I don't know about you, but after a month or so of overindulgence, my skin is really starting to feel sorry for itself.
Gone is my glow (actually, lack of sleep - praise the lord for having two little 'uns! - has made that go AWOL for a while), and it's safe to say that my face is starting to look more than a little lacklustre, tired and puffy. There are even a few spots thrown in for good measure. Cadbury's Quality Street, you have a lot to answer for...
Anyway, while I've got my diet completely cleaned up, I want a little bit of help in the meantime. after testing dozens of products promising to be "miracle workers" over the festive season, I've found my trusty beauty arsenal.
These are my top five skin saviours for a glowing complexion.
What are yours?
Sam x
Sepai Nutritive Mask, 95 EUR
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The mask can be left on from anywhere between 5 and 30 minutes, meaning it's perfect for busy ladies who are juggling way too many balls (aren't we all?). It also does an incredible job of revitalising, cleansing and boosting stressed out skin. Ladies, I'm telling you, you need this in your lives, pronto...
Indie Lee Brightening Cleanser, £22.95
I love the entire Indie Lee range, which is available at my favourite beauty emporium, A Beautiful World. However, this is beautiful cleanser is a firm favourite. Not only does it leave skin feeling fresh, clean and radiant, but with no tightness whatsoever. It's also perfect for sensitive skins and so gentle that it can even be used to remove eye make-up! Made with strawberry oil - an antioxidant and exfoliator known for delivering brighter, clearer, healthier skin - it's the perfect morning cleanser to awaken fresh, glowing skin.
Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask, £23
The central heating and wind and rain at this time of year can leave my skin looking parched, dull, and in desperate need of some TLC. I don't know about you, but I've never ever been able to find natural looking make-up that can fake a glowing complexion all day, every day. Thankfully, this Origins Drink Up Intensive Mask does what no foundation can ever seem to do during the winter - it creates fresh, glowing, smooth skin.
Containing avocado oil and apricot kernel oil to instantly quench the skin, as well as Japanese Seaweed to repair the skin barrier to prevent dehydration and signs of premature ageing, this wonder mask is worth every penny. Although it only recommends you use it twice a week (or as needed), I've been using this every night this January, to miracle effects - a true winter skincare staple!
zk'in Organics Brightening and Hydrating Masque, £29.90
I had never heard of this Australian organic brand before, but now I've tried this hydrating masque, I'm desperate for more. This masque somehow leaves my skin looking about ten years younger in just ten minutes, leaving me with a fresher, more radiant face.
My toddler finds it hilarious when I put this masque on (it has a rich, chocolatey texture), but the combination of cocoa to smooth and improve circulation, as well as Aloe Vera to boost hydration, really do work wonders.
Balmology Oil Exotic Rose Beauty Oil, £30
Serums are fantastic for boosting hydration in the winter months, without leaving skin greasy or too oily. This Balmology Exotic Rose Beauty Oil is one of my favourite ever products, partly because it smells divine, and partly because it leaves my skin feeling as soft as a rose petal itself.Containing a range of oils including argan, avocado, macadamia and hazelnut, this incredible anti-ageing elixir leaves the face instantly hydrated. Better still, the addition of rosehip help to stimulate collagen production, meaning your skin will be left smooth and wrinkle-free.
