It’s around that time of year again when I’m inclined to take better care of my skin; my face is flaky, my back is itchy, and my legs are covered in scales. Winter takes no prisoners but this time, the extra TLC has done wonders for my skin, and I’m happy to say that I think I’ve finally found it’s happy place. Since coming off the pill, I’ve tried to do as little as possible to my skin. Instead of fiddling with the exterior, I tried to focus on fixing my hormonal breakouts from the inside. Copious amounts of supplements, diets, and regimes later and uneven skin tone and blemishes still plagued me. I decided to kick my winter skincare routine up a notch and invest in all new potions and elixers, and after a month of using these products, I’m not turning back!
Lulu & Marula Balancing Cleansing balm and bar | Starting off my morning with this gem of a cleansing balm has been a real game changer. I apply a small amount onto dry skin, over make-up if I have on, and massage for a minute to increase circulation. I then rinse it off with warm water, using a damp cloth to remove excess residue if needed. My complexion is almost instantly more even, and my skin feels soft, refreshed and moisturised. Sometimes I leave it on for 10 minutes as a quick mask treatment. Every week I like to do a double cleanse which means after I wash my face with the face balm, I do another thorough cleanse using the bar. I wear so many serums and oils in winter and although this helps keep my skin healthy and hydrated, it can block my pores, so a double cleanse helps to avoid breakouts.
Lulu & Marula Refreshing Tonic Mist | Next I spritz some of this nourishing tonic mist onto my freshly cleansed skin, and this gives my complexion an instant boost of radiance and antioxidants. It has a slightly thicker consistency than other toners, which acts as a light serum that can be applied throughout the day for an extra dose of hydration.
Lulu & Marula Treatment Oil and Kudu Costmetica Serum | I can’t believe that it took me 23 years to understand the importance of a good serum but thank goodness I finally did because my skin loves ’em! Both lightweight and fast absorbing, these all-natural facial oils are the perfect skin food for my parched winter skin. After I tone, I apply a few drops of serum onto my face and neck to deeply penetrate my skin and help lock in moisture. The L&M serum leaves a thicker residue than that of the Kudu serum, so I use it before bed as sort of an evening treatment, and it works with amazing results! I actually look forward to looking at my skin in the morning now.
Hey Gorgeous Banish & Repair Moisturiser | For me, using a moisturiser is always a bit of a risk and requires many a trial and error. I have naturally oily skin and finding the right moisturiser that doesn’t leave my skin greasy and shiny is a difficult task. That was until I tried this one from HG. Specifically made for acne-prone skin, this dream cream contains miracle ingredients like Jojoba, Calendula, Neem, and Aloe, and is quickly absorbed without leaving an oily residue. It is my ultimate day-to-day moisturiser, especially if my skin is breaking out or feeling a little more sensitive than usual.
Hey Gorgeous Honey, Papaya & Pomegranate Facial Scrub | Sometimes you need more than a double-cleanse to fully remove all the dead skin cells, bacteria and dirt that builds up on the surface of your skin. Cue this facial scrub that is perfect for polishing off these impurities. I like to dedicate an afternoon a week to a sort of skin repair ritual. I start off by steaming my face over a basin of boiling water, followed by two minutes of gentle exfoliation. The base of this scrub is brown sugar so it can be a tad abrasive if massaged too roughly, so I apply a small amount onto my face, and very lightly move the mixture around. Thanks to ingredients like Kaolin Clay, Grapeseed and Pomegranate Oil, Papaya Extract, and Wild Flower Honey, my skin feels so soft and refreshed afterwards.
Deity Skin Face Mask | This mask is by far the best one I have used yet. You might remember it from a skincare post that I did earlier this year, when I reviewed the entire Deity Skin range. I was really amazed with the results; my complexion was instantly brighter and more even, after just one use. Made from a few simple natural ingredients including activated charcoal and turmeric, this mask soothes inflammation and redness, calms and illuminates my complexion, and also hydrates my skin. It’s perfect for stressed out skin, and makes for a very relaxing end to my day. All you need is a small scoop of this magical mask powder with a few drops of water, but check out Deity Skin’s Kitchen Beauty blog post for other household ingredients one can include in this mixture. My favourites are Apple Cider Vinegar, lemon juice, and honey!
Rain Biologie Body Polish | I only started exfoliating my body after moving to Johannesburg. The climate can be brutal on my skin, so I try to exfoliate at least once a week. In the shower, I’ll apply a small amount onto to my upper and lower body, mostly focusing on my arms, legs and back, as those tend to get extremely dry. I’m really enjoying this body scrub from Rain; Dan’s mom gifted it to us last Christmas and we’re both addicted to it. We also love the zero-plastic packaging!
Rain Biologie Intensive Hydration | Another lovely product from Rain, this body lotion is the thickest, most moisturising thing I have ever used. It’s so rich, that I simply can’t use it in summer! But come winter, my scaly limbs are begging to be covered in it. It’s perfect for a post-shower before-bedtime treat and a non-negotiable after a body exfoliating session.
I hope this post helps your skin (and your mind) find winter a little less challenging. Take this time to study and nurture your skin, because you only get one in this life!
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