This last week I've been a little sick and with the big weather change again I've been reaching for some calming soothing items plus products that can be used in a quick night routine as well. I'm sure you've seen me and others talk about Deviant Skincare Cleansing Concentrate. This is a melty rinseable cleansing balm. It has an earthy, nutty scent to it which I love plus it's essential oil free. This also has a very anti-inflammatory oil profile so it's great for all skin types even sensitive. It removes eye makeup (if you like a balm to do that) plus all traces of makeup then rinses clean leaving behind soft, clean skin with no dry feeling. It's really one of the best cleansing balms on the market right now. I'm also really partial to the melty texture balms as they're my favorite texture. Review HERE.
I always pull out Zelens Z Matrix in the winter for layering. I love this energizing gel cream. It always layers beautifully with no pilling. It has a bit of a thicker texture which is what makes it such a nice cushy hydrating layer under my day lotion or cream. It's got probiotics, low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, minerals, soy peptides and pentapeptide (increase energy production in cells). Review HERE. One of my favorite quick do it all night creams/treatment is Allies of Skin 1A Retinal + Peptides Overnight Mask. This is an overnight mask that I use as a night cream. It's got peptides and retinaldehyde which is one of my favorites. I love this as a potent all in one treatment. You can really just cleanse and use this if you want a two step routine. I have to layer it over an oil and hydrating layer because it's so potent it can dry my cheeks out a little. This is my second tube. Review HERE.
My all time favorite facial oil is Votary Super Seed Facial Oil. It's fragrance free, has 21 seed oils and is quite soothing. The fragrance free oil makes it easy to use when my skin is stressed or irritated. It’s a powerhouse of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory & antibacterial seed oils plus it helps stimulate cell renewal. It’s very nourishing without being heavy. I will repurchase forever. Review HERE. African Botanics just launched a new oil. Terre Noire Elixir Supreme is a face & body oil. This oil smells just like it's name-dark and earthy. It's so perfect for a winter launch. This oil has a medium weight texture, rich scent and nourishing feel. It has marula, grape, kalahari, hemp, baobab, rosehip & moringa oils with salicylic acid, caffeine and vitamin C. I'm loving this on the body so far as the salicylic acid helps keep my skin clear on the arms. Bye bye chicken bumps with style. Plus the scent is really intoxicating on the body. It's a combination of jasmine, black pepper, cypress and an Indian/Somalian frankincense. Very deep and earthy. I'll be trying it on my face this weekend to see how it goes.
I love a face balm when it gets cold. I basically live in them in the winter. African Botanics Intense Skin Repair Balm is the balm I reach for when my skin needs the ultimate soothing, rich, repairing and nourishing balm. Actually it's the first balm I ever liked and got me into face balms. I still use it for nights when I want ultimate hydration, soothing and repairing. Review HERE. My other favorite balm is May Lindstrom Blue Cocoon. This balm is lighter and has a more sensorial aromatherapy feeling. This has blue tansy and is very soothing. There's something about the cult classic that calms the senses and relaxes me. I'm on jar two and I look forward to winter so I can pull it out every year. Review HERE. The OY-L Manuka Latte Balm has a divine coffee scent. I've talked about it before. It's one of the only pot style lip balms I like. It's really hydrating & nourishing plus it lasts for a while on the lips. It's got a lush buttery texture. It's got manuka honey and coffee butter & essential oil. If you're a coffee lover you must check it out.
*African Botanics Terre Noire gifted, all thoughts are my own.
