Every now and again you come across a beauty product or range that changes the game. Over the years, I have used many skincare brands, from Clinique to Clarins. While working between school and university, I used to sell (and buy) high quality skin care at World Beauty, such as Darphin and Aesop. These brands are top of the range, and have millions poured into their research, development and branding every year. Take note that the bar has been raised - by none other than Wellington skincare creator, Wiki Skincare.

A few weeks ago I was struck with inspiration. Where could I find out about the Wellington beauty makers? There was no online list, no beauty book, no blog that could direct me where to look for them or what their products were like. Even the University of Google was of limited use. Like a classic 21st century gal, I took to social media to ask the world, “Who was out there?”

"Applying fistfuls of coffee grinds, I stood up in the bath and made myself smell like a Wellington Barista after a brunch shift"

Wiki, Wiki, Wiki!

I heard the words, delivered like gospel, by multiple friends on Facebook: “Wiki Skincare” (amongst a few choice others). So I got in touch. Wiki Skincare kindly agreed to let me try the products and boy, they have found a new devotee in this Residents blog. I love Wiki Skincare. I really love it. I was not expecting the first beauty product I tried from a Wellington skin care producer to wow me so much. But it’s true: like a freshly sprung romantic affair, blooming in summer, I love everything about it - from the packaging (which for me was part of the appeal of Aesop), the smell, the texture, the range and especially the philosophy underlying the brand.

100% natural and organic, Wiki Skincare is perfect for sensitive skin, beauty queens and organic gals. All made by founder, Wiki herself, in Wellington, these products have love and care put into them, from the label to the highly potent ingredients (and no false promises of turning back the clock to boot!). I tried the Citrus Facial Cleanser, the Face Oil, the Body Oil, the Coffee Antioxidant Body Scrub and the Rose and Lavender Bath Salts.

Rose and Lavender Bath Salts

The first product I experimented with was the Rose and Lavender Bath Salts. Those who know me know I am a huge fan of baths, any time, day or night. I let this product soak my cares away as I poured 100 grams of gorgeously scented epsom salts into my tub.

After 15 minutes, My muscles and mind had relaxed for the first time in days, roaming in a sea of English country garden flowers. Rose buds scattered the water and made me feel pampered (my only tip would be make sure you pick the buds out of the bath plug-hole - otherwise grumpy flatmates - otherwise just enjoy the ride and float away on a warm cloud of scented florals).

Citrus Cleansing Oil

The next product was the Citrus Cleansing Oil. This was probably my favourite product - as soon as you pop a little bit in the palm of your hand, the smell of sweet lemons and zesty citrus just hits you. This is one to use in the morning, for that burst of freshness to start the day.

Wiki says to shake the bottle before using this one, because it has jojoba beads in it, to exfoliate. I haven’t really used oil cleanser before and, at first, it seemed counter intuitive - how can oil clean, when it is meant to hydrate? Wiki explained to me later on (which completely made sense to my brain) that it is good to put the nutrients back in, rather than just stripping all the natural oils out. This can actually work better for people with oily skin, because the body doesn’t overcompensate when stripped by, say soap, of its natural oils by overproducing oil.

This is an amazing products and I am not ashamed to admit I have already gone to Let Liv, where her skincare is stocked, and bought a bottle for Christmas! All in the name of The Residents of Wellington blog of course!

Nourishing Face Oil

Equally fantastic was the Nourishing Face Oil.

Silky smooth, thicker than the cleanser, and packed with delicious nutrients, this product made my skin shine and feel strong and nourished, just like it says on the label. It includes Kiwi seed oil, borage oil (good for acne), sea buckthorn fruit (good for wrinkles) and delicious manuka essential oil.

What a winner. It smells as good as it sounds.

Invigorating Body Oil

I also enjoyed the Invigorating Body Oil, which was super hydrating, and sensual. This is one of Wiki’s most popular products and makes a great present for Christmas.

Antioxidant Coffee Scrub

Finally the Antioxidant Coffee Scrub - again, would totally buy again. The word on the street is that coffee scrubs are all the rage at the moment (and by the street I mean my Instagram feed). But this Antioxidant Coffee Scrub was a truly decadent experience.

Appying fistfulls of coffee grinds, I stood up in the bath and made myself smell like a Wellington barista after a brunch shift, but it gave me a pep up that was well needed. I was expecting this product to be somewhat drying, but the oils in the scrub made me feel as soft as a newborn.

Again, make sure you wash down the bathtub and shower walls, so you don’t get in trouble with the flat, or else they might get the wrong idea!

So, to wrap up, if you haven’t tried Wiki Skincare - I urge you to do so. It amazed me that Skincare that is made right here (and is super affordable) is that good. I loved that this product is so natural, and made me feel so radiant, I didn’t even want to apply foundation (see questionable photo below, taken at 6:30 am on my way to swim at Fryberg Pool).

I rate Wiki. It will leave your skincare regime feeling re-generated, healthier, more luxurious, and seriously sexy.