1. Shiseido Essential Energy Day Cream - This cream is the first of two Shiseido products that feature in this post and I can't exactly tell you how this product works or why it works, because frankly, I don't fully understand the ins and outs of it myself. (Great start to this post, right?!) All I know is there is a lot science behind Shiseido and it seems to be working wonders for my skin. Essential energy cream focuses on the neuroscience of your skins senses and the ReNeura technology behind this product works to reawaken those sensors. You can read more about it here on their website. The clue is in the title really, essentially this cream gives your skin an immediately visible boost energy, leaving you with hydrated glowing skin. Worn alone, this cream is great for pepping up your skin in the morning and the added SPF 20 means you're protected from the get-go. It also acts as a smooth and glowy base for makeup application, my current go-to the combination is this with a little of my new favourite tinted moisturiser (more on that at number 4) over the top for a natural healthy glow.
2. Peet Rivko Gentle Cleanser - In warmer conditions my skin becomes increasingly sensitive, as a severe hayfever sufferer, I can be prone to prickly heat, hives, rashes and much more, so I like to switch to a more gentle skincare regime. Peet Rivko is a natural, plant-based skincare line made up of 3 products: a cleanser, a moisturiser and a facial oil (which is equally amazing) all free of any toxins. The gentle cleanser is formulated with aloe vera, comfrey and green tea making it ideal to clean and sooth skin after sun exposure. On my recent holiday, I found it perfect for removing sun cream grime and excess oil after a day by the pool (And who can't appreciate that slick packaging).Peet Rivko products are available to buy directly from their website; understandably this is frustrating because of customs charges from the U.S to the U.K, so I've got my fingers crossed for a stockist closer to home soon!
3. Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Multi-Colour (Medium) - This bronzer delivers precisely what it says on the box, a healthy luminous glow. Thankfully this powder is void of any shimmer; I tend to avoid bronzers with any shimmer or glitter particles in because (for me) they don't create a naturally sunkissed appearance and I prefer to use a highlighter for any additional glow where needed. The multi colour can be used in one big sweep, or individually to accentuate different areas of the face. My preferred method is to use the colours all together to create a bronzed base and then go back in with a smaller a brush or the tip of your bronzer brush with a little touch of the coral to add a subtle flush on the cheek.
4. Chanel Les Beiges Sheer Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturiser (Medium) - You might have heard me wax lyrical about the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser, over on my Instagram stories, while I still praise that product (to the high heavens), sadly Chanel's new tinted moisturiser offering has knocked LC from the top spot. It all came down to SPF and texture. Chanel trumps Laura Mercier's 20 with a bold promise of protecting up to SPF 30. During the warmer months and especially when I'm on holiday I'm always reaching for lighter textures in an attempt to achieve fresh, skin like makeup. The composition of this product is water-like and incredibly lightweight, thus creating a natural hydrated glow to the skin. It glides on the skin with ease and once absorbed into the surface there are no visible traces of the moisturiser, and I certainly can't feel it. Petitely housed in Chanel's signature clean, chic packaging, it's a perfect size (and shape) for travelling.
5. Surratt Relevée Lash Curler - Still cut up about the departure of Shu Uemura from all UK stockists and wondering what on earth you'll do when your eyelash curlers bite the dust? I can vouch, these stylishly matte black curlers are the next best thing. While I truly believe nothing will beat the Shu Uemura curler, these are the next best thing available in the UK.
6. Maison Louis Marie No.4 Perfume Oil - Just when I thought I'd found my scent, Tom Ford - Jasmin Rouge, along came this guy. I wasn't necessarily looking for a new fragrance when I discovered No.4; the La Gent team very kindly added this into a gift and pretty much caused havoc amongst my fragrance wardrobe. If you are familiar with Le Labo's Santal 33, then imagine that, but better. Both have delicious notes of leathery sandalwood and cedarwood, but No.4 Bois de Balincourt is warmer thanks to the nutmeg and cinnamon. (This one also won't sent you back £125) The difference between this scent and regular spray on Eau de Parfum is this is a roll on perfume oil, so it lasts a lot longer on the skin. The teeny glass bottle (could this be any more suited for travelling?) lives in my bag at all times, a few small dabs on the pulse points and I'm good to go for the entire day.
7. Davines OI Hand Balm - This isn't any old hand cream; it's a hand BALM. Davines, best known for their cult hair products (the NOU NOU range saved my brittle bleached hair) have created this deletable tube of goodness. Formulated with Roucou Oil, Oil and Glycerin, to absorb quickly without any product pilling (I find A LOT of hand creams do this). This is unlike any other hand product I've tried.
8. La Mer Treatment Lotion (Exclusive Travel Size) -
Ok, I've never been someone who gets toners, so I certainly couldn't wrap my head around this product when first introduced to it; it's described as a lotion you apply AFTER toner to prep the skin for any other serums and moisturisers you're about to apply. Sounds like a gimmick right? All I thought was, it's another step in an already long-winded skincare routine, but because of the reputation behind La Mer I felt obligated to try and boy am I glad I did. I took an exclusive travel size with me on holiday to Greece recently (more on our stay soon) and enjoyed using this to soothe and rehydrate my skin in the evenings but didn't think much of it, however since returning home I've continued to use the travel size although still unbeknown what exactly this product is supposed to do, here's what I've noticed so far - a reduction in redness immediately (especially after being in the sun), spots and breakouts are healing a lot faster, and my skin is much smoother but the biggest difference I've seen is my pores;they've shrunk significantly! I've been quite lucky with my skin, I've never experienced any severe skin problems but my biggest bug bearer has always been enlarged pores on my cheeks. I have to be extremely careful with moisturisers and lotions I use because anything too heavy can block them and make my skin appear bumpy, but this lightweight formula has helped reduce the size of them and keep them clear long term.
The internet is rife with rave reviews about this product and for good reason. Another certified glow giver.
9. Caudalie Beauty Elixir - Isn't the word elixir so enticing? Caudalie's cult product needs no introduction in the world of beauty, but it's still one that deserves mention. Sometimes I use it as a primer, sometimes I use it as a toner, and sometimes I simply spray it on because it feels so damn good. Top tip - keep it in the fridge on holiday then use it as a refreshing mist to sooth the skin post-sun exposure. I always carry the 30ml with me on flights as part of my in-flight regime because it aids in rehydrating and re-energising the complexion.
10. Shiseido Purifying Mask - A reasonably straightforward clay mask that delivers results. It minimises pores, brightens complexion and leaves my skin feeling super soft.
The allure of this clay mask is that it doesn't go hard. I love a clay mask, but I do not love the inability to drink, talk or eat with them on. Whilst using the mask the eucalyptus oil generates a very cooling a refreshing sensation on the skin which is especially pleasant during these warmer days or if the skin has recently been damaged in the sun.
