GIFTED | When I first started blogging I had no idea that one day companies might offer me products to review and/or promote. Some of my absolute favourite opportunities have been beauty and skincare-related, and I’ve been privileged to try a number of fabulous products. Some I’ve loved more than others, although to be fair, there’s nothing I’ve tried and hated. But a few have really been game changers for me so, in no particular order, here are my best-loved six beauty discoveries of the last 12 months that I now can’t live without.
REN’s Rosa Centifolia™ No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm *
Any skincare routine starts with cleansing but what type of cleanser you use is critical. You don’t want to remove your skin alongside your make up, nor do you want to strip it of all its natural oils. I’d never used a cleansing balm or oil before so I jumped at the opportunity to try this REN one (full review here).
“A rich cleansing balm for all skin types that leaves skin purified, calm and glowing.” When you warm a little of REN’s Rosa Centifolia Cleansing balm* in your hands it turns into an oil that you massage over your face and neck for a few minutes. Then you add water to turn it into a milky lather that rinses away. The main ingredients are rose flower water and almond oil, a combination that makes for the most effective, nourishing and luxurious cleanser I’ve ever tried. I’ve been using it each night to remove my make up and it’s one of the very few products that since I’ve repurchased.
Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water by Wishtrend *
I’d been eyeing up the Pixi Glow Tonic water for a while but had held back for two reasons: price and concerns over how the glycolic acid might affect my – sometimes – temperamental skin. As if by magic, Korean skincare and beauty company, Wishtrend, got in touch to ask if I’d like to try their much gentler Mandelic Acid water (full review here).
Mandelic Acid 5% Skin Prep Water* is one of Wishtrend’s top ten most loved products and it’s recommended for all skin types (sensitive, dry, combination, oily, acne-prone, aging). The main AHA ingredient (from almonds) causes very little irritation to the skin due to low permeability (unlike Pixi’s glycolic acid). And it’s a hydrating and non-irritating exfoliant that’s also helpful for acne due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial properties. I can attest that my skin is clearer, smoother, with less redness, and fewer breakouts. And I can confirm that I’ve just started using my second bottle (which I purchased) after the gifted one ran out following six months’ daily use – good value or what!
Wild Azur’s Frankincense face serum *
Beauty oils serums have enjoyed a huge rise in popularity recently. Our skin is our largest organ, absorbing 80% of what we put on it, and it responds best to natural, organic, healing plant extracts and oils. The main ingredient in Wild Azur’s serum is medicinal grade Frankincense Sacra, which has a host of well-known anti-ageing, anti-inflammatory, healing skin benefits. In fact, this facial oil is a veritable cocktail of collagen boosting and restoring vitamins, antioxidants, fatty acids, plant oils and herbal extracts that all work in harmony to rebalance and rejuvenate the skin (full review here).
Wild Azur’s luxurious frankincense face serum* is their best seller and I’m not at all surprised, it transformed my skin during my trial. I have repurchased since my first bottle (eventually) ran out because I believe that investing in my skin, which I wear every day, is something that I owe to myself. But I now tend to use the oil as a treat or when I’m having any flare ups – which it heals within a couple of days. It’s a luxury staple in my skincare routine and one of my all-time favourite beauty discoveries.
Kathleen Natural’s Citrus Cheer Roll-on Oil *
As some of you may know, I had a bit of a wobble a while back and had to take a blogging break. One of the things that helped me get my emotions back in check was Kathleen Natural’s Citrus Cheer essential oil roll on. The three main oils are: lemon (antiseptic and cleansing), rosewood (a known anti-depressant), and geranium (alleviates anxiety and balances hormones). A lovely uplifting blend of fragrances with some wonderful health benefits too (review here).
While you might think a roll on oil would be greasy, it’s not. Essential oils from plants are so light and natural that they’re very quickly absorbed by our skin and you feel the benefits almost immediately. My roll on is always in my handbag and although Santa didn’t bring me a full size bottle for Christmas, I’m keeping my fingers crossed for my birthday 🙂
Beauty Kitchen’s Seahorse Plankton 60 Second Manicure *
I love my garden but my hands take a battering every time I go out to work. Since I prefer not to wear gloves for most jobs as I can’t feel the soil, the seeds, or the plants, my poor skin can get very dry and cracked. And let’s not even talk about my nails… Anyway, moving on, I received this Beauty Kitchen 60 Second Manicure hand scrub in an Instagram Triyit campaign box of goodies a few months ago. And it’s been a game changer.
The scrub contains Himalayan salt, seahorse plankton and microalgae, and natural essential oils to restore moisture to hands and nails. It smells great, works like a dream, and Beauty Kitchen donate 2% of sales from their Seahorse Plankton range to The Seahorse Trust, who are dedicated to conserving these magical creatures. Win, win!
Visage Pro-Style Facial Cleanser from ALDI
This is the most recent of my beauty discoveries and it’s one I bought myself (sadly, ALDI didn’t get in touch with a gifting offer, haha). Facial brush cleansers aren’t a new thing (Magnitone, Sensiq, Clarisonic, Foreo Luna, Clinique etc) but most fall into a high price bracket. Unlike this Visage one that I spotted in ALDI while doing the food shop. When I saw it only cost £12.99, it went into my basket at light speed.
So, does it work? Well, I’ve been using the medium brush with my favourite Origins face wash on my face, neck, and décolletage every morning for two weeks. And I think my skin looks AMAZING. The oscillating head works to gently free pores of dirt, oil and make-up, to leave skin looking clean and fresh. The massage action also stimulates collagen production, which is a must for younger looking skin. The Visage has seven different attachments, including four brushes, a sponge and two massage heads, and I think it’s an absolute steal! Like all ALDI dupes, this won’t be around forever so do get yourself into store or online and bag a bargain while you can.
Final thoughts on my beauty discoveries
I’m hugely grateful to all the companies and PRs who send me beauty products to trial and just because I haven’t included every single one in this round up certainly doesn’t mean I didn’t rate them. These are just my six favourite beauty discoveries, based on how they made me feel and whether or not I’d repurchase. And if you like finding new beauty and skincare products, you might also like to try a subscription box that’s curated especially for you, based entirely on the criteria you specify. In the meantime though, what beauty products have you discovered recently that you can’t live without?
* This post features some previously gifted items and affiliate links (please see my Disclaimer) but all opinions are my own.
Could not live without an acid toner at this point. I think I have an addiction to them. My skin certainly feels the difference when I get lazy with it! I’ve been dabbling in mandelic acid recently, and might have to invest in this one you’ve showcased here. It’s got me all intrigued!
Cordelia || cordeliamoor.com
Oooh, which mandelic acid have you been using? I only know of this one, but I agree, it’s wonderful for the skin, so gentle and non-stripping! x
These products sound amazing, I’ve never heard of them before. I’ll be definitely checking them out! The pictures are gorgeous! Hope you had a lovely Christmas & New Year x
New Lune | http://new-lune.com
Thank you so much, I hope you find some inspiration here! And thank you for the picture compliment too, much appreciated 🙂 Happy New Year to you too xx
This is such a great idea Lisa! I remember reading your beauty reviews last year, so it is really interesting to see which products you are still using and loving! The Frankincense face serum sounds amazing, especially as it is packed full of so many healthy ingredients, sounds perfect. I’ve started going swimming again recently which really dries my skin out so I’m keen to find a good moisturizer so I don’t end up looking like a prune, ha ha. The Facial Cleanser from ALDI sounds fantastic, I’ve never heard of this before but for £12.99 you can’t go wrong – thanks for the recommendation! Great post lovely, looking forward to see which awesome beauty products you discover this year! Exciting! <3 xxx
Ah, thank you, Bexa, that’s very kind! Wow, you are good, I take Flora swimming on a Tuesday but I’ve never been remotely tempted to sign up myself (!) Chlorine is bad enough on hair so I sympathise about dry skin. And yes, I can’t wait to discover some lovely new beauty products this year too, fingers crossed 🙂 xx
Hi
I was lucky enough to see the Visage facial cleanser item reduced in my Aldi last week for £5.00!!
I am going to try it but at 73 years old it might be a bit too late for my skin! Lol.
Best wishes. Linda
Nooooo, it’s never too late for some self care and pampering!
I had not heard of any of the brands (except for Ren) in this post. So good to discover new brands and products! I am currently in a shopping ban and beauty decluttering so I can’t get anything new but wait that both are over… ahah
I’m in a shopping ban too but I have my M&S beauty calendar goodies to play with for a while, so it’s not too drastic, haha! x
I love my facial cleanser – I have a Magnitone but this Aldi one honestly sounds absolutely amazing!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Magnitone was one the brands I was very tempted by but when I saw this Aldi one it was perfect timing! x
That frankincense serum sounds interesting might need to add that into my routine!
It’s wonderful, so many uses, and so nourishing. I don’t think you’d regret buying one!
Ooohh haven’t heard of any of these but totally love the look of the acid toner especially. Love finding new products
I do too, especially when they’re such brilliant value for money and effective as well!
I love seeing what products you are still loving! I also worked with Wishtrend and I absolutely loved the moisturiser I received so I’m very tempted by the Skin Prep Water. Anything that helps me get clearer skin sounds like a dream. I also loved the Kathleen Natural’s roll-on, it totally perks my mood up and I still have loads despite having had it in my bag for months! I’m SO grateful for you telling me about that Aldi facial cleanser! I’ve wanted one for ages but never been able to justify the price – £12.99 is much more reasonable! I’ll be going to my local store tomorrow for a look! Beautiful photos too Lisa – you really have an eye for them!
Beth x
Aw, Beth, thank you so much, a photo compliment coming from you is just wonderful! The Mandelic acid water is so lovely, it’s gentle and non-stripping, I’ve been recommending it to everyone, haha. I forgot you worked with Kathleen too, we are very lucky, aren’t we 🙂 Fingers crossed for you when you go to Aldi, but if your store doesn’t have one, you can still buy them online, I put the link in the post – good luck and let me know what you think if you get one! xx
I love a good beauty roundup! I can imagine how amazing the 60 second manicure is for your gardeners hands, mine are so dry at the minute too because of the cold and this really helps! I haven’t tried anything else but definitely need to get my hands on the prostyle facial cleanser – I hope I can find it in my local Aldi!
Soph – https://sophhearts.com x
Dry hands are such a pain this time of year! I do use a hand cream on as well but this scrub feels sooooo good. And fingers crossed you find a facial cleaner in your local Aldi, but if not, you could buy one online. Let me know what you think if you get one! xx
I always find choosing products for posts like this so hard!! Great selection here. I remember reading the mandelic acid post and thinking I need to try it. Still haven’t made it through the 3 million other exfoliating toner/ liquid kind of products I told myself I’d use up first though, but it’s good to know you still love it. I love Ren products so much! I don’t think I’ve ever tried one and disliked it, I’ve never tried any of their cleansing products though. Yet another thing to add to the list…The most recent products that I’ve tried that made the can’t live without status are the Omorovicza thermal cleansing balm and the Sarah Chapman Recovery Booster x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
Oooh, I haven’t heard of the thermal cleansing balm, that sounds very luxurious. And I know you’re a huge fan of Sarah Chapman, If you do work your way through your products, I’d love to know what you think of Mandelic Acid water and also REN’s cleanser, I’m sure you’d love them both 🙂 xx
I really want to try one of those facial cleansers and I’ve heard great things about Ren products. Honestly though, I don’t think there’s any beauty product I couldn’t live without. I’ve realised recently that I’m not that much into beauty as I thought I was haha! Although I do still like trying new products every now and again 🙂 xxx
Well, TBH, the title of this post was more tongue in cheek – I mean obviously I COULD live without any of them, haha, but I’d prefer not to! I think the ALDI facial cleaner is a real find, especially when you consider how much most cleaner brushes are 🙂 xx
The Beauty Kitchen Seahorse Plankton 60 Second Manicure sounds amazing! I don’t really bother with much else in the way of beauty because I’m lazy (though, I am getting a better at pampering myself with some face cream/masks, haha) but I do like to take care of my hands – especially now I can’t bite my nails because of my braces! xx
It really is, I’d never heard of the brand before but I’ve been so impressed with all the products I was sent to try. This was my stand out favourite though, and I love that a percentage goes to help seahorses too. Glad to hear your braces are good for your nails as well as your teeth, haha! xx
I loved reading this beauty post Lisa. I see some really interesting and great products that I added to my wish list after reading your reviews. I want to try the Mandelic Acid and that serum 🙂 Have a nice day
Via | http://glossnglitters.com
Ah, thank you, Via! I absolutely love both of your choices, the Mandelic Acid is so gentle but so effective and the Frankincense serum is an absolute gem, so useful and helpful. Thank you for reading! x
Thanks for sharing such valuable information. I did n’t know about them before .I hope that I will must try out each and every product which you have mentioned here .
Thank you very much, I’m glad you found it helpful 🙂
Great post Lisa. I’ve not heard of any of these products before but the Frankincense face serum sounds amazing! I really need to up my skincare routine this year. I suffer from very dry skin and I’m prone to allergies so have difficulties finding suitable products.
Thank you, Kim. I would definitely recommend the serum, it’s transformed my skin and I wouldn’t be without it now 🙂 x
I’ve never actually heard of any of these brands (exceot Aldi of course!) so this was a really interesting read! I’d love to try the Aldi cleanser having read lots of good things about the Magnitone verison
Abi
TBH, I hadn’t heard of any of them either (except for REN and ALDI) before I was gifted the products but I feel very lucky to have discovered such wonderful new skincare items. I can thoroughly recommend the ALDI brush though, I’m still using it and my pores have never been so clean 🙂