Testing, testing..... new in skincare!

 

Any product marked with a * was kindly gifted to me, without obligation.

I'm very fortunate that I get some products sent to me (without obligation) to use and share my thoughts with my lovely readers. It's not something that I take for granted and I very much appreciate it. I also like to buy products myself as I personally find blogs/Instagram/TikTok boring if the person only uses products that were gifted to them (even worse when they don't declare them!). Today, I'm sharing a mix of both products I've purchased and others that have been sent to me (marked with a *).

Pat McGrath Labs Divine Skin: Rose 001™ The Essence: If you have ever tried any products from this brand, you will know that divine is the only way to describe them! It's expensive, at £81, however I find that I only need to use a few drops so this 100ml bottle should last a looooong time! This is unlike other essences that I have used previously, in that it's bi-phased, so instead of feeling like a water, it feels more like a very liquidy serum. When I use it, my skin instantly feels more hydrated and soft. It contains Almond Oil and Squalane, which nourish the skin, Rosewater, which soothes the skin, and ceramides, which protect the skin barrier. It really is one of the most beautiful products that I have ever put on my skin and I hope that she follows with a moisturiser. I still use serums after the essence, as I have very dry skin, but if you have normal/oily skin then you may not need to. In a word, divine!

Medik8 Liquid Peptides: I can't remember if this was in one of my Advent Calendars or if I bought it, but I had a sort out of my skincare products a while ago and decided to add this into my routine. I use this after the essence above, and pat a few drops into my skin before moving on to the rest of my routine. I have noticed that my skin is overall more hydrated, with fine lines less visible with this product in my routine. It combines copper peptides with Matrixyl 3000, which help to stimulate collagen production, and Hyaluronic Acid, which we all know by now attracts 1000 times its weight in water, and prebiotics. The result is plump and firm skin. Save 21% on this product and many others on Look Fantastic by using the code BEAUTYLYMIN.

Image Iluma Intense Facial Illuminator*: This is fantastic at tackling pigmentation to create an even and radiant skin tone. It contains Glycolic Acid, which gently exfoliates the skin, Vitamin C in the form of Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, and Niacinamide. All of these ingredients combine to reveal a luminous and even skin tone, helping to reduce the appearance of pigmentation. This will be particularly excellent in summer, as it's one of the more effective serums I have used for reducing pigmentation - obviously combined with SPF.

Skin Proud Jelly Bright Essence*: An essence at the opposite end of the price spectrum, but definitely one to consider if you are on a budget because it's a great product. It contains Niacinamide, Magnolia Extract and Peony Extract, all of which combine to soften the skin but also help the products you use afterwards work more effectively. It pairs very well with their jelly moisturiser, which surprised me as that texture of moisturiser doesn't always suit my skin. It has a light scent, which is very pleasant but soon dissipates. Again, this is more like a light lotion in texture rather than a water, and really is a good budget option or one to try if you are new to essences.

Skin Proud Refresher Hydrating Face Mist*: I love a good skin mist, and when I saw that this was described as a super-fine mist, I was excited. Sadly, I don't find that to be the case - it isn't as 'squirty' as some mists I have tried, but definitely not as fine as I had hoped. I think that this product would be most suited to combination skin because whilst the Aloe Vera and Rosewater are hydrating ingredients, the Witch Hazel Extract makes it a little too astringent for my skin. When I use it, my skin feels a little tighter rather than hydrated, however I do have very dry skin. I'm not saying that it's a bad product, just that it's not for me.

Skin Proud Sorbet Skin Everyday Jelly Moisturiser*:  This moisturiser has really surprised me! As I've said previously, gel moisturisers aren't always best suited to my skin, however this one leave is feeling bouncy and hydrated, and most importantly, that feeling doesn't evaporate! Like the other products in this line, it contains Rosewater but it also contains Glycerin and Hyaluronic Acid, which hydrate and nourish the skin. It leaves my skin looking plump and dewy. I personally only use this in the mornings, however other skin types could use it both AM and PM, my dry skin prefers something richer at night. A surprising hit!

Have you used any of these products? What are your favourite skincare products at the moment? I'd love to hear!

Thanks for reading!

All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. Anything marked with a * has been kindly gifted, without obligation. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.