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!
Origins Ginzing Moisturiser (£25/50ml here)
With a combination dehydrated/oily skin type, lightweight cream and gel moisturisers work well for me. I also love them because you can add a drop of facial oil to them turning them into a non-clogging night cream in seconds. While I love Neutrogena's Hydra Boost Gel Moisturiser for the summer time and when I'm extra oily, Origins Ginzing Moisturiser is perfect for the rest of the year as it's a lightweight cream that instantly soaks into the skin and smells of fresh oranges! The smell alone is enough to wake me up in the morning but with the added Ginseng and coffee beans this truly is an energy-boosting moisturiser. A nice moisturiser to go alongside more potent skincare that will leave your skin refreshed, revitalised and perfectly smooth.
With a similar fresh juicy orange scent I also really love the Fresh Vitamin Nectar Vibrancy Mask £52/100ml here (or £21 for 30ml to-go size here) that seems to keep my skin glowing, however, I've mentioned it countless times and I do realise not everyone will want to spend £52 on a single face mask - but I thought I would mention it for those that love face masks or love Fresh as a brand.
Paula's Choice Resist C15 (£45/20ml here)
Last year saves for Vitamin C serums were up 3379% on Pinterest! Both I and clearly a lot of others were getting clued up and on board with this potent ingredient. For me, I decided to add a Vitamin C product into my routine in Winter to add radiance back to my skin as it is a skin brightener after all and to work on removing some uneven areas and pigmentation from the sun and nasty blemishes I've had in the past.
While this isn't an overnight miracle worker added to my daily serum before applying SPF I've noticed a visible difference over the past 3-4 months I've been using it! My skin texture has definitely improved, no teeny raised bumps on the side of my face anymore and two patched of darker pigmentation on my chin have shifted and look brighter and more like the rest of my face! Although I have been impressed with this I will be comparing it so The Ordinary Vit C as this type of ingredient does have a short shelf life and I don't like to waste products - so you may see an entire post on Vitamin C in skincare in the next few months.
Filorga Oxygen Peel (£20/150ml here)
Exfoliation for me is a must, especially so in Winter to rid me of dead skin cells and brighten my complexion. However, I'm a little and often kind of girl that likes something mild yet effective and then now and again will go for a one-off strong treatment (see below). Which is why I've been loving this micro peeling solution for the past 5-6 months. Although I'm currently taking a break from it to try out Glossier Solution, this has been my daily chemical exfoliator for months now with a mild blend of 6 different acids it really is a good all rounder that renews my complexion and keeps blemishes at bay.
I did initially wonder why this wasn't such a popular product as it works really well, however, I think I've worked it out. It's in the name.. it just doesn't sound like much and '6% peeling complex-6' just doesn't explain that it includes a blend of Glycolic Acid, Citric Acid, Phytic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid, which is such a shame. But for me, this truly is a favourite!
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution (£6.30/30ml here)
As I mentioned above I like to use a high concentration of acids ever now and then, maybe once every two weeks, as using such a high percentage of acids frequently does more harm than good. The one I go to for is The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution which applies as a sticky red/blood looking mask and transforms the skin in under 10 minutes! Described as a game changer by many, including myself, this is incredible value for money if you are looking to brighten and smooth your complexion. For me, this not only gives me silky smooth skin but it helps with congestion around my chin which is especially good when my skin is feeling hormonal. One of The Ordinary's best products in my opinion!
Let me know your own skincare favourite for Winter! I would love to know.
Fee xo.
