• March 15, 2024

How Changing My Cleanser Completely Changed My Skincare Routine, And My Skin.


We’ve heard it all before, cleansing is the step that starts off our routine and sets our skin up for the products that follow. Whilst cleansers aren’t on your skin for that long [we’ll touch base on that fact later] choosing the right one for your skin type can make a huge difference.

I recently had a facial with Biologique Recherche and before I had the actual facial treatment I had a skin consultation, they used these devices that are applied to your skin which are connected to their computers which can measure things like hydration levels, sebum levels, pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and so on. It then recommends the products from their range that would be suitable for your skin type and concerns and as part of those results for the cleansing stage of my routine, I was recommended Lait SR.

Lait SR is a gentle cleanser that doesn’t foam and helps to cleanse the skin whilst calming the skin and keeping it balanced. This cleanser can be used to remove makeup but I personally like using it as my main skin cleanser so that my skin gets all of its wonderful skincare properties. As I mentioned earlier how cleansers aren’t on your skin for that long with the Biologique Recherche cleansers you can actually leave them on your skin for a few minutes to make sure your skin is properly cleansed and reaping all of the skincare ingredients from the cleanser.

The biggest thing I learnt from my treatment and consultation was that I was potentially using too harsh cleansers that were stripping my skin and affecting my skin barrier, this has made me opt for more gentle cleansers like Lait SR and has completely changed my routine. My message from this blog post that I would like to share with anyone who reads this is that whilst cleansers aren't on your skin for that long and it can sometimes be the product and step that a lot of people don’t focus too much on, is that it really is a crucial part of any skincare routine and does set your skin up for everything else.

If you can get a skin consultation I would recommend it as the professionals can look at your skin and know what your skin needs, I also think it's important to look at your skin regularly and asses what it needs. It's amazing how just changing my cleanser has changed my skin and whilst I have said it a million times it has assured to me the importance of using the right cleanser for my skin type.

For more information on Biologique Recherche, stockist information and their products Click Here.


*The product mentioned in this post has been gifted to me with no obligation to post, as always the review is my own and the image was taken by myself.
  • March 07, 2024

A Month In Beauty, February.


Biologique Recherche Lotion P50W: A cult classic product that I have personally used for years and always see great results from, if you don't know about it essentially it is a liquid exfoliant that uses a blend of acids and ingredients to balance and purify your skin and depending on which formula you use for your skin type can target specific skin concerns.

This is currently my main exfoliating product and whilst it can be used morning and night, I tend to use it more at night after cleansing and it does wonders at keeping my breakouts at bay and overall keeping my skin balanced.

I will continue to use this product and I like how it has streamlined my night routine, once I finish this bottle I will definitely be repurchasing.

Click Here To Purchase.

Saint Louve 15% Vitamin C Lustrum Serum: I have been using a Vitamin C serum as part of my morning skincare routine for years now and for me, it's a non-negotiable, the current one that I am using and loving is this one from Saint Louve.

It uses five forms of Vitamin C along with Ferulic Acid and other amazing antioxidants and brighteners to provide the skin with antioxidant protection and does wonders at keeping the skin even and bright.

I have some pigmentation around my eye area on the sides of my face and this has done wonders at fading it, I like knowing that I am getting antioxidant protection on a daily basis and this serum has been an absolute joy to use.

Click Here To Purchase.

Aesop Hwyl Eau De Parfum: When I was in Brisbane at the beginning of this year I went into the Aesop store in Queens Plaza as it's my goal in life to visit any Aesop store wherever I am and was amazed at how beautifully designed the store was, as I had some time to have a proper browse I picked up a couple of essentials and always asked one of the girls there to talk me through some of the fragrances.

We tried a few different ones and I liked quite a few but Hwyl was the one that struck me the most, it's a huge departure for me scent-wise as I tend to like more cologne citrus scents and this scent is very smoky, spicy and green but I absolutely love it and haven't been able to stop wearing it since I brought it.

It has notes of Cypress, Frankincense and Vetiver and has that clean skin-like smell to it, I highly recommend you pop into one of their stores to first try this scent but also marvel at the design and styling of their stores.

Click Here To Purchase.

Tomorrow-Today Beauty Tech Protect Serum: There's no denying how much time we are spending in front of a screen, and I can attest to the fact I am definitely looking at a screen more often than not, luckily Tomorrow-Today Beauty has created a product that can at least help with this issue.

They have created a serum that contains ingredients to protect your skin from blue light whilst repairing it, it also contains a whole host of hydrating ingredients that give your skin an immediate glow and does wonders at keeping my oily-combination skin hydrated throughout the day.

It feels lovely on the skin and sits well with my other products and under makeup, I either use it before my moisturiser or as the last step in my routine almost like a finishing serum or primer. It's a great idea and I look forward to seeing what they do next.

Click Here To Purchase.

Dermalogica Phyto Nature Oxygen Cream: A moisturiser can seem like a pretty standard product when it comes to talking about skincare routines but for me, it's important to use one that works well for my skin type, as someone with oily-combination skin I still that need that hydration from a moisturiser but without it being too oily or pore clogging.

Dermalogica moisturisers always suit my skin very well and this Phyto Nature Oxygen Cream is a product I keep going back to as it offers my skin the hydration it needs whilst remaining light as doesn't make my skin feel oily after I use it, it also sits well under makeup and with my other products.

I find it quite firming too, I feel like it gives my skin a nice bounce to it and a lovely glow. Another product from Dermalogica that I would continue to repurchase.

Click Here To Purchase.

Simon x


*Some products mentioned in this post have been gifted to me via the brand and some have been purchased by myself, as always all my reviews are my honest opinion and all images and words are my own unless otherwise mentioned.

  • January 16, 2024

Sky Derma Clinic.




I was lucky enough to of met Bonnie at the coffee shop I frequent in the city and as we got talking and I told her that I am a blogger and review products and treatments she graciously invited me into the clinic where she works which is Sky Derma Clinic in Docklands.

Bonnie is really knowledgeable on all things skin and treatments and does an amazing job at looking at my skin and basically telling me what I need, I have said in the past that as a Melbournian there are a few people you can really trust, one of them being your facialist and in this scenario, I trust Bonnie more than anything to take care of my skin.

I came into the clinic with my main skin concerns being breakouts and texture irregularities, another main concern being these small white bumps that were scattered over my face which we discovered were actually Sebaceous Hyperplasia.

I have had a few treatments with Bonnie now, a milk peel and a TCA peel to combat my hyperplasia which I immediately saw results from as the peels helped to dramatically reduce their appearance and actually get rid of some of the bumps. Both treatments had been followed by an LED light treatment which I have done regularly and does wonders for my skin.

Alongside my treatments, Bonnie has also recommended some products from Dermaceutic and Biopelle which I have loved and will give a quick run-through below.

Biopelle Tensage Antioxidant Defense Serum: Essentially this is an antioxidant serum that uses Vitamin C which is a well-known brightening ingredient, Ferulic Acid and Growth Factors which all work together to protect your skin against environmental stresses. I feel like when I use this serum it really does form a barrier for daily stresses and it sits well with my other products.

Dermaceutic Actibiome Acne-Prone Skin Night Cream: A moisturiser that exfoliates your skin overnight helping with breakouts and skin texture, it uses a blend of Salicylic Acid and Glycolic Acid to gently dissolve away dead skin cells and does wonders at smoothing out my skin texture and keeping my breakouts at bay. I have to be careful with moisturisers as they can sometimes clog my skin but that isn't the case with this one, it works very well for my skin.

Dermaceutic Dual+ Anti Blemish Serum: I love this serum because, for my skin that is used to using active products, it feels more gentle on my skin as sometimes I find when products are targeted to breakouts they can be quite harsh but I don't find that with this serum at all. Another thing I love is that whilst it does target breakouts it also uses ingredients that help to fade the pigmentation left behind from spots which is something that I struggle with so knowing that this serum does both is why it remains a favourite in my routine.

Dermaceutic K Ceutic Post Treatment Cream: This is a great product to use on a daily basis but especially after any sort of skin treatment, it also has a slight yellow tint to it which is good at covering redness and does slightly even out your skin tone with the tint.

These products are all sold at Sky Derma Clinic and I would highly recommend looking into them.

Sky Derma Clinic is located at 7/439 Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008 and their website is www.skyderma.com.au. 

Simon x


*Treatments have been gifted to me for content inclusion but as always all thoughts and opinions are my own.

  • January 15, 2024

The Newest Beauty Products In My Beauty Cupboard.

Wyuna Botanicals Wild 'n' Minty Cleansing Balm: If there's one product that I will always trial it would be a cleanser, firstly I find them the easiest product to trial as I pretty much know from the first use whether or not I will like the product and in the case of trying this one from Wyuna Botanicals I immediately knew I would love it.

Firstly not that I have anything against pot packaging but it is nice to see a cleansing balm come in tube format as it does make it a lot easier and you don't have to put your hands into a pot to use it, this product is thinner in consistency to the cleansing balms I have used in the past but I actually like that feature about it, I find that it melts into an oil quicker and has more slip to it meaning that I can really massage it into my skin.

It does wonders at removing makeup with a beautiful blend of oils that also help to treat your skin whilst cleansing it, If you want to use it as a makeup remover it works wonders but for my own skincare routine I like using it as a main cleanse or second cleanse as I like knowing that my clean skin is getting all the benefits of it, it's also just a really nice luxurious product to use and I enjoy using it.


Koffee Fix Facial Mist: Any excuse for a Melbournian to get more coffee into their daily routine is a good one, right? I always use a facial mist in my skincare routine, it tends to be after cleansing in the mornings and over an exfoliating toner at night, I find it offers an extra layer of hydration to my skin and helps the other products I use absorb better.

This facial mist from Koffee Fix has the scent of coffee that immediately wakes me up and makes me feel refreshed alongside Glycerin for hydration and Niacinamide to calm and soothe the skin.

Coffee for me is the first thing I reach for in the morning and it's the scent of it that wakes me up, this mist means I can have my coffee fix throughout the day whilst keeping my skin hydrated and not over exceeding my caffeine limit.


Amatus Skin: Amatus Skin is a brand I have been introduced to of late and have really enjoyed using, they are believers in less is more when it comes to products and ingredients and like to only use the ingredients they believe your skin needs in their products.

I like this approach as sometimes I think that products have too much in them so it's nice to see a brand editing their products and only using the best ingredients.

Their range currently consists of two ranges, Gentle being suitable for normal to sensitive skin and Complex being more for problematic and normal skin types.


Dermalogica Pro-Collagen Banking Serum: I have to be honest and say that I have only been using this product for the last week or so as it has only just launched but over my years of trying products and researching ingredients and textures I can already tell that this product will become a favourite.

In essence, it helps to preserve your skin's collagen whilst hydrating the skin, it also contains antioxidants to protect your skin and will help maintain your skin's moisture barrier.

I have been using this as the last step in my routine before moisturiser and it has really helped to keep my skin hydrated but it never feels greasy or too pore clogging, I personally think any skin type could benefit from it.


Saint Louve Skincare: A brand that I have had my eyes on since it launched not too long ago is Saint Louve, which currently consists of four serums including a Vitamin C Serum, AHA/BHA Exfoliating Serum, Retinol Serum and a Vitamin B3, B5 and Hyaluronic Acid Serum which are all products that I generally use in my skincare routine.

I have just started incorporating the Vitamin C serum as my morning antioxidant serum and the Vitamin B3, B5 Hyaluronic Acid serum underneath my moisturiser and whilst I have only been using them for under a week my skin loves them and I already know I will love them when I use them more consecutively.

I am looking forward to adding the other two products to my routine also and once I have tried them I will do a dedicated blog post on them.


Bioloique Recherche: I was lucky enough to of had a treatment with Biologique Recherche when I was in Queensland and the treatment included a thorough skin consultation where I was recommended products for my skin type and skin concerns.

I have been using the LAIT S.R cleanser, Lotion P50W, Crème Contour Des Yeux VIP 02 eye cream, Crème Dermopurifiante, Biomagic Mask and a mixture of targeted serums for my skin type.

I am really enjoying the products and whilst I have only been using them for a short time I can see they are already starting to have great effects on my skin. I will be doing a more detailed blog post once I have used the products for a longer period of time.


Simon x


*The products mentioned in this post that have been marked with an *asterisk have been sent to me via the brand mentioned, otherwise, products have been personally purchased by myself. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own and all products have been tested by myself unless otherwise mentioned, all photos have been taken and styled by me unless mentioned otherwise.
  • January 02, 2024

2023 Beauty Favourites.




Cleanser:

*Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Wash: I have used this cleanser on and off for the last few years but in the last few months I have been using it consecutively as my morning cleanser and have seen great results from it, I know that it can be sometimes hard to see results from products like cleansers that aren't on the skin for long enough, but with this one I do.

It uses a Tri-Enzyme Technology that works to dissolve away dead skin cells which in turn helps with skin texture and evenness, with this cleanser what I like to do is apply it to damp skin before I get into the shower and let it sit on my skin whilst I am in the shower so that I am getting all of it's exfoliating properties.

Using this cleanser that way means that I am getting a good exfoliation without irritating my skin and it has helped with the texture and tone of my skin, even though I use this cleanser consecutively my skin always feels smoother and brighter when I use it. It also contains antioxidants which help to rid the skin of pollutants and uses ingredients to protect the skin barrier.


Makeup Remover:

*Dermalogica Oil To Foam Total Cleanser: I know that when it comes to makeup removal people like to use oils and balms but I personally prefer to use more of a gel-based cleanser when it comes to removing my makeup, in saying that though I still like and use oil cleansers I just prefer to use them as my main cleanse or as a second cleanse.

This year was the year that Dermalogica created in my eyes, the perfect hybrid cleanser. By hybrid, as the name suggests I mean that it's an oil and a foam that when applied to the skin feels like your regular gel cleanser but removes makeup and cleanses the skin like an oil would.

I like to slightly dampen my hands and apply a dollop size product and massage into my face, always being careful around the eye area and it does wonders at melting away my makeup and never leaving my skin feeling stripped or tight afterwards.


Physical Exfoliant:

Aesop Purifying Facial Exfoliant Paste: [Product not pictured as I need to repurchase]. I know this is a bit of a controversial topic to talk about as I know that physical exfoliants can get a bad rap in the beauty community but I do believe that they have come a long way and if you can find one that works for your skin, I am a big believer in them and believe they can do wonders for your skin.

One of my favourites for years has been this one from Aesop, it's a super fine exfoliant that doesn't feel scratchy on the skin or like it's pulling your skin, it just gently glides over the skin offering a nice dose of exfoliation.

There's just something about this product, I use it every day before I get into the shower and no matter how consecutive I am with it I continue to get great results, it makes my skin look brighter, and feel smoother and when I go to apply my makeup it applies like a dream, almost like I have a primer on. It also contains Lactic Acid so I like to leave it on my skin for a few minutes to get the benefit of the chemical exfoliation.

I have used a lot of exfoliators in my time and this one stands the test of time, it is a little on the expensive side but honestly, nothing compares to it, and I don't say things like that lightly.


Chemical Exfoliant:

*Go-To Skincare Clarifying Exfoliator: This product from Go-To only launched last year but as soon as I tried it, I immediately liked it, to be fair from researching it I already knew I would love it. It's essentially a chemical exfoliant that you would use as a toner and this particular one uses Willow Bark and Salicylic Acid which work to clean deep down into the pores and fight breakouts, blackheads and skin texture irregularities.

It also contains Tasmanian Pepper Leaf Extract which contains a blend of antioxidants and vitamins to nourish the skin.

As you have gathered I am a regular exfoliant user and have had no issues with sensitivity with this product but if you are just starting maybe start slow and work your way up. This product has really helped to keep my breakouts and blackheads at bay and has also helped with preventing ingrown hairs from shaving.


Face Mist:

*Go-To Skincare Prep Step Hydrating Face Mist: I always use a face mist after cleansing morning and night as it adds an extra layer of hydration to my skin and it also helps the other products I use after it absorbs better, one that I have really enjoyed this year has been this one from Go-To Skincare.

It uses Hyaluronic Acid and Glycerin which work together to draw moisture into the skin alongside wild Rosella Extract to support the skin barrier and Tasmanian Pepper Leaf is known for its calming properties.

The mist is very fine and hydrates my skin nicely, I like the packaging as it's easy to keep in my bag to keep my skin refreshed throughout the day and overall it's just a lovely mist.


Serums:

Mecca Cosmetica Skin Brightening Vitamin C Serum: I have been through so many bottles of this I couldn't even tell you how many, I have tried other vitamin c products but for some reason, I just keep coming back to this, I think for the price and the ingredients it's a great vitamin c serum.

My skin responds really well to it and I never have any issues with it, it contains a blend of 15% L-Ascorbic Acid, Ferulic Acid, Vitamin E and Licorice Root Extract which all work together to brighten the skin and provide antioxidant protection. It does have a slightly oily consistency to it but I actually don't mind it and it does absorb quickly, it does have that typical vitamin c smell [if you know you know] which I know a lot of people aren't fond of but I actually like it and also like knowing that it hasn't been covered with fragrance.

My only criticism would be that once you open to bottle you need to keep using it as it does change colour quickly but I love it so much that that doesn't bother me as once I open it I just keep using it.


*Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum: I have been in and out of using retinol over the years but once I hit my thirties a few years ago, I started incorporating it more regularly into my routine. One of my favourites of the last year has been this one from Dermalogica.

It uses a 3.5% dose of Retinol alongside ingredients that help to smooth skin texture and even skin tone.

As I am someone who has used Retinol for a long time and also active ingredients for a long time, I never experienced any sort of sensitivity when using this but if you are a first-time Retinol user I would recommend starting slow and working your way up and always wear sunscreen on an everyday basis.

This serum has helped keep my skin texture even and I have noticed it has helped with pigmentation, as I mentioned for myself it is gentle enough to use nightly as my skin is well-prepped for it and I have enjoyed the results from it.


*Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Serum: Would it be a yearly favourites without this serum? Probably not. I have used and loved this serum practically since it launched, it has reached cult status and I can honestly say that it is worth all the hype it gets.

It's a serum that uses ingredients like Niacinamide and Vitamin C to help fight pigmentation and I can honestly say with continued use in conjunction with sunscreen it has done an amazing job of brightening my skin and fading my pigmentation.

This serum is also very nourishing and hydrating, I have oily combination skin and it suits my skin type perfectly, I always like having it in my routine and it's one product that I would never want to be without.


Moisturiser:

*Emma Lewisham Illuminating Brighten Your Day Crème: This moisturiser has been a daily essential for me, I use it after my sunscreen and before my makeup as it immediately gives my skin a beautiful glow and forms a nice base for my makeup but also looks lovely on its own. 

It uses Phytoactives and Vitamin C which help to brighten the skin and provide antioxidant protection, it uses ingredients that help to regulate sebum and oil production and a blend of AHA's and BHA's to gently exfoliate the skin which in turn helps with texture and tone of the skin, as someone who is breakout prone this has really helped to keep my breakouts at bay and never feels too heavy or clogging on my skin.

No matter what I use this on my skin daily and I can't see myself changing or my routine without it.

Eye Serum / Eye Cream:

Verso Super Eye Serum: I have only been using this eye serum for the last month but I had to include it in my favourites and it has made a huge difference to my under-eye area I am not going to lie I was a bit hesitant about using it as in the last year or so my eye area has become sensitive to eye products but I had no issue with sensitivity at all with this product.

It uses the brand's signature Retinol 8 Complex which helps to smooth fine lines and hyperpigmentation, an Antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from daily stresses and Peptides to help with puffiness and dark circles.

The thing I have found using this eye serum consecutively at night is how smooth it has made my under-eye area, I have noticed my fine lines have started to smooth out and my under-eye area feels firmer and stronger. I also like to use this serum beyond my eye area on any areas that are prone to crows feet as whilst I don't have crows feet yet, I am trying to prevent it as much as possible. Another thing I love about this product is that whilst yes it is on the luxe side of pricing it is a 30ml bottle which is double what you would normally get in a standard eye cream and I know for sure I will be repurchasing it.


*Emma Lewisham Skin Reset Eye Creme: One of my favourite launches from this year has been this eye cream from Emma Lewisham which like I mentioned with the above-mentioned product it has never irritated my under-eye area and has done wonders at keeping the skin under my eyes even toned and firm.

It uses a Hydration Complex which helps to hydrate and lock in moisture which my eye area desperately needs, an Antioxidant Complex works to protect the skin from daily stresses and a Strengthening Complex helps to smooth fine lines and strengthen the delicate eye area.

When using this eye cream consecutively it has helped to brighten my eye area and keep it hydrated and I have noticed it has helped with any fine lines I have.


Honourable Mention:

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops: I didn't know what section to put this product in but I knew I had to put it in somewhere as it's a product I pretty much use on a daily basis, for those who don't know what this product is, it's basically a concentrated liquid bronzer that you can add to serums, moisturisers and base products to give your skin a bronzed glow.

In the mornings after I have applied my sunscreen, I mix a small amount of this product into my moisturiser and apply it over my face and neck, it gives my skin the most beautiful bronze without looking too orange or artificial, I am quite pale and these really help to even my skin tone and warm it up a bit. It forms a nice base for makeup and also looks good on its own.

They are also chock full of skincare ingredients like antioxidants, omegas and vitamins and I do believe they give my skin an extra hit of antioxidant protection and nourishment.

There are dupes but you can't beat this one, I know it's sold out a lot but if you can get it, get it. My only critique would be that I liked the old packaging with a pump but otherwise, they are perfect to me.


Simon x

*The products mentioned in this post that have been marked with an *asterisk have been sent to me via the brand mentioned, otherwise, products have been personally purchased by myself. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own and all products have been tested by myself unless otherwise mentioned, all photos have been taken and styled by me unless mentioned otherwise.









  • December 03, 2023

The Power Of Pre, Post and Probiotics.

*Emma Lewisham Supernatural Blemish Serum: Everything Emma Lewisham does turns to gold and this latest launch proves that fact, I haven't been this excited for a product to launch like this one for a very long time and luckily the wait was worth it.

It can sometimes be hard to see results from skincare products straight away but with this product, after a week of use I could notice a huge difference in my skin, my skin was hydrated, even-toned, and overall just felt smoother and calmer.

This serum's hero ingredient is a Probiotic that helps to fight breakouts and with continued use will help hydrate your skin, balance breakouts and keep your skin hydrated and healthy. My skin had a nice glow to it while using this product and it always felt nourished, it's a product I really enjoyed using and one that I know will easily slot into my skincare routine and want to keep using.

Click Here To Purchase.

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance: I'm not normally one to play favourites but if I were to put a moisturiser in my beauty hall of fame, this one would rank very highly. To me, it's my perfect moisturiser and it has that perfect balance of being moisturising enough for my combination skin but never leaves my skin feeling congested or oily.

I use this moisturiser most days and it always works well for my skin, I like knowing that I can always fall back onto it when I need it. It uses ingredients to help support barrier recovery alongside a Prebiotic complex that helps balance the microbiome of the skin.

I find this moisturiser very soothing and calming and it works well on my skin all year round no matter the season.


*Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads: If you are a regular reader of my site you will know how much of an exfoliation fan I am and it forms a huge part of my routine, I tend to go between physical and chemical and when it comes to my preference with chemical exfoliation I like an exfoliating pad, I like using a pad because whilst it gives you the benefits of chemical exfoliation you also get a slight physical exfoliation from the textured pad itself.

One of my favourites is the Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads from Elemis, I use them mainly at night after cleansing but also occasionally in the mornings when I feel my skin texture is rough and I need an extra hit of exfoliation.

They contain a Tri-Enzyme Technology that works to resurface the skin, Lactic Acid exfoliates whilst being a humectant to draw moisture into the skin and a Pro-Biotic Ferment Complex helps to promote the skin's natural renewal process.

The thing I love the most about these pads is no matter how long I have used them each time I use a pad they give my skin an amazing glow and everything I use after absorbs better and sits better on my skin, I have been using these for years and will continue to do so.


*SAOR Skin: SAOR Skin is one of the newest brands that I have been trialling and was very excited for it to launch after hearing all about it on social media, the wait was worth it and the hype on it is warranted. The products are based on Postbiotics and contain ingredients like Niacinamide to calm the skin, Vitamin C for brightness and antioxidant protection, Cermaides to support the skins barrier and a whole host of nourishing ingredients to help hydrate, soothe and protect your skin.

The range currently consists of a cleanser, serum and moisturiser which all form the basis of any routine, they can also be easily incorporated into any already established skincare routines.

Sometimes it can be hard for me to try lots and lots of products as my skin can react but with these products they easily fit into my routine and never made my skin react, if anything with all their nourishing properties they made my skin better by calming it down and keeping it hydrated. This is a reasonably new brand and they have already made some great products, I am excited to see what they do next.


Clinique Redness Solutions Makeup SPF 15: I have loved and used this foundation for years, whilst overall I am pretty lucky with my skin in terms of sensitivity, sometimes my skin can become desensitized from weather changes or trying too many products at once and that's where this foundation comes into its own.

When my skin is feeling extra sensitive I don't like to wear too much makeup but the one thing I always reach for is this foundation as I know that it uses probiotic ingredients that actually help to calm down the skin and doesn't irritate or make matters worse.

The shades tend to be more on the yellow side which I normally wouldn't go for but when it comes to covering redness I actually like it and this product does wonders at that, it's a product that I don't hear many people talk about it but I think it should be more well known as it's a really great foundation.



Simon x


*The products mentioned in this post that have been marked with an *asterisk have been sent to me via the brand mentioned, otherwise, products have been personally purchased by myself. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own and all products have been tested by myself unless otherwise mentioned, all photos have been taken and styled by me unless mentioned otherwise.
  • November 22, 2023

The Fragrace Brands You Need To Know About, Part II.

OCMA: This brand is the newest fragrance brand that I have personally tried, and as someone who has been wearing and testing perfumes for the last twenty-ish years I can honestly say that they are very unique and unlike anything else I have tried before.

There are currently five scents in the range ranging from citrus, floral, spicy and green and I can say that there would be something for anyone in the range, my personal favourite scent is Sun Phaser which is a citrus scent that reminds me of suncream and being on the beach as a kid on school holidays.

The scents currently come in 10ml travel sprays which I like because it's often hard to find travel-sized perfumes with a spray which I personally prefer to rollerballs, they easily fit into any bag and are great options to take away with you on holidays or for travel.

www.ocmafragrances.com

Aerway: Aerway is a fragrance brand that creates scents that are meant to lift your mood and relax you, this is actually something that spoke to me as fragrance does make me feel happier and does lift my mood, I wear fragrance every single day no matter what I am doing, even if I am not leaving the house I will wear fragrance.

I feel like this makes me feel more put together and it sounds crazy but I feel somehow lost if I am not wearing a scent, I also like to top up my scent throughout the day and I do feel like it signals something in me that boosts my mood, it almost refreshes me in a way.

The scent that I have currently been trialing is Rise+ which has citrus, sandalwood and amber amongst other notes, I love citrus scents and I do find them very uplifting and I really enjoy wearing this scent.

Mr Hux: Mr Hux is a fragrance brand that I discovered this year and it had a lot of anticipation around its launch and I was very excited to see what the brand looked like and what the scents smelt like, I was lucky enough to of received their discovery kit which contains their four current scents and the brand very kindly sent me a full-size bottle which was Silhouette which I immediately loved.

The scents from the brand range from citrus to woody to floral and each scent is unique in its own way.

www.mrhux.com.au

Malin + Goetz: Malin + Goetz have had fragrances in their range for a long time but I feel like their fragrances can sometimes be overlooked and in my opinion are underrated, and I mean that statement as a complete compliment to them. They only have a handful of scents to choose from but all of them are really high quality and beautiful scents to wear, no matter what scent I have tried from the range it has never smelt too sweet or too overly clawing when you wear it, to me they remind of typical cologne scents that are light and last well on the skin.

I find this range is popular for its body and skincare products but I recommend trying the scents if you happen to be by a counter or store as they are all lovely and I am sure you will find one that you like.

My favourites are Bergamot and Vetiver as I love citrus scents and I also really like Strawberry which isn't as sweet as you think it would be but I actually like that, it's that almost skin scent that is trending at the moment and whilst it's not something I would normally go for, I actually really like it.

www.malinandgoetz.com

Jo Loves: Jo Loves is a fragrance brand that has been around for a while now and was created by Jo Malone herself after she left her namesake brands many years ago, especially in Australia as the brand is only available online I feel as though it isn't as well known but I honestly feel like it should be as I have really fallen in love with the scents.

I started by purchasing their discovery set which contains five of their fragrances, I enjoyed all of them but the ones that stood out to me the most were Pomelo and Mango Thai Lime.

Pomelo has become one of my favourite scents and I have also purchased the corresponding body products, I love the way the scents sit on my skin and how well they last. The range in Australia is currently available at Adore Beauty and if you google the brand they are stocked in a lot of different international stockists.

www.joloves.com


Simon x


*The products mentioned in this post that have been marked with an *asterisk have been sent to me via the brand mentioned, otherwise, products have been personally purchased by myself. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own and all products have been tested by myself unless otherwise mentioned, all photos have been taken and styled by me unless mentioned otherwise.
  • November 14, 2023

All The Body Washes Currently In My Shower.


Nècessaire The Body Wash: If you are a regular reader of my website you will know how much of a fan I am of Nèccessaire body washes, I have tried all of the scents and I can honestly say I like all of them, I am currently using the fragrance free version which I love because I find it hard to find a good fragrance free body wash where I live and sometimes you just need a shower gel without fragrance.

The thing I love about these body washes is that they really feel like you are using skincare actives on your body and they never leave your skin feeling dry or tight afterwards.

They rinse off easily and feel very luxurious when you use them, they are a bit more expensive than your average shower gel but in my opinion, worth it. Some of the scents also offer a refill option.


*Will & Zo The Here Body Breakout Cleanser: Whilst I deal with breakouts at texture irregularities on my face, It sadly is also a thing when it comes to the skin on my body, especially on my arms and chest area.

Luckily, there are brands like Will & Zo that are making waves in creating products to combat body breakouts, I have been using their body breakout cleanser for a few weeks now and my skin is responding to it very well.

The body cleanser contains Salicylic Acid which is an exfoliant that cleans deep down into the pores to fight breakouts and smooth texture, it also contains hydrating ingredients to keep the skin hydrated whilst treating spots. I try to leave this product on areas of concern for as long as I can to reap all the exfoliating properties and it does wonders at keeping my body breakouts at bay.


*Thanks To Nature Shower Jellies: These jellies are different to anything I have ever tried before when it comes to body washes, they start out thicker but once mixed with water they foam up nicely and do a good job of cleansing the skin.

I like all the different scents in the range and they never leave my skin feeling dry or tight after I use them, they are just a nice body wash to use that isn't too expensive but still feel high quality and feel very luxurious and like a treat to use.


Jo Loves Pomelo Bath & Shower Gel: I have to be honest and say that this shower gel is a pure treat for me, I love the corresponding perfume so much that I wanted to treat myself and get the matching body products.

As I already love the perfume the body wash smells amazing and the scent does last on my skin well, I would like it to be a bit more foamier but I just love the smell so much that I continue to use it.

I don't use it every day, I use it when I feel tired and need a boost as the citrus in it really peps me up or ill use it if I am going out at night as a treat.


*L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil: A cult classic for good reason, as the name suggests this body wash is an oil that turns into a milk once mixed with water. It's super nourishing and hydrating, especially in the winter months but I use it all throughout the year because of how nourishing it is on my skin.

It has the most amazing smell and leaves my bathroom smelling of its almond scent for hours.

I highly recommend giving this a try, it also makes for a great gift and is available in a refill pouch.


Simon x

*The products mentioned in this post that have been marked with an *asterisk have been sent to me via the brand mentioned, otherwise, products have been personally purchased by myself. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own and all products have been tested by myself unless otherwise mentioned, all photos have been taken and styled by me unless mentioned otherwise.

@THESKINCAREOBSESSIVE