I love changing things up (which is why I am having commitment problems with my 18-month Fitness First gym membership contract, but that's for another day), and I've just have an updated skin care routine so I thought I'd share it with you guys.
I've trialled a hugeeee number of cleansers ranging from unknown organic brands to household names like Neutrogena. However, if I don't write about them, I don't rate them. So when I say The Body Shop's Tea Tree cleansing range is the bomb dot com - you'd better believe it.
I was a rebel whilst in working and travelling Europe. I made a poor effort of taking care of my skin. I would party too hard all night (and day) and fall asleep with my makeup on - yes I know, I can hear you cringing right now! The truth is, I love putting makeup on, but absolutely HATEEEE removing makeup! Please tell me I'm not the only one!? As I'm typing this at midnight, I still have my make up on. I really need to make it a habit to remove my makeup as soon as I get home, but because I dread it so much, it's usually the last thing I do before I head to bed. So yes, I have my makeup on whilst eating dinner and watching TV. It's a terrible habit that I need to change.
The Body Shop however, makes this process bearable. I have actually started to enjoy this boring therapeutic activity which is removing makeup once I subscribed to this cleanser/toner/tea tree oil/moisturiser routine. The cleanser is a foaming, bubbly pump of goodness. Anything bubbly gets me excited, really. The toner is my favourite part. It stings a little when you wipe it on (I use it with Swipper's cleansing pads) so it makes me feel like it's actually doing its job of 'toning', if that makes sense.
Now to the most hyped up product of all - The Body Shop's signature tea tree oil. I first came across this product at my favourite brow-treading place. They always, always use tea tree oil on my brows after each threading session. My skin is super sensitive, so after any wax or brow threading session, it goes red like a baboon's bottom. I would know, from the multiple times I've walked out of Benefit's Brow Bar with raw, red skin all around my brows. Eek embarrassing! Tea tree oil was the magical cure to this - I've never had red brows ever again! One of the reasons why I keep going back to my brow-threader.
Little did I know that this little bottle of magical, Peter Pan, forever young* tea tree oil also works amazingly on pimples and break outs. I put it on any acne spots that pop up during the day, and they are usually gone over-night. It's $10 AUD for a tiny little bottle, but a little goes a long way and it's completely worth it!
I would then complete my routine with my Embroylisse Lait-Creme Concentre moisturiser I got in Paris (not pictured). I should've stocked up! It's amazing. And once a week, I'd use a mud masque by Skinfood. It's made out of natural rotorua mud with aloa vera and jojoba oil. Incredibly smooth and easy to put on, wait till it dries, usually takes about 20 minutes, before washing it off with a warm cloth. I would clean my room whilst waiting it out as it "hardens up" pretty quickly so it doesn't slide off your face whilst being in a vertical position, unlike some slippery masks I've tested (don't ask - let's just say my Victoria's Secret fuzzy blanket is well-travelled amongst Sydney's dry cleaning crowd).
Have you tried any of the products I've mentioned above? If so, what are your thoughts around them? Sound off below - I'm keen to know!
Jo xxx
Jo xxx
*no, it doesn't actually give you eternal youth, but keep dreaming - one day! I promise you!
