It has been a while since I have written a beauty favourites post but after hitting pan and empty on many products, the time has finally arrived. When it comes to favourites I prefer them on the longer side so I wanted to wait until I had enough to share with you to make it worthwhile. So, if you want to know what I have been loving, keep reading.
Naturium KP Body Scrub
First up has to be my most recent addition since the results were noticeable after first use. The Naturium KP Body Scrub and Mask turned my bumpy legs and tops of thighs silky smooth and ready for Summer. This year I made a real commitment to summer silk legs and this product has made the biggest difference. Of all the recommendations for keratosis pilaris (KP or chicken skin) this physical exfoliation is enhanced with AHA, BHA and PHA which decongest the pores and transform skin. Recommended use is twice a week and a little goes a surprisingly long way.
Ingredients
Aqua/Water/Eau, Pumice, Glycolic acid, Stearic acid, Cetearyl alcohol, Ci 77891 (Titanium dioxide), Sodium hydroxide, Jojoba esters, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Dimethicone, Salicylic acid, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Squalane, Sodium hyaluronate, Leuconostoc/Radish root ferment filtrate, Bisabolol, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, Hippophae rhamnoides fruit/seed oil, Niacinamide, Rosa canina fruit oil, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Glycine soja oil, Steareth-20, Xanthan gum, Steareth-21, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tetrasodium glutamate diacetate, Tocopherol.
Ordinary Argireline 10% solution
Since I’m at the point where I’m noticing signs of aging particularly on my face I started using argireline. It’s the “Botox” in a bottle and a great alternative if you’re not a needle lover. Since it’s a target treatment it should only be placed where you want to soften expression. The 30ml bottle lasts about 2-3 months which is around how long it takes to start seeing noticeable results. The water-based serum is very thin so when applying it may be easier to add to the palm before applying so it doesn’t go all over your face.
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Propanediol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Gellan Gum, Sodium Chloride, Isoceteth-20, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Potassium Sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
Maximising Argireline with other ingredients:
Peptides:
Argireline pairs particularly well with other peptides, especially tripeptide-10 citrulline, which can help it reach deeper skin layers to target wrinkle-causing muscles.
Hyaluronic Acid:
Adding hyaluronic acid provides extra hydration, further improving the appearance of wrinkles.
Summary
The reason I introduced it to my routine was to soften expression on my forehead and my frown lines. Since I’m on my second bottle I do feel it does make a difference. Since I’m not great at a super disciplined routine, I feel like I’ve had noticeable results on my second bottle. However, for the reasonable price, it really wasn’t an unreasonably large investment.
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
The other thing I have been wanting to tackle is my under eye bags. After trying a few different creams I decided to use this caffeine solution+ EGCG. The main reason is as I felt my skin wasn’t really responding to a cream as well as I had hoped. The lightweight water based serum uses a blend of a 5% concentration of caffeine and epigallocatechin gallatyl glucoside (EGCG) to tackles tired puffy under eyes. Since a little goes a long way and results are seen in only a few weeks,you get good value for your money.
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Caffeine, Maltodextrin, Glycerin, Propanediol, Epigallocatechin Gallatyl Glucoside, Gallyl Glucoside, Hyaluronic Acid, Oxidized Glutathione, Melanin, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Xanthan gum, Lactic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Propyl Gallate, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Benzyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol.
Maximising Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG
If it is specifically and only dark circles you are tackling then Vitamin C Serum, Niacinamide, and Hyaluronic Acid are great additions. All will aid brightening and hydrating the delicate area. Of course, not forgetting to use SPF during the day.
NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Shimmering Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
After moisturizing I have been locking it all in using the NUXE Huile Prodigieuse Shimmering Multi-Purpose Dry Oil. It smells great and leaves a lovely glow to the skin. The oil is enriched with Vitamin E and seven precious plant oils – tsubaki, camellia, hazelnut, boarge, St Johnswort, sweet almond and macadamia. The big plus is that it isn’t greasy so you don’t get stuck to clothing after application.
Ingredients
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Dicaprylyl Ether, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed Oil, Mica, Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Parfum/Fragrance, Silica, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Ci 77891/Titanium Dioxide, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Borago Officinalis Seed Oil, Ci 77491/Iron Oxides, Tocopheryl Acetate, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate, Ascorbic Acid, Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract, Benzyl Salicylate, Linalool, Limonene, Citronellol, Geraniol, Benzyl Alcohol [N2213/A].
M&S Apothecary Warmth Body Wash
Staying with the Le Labo theme I mentioned in my last post—if you’re a fan of Santal 33, this body wash is such a lovely find. It’s from M&S, which means you’ll find a beautifully curated collection to match: think body cream, fragrance, the works. The real secret to making your scent last? Layering. And this one does just that—leaving you subtly scented and feeling elevated all day long.
Ingredients
Aqua, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, Sodium Chloride, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate, Parfum, Benzophenone-4, Panthenol, Disodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Magnesium Nitrate, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium Chloride, Methylisothiazolinone.
Ultrasun Photo Age Control Fluid SPF50 40ml
Living in London, where the weather can be unpredictable but UV rays are still a constant, having a reliable SPF is non-negotiable. The Ultrasun Photo Age Control Fluid SPF50 is lightweight and hydrating, it melts into the skin without a trace, no white cast, no fuss. With antioxidant-rich ingredients and a texture that feels like second skin, it’s become a must in my morning ritual. It’s not just about shielding, it’s about intentional care.
Ingredients
Aqua, Dibutyl Adipate, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Dicocoyl Pentaerythrityl Distearyl Citrate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Pentylene Glycol, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Polyglyceryl-3 Stearate/Sebacate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (nano), Silica, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Acrylates Copolymer, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Hydroxyacetophenone, Arginine, Phenoxyethyl Caprylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocoglycerides, Decyl Glucoside, Ectoin, Titanium Dioxide, Cetyl Alcohol, Xanthophylls Propylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol.
Let me know in the comments what some of your Spring favorites are.
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Glad to see you covering The Ordinary. Their Hair and Body Wash does wonders for my scalp.