Can you tell I’ve found my beauty bug again? We’re back with another beauty post today talking all things skincare from the last twelve months. You can see my makeup favourites here from 2019 as I thought it could be a hell of a lengthy post otherwise. Today we’re talking skincare as I’ve found a handful of products which have been my go-to options. This year I’ve had a bit of a whirlwind journey with my skin. At the start of 2019 I thought I had it nailed but in the latter part of the year, probably due to bad diet and no exercise, it’s hated me.
So here what I’ve been reaching for regularly and think is blooming awesome…
Nip & Fab Glycolic Fix Night Pads – £14.95 for 60 – LINK
So these are the Nip and Fab Glycolic Pads tougher sister and I LOVE THEM. After receiving them in the Latest in Beauty box a few months ago, I have stocked up when on offer in Boots. These are stronger than the lighter version but for that reason I think they do a better job. After using Glycolic for years, my skin is happy to have this much acid.
If you’re unaware, glycolic acid sounds scarier than it is. Glycolic is amazing for exfoliating the skin without the scrub need and helps with spots and acne. I wish I knew about this product when I was a teenager as it’s life changing. I use one pad every other night to keep my skin happy. They’re intense if you’re not used to them but I love using them now.
No 7 Micro-Dermabrasion Exfoliator – £11 – LINK
This No7 was part of a set I got earlier in the year which I’ve become obsessed with. Whilst I use glycolic for exfoliation, every now and then I like a good scrub to take off that dead layer. With dermabrasion being a big deal in 2019, this product is a great at home treatment. If you find you get flaky, dry skin or spots that go dry, then this is one to use. It is quite satisfying to use as it’s be used on dry skin. It’s very grainy so a small blob rubbed pretty harshly into the skin helps scrub all the bad bits away. Think of it like the St Ives apricot scrub that was like sand but 10 times nicer and calmer (ok, that may not be the best description but it’s awesome and perfect for combination skin.)
Vichy Mineral 89 – £25 for 50ml (other sizes avaliable) – LINK
Well this was repurchased twice – I really love this product. Besides the obvious Liz Earle cleanser, not much in my collection gets a second purchase because I like trying new products. Mineral 89 is a hyaluronic acid serum that quite honestly transformed my skin. I’ve tried a couple of HA products in the last few years but none of them compare in texture and performance. This product is a drink for the skin. If like me you don’t get enough water into your skin and can see the effects of pollution, stress and fatigue, this is your skincare saviour.
I apply this every morning and evening before my moisturiser of SPF. This has 89% mineral thermal water in the product to give you a real boost of hydration. You can feel it sink in immediately without any tackiness. If you suffer with combination skin, like myself, this gives you the hydration which can sometimes be the reason you get spots too. I highly recommend trying this if you’re at a loss with your skin, you won’t look back.
Origins Ginzing Eye Cream – £23 – LINK
Oh Origins, you have got me hooked on this eye cream. Another hydrating product that I actually get panicked by when I can’t find it. I’ve used this eye cream for years after picking it up at Bicester Village. Since then I repurchase frequently because I have the darkest eyes ever and this helps keep them as calm as they can be. It also works amazingly if you’ve had a late night, it moisturises and well I have no wrinkles around my eyes (yet!). Whilst my first wrinkle in my 20’s has appeared on my forehead, my eyes are looking strong. I haven’t tried many eye creams but I really love the effects of this one.
Clarins Golden Glow Booster – £20 – LINK
This was an airline purchase (yep I fell for the offers) that I’ve wanted for years. Ever since I’ve loved this product for those dull skin days. Especially in the winter, my skin looks sallow and tired so a bit of fake tan and glow doesn’t go a miss. This is such a fool proof product as you add a couple of drops to your regular moisturiser and apply as normal. You can make it as dark or light as you want or just do it gradually which works really well. This tiny bottle looks small but it has lasted me for years. If you are a fake tan novice like me, this is perfect for facial tanning.
La Roche Posay Effcalar Duo (with SPF 30) – £17 – LINK
This was an accidental purchase but one that has been a real happy accident. I used Effaclar daily but when I repurchased a few months ago I ordered the one with SPF 30. Whilst I know how good SPF is for you, I kept forgetting to add it into my skincare regime. This product is fantastic for a 2 in 1. Whilst I don’t think it’s as effective as the original because of the SPF, it’s good for a morning moisturiser whilst keeping the effects of the weather and sun off my face.
Dermalogica Prisma Protect SPF 30 – £58 – LINK
Whilst this is a pricey product in full size, the mini version I got in my Latest in Beauty Box was so impressive I’m already looking for my next Dermalogica product. I love how this SPF uses light activated technology to protect against the sun and antioxidants. It doesn’t leave my face like a ghost or give me spots like some SPF can. If you care about your SPF and anti-ageing this is a fabulous product that has some fantastic science behind it. I love how this works and am tempted to try it or some of their other sun ranges.
So that’s my roundup of skincare from 2019, it’s quite the list. Have you tried any of these products or tempted to try them now? My personal favourite is Vichy 89 but they’re all fabulous in their own way and have kept my skin pretty happy throughout the last 12 months!
*Some of the product links are affiliate links which means I may earn a few pennies if you decide to use the link. I try to find the best price and offer with these links but you’re under no obligation to use the links!