My Skincare Favourites from 2018

Happy New Year!

One of my goals for 2019 is to try and post more on here - I love the creative outlet that writing gives me, and discussing beauty is one of my favourite things to do.

So, I thought I'd kick off with a big round up of all of my skincare favourites from 2018. I forced myself to be as selective as possible and limit myself to only a maximum of a few items per category. These are all products that I have tried and tested, and have worked really well for me over the past twelve months.

Cleansers

Lait U from Biologique Recherche 

A simple and gentle milk, this is my favourite for cleansing in the morning. It always leaves my skin feeling soft and calm, and I love that I can take it over my eyes without any risk of stinging or irritation.

The After Show Treatment Cleanser from Jordan Samuel Skin

The ultimate cleansing multitasker! This gel to oil cleanser demolishes SPF and makeup, works brilliantly as a morning or second evening cleanse, and I also enjoy using it as a mask. I slather a thick layer all over my face before I wash my hair to protect my skin from the hot water. Jordan has recently released a version for sensitive skin that I'm really liking too - it's missing the lovely smell of the original, but is still just as effective.

Acid exfoliators

Lotions P50 PIGM 400 and P50W from Biologique Recherche 

P50 is notorious for being a cult favourite amongst skincare lovers! I started off 2018 using the PIGM 400 designed to tackle pigmentation, and then switched back to the more gentle P50W. As I suffer from PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) after any breakouts, I mistakenly thought the PIGM 400 would be the one for me. Turns out that it's actually best for age or sun-related pigmentation, so when I finished my bottle I invested in the large size of the P50W. My skin can tolerate it once a day, but I tend to use it every other evening. The arnica and other soothing ingredients mean that my sensitive skin still gets the exfoliating and brightening benefits without any irritation.

Masks

Vitamin C Paste from LIXIRSKIN

I like to use this Vitamin C mask in the mornings - after cleansing, I massage a dollop into my skin and leave it on for at least five minutes. I get better effects if I use it for longer (at least fifteen minutes at a time before rinsing off) and more consistently though, so I prefer to have this a dedicated morning treatment for a week at a time. This way it really helps with reducing blemishes, pigmentation and dullness.

Masque Vivant from Biologique Recherche 

Referred to by some as the 'chocolate' or 'Marmite' mask due to its smell and consistency, to me Vivant has always been the 'poo' mask! The fermented yeast helps this to be really purifying and clarifying, but when I first started using it I could barely tolerate it on my face for five minutes because it smelled so awful. One year later I don't even notice the scent, so I guess that's progress!! I tend to use Vivant when my skin is particularly congested as it works wonders for me.

Mist

Serozinc from La Roche Posay

A pretty basic soothing mist - the zinc sulphate seems to leave my skin calmer, but I mostly use it for sandwiching in some extra moisture between steps of my skincare routine and I find that certain products are absorbed better by skin that is damp from a spritz of Serozinc. 

Eye cream

Crème Contour des Yeux VIP 02 from Biologique Recherche 

It may be a polarising opinion, but I'm not a huge fan of eye creams or serums. I'm aware that my main issue, dark undereye circles, is more due to genetics, any poor sleep habits, and my pale skin making them more obvious. That being said, anything that can help is always a bonus! So far my favourite eye cream is this one from Biologique Recherche - I've gone through about three or four of the 4ml sample sizes so far as they last for ages. I think that it does work well enough at hydrating and reducing darkness for me to buy the full size in the future, but there's another couple of the mini tubes that I have to get through before worrying about that!  

Serums and treatments

Complèxe Iribiol from Biologique Recherche 

This serum is hands down the best spot treatment that I've ever tried. I dab a drop or two on any blemishes and the effects are amazing. Any acne that's surfaced is brought down within 24 hours, and it also works really well at stopping spots from coming to a head. It's not something that I typically use every day, but it is so good to have in my skincare arsenal for when the need arises!

Sérum Placenta from Biologique Recherche 

I know that the thought of placental proteins in skincare is not the most pleasant, but this stuff really works! Like most BR products, it smells kind of weird, but you get used to it. What this serum really excels at is healing, whether it be blemishes, scars or pigmentation. Used in combination with the Complèxe Iribiol, I can really credit this product with helping to manage my acne. I still get hormonal breakouts on occasion, but this expedites the healing process so much (for me at least!).

Skin Transforming Multi-Correction Treatment from Paula's Choice 

Relatively new to me in comparison to most of this list, this azelaic acid cream is something that I have been trying out over the autumn and winter. I am so impressed with the effects that it has had on fine lines (my forehead) and lightening pigmentation! The only issue that I've had is with congestion from the dimethicone in the ingredients, although I'd love to find another silicone-free product with azelaic acid that gives a similar results.

Hydrate Facial Serum from Jordan Samuel Skin

One of the best things I ever did for my skin was to make sure that I use a hydrating serum twice a day, every day. I've always suffered from dryness and dehydration, and this keeps that at bay. The extra hydration also minimises any exacerbation of my acne from dry and flaky skin. Hydrate is my favourite and I've gone through many, many bottles over the years! I have an in depth review here.

Pure Hyaluronic Serum from Pestle & Mortar

When I ran out of my JSS serum a few months ago, I needed to find an alternative until I could restock. This hyaluronic acid serum from Irish brand Pestle & Mortar is the best that I found! The texture is lovely and the hydrating effects are great. Definitely one that I'd recommend!

Moisturisers

Crème Dermopurifiante from Biologique Recherche 

As the name suggests, this cream is great at purifying skin. I reach for this whenever I have active acne as it works brilliantly to calm inflammation, bring down spots and also helps to reduce the appearance of pores in my T zone. Smells kind of like bread, which is strange, but it does the job when hormonal acne strikes.

Crème Placenta from Biologique Recherche 

Similar to the serum version that I wrote about earlier, this moisturiser is all about healing. It's soothing, repairing and strengthening, all things that my skin needs post-breakouts! I recently finished my jar of both this and Dermopurifiante and am still using the samples I have left, but would definitely repurchase this (possibly soon!).

Cicalfate from Avène

My go to for barrier repair - if I have any flakiness or irritation (especially a flare up of perioral dermatitis) then a thick layer of Cicalfate goes on the affected area. I'll always have a tube of this or La Roche Posay's Cicaplast on hand in case I need it.

Crème Masque Vernix from Biologique Recherche 

The most expensive skincare product that I've ever tried, but good Lord do I love it. I invested in the full 50ml size last winter and adored how incredibly nourishing it was - kind of like a gorgeous cashmere blanket for your skin. Then I wasn't reaching for it much in the summer and was worried that I wouldn't get through the entire jar before the expiry date, so I was silly and sold it on. Should have kept it because I used up all the samples I had left when my skin was craving that nourishment over the past few months! I really do miss this, but I wish that it came in a 25 or 30ml size instead so that it was both more affordable and manageable. I'll be over the moon if I manage to get my hands on more sample tubes though!

Sunscreen

Anthelios XL Ultra Light Fluid SPF 50 from La Roche Posay

Having spent most of 2018 living in Spain and then Italy, wearing a high SPF daily was even more of a necessity. I tried over half a dozen different sunscreens to try and find the best one for me, and this one was the winner. It layers well over my other skincare and never pills or rolls under makeup. It can sometimes have a slight white cast which isn't an issue for my extremely pale skin, but they also have a tinted version that might be better if you have a deeper skintone.

Lip balms

Baume de Rose Lip Care from By Terry

My favourite lip balm! I find this too thick to wear during the day, so I tend to apply it as a treatment overnight when it alleviates any dryness or chapped lips. Love!

101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm from Lanolips

I don't think I'll ever come close to using this in the 101 ways that it claims, but it is great for hydrating lips and soothing any eczema or burns (damn GHDs!). I always keep this in my handbag for emergencies.

So there we go - mini reviews of my twenty favourite skincare products from 2018!

I'm planning a makeup version too, but it definitely won't be quite as extensive as this one...

What were your skincare favourites from the past twelve months? I'd love to know!

Black Friday Haul: Biologique Recherche

I only ended up placing two orders during all of the Black Friday craziness this year, and took the opportunity to add some more Biologique Recherche to my skincare stash!

I restocked my ultimate (and currently only) acid exfoliator, Lotion P50 PIGM 400, and then picked up a cleanser and two masks that had been on my wishlist for a while.

I'll be writing detailed reviews soon, but though I'd share my haul and the ingredients/prices here first.

If you have any favourites from Biologique Recherche then please let me know!

Gracie xxx

Lait VIP O2

50ml - €21.55 

 150ml - €49.31
250ml - €74.18

Masque VIP O2 

100ml - €102.56

Masque Vivant

100ml - €48.73/£55

 Lotion P50 PIGM 400

50ml - €33.70 

 150ml - €62.48/£62
250ml - €95.37

Review: Jordan Samuel Skin Hydrate Facial Serum

What is it?

A hyaluronic acid serum in an aloe base with added vitamin C!

What the brand says...

Just as water keeps dancers muscles in perfect working order, Hydrate serum will bathe your thirsty cells in humectants and soothing botanicals to keep your skin working in the same way!

Hyaluronic acid, stabilized Vitamin C, and hexapeptides combine with cucumber, tamarind, and passion flower extracts to give you healthy, dewy skin all day long. 

AM/PM: Apply 3-5 drops to freshly cleansed skin to hydrate thirsty cells. Also suitable for the delicate eye area. Dab a small amount around eyes to hydrate and refresh.

Ingredients

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice *Organic, Vegetable Glycerin *Organic, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Xanthan gum, Gluconolactone, Tamarindus Indica (Tamarind) Fruit Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Passiflora Incarnata (Passion flower) Extract, Acetyl Hexapeptide-51 Amide, Sodium Benzoate, Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract *Organic

How I use it

I use Hydrate twice a day, in both the morning and the evening. I layer it over a dedicated vitamin C or brightening serum in the morning, and apply it after or mix it with a retinol serum in the evening. Since my skin tends towards the dry and dehydrated side I use more than the recommended 3-5 drops (about 6 or 7 probably!), and this does a fantastic job at keeping my skin happy and hydrated. The addition of vitamin C also gives it an extra brightening boost and I always take it around my eyes too (this is probably why I forget to use dedicated eye products!).

My thoughts

I love this serum. As in it's in my top 3 skincare products of all time! I've been using Hydrate consistently since April and I could not be without it now. Since moving to Spain I upped my usage to twice a day to cope with the heat and constant air conditioning, and Hydrate has risen to the challenge admirably! My skin is never dry or flaky now, despite using nightly retinol, and I credit this entirely to Hydrate. 

Even if your skin is on the normal or dehydrated side, I would suggest that you try this - everyone can have more hydrated skin, and it also helps to 'plump' out any fine lines if that's a concern. If you've not tried it then I suggest you seriously consider it, and if you are a Hydrate user then I can safely assume that you love it too!

I met Jordan himself in London in April too, and he really is the most lovely person! Supporting small independent brands is so important, and he more than deserves his success. Special mention goes to his Youtube channel - Jordan's videos are so informative and fun!

Price and where to find it

You can only buy Jordan Samuel Skin products directly from jordansamuelskin.com. Jordan is direct to consumer only, which keeps his prices extremely affordable. 

Hydrate Facial Serum is $29 for 30ml or $72 for 120ml.

Have you tried Hydrate? Please let me know your thoughts!

Gracie xxx

Monthly Favourites: November 2017

Keeping it simple for my first post on the new blog and doing a quick skincare favourites post for the month of November! 

There are lots of other products I could have included, but I've kept it down to six in particular that I really enjoyed using last month. I'll be posting a lot of individual reviews soon too, so keep an eye out if you want more information about a specific product!

First up is Avène Eau Thermale. A simple thermal water mist, this is something that I've really been reaching for recently. 

It's soothing and hydrating, and I like to spray it before applying serums or moisturisers to dampen my skin. I find that this helps the following products to sink in easier and more quickly. 

I've also used it to help with cleansing on days that I've needed to stay away from manual exfoliation using a washcloth - just apply your regular cleanser, spritz this onto a cotton pad or square, and use it to remove the cleanser from your skin. 

It comes in three sizes (50ml £4.50, 150ml £8.50, and 300ml £13) and all are 3 for 2 at Boots at the moment!

I've been using the Resist 1% Retinol Booster from Paula's Choice every night for the past 22 days and I love it! It's gentle enough for my sensitive skin but has great results too, especially on fading any pigmentation and tackling the few fine lines I have on my forehead.

It's £47 for 15ml at Look Fantastic here, but you can get an extra 20% off if you use the code SKINCARE20 (I'll be ordering a couple!).

Next is my favourite acid toner: Biologique Recherche's Lotion P50 PIGM 400. The original variations of P50 have achieved cult status in the skincare world, and this newest iteration is designed to specifically target pigmentation issues.

I've used up two 50ml bottles and am almost done with my current 150ml, which I repurchased this week. As someone who struggles with acne, congestion, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), this is one of the best products that I've tried.

I normally use it once a week, but recently increased to every two or three days. This has really helped to fade my PIH, clear congestion on my forehead and nose, and stop any new breakouts in their tracks.

It's trickier to get hold of than other brands, but there are a few Biologique Recherche stockists here in Spain. I bought my newest bottle from Cosmeticos Eficaces and it's €33.70 for 50ml, €62.48 for 150ml, or €95.37 for 250ml.

If you follow me on Instagram (@graciefleurs), then it will be no surprise to see Jordan Samuel Skin's Hydrate Facial Serum on this list! I even picked it as my product of the year in a recent skincare challenge.

I'll be doing a more detailed review of this serum soon, but it really is like a drink of water for the skin. I use it twice a day to ward off dryness and dehydration brought on by constant air conditioning and the Spanish heat and will never be without it!

Excitingly, Jordan released the giant size of this serum today! The 30ml is $29, and this new 120ml bottle is $72. I'll be ordering two on Monday, it works out as 4 times the size for 2.48 times the price, so great value.

I picked up this 2ml sample of the Ferulic and Retinol Triple Correction Eye Serum (long name!) from Dr Dennis Gross when I placed a Cult Beauty order a whole back. It's a generous sample at almost 1/7 of the full size, and I've been using it a lot during the last week.

I never remember to use a dedicated eye product because I have pretty much given up on fixing my dark under eye circles without the use of concealer, but this is great!

Of course, now I try to find a link I can't find it in stock anywhere in the UK,  but if you're in the states you can get it from Sephora for $68 for 15ml.

Finally, we have my favourite SPF! It's so important to wear sun protection every day, not only to prevent skin cancer, but to stave off premature skin damage and ageing. I'll admit that I usually used a foundation with SPF rather than a dedicated sunscreen when I was living in the UK - as a teacher I'd get to school in the morning when it was dark, stay in a classroom with drawn blinds, and then leave when the sun had set once again! And then before that I was in med school, so it was the same situation but with hospitals and wards.

Now I'm living in the south of Spain however, a daily SPF is a necessity. The Redness Relief SPF 30 Mineral Moisturiser from Paula's Choice is the best one I've tried. I love how it doubles as an excellent moisturiser for my dry and sensitive skin, and my extremely pale face has stayed the same despite days out in the sun or even at the beach!

Same as the Retinol Booster I mentioned earlier on, you can get an extra 20% off this at Look Fantastic with the code SKINCARE20. It's normally £28 for 60ml and I use the one for dry skin, but they make a version for oily skin too.

So, that was much longer than I had planned, but I do have a tendency to ramble on! I hope you've enjoyed this first post of mine, and please do let me know if you have tried any of these or have any other favourite skincare products at the moment!

Gracie xxx