Out with the spring and in with the summer: out with the old and in with the new. Besides updating my wardrobe, I've done a big beauty transformation.
I was getting towards that (really annoying) point of where all my products run out at the same time. With the new season and holiday coming up I thought it was the perfect time to switch up to some new goodies. I'm quite particular with products that go on my face as I dread causing irritation so I made a checklist of what I was looking for - fragrance free, alcohol free and natural ingredients. After some thought I realised THE BODY SHOP!
After researching into my favoured ranges (Aloe, Vitamin E and Seaweed) and reading a lot of mixed reviews, I settled with the Aloe range. I purchased the "soothing day cream", "calming facial cleanser" and "protective serum". I also purchased the Tea Tree Oil.
I've been an aloe lover for years now - especially from the plant itself! The benefits of aloe include reducing redness/blemishes, moisture, hydration and soothing irritated skin (amazing for sunburn). All these great benefits means it's great for sensitive skin! As I have combination, spot-prone skin with blemishes - this is a perfect range for me. I've been using these products every day for over a week now to ensure I had a good grasp of the effectiveness (original prices noted but all bought in the sale). Here are my thoughts...
"Aloe Calming Facial Cleanser" £3 for 60ml
I've begun using this morning and night in place of my previous daily cleanser which was an exfoliating gel. This aloe cleanser feels incredible on the skin. It feels like silk and it is so hydrating without leaving you oily. I was slightly weary about using this type of solution in place of an exfoliater as I thought it may not feel like it's actually "cleansing". However, I was wrong and I love this product so much - I will definitely be repurchasing in the bigger bottle. It does exactly what is says on the bottle. It really is "calming" (feels great after long wear make up or sunbathing). Your skins feels amazingly soft during use and leaves it feeling so soft too! I've definitely had a less shine-free face for longer with using this in comparison to my prevoious "oil-balancing" cleanser! As I have combination skin, I've also noticed I've had no dryness either. Yay. Every other day I still use an exfoliator for an extra cleanse and I've found that I'm using a much less harsh regime - my skin really does feel "calm", naturally moisturised oil-free for longer.
"Aloe Protective Serum" £11 for 30ml
After recently been reading lots of reviews and hearing of other bloggers using a serum, I decided that this would be a lovely new addition to my skincare regime.
After using the aloe cleanser and double cleansing with L'oreal Micellar Solution, I will apply this serum to my fresh face. I do have a slight complain/word of warning about this product - a little goes a LONG way. The first time I used this product I definitely applied too much (I think I was excited) and didn't leave it to soak in properly before applying moisturiser. This left my face looking rather shiny and oily instead of moisturised and I was left disappointed from the first use. ALTHOUGH... Now I think this is my favourite aloe product! I learnt from my little lesson and I apply a tiny pea amount to each side of my face - cheeks, chin, jaw and neck. I completely avoid my t-zone now which leaves me shine-free! By applying this morning and night, my skin feels so plump and looks really healthy. It may appear to be a rich formula, but it's actually lovely and light when small amounts are used. Some people may argue that a serum is pointless, but in actual fact, the molecules are smaller than a moisturiser which means they sink deeper into your skin - which means your skin gets more of the nutrients than from a moisturiser. For best results, leave the serum to soak in completely before applying a moisturiser. After only a week of use I can't imagine my life without this! If you haven't already, get a serum in your life.
"Aloe Soothing Day Cream" £10 for 50ml
After letting the serum soak in completely, I will apply this day moisturiser. I only use this product if I'm wearing make up. If I'm having a make up free day then I'll just apply a serum and let it work it's magic. Again, this is a light formula and a little definitely goes a long way! After just a week of using these aloe products I don't think I'll be dropping them any time soon. In such a short time I've noticed some big changes! These include - oil-free for longer, no more dryness, plumper feeling and healthier looking skin and best of all I've noticed that blemishes and redness have been dramatically reduced and are less visible than before! I would would highly recommend these products for anyone. I think it would be most effective for dry, sensitive or combination skin types who are looking to banish dryness, oilyness and redness. These products do all of those things and are so kind to your skin. Opting for alcohol-free and fragrance-free products has worked wonders.
Tea Tree Oil £7 for 10ml
The last product I purchased was the Tea Tree Oil as a spot treatment. Reviews I read stated that some people experienced a lot of dryness from it. I've had some problem areas and I've been using this product on them and it's been great! I haven't had much dryness as I've been using these wonderful aloe goodies and they've helped my usual combination skin dryness. I've had the tiniest bit of dryness from this oil which only happened once my spots were finally gone. At the end of the day a little dryness is a good thing when it comes to fighting spots as it means they're going! It definitely has reduced spots and redness maybe a bit slow but definitely surely. I previously used the Soap and Glory Dr Spot Clearing Gel (£8 for 15ml) which is also really effective and perhaps a little quicker at working. The Tea Tree Oil is much less harsh on the skin (natural ingredients) than the S&G treatment - this is quite a harsh chemical product. I highly recommend the Dr Spot gel too, but personally I would opt for the Tea Tree Oil as it's much kinder to your skin and less drying. For a little less product for a similar price, it's definitely a change I'm willing to make.
The Body Shop is fab if you're looking for natural products at great prices. Don't fall for their quite expensive prices. They have sales/offers on ALL the time. I picked out my products and a couple of days later there was a 40% discount on everything! I purchased all these skincare products and a big bamboo hair brush for all just £23.I'll definitely be restocking during their sales and adding more aloe products to my collection .And not forgetting The Body Shop is against animal testing so more bunnies get to hop free. Lovely! Quite a long post so well done if you made it to the end! Feel free to leave me any questions.
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