I had several revelations this year when it came to skincare. I have always taken decent care of my skin, but this was the year I really researched and found the products that worked for my dry/dehydrated skin better than any others. Take a look at what made my top list of skin and hair products for 2013...
Starting from cleansed skin, a swipe of Clarins Gentle Exfoliant Brightening Toner at night was a God send to me this year. It made my blackheads take a hike and cleared up a nasty allergic reaction that left my skin rough and itchy practically overnight. I follow with Indeed Labs Hydraluron, which has become the serum to beat all serums for me. It's the glue that lets my moisturizer really sink in, and coming in under $25 makes me a happy bunny. I'll thank the amazing Caroline Hirons again and again after discovering these both on her blog.
At least once a week I treat my skin with Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask, which leaves my skin super supple and glowing the next morning. It's the only hydrating mask I have found that significantly makes a difference after a single use. Go get it!
Bath and body wise there were two products I fell in love with in 2013. Clinique's Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream has topped my list of best scrub ever. Seriously, it doesn't smell amazing, but it sticks to slippery wet skin like no other scrub and doesn't leave an oily residue on my skin or the tub. It's become essential prep for my next favourite, which is St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse. I honestly didn't want to believe this hype on this one, cause it is pricey, but after trying it out and seeing how natural, quick to use and long lasting it is, I was sold. It is one of the best tanners I have used colour wise, and doesn't fade in a nasty scaly pattern (hello Xen Tan, talking to you!) and dries that fast. Just don't use it on your face, I repeat, not for the face ladies!
On the facial front, Illamasqua hit the ball out of the park with their Hydra Veil - nothing keeps my makeup on longer, looking fresher or smoother longer. My skin instantly feels balanced when I use it and even foundations I previously didn't love have won me over after using on top of this. As I mentioned in my post, this is one to tell your friends about people! To take it all off (my makeup that is!) I reached for Vichy Purete Thermale Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover over and over. It removes waterproof mascara and liner the fastest of any remover I've used, and hasn't left me with milia or lash loss like other WP eye makeup removers have been known to do. In the mornings I grab Vichy's Purete Micellaire Solution, which doesn't leave my skin tight like some other cleansing waters and makes cleaning up eye makeup boo boo's a snap.
On the hair front, two of the products I grabbed for the most are carry over loves from 2012, and that is the Living Proof Prime Style Extender which keeps my hair looking fresher longer and preps it for other products better, and good old Moroccan Oil Light. Some people love it, some hate it but it works for me. Maybe 2014 will be the year I try a new hair oil... recs anyone? My new hair discovery for 2013 was the Tangle Teezer - much hyped and I can see why, it has totally replaced my paddle brush!
What were your skin and hair favourites for 2013? Have you tried any of the products mentioned?
