The last couple of weeks I’ve received so many compliments about my skin, and finally, at the ripe age of 28, I feel confident enough to ditch my foundation. Two years ago I started to take my skincare routine a bit more seriously because you’re, supposedly, meant to start using anti-ageing skincare in your mid-twenties.
Here are the brands that I’ve been using over the last couple of months.
1. Alpha-H
I was first introduced to the Alpha-H skincare range when I was gifted the Christmas collection on my blog. I instantly saw results using the products and I especially loved the Balancing Cleanser and the world-famous Liquid Gold. These products don’t come cheap with 100ml of their best-selling products retailing at £60 a bottle.
You only need a small amount of product though, so they last a long time. I found the cleanser goes much further too when used with a Foreo or Clarisonic-style cleanser. If you can afford to, or you want to treat yourself this Christmas, I’d highly recommend any of the products from Alpha-H. Don’t just take my word for it, Kiera Knightly named the Alpha-H Micro Cleanse Super Scrub as her favourite skincare product.
2. Nakin
I’ve recently been introduced to Nakin after being gifted their range. Their range cleanses the skin, moisturises and treats skin with superb plant actives using only the best natural ingredients.
I decline skincare products on my blog all the time but their website said their products had plumping Hyaluronic Acid, Detoxifying and conditioning Seaweed Extract, line smoothing Hibiscus and anti-oxidant Pomegranate Extract – how could I resist? 🌺 The more I’ve researched and used their products I’ve found that these are just a few of the natural anti-ageing ingredients in their cruelty-free products.
The brand goes way beyond just offering anti-wrinkle creams that are paraben-free. The Nakin products do an amazing job to defend, enhance and rejuvenate. I really enjoyed using the Performance Face Serum, the Active Dew Face Cream and the Purifying Face Cream but the Natural Anti-Ageing Lip Treatment Balm was the real winner for me. I always struggle to find something that truly nourishes my lips but this has really does work!
3. Nip+Fab
I’m very lucky to have a friend that LOVES skincare and she’s good at doing her research. She gives me all the tips I need and tells me which products I should be buying. When we were on holiday in Jordan last year she let me try her Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Extreme Scrub and Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Extreme Night Pads.
I was so impressed with the results that I immediately stocked up. 12 months on I have built up a collection of products and found the ones that are best for my skin. Personally, these are my favourites:
- Nip+Fab No Needle Fix Eye Cream 15ml
- Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Extreme Scrub 75ml
- Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Extreme Night Pads 80 ml
- NIP+FAB Retinol Fix Serum 50ml
- Nip+Fab Glycolic Fix Liquid Glow 6% Cleansing Lotion 100ml
- Nip+Fab Teen Skin Salicylic Acid Tonic 100ml
Products range from £5 – £20 so they’re completely affordable. This makes Nip+Fab my go-to products because of the great results and low price-tag.
4. Neutrogena
I’ve used Neutrogena in the past and the results weren’t bad but they also weren’t good. In my mind, I’d placed Neutrogena at the lower end of the skincare market and moved on. That was until recently… I was trying to find a good oil-free moisturiser that was affordable and that’s when I came across Neutrogena the Hydro Boost range.
I read that people were having great success with the Hydro Boost® Water Gel Cleanser and Moisturiser so I decided to give it a whirl. I’ve only been using the products for a couple of weeks but I could instantly see the results, and I since ditched my bottle of Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish™ Hot Cloth Cleanser which was giving me horrible breakouts. Liz Earle might work for other people but I tried to persist with it and it’s just not for me.
5. Clean & Clear®
It’s nothing fancy but it is the UK’s number one skincare brand for a reason. Some of the brands in this post can cost over £80 for a 30ml bottle but good skincare doesn’t have to be expensive. I’ve been using the Clean & Clear® Sensitive Cleansing Lotion and it’s the only product that makes me feel like my pores are completely unclogged and fresh.
It stopped my breakouts and if I get a spot, once I apply this it’s gone overnight. This is a miracle in a bottle and it’s only £2.50. As a girl with sensitive and oily skin, I wouldn’t be without it. I haven’t used any of their other products because, in truth, I’ve always avoided them assuming they would be any good. I’m planning on doing a Clean & Clear® haul though after using their cleanser and learning more about their ingredients etc.
6. Dermalogica
When I was 21 I worked at Australia’s largest haircare and professional skincare retailer in the country. I learnt a lot whilst working there and I was introduced to so many amazing brands. One of the main brands we were promoting was the Dermalogica range and almost every girl in the office used it.
I trialled tons of skincare brands (thanks to the samples in the warehouse) before opting for the oily skin Dermalogica collection. It transformed my skin and worked wonders for me until I moved back to the UK. This is where I needed to reassess my skins needs after moving to a different climate but instead, I started to use their products less. I couldn’t do a skincare write-up without mentioning them though, and although a little pricey, I’ll 100% be using their products again.
7. Kitchen findings
Finally, I use a ton of natural products on my skin. I have a small spray bottle of rose water and I’ve been using witch hazel as a toner since I was a teenager (thanks, Nan). I keep coconut oil away from my face but I‘ve been using it on my body for almost a decade. It’s cheap, natural and it smells great.
Last but not least, it’s not just what you put on your skin, but it’s your diet that impacts your skin. I don’t drink alcohol or smoke, I make a big effort to have an antioxidant-heavy diet, I try to drink plenty of water and regular exercise – and I always get enough sleep. I’m far from perfect but looking after my mind and body is something I try to be mindful of.
Once my serums and moisturisers run low, I’m looking forward to investing in The Ordinary skincare range and a Jade roller. If you enjoyed this post, you can check out my skincare category for more tips xo