2020 was the year everyone began to invest into their skincare, so in 2021 we must continue to do that!
I have a long list of skincare I want to buy but unfortunately it isn’t available in South Africa so hopefully for second year uni I’m going to get myself plenty of well deserved treats! But I’m not here to talk about what I want, I’m here to talk about what I have!
I’ve been obsessed with skincare for years now, relentlessly reading about ingredients and companies and reviews and I love it. Don’t you find it interesting to know what’s being put on your skin?
The last few years, whenever I’d go overseas, I’d try to get my hands on some skincare and I think I’ve gathered a decent arsenal to use!
- Cleanser: Avène Cleanance Cleansing Gel
I just bought this last week so I can’t say much about the results yet but what I can say is that this is a luxurious feeling product for a decent price! I like the scent and it foams up nicely with even a small amount of product, so you really don’t need a lot. The packaging is a bit weird but I quite like it, it’s a twist cap with a small opening for the product to come out and then you twist it close. I got this because @Matildaonvideo uses it so obviously I had to go and get it for myself once my previous cleanser finished. I would’ve gotten the CeraVe Foaming Cleanser but it’s not sold here. So I’ll let you know how this product works for me as soon as I notice a difference in my skin! The cleanser is for oil, blemish-prone skin and my skin isn’t very acne-prone but if I ever get a spot I hope it’ll clear right up!
2. Toner: Ole Henrikson Dark Spot Toner
I’ve had this toner for about a year now and I’m not sure if I noticed a difference or not. I got a bunch of The Ordinary products at the same time to help with my hyperpigmentation so I’m not sure if it was those products or this or all of them. I do enjoy how it makes my skin feel and it does remove anything left on my skin but I feel that I wouldn’t spend that much on a dark spot toner when I could just get a regular toner for a better price. I’ve used their oil control toner previously and I felt a big difference with that one as it helped keep my skin glowy and much less oily.
3. Serums: The Ordinary Niacinamide and Alpha Arbutin
I know my niacinamide serum looks crusty asf but it’s been useful! I’ve been using it for over a year and I’ve definitely noticed a difference. It helps with my pore size and it just makes my skin look and feel good! The alpha arbutin one I received as a gift recently (thank you, Naomi) and it’s targeted for hyperpigmentation so it’s right up my alley! I’m using it regularly in the evening so hopefully I’ll notice a difference in the next few weeks. I had the AHA peel but unfortunately it fell and shattered all over my floor (rip). I used it in conjunction with the niacinamide and I absolutely loved it. I need a new exfoliator and I have the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate but I think I’d like to get a new one, there’s this local brand called Orchid Blood and they have an AHA face gelee exfoliator that I’ve been eyeing so I’ll let you know if I get that!
4. Moisturiser: CeraVe Moisturising Lotion
Yes I know, the moisturiser everyone has and wants. But I’m going to be a bit controversial and say it’s not my favourite. I honestly don’t have a moisturiser that makes me feel super hydrated! I have to use 2 pumps of this to feel hydrated which isn’t how it’s supposed to be lol. I think I need a thicker consistency and I can’t use a gel tbh. So when I’m in London and this is finished, I’d like to try the Embryolisse cream, that looks super-rich and creamy! But if your skin isn’t too dehydrated than mine then I’d use this, it’s affordable, it’s good quality, what more do you want?
5. Sunscreen: Heliocare Gel sunscreen
We’ve discussed this, WEAR SUNSCREEN EVERYDAY. Thank you for coming to my TedTalk. This is the sunscreen I’ve been using recently and I love it! Quite pricey but I’d rather pay for this than pay for plastic surgery when I’m older and to remove skin cancer spots. We know I like this sunscreen, it’s easy to apply, smells nice, good texture, the usual!
6. Spot treatment: Clinique spot treatment
So I didn’t really like this when I first bought it and then I stopped using it but once I saw Hyram raving about it I told myself to give it another chance and I haven’t looked back! I really like it, I think everyone should have a spot treatment but so many people say theirs made their spots disappear overnight and I’ve used several treatments and that’s never happened to me. So, I’m not going to lie to you, this is a really great spot treatment but it will take at least a day to bring down any inflammation and dry a pimple out and yes, it does make a difference overnight but it doesn’t make it disappear from my face as much as I’d like it to.
7. Fake tan: Isle of Paradise medium self tanning drops
As I have done for several years now, I don’t put my face in the sun. But, if my body is tanned and my face is white like a sheet, that ain’t it fam. So, I’ve turned to Isle of Paradise. I’ve only used this once or twice and the product does give good colour, but I struggle a bit with the application, it gets quite patchy sometimes and I’m not sure how to minimise it (please let me know if you do). I really like the product, it’s just about the application of it. Otherwise, this brand and Tan Lux are ones I’ll be sticking with! They’re very good quality and cruelty-free, as well as vegan! What more can you ask for?
That’s all for today my beauties, look after your skin and stay safe! See you next week.
