Christmas Gift Guide 2022: Liz Earle Purify & Refresh Skincare Edit review (exclusive to Boots)

 

Looking for a luxury & cruelty-free skincare gift that delivers some serious savings? Liz Earle's Purify & Refresh Skincare Edit is a bargain at just £34 (worth £85!), and with a saving of £51, you might want to treat yourself to one at the same time as doing your Christmas shopping. We won't tell anyone...

Exclusive to Boots, this six-piece gift set is one of the best value-for-money offerings that I've seen this year from a major retailer. Not only does it contain nearly everything that you need for a full skincare routine (it's only missing a moisturiser), but if you're a Liz Earle devotee, then you can save yourself some cash by purchasing this set and stocking up on your skincare faves.

So what's inside the Liz Earle Purify & Refresh Skincare Edit? Here's a handy overview.

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser & 2 Pure Cotton Cloths (full size)

The original hot cloth cleanser and still regarded as one of the best multi-purpose cleansers on the market, Cleanse & Polish is a thick and creamy number that removes all traces of daily dirt, impurities, and makeup including waterproof formulas and long-wearing foundations. I've used it on and off for many years and always like to have one in my skincare stash. 

Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic (full size) 

A brilliant alcohol-free toner, Instant Skin Tonic has a lovely gentle formula with extracts of Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Cucumber, Calendula and Vitamin E. It helps to soothe, hydrate, and brighten, so it's perfect for the colder winter months to keep your skin looking healthy and happy.

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator (travel size)

Use once or twice a week for smoother skin, the Gentle Face Exfoliator does what it says on the tube. I really like this for helping to unclog stubborn blackheads on my nose.

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion (travel size)

Typically, I personally only tend to use Eyebright during the summer when I have hay fever as it works so well at soothing my irritated eyes. However, it's also very useful for daily use to relieve tired eyes, particularly in the mornings if you have puffy eyes that need some TLC.

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Clay Mask (full size)

Completing this edit is a full-size Deep Cleansing Clay Mask which is fantastic for oily and combination skin types like mine (but not suitable for sensitive skin). Featuring natural ingredients such as Manuka Honey, Green Clay, Propolis, and Aloe Vera, this thick clay mask draws out impurities within minutes, leaving your complexion looking clearer after just one use.

As an extra bonus, there's a voucher where you can get 750 Advantage Card Points when you spend £40 on Liz Earle at Boots. This is the equivalent of £7.50!

Liz Earle Purify & Refresh Skincare Edit retails for £34 and is exclusive to Boots whilst stocks last

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The Best Cruelty Free Cleanser For Sensitive Skin: REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk review #WinterSkincare

 

Whether you find that your skin feels more sensitive during the Winter months, or if you simply live with sensitive skin all-year-round, REN's Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk is hands down the best cleanser I have tried (and I've tried a LOT!).

Sensitive skin is not fun, especially if you're a blogger or someone who absolutely loves skincare. Whenever my skin is suffering from an eczema or seborrheic dermatitis flare-up, I get the most insanely itchy red patches all over my face, neck, chest, arms - it can be everywhere. Along with the constant desire to want to scratch your skin off, there's a tight dryness that also occurs with it and this is certainly exacerbated in colder weather thanks to indoor central heating and cold dry air conditions outside.

Thankfully, there is always one cleanser that I turn to when my skin is throwing a tantrum and being difficult to treat; the amazing REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk.

Why REN's Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk Is The Best Cleanser For Sensitive Skin

I have used this cleanser on and off for around five years now and I always have one in my skincare stash. My sensitive skin is mainly triggered by seasonal changes, allergies, eczema, and seborrheic dermatitis and often my skin will be in a 'difficult' phase for anything from a week to three months at a time; it varies so much.

I love REN's Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk because it's ultra-gentle, yet still effective enough to thoroughly cleanse my skin and remove all traces of daily dirt and impurities. There are three key plant-based actives at play here; Seabuckthorn Berry Oil which is rich in Omega 7 and helps to soften the skin without overloading it with too much moisture. Secondly, there's Blackcurrant Seed Oil with high levels of natural Omega 3 that soothes away any redness and irritation, and thirdly, Fennel Seed Extract which adds another extra layer of protection for the skin's barrier against environmental aggressors such as pollution (a common trigger for sensitive skin). 

The creamy formula of the cleansing milk is just the right texture to easily rub into dry skin without dragging or pulling, and it rinses just as easily off with a wet flannel. My skin is left clean, redness and irritation is gone or vastly reduced, and I can get on with my day. Please never stop making it REN!

REN Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk* (150ml, £22, link)

Do you have any sensitive skincare favourites?

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Introducing: Wild Pharmacy - Skincare Review

 

There is a wealth of natural beauty brands to discover from the Nordic countries, and I've recently been trialling several products from the Finish brand, Wild Pharmacy.

Adding a pop of contemporary colour to my vanity table, Wild Pharmacy are a mid-priced, cruelty-free skincare company from Finland that specialises in wild foraged natural and organic ingredients. 

They also have a whole ethos about encouraging individuals to see themselves as whole, and they promote mental health awareness with positive quotes on their packaging to help build self-confidence. In addition, the brand supports campaigns and projects related to anti-bullying, particularly cyberbullying of young people, with a Gen Z focus on health and mental wellbeing.

I was delighted to receive a package of their products to test out from LoveLula who stock Wild Pharmacy on their website, making them readily available to UK consumers - yay!

Wild Pharmacy Good Things Happen Superfood Vital Mask* (50ml, £19, link)

I'm an avid face mask fan so let's start with the Good Things Happen Superfood Vital Mask. Suitable for all skin types, this cream-based face mask helps to rejuvenate and brighten the complexion, reducing redness and irritation, whilst generating a smoother finish. Packed full of antioxidants, it protects against free radicals, maintains moisture levels and boosts elasticity - I love it! Best of all, it's a quick and easy 15-minute treatment - apply to clean skin and then rinse off.

Wild Pharmacy Clear & Glowing Gentle Face Cleanser* (150ml, £17.50, link)

If you're in the market for a gentle, soothing gel cleanser, this needs to be added to your shopping list ASAP. The Clear & Glowing Gentle Face Cleanser does what it says on the bottle, removing all traces of dirt and impurities, without stripping or drying out the skin. It feels very refreshing to use and I'd definitely recommend it as a morning cleanser to wake up your skin.

Wild Pharmacy Rock Star Mild Facial Peeling Gel* (50ml, £19, link)

With finely milled Walnut Shell and Activated Charcoal powder, this Rock Star Mild Facial Peeling Gel offers a gentle exfoliation in a soothing gel base of Aloe Vera juice and Peach Kernel Oil. Great for clogged pores, the charcoal element acts like a magnet to draw out and absorb impurities, so you get smoother, clearer looking skin after just the first use. 

Wild Pharmacy Healing Meditation Calming Serum* (30ml, £19.50, link)

A high quality calming serum is a staple in my skincare routine and I've been really enjoying using the Healing Meditation Calming Serum which ticks all the right boxes. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive, it has an ultra-soothing formula of well known calming natural extracts such as  Chamomile and Calendula to quickly bring down any inflammation or redness in the skin. 

Wild Pharmacy Cool And Calm Hydrating Face Mist* (150ml, £17.50, link)

Who doesn't love a refreshing cooling face mist?! Although we haven't been blessed with much of a summer this year, this Cool And Calm Hydrating Face Mist is still a very useful purchase for anyone who has sensitive, reactive or oily skin and can, of course, be used all year round. Not only does this toner revitalise tired skin, but it also hydrates and rebalances for a happier complexion overall.

Shop the Wild Pharmacy range in the UK at LoveLula.com

Have you tried anything from Wild Pharmacy?

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Treat Yourself: Luxury Smart Cleansing Devices from PMD - Clean Body & Clean Pro Jade review + Instagram Giveaway worth £165!

Summer is on its way so it's the perfect time to treat yourself to some smart cleansing devices from PMD! I've been testing out two of their newbies, the Clean Body and Clean Pro Jade, to see what all the fuss is about.

I've been a fan of PMD for several years now, having used many of their bestselling products such as the Personal Microderm, PMD Kiss, PMD Clean, PMD Clean Pro RQ, and the PMD Personal Microderm Elite Pro. They are an amazing, innovative brand that specialises in smart cleansing devices and it's always exciting to see what they launch next.

Naturally, I was thrilled when I received their new Clean Body and Clean Pro Jade devices over a month ago, as it's been a lot of fun to put them through their paces!

PMD Clean Body in Berry* (£145, link)

Clean Body is the ultimate multipurpose luxury pampering device! Made from ultra-hygienic silicone which is 100% waterproof, the device has a clever ergonomic design that makes it super easy and comfortable to handle and use. It has a rechargeable battery and comes with a one-year limited warranty.

SonicGlow Cleansing Head

On one side, there's a permanent silicone brush head that uses the brand's patented SonicGlow technology to deliver up to 7,000 vibrations per minute which allows the Clean Body to operate at the perfect frequency to lift, firm and tone. There are also four customisable modes (two cleansing vibrations and two massage pulsation speeds) to explore for seriously beautiful cleansed skin.

Flip the Clean Body over and you'll find a magnetic side where you can effortlessly attach three different interchangeable heads for even more pampering and body care options. These attachments are included when you purchase the Clean Body device and replacements are also available to buy separately as and when you require them.

Silverscrub Silver Infused Loofah

This isn't any ordinary loofah! Silverscrub is infused with real silver particles for its antibacterial properties which means that it can cleanse your skin without spreading bacteria around or harbouring any nasties after you're done in the shower. This is brilliant for an everyday gentle exfoliation and works well with your favourite shower gels and body washes.

Aluminium Oxdide Exfoliator

Next up, there's a circular disc which is made from Aluminium Oxide. Again, this is known for its antibacterial properties and it does a great job of buffing away rough calloused skin for smoother results. I love using this on my feet to keep them soft and supple, especially with Summer coming up.

Relax Body Massager

My favourite attachment is the Relax Body Massager and if you buy your Clean Body device in either the Blush or Berry shades, the body massager comes in a gorgeous rose gold colour. Perfect for soothing everyday body aches, you really feel the full benefits of PMD's SonicGlow technology as it works into the muscles for instant relief. You can use it in the shower or with your favourite moisturiser or body oil for a full-on pampering experience at home.

PMD Clean Pro Jade* (£165, link)

I'm really happy to see PMD expanding its luxury gemstone cleansing device range as I enjoy using their Clean Pro RQ which features Rose Quartz, so of course, I couldn't wait to test out the new Clean Pro Jade. 

First things first, the Clean Pro Jade has the same soft silicone bristle head as the rest of the range, and this is great for helping to reduce the appearance of blackheads, eliminating excess oil and sebum congestion, and delivering a real deep cleanse sensation. It's much more gentle than the harsher Clarisonic's so better suited for sensitive skin, and you can reap the benefits of the SonicGlow technology at the same time. The device itself is also waterproof, has different settings to suit your needs, and as it's made from silicone, it's hygienic and easy to keep clean. I'm a big fan!

Jade Stone

The dual side head features an inbuilt, real Jade stone, and Jade has been used for centuries in Eastern skincare rituals thanks to its natural calming properties. One of the best things about Jade is that it stays cold for a long time which you can use in your skincare routine as a way to improve your skin's circulation and remove toxins via lymphatic drainage massage. The coldness of the stone also soothes any inflammation, irritation or redness for happier, more comfortable skin.

Switch on the ActiveWarmth button and this will gently heat up the Jade stone so that you can use it for a pampering facial massage which helps to improve elasticity, stimulate collagen production, lift and tone the skin, open up the pores and allow your skincare products to absorb better.

Fancy trying the PMD Clean Pro Jade for yourself? Enter my competition to win one over on my Instagram!

Are you a fan of skincare devices?

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Skincare 101: How to Prevent Your Makeup from Causing Acne #AD

Makeup is definitely there to improve our self-confidence. Wearing makeup is an effective and fun way to cover imperfections, improve skin tone and emphasize facial features. I believe that there is no girl who does not like to wear make-up. However, what happens when makeup ceases to be our way of beautification and begins to cause us a problem? 

Although today's makeup is designed to moisturize and protect the skin, certain cosmetics could potentially lead to irritation, allergies, dry skin, or even acne and pimples! Makeup acne is definitely something that can occur and cause us a real nightmare! These reactions usually disappear over time and by avoiding certain products. However, the symptoms often last. Acne and pimples can be caused by the interaction of hormones, bacteria, skin oils, and makeup which leads to inflammation of the hair follicles. So stay with us until the end of this post and learn how to prevent your makeup from causing acne on your skin.

Use non-comedogenic make-up products

In addition to the low risk of side effects, makeup can definitely have positive effects on the skin. That is why you should use the make-up that is formulated in such a way as to moisturize, hydrate, and nourish the facial skin and to protect it from the harmful effects of the sun. A thin layer of makeup can actually protect the skin from airborne contaminants - which could otherwise penetrate the pores and cause damage associated with acne, wrinkles or other aging effects. Cosmetics and other personal care products are now designed to counteract these harmful effects of pollution.

Makeup hygiene

Make sure that your make-up and tools are always well protected from external influences. So, to be well closed, covered, and clean - since contaminated makeup and dirty brushes can lead to infections and inflammation that can lead to acne and makeup pimples. Replace makeup at least once every few months and don't share cosmetics with others!

Remove your makeup before going to bed

Every night before going to bed, very carefully remove all traces of makeup from the face and neck, because acne also forms around the chin and neck. This reduces the possibility that makeup will clog pores, and also removes dirt and excess oil that accumulates on your skin during the day. There is no need to "scrub" the skin. All you really need is a gentle cleanser for your face and your hands or a soft cloth for washing your face. After cleansing, don't forget to apply a treatment for acne and pimples. We also recommend using a hot towel for acne after removing your makeup, to make sure that nothing is stuck in your pores and to make sure your skin is glowing.

Proper facial hygiene

When the damage has already been done and you already have makeup acne - you know what to do. Proper facial cleansing at home is crucial to solve this problem and prevent it from spreading and getting worse. Mandatory washing and cleansing of the face 2 times a day (morning and evening) with adequate non-comedogenic and water-based products (oil clogs pores). Make sure that these are some natural ingredients that will not further irritate your skin. After cleansing the face, hydration and care with a moisturizing cream should follow. Again, it would be desirable for your facial cosmetics to be on a natural basis - because natural ingredients are far better and safer for your skin, but also overall health. In particular, since you need to get rid of acne caused by makeup - you should use a cream (or even better, an acne gel) that removes acne and pimples.

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New In Beauty: Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream review

 

If you've been following my blog for a while now, you'll know that Antipodes are one of my favourite natural and organic skincare brands, so it's always exciting when I receive a new product release from them! Introducing their new Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream and all the reasons why you should be adding this to your shopping list ASAP.

What Is It?

Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream is a weightless water cream that delivers skin-loving probiotics and all-night hydration. Think of it as a repairing and nourishing nighttime moisturiser.

What Are The Key Ingredients?

This cream has been formulated with an innovative probiotic called Kalibiome AGE which is made up of entirely natural bacteria that's been carefully chosen to help repair and replenish the skin whilst you sleep. Other key ingredients include the ultra-hydrating Hyaluronic Acid and the New Zealand sourced Mamaku Black Fern extract to boost moisture levels even further.

Full INCI is: Aqua (water), glycerine, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, sodium acrylates copolymer & lecithin, Simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil, Limnanthes alba (meadowfoam) oil, dehydroacetic acid, benzyl alcohol, glyceryl caprylate, bisabolol, sodium hyaluronate, xanthan gum & lecithin & sclerotium gum & pullulan, Aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf extract, organic, Lactobacillus ferment, mannitol, maltodextrin, sodium citrate, Cyathea medullaris (mamaku) black fern extract, Phormium tenax (harakeke) flax extract, Hibiscus sabdariffa (hibiscus) flower extract, mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxide, manganese violet, Fragrance of Deep Fresh Rose: citral†, citronellol†, geraniol†, d-Limonene†, linalool†.

Which Skin Types Can Use It?

This moisturiser is ideal for Dull, Tired, Stressed and Dehydrated skin types, however, I imagine all skin types will enjoy using it. It's 100% natural, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. 

How Do I Use It?

After cleansing and toning in the evening, apply a small amount all over the face, massaging it in. As it's so hydrating, it's not necessary to use any additional products afterward so it's the last step in your evening skincare routine.

Overall Thoughts

I've really been enjoying using the Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream. I love the super light, weightless feel of this product as I find that so many 'very moisturising' creams are too heavy and sticky for my skin, and this is the exact opposite. It absorbs quickly, yet my skin feels instantly plumped up and smoother, like it's had a big drink! 

In the morning, my complexion looks clearer and feels softer. I was initially a little worried that this may be too much moisture for my oily/combination skin type, but it just seems to balance everything out instead, so it's been brilliant to add to my nighttime skincare ritual. If you're already an Antipodes fan, it reminds me a lot of the Baptise Ultra-Hydrating Water Gel and the two combined would be a great fit to keep your skin's moisture levels at their best 24/7.

Antipodes Culture Probiotic Night Recovery Water Cream* (60ml, £45, link)

Have you tried any new products recently?

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Tried & Tested: Kathleen Natural Facial Ionic Treatment Device review

At-home beauty treatments were already becoming increasingly popular before the pandemic, and now it seems like everyone is using some kind of gadget to keep their skin looking its best in between those coveted facialist appointments! 

Like many beauty bloggers who are passionate about skincare, I've tried and tested countless gadgets over the years, and the latest one to come into my possession is the Kathleen Natural Facial Ionic Treatment Device. 

What Is It?

The Kathleen Natural Facial Ionic Treatment Device is a lightweight, cordless (battery operated) facial treatment device that has combined ionic micro-currents and pulsations which can be used for both Lymphatic Drainage Massage and Facial Lift treatments at home. It's designed to work in conjunction with your favourite toners, serums and essences to enhance the penetration of those formulas.

Does It Hurt?

No, it's painless and non-invasive. You may feel a slight tingling if you have thin or older skin.

What Does It Do?

The device features a stainless steel circular head which is placed on different areas of the face and neck that you want to treat. Once switched on, the ionic micro-current technology begins to work as the current passes through the muscle, allowing active ingredients in your serums and essences to penetrate deeper. It also helps to tighten and smooth the skin over time and stimulates healthy collagen production.

Who Can Use It?

It's suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

How Do I Use It?

Cleanse and dry your face first before beginning any of these treatments.

For a Lymphatic Drainage Massage: generously use a toner mist all over the face and then switch the button to the + setting on the device. Position the treatment head onto the skin and gently glide slowly towards the lymph nodes on one side and then repeat the process on the other side, ensuring that you're gliding in upwards and outwards positions.

For a Facelift Treatment: apply your essence or serum to the area that you wish to treat. Turn the device on to - setting, then place the treatment head onto the skin, lift it with the face muscle and hold for 2-3 seconds. Repeat three times in the same area before moving onto the next.

For more info, visit Kathleen Natural.

Overall Thoughts?

I've enjoyed using the Kathleen Natural Facial Ionic Treatment Device because it's easy to operate with simple settings and instructions, yet I feel it has still been making a difference to the firmness of my skin. The Lymphatic Drainage setting is brilliant for reducing puffiness (especially as we enter allergy season!), but this device is most useful in my opinion, for the Facelift Treatment as you can also target the neck, jawline and forehead etc so it's wonderfully versatile. 

It's worth mentioning of course that at-home treatment devices aren't as powerful as the devices which are used in professional salons by facialists. However, this device is an affordable way to introduce some of the benefits of ionic microcurrent technology into your skincare routine to give it a really good boost in the comfort of your own home, and it would work particularly well in-between your facialist appointments.

Kathleen Natural Facial Ionic Treatment Device* (£49, link)

Have you tried a device like this before?

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New In Beauty: REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic review #GlowClean

Last month, REN launched their first ever exfoliating tonic treatment and it quickly became one of the most anticipated skincare releases of the year so far with stock flying off the shelves. I was lucky enough to get my hands on a bottle and have been testing it out for around 4 weeks now to see if the hype is justified.

Why Do I Need An Exfoliating Tonic In My Skincare Routine?

A couple of years ago, I had never head of AHAs before and now they're popping up in so many different brands' skincare ranges that it's hard to keep track! If you're new to the world of AHAs, they are a group of chemical compounds called Alpha Hydroxy Acids and they can either be derived naturally (from sugars, fruits, milk etc), or created synthetically. The two that are perhaps the most well known and used in skincare are Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid. 

Due to their compound structures, AHAs are known as 'chemical exfoliators' (as opposed to manual exfoliators which contain physical scrubby bits), so they're incredibly useful to have in your skincare routine if you want minimized pores, smoother, brighter, clearer skin, and a more even complexion overall. They effectively dissolve the dull, dead skin cells and can penetrate the skin deeper, yielding more noticeable results. 

Who Can Use Them?

Exfoliating tonics can be used by all skin types and they are particularly useful for those who have oily, congested and blemish-prone skin which can be aggravated by manual exfoliators. However, it's worth noting that sensitive skin types should always do a patch test before using a product with AHAs in it, and it's also best to start off with a lower concentration as a precaution if you're new to them.

My Thoughts on REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

REN's Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic is a really good starting point if you want to introduce some AHAs into your skincare routine. Formulated with key bio-actives such as Lactic Acid (from yeast fermentation, not milk so suitable for vegans to use), Azelaic Acid (from grains) and Salicin (from White Willow Bark), this tonic will exfoliate, brighten and resurface your skin, but it's gentle enough to use every day. I've been using it in the evenings after cleansing and I saw a noticeable difference in my skin after about a week - bearing in mind though that I've regularly been using AHAs for about 2 years, so if you haven't tried them before, you may see a change straight away! My skin feels smoother, looks brighter and I've noticed that blemishes disappear a lot faster, especially if they pop up during 'that time of the month'.  

How Do I Use It & How Often?

REN's Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic has a convenient inbuilt pump dispenser, so all you need to do is flip open the lid, place your cotton wool pad on top and press down until it's saturated. Swipe it all over your face like you would any other toner, but take extra special care to avoid the eye area. You can use this one daily, and I'd recommend using it in the evenings after cleansing and before applying your serums and moisturisers.

If You Like This, Try...

This product joins REN's brilliant Radiance range which also features their popular Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask (pictured above) and Wake Wonderful Night-Time Facial, two products that I regularly use and love!

REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic* (250ml, £25) is available from various stockists including renskincare.com

Do you use exfoliating tonics / AHAs in your skincare routine?

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Winter Skincare: 3 Hydrating Serums To Rescue Your Skin

Move over thick and greasy face creams - if you're serious about keeping your skin hydrated this Winter, a high-quality serum is your BFF and there's one out there to suit every skin type.

Serums are an integral part of my skincare routine all year round, not just in the Winter months. I may skip using a spritzing toner, or I might forget to double cleanse one evening, but I will absolutely, without a doubt, apply some kind of serum. Why? Serums are the products that I see the most skincare benefits from, usually because they have more innovative formulas with ingredients that are able to penetrate the skin better than moisturisers or face oils, which can often just sit on the surface. I also love serums because they feel lighter and generally absorb quickly, yet can provide just as much hydration as a thick and heavy face cream, if not more so. 

You can buy a serum for any kind of skin concern, but I thought I'd focus on a couple of my favourite hydrating ones which are perfect to add to your Winter skincare routine. I'll chop and change between these depending on how my skin is feeling on the day, but if you're on a budget, you'll still see great results with just the one. After all, one is better than none!

Best for All Skin Types: REN Flash Hydro-Boost* (40ml, £34, link) 

Described as an 'instant plumping emulsion', REN Flash Hydro-Boost is an innovative little skincare gem that can be used by all skin types. It uses Hyaluronic Acid and Xylitol to draw extra moisture into the skin and lock it all down, so everything is kept happily hydrated for longer. Although most other serum products are runny in their consistency, this one feels like a light cream and has to be 'water charged' to work its magic e.g after applying it to your face, you add a few drops of water to your fingertips and then massage it in. At first, this sounded like an enormous faff, but trust me - it works! I tend to use this in the morning as I feel it protects my skin throughout the day, and I love how plumped up and smooth my face feels afterwards (no need to use a makeup primer!).

Best for Dry, Very Dehydrated and Sensitive Skin Types: Madara SOS Hydra Repair Intensive Serum* (30ml, £37, link)

If your skin is very dry or dehydrated, you'll get on well with this serum from Madara's specialised SOS range which has been scientifically proven to rehydrate skin and protect it from free radical damage, so it's great for anti-ageing benefits as well. Formulated with a moisturising complex that includes Hyaluronic Acid, Linseed and Rose Water, it penetrates deep down into the skin to fully restore moisture levels and increase dermal absorption. As it's very hydrating, I tend to only use this once or twice a week during cold weather to give my skin a boost in the evenings as I have combination skin, but if yours is mature, very dry, or very dehydrated, you could happily use this every day as your main serum.

Best for Oily, Acne, Combination & Normal Skin Types: Antipodes Hosanna Intensive Hydrating Serum* (25ml, £27.99, link)

Every skin type needs some level of moisture to keep it balanced, including oilier and acne-prone complexions. In fact, you may find your skin becomes even oilier if you skip things like serum or moisturiser, as it'll try to compensate for the lack of hydration by producing excess sebum, but choose a serum that's too rich and you can risk clogging pores. This is why this organic, bio-active Antipodes serum comes in handy because it's oil-free, so it feels wonderfully lightweight on the skin and absorbs within seconds. It features a whole host of plant-based extracts such as Mamaku Fern and Vinanza Gold, which are packed full of antioxidants to boost cell renewal and up the skin's collagen production by up to 72%. It's the one that I've repurchased the most often!

Skincare Tip! Where Should I Use a Serum in My Skincare Routine? Apply your chosen serum after cleansing, but before your usual moisturiser or face oil, and don't forget - a little goes a long way!

What are your favourite serums for Winter?

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