Winter Skin care Essentials

Hi! Sorry I've been a little absent on the blogging front for the past week. I had a report due in at uni and my boyfriend came to visit, so we've spent the last few days out and about entertaining ourselves and trying to do a few festive bits and bobs which I'll show you more of later. But enough of that for now..

I always find that my skin needs a lot more lovin' during winter months and a little bit more effort to keep it in check. It seems to get a lot dryer in places and a whole lot more sensitive and unruly. But I've managed to find a few lovely products that are my go to skin fixer -upperers when I'm having a crisis.

Carmex Lip Balm  £2.69

I'm sure you'll all count a good lip balm amongst your winter essentials. Cold weather seems to ravage my lips and carmex is the only thing that keeps them nice and soft and chap free. I find that unlike most lip balms ( Vaseline, I'm looking at you) I don't have to keep applying this all the time for my lips to stay soft and moisturised. I've been using it for years now and I always find I end up going back to it. And I just love the scent too, mmm cherries.

Avene Cicalfate

I've only had this a few months but I'm already in love. It's basically an antibacterial cream with both zinc and copper sulphate that's amazing for helping skin  imperfections heal that bit quicker. It's especially great for  the aftermath of a blemish and helps them disappear much faster without drying your skin out. It's also super cheap which is always a bonus

Una Brennan Hydrating face mask £8.99

I wrote a full review of this a while back here and it's still one of my go to products.During winter my skin seems to get a little bit dry and tight around my forehead if I don't take care and moisturise it thoroughly. This hydrating mask is  the perfect quick fix as it only needs to be left on 5 minutes and it leaves your skin feeling gorgeously soft and comfortable. . I love using it as a follow up to Origins clear improvements to fully complete giving my skin a treat.

ESPA optimal skin proserum £48 for 30ml

This is a relatively new addition to my skin care routine but one that I've been loving. It's 99% natural and it's super light texture means it is suitable for day and night. Enriched with Omega 3, 6 & 9, plus vitamins and a whole host of skin loving ingredients it really helps to brighten and even skin tone out. I've been using it before my usual night time moistursier to pep my skin up ready for the morning. I feel like it's been helping my skin look fresh whilst keeping dullness at bay which seems to be nearly impossible once the cold weather hits.

 Neals Yard Nourishing Toner £15.00

I always include a toner in my routine and so far during winter I've been alternating between this one and Pixi glow tonic. The Orange Flower toner is recommended for dryer complexions and helps to nourish skin whilst clarifying at the same time. It's a great all round toner and leaves the skin fresh and comfortable and I find it isn't too harsh for winter use.

Origins Clear Improvements mask £22.00 for 100ml

I always think a good face mask is essential. I find clear imporvements does a good job of bringing all the grime to the surface, declogging pores and helping to promote a clear, fresher complexion . I've found that I have recently been reaching for this more frequently after a run in with a foundation that has left my face a complete mess and it definitely helps calm any angry blemishes and makes my skin feel so much less grimy.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night repair II £48.00

I did a first impressions post of this not so long ago and I'm still really enjoying the effects. I've been alternating between this and the ESPA serum and together they're doing a great job. I feel like Advanced Night Repair  makes my skin feel so much more balanced and just generally nicer plus it seems to have really helped with the redness around my nose.