My Skincare Favourites

I have an unwavering love for skincare products that actually work and am always on the hunt for the cream of the proverbial beauty crop. I am forever devising lists of hero products and daily routines for friends that are tailored specifically to their skin and a number of them suggested I start publishing a monthly round-up of my skincare favourites. So here we go!

Full disclosure: I am not an aesthetician or a dermatologist (duh) and none of this is sponsored, I just really enjoy trying out all the new, fan-dangled skincare products on the market (where my budget allows) and have done so for a while! I also like to read about the science behind products and their active ingredients – I want to know what’s actually going onto my face thank you very much! I layer on serums and oils daily, using my face as a sort of never-ending “test-tube” for healthy, glowing skin.

Obviously, skincare is a very personal thing, and everyone’s skin reacts to products in different ways. My skin-issues might not be relevant to you and vice-versa. So just keep in mind the products I include in these monthly round-ups are what works for moi.

Also, it might be worth noting that prior to writing this article I was under the impression all of these products were 100% cruelty-free. Oh, how wrong I was. With a little bit of investigation, a few of these brands are still “tested on animals” by “third-party labs”. There’s a lot of confusing PR propaganda surrounding brands and their “cruelty-free” practices, so I’m not totally hating on myself for not cutting through the BS until now. The story is that none of these brands test on animals themselves but those who sell in certain countries (here’s looking at you, China) are required by law to provide samples of their products to third-party labs within said countries for testing before distribution. The problem with this is China’s regulations expressly stipulate skincare must be tested on animals before being sold within the country. So, while the companies don’t conduct tests themselves, per say, they are contributing to animal-testing in other countries. Make of that what you will. I for one may need to re-evaluate my branding choices in future…

Okay, glad we got that sorted! Without further ado, I give you my June Skincare Favourites.

A lot of “The Ordinary” products this month because I love the brand and what they stand for: affordable skincare with one or two active ingredients (stated clearly on the packaging) so you can mix and match with other creams/serums depending on the day and how your skin feels. If you haven’t heard of “The Ordinary” then you’ve been hiding under a rock for the past couple of years and this article will probably bore you to tears, apologies.

A few of “The Ordinary” products I’ve been loving this month:

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% in HA Spheres 2%
Retails: $9.80 AUD for 30mL
What it is:
Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid) = Antioxidant (keeps free radicals aka ageing at bay)
Also good for pigmentation and skin-damage as it is a brightening agent
Water, Alcohol, Silicone, Cruelty Free.
My Thoughts:
This is a bit of a weird one. Vitamin C is notoriously unstable (meaning, it oxidises quickly and then doesn’t do its job) so the peeps over at The Ordinary had the ingenious idea to create a powder-cream thingyyy to slather over your face at night. When it goes on, the texture is slightly grainy and to be honest, a little bit strange-feeling, so pressing it onto your skin rather than rubbing it is recommended. The whole point of the “suspension in powder” thing is to make the Vitamin C penetrate into the skin more effectively than other Vitamin C products based in oils or silicone. Tingles my skin more than other Vit C creams. Start slowly.
How To Use:
Use as last step of your skincare at night. If it tingles too much then put a “calming” cream or balm moisturiser/oil with Ceramide or Vitamin E over the top. When I put it on overnight I wake up with a glowing and visibly brighter face. It’s like an overnight facial. I use it about 2-3 times a week.

The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Toner 7%
Retails: $14.50 AUD for 240mL
What It Is:
Toning Agent to exfoliate skin without harsh rubbing or using those weird (not to mention completely unsustainable) beads that are shoved inside exfoliating cleansers (URGH). Exfoliating skin once or twice a week and removing dead skin cells is important to keep skin bright and to smooth out skin texture. Regular acid exfoliation also allows other serums etc to penetrate into the skin better.
Water, Alcohol, Silicone, Cruelty Free.
My thoughts:
I’ve recently graduated from the Pixi Glow Tonic (4% Glycolic Acid) to this higher dose AHA. Not going to lie, it tingles people, it tinglessss!! I can only use this in the morning a few times a week after I cleanse and before I put any other serums/oils on my face. I find that if I use AHA’s (salicylic, glycolic, lactic) everyday, my skin gets a lovely tomato tinge to it and becomes even more sensitive than it already is.
How To Use:
If you’ve got sensitive skin like me I’d advise you to use very sparingly on a cotton pad only a handful of times a week, in the morning after cleansing and before applying serums/oils.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc
Retails: $9.90 AUD for 30mL
What It Is:
Niacinamide is a fancy name for Vitamin B3, which aids in congestion and helps keep blemishes at bay. It also improves the skin’s barrier function, meaning it’ll lock in more moisture. Zinc is an anti-inflammatory so treats scars, acne and used to fight free-radicals.
Oil, Alcohol, Cruelty Silicone Free
My thoughts:
So freakin’ good for calming redness and for healing (and preventing) breakouts. I’ve got a few little purple acne scars around my jaw and ever since I started using this everyday they are fading! Absolute skin-savour, especially in winter.
How To Use:
Use a pea-sized amount and gentle press it into your skin after cleansing and before applying other serums/oils.

The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
Retails: $12.90 AUD for 30mL
What It is:
Hyaluronic acid is a natural substance found in the skin to keep it refreshed and happy. Loved for its incredible water retention properties which can bring plumpness to the skin.
Oil, Alcohol, Cruelty Silicone Free
My Thoughts:
I like this Hyaluronic Acid solution more than others because it’s extremely light and easy to layer and sandwich between serums and your moisturiser. One word for winter; Hydration! Hydration! Hydration! Okay that’s three words, but you catch my drift…
How To Use:
Use a pea-sized amount and press on your face after serums and before moisturiser/oils.

Speaking of Hydration…

Avène Hydrance Optimale Hydrating Serum
Retails: $51 AUD for 30mL
What It Is:
I think that’s fairly self-explanatory, BUT it comforts and protects the skin, restores the skin barrier with moisture lost from dehydration and smooths peripheral fine lines.
Oil, Silicone Free. Not cruelty-free (refer to Chinese regulations above).
My thoughts:
Okay so despite the above, I do love most things Avène because they are so gentle and so comforting and make my skin do a little happy dance when applied. What I particularly like about this product is that it is a hydrating serum and not heavy like an oil or cream. I get dehydrated skin very easily (especially in winter) but have an oily to combination complexion, and sometimes I don’t want to overload my skin with heaviness just to feel hydrated. So this serum is perfect.
How To Use: Apply a squirt all over face after your Hyaluronic Acid (if you use it) and before moisturiser/oils.

Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist
Retails: $49 AUD for 100mL
What It Does:
Rosewater calms and hydrates the skin.
All organic ingredients.
Silicone Free. Made in Australia. Not cruelty-free (refer to Chinese regulations above)
My Thoughts:
This spritz has been a mainstay in my skincare cupboard since I was in my early twenties. I absolutely love the smell of it! It’s refreshing and won’t dry your skin after applying, like some so-called “hydrating” sprays do.
How To Use:
Spritz throughout the day for a boost of hydration and freshness. Great at setting make up. Spritz after an Acid Tone to calm the skin.

La Roche-Posay Pigmentclar Eyes
Retails: $43.95 AUD for 15mL
My Thoughts: This eye cream has one of those epic metal dispensers that you can massage under the eye when applying. The feel is almost zen-like. I have the under-eye circles to end all other under-eye circles so I had high hopes for this cream! After a month of use, I can visibly see a reduction in eye puffiness after a month and my under-eye skin is more even and bright. Not sure about the dark circles, this is a work in progress. Will keep you posted!
Oil, Alcohol Free. Cruelty-Free.
How To Use: Squeeze a lady-bug sized dollop onto the metal application. Dot it under both eyes and then massage in circular motions around the eye.

Lonvitalite 24k Gold Collagen Eye Mask
Retails: $35 AUD for 6 pack
My Thoughts:
Oh My God. These golden-goodies are seriously amazing if you’re in a sleep-deprived state. I despise anything “tissue” or “sheet” on my face (because ultimately, the mask just tears or doesn’t feel very nurturing) so these gel-like under-eye beauties are the best. I keep mine in the fridge and to be honest, I don’t even care if the actives work or not (but there are some epic actives FYI) – they feel divine on my under-eye and I wish I had #allofthemonies so I could wear a pair every day.
Silicone and Alcohol Free. Cruelty Free.
How To Use:
Apply under the eye to a clean face. Leave for 15 minutes and not a minute more. Somebody once told me that if you leave sheet/gel masks on for too long they actually start to soak up the product and dry your skin out! The total opposite of what its meant to do! Thank me later.

 Sanoflore Essence Merveilleuse Anti-Ageing Regenerating Night-Oil
Retails: Approx. $90 AUD for 30mL (Avail in Europe and UK only)
What It Is:
A multitasker that helps regenerate the skin overnight. Plumps, smooths, boosts collagen, repairs and revitalises skin-cells. feels regenerated, smoothed and complexion invigorated.
My Thoughts: I bought this little jar of pure organic goodness from a Pharmacy in Paris earlier in the year and haven’t looked back. It’s my go to face oil for my Sunday arvo “Facial Massage and Netflix” (it’s a thing yo) and for when my skin is feeling fragile and doesn’t want anything acid-y or retinol-y coming within a metre of its dermis when I go to bed (read: at least a few times a week). It’s super light-weight and gives the most beautiful glow to my skin, while also doing all of those good things mentioned above.
Water, Silicone, Alcohol Free. Cruelty Free. Certified Organic.
How To Use: Squeeze a 10cent piece onto the inner palm of your hand and gently massage into your face using upward strokes and circles.

Avène Skin Recovery Cream
Retails: $31 AUD for 50mL
What It Is:
Cream for intolerant or sensitised skin. Has the active ingredient Parcerine which acts against irritation and calms the skin. Good skin barrier against outside pollutants.
Water, Oil, Silicone, Alcohol Free.
My Thoughts:
Will use over Vitamin C or Retinoids to help tame the tingling! Feels like a pillow enveloping my face. Extremely comforting and more heavy-duty than my Sanoflore oil.
How To Use:
Squeeze a 5 cent piece amount onto your hand and massage into face as the last step of your skincare routine before sunscreen.

NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum 2:1
Retails: $90 AUD for 15ml
What It Is:
So we are going to be a little skin-techy here. NIOD, the bigger sister brand to The Ordinary, best explains this little vial on their website. “Reduce visible signs of ageing and maintain a healthy complexion…This technologically advanced formula targets these concerns indirectly, meaning that instead of targeting specific concerns, this serum forms a foundation to respect and improve skin health overall.”
Oil, Silicone, Alcohol Free. Cruelty-Free.
My Thoughts:
Okay so basically, what the above means is that this serum keeps your skin in a state of “repair”, in a good way. As in, it tells your skin to be that ever-ready bunny that never switches off and makes the products you put on top of it do their job better. Don’t ask me how, I’m not a chemist, but the results speak for themselves. I love this thing. It’s like water, so absorbs into my skin quickly and is the perfect canvas for fighting general signs of ageing. Pity about the price tag!
How To Use:
The serum actually comes in two little amber vials, one with a patented collagen formula and the other with a copper-amino peptide formula (I’m speaking in lay man’s terms here). Just before your first use, you must mix the two which is kind of cool and I feel like a little bit of a chemist when I do this. Gimmicks aside, the reason they keep them separated in the packaging has something to do with keeping the copper-peptides fresh for as long as possible (read: less chance of oxidising). Press 6 drops on your face directly after cleansing, twice a day. Great if used in conjunction with Niocinamide. Don’t mix with Vitamin C as it makes it less effective.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm
Retails: $91 AUD for 105g
What It Does:
Takes the day off. Luxurious cleansing balm with rose and mimosa waxes infused with nourishing Elderberry and Optimega oils. Nourishes the skin’s lipid barrier and soothes it with hydration.
Water, Silicone, Alcohol Free. Cruelty Free.
My Thoughts:
I will not apologise for buying a cleanser so obscenely expensive! Not to be confused with the original “Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm” the “English Rose” addition is what actually makes this product so effortlessly decadent and lovely to use. The Elemis Pro-Collagen Rose Cleansing Balm does all of the good cleanser-ey things, aka takes off make-up and all of the nasties from the day, but it has the most beautiful aroma ever and feels so incredibly comforting on my skin during and after I’ve cleansed that I am positively hooked. Sorry not sorry. I’m certain there are other cleansers out there that do the same job as this one for way less $$$ but this Balm is so bloody intoxicating I just can’t quit it.
How To Use:
Scrape a 20 cent-sized clump onto your fingers and massage it thoroughly onto your face. Remove with warm water and flannel. Repeat.

Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Night Serum
Retails: $150 AUD for 60 pieces
What It Is:
Little pink capsules containing retinol, the proven wrinkle-smoother, and moisture-boosting ceramides. Formulated to help protect against dryness associated with retinol. Evens out skin texture and tone. Minimises the look of pores. Claims the serum is 70% more effective in these capsules as other serums because they are individually air-tight.
Contains Silicone. Water, Alcohol Free. Not cruelty-free (refer above re Chinese regulations).
My Thoughts:
There’s a few reasons why I like this Retinol more than others.
1. It’s ease of travel and use – I can pop a few of the capsules in my travel bag and not worry about spillage or oxidisation and the capsules make the amount of product you need to use a no-brainer.
2. The fact its combined with Ceramide – Retinol can cause irritation, inflammation and dry the skin out and ceramide does the exact opposite, so combining the two in one formula makes complete sense to me.
3. Contains a relatively low-dose of retinol and therefore doesn’t aggravate my sensitive skin! I don’t get nearly as much sensitivity from these capsules as I do with a lot of other Retinol creams/serums/oils etc. Which leads me to believe that maybe this serum isn’t 70% more effective than other Retinols (as they seem to claim) however this is the perfect amount for me (a beginner retinol user).
How To Use:
Take one capsule and glide evenly onto face and neck every other night as the last step in your beauty routine. If it tingles you can apply comforting moisturiser on top.
Note: Product contains Silicone, so if you don’t like Silicone in your products then this isn’t for you. I personally like the Silicone-y texture but to each their own.

~

SKA