At this time of year with the weather changing everyday, my skin starts craving a change in skincare routine. With this in mind I’ve been testing a range of lovely products to bring you a curated selection of Springtime favourites that will leave your skin glowing and feeling great.
Plenaire – I’ve loved discovering the Plenaire range. The polka dot packaging will look super chic on your bathroom shelf, and the products will ensure your skin feels fresh all day. I struggle to find nice make-up removers but the Rose Jelly from Plenaire is gentle and conditioning, it soothes and cools the skin. I also found the Violet Paste blemish solution worked wonders for me, the solution is inspired by a 70 year-old French recipe and draws out excess oil overnight calming redness and inflammation.
Ultra Violette – The most stylish sun protection around. It’s taken a while but finally there is a facial SPF on the market which actually feels nice to wear! Ultra Violette is an Australian brand founded by SPF experts Ava Matthews and Bec Jefferd. I love the Clean Screen SPF30 for everyday wear, while the Queen Screen SPF50+ is super lightweight, protects our skin, all while adding a dewy glow to your complexion.
Drunk Elephant – I adore the Drunk Elephant skincare. Easy to incorporate into a daily routine, the range is great for all skin types. The B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Serum is a lovely gentle product to use first thing in the morning to prep your skin for the day ahead. I also find the C-Tango Multi-Vitamin eye cream is great at this time of year to add a little sparkle to your eyes.
ilapothecary – I can’t fault the products from this powerful natural brand. The new Warming anti-breakout face mask is a treat for trans-seasonal skin, a black mud mask which is full of minerals and natural extracts to reduce spots and add nourishment. Pair this with the remedial Fresh Faced mud cleanser which will rejuvenate your face thanks to the vitamin-rich formula.
r.e.m. beauty – This was my first experience of this beauty brand which offers skincare and makeup. In warmer Spring days the Mist Thing is lovely, a refreshing spray which calms the face thanks to the soothing lavender in the ingredients. I loved using it after a sweaty tube journey. I can also recommend the Full Night’s Sleep, an undereye balm that blurs imperfections and soothes tired skin.
Diptyque – I love the Diptyque scented candles so was delighted to try one of their scents. Do Son eau de toilette has top notes of Tuberose, orange blossom, jasmine, amber wood, a sensual but delicate perfume that suits the season of Spring. I found that this perfume despite being light stayed on the skin for most of the day.
Codex Beauty Labs – “Codex Beauty Labs is a bioscience beauty company that is setting a new standard in seriously sustainable, clinically proven, vegan skincare.” I really enjoyed the results of the whole range but particularly recommend the Exfoliating Wash and Facial Oil. These two work well together to refresh the skin without stripping away any moisture. The facial oil can be used daily to boost hydration, it has a lovely silky texture and made my face beam.
QMS Medicosmetics – This results driven brand has been developed by medical and beauty experts. The products feel luxurious and healthy for the skin. The range works wonders together but just one QMS product will revolutionise your skincare routine. I found the 3-step collagen system routine set a bit of a revelation… combining exfoliation and advanced collagen serums to dramatically improve the overall appearance of skin, helping with dehydration, wrinkles and redness. Pair with the Deep Gentle Cleanser and Day and Night Cream for the ultimate skincare treat.
Biotherm – Biotherm is a French skincare brand which originated from mineral water, it is gentle and kind on the skin. The Live Plankton Elixir is a 100% natural-origin probiotic fraction boosted by a unique blue biotech process, at its highest concentration for faster repair and stronger skin barrier. Each day I used it I found my skin looking stronger. The Cera Repair Barrier Cream is a great Spring option as it protects all skin types whilst acting as a barrier to protect against signs of aging.
Argentum – The packaging of the Argentum products is enough to make you want to invest in this indulgent line of skincare. The Balancing Silver Clay Mask is the ultimate Sunday night skin treat, it enhances your skin’s natural beauty while helping to balance the skin’s microbiome and moderate sebum production. My skin felt purified and pampered for days after using it. Follow the mask with Hydrating Restorative Day & Night Cream, ideal for all skin types with powerful ingredients to protect and nourish your face and neck.
Vichy – You should wear SPF all year round, but especially now the sun is (occasionally) coming out. The Eau de Protection Solaire SPF 30 will protect your skin from sun damage while also adding a natural glow. It is very easy to apply too. I am also a fan of the Vichy Lift activ B3 Serum which will even out skin tone and correct dark spots.
Aman – I love the Aman spas so it was bliss to bring a little bit of that experience into my home. The Amethyst scrub and soak can be massaged onto damp skin before you soak in a bath. It will relieve tension and ease fatigue… which I always need!
Jones Road – Jones Road was founded by iconic makeup artist Bobbi Brown and has grown quickly with a cult following. Lots of friends have recommended the products so I was delighted to finally try a few key pieces in the range. I really like the no fuss packaging and easy to use, clean products. The Miracle Balm in Bronze offers a natural all over glow to help ease your skin into the warmer seasons. The Shimmer Face Oils are lovely for day and night wear, available in a range of colours they are versatile and nourishing while offering a lovely radiance.
Jurlique – Jurlique has been a leader in the natural skincare world since 1985, an Australian brand that uses a range of botanicals in their products. I have found every product I’ve used from the range makes me feel as good as my skin looks. The Rosewater Balancing Mist is perhaps my favourite – a bestseller for good reason, it hydrates and refreshes the skin, restoring radiance on the go while offering the most perfect floral scent. After using the mist follow with Signature Eye Cream and for Summer months the lighter Balancing Day Care Cream, made with antioxidant rich oils and botanical extracts.
Jo Loves – The Jo Loves fragrance paintbrushes are a cult product… the ideal compact size to tuck in your handbag and brush on your wrist at any time of day, anywhere. This herby citrus scent is a lovely Springtime perfume, fresh but warming.
Elemental Herbology – At this time of year the skin on my arms and knees gets suddenly dry and this Elemental Herbology body cream is the perfect solution. The light moisturiser is silky smooth on the skin with a lovely scent of revitalising lemongrass and nutmeg. I’ve also found the Vital Eyes product from this brand great, an easy-to-use roll on eye serum that I can keep on my bedside table to de-puff and hydrate the delicate skin around my eyes.
R+Co – It has been so much fun discovering the R + Co haircare brand. Their products are formulated without parabens, sulfates (SLS or SLES), mineral oil and petrolatum. They are all vegetarian, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and are colour-safe. I’m still making my way through the range of styling products, but as an introduction to the brand recommend trying the Dallas Biotin Thickening shampoo and conditioner – ideal for adding bounce and shine to fine hair. For beachy Spring hair give the Zig Zag Root Teasing + Texture Spray a try – adding texture and volume to fine, lifeless tresses while smelling delicious (the brand’s signature ‘Stars Align’ fragrance – a blend of White Cedar, smoky Tobacco Leaf and fresh Pine).
Acqua di Parma – Nothing says sunny weekend away like the scents from the Italian coastlines. I am loving these 75ml bottles of Acqua di Parma perfumes, the perfect size for packing in your hand luggage for a mini-break with evocative scents that will get you in the mood for a holiday. Fico di Amalfi has notes of lemon, bergamot and grapefruit while the Mandorlo di Sicilia has hints of orange, star anise and green almonds – flavours that remind me of this special Italian island.
Typology – I’ve told so many friends about Typology, an affordable brand which has a wide range of products to suit every skin need. Recently I’ve been trying the Brightening Face Scrub with rosehip oil, which is a great, easy product to use in the shower a few times a week to add radiance without agitating sensitive skin. I’ve been intrigued to try some of the Typology make-up products, and enjoyed trying out the lip oils – tinted oils which add colour and shine to lips without unwanted stickiness – I particularly loved the Coral orange with a bare face of make-up for a carefree Spring look.
La Roche-Posay – This French brand is reliable and effective… which is exactly what you want when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun. Try the Pure Vitamin C10 Serum and 50+ Invisable fluid to prep and prepare your skin for sun exposure. The serum can be used day and night to add radiance and improve skin texture while this innovative invisible sun cream will provide the ultimate protection, while being extra water and sweat resistant… so you can enjoy the rays without having to worry about your skin.