BEAUTY
NATURALLY DERIVED PRODUCTS TRIED AND TESTED
By Hayley Leaver, 1 September 2018
Summer is often the time when good intentions go to waste. Lighter evenings lead to impromptu pub garden stops, and holidays can make healthy eating seem like a distant memory. But if there’s one place you can exude some damage limitation as autumn arrives, it’s your skincare routine.
I like my cleansers to pack a punch. I’m not really a soft, soapy suds type. I like a hardcore formula that strips away the day’s dirt – and this is just that. Having recently kicked my face-wipe habit, this was a refreshing find full of naturally derived ingredients that looked like they unearthed a week’s worth of grime when applied with a cotton pad. Scary, considering I didn’t remember leaving the house much. It’s a little on the harsh side though, so make sure to avoid the eye area.
Formula 10.0.06 So Totally Clean – Deep Pore Cleanser, £7.50
For the sake of transparency, I have to confess that I can be a little lazy when it comes to my skincare routine (hence the serious face-wipe habit), and it’s often the toner step that gets missed. With this lightweight lavender offering, Sanoflore is doing a convincing job of changing that. Not only has the botanical-loving brand managed to bottle that spa smell, this is kind enough to your skin to follow even the harshest cleanser and can be used in the morning and evening. It also doubles up as a pillow mist, so there’s not much not to love.
Sanoflore Organic Lavender Floral Water Purifying Toner Mist, £16
With five Origins bestsellers to choose from, you can expect big things from this travel kit – there’s a reason that its charcoal-based mask, mega-mushroom lotion and frothy face wash are as sought-after as they are. What they lack in size, these miniatures make up for in results. If you’re after a one-size-fits-all approach, which you’ll have figured I’m all about, this is it. Packed with active ingredients and natural ingredients sourced from sustainable resources, they’re great for perking up your complexion whether you’re on holiday or in your bathroom.
The best way to describe this product: espresso meets Studio 54. It doesn’t take much to encourage me to ‘follow the call of the disco ball’. Those at the last ASOS party can vouch for that. Behind this scrub’s suggestive packaging is a coffee-scented exfoliator (side note: if you’re not a fan of a latte, you might not want to smell like one) with just enough shimmer to catch the light but not make you look like you fell head-first into a pot of glitter. If the latter is the look you’re going for, you’ll need to apply it liberally for more impact. A patch test is recommended before use too, especially if you’ve got sensitive skin.
With the never-ending heatwave and a few holidays under my belt this summer, I’ve managed to get a bit of a tan. Autumn’s arrival has got me considering any means necessary to keep hold of it though. Fortunately, this self-tanning bronzer is an easy fix. Dust on its lightweight formula with the accompanying super-soft kabuki brush after you’ve applied your foundation or moisturiser and wait for the ‘have you been on holiday again?’ remarks. Its super-fine powder means you don’t have to concern yourself with streaks and I also found the colour lasted the entire week.
Vita Liberata Trystal Mineral Self Tanning Bronzing Minerals, £35
If, like me, you’re more likely to be reading conspiracy theories at 3am than getting your recommended eight hours, you’ll want to spritz this citrusy mist and blend of essential oils on your pillow. I also sprayed some on my arms to help me drift off – and because it just smells so damn good, thanks to its mix of melissa and lemon myrtle. It’s also a refreshing change to the usual lavender-based sleep inducers.
With the above likely to cause you to face-plant into your pillow, you’ll be pleased to know that, when massaged into your face and neck in the morning, this moisturiser helps to reduce the appearance of unwanted creases. The moisturising formula kept my skin hydrated throughout the day and its smoothing hyaluronic-acid-rich formula gave me an overall smoother complexion, too.
