I haven’t blogged about essential skincare products for a while. However, I have a good excuse. I’ve been testing some very worthwhile products, which I will tell you about below.
Dr Gobac Cosmeceuticals Cleanser
I generally prefer washes or gels when it comes to cleaning le visage every morning and night, mainly for textural reasons. But I decided to give this cream cleanser a go, because I’ve heard good things about this South African brand. I’m glad I did, as it does a handsome job at cleaning the face, without stripping the life from it. Featuring anti-oxidant witch hazel and moisture-binding golden seaweed, it’s suitable for all skin types. R325 for 100ml, www.drgobac.com.
L’Oréal Pure Clay Bright Mask
I was introduced to this range last year (read here), so was very keen to try the latest additions to the L’Oréal Pure Clay Masks line-up. All the masks feature a trio of pure clays (kaolin, montmorillonite and ghassoul). These absorb excess sebum, eliminate imperfections and clarify the complexion, respectively. Featuring skin-evening yuzu lemon extract and natural exfoliators, L’Oréal Pure Clay Bright Mask is recommended for facial skin that needs a bit of lightening (yes, please!). It earns essential skincare points for being easy-peasy to apply/remove and the pretty noticeable results it produces. R127 for 50ml.
Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Replenishing HydraGel Complex
My skin often needs intensive moisturising. So it was more than happy to be treated recently to a twice-daily dose of this gel product. It’s loaded with powerful ingredients, such as deeply hydrating hyaluronic acid, skin-softening vitamin E and astringent tree mushroom extract. A big thumbs up to this essential skincare product for the way it’s easily absorbed and the cooling effect it has when applied to the skin. The refreshing smell is not too shabby either. R299 for 75ml.
Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum
Vitamin c has been shown to strengthen the skin’s natural defence systems against pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles. But producing it in a form that can be easily delivered to and absorbed by the skin is another matter entirely. Fortunately, the smart researchers at Dermalogica have come up with a way to remedy this problem. Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum contains an ultra-stable form of vitamin C and other powerful ingredients. Together, these combat the above-mentioned problems and help the skin to protect itself. Some of these ingredients include: skin tone-evening ascorbyl methylsilanol pectinate, skin-firming palmitoyl tripeptide-5, dirt-removing lactic acid and antioxidant-rich chia seed oil. I used this product religiously twice-daily for over a month and was super-impressed by how healthy my skin looked. R1 495 for 30ml, www.dermalogica.co.za
Freeman Bare Foot Repairing Cracked Heel Foot Treatment
The reason I’ve included this foot-care product among various facial products is simple. While I’m fairly disciplined at taking care of le visage, my heels tend to be much neglected. I have a feeling I’m not the only one who behaves this way. The result? Unsightly and very sandal-unfriendly feet. So for the last few weeks I’ve been slathering on this product after giving my feet much-needed attention (read here for more tips). It contains anti-fungal neem oil and super-moisturising shea butter. The rosemary oil is great for circulation and combating unpleasant smells. R89.95 for 100ml, exclusive to Dis-Chem, www.dischem.co.za
Hey, thanks for the info on Bare Foot. As a lifetime diabetic I’m always on the hunt for good foot care. Facially I tend to stick with Kiehls Facial Fuel followed by lashings of The Ordinary Buffet serum (which I love, btw…)
It’s a pleasure, Robert. I did a bit of research. Freeman has an Overnight Foot Cream Kit specifically for diabetics, You might want to try that. Kiehl’s Facial Fuel is a great product. I haven’t tried The Ordinary Buffet Serum.
That gel consistency of Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference HydraGel Complex has the WOW factor indeed – love it!!
Me too, Cathi!
I’m still on a very limited skincare regime trying to figure out which ingredients cause me skin allergic reaction – otherwise I would be out there buying that EA gel right now!
That’s a pity, Undina, as it’s such a good moisturiser. Which ingredients are you allergic to?
If I had known, it would have been much easier! I had to eliminate most, and now I try slowly adding some products back. Some sunscreen agents clearly cause issues for my eyes, but those aren’t the only ones, and I have a long way to go.
Sounds like you have to go through a lot of trial and error, Undina. Hope it gets easier as you go along.