See Part One: Makeup of the Series.
Part two of my ‘Can’t Live Without…’ Beauty series. Skincare (and hair) products are my absolute favourite. For one, I feel like it’s the closest you can be to an apothecary (which, as we all know, is the coolest of ancient professions). Secondly, it’s the category of beauty that aims to change for the better — rather than cover what’s wrong. It’s why I spend so much time (and money) on skincare products, and it’s why my bathroom cabinet looks a bit like a sorcerer’s chamber.
See my skincare & haircare picks below — I’d love to know if you love these products as much as I do. Or, more importantly (because #beautyjunkie), have I missed any wonder-products off my list? Let me know!
My Can’t Live Without Beauty Products: Skincare
Clockwise from top
Diptyque L’Art Du Soin Velvet Hand Lotion
I may have originally asked for this hand lotion for Christmas because it has a giant ‘E’ on it. Yes, I know. However, this hand lotion has quickly become an absolute staple at my bedside table. It smells divine, has the most wonderful texture, and it lasts for absolute ages. Seriously, Stag bought this for me for Christmas… 2015. As in over a year ago. And I am not even halfway done. So please don’t be put off by the £28 price tag, as it will last you much longer than many inexpensive hand creams.
Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 (this one’s in mint; any flavour is glorious)
I first read about the wonders of this lip product in an interview with Gwyneth Paltrow, who raved about this wonder-product. Unsatisfied with pretty much every lip balm I’ve tried before, I thought I’d give it a go — and ohmigosh, my life was changed (clearly ‘life’ and ‘lip health’ are synonymous here). Ever since, I’ve forced pretty much everyone I know to try a bit (Stag is sold, too). I stock up on about 4 of these things whenever I go to the US (they are much much cheaper there!). And one tube will last you months and months. Probably my favourite of the faves in this list.
Aesop Rinse-Free Hand Wash
I am not going to lie, you could give me anything by Aesop and I’d love it, purely for its packaging. However, this hand sanitizer is one of my most used products ever. Stag will sneak one of these into my Christmas stocking, and one lasts me the better part of a year. It isn’t too drying — nor is it too moisturizing, which is perfect considering you want your hands to feel clean — and the smell is divine.
Herbivore Pink Clay Exfoliating Mask
Herbivore is one of my favourite natural skincare brands. The products are great and the packaging is a minimalists’s dream. If I could decorate my life like an array of their products, I would. I bought this mask in a sale ages ago, and I’ve loved it ever since. I use this once every couple weeks (along with my Liz Earle one), and I can actually see a glow afterward — and seriously, nothing ever gives me that glow.
Korres Black Pine Advanced Firming Active Oil
I’ve only been using this for a month or so now, but from first application, I could tell that I loved this stuff. Korres is one of my favourite brands (I use their body lotions and face creams regularly), so I had high hopes for this beaut. The consistency is somewhere between a serum and an oil, and it blends in just beautifully. Post application, it gives me that illustrious ‘glow’ I’ve been seeking, and it has a light, spa-like smell to it. I happened to get it 50% off in the after-Christmas Feel Unique sale, so there’s a chance you could get it cheaper than it’s £45 price tag.
Ameliorate Skin Smoothing Body Lotion
For as long as I can remember, I’ve suffered from KP — otherwise known as ‘those rough red bumps you get on the back of your arms/legs.’ As a teen, I was plagued by insecurity from it; now, as an adult, I’ve learned to live with it. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t like to treat it as best as I can. This Ameliorate lotion is the only over-the-counter cream I’ve ever used here in the UK that actually works. Alas, there is no magical ‘cure all’ for this condition (considering 40% of adults have this condition, you would think there would be by now!); but if you’re looking for something extra to help those annoying bumps, this is your best bet.
Aveda Dry Remedy Daily Moisturizing Oil
If you haven’t noticed by now, the theme of this post is “works really well, lasts for ages.” That neatly describes this tiny-bottle wonder product. I first bought this years ago based on blogger recommendations, and I’m hoping mine will continue the cycle of wonder hair. All you need is a few drops, and your hair ends feel (and smell) wonderful.
