Based on short survey on my Instagram stories, some of you wanted to know what my favourite skin care products are, so here they are. I have quite dry skin, not so dry that it flakes but dry enough that when I rinse my face with just water, my skin feels tight and slightly uncomfortable. My skin has been like that since I was a teenager, and it's the same now as I am creeping towards my 50s.
Thought I would share with you, which products that I have been using for years, this is not in collaboration with Lancome or any other brand, its just what I use and love.
1. Lancome Hydrazen
So this is my go to day moisturising and my ultimate hero product is Hydrazen moisturiser. Originally, they had two types one for 'normal skin' and one for 'dry skin', its use to say 'dry skin' on the packaging which helped me make sure that I had bought the correct one. I have tried the cream for 'normal skin' and it just doesn't work on my skin, as its not moisturising enough, however marketing gurus have decided to distinguish the two products by inserting the word 'Rich'. So to give its full name 'Lancôme Hydra Zen Rich Anti Stress Face Cream' is the one that what I use in the UK. The name may be vary in other regions in the world. I have been using it for about 15 years, if not longer.
What I love about it:
Fragrance - delicate fragrance that isn't overpowering.
Texture - its a light cream with a soft texture is easily absorbed. It hydrates and soothes the skin, leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth. You don't have to rub it in, nor does it sit on your skin like a mask. I have found that sometimes cheaper moisturisers apply a film on your face, that is more like a mask.
Moisturising - my skin generally feels quite dehydrated, but when I use this after cleansing it feels soothed and nourished.
2. Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate
What I love about it:
Fragrance - delicate fragrance that isn't overpowering.
Texture - its a light serum, that glides on easily, I apply one-two drops directly onto each of my cheeks (head tilted back slightly) and then blend with my fingertips. Given its not cheap, I don't place it in my palms and then rub over my face as most of the product is absorbed into your hands and not my face !!
Effects - my skin generally feels calmer, and prepped for moisturiser, its not heavy and easily absorbed. I have found that as I have got older, a serum helps my skin look more even and radiant. My hormone levels are fluctuating and this seems to help my skin look slightly more youthful.
I buy the 75ml bottle that retails for £100, its not cheap, lasts me about 7-9 months. I have been using this serum for the last 5 years, and helps with the application of makeup.
3. Lancôme Génifique Night Cream
This night cream, I tend to only use in autumn/winter months when my skin feels even more dry, I think that you need to listen to your skin and adapt your skin care regime with the seasons.
What I love about it:
Fragrance - delicate fragrance that isn't overpowering.
Texture - its a light cream, like Hydrazen day cream, glides on easily and sinks into my skin. It gives my skin that extra boost that it needs.
Effects - in the morning, my skin feels soft and hydrated, even on my cheeks.
4. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate limited-edition
Midnight Recovery Concentrate replenishes your skin skin as you sleep, helping our overnight recovery process, to reveal a rested appearance by morning. I do find that my skin looks better in the morning.
What I love about it:
Fragrance - aromatic fragrance that is refreshing
Texture - it's an oil, not a serum, so I think that the name concentrate is a bit misleading. I rub into my skin, and then wait 20 mins before applying a moisturiser, to let in absorb.
Effects - in the morning, my skin feels soft and hydrated, and restored.
5. Lancome HYDRA ZEN Jelly Mask
I discovered this recently, on a whim I added it to my online basket, and I am pleasantly surprised. Its a a hydrating jelly mask. I was pleasantly surprised as gels tend not to work on my dry skin, but this really did work, I am a convert.
What I love about it:
Fragrance - contains peony extract and smells of rose water
Texture - it's a light gel, apply a generous amount of mask on dry on clean cleansed skin, and leave overnight!!
Effects - my skin felt moisturised in the morning, you then rinse it off, and I found that it gave my skin a lasting moisture surge.
Thanks for reading!!