, resulting in a healthy dewy glow to the skin.
For me, this is part of my morning skincare routine as it again it's another really hydrating layer that is lightweight and almost like water to the skin. A really lovely dose of hydration with this one!
Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask in Berry
Another step to my Winter skincare routine after moisturising is to properly hydrate my lips. The skin on the lips is the thinnest of the entire body and for that reason is the most fragile and prone to dryness. So if your regular lip balm isn't cutting it then this is essentially why.
As most of you will know Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask is another k-beauty cult classic and I'd say the most popular Korean skincare product in the UK. The reason for this is because it's the most effective lip mask on the market; it simply just works - keeping lips hydrated, smooth and plump.
With the provided mini flexible lip applicator (which feels lovely smoothed over the lips) I apply the lip sleeping mask just before bed. The lip mask is lightly scented and surprisingly non-sticky for how rich the formula feels. Instantly I find I get some relief from applying the lip sleeping mask however it's in the morning when I feel the full benefits, with my lips feeling totally soft and smooth. After using this lip sleeping mask for over a month now I can say only a small amount is required to cover the lips and it isn't a treatment that is required nightly to reap the benefits of it, so this is a properly that will really last well.
With over 3,000 five-star reviews on the iHerb website, you can be sure this is one amazing lip product!
Protect
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Face Serum SPF 60+
Lastly after applying all my hydrating layers of skincare I of course finish with an SPF. Even in Winter, it's important to wear sunscreen, especially if you use any ingredients that make the skin more sensitive to sunlight such as an acid, so it shouldn't be a step that is overlooked.
But I can fully understand the desire to skip this step when your sunscreen is too thick or greasy on the skin or even adds a white cast. This is why I wanted to mention Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Sunscreen Face Serum SPF 60+ as it challenges everything you would expect a facial sunscreen to be.
Firstly this is the lightest formula I have come across in a sunscreen, being almost a runny consistency that feels more like water on the skin than anything else. Secondly, to prevent any kind of white cast on the skin the formula is slightly tinted which at first I was nervous would translate onto my skin but as the name of the product suggests, it is invisible. And finally, even though the formula is ultra-lightweight it still manages to have an SPF 60+ and is water-resistant - which is just incredible.
Another product I simply wouldn't have discovered if it wasn't available through iHerb for an affordable price.
If you like the sound of any of the skincare products mentioned or want to stock up on some skincare favourites then make sure to use code MAKEUPSAVVY at the checkout to get a discount on your iHerb order.
Fee xo.
AD - This is a paid for post however all thoughts and opinions are my own
Over the past few years, there have been certain self-care habits I have adopted that have not only really stuck but almost feel like a wellness toolkit that I can reach for when I'm having a bad mental health day, feeling run down or simple to energise myself.
Not only is it important to take 'time out' when you aren't feeling your best but prioritising self-care can help bring out the best in yourself and even fuel the good days, so to speak.
For me this comes in many forms; from keeping on top of my skincare routine and giving myself time to enjoy looking after my skin, to feeling cosy in the warmest loungewear possible! And in Winter especially, making sure I keep on top of taking supplements, along with the basics such as keeping hydrated and getting enough sleep.
Whether you are someone that can slip into a habit of putting yourself last, creating zero time for self-care to happen. Or like me, find prioritising self-care to be an essential rather than a luxury - I hope you can find some tips and tricks here, along with some amazing beauty and wellness products from Very.
Skincare
Spending time over your skin is without a doubt a form of self-care, especially if you enjoy the process. Personally, it's a time I can feel present and also mindful in the sense that I'm enjoying both the scents and textures in the skincare products I'm using.
If you are someone that enjoys skincare but often find yourself skipping or rushing it when life gets busy then I highly recommend setting aside time to cleanse and apply your skincare as soon as you come through the door in the evening. Or like me, as soon as you've closed your laptop for the day if you work from home.
Doing your skincare routine earlier in the evening not only means you will have the energy to do it but it also means your skin will be free of makeup and daily grime a few hours sooner, which does actually make a difference!
I personally like to split my skincare into two parts as I do find applying skincare just before bed to be a relaxing experience. The first part comes early evening starting with a thorough cleanse with one of my favourite cleansers; Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm which you can purchase alone or in the gorgeous Elemis English Rose-Infused Radiance Duo to take advantage of the amazing saving.
The Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm has long been a cult classic, but for me the newer rose-scented cleansing balm is simply perfect, making for a really relaxing experience when using it. What also makes this an ideal self-care skincare item is that it is such a thick luxurious balm that when applied to the skin it melts down to a beautiful silky oil which not only removes makeup with pure ease but has a wonderful slip that makes massaging the skin a real joy, especially while breathing in the gorgeous rose scent. This is why I even use this cleanser in the evening on makeup-free days as the massaging element of the balm is beyond relaxing. As you can expect the balm also leaves the skin impeccably clean and smooth.
Later in the evening, just before bed, I like to finish my skincare routine with Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Facial Oil, which again you can find included in the wonderful Elemis English Rose-Infused Radiance Duo gift set. This is a facial oil like no other, perfect for all skin types, due to the nourishing but light formula that allows the skin to retain moisture. I find not only this a joy to apply as it smells so natural but you really do see the benefits the next day with ultra-soft skin that's perfectly hydrated and nourished.
As for when I want to give my skin some self care I reach for Elemis Peptide4 Thousand Flower Mask, a velvety smooth mousse-like mask that spreads with ease over the skin. The mask works by gently exfoliating the face to dislodge dead skin and refine texture and while it contains Brazilian black clay the face mask is neither tight nor drying on the skin. As with all Elemis products, the scent is wonderfully floral and fresh which really gives a spa-like experience. Face masks truly are a way to pamper yourself and show yourself a little self-love.
Comfort
Part of my daily self-care, especially in Winter, is to feel cosy. This can of course come in many forms; from taking a long bath, reading your favourite book or feeling like your loungewear in giving you a warm hug! As you can guess I'm all about the latter with my oversized Fleece Snuggle Hoodie - the cosiest piece of loungewear I own.
As you can see this is one thick and supersoft oversized hoodie that has a warming plush fleece lining, along with cuffed sleeves that I find to really keep the heat in. If that wasn't enough the hoodie has a huge front pocket to keep your hands warm (or to house snacks?!) and an even bigger hood. This truly is my favourite item to wear around the house right now!
My other favourite comfort is slippers. Slippers truly are my 'thing' when it comes to feeling warm and cosy. Do you wear slippers? My current favourite pair are these lovely Pearl Trim Mule Slippers that are as warm and soft as they look! I'm all about a snug fit to keep my feet from getting cold and these are really the perfect fit due to the inner faux fur lining. Totally dreamy!
Bathing
Another part of my self-care routine is enjoying a long bath or shower. This for me is a time where I can fully relax and let go of my stresses and really indulge in some wonderful spa-like products.
My go-to brand for bathing is Elemis; in particular, anything with the Frangipani Monoi scent which smells just heavenly - think flowers on a tropical island and you are halfway there.
Over the years I have pretty much tried the entire Elemis Frangipani Monoi range and can firmly say the Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow is their most decadent product that feels like it should be found in a spa than your own bathroom. Not only is the Kilner-style glass jar a very generous size but this is a perfectly formulated salt scrub that contains not only mineral-rich salts but Tahitian monoi oil that massages the skin as the salts exfoliate. This leaves the skin without any redness, unlike a lot of salt scrubs, but silky smooth and soft. I also can't get enough of the lingering frangipani scent that lingers on the skin after use. If you are looking for a luxurious product to add to your own self-care routine this is certainly one to own.
Another in-shower product I enjoy using to take care of myself is Elemis Frangipani Monoi Hair & Scalp Mask which is a versatile 3-in-1 product that can be used as a deep cleansing scalp treatment, a deep conditioner and an intensive overnight mask. This is a favourite of mine due to being able to use it on my scalp as this area of the body can hold a lot of tension so massaging the silky, heavenly scented formula in really does feel relaxing. I'm also obsessed with this product as not only is it an effective hair mask but the scent lingers beyond hairstyling which you don't find with a lot of hair products and the frangipani scent is something you will want your hair to smell of!
Lastly, on stepping out of the bath or shower I like to lather myself in Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Cream, a product I've used for years and still can't get enough of. Much like Elemis' skincare, you can expect a luxurious silky formula that soaks into the skin with ease, to leave it soft and deeply hydrated. It's also a body cream that while hydrating isn't oily so within minutes you can dress - for this reason, I also love to use this body cream as a hand cream. If you want your skin to feel velvety smooth I highly recommend this beautiful body cream.
Pamper
Another ascept of self-care that I like to do on a semi-regular basis when I find the time is to truly pamper myself. The first way I like to do this is by steaming my face with the Rio Facial Sauna & Steamer before proceeding with my skincare routine.
With a full face mask the facial sauna excapulates every part of the face to open up the pores, helping to deeply cleanse this skin. This is best done after cleansing to allow the steam to really clear out the pores and to remove any impurities in the skin. This is not only a relaxing experience with the warm steam softening the skin but really rewarding when you see how clear your skin looks after the treatment.
Another way I love to pamper myself is in the evening with the Homedics Luxury Foot Spa, a relaxing way to relieve tension in the feet and to soften dry skin.
To relieve tension and for user comfortability the foot spa has a tilted base which means you aren't require to sit straight with your feet flat to the floor which I personally have really loved. The foot spa also comes with 4 removable massage rollers. For feet skincare there is also a very handy pumice stone attachment which is amazing to use after soaking your feet.
As someone with chronically cold feet, a foot spa like this feels like such a lovely treat to use in the evening while reading a book - I highly recommend it especially with the current cold weather!
Wellness
While my self-care routine contains a fair amount of pampering I truly believe in looking after yourself from the inside out. This consists of the basics of course - getting 8 hours of sleep per night, drinking enough water and getting outside. Beyond this, I'm a believer in taking daily supplements, from Vitamin D in the winter months to a multi-vitamin and good dose of antioxidants that not only promote good cardiovascular and digestive health but can combat signs of ageing.
My main source of antioxidants is Perricone MD Superberry Powder with Acai Dietary Supplement Powder. If you are a fan of skincare then I'm sure you will have heard of Perricone MD as they have some amazing topical skin care products, which is why I decided to go for these supplements over anything else. This is now a drink I make up with ice each morning to start the day with, especially as the acai provides an instant dose of energy to start the day. I'd love to know if you take supplements as a form of self-care.
Lastly, as another act of wellness, I find a fragrance diffuser a great way to alleviate dry air and to add a fine mist of natural aroma. The one I keep next to my bed, that I like to switch on in the evening is the Ellia Blossom Fragrance Diffuser with ambient mood lighting. Made with a wood base and ceramic dome this is one of the nicer diffusers I own, feeling sturdy with a large water capacity for a 12 hour run time.
To enhance a cosy evening I like to add a few drops of butter fudge scented fragrance oil and enjoy the soft aroma it produces. The diffuser is also whisper-quiet which is without a doubt an essential a lot of diffusers don't have. Do you own an aroma diffuser? I would love to know.
As you can see Very have an amazing range of wellness appropriate products that really can enhance any self-care routine.
If you have been neglecting your own self-care recently I hope this post has reminded you how important your own care and needs are.
Fee xo.
AD - This is a paid blog post however all thoughts and opinions are my own.
When it comes to skincare I like to keep it simple and truly believe most skin types can benefit from a paired back routine that works for their skin. This is why I was interested to try out the new Liz Earle Pro-Biotic Balancing range that works on all skin types and consists of only three products, a milk cleanser, day cream and night cream.
Liz Earle has always taken a simple yet effective approach to skincare, which is evident in cult classics such as the Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and Eyebright Soothing Eye Cleanser. But their step into Probiotic skincare is something new and exciting!
Before getting into the range and my own thoughts on it (spoiler: the collection of three products has been so good for my skin!), it's important to understand the role of probiotics on the skin and why they can help a whole range of skincare issues, along with being suitable for all skin types.
AD - Sponsored Feature
Today I want to talk about dry, sensitive skin, as this is maybe one of the most challenging skin types to control. Both having their own unique needs and concerns that need addressing in order to have healthy, balanced skin.
With a little know-how and the right products on your side, you can care for your dry, sensitive skin, hence how this blog post came to be. Below you will find 10 things everyone with this skin type should know with little tips and tricks here and there.
Just a few days ago I wrote a post on my favourite makeup pieces to keep Winter at bay. I shared a touch of spring in the form of a cream blush I can't get enough of and highlighters both powder and liquid took centre stage. But for me, skincare plays an equal role (if not more), especially when it comes to glowing skin.
Below are the key skincare pieces in my routine that make a difference. From a moisturiser that makes me feel like it's summer to a few much needed chemical exfoliators that really get the job done!