Just to clarify : I don’t use all these products all at once, every evening. Depending on how my skin feels, I’ll use a different cleanser or face oil.You may remember a previous post (here), where I shared the products that did a wonderful job calming my skin after a bad reaction to products. Once everything came back to normal, I promised myself I’d stick to a routine and stop switching products all the time, only allowing a new product once in a while. My skin has never been calmer since.
I’ve been using all types of cleansers: oil, balms, gel and cream. Each has a specific usage and some compliment each other very well. I would definitely repurchase all of them.
Cleansers
Ravenscourt Apothecary Purity oil cleanser
You may remember my love for this British brand (here) for its whimsical aesthetics and palm-oil free range. One of their newest products released is the Purity cleanser. I picked the one with the essential oil of clary sage, a well-known ingredient to combat skin inflammations and rashes. I always use Purity as a first cleanse when I’m wearing makeup/sunscreen, because it removes effortlessly all the grime and doesn’t leave any residue. A few drops on a cotton round take off mascara, eyeshadow while keeping the eye area moisturized. For those sensitive to EOs, Ravenscourt offers an unscented version as well.
Ingredients: olive oil, macadamia nut oil, golden jojoba oil, polysorbate 80, essential oils of clary sage.
Skin & Tonic London Steam Clean
One of the best purchases I’ve made. I bought it several months ago on Content Beauty, and I started to use it in November until early Spring. Now that I’ve moved on to lighter cleansers, I use the remaining product left as an aromatic chest balm: thanks to the content in spearmint and eucalyptus, it encourages deep breathing and relaxation.
As a cleanser, I massaged a small amount onto my face and neck. I held the warm cloth on my face for a minute or more to breathe in deeply the essential oils that were released, before starting to cleanse away. It always left my face glowy, fresh and relaxed. With Steam Clean, I literally felt the tensions melt away as I washed my face. Even better, I believe Steam Clean prevented me from catching a full-blown cold, because I had been using it on an almost daily basis during the winter, and its essential oils always relieved any first signs of congestion. A must-have for winter.
Ingredients: Cera Alba (Beeswax)* Vitis Vinifera (Grapeseed Oil)* Carthamus Tinctorius (Thistle Oil)* Borago Officinalis (Borage Oil)* Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus Essential Oil)* Mentha Spicata (Spearmint Essential Oil)* *Certified organic by The Soil Association
Yüli Halcyon cleanser (review here)
The one for the second cleanse. This is not a makeup remover, but the most lightweight-yet-mighty product to cleanse your bare face. A game-changer in the world of gel cleansers. So gentle that my my skin never encounters redness or irritations. Skin doesn’t feel
tight after cleansing, but supple, fresh and clean.
Ingredients: H. italicum/L. angustifolia hydrosol blend*, herbal infusion of (T.pratense*, C. sinensis*, S. media, Z. officinale*, O. fragans), D-aloe barbadensis,vegetable glycerine, sodium cocoyl isethionate (vegetable source), peptides derived from Amaranth protein, jojoba ester*, Rhodophyta (Red Algae) ferment, G.lucidum (Reishi) tincture*, zeolite, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), vitamin C ester, biodynamic fruit enzymes, petitgrain sur fleurs oil*, bergamot (bergaptene-free) oil*, collidal silver
D-aloe barbadensis,vegetable glycerine, sodium cocoyl isethionate
(vegetable source), peptides derived from Amaranth protein, jojoba
ester*, Rhodophyta (Red Algae) ferment, G.lucidum (Reishi)
tincture*, zeolite, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), vitamin C ester,
biodynamic fruit enzymes, petitgrain sur fleurs oil*, bergamot
(bergaptene-free) oil*, collidal silver – See more at:
http://www.yuliskincare.com/products-page/cleanser/halcyon-cleanser/#sthash.VYAGg4mk.dpuf
Cleanser/ exfoliator
Jillian Wright Congested skin cleanser with salicylic acid and cranberry & pomegranate*
One word: holy-grail.
Pollution, bad eating choices, high stress level are factors that contribute to skin inflammation and congestion. Despite a steady beauty routine and a healthy-ish lifestyle, I do experience itchy, inflammed skin from time to time and when it happens, it’s the first sign leading to big breakouts. There was nothing that prevented spots from appearing, until Jillian Wright’s congested skin cleanser. I use it as an exfoliating cleanser twice a week, and everytime my skin looks calmer and clearer. It contains a small amount of salicylic acid, which is used topically to clear and prevent blemishes. The enzymes in the pomegranate provide a mild and natural exfoliation. Relieves skin rashes, inflammations, congestions, clears the pores, shrinks cysts, blackheads and encourages skin cell renewal, revealing a clearer skin. I don’t want to be without this product. Jillian Wright takes green beauty to a clinical level: science and nature are absolutely compatible. Had I the chance to live in NYC, I’d book an appointment at her spa. Meanwhile, I’m so glad her line is available online, be it on Jillian Wright’s website (here) or on Indie Beauty Shop (here).
And if you’re not convinced yet, the cleanser has a pink color and smells very fruity 😉
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Sodium Methyl Cocyl Taurate, Sodium Hydroxypropylsulfonate Laurylglucoside Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Sodium
Hydroxypropylsulfonate Decyglucoside Crosspolymer, Sodium Cocoyl Hydrolyzed Amaranth Protein, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Glycol Distearate, 1% Salicylic Acid, Eclipta Prostrata Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Leaf Extract, Moringa Pterygosperma Seed Oil, Punica
Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Citrus Grandis (Pink Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil*, Cooper Gluconate, Citric Acid, Flavor/Aroma *Certified Organic Ingredient
Helichrysum Hydrosol˚, Frankincense Hydrosol˚; extracts of Calendula˚, Self Heal˚, Echinacea˚, Licorice˚, Meadowsweet˚, Cleaver˚, Chickweed˚; Microorganism Ferment, Proprietary Flower Essence˚; essential oil blend of Lavender˚, Roman Chamomile˚, Neroli˚, Lemon Balm˚, Helichrysum˚, Blue Chamomile˚ ˚signified certified organic ingredient
Serum + face oil
Precious Skin Elixirs Amethyst Balancing & Calming Serum*
Since I received this bottle, Precious Skin Elixir has revamped the look of their products so now, the Amethyst Balancing & Calming serum looks very sleek in its violet glass bottle (click here). It had big shoes to fill in as I’m still deeply enamored with MUN’s serum which has been the most efficient serum I’ve ever tried, but Amethyst passed the test with flying colors, and I’ll be adding it now to my serums of choice! I love every single ingredient listed.
A blend made in heaven, since all the ingredients work synergistically to provide hydration and balance at the same time. Amethyst works both day and night: thanks to the antioxidant properties in red raspberry seed oil, it’s a great ally against free radical damage. Borage, jojoba and meadowfoam seed are sources of hydration. Black cumin seed oil has phenomenal anti-bacterial properties (also found in Odacité’s Pure Elements serum – here). German Chamomille and Blue Yarrow bring in the soothing factor, both essential oils are delightful for the skin and the mind. Amethyst gently calms, treats and restores the skin to its natural balance. Since using it for over 3 months, I noticed a significant reduction in redness, and less breakouts on my chin area, which is where I breakout the most normally. While it’s incredibly efficient, it’s not an olfactory delight. Borage oil has a strong, dinstinctive smell (so does red raspberry oil, it doesn’t smell fruity at all). Dare I say that it slightly reminds me of fish oil. However, thanks to EOs of Lavender and German Chamomille, the scent is a bit tamed. Please, don’t let that get in the way from trying Precious Skin Elixirs, because the blends are absolutely fabulous.
Update: In the comment section below, Marissa, the founder of PSE has just informed me that they have now improved the scent – now a mixture of lavender and chamomile. Brilliant news!
Ingredients: *Borage oil, *black cumin seed oil, **jojoba, **meadowfoam seed oil, *red raspberry seed oil, **German chamomile essential oil, **blue yarrow essential oil, *lavender essential oil.*organic, **wild crafted
Vered therapeutic balancing face oil
I ordered this bottle on Spirit Beauty Lounge when they were having 20% off several months ago. I stayed mum in the beginning because I wasn’t seeing any improvements, despite the stellar blend of ingredients. It did feel immensely moisturizing though – the consistency is thick at first but absorbs effortlessly. BUT patience is a virtue, and it paid off in this case. After a month, I did notice less chin breakouts and inflammations than usual. I expected Vered’s oil to treat the exisiting blemishes, but it’s not really its function. Superbly hydrating, without making you look like a greaseball. Massaging your face with Vered therapeutic balancing oils feels like a spa session because it gives you a natural glow afterwards.
huge effect on flare ups or blackheads. I would continue to use it as a
face oil, but I would need something else to treat breakouts. – See
more at:
http://www.spiritbeautylounge.com/vered-therapeutic-balancing-face-oil.html#sthash.DeMfyneq.dpuf
If you need something to treat blemishes, this might not be the most fitting option, but if you look for a luxe, hydrating face oil that gives you a splendid glow, look no further. It won’t treat existing woes, but it will prevent new blemishes from forming. Also the bottle will last you for over 6 months, because 2 – 3 drops are enough to cover face and neck. Since it contains photosensitive ingredients (citrus essential oils), I strictly used it at night as a precaution. I’m quite fond of the elegant design of the bottle – gives me some Chanel vibes, no? I keep it stored away from direct sunlight since the clear bottle can’t prevent the essential oils from altering.
Ingredients: Organic, ethically sourced, therapeutic-grade essential oils and herbs – lemongrass, helichrysum flowers, tangerine, chamomille, lime, lemon, lemon thyme, rosehip, myrrh, niaoli, calendula, chickweed, lavender, echinacea, plantain leaf, speedwell, selfheal, infused into a base of pure organic jojoba oil and sweet almond oil.
Masks
May Lindstrom The Problem Solver (reviewed here)
Skin superstar, master skin detox, blemish blaster etc. I’ve been using The Problem Solver for a year (almost every Sunday) and as of now I fully get to enjoy its benefits and experience how outstanding it is. Overtime, it diminishes the appearance of skin impurities, reduces inflammations, keeps new blemishes at bay and thoroughly cleanses the pores.
Ingredients: Fuller’s Earth Clay, Red Moroccan Rhassoul Clay, **Theobroma Cacao (Raw Cacao), Red Alaea Sea Salt, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Sodium Bicarbonate, Bamboo Carbon Charcoal Powder, *Vanilla Planifolia Bean, *Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower, *Althaea Officinalis (Marshmallow) Root, ***Boswellia Carteri (Frankincense), *Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola), *Archangelica (Angelica) Root, *Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon), *Myristica Fragans (Nutmeg), *Syzygium Aromaticum (Clove), *Curcuma Longa (Turmeric), *Capsicum Annuum (Cayenne) Pepper. *Certified Organic **Fair Trade Certified ***Wild Harvested
Pai Copaiba & Zinc AHA Deep Cleanse mask (full review here)
While I do a clay mask once a week, I like a little mid-week pamper and Pai’s Copaiba AHA Mask is the perfect treat, because it’s creamy, gentle and non-drying.
The Alpha Hydroxy Acids act as chemical exfoliants, which work to remove dead skin cells on skin’s surface, revealing a brighter complexion. Therefore, Pai’s mask kills two birds with one stone (excuse the rather brutal idiom though 😉 by reducing scarring and tackling blemishes all at once. I’m absolutely thrilled that Pai has decided to keep the mask in their permanent collection, however I only wish it was a tad more affordable, as it now costs more (40 Eur.) than the instant brightening facial set (36 Eur.), which also comprised the Kukui and Jojoba Bead brightening exfoliator. Unlike The Problem Solver which lasted me for over a year and a few months, Pai’s Deep Cleanse mask would take maximum half a year (depending on your usage). Nevertheless it’s still a brilliant product and I know I’ll repurchase it at some point because it worked wonderfully for me.
Ingredients: Aqua, Kaolin, Glycerin*, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Cetearyl alcohol, Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil*, Carapa guaianensis Seed Oil*, Citrus Paradisi Fruit Extract*, Acacia Senegal Gum, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil*, Carya Ovata Bark Extract, Copaifera Officinalis Resin*, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Levulinate, Boswellia Neglecta Oil*, Glyceryl Caprylate, Sodium Anisate, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil*, Tocopherol, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid. Naturally occurring in essential oils: limonene*, citral*.
Phew, that was a long post to write! Now, I’d love to know what you use in your cleansing routine!
Take care,
Liz
Enregistrer
20 Comments
We are thrilled you love Amethyst! Thanks for your review! When we updated our packaging, we reformulated to improve the scent – now a lovely lavender and chamomile (no fish oil smell…lol)
xxoo.
Marissa
Thank you for creating wonderful products, Marissa! It's a keeper, for sure. Regarding the reformulation, I'll immediately update the post, then. I surely do love Chamomille and Lavender 🙂 xx
What a gorgeous selection of products you have. I've noticed my skin had been calmer since sticking to some sort of routine too. Would love to try Laurel and Yuli!
Thank you lovely! I wish I had sticked to a routine sooner, glad you're seeing some results too. Hope you get to try Laurel and Yüli, they are both outstanding. xx
Thank you lovely!
Loved reading about your awesome routine! All the products seem to be really effective, no? I've been meaning to do a Spring routine post but due to product review commitments (haha) I had to switch from using Odacite for a good 5-6 weeks to MVO now. My skin has been doing well lately except for the chin of course, and I know my diet is entirely responsible for it!
Thank you Ru! So happy you liked it. Yes, they are effective when used consistently for several months. Oh I look forward to your thoughts about MVO. Same, even with the best skincare, if I start eating too sugary or greasy my skin acts up 🙂 xx
What a wonderful, efficacious routine! I'd love to try the Laurel Whole Plant Organics Facial Elixir for Oily/Combination skin as well as Pai's new products targeted for blemished. The Precious Skin Elixirs Amethyst Balancing & Calming Serum also has caught my attention with its stellar ingredient list!
Thank you Megan! Amethyst is outstanding, because the ingredients are perfect for oily and blemish-prone skin 🙂 xx
pffff for you but intéressant to read for us 🙂 J'aime les post de routine 🙂 Je suis justement en train d'en écrire un de 1 km de long sur ma routine en vacance, ce que j'ai amené et ce que je me sert. Et ce que j'apprécie ici c'est que comme tu dis au début, je reste sur une routine sans changer. La peau aime ça. J'aime vraiment beaucoup le steam clean de skin + tonic, je l'ai justement apporté avec moi 🙂 aaaaw le tonic Laurel, j'adore cette ligne .. ça fait trop longtemps que j'ai pas utilisé un de ces produits, mais j'en ai tellement à la maison à finir avant que je ne peux pas justifier un achat 😛 xx
Ah ça me fait plaisir, j'avais peur que c'était trop long lol. Je lirais ton article avec grand plaisir, tu déniches toujours des petites merveilles. Le Steam Clean, c'est un baume génial, j'adore respirer à plein poumon l'arôme d'eucalyptus. Je trouve qu'il y a de plus en plus de beaux produits eco, et du coup cela devient de plus en plus de résister à faire des achats 😉 xx
So many beautiful products! I've always got multiple cleansers on the go at once too. Would love to try Jillian Wright and Yuli in the future 🙂
Thank you Caitie! Jillian Wright is absolutely worth it. If you're in Canada, there are available on indie Beauty Shop 🙂 xx
So many amazing products in your routine! I love reading other people's routines as no two would ever be the same. I noticed Precious Skin Elixirs had a revamp too and I've been loving their Rose Quartz toner (almost gone!) but they've made the jar for their mask almost double the size which obv means it's move expensive but that now means I'll get charged a fortune on customs if I order another jar which sucks 🙁
Thanks Amber! Hopefully, there will be a stockist in the near future, or you can have someone get it for you. Customs are the bane of a blogger's existence. xx
Dear Liz,
I have a few questions, do you prefer anyone over the other regarding Yüli and May Lindstrom? Is one line more efficient?
Have you tried Dr. Jackson's skincare?
And last but not least? How does Rahua compare to John Master's? 🙂
Hi,
Thank you for your comment!
– Yüli/May Lindstrom
I've only bought one product from each line, so it's going to be difficult for me to compare. It depends what you're looking for: if you're looking for a more minimalistic routine go for Yüli. The advantage with Yüli is that they offer travel sizes so you can start with them to see if it works for you. ( If I'm not wrong, I think may Lindstrom will also launch travel sizes in the future). Yüli's products feel very light and won't cause any redness on the skin. However, May Lindstrom's Problem Solver remains unrivaled, it's a spectacular product for blemish-prone skin. If you have dry skin, people swear by The Honey Mud and The Blue Cocoon.
I believe that both brands compliment each other very well. Hence why I use Yüli's cleanser (gentle on a daily basiss) and May Lindstrom's Problem Solver as a potent treatment (1x/week)
– I haven't tried Dr. Jackson's line yet, however I did see the face & eye essence 05 and it's probably the product I'd like to buy the most. I heard great things about the purity and the simplicity of his products.
– Rahua/JMO
Personally, I love both. Rahua needs some time for your hair to adjust because it's rich and in the beginning you might find your hair greasier than usual. However after several weeks, you'll notice your hair more shinier and stronger. I did a post about Rahua, and to me it's the best shampoo to use when you're doing oil treatments because it won't leave any oily residue. Rahua is more of a "treatment" shampoo than John Masters. John Masters line has a lot of variety, there's a product for each hair type. They are fantastic to use on a regular basis, because they are gentle and efficient from the start. My favorite JMO shampoo is the one from the SCALP collection, with an invigorating aroma of spearming and peppermint.
However, if you can only choose one product from Rahua, start with the conditioner because it leaves your hair silky smooth and detangles all the crazy knots. They have travel sizes as well!
I hope I answered your questions 🙂
Liz
Lovely routine, I've not tried any of these products before! x
Thanks Ria! I I wish I could find the time to do a proper review of each product, let me know if there's one you'd like to try in particular 🙂 xx
On seeing the title and the image my immediate reaction was 'wow, Liz has WAY more dedication and/or time for her skin than I do!', so I was amused to see your clarification. I am also a huge believer in your ethos of keeping a little selection that can be used as per your skin's changing needs. I guess this comes easier for us beauty blogging gals, so we're very lucky on that side. Xx