Wowee. How are we into the middle of the year? It’s really strange how quickly things are flying by. Although there is still so much going on in the world, it feels like life is a bit more normal these days, at least here in New Zealand. I’m back in the office and have been having to return to a life of drying air conditioners (lovely). Fortunately enough, I have had some new beauty products come into my mailbox for Winter and so am having a play with all things face and body.
From cleanser to soaps to natural deodorant, there’s something for my ever nook and cranny (keep your mind out of the gutter). It’s actually been really nice to refresh my routine and try some different brands from the usual bits and bobs which I’ve carried over from 2019.
While I wanted to reserve a separate post especially for two Kiehl’s products which I’ve been loving, I’ve otherwise included everything that’s come my way, from the bubbly to the creamy, from the clay-like to the smelly - and everything in between - in this blog post.
Here’s my recommendations on the latest skincare treats for the colder months.
Body
The Body Shop’s Pear Bath Blend - $29.95
This is a beautifully fragrant addition to your bath tub to lather up large. While we don’t have a tub (sob) it works just as well in the shower and is a relaxing treat at the end of a long day.
Earthical Citrus Soap - $14
I can tell you: I don’t take my soap for granted the way I used to (thanks COVID). This one has to be my pick for the colder months with uplifting essential oils including tangerine and sweet almond, plus almond bitty bits to scrub away dead skin cells from your hands (lovely). Feels like a massage for your hands.
The Body Shop Lime & Matcha Spritz - $40 (150ml)
Continuing the citrus theme, here is a breezy clean body and hair fragrance. I’ve found The Body Shop Lime & Matcha scent to be a lovely low commitment to smelling fresh throughout the day. I’ve been spraying mine on after my shower to give me a little bit of extra zesty pep in the morning. I love that there’s quite a range of these cute, feel-good spritz’s from Pink Pepper and Lychee to Apricot and Agave. It makes me feel like I’m giving myself a bit of extra T-L-. LOVE that it can be layered with other complimentary smells.
Earthical Natural Deodorant - $18
Since discovering the underarm detox by The Minimal Co, I’ve become a natural deodorant convert. Who knew you need to exfoliate your armpits to make them work?? This rose scented stick is very gentle, made with organic ingredients including diatomaceous earth, tapioca starch, shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, aloe vera and vitamin E. Totally non irritating and most importantly it works!
Zero Waste Deodorant - The Minimal Co -$33
This is probably the most buttery smooth thing I’ve ever used on my skin. I love how it glides on and is gentle. We’re keeping it in a jar so it doesn’t become moist in the bathroom and it seems to do the trick. Again, totally works. Earl Grey (Bergamot Italian Orange) with a hint of herb garden make a pleasant, light fragrance. Suitable for men and women.
Masks
Earthical 3 in 1 Cleanser/Mask/Scrub - $33
This is a great sneaky cheat for travelling if you need to save on space. Chock-full of organic goodness this bar gently deep cleanses without stripping skin of its natural oils. Kaolin clay draws out dirt and excess oil while shrinking pores. Organic oatmeal gently exfoliates while soothing inflamed skin. Organic shea butter and camelia seed oil leave your skin nourished and hydrated while aloe vera and vitamin E help heal troubled skin. So, in short, it sounds like a delicious, health breakfast for your face. How do you like that?
La Roche Posay Effaclar Mask - $28
I’ve recently gotten to know the La Roche Posay brand a bit more and I’m liking what I’m experiencing, especially because it is really good skincare that’s affordable. Part of the Effaclar line, this clay mask is a 2-in-1 purifying clay face mask and skin mattifier for oily skin. I’ve found it a great treat on a Sunday night while I’m rewatching re-runs of Friends on Netflix. Two thumbs up.
Margaret Hema Facial Ungent - $170
If you’ve ever wanted to experience a ‘Margaret’ facial but never got the chance, here’s your answer. A creamy balm like substance this is the essence of what Margaret puts on your face during one of her luxurious and now sadly discontinued facials. This leaves my skin glowing like crazy and I love that it is packed with essential oils that bring a sense of calm. Think beeswax, honey and luxurious.
Serums
La Roche Posay Redermic Pure Vitamin C Serum - $74
Sweet Lord, I am all about this serum. Vitamin C is a must have ingredient for my skin, because I’m all about getting a bit of glow-action on. This has a whopping 10% vitamin c in it and also contains salicylic acid and neurosensine - two active ingredients that boost radiance, reduce fine lines and refine skin texture. SOLD.
La Roche Posay Hyalu B5 Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Serum - $75
This serum is a bit of me. It’s very good at plumping up skin, absorbs super fast and I can feel my skin drinking it up like water, especially with the more recent dry weather. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid creates an invisible surface barrier on the skin to retain moisturiser and re-plump. It’s really soothing and the first thing I apply when I start my skincare regime for the day. A must-have in my books!
YSL Night Shots Moonlight Cactus - $120
I’m a bit obsessed with this serum. It is one for night because it contains glycolic acid which exfoliates the skin (think about Pac-Man eating the little balls and you’ll get the idea of how it works). Moonlight cactus extract regenerates skin cells and helps protect them against oxidative stress at the skins surface. I really felt I saw a difference in my skins texture when I used this product consistently before bed and although it is a considered purchase it is one I’d reinvest in.
Cleansers
La Roche Posay Effaclar Cleanser - $28
A lovely, easy gel cleanser at a great price point with a balanced PH. You can’t go wrong with this, unless you have really dry skin.
Wunderbalm Rose Cream Cleanser - $48
A natural, rose scented cleanser which feels like your skin being wrapped in cashmere. A great choice for those who like a creamy, milky cleanser and struggle with dry skin in the colder months.
The Rest
The Body Shop Vitamin E Gel Mist
A light and refreshing mist I’m applying to set my makeup in the AM and refresh it in the PM. I love the old school vitamin E smell from The Body Shop. It reminds me of being a little girl and visiting their Lambton Quay store.
La Roche Posay Effaclar Mat Moisturiser - $34
Gives a smooth and even appearance to skin. Nice and rich. I’d rate as a good, solid moisturiser which will make you feel like you’re already wearing a primer.