Repeat purchases: Good Things skincare

 

I find skincare confusing. I read lots of blogs that seem to just recommend throwing money at creams but my skin is so tempemental that sometimes, no matter how well recommended, they just don’t suit me and it goes to waste.

I read about Good Things in the Sali Hughes’ column for the Guardian. I’d always dismissed this brand thinking it was aimed at teenagers; so was interested to read about their facial oil. A trip to Boots later and I was stocked up. I tried the Argan Oil Moisture Boost Facial Serum, Argan Oil Perfecting Facial Oil, Argan Oil Time Rewind Day Cream and the Manuka Honey Daily Moisturiser and… I really like them. They don’t make any big scientific claims but my skin looks nicer after using them. They smell nice which makes using them a pleasure – and I find that’s its more about a consistant routine with my skin rather than wonder products.

I’ve just repurchased the oil and serum and the argan oil day cream. This feels more moisturising than the honey version on my sometimes dry skin. I use the serum followed by the oil at night and the serum and day cream under my make up. It soaks in quickly and isn’t greasy.

These tend to be on offer quite often at Boots but even at full price I think most of the range is under £10 which seems pretty unheard of at the moment.

Definitely worth a look.

Not sponsored just my own opinion!

There is still time! 10 Christmas beauty tips

Despite the fact Christmas starts in September now days I still lose track of time. With two weeks to go I’ve accepted I’m not going to lose half a stone or get my arms nicely toned but here are ten things you can do, that will make a difference by the time the big days comes round.

1. Get your eyebrows done professionally. I know I said this was for time starved folk and here I am suggesting a trip to the beauticians! Eyebrows take less than 10 minutes to thread or wax – you can do this in your lunch hour. Its also fairly cheap at £5 – 10 depending on the salon. The results are instant. You look younger, your make up goes on better and you look better in photos.

2. Stick to your skincare routine. No matter if you spend £5 or £55 on skincare, if you don’t use it, it won’t work. My skin has a tendency to break out after too much rich food, wine and late nights but sticking to my normal routine and making sure that I always take my make up off before bed helps.

3. Use up your products. You know the ones. The ones in the drawer being saved for ‘a special occasion’. Now is that special occasion! Use up those scrubs and slather on the body lotion! Its amazing what a bit of extra attention can do for your skin! and it will make space for all those new sets you’ll get for Christmas

4. Buy a whitening toothpaste. This is a fairly cheap and cheerful fix but consider upgrading your normal toothpaste for a whitening version. White teeth look younger and will boost your confidence in photos.

5. Make time to de-stress. Take a bath. Use up that bubble bath! Half an hour under the bubbles will recharge you after all that shopping and if you listen to serial at the same time it will update your small talk at the parties! I’d also use this time to leave my hair conditioner on for a little longer for a deep conditioning treat.

6. Paint your nails. Such a small thing but can make such a big difference. Choose your favourite colour it only talks half and hour. Beautifully bold nails can lift even a basic outfit of jeans and a t-shirt into something special.

7. Eat your veggies. This should be ‘just look after yourself’. Running around shopping, late nights, work deadlines and family drama can stress you out and make you susceptible to colds – and no one looks good with a red nose! Eat some simple home-cooked food, plenty of fruit and stay hydrated.

8. Lip balm. Don’t leave home without it! Cracked, chapped lips are not a good base for your new red lippy.

9. Fake tan.  Remember that bottle of gradual tanner from the summer? Finish it off and add a little warmth to your skin. A hint of colour will make baring your arms and legs a little easier and help you look healthy in photos.

10. Sleep. Every night. Try and maintain your usual bedtime and get 7 – 9 hours a night. Hard during party season but try to give yourself a few nights of quality sleep every week.