My body’s annual freak out in response to the onset of cold weather began in earnest a few weeks ago. Luckily, years of experience has seen me hone my arsenal of winter skincare to perfection. Here are four of my favourite products, currently in heavy rotation…
L’Occitane Almond Shower Oil ~ As much as I’d like to luxuriate in the bath each evening, dousing my dry, winter skin in rich lotions and potions, I’m eternally time poor and currently without a working boiler. All pampering must take place within the confines of my electric shower and the 15 minutes I allow myself in there each morning. This deliciously scented shower oil envelopes skin with moisture, without leaving a greasy film. The light foam feels indulgent and leaves my limbs strokable and soft. Possibly my favourite shower product of all time. A bold claim, but trust me, it’s good.
Oskia Perfect Cleanser ~ I’ve been on the balm cleansing band wagon for a while now, but this particular one by British brand Oskia is a fairly recent addition to my skincare routine. The brand primarily uses natural {plant based} ingredients and the products do not contain any ‘skin unfriendly’ ingredients, such as parabens, silicones or sulphates.
I use this as I would any other cleansing balm; massaging it on to dry skin to melt away makeup, dirt and grime, before emulsifying with a little warm water, and then removing fully with a clean face cloth or flannel. This delicately scented balm feels gentle, but leaves my skin deeply cleansed. Prior to use, I had begun to develop a few dry, flaky patches around my nose, but these have since vanished.
For a more thorough review, be sure to head over to one of my favourite beauty blogs London Makeup Girl, and for the final word on all things cleansing look no further than this Beauty Mouth cheat sheet.
Dr Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief ~ Having cemented itself as a winter staple last year, come September and the close of our non-existent summer I coudn’t wait to get my hands on this glossy green pot once more. Read my original review here, and know that it has stayed true to form, calming and restoring my sensitive, sore skin.
Tresemme Keratin Smooth Hair Masque ~ My long, colour treated hair also starts to suffer once the temperature drops and I have to work even harder to keep it looking glossy. I popped this cheap and cheerful hair treatment in my Boots basket after Meg of Lips So Facto mentioned it in a recent You Tube video. Using it a couple of times a week has ensured my hair looks shiny and nourished. It is also sleeker and easier to manage immediately after conditioning, requiring very little in the way of styling products.
Help me compile a new winter wish list, what are your favourite skin and haircare products for this time of year?
Love Audrey xxx
Do you regularly exfoliate (if you don’t mind me asking!)? I have never tried a balm please, but I can’t shake the feeling that it would clog my pores up even more!
Don’t mind you asking at all! Yes, I do, but I’m not a fan of ‘manual’ exfoliants {i.e scrubs}. I primarily use Alpha H Liquid Gold which contains Glycolic Acid. It’s a real hero product of mine and I wouldn’t be without it.
Balms really are amazing, I cannot recommend them enough! If you’re spot prone or worried about congestion avoid those that contain mineral oil and/or beeswax. The Oskia one is perfect in this respect as it is free from both.
xxx
Obviously, I’m talking about my facial exfoliator above 😉
For the body I use a pair of those funky looking gloves with my regular shower gel.
xxx
Ugh. Just realised my phone autotyped a word and now I feel stupid. Ho hum.
Thanks for the tips, I will definitely look into them. I suffer from kerastosis pilaris, so my pores are naturally clogged and it feels like really rough skin. I try to combat it on my face by exfoliating well and keeping my skin moisturised. The skin on my body doesn’t get a look in at the moment though – one day!
I didn’t even notice the typo! Perhaps the Oskia cleanser could be right for you as it’s deeply cleansing {for the congestion} but also really moiusturising? Removing it with a flannel will also provide a little gentle exfoliation too 🙂
I’m intrigued by balm cleansers – my skin errs on the side of dry, and doesn’t tend to appreciate it when I use cheapy cleansing wipes to take my make up off before crawling into bed. I’ve heard good things about Lush’s Ultrabland – any thoughts? (I think Ultrabland is a little more within my price range unfortunately – one day I’ll treat myself, but maternity leave is not that time!)
I totally hear you on the cost front. Oskia is not a cheap brand by any stretch of the imagination! I’ve used Ultrabland in the past, and I do rate it as a product, but it contains beeswax which, as I mention above, is a bit of a no no for my skin. It also doesn’t emulsify in the same way as other balm cleansers.
Boots Botanics range features a balm cleanser which is probably equally as affordable. I’ve not tried it myself, but I’ve heard good things. Might be worth investigating.
When you do have a few pennys to invest I’d highly recommend the Oskia balm. The REN and Emma Hardie version are other firm favourites. By the time you’ve had the baby you’ll deserve a treat 😉
xxx
Oh wait, you’ve had your baby! Well then, a perfect gift for when you’ve survived the first year then!
xxx
Oskia have just been in touch to let me know they’re running £10 off all first orders at the moment which makes the cleanser a slightly more affordable £18. A tube really will last for ages too, a little goes a very long way. The code is WELCOME.
Just a thought 🙂
The almond oil shower gel sounds lovely – have you ever tried Snowcake by Lush? It’s one of their christmas soaps and it is so lovely. Smells just like marzipan and is so moiturising!
Yes! I know and love Snowcake. I actually worked at Lush for 6 years 😉 I haven’t picked any up yet this year though, so thank you for reminding me! xxx
I know I’m rather late for the party but I’ve just discovered the Almond Shower Oil. I’m now 5 months pregnant & purchased it as a treat when I’d just found out. Love using it every day, particularly massaging it into my belly and lower back. Its keeping my skin lovely & soft, hopefully helping to keep my skin supple and stretch marks at bay. I’m excited to find that they do a bigger size refill, gonna stock up before baby’s here!