• October 10, 2024

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration.

Hydration, Hydration, Hydration. If there's one thing you take away from reading this site it would be to always keep your skin hydrated, it doesn't matter if you have the oiliest skin or a slightly drier skin type, keeping your skin hydrated is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. When I was in my teens and dealing with breakouts the last thing I thought my skin needed was hydration, but as I have gotten older and there is so much more education behind products, I now understand the importance of always keeping my skin hydrated.

Whether it be a hydrating mask or a hydrating serum, it's easy to incorporate ingredients and products into your routine to keep your skin hydrated. When your skin is hydrated it's healthy and your skin barrier will be protecting your skin to its best ability, you will notice a glow to your skin and your products will perform better as they have a good base to go onto.

The way I personally incorporate hydration into my skincare routine is through using a face mist morning and night after cleansing, this adds a layer of hydration to my skin and also keeps my skin a tiny bit damp allowing for the products I use afterwards to absorb better, whether I am using a Vitamin C serum in the morning or an Exfoliating Serum at night, I always follow with a hydrating serum before my moisturiser. I tend to opt for one with humectants like Hyaluronic Acid that will help to draw in moisture from the face mist and my moisturiser.

As I am heading into my early thirties I have been starting to get fine lines around my eyes and forehead, luckily they are only due to dehydration which is why for me it is crucial to be constantly hydrating my skin and today I will be talking about my favourite products that are keeping my skin hydrated even through this very harsh winter we are currently going through.

A Hydrating Cleanser: Cleansing is one of the most important parts of any skincare routine but when you are looking at a hydrating skincare routine as a whole it's important to start off with a hydrating cleanser and more importantly one that won't strip your skin as this will immediately make your skin dry and it will be harder to keep it hydrated with other products.

*Product Recommendation: All & Sundry Cream Cleanser.

This is a really lovely cream-based cleanser that I have been using mainly in the mornings that does a wonderful job of cleansing my skin without leaving it feeling stripped afterwards, it contains a blend of oils to keep your skin nourished and is lightly exfoliating which will allow the products you use after absorb better and therefore work more efficiently. 

A Face Mist: As I mentioned above, I like using a face mist after cleansing morning and night as it adds hydration to my skin and allows for better product absorption. It's also a nice way to keep your skin looking fresh throughout the day and if you wear makeup, it can refresh your makeup and help any powders you may use settle into your skin.

Product recommendation: Ella Baché Daily Hydration Mist.

This mist uses a blend of Hyaluronic Acid and Marine-Based Extracts that deliver hydration deep into the skin and hold it there, it uses ingredients that help with skin tone and texture and is very soothing and calming to the skin. I find it adds a nice layer of hydration to my skin and immediately leaves my skin feeling plumped and soothed.

An Exfoliant: It might sound random to include an exfoliant in a feature about hydration but I am a huge believer in regular exfoliation as no matter which type you use, whether it be chemical or physical, exfoliating helps to slough away dead skin cells that can clog the skin and will actually help your products absorb better. This can come in handy when talking about dry skin as it will help your hydrating serums and moisturisers get deeper into the skin and hydrate it on a deeper level, if you have dry patches using a gentle physical exfoliant will also help to get rid of them.

Product Recommendation: Grown Alchemist Polishing Facial Exfoliant.

This exfoliant has been a staple in my routine for years now, it does have a grit to it but never feels irritating or scratchy on my skin, It uses Vitamin C for brightening and antioxidants, Vitamin E for nourishment and Rosehip Seed Oil to moisturise. With all of its skincare properties I like to leave it on my skin for a few minutes to make sure I am reaping all the benefits, I tend to apply it to dry skin but you can dampen your skin first your prefer and massage it in then waiting a bit before rinsing off.

A Hydrating Serum: A hydrating serum is one of the easiest ways to incorporate hydrating ingredients into your skincare routine, I tend to look for ones that contain humectants that help to draw and lock hydration into the skin.

*Product recommendation: Ms Morning Dew Hydration & Plumping Serum.

This serum is a beautifully light hydrating serum that absorbs into my skin immediately and leaves it feeling hydrated and plump, it uses a blend of Multi Molecular Hyaluronic Acid to provide the skin with deep hydration and will help to draw in moisture from the products you put over it. It uses ingredients to help strengthen the skin barrier and protect your skin from daily stresses. It easily fits into any routine and is so light but still hydrating to the point where it doesn't feel too heavy on the skin, it's as if you are putting water onto your skin and it's absorbing and staying there.

A Moisturiser: Sounds obvious but when talking about a hydrating skincare routine I always think it's important that you are sealing everything in with a moisturiser, whether you have dry skin or oily skin it's all about finding the right moisturiser type and texture.

*Product Recommendation: Aesop Perfect Facial Hydrating Cream.

Perfect is in the name of this moisturiser and it truly is perfect for my oily-combination skin type, it gives my skin enough hydration but almost leaves a matte finish behind without being too drying. It uses a blend of Vitamin C and E for antioxidant protection and nourishment, I especially like using it during the day as it sits well under makeup.

Simon x

*The products mentioned in this post that have been marked with an *asterisk have been sent to me via the brand or pr, otherwise, they have been personally purchased. As always all opinions are my own and all words and images are my own unless stated otherwise.

• September 17, 2024

Calm It Down, An Ode To Sensitive Skin And How To Treat It.

Glossier Milky Jelly Cleanser: When it comes to sensitive skin, whether it be something you struggle with all the time or something you just get from time to time, I believe that when it comes to your skincare routine the most important thing to do is to start with a gentle cleanser. 

I like this cleanser from Glossier all year round but especially when my skin is sensitive as it's super gentle, doesn't foam and doesn't irritate my skin at all.

It does contain fragrance but that doesn't bother me at all, it's so soothing and hydrating and leaves my skin feeling smooth and balanced. I even like using it on dry skin and adding water and then rinsing, very good at removing makeup also.

Click Here To Purchase.

Dermalogica Ultra Calming Mist: I have had this mist in my routine for years and years now and it's one that I continue to repurchase as I always know I can fall back onto it whenever my skin needs some calming down, essentially it's a mist that you would use like a toner after cleansing that helps to calm down redness and any sort of sensitivity.

The thing I love about this mist is how fast it works, a few mists and my skin looks and feels immediately soothed and less red, it's very hydrating and forms a nice base for my other products that follow.

The UltraCalming range from Dermalogica has always been a staple in my routine as I know the products work for my skin and have saved me many times when my skin has been oversensitized from trying too many products or sudden weather changes. 

Click Here To Purchase.

*Beaudega Daily Rewind Serum: This serum from Beaudega is a beautiful lightweight serum that can easily be slotted into any skincare routine, it contains Niacinamide to calm and soothe, Hyaluronic Acid to draw moisture into the skin and keep it there as well as Ceramides to repair the skin.

No matter what skin type or skin concerns you have this would be a great serum to have in your routine to keep your skin hydrated and nourished. The serum itself is lightweight and absorbs beautifully, it also sits well with other products and with continued use will calm the skin, reduce redness and breakouts and keep the skin constantly hydrated.

Click Here To Purchase.

*Aesop B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel: I like this product all year round but especially at those times when there are sudden weather changes, whether it be a drop or rise in temperature my skin instantly reacts to the sudden changes and this is the product I reach for it to repair my skin and protect it from the elements.

This gel almost forms a barrier on my skin that protects it from daily stresses and I can notice a huge difference in the overall hydration of my skin and I feel like it is repairing my skin barrier whilst I have it on.

It contains antioxidants that help to protect against environmental stresses as well as helping to brighten the skin and even skin tone with continued use, it hydrates my skin without feeling heavy and leaves a nice matte finish which makes a great base for sunscreen and makeup to go on top of as well as looking good on its own.

Click Here To Purchase.

Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Cream: I have seen this product do the rounds on social media and on different blog sites and to be honest whilst it sounded interesting I never had the urge to try it or anything like that but recently I got a sample of it and was completely blown away and had to purchase a full size.

This has happened to me a lot recently where I have gotten a sample of something that I wouldn't normally go for but then end up liking it and that was the case with this product, I got it at the perfect time as I had a huge eczema breakout under my eyes and had to be really careful with what products I used.

Whilst the breakout was going on I only used a gentle cleanser, a gentle face mist and this moisturiser and it did wonders for my skin. I know that everyone's skin is different and everyone responds to things differently but in only using this product a couple of times, it made a huge difference to my eczema breakout and calmed it down immensely.

Even just applying it, it feels so soothing and moisturising but not too heavy or clogging. I am so glad that I didn't skip on this and was lucky enough to receive a sample so I could try it and see how good it was. 

Click Here To Purchase.

Simon x

*The products mentioned in this post that have been marked with an *asterisk have been sent to me via the brand or pr, otherwise, they have been personally purchased. As always all opinions are my own and all words and images are my own unless stated otherwise.

• August 19, 2024

The Australian Beauty Brands On My Radar, Part Six.

Robe Haircare: Robe is a haircare brand founded by a hairstylist, who was inspired to create the range from her own hair concerns, the range first stood out to me via the very aesthetically pleasing black and white packaging but more importantly the ingredients and the claims from the brand.

I am a big believer in things coming across you for a reason and that's how I felt when I first discovered this brand, I myself was going through my own hair struggles that, to be honest, was very naive too as my whole life I have been blessed and grateful to have really thick hair that grows fast but then suddenly was dealing with hair that wasn't growing as fast or as even. As Robe's products centre around the health of your hair but also hair growth, I knew it would be a great brand to try.

I have been using The Tonic from Robe every night as the last step of my routine and I believe it has helped with my own hair growth with continued use, I also use the Youthful Shampoo and Youthful Conditioner which both help with dullness, add hydration and over time can help to blend out greys which I am now getting more and more as I am getting older.

Thank you to Lauren for creating such well thought-out and high-quality products that have made a huge difference to my hair health and hair growth journey. 

Product Recommendations: Youthful Shampoo, Youthful Conditioner, The Tonic.

Barberian Men's Grooming: Barberian is a men's grooming brand that is a Melbourne-based grooming brand that currently offers an edited selection of men's grooming products for hair, beard and body.

My skincare routine can differ from having many steps to only having a few steps but when it comes to things like grooming and taking care of my beard and hair is something that is a crucial part of my daily grooming routine.

The range currently consists of shampoos, conditioners, hair wax, beard oil and tattoo care. I have really enjoyed the hair wax as well as the beard oil as I do have a moustache and I find that it helps to keep it looking hydrated and fresh. I have enjoyed everything I have tried from this brand and looking forward to seeing it grow.

Product Recommendations: Ginso Beard Oil, Bukow Strong Hold Wax.

Beaudega: Beaudega is a range of products that are mainly targeted to help with any sort of sensitivity like rosacea or psoriasis and use ingredients to reinforce the skin barrier, nobody loves products more than I do but I would be lying if I said that sometimes I go overboard and my skin gets stripped, I find that my skin also gets very sensitive with sudden changes in weather so it is nice to know that I can fall back on products like this to help with those issues.

Sometimes I think it's to find the balance of using products that are targeted for sensitive skin but also contain actives that will do something for your skin whilst calming it down and the two products that are currently in this range strike that balance perfectly.

The Super Hydra Cleanser contains a light exfoliating ingredient Salicylic Acid which whilst it is exfoliating can also help with redness and does a good job of removing dead skin cells and any impurities or dirt from the skin, it does wonders at clearing breakouts and the added Panthenol and Green Tea work to soothe the skin and provide antioxidant benefits whilst cleansing.

The Daily Rewind Serum uses Niacinamide which is well known for its calming properties and can help to brighten the skin, Hyaluronic Acid works to draw moisture into the skin and keep it there and Ceramides help to keep the skin barrier nourished. This is a great serum to use morning and night either on its own underneath moisturiser and SPF or with other products to make sure your skin is getting all of its nourishing properties.

Product Recommendations: Daily Rewind Serum, Super Hydra Cleanser.

Stuff That Matters: Stuff That Matters is a brand that was founded on the principle of creating products that a man would need in his everyday grooming routine, things like deodorant, body wash, face wash, moisturiser and so on. 

They have also partnered with Man Cave which is a mental health program that by purchasing a product from the range you are helping support.

Nobody loves a full-on grooming routine like I do but I am also a big believer in a simplified routine with high-quality products and that's where this brand has come into its own, it's a great selection of edited products that can be easily incorporated into anyone's skincare and grooming routines.

Product Recommendations: Good Fella Deodorant Spray, Deep Cleansing Face Wash, Face Moisturiser.

LUI: LUI is a two women-owned brand that is predominantly a razor and shaving care brand but has also branched out into body care which currently consists of a body polish and a body cream. I had seen the range do the rounds on social media and was immediately intrigued by what the brand was doing and eager to see what launched when it did.

I have been lucky enough to have trialled both the body polish and body moisturiser and have to say I was hooked from the first use, the body polish uses a blend of chemical and physical exfoliants which I always like my body scrub to have a mixture of, the chemical comes in the form of Salicylic Acid which gets deep down into the pores to clear away any dulling dead skin cells and impurities, also does wonders at keeping any body breakouts at bay and then the physical comes in the form of Volcanic Pumice that has that perfect balance of having enough grit to slough away dead skin cells but is still gentle enough to use.

I like this body scrub especially as it does a good job of sticking to my skin and as it slightly foams up with water it means it can be easily distributed for an even exfoliation, it leaves my skin feeling smoother and allows my body cream to absorb better, also great prior to fake tanning.

The body moisturiser is my absolute favourite, it's my ideal body care product and it gives my skin enough moisture and hydration but immediately absorbs into my skin without leaving any sort of residue behind meaning I can get dressed straight away and can start working at my computer without having greasy hands. It feels so luxurious and my skin is so hydrated when I use it, both of these products have the most amazing fragrance [orange blossom, iris, and vetiver] that leaves a light layer of scent on my skin but doesn't interfere with my perfume. 

I am obsessed with this body cream and I am slowly making my way through it and already considering having backups because I honestly don't want to be without it.

Product Recommendations: Body Moisturiser, Body Polish.

Simon x

*The products mentioned in this post have been sent to me for content inclusion, as always all thoughts and reviews are my own and all images have been shot and styled by me unless specifically mentioned otherwise.

• August 05, 2024

The Heavy Hitters.

*Biologique Recherche Lotion P50W: An icon for a reason, for those who don't know about it, it's essentially an exfoliating lotion that you would use after cleansing that helps to purify and balance the skin. I have used a lot of exfoliating lotions in my time but this one is by far the one that has given me the most results.

My skin has never looked and felt better than when I use this consistently, it balances my skin, it keeps my breakouts at bay, it smoothes my skin texture and overall keeps the overall look and health of my skin at its most optimal level.

There are different types of this product depending on your skin type and concerns and if you can I would recommend either getting an online skin consultation or going to one of their clinics to find the best one for you. I will always have this product in my routine and it's one of the products I consider a true staple.

Click Here To Purchase.

*iS Clinical Active Serum: Another cult classic product that I had always great things about but only tried as of late, and I am so glad I have it as now I am obsessed and completely understand the hype about it. It's an exfoliating serum that helps with anything from breakouts to fine lines to pore size.

It has made my skin more even-toned and has helped with clearing any breakouts that I have and also keeping them from reoccurring, I also get pigmentation left behind from previous spots and this has helped with that also.

I like how it has simplified my skincare routine, I mainly use it at night and basically just cleanse, tone, apply this serum and follow up with a moisturiser.

Click Here For Stockist Information.

Grown Alchemist Hydra-Repair Treatment Cream: I stumbled across this product by accident, and what a wonderful accident it was. By accident I mean I received it as part of a promotion they were doing and this full-size product was included as a gift, to be honest, it's not something that I would normally go for but in saying that now that I have tried it, I am completely hooked on it and now have backups.

It can be used as an overnight mask a couple of times a week and essentially that's how I use it, I use it in place of moisturiser at night a few times a week and the results I have gotten from it have been amazing.

It's quite a thick product initially but once you rub it into your skin it absorbs immediately without leaving a greasy residue behind, it's somewhere between an oil and a balm. As soon as I apply this cream my skin is immediately more plump and hydrated, I don't know what sort of sorcery in this product but it does something amazing to my skin, it's obviously not tinted or anything like that but it gives my skin the most amazing glow and I don't want to ever be without it and would be an emotional wreck if the brand ever stopped making it, sounds dramatic but I'm very serious.

Click Here To Purchase.

*Ella Baché Retinol Nourishing Treatment Oil: Retinol has been a mainstay in my routine for the last few years and especially now that I am heading towards my mid-thirties, whilst it is a popular ingredient that has a lot of research behind it and can work very well for your skin it can sometimes make your skin more sensitive or dry if your skin isn't used to using it.

Ella Baché have made a product to combat this issue by including Retinol in an oil base which in turn can make it potentially more hydrating and gentle, I like using this one underneath my moisturiser on alternate nights to an exfoliating serum and it has kept my skin nourished through the winter months whilst giving my skin a nice hit of retinol to help with my pigmentation and fine lines.

I love how gentle this is on my skin and as it is very cold in Australia at the moment my skin has been drier than normal and this has really helped to keep it nourished.

Click Here To Purchase.

*Dermalogica Phyto Nature Oxygen Cream: This is a very beautiful moisturiser, sometimes a moisturiser can just feel like a moisturiser but this one feels very luxurious and special. It uses Oxygen oxygen-optimising phytoactives that work to plump and lift the skin and hydrate it from a deeper level.

I find this moisturiser the perfect balance of being moisturising enough without being heavy on the skin, and it does make my skin feel immediately firmer and smoother.

As I am heading into my mid-thirties I am looking at products that target my skin concerns more and more  as I am starting to get more fine lines and more pigmentation and this cream has been very helpful in combatting those issues and setting my skin up for optimal skin health and balance.

Click Here To Purchase.

Simon x

*The products mentioned in this post that have been marked with an asterisk have been sent to me via the brand or pr, otherwise, they have been purchased. As always all thoughts and reviews are my own and words and images are my own unless stated otherwise.

• July 09, 2024

Three Tips On How To Fight Acne, Feat iS Clinical.

 Acne and breakouts have been the vein of my existence for [literally] the last twenty years, I had no idea that when I was a teenager in high school with constant spots on my face that I would still have them well into my early thirties but here we are. In an odd way and on a lighter note if I had one positive thing to say about having breakouts is that it does make you more committed to finding products and ingredients to help combat the issue and as it is something that affects you in an emotional and mental way and because of that it made me more and more invested in taking care of my skin.

As this has been a skin concern of mine for many years now, you can imagine that I have definitely learnt a lot about ingredients and products to keep my breakouts at bay which I will go into more detail below. 

Double cleanse every night before bed: Double cleansing seems like a bit of a trend at the moment and when it comes to skincare I don't tend to follow trends but I do believe that double cleansing has some merit to it, in the morning I only cleanse once but at night I like to do a double cleanse, I tend to wear some sort of makeup on a daily basis whether that be a full coverage foundation or a tinted moisturiser or some sort of bronzing drop but no matter what kind of product I use, it's always important that it's cleansed off my skin before I go to bed. When you double cleanse the first initial cleanse essentially gets rid of most of your makeup, SPF and of course any dirt and impurities that have built up from the day and once you follow up with your skin cleanser that cleanses your skin deeper and more effectively once everything else has been removed.

Product Recommendation: iS Clinical Warming Honey Cleanser

This cleanser immediately leaves the skin feeling soothed and balanced, it uses Papaya Enzymes to gently exfoliate which gives the skin a thorough clean whilst helping to dissolve away dead skin cells which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. I like this cleanser for my breakout-prone skin as it does a good job of cleansing my skin but doesn't leave it feeling stripped.

Product Recommendation: iS Clinical Cleansing Complex

For my oily-combination skin, I like a gel-based cleanser as I find they do wonders at giving my skin a proper cleanse and aid in removing my makeup at the end of the day. Using this cleanser after the above-mentioned one ensures that my makeup and sunscreen have been removed from the day and its light exfoliating properties help to keep my breakouts at bay. It does foam but doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or dry afterwards, I like the texture of this cleanser as I can really massage it into my skin for a deep cleanse, I even like to leave it on my skin for a couple of minutes to make sure I am getting all of it's exfoliating and antioxidant properties.

Use a treatment serum: In my opinion, serums are the true workhorse of any skincare routine and with dealing with acne-prone skin, it's important to use one that is targeted to fight breakouts and also one to help with any pigmentation from previous spots.

Product recommendation: iS Clinical Active Serum

I have been using the Active Serum from iS Clinical for the last month or so and I have seen great results from it, I like a simple nighttime routine and this has simplified my routine greatly. I essentially double cleanse, apply this serum and then apply a moisturiser and it has done wonders at keeping my skin purified and balanced. It uses White Willow Bark Extract and Sugarcane Extract that gently exfoliates the skin and helps with anything from breakouts to fine lines to pore size.

When you have breakout-prone skin it's super important to exfoliate regularly, exfoliating helps to remove any dead skin that can potentially clog your pores and will also help your other products absorb better, as I have gotten older it's even more important for me to exfoliate regularly as my skin isn't renewing itself as often as it would when I was younger.

This serum has earned cult classic status and I can honestly see why.

Don't forget to hydrate your skin: When you have acne or breakout-prone skin it can sometimes seem counterintuitive to be using too many hydrating products but they can actually help breakout-prone skin by balancing hydration levels and keeping your skin nourished after using actives.

Product recommendation: iS Clinical Hydra-Cool Serum

I find it hard to find a hydrating serum that gives my skin enough hydration and still absorbs into my skin without leaving it feeling greasy and this one from iS Clinical works well for my skin and has been one of the best hydrating serums I have used. It immediately feels cooling on your skin which is great if you do have breakouts or any sort of redness and immediately leaves your skin feeling soothed and calmer.

It contains antioxidants, is suited for even breakout-prone skin and has helped to keep my skin in balance during these crazy weather changes.

*Editors note: When using active products it's always important to be wearing SPF on a daily basis.

Simon x

*The products mentioned in this post have been sent to me via the brand / pr, review is my own and image has been taken and edited by me.

• July 02, 2024

Treat Yourself, Using Body Care As Self Care.

Aesop Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm: I like to change up my body care scents with the seasons and now that it is winter in Australia I have opted for warmer scents, one of my favourite body balms to use has always been the Aesop ones and particularly in the winter months I like the Rejuvenate one as it has notes of Tangerine Rind, Vanille and Sandalwood.

Beyond the scent the balm itself is very moisturising and nourishing, it absorbs well and leaves my skin delicately scented with vanilla. If they made this as a perfume I would drench myself in it as I absolutely adore the scent and it always makes it such a joy to use. Not only in the winter but all year round.

Click Here To Purchase.

Nécessaire The Body Serum: I never thought I needed a body serum in my body care routine until I found this product, and now I am hooked. It's perfect for people who don't want a heavy cream on their skin and want something super lightweight that will still give them enough hydration.

As it's a serum it can either be used on its own or underneath a moisturiser and or an oil, I personally use this product on its own as I find it gives my skin enough hydration, it's especially nice in the mornings as it absorbs well meaning you can apply it and get dressed straight away and move on with your day.

It uses five weights of Hyaluronic Acid to draw and lock moisture into the skin and Niacinamide to calm and nourish, it is fragrance-free but I sometimes like that in a body product as I know it won't clash with whatever fragrance I am wearing and it's also great for sensitive skin that can't tolerate fragrance.

Click Here To Purchase.

*Lillian Muir Freddo Espresso Transforming Body Scrub: I was lucky enough to go to the launch of this product and had heard so much about it from the founder Kate previously and was very excited to finally try it, I love a body scrub and aim to do one at least once a week but sometimes twice a week, especially in the cooler months where my skin can be a bit drier due to the weather changes and having the heater on, I find that using a body scrub helps my moisturisers absorb better and also helps to slough away any dry patches.

This scrub is unique as it can be used two different ways, it can be applied and then brushed off with the brand's Body Sweep Brush and then the serum component is left behind on your skin or it can be used like a traditional scrub where you apply it to either dry or damp skin and rinse off with the serum left behind still that immediately makes your skin looking and feeling smoother.

The body scrub uses finely ground coffee seeds and olive stones to physically slough away dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling immediately refreshed and exfoliated, it uses a blend of ingredients that help to improve skin texture, deeply moisturise and uses vitamins and antioxidants to nourish and protect the skin. I love coffee and this product smells like an absolute dream, any way I can get my coffee fix in my routine is a good one and this product is an absolute joy.

Click Here To Purchase.

Jo Loves Pomelo A Body Crème: I fell in love with this fragrance last year and I loved it so much that I wanted the matching products also, I feel like that's when you know you really love a scent when you want to be completely doused in it. 

This body cream is very luxurious and moisturising, it contains matching notes to the fragrance [Vetiver, Pomelo, Patchouli, Pomelo Zest] and paired with the fragrance forms a layering effect to help the scent last longer on your skin.

The packaging itself makes it feel very luxurious as well, no matter how many times I use it, it always feels like a treat.

Click Here To Purchase.

*Ipsum SPA Body Oil Native Plums Sandalwood Body Oil: In winter my skin can become drier than normal which is why I like to double up on the hydration, not only on my face but also on my body, that's where a body oil like this one from Ipsum Skin comes into the arena.

This beautifully scented oil with notes of Jasmine, Patchouli, Bergamot and Sandalwood immediately hydrates and locks in moisture, provides antioxidant protection and helps improve collagen production and elasticity.

I either like using this on its own right after a shower whilst my skin is still damp, added to my body lotion for extra nourishment or on top of a moisturiser if I feel like my skin needs more hydration.

Click Here To Purchase.

Simon x

*Products featured in this post that have been marked with an *asterisk have been sent to me via the brand/pr, otherwise, the product has been purchased by myself. As always all reviews are my own and all words and images are my own unless mentioned otherwise.

• June 28, 2024

The Powerhouse Of Retinol.

Retinol is an ingredient that gets talked about a lot, you would be hard pressed to find someone who is interested in beauty that doesn't talk about the powerhouse ingredient, whilst it has been around for a long time it has only made its way into my routine as a staple over the last couple of years. I dabbled with it in my mid twenties but now that I am heading towards my mid-thirties and starting to notice the signs of aging creeping in [fine lines, dark spots, adult acne etc] it is an ingredient that gets the prime role in my nighttime skincare routine.

As I have been using it consecutively for a while now I can honestly share my experience with how I have gotten on with it, While I use different products and yes the results obviously vary from brand to brand the ingredient itself has done a great job of helping with the overall texture of my skin and I believe it has helped with the fine lines that have started to pop up around my forehead area. I am someone who has breakout-prone skin and I do also believe it has helped keep my breakouts at bay and also helped to fade any pigmentation that has been left behind from past spots. Below I will be talking about my current favourite Retinol products.

Ella Baché Retinol Nourishing Treatment Oil: This oil combines an antioxidant blend with retinol to give the skin the benefits of retinol whilst protecting it from daily stresses and nourishing it with a blend of oils to protect the skin barrier, I like this product especially as it's an oil it feels gentle on my skin and has kept in nourished in the cooler months. Ella Baché Retinol Night Treatment Serum: A highly active retinol serum that with continued use helps to target fine lines and pigmentation, it makes my skin feel smoother and the overall texture and tone more even. It is a stronger product so I would recommend going in slow and working your way up. Trinny London Overnight Clarity Retinal / Niacinamide Serum: Combines retinol with niacinamide for added skin smoothing and calm properties, azeliac acid also helps with pigmentation and evening the skin tone. Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Retinol Serum: a 3.5% retinol serum that can be used nightly and combines squalane which aids in smoothing skin texture, I like this one inparticular as on my skin that is used to using actives it is gentle on my skin but still gives the results I want. Saint Louve 0.25% Encapsulated Retinol Serum: Retinol combines with niacinamide  which helps to strengthen the skins barrier and control oil production, ferulic acid provides antioxidant protection and helps with pigmentation makes for one powerhouse serum that helps with skin turnover, fine lines and pigmentation.

*Ediors note: When using retinol or any sort of active ingredient it's always important to wear an SPF on a daily basis to protect your skin.

Simon x

*The products mentioned in this post have been sent to me via the brand/pr, all reviews are my own and the images has been shot/styled/edited by me.

• June 11, 2024

Matis, The French Skincare Brand Making Waves In Australia.

Matis originated in Paris in 1936 when a pharmacist and scientist started developing skincare products and sharing them with the people in his neighbourhood, this led to him opening a boutique and then realising that along with the skincare it was also beneficial to have regular facial treatments, I am a big believer in getting regular treatments as I believe that it's good to have an expert look at your skin and see what it needs. When you get skin treatments they use products and technologies that cannot be replicated in at home treatments so whenever your skin needs a real boost, like when the weather changes or you have some sort of special event coming up I would recommend going in for a skin treatment.

I have been lucky enough to try some of the products from the range and I was immediately impressed, I am a huge lover of French skincare, and I think that there is so much research put into it and as they take their skincare very seriously I honestly think it would be hard to find a product from a french skincare brand that you wouldn't like. The thing I love about these products in particular is whilst they feel very luxurious on the skin and feel very hydrating and nourishing they also combine active ingredients.

I love using active ingredients but I can understand that they can be quite strong, even though I have been using actives for years now my skin can lean more on the sensitive side so it's nice to find a brand like this one that does contain actives but still does a good job of keeping the skin's barrier nourished. I also find with some active products whilst they do what they say on the jar they can sometimes not feel very nice on the skin and with these products they feel so luxurious and lovely on the skin but I am still getting all the benefits of using actives. Below I will talk about my favourites from the range.

Glow Essence Invigorating Radiance Toner: I essentially use this product like a toner or an essence, I use it after cleansing morning and night and I tend to just apply it with my hands and pat it on my skin. As soon as I used this product I fell in love with it, it feels so hydrating and whilst I don't know what the exact fragrance behind it is, it's such a beautiful scent and I know a lot of people are torn when it comes to fragrance in skincare but I like it and it doesn't affect my skin in any way, I just enjoy that sensory experience whilst using my products.

It uses a combination of Vitamin C to brighten and provide antioxidant protection, AHA's gently exfoliate the skin which will help better product absorption for the products you use after it and a Glow Complex floods the skin with minerals and is a detoxifying agent.

Glow Serum Radiance Revealing Serum: This is a lovely serum that is lightweight, absorbs beautifully and sits well with my other products. It gives my skin a nice glow and helps to keep it feeling hydrated and plump. Works well with the above-mentioned Radiance Toner and using them together has done wonders at keeping the texture and tone of my skin even, my oily combination skin has loved this combination.

Glow Aging Wrinkle Correcting Radiance Comfort Cream: This moisturiser is an absolute treat to use on a daily basis, it has this almost souffle like texture to it and immediately leaves my skin feeling hydrated, plumped and brighter.

It uses Hyaluronic Acid to draw and lock moisture into the skin, Vitamin C brightens the skin over time and works as an antioxidant to protect your skin from daily stresses and Exfoliating Enzymes lightly dissolve away dead skin cells to reveal brighter and smoother skin.

Every single time I use this cream I am reminded of how much I love it and how luxurious it feels, it works well with makeup and SPF and all in all it's just a great moisturiser, can be used day or night.

Pure Age Wrinkles Correcting Care: For anyone who has an oily-combination skin that is worried about the signs of ageing showing up [fine lines, texture, dark spots] this would be the product for you and also as those are all my issues, the one product I am using to target them.

This moisturiser has the most beautiful lightweight gel consistency to it that immediately absorbs into the skin and leaves my skin feeling smoother and with the addition of AHA's I have noticed a huge difference in the overall texture of my skin.

I have been using actives for a long time and this cream has easily slotted into my routine, I tend to use it more at night as the last step in my routine and I always wake up with smoother and plumper skin.

The thing I love about this brand also is that the products are specifically targeted to particular skin types and concerns and it's easy for anyone to find something they would like.

For more information on the brand Click Here.

*The products mentioned in this post have been sent to me via the brand, as always all opinions are my own and the image was shot and styled by me.