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When I was younger I used to think of a skin care routine as a chore, but now that i'm getting older, I think of it as my "me - time"; it's such an enjoyable experience; all the smells, textures, the GLOW from using hydrating products, and best of all, seeing the results improve over time. Good skin is an investment... a SKIN-VESTMENT!
Finding the right skin care products does take time, and please remember: what works for me might not work for you. I will indicate which skin types these are best suited to. Take your time trying out new products to determine what works best for your skin. My skin type is sensitive/combination. I sometimes get breakouts on my chin or forehead, but my skin is very sensitive & does get SUPER dry in winter.
Okay! Enough rambling, let's get started with my top 10 skin care products! These products are in no particular order and include some body products as well as facial products.
Number 10. A good cleanser. It's the foundation, the back bone of a good skin care routine. You're setting your skin up for the rest of the products that are about to come, and a good cleanser couldn't be more important. When it comes to a cleanser, you want something that is going to cleanse dirt & impurities, without stripping your skin of its natural moisture. This Benton Honest Cleansing Foam from Luxe Loft for R195.00 is made with all natural ingredients. It's a gel/foam cleanser but it is so good for sensitive skin like mine. It cleanses and removes makeup and impurities without over- drying the skin. Definitely good for all skin types.
Next up is number 9. Well, there's a few, but they fall into one category. SHEET MASKS! Where would we be without sheet masks (wipes away tears). Okay seriously, if you're not using sheet masks, you need to jump on this train ASAP. Have you ever wondered why Korean women have the most INSANE skin? They have a 10 step skin care routine and use sheet masks every day as part of their routine. Insane right. Okay, baby steps. Incorporating a sheet mask into your routine once a week will make the world of different to your skin! They are super hydrating, rebalancing and oh-so-relaxing. Here are some of my favourites from local K-Skin Care Brands Luxe Loft and Glow Theory. You can get sheet masks just about anywhere, but Korean Sheet Masks just do different. Just take my advice, okay. #supportlocal. And these masks range from only R40 - R60 per mask.
For number 8 we have got a FANTASTIC daily moisturiser. I recently discovered this baby from Sorbet and it just works so well with my skin. It has a pump so its very hygienic and it contains SPF 15 so it protects you from the sun (although you can still apply a higher SPF sun screen if you have pale, burn-prone skin, or if you just want to give your skin a bit more protection). It is extremely moisturising but is not oily. It also contains Vitamins A & E to help deliver optimum hydration to the skin while protecting it from the elements. It's only R150.00 from Sorbet or Clicks.
7th in the list is my absolute favourite night time moisturiser. As someone with dry skin, I love an intensely moisturising rich cream. One that feels thick and luxurious on the skin but actually gets absorbed and doesn't leave your face oily, just glowing. The Benton High Content Steam Cream is that holy grail moisturiser for me. It contains snail mucin (sounds gross, I know), but it intensely hydrates the skin. Along with bee venom (are you serious?) to help promote collagen production, the cream is formulated using steam and high temperatures to pump as much moisture and hydration into the cream as possible, making it MUCH more effective. This is from Luxe Loft for R340.00. It is suitable for all skin types and especially sensitive skin.
Number 6 is a little bit of luxury. The Heimish Bulgarian Rose Water Hydrogel Eye Patches are the perfect pick-me-up for tired eyes. They help to brighten the skin under the eyes, while firming and hydrating for bouncy, plump skin. The rose water contains tonnes of vitamins and minerals as well as intense hydrating and anti-inflammatory properties. The skin around the eyes is the most delicate and the most prone to dryness, wrinkles and sagging. With these patches, your eye area will look more hydrated and more youthful. You can use these eye patches a few times a week and incorporate them into your skin care routine. These are from Glow Theory for R305.00. There are 60 in the tub so it will last you a while.
5th in line is the Swiitch Beauty Superhero Spray. There are 2 editions, a glass skin and a dewy skin mist. With fruit extracts and hydrating properties, these facial mists are excellent to incorporate into your skin care, AND makeup routine. When used during your skin care routine, the mists help to reduce redness and inflammation as well as breakouts, and also tightens pores and evens out skin texture. When used in your makeup routine, use the mist as a setting spray when you have completed your look, and watch your makeup melt together, creating a luminous, glowing appearance. GOODBYE cakey foundation! Only R180.00 each at Swiitch Beauty.
Number 4 in the list is a body care product. I have recently discovered the holy grail of self-tans. Self tanning might not be for everyone, but if self tanning is something you do to look healthy and glowing without damaging your skin by baking out in the sun for hours, this is the self tan for you! I've always preferred foam tan to cream or spray tans, but there are other options if you prefer something else. This ultra dark self tan from Le Tan is INCREDIBLE! It has a green undertone (hello olive skin), not an orange undertone, so you'll look like a bronzed goddess rather than an oompa-loompa. Along with the microfibre tanning mitt for only R150.00, you'll be sure to get a flawless, olive-toned tan, every time! Get it for only R300.00 from Le Tan, or at selected Dis-Chem stores. They also have a lotion if you prefer this type of formula.
Up next is number 3. A good eye cream is SO important. If you're in your early to mid-20's, you should be incorporating anti-aging products into your skin care routine. Its all preventative! Don't start using anti-aging products when the signs of age start to appear, as its often too late to address. START NOW! As mentioned earlier, the eye area is super delicate and shows signs of ageing first. This eye cream from Benton has fermented ingredients (well known in K-Skin Care) which help with the anti-aging process. With ceramides, hyaluronic acid, aloe, and panthenol to deeply hydrate skin, this eye cream will do wonders for your skin. Get it for R150.00 in the small size from Luxe Loft.
2 is for YOU! This is another body care product. I felt I couldn't write these top 10 without including a bath product. Bathing is LIFE! It's a ritual, a self-care, self-love ritual that should include ALL the good stuff. What is a bath without some smellies? Bath bombs are my absolute fave! It adds to the whole experience and is good for you! Not just your skin, but good for the soul too! With natural ingredients, they pamper the skin, calm the mind, soothe the muscles and relax like nothing else. This set of 12 from Pink Cosmetics is great! They contain added cocoa butter, kaolin clay and sweet almond oil to soothe and nourish the skin. Get them here for only R395.00.
And last but not least, a serum. What would a skin care routine be without a serum. This serum from Luxe Loft is another product part of the snail mucin and bee venom range. Serums are highly concentrated formulas that deliver targeted ingredients to the skin. The serum works to repair skin, clear acne scars, and treat hyper-pigmention, and calms and targets breakouts. Tea tree and camellia sinensis leaf waters offer additional soothing and acne-fighting benefits. Niacinamide and adenosine provide additional brightening and wrinkle-fighting benefits The benefits are ENDLESS! There are so many serums for different targeted problems and areas, but this one has resulted in a noticeable change in the appearance and texture of my skin. Definitely recommend. Get it here for only R400.00.
And there we have it! My top 10 skin care products! Again, remember that what works for me and my specific skin type may not necessarily work for you. There are so many products out there it may be daunting because you have no idea where to start. Hopefully this guide gives you some insight into some amazing products, techniques, ingredients and benefits. One thing is certain; self care isn't selfish. Take the time to give your skin, body and mind the attention that it deserves with a little pampering.
Stay happy, healthy and glowing,
xxx Christine.