It’s time to talk about one of my favourite topics. Skincare.
With all this hot weather we have been having I have simplified both my makeup and skincare routine. For my dry skin, I have found 3 products which complement each other perfectly and which I use daily.
I still haven’t perfected my entire routine. There are still products I am searching for and haven’t quite discovered yet. Today I’m talking toner and a rather lovely skin perfecting serum. Since using all 3 products I have noticed a difference to the texture and general condition of my skin. Let’s start with Indie Lee’s COQ-10 Toner.
Indie Lee COQ-10 Toner: For AM Use
This toner is something I had been looking for for a long time! A natural toner (not tested on animals), which is in essence a drink for the skin. More often than not my skin feels dry and dehydrated. Not since using this. Indie Lee’s toner is fairly gentle on the skin and after cleansing in the morning I rub a clean cotton wool pad all over the skin (avoiding the eyes) before applying my chosen moisturiser and/or serum.
Ingredients…
COQ-10 (as an anti-oxidant), Purified Water, Citrus Flower Oil, Aloe Vera, Hyaluronic Acid, Camomile, Sage and Cucumber. Alcohol free.
Thoughts…
After using this toner now for a few weeks I have found that any product I use afterwards seems to work better. After applying any serum or moisturiser (whichever I fancy using that day) instead of sitting on the skin, the product absorbs quickly to leave a lovely soft, smooth, hydrated base.
Worth the hype?
I have already repurchased a back up. For the cost of around £30 COQ-10 is well worth the bucks. I am now keen to try more from Indie’s beautiful skincare line.
Alpha H Liquid Gold: For PM Use
(Overnight Treatment)
When I first tried Alpha H’s much talked about Liquid Gold, I found this incredibly harsh on my skin. As well as being dry, my skin is super sensitive and it just felt too intense. After persevering for a little longer and giving it a proper go the second time around I have really come to love this product. The recommended use is 2 to 3 times per week. Depending on how happy my skin feels, I do try to use this every other night. After cleansing, I sweep a pad all over the skin and by morning my skin looks radiant and feels smooth and soft. Almost airbrushed and flawless to the point where I need little or no foundation. It’s not a toner though, it’s a treatment to plump and improve the texture of the skin. After application you can apply your favourite moisturiser or leave the Liquid Gold to work on its on for a more intense treatment. I have used Pixi’s Glow Tonic before and I would say that is ideal for daily use, it’s great, but when you do want to call in the big guns Liquid Gold is something else. After using Alpha H, always use a daily sunscreen the following day to protect your skin.
Claims…
Alpha H Liquid Gold ‘stimulates cell production’ and boosts ‘the synthesis of collagen and elastin’. The ‘visibility of acne scars and dark spots is diminished’. Your complexion will appear ‘luminous and even toned’.
Ingredients…
Aqua, Alcohol Denat, Glycolic Acid (5%), Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Silk, Potassium Hydroxide, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Extract
Thoughts…
Liquid Gold really is a miracle worker. It seems to deal with and combat all types of skin concerns. It’s powerful yes, however it works. It REALLY works. This is one product I would really miss if it wasn’t in my skincare cabinet. The overall condition of my skin has improved, my skin literally feels baby soft and very smooth (runs fingers over complexion to confirm this while I tap away on the keyboard)! I mainly put it down to this.
REN Perfect Canvas*
(silicone-free skin finishing serum)
I don’t use a primer daily before applying makeup (cc cream or foundation), but I am partial to a great serum. I find that a great serum works really well with my skin type. If I can find something which soaks into the skin quickly to leave skin looking healthy and radiant, I’m happy then to apply foundation or leave my skin to its own devices. REN’s ultra lightweight skin finishing serum Perfect Canvas is super special. Hydrating and smoothing, this product leaves a matte healthy look to your complexion and is perfect for sensitive skin. What more could you want? Just pick your favourite highlighter to make those high points on your face pop.
Claims…
‘With naturally derived bio-actives, Perfect Canvas leaves your skin the perfect canvas for makeup – or not!’ Perfect to use after moisturiser.
Ingredients…
Pro-Biotic Extract (to aid good skin structure). Agave Extract (naturally derived filler to prime skin). Alpha-Glucans (to keep skin healthy).
Without…
Parabens, Sulphates, Mineral Oil, Petrolatum, Synthetic Fragrance, Synthetic Colours, T.E.A., D.E.A., Glycols and Silicones.
Thoughts…
I used to be a massive fan of Benefit’s Porefessional, however as time has gone on, I now favour something silicone free, more natural. So upon application it feels like I am applying good quality skincare as opposed to a heavy duty thick primer.
REN advise to use Perfect Canvas after moisturising. This hands down is one of the best products I have used in a long time. Bold claims indeed, however this serum soaks into the skin so quickly to leave a fresh, smooth base. Skin looks healthy, radiant and plump.
Perfect Canvas is almost a hybrid between great skincare and makeup, using it means I can literally walk out the door feeling confident on a good skin day (without makeup) with almost perfect skin. Or as REN would call it the Perfect Canvas.
Shop My Skincare Stash
