For the past 20 years I’ve been writing about beauty,
testing products, researching brands and like most things in life some have
made a real difference and others not so.
When testing products, I also research the ingredients, contact skin
specialists (I don’t always understand the jargon), but most importantly I don’t
feature them unless they cut the mark. As
I’ve mentioned before I live local to the paper which I write for, people see
me weekly and if I start recommending products which don’t work – well let’s
just say I’m not too keen on
confrontation. So with that I’ve
compiled my Top 10 products which I know you will love, the products which when
I run out of I try to feature into another article so the PRs send me more!
1.
Medik8 CE-Thione £82 2 x 15ml. I was sent this many months ago and have
been using regularly since – people say that I look 10 years younger than my 41
years and whilst I don’t credit this all to CE-Thione, it certainly has become
a staple in my skincare regime. The key
ingredient is Vitamin C which helps protect against environmental damage from
the sun and prevents dark spots. This
serum is targeted for oily/problematic skin as it doesn’t contain oil, yet my
dehydrated skin drinks up the ingredients and leaves me looking like I’ve had
an abundance of fresh air and sleep! Stockists www.effortlessskin.com
2.
Rana Argan Oil from £9 30ml – every day I
smother this over my face, hair and nails, sourced directly from the Atlas
Mountain this rich oil is excellent for dry skin, brittle hair, dry cuticles,
eczema and stretch marks. I love this brand as it contains simply 100%
pure Argan Oil – no other ingredients added, it’s food for the skin. Stockists www.ranarganoil.co.uk
3.
Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil £30
Dehydrated Skin – I’ve been using this since I was 16 and have always gone back
to it. The oil sinks into my skin and smells utterly divine, my skin is
instantly nourished and left supple due to Hazelnut oil and essentials oils of
Blue Orchid and Patchouli both known to rebalance and tone the skin. When I use it at night I always warm it in
the palm of my hands before breathing in the delicious aromas. Stockists counters
nationwide
4.
Elemis Frangipani Body Oil £31.50 – One of Elemis
best sellers and it’s not hard to see why. A tropical indulgence of Coconut Oil
for conditioning, Frangipani Flowers to leave your skin smelling exotic and Tahitian
Monoi for intense hydration. This magical oil solidifies when cold but once
placed into warm water turns into a sensual
nectar of warm dripping oil, which can be used anywhere on the body
including the hair for deep conditioning. Stockists www.timetospa.co.uk
5.
Dermalogica Stress Relief Oil £16.90 – One press
of the pump dispenser releases a stream of essential oils which instantly
releases stress and tension. I massage this regularly into my body at night to
ensure all the stresses of the day disappear. Sandalwood, Lavender and Orange
oils sink into the skin whilst the soothing aromas ease the mind. A
multi-purpose product which can be used in conjunction with a body scrub or as
a blissful bath-time treat. www.dermalogica.co.uk
6.
Vitage Skin Glow £18 – narrowing down make-up
products to feature in a top 10 is incredibly hard as there are so many. As
Vitage is mineral based I’ve cheated and put this as skin care as it contains
only 3 key ingredients to keep skin looking healthy. This powder gives the face
a pearlised sheen and I use it to highlight my brow bone, cheekbones and even
on top of lipstick. I’ve tested many skin illuminating products this is my
favourite. Stockists www.skinbrands.com
7.
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer £15 – a hairdressers
dream for dry, brittle hair with a multitude of oils to deeply condition. My hair is broken but with regular use I’ve
noticed a real difference in the strength of my hair and I credit this one
product to not resorting to having the whole lot chopped off! Best of all it’s
used pre-shampoo so no need to hang around in the shower waiting for it to
work! www.philipkingsley.co.uk
8.
Espa Cleansing Balm £45 – the best cleansing
balm I’ve used as it smells like a spa treatment and turns a mundane chore into
a heavenly ritual. Simply add a few drops of water to the beeswax and it turns
into a rich creamy cleanser which eradicates all traces of make up instantly.
With Rose Damascena to tone, Grapeseed to nourish and Rose Geranium to calm
this is suitable for all skin types but especially dry, sensitive and mature. Stockist
www.espaskincare.com
9.
Dermalogica Multi Vitamin Power Masque £33.50 –
I was introduced to this when I heard that a very famous pop star turned
fashion designer used it many moons ago, since then I’ve returned to it when my
skin is looking dull. The magic ingredients are a combination of Vitamins A, C,
E, F and Pro-Vitamin B5 which leaves skin looking radiant and feeling supple.
10.
Clarins Relax Bath Concentrate £18 – once again
Clarins have come up trumps with this indulgent spa bath product. Poured under
running water the bubbles turn my whole bathroom (and house) into a sanctuary
with vapours of Geranium, Camomile and Petit Grain, renowned for balancing
hormones and soothing anxiety. I was
also recently told by one of the PRs to massage directly into any sore points on
my bad back to relieve tension – and it works, utter bliss.
