Finally I have gotten around to my second ‘Winter’ installment! I love starting up blog series’ but then somehow these are the ones that suffer when I get super busy (as explained in this post). This is only a three part series where I am basically showing MY go-to make-up, skincare and hair items for these Winter months.
LUSH Ocean Salt Face Scrub, Clinique Liquid Facial Soap and face brush
So here we go.. First off, for face washes and scrubs, I LOVE the LUSH Ocean Salt face scrub. It contains limes and avocado butter which leaves your face feeling super refreshed and also very soft.
This Clinique Liquid Facial soap is not one of my all time favourites but for Winter months it really helps against dryness and flaky skin which I think a lot of us are affected with at this time of the year. I did a more indepth review on it here. Then this little exfoliating brush is quite a nifty little took which I picked up in Edgars. I am dying to buy a Clarisonic but I just cannot afford to spend that kind of money right now, so until then I will be using this R60 brush which honestly impressed me with what a great job it does.
Garner Micellar Water
Once again bringing up dry skin; in the Summer months I use make-up remover wipes to take off my make-up but in Winter I prefer to use a micellar water as it contains products which give you face that extra needed kick of health and moisture. This Garnier Micellar is a miracle water which is not available in SA but its apparently a great dupe for the Bioderma Micellar Water (the packaging is also the same). The Bioderma is only R140 for 250ml and one of these bottles lasts you for MONTHS. Just a few drops on two cotton pads can remove an entire face of foundation, bronzer, mascara (yes, even waterproof), basically a full on face of make-up. I would suggest still using your usual cleanser after this but if its one of those ‘coming home at 4am’ nights then it works fine to just do this and hop straight into bed. My favourite part about it is that it does not leave your face feeling tight.
Clarins Camomile Toning Lotion
Of all the Clarins toners, this will probably always be my number one in the colder months. It is alcohol free which is obviously amazing. The added camomile helps with redness and flakiness and it supposedly restores the pH balance to the skin. It also prepares the skin to absorb your moisturiser better. I would not, however, recommend this for someone who has sensitive skin as two of my friends with sensitive skin said it actually gave more redness to their skin.
Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ and the Yves Rocher Anti-Age Global Day Creams
For a thinner cream I tend to go for this Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ because it is one of the most moisturising and hydrating day creams that I have come across (You can read my thoughts on it here). And as a thicker cream I like the Yves Rocher Anti-Age Global Day. This is a TINY 10ml tub and it has lasted me for three months already, its insane how little you need for a full face of moisture. I only use this when needed though because it is so rich and creamy that I think you could possibly become quite greasy if you use it every day. Maybe twice a week would be good enough.
Clarins HydraQuench Cream-Mask and Clarins Beauty Flash Balm
Both of these are absolute favourites of mine. I do not use them regularly as they are so pricey and they are not for every day use anyway.
The HydraQuench restores freshness, radiance and comfort to dehydrated skin (PERFECT for Winter) and katafray draws moisture to the skin—then seals it in to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while also promoting a healthy looking and glowing skin. You apply it to your face for ten minutes and then remove it with your toning lotion.
The Beauty Flash Balm is my ultimate favourite of all the products I have mentioned today; It can be used in the morning or evening BUT it must be used before applying your make-up.
The website states: “An exceptional beauty booster which immediately eliminates all signs of fatigue: facial features appear rested and smooth. It promotes a radiant complexion and long-lasting, incredibly luminous make-up. The ideal treatment before a busy day or an evening out.”
Both of these teeny tubes are pricey but, really, they last you so long and they are totally worthwhile.
Anatomical and Montagne Jeunesse Face Masks
I could probably write an entire blog series on all the different face masks available and which ones are best but I have narrowed it down to two brands who’s facemasks are ALL amazing. Anatomicals is a UK brand who sells their masks in packs of three so you are always buying three masks that combat different things; a deep cleansing mask, a mattifying mask and a calming anti-stress mask.
Montagne Jeunesse is a brand available to us in South Africa and boy-oh-boy they have a crazy gigantic selection. Everything from mud masks to clay masks to peel off masks to exfoliating masks! Both pictured below are peel-off masks but my absolute favourite for dry and dehydrated skin would be the Apricot Kernel and Walnut exfoliating mask. It leaves you with insanely soft skin which is free of dry patches and flakiness – quite possibly the best mask I have ever used! They are available at all Clicks stores for R34.95 each (but currently on a 3-for-2 special!).
What did you think of my Winter Skincare choices? Would you have added any other items?
Rayne XX
These sound lovely. Great post Rayne!
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