Self-care really became a priority during the lockdown of 2020.  Thankfully, it is also something I have carried on doing after returning to work.  I find it so peculiar that we can spend so much time with ourselves but are sometimes unwilling to truly look after number one.  Before, my skincare routine consisted of washing and moisturising while my body care was literally 0.  My skin was crying out for love and hydration and that is exactly what I have gave it.

While my skincare routine is looking healthier, I want to focus on making my hair shiny and soft.  Too often, I find myself treating my hair poorly by raking my fingers through it, throwing it up in too-tight buns and using products on it that do not bring it life.  I have currently stripped my haircare back-to-basics and will be incorporating different products (think oils, mousses etc) to try and bring that shine.

At this moment, every product I have listed below I am using.  Whether it be once a day or every other week, I have detailed the product, put down my thoughts and also linked to where you can purchase from.

I am thinking of doing one of these posts every six months, depending on whether I am using different products or have found a hero I simply cannot live without.  For a more up-to-date product index, follow my Instagram here.

Hair Care 

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Vosene Frequent Anti-Dandruff Shampoo |

Usage: two/three times per week. 

My scalp and I have been through some tough times.  While we may never be the best of friends, the new-found Vosene Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is doing wonders for my flaky scalp.  I have tried both their original and sensitive shampoos, and find the latter to be more calming and less abrasive.

Bumble and bumble Hairdresser’s Invisible Oil Conditioner |

Usage: two/three times per week. 

I am currently using the Bumble and bumble Invisible Oil conditioner.  In all honesty, I am pretty indifferent about it.  What it is doing is leaving my hair silky-smooth if I keep my locks coated for 30+ minutes.  What it is not doing is the ‘wow, this is worth it’s salt!’ vibe.  It isn’t amazing and it is kind of expensive!

I will definitely. be swapping this out for a new conditioner when the tube is finished.  Maybe for their Super Rich conditioner or a Kerastase product instead

Bumble and bumble Surf Spray |

Usage: Whenever I wash my hair.  Two/three times per week.  

Be proud of your bouncy surfer girl waves, even if sometimes only the inside of the fridge that sees them.  The Surf Spray from Bumble and bumble has been a favourite of mine for a few years.  Spritz the lightweight spray into damp hair and ruffle for the best effect.  This spray is the only real product I use on my hair besides washing.

 

 

Bodycare

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Bathing |

 

Westlab Reviving Epsom Salt |

Usage: one/two times per week.

We love an Epsom Salt bath in our flat!  My boyfriend and I are constantly shoveling the white crystals into our tub.  The Westlab Reviving Salts are great for relaxing and calming muscles.  After your run or your indoor workout, pop a couple of scoops into your bubble bath and  b r e a t h e.

Westlab Soothing Dead Sea Salt |

Usage: one time per week.

I suffer from seasonal eczema.  My flareups are not currently visible but it is best to keep them at bay.  When I am having a particularly bad and itchy day however, the Soothing Dead Sea Salt’s from Westlab calm my skin completely.  The salts dissolve in the bath and virtually have no aroma – meaning baths can be as neutral as you desire. 

Radox Stress Relief & Muscle Therapy Bath Soak |

Usage: One/two times per week.

Baths have become a bi-weekly ritual, especially as it gets colder.  Usually, my baths consist of a few elements: bubbles, salts, candles, my kindle and Jordan on the other side.  While I am in-between Lush bubble bar hauls, Radox bath soaks are always my go-to.  This is mainly as the corner shop always has a bucket full.  Convenient and good…

 

Exfoliation |

 

The Body Shop Coconut Exfoliating Cream Body Scrub |

Usage: Once per week. 

I received this exfoliator as a gift.  While I am not coconut’s biggest fan, I am now a big follower of The Body Shop’s Cream Body Scrubs.  Rich and thick, previously-rough skin feels supple and insanely smooth after slavering.  I got through this pot so quick. 

I have this alongside the Olive version which I love!

Soap & Glory The Scrub of Your Life |

Usage: Ever-so-often.  

This Soap & Glory product is my OG exfoliator.  A failsafe with a minimal price tag, I think I have been rubbing this girl on my upper arms and calves since I was 16?  Forever an excellent repurchase.

 

Body Wash |

 

Westlab Cleansing Himalayan Shower Wash |

Usage: Everyday.  

Westlab body washes are amazing.  They are extremely affordable and long-lasting; a little goes really far!  Out of the three Westlab currently offer, I find the Cleansing Himalayan to be most invigorating. My skin feels gently spruced and calm after washing.  I am a big fan.

The Body Shop Coconut Shower Cream |

Usage: one/two times per week.

I received this shower cream as a gift.  I mainly tend to use the Body Shop Coconut Shower Cream when I shave or in the bath as it is wonderfully hydrating.  My skin always feels a little plumper and well-nourished after use. 

I would repurchase this shower cream again, but in a different scent.  Maybe the Zesty Lemon or Almond Milk & Honey?

 

Body Moisturiser |

 

Vaseline Intensive Care Essential Healing Body Lotion |

Usage: One/two times per week.

Usually, a small version of the Vaseline Intensive Care moisturisers live in my swim bag for a post-chlorine rejuvenation.  As I have sadly swapped swimming in the pool for a paddle in the bath bath, I am using the intense moisture burst post-soak.  Baths rapidly dry out your skin, so this body lotion is the perfect body balm. 

Garnier Ambre Solaire Hydrating Soothing After Sun Lotion |

Usage: Everyday.  

I am currently using up a bottle of last summer’s after-sun.  Using it as my post-shower lather, I have found my fake tan keeps looking fresher for longer and comes off gracefully, instead of making me look like an angry slice of tiger bread.  Super hydrating, the Ambre Solaire After-Sun is getting an immidiate repurchase… As soon as we are allowed in different countries again. 

Garnier Summer Body Dark Gradual Tan Moisturiser |

Usage: Ever-so-often. 

Another swimming bag staple, the Garnier Summer Body Gradual Tan Moisturiser is the ultimate hero product for keeping your tan alive post-swim.  As the UK’s pools are closed, I am only currently using this moisturiser if I bathe with fake tan on.  Once I am allowed to swim though – this girl is coming out of temporary retirement. 

Lush Dream Cream |

Usage: Everyday.

A tiny pot of Lush’s Dream Cream goes a long way!  I mainly use this thick and creamy baby on my eczema flareup spots every day and night.  It smells divine and has an extremely pleasurable texture.  Adding dabs of this to my body is one of my favourite routines.

 

Skincare

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Face |

 

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator |

Usage: Two/three times per week.

I have had my face scrubbed off by abrasive facial exfoliators too many times to count.  So much so, I had banished them from my skincare altogether.  However, the Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator has brought me back to life!

Infused with cocoa butter, fresh eucalyptus and fine jojoba beads, skin is buffed and preened.  The result? Dead skin cells have been totally eradicated and a shiny set of cheeks in their place.  Feel brighter and tighter with Liz Earle.  This product is not for sensitive skin. 

Vichy Pureté Thermale Fresh Cleansing Gel |

Usage: Every time I go swimming (3-4 times per week)

Vichy, a brand which has saved my skin on many a Spanish holiday (I swear by their suncream).  I bought the Pureté Thermale Fresh Cleansing Gel from the brand on a whim, and I am so thankful!   Cool and wickedly fresh, I am currently cleansing with this gel after my swims in order to retain as much moisture as possible in my skin.

There is so much in the range which caters to all skin types.  I currently have my eyes on the Quenching Mineral Mask and Double Glow Peel Mask. 

Superfacialist Vitamin C+ Skin Renew Cleansing Oil |

Usage: Every night

Used as the first half of my nightly double cleanse situation, the Superfacialist Vitamin C+ Skin Cleansing Oil is possibly my favourite way to start my night.  Forget about a glass of bubbly or a sugary cuppa, it is all about the cleansing oil!  Not only does this oil smell amazing (zingy oranges) but it melts my mascara off and gently digs out my SPF.

I am a really big fan; especially because of the added Vitamin C.  My skin needs that by the truckload.

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel |

Usage: Every day

Used as the second half of my nightly double cleanse situation, the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel is great for oily skin.  I usually break out around my T-zone and also around my mouth (the latter is usually the result of hormones) and I find the Effaclar Purifying Gel to totally flush my skin of impurities.

This foaming gel does not feel harsh but I know it is getting deep into my pores and giving me a sparkling finish.

The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane |

Usage: Ever-so-often. 

Post-morning cleanses, I add a couple drops of  The Ordinary’s Squalane to my skin.  Unfamiliar?  Squalane is a hydrocarbon found naturally in the skin.   It is a super-charged hydration boost, leaving your skin zinging.

I love this product so much.   A few drops from the pipette do the job.  My skin is always singing after a dose of squalane. 

The Ordinary Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12% |

Usage: Twice daily

The idea of putting actual acid on my face scared me for so long.  However, The Ordinary’s Ascorbyl Glucoside Solutionhttps://www.cultbeauty.co.uk/the-ordinary-ascorbyl-glucoside-solution-12.html has transformed my skin for the better.  Dewy and hydrating, this solution is used for brightening the skin, reducing aging and evening out its tone.

Featuring a water-soluble derivative of Vitamin C, my skin looks happier and healthier when I use this ever morning and evening.

The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil |

Usage: Every evening

Rich in Omega 3, Omega 6, and pro-vitamin A; The Ordinary’s Rose Hip Seed Oil is great for reversing UV damage and smoothing out skin tone.  Used to soothe itchy skin (which I am prone too on my forehead after sweating) and to reducing visible and fine lines; I use half a pipette of rosehip seed oil every night and my skin has never felt so fresh.

CeraVe Reparative Eye Cream |

Usage: Every morning

I spent a lot of time on TikTok during lockdown and of course discovered Cerave.  Formulated with Hyaluronic acid, a few spots of the CeraVe Reparative Eye Cream in the morning will reduce puffiness and dark circles around the eyes.  Originally, I was using this twice daily and found the skin around my eyes becoming dry.  Once I switched it out to once daily, the eye cream has begun to work wonders.

Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser |

Usage: Every day. 

I reckon I could have shares in Simple.  I mean, the amount I have shed out to them over the years is insane.  Their Hydrating Light Moisturiser has been a skincare staple of mine for some time, and for good reason.  Light enough to not cake your pores but just thick enough to induce bouncy, hydrated skin – skincare does not have to break the bank.

L’Oréal Pure Clay Blemish Rescue Clay Mask |

Usage: Once per week.

I was introduced to the powerful magic of a clay face mask by skincare blogger Emma Hoareau (@emmahoareau).  She recommends you use clay to draw out impurities, brighten the skin, and reduce oil.  The clay mask I use is the L’Oréal Pure Clay Blemish Rescue.  The bright blue clay is super easy to use – glide on with a brush (or your fingers) and keep moist for 10 minutes.  Wash off and hey presto!  A serious boost to your Sunday bathing tradition. 

I have another more clay masks on order (here) because I loved this one so much!  I will definitely be repurchasing. 

La Roche-Posay Effaclar Anti-Blemish Clay Mask |

Usage: Once per week.

Another day, another clay.  This one from La Roche-Posay is brand new and has only used a couple of times.  It is the Eggaclar Anti-Blemish Clay Mask.  Unlike the L’Oreal Pure Clay Mask, the La Roche-Posay one doesn’t harden up and comes in a squeezy tube rather than a pot – meaning you can control how much product can go on your face instead of scooping and hoping for the best!

 

Fake Tan |

 

St Moriz Develop Tan Lotion in Dark |

Usage: Once per week.

I have tried the Bondi Sands, the Fake Bake, the St Tropez and more… But nothing comes close to the dark sun-kissed glow a bargain bottle of St Moriz gets you.  I find that the liquid lotion takes more evenly to the skin than the mousse.  The former also sticks to your skin SO much longer too!

It is not great for building or for keeping your white sheets clean (but I think it is worth it). 

St Moriz Advanced Pro Formula Tan Boosting Facial Serum |

Usage: Two/three times per week.  

After one very bad face fake tanning episode, I decided on drops and sprays only.  They do not cling like liquid lotions/mousses do and come off both evenly and quickly.  This means I can pretty much re-apply every day for a ‘caught-in-the-sun’ shimmer. 

A serum I often grab for is the Tan Boosting Facial Serum.  3-4 drops give me a dark glow, while 1-2 is more on the lighter side. I add to my moisturiser on fake tan days. 

Isle Of Paradise Self-Tanning Spray in Dark |

Usage: Three/four times per week. 

Fast becoming a cult phenomenon for a reason, Isle Of Paradise is EVERYWHERE.  I must admit, the only product I have tried is Self-Tanning Spray which I nicked off of my mom.  I mainly use this spray on my face, neck, and shoulders after my morning skincare.  The colour is so natural and gorgeous.  I could not live without this.

I am currently thinking about investing in their mousse as seen here and here. 

Isle Of Paradise Over It Magic Tan Remover |

Usage: Ever-so-often.

Most of the time, my fake tan naturally slides off.  When unsavoury slices of it still cling to my calves and my cleavage, however, I often soak myself in Isle Of Paradise Tan Remover.  5 minutes of standing naked, the spray magically lifts the fake tan from your skin and down the plughole.  Amazing!

 

Nails |

 

Rimmel London 60 Seconds Super Shine Varnish in 500 Caramel Cupcake |

Usage: Once per week.

I either have one or two nail varnishes on – black or nude pink.  My current go-to is a Rimmel London dry in 60 seconds vanish in Caramel Cupcake.  I like how natural and subtle the colour is, and dry in a minute? Sold.  How come when you are waiting for your nail varnish to dry you always have so! much! to! do!

Boots Strengthening Nail Polish Remover |

Usage: Once per week. 

Boring, but an essential – nail polish remover.  I do no wear gels/acrylics but I do have a nasty nail-biting habit, so strengthening is a must.