A few weeks ago I wrote about the all-Environ routine that I’ve been following for the past six months. Whilst I am faithful to Environ for cleansing, toning and moisturising purposes, I still love alternating my masks and exfoliators. Here’s a run down of the ones I use most regularly:
Added Extra:
The Exuviance Vitamin C+Antiaging Booster is the newest addition to my skincare arsenal, and I am absolutely blown away by how effective it is. I’d never tried a Vitamin C powder formula before, so this was definitely a new experience for me – you simply sprinkle some of the powder into your serum or moisturiser and massage the mixture into the skin (some might not enjoy the slightly grittier texture, but it doesn’t bother me). This formulation contains L-Ascorbic Acid, the purest form of Vitamin C. Vitamin C is an essential for the production of collagen, and helps to boost the skin matrix. It helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as the production of melanin, the skin’s pigment.
This formulation delivers approximately 10% Vitamin C, which I think is a good starting point for those who are keen to start experimenting with this ingredient. I have relatively sensitive skin, so I started introducing this product slowly – about once a week to start with. Now I am using it far more frequently (every other night) and I haven’t had any kind of reaction, in fact, my skin is responding really well. Not only does my skin feel a bit brighter, but my blemishes heal so much faster! Any marks left by rosacea flare-ups or hormonal outbreaks fade a lot quicker than they ever did before, usually within a couple of days! I think it’s a brilliant product and can highly recommend it.
I’ve written about the Exuviance Triple Microdermabrasion Face Polish on numerous occasions (most recently in my April Favourites post), so I’m not going to go into huge amounts of detail here. It’s an extremely effective exfoliant, suitable for most skin types, and well worth the money. Look into it.
Both of these Exuviance products were sent for review by Dermastore.
Congested Skin:
Although the Environ Balancing Masque is best suited for oilier skins, I find that it does a good job on my dry skin too. It can either be used as an exfoliator (gently massaged onto damp skin and then rinsed off) or as a mask (you know how). It can also be left on overnight, but I wouldn’t recommend that unless you’re willing to ruin your linen.
What I like about this mask is that it doesn’t dry down and set in the way a traditional clay mask does – instead it stays m-o-i-s-t so that it can hydrate the skin at the same time as it extracts the gunk. It feels super comfortable on the skin, and does a good job of soothing blemishes whilst keeping the skin soft and supple. With that being said, sadly it’s blemish-clearing abilities are no match for…
The Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask. The original and best. I’ve also written about this mask a few times before, and whilst it is supremely uncomfortable to wear, it will clear your spots. I distinctly remember the first time I used it: we were in Greece for Julia’s wedding and my forehead had broken out (sunscreen related). The night before the wedding she gave me the mask to try, and the next morning, every single spot was gone. It is a truly incredible product. Not available locally, sorry.
Dull Skin:
You guys know what I’m going to recommend…the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask. It should come as no surprise that this little gem is still a firm favourite after all of these years. This potent bio active peel mask contains natural fruit acids and papain which work together to renew your complexion, reduce the appearance of fine lines and dramatically improve skin tone (papain is an extract of papaya and exfoliates the outer layer of the skin, thereby encouraging cell turnover). It’s just so good.
The Kiehl’s Turmeric & Cranberry Energising Radiance Masque* is another new addition to my mask stash, and whilst it’s not my favourite (as its better suited to oilier skins), I do use it every now and again. You can read my full review here.
Dry Skin:
No hydrating mask can compete with the SKOON Overnight Hydrating Mask*, in my humble opinion. Loved by both Julia and I, this is the mask you need if you’re in need of a serious boost of hydration. The organic coconut and wildflower honey blend is lovely and soothing, whilst the Nordic marine extract maintains moisture levels by trapping water molecules on the surface of the skin. It’s also fantastic for travelling – we both applied it on overnight flights a few months ago and it worked wonders, it stopped the dreaded plane-air-skin in its tracks and we both arrived looking positively glowy!
The Avène Soothing Moisture Mask* is the ideal choice for those who suffer with sensitivities: it is mild and soothing (as the name would suggest), but it is also highly effective. It really does plump up and skin and help to banish any dry patches, making it an invaluable addition to any winter skincare routine!
*PR Samples