Festive Skincare Saviours

 

Tis the season of joy, goodwill, good food and parties. Christmas parties, family parties, New Years Eve parties, December is the month that is filled with many a social event. And whilst it's fun and games, we all sometimes let our routines slip and it soon shows on our skin. So today I've rounded up a handful of products that will love and look after your skin throughout the festive period, without adding extra steps or extra time into your routine.

Okay so it's an obvious that there will be times during the month when you don't want to spend ten minutes stood in front of a sink meticulously taking off your make up. Wipes are the easy option for a quick make up removal but I personally can't stand how wipes make my face feel afterwards. Which where this first product comes into play. The B Stubborn Make Up Remover is the perfect no rinse make up remover that isn't going to dry our or irritate skin like a wipe would. It's bio phase formula breaks down even the toughest of make up and leaves skin feeling clean yet still soft and not stripped of it's natural oils. It works wonders on lipstick, mascara and foundation, leaving no trace behind. If wipes are your thing then you do you boo but if you're not a massive fan of wipes and want something to break down make up whilst still looking after your skin then I'd highly recommend this or something extremely similar.

If you can find the time and energy to stand in front of the sink, first of all I commend you and secondly, I suggest trying a nourishing balm or cream based cleanser. They're thicker in consistency and work better at nourishing the skin whilst simultaneously removing make up and any dirt that's built up throughout the day. My all time favourite cleansing balm has to be the Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm. It's thick, it easily breaks down make up but it also nourishes and leaves skin feeling super soft. Clinique's Take The Day Off Balm and Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish are also brilliant products that work in a similar way to the Emma Hardie but cost a fraction of the price. Things such as central heating, cold weather, alcohol and too much junk food can play havoc with the skin, something these products won't be able to reverse but will be able to diminish any effect it can all have on your skin.

If you've had one too many late nights this festive season, then under eye patches are going to be your best friend. These little miracle workers will help depuff, soothe and awaken tired eyes. There are so many different variations on the market but my absolutle favourites come from Skyn Iceland. They're a material/hydra gel mixture that work to soothe and depuff the under eye area. These are naturally cold when you first apply them but can also be placed in the fridget to make them even cooler. Their cooling properties help to reduce any puffiness that lack of sleep, late nights or too much processed sugar can cause. They may not do a lot to help with your dark circles but will create a smoother, hydrated canvas for the ton of concealer you may need afterwards. I always stock up at the beginning of December so I have enough to see me through any work parties, late nights wrapping and nights out with the girls.

Are the late nights catching up with you? Does your skin not look it's greatest? Don't worry my last skincare saviour will help get your skin into tip top condition once again. If you're like me and you enjoy taking your time getting ready for a night out, I highly recommend taking fifteen minutes out fo your dance party to apply a sheet mask. Sheet masks are the only kind of mask you'll need throughout the festive period. Usually made of a hydro gel or fabric combination, sheet masks give skin a quick pick me up without the need for washing off or interrupting your busy schedule. They can easily be worn as you do tasks around the house and don't require any extra steps after removal. My favourites are both from Garnier. Their De-Tiring Lavender Infused Moisture Bomb Sheet Mask and the Fresh Mix Replumping Sheet Mask are little skin wonders and have really helped my skin when I've needed something to make it look presentable. The De-Tiring mask helps to reduce the signs of fatigue whilst delivering a week's worth of hydration to skin which is slowly released over a period of time once you've removed the mask. It's perfect if your skin is looking a little dull after one too many late nights and it's lavender scent is also perfect to help you unwind after a long day. And their Fresh Mix Mask is a DIY mask in which you fold together and squeeze the essence up into a dry sheet mask, ensuring that it's as fresh as it can be when you apply it to your skin. This delivers the same amount of hydration as a 30ml bottle of serum and really works to hydrate and replump the skin whilst only taking up fifteen minutes of your day. I have these backstocked so I don't run out during the festive period as from the way I'm going, my skin's gonna need a lot of TLC this festive period.

Festive Skin Saviours

It's the most wonderful time of the year. It truly is, Christmas is fast approaching which means food, presents and time well spent with the family. It also means Christmas parties and the occasional late night. However your skin might not think it's that wonderful and may need an extra boost to stay at it's best. So today I thought I'd share with you my top skincare picks that'll keep you going through the festive period.

Cleanse 
Cleansing your skin is the most important step, especially during these busier months. It'll not only get rid of your make up or daily dirt but it'll also cleanse away any bacteria that could cause irritation or breakouts or blemishes. Emma Hardie's Moringa Cleansing Balm is very luxurious in feel but helps dissolve all signs of make up. It's balm to oil formula nourishes the skin and leaves it feeling supple and soft. It's pricey but the way it'll leave your skin feeling is well worth it. A more budget friendly option comes from Neutrogena. Their Hydro Boost Cleanser is a gel based cleanser that contains Hyaluronic Acid. It breaks down all make up and washes it away whilst locking in moisture and creating a base to retain any hydrating moisturisers or serums that are applied over top.

If you don't have time to use a wash off cleanse then this B Stubborn Make Up Remover is perfect. The bio phase product can be used with a cotton pad to remove all signs of make up, including waterproof mascara. It's not perfect for continuous use but if you want your make up off quick after a long night out with the girls then this is for you. Even though it has oil in it's formula it doesn't leave the skin feeling greasy or tacky. And it's suitable for sensitive skin so it won't cause any breakouts.

Toning/ Facial Mists
Cleansing aside, toning is another quick solution to giving your skin a pick me up. They can come in many forms including spray form. The B Beauty Hyaluronic Acid Facial Spritz is a perfect mixture of toning and hydrating. It's also multi use so can be used over the top of make up or to set it into place. The same stands with the Liz Earle Skin Tonic Spritzer. Containing skin soothing ingredients, this spray hydrates, tones and soothes skin as well as setting make up into place or adding as a refresher.

However if sprays weren't for you then this B Beauty Essence Lotion might be. A bit like an aftershave splash this essence can be used after cleansing to soothe and tone the skin. It's perfect for soothing skin if it's slightly irritated or sensitive at this time of the year. Or maybe try the Nip And Fab Toning Pads. These pre soaked pads containing Witch Hazel and Bee Venom to tone and plump the skin. They also leave it feeling revitalised and refreshed without being too harsh or stripping. All of these toning products are perfect if your skin needs a bit of refresh before you apply your serum or moisturiser.

Serums 
Serum wise I'd advise going for one that'll give skin a moisture boost whilst simultaneously retaining moisture afterwards. The Olay Instant Hydration serum not only boosts skin's hydration levels but also smooths out the skin and creates the perfect base for make up. It's a lightweight serum that can be used both before or after make up and it'll give the same results each time. Another good budget option is the Garnier Moisture Bomb Day Serum. It contains Pomergranate Extract and Hyaluronic Acid to retain and hydrate the skin throughout the day. It's not best for people with oilier skins but if you have normal/dry or dehydrated skin then this perfect for you. It's not the same consistency as the Olay serum but it will still create a smooth base for make up.

Moisturisers 
There's only two moisturisers I'm personally gravitating towards this season and they both come from Garnier. Both come from their Miracle Cream range and definitely skin saviours. The Miracle Wake Me Up Cream is thick for a day cream but ever so hydrating and awakening. It contains Hyaluronic Acid for moisture, Retinol for anti-ageing and a rice extract to help it absorb into the skin. Once you've applied this to your skin, it'll instantaneously feel more awake and refreshed and supple to the touch. It's not that good for under make up but as a skin pick me up after make up it's perfect.

And the Miracle Sleeping Cream is the perfect night cream if you've had a late night and want to look wide awake the next day. Also containing Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Oil and Lavender Oil, this jelly like cream works overnight to help reduce the look of fatigue whilst keeping skin's moisture levels up so it looks plump and hydrated when you wake up. It's suitable for all skin types and can be used on top of any serum or facial oil if they're a part of your routine.

Face Masks
These face masks are for when you have a bit more time and are what I like to consider more of hardcore mask. They're the ones who hydrate, detox or retexturise and give your skin that much needed pick me. There are three from Origins because once you've done one of their masks you'll see the results. The Original Skin mask is brilliant if you want to exfoliate your skin but don't want to use multiple products. It's also an alternative to using Glycolic Acid, both aim to break down dead skin cells and exfoliate them from the skin. Afterwards skin will feel so smooth you'll want to just stroke it. If moisture is something your skin needs their Drink Up Intensive Mask is brilliant. It's a leave on mask that will just sink into skin and quench it's thirst. It's not overly scented or harsh on the skin so it won't break you out but it will leave skin feeling plump, hydrated and ready for that Christmas Party.

That leaves the Origin Clear Improvement Mask. Now if you've had one too many mince pies or skin troubling foods this mask will sort you out. Containing Charcoal this works deep down in the pores to pull all the crap to the surface. You may get a spot once you've used this mask but afterwards your skin will feel and look so much better. Not one to use just before a party, maybe the day afterwards when your recovering. If the Origins mask is a little out of your budget then try the Loreal Pure Clay Detox Mask. It does the same job but at a fraction of the price.

Sheet Masks
If you don't have time for a standard face mask but still want to treat your skin this season a sheet mask is the way to go. They're quick and easy to use and give your skin everything a standard face mask would give you. The Garnier Moisture Bomb Tissue Mask is a perfect skin pick me up. The thin tissue masks sits snugly on the skin so it won't fall off and in thirty minutes you'll have plump, hydrated skin that's ready for make up and the day/night ahead. Boots also do their own brand version of a hydrating face mask but surprisingly it's more expensive than the Garnier.

Or if you and a group of friends are getting ready together the Face Inc Sheet Masks are brilliant. There are four in the range and each one helps with one skin concern. Plus they look exactly like they do on the packet with cute and quirky designs printed on the mask itself. Perfect for all those pre going out Snapchats with your favourite ladies.

Other Treatments
And if you're in need of a quick fix that doesn't come in a face mask form then these Nip and Fab Glycolic Fix Pads are definitely what you need. Containing 5% Glycolic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid these works to exfoliate and smooth the skin's surface whilst making sure it's not stripped of moisture. The results are instantaneous and are perfect for a quick fix before you apply your make up.

And if your eyes are the main issue then Superdrug doing a brilliant set of Hydro Gel Eye Patches. These thin gel patches fit snugly under the eye and work to cool and revitalise the skin. They depuff, refresh and help reduce the look of dark circles. If you've been stressed or tired then these are great to pop on while you do your hair or have a cuppa. Plus they don't move once in place so there's no worries about them falling off.