Essential Skincare Products For A Healthy-Looking Glow: Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Replenishing HydraGel Complex, Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum, Dr Gobac Cosmeceuticals Cleanser, L’Oréal Pure Clay Bright Mask, Freeman Bare Foot Repairing Cracked Heel Foot Treatment

Essential Skincare - Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Replenishing HydraGel Complex

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.

Essential Skincare - L’Oréal Pure Clay Bright Mask

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.

Essential Skincare - Dr Gobac Cosmeceuticals Cleanser

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.

Essential Skincare - L’Oréal Pure Clay Bright Mask

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.

Essential Skincare - Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Replenishing HydraGel Complex

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

Essential Skincare - Dermalogica Biolumin-C Serum

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

Essential Skincare - Freeman Bare Foot Repairing Cracked Heel Foot Treatment

The Comfort of Smells

Comforting Smells - Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir EDP

I’ve been thinking a lot about comforting smells recently. Let’s just say it’s been a relentless year on the work and health fronts. We all know smells affect our moods – for better or worse. Science tells us how they can influence our emotions and even our work and consumption behaviour. For fascinating insights on the subject and associative learning, I recommend reading this article by Rachel S Herz, assistant professor of psychology at Brown University, here.

The selection of comforting smells below have been particularly effective for me. What are your favourite comforting smells?

Comforting Smells - Sabe Masson Le Soft Perfume La Reine Soleil

Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir EDP

Francis Kurkdjian’s oriental masterpiece is adored by many for its sensuality. I couldn’t agree more. For me, it’s a mellow sensuality that always conjures up chic cosiness whenever I wear it. Have amber and vanilla (with cistus labdanum, benzoin and tonka bean  in support) ever smelled this good? R2 705 for 50ml, https://www.skins.co.za.

Comforting Smells - Maison Francis Kurkdjian Grand Soir EDP

Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Whenever these shrubs bloom towards the end of August in Johannesburg, I am taken back to my less complicated childhood. We had one of these in our garden. According to Gardening Know How, it get its name from its flowers’ transformation from purple (yesterday), then pastel lavender (today), on to white (tomorrow). The berries and seeds are poisonous, which belies the flowers’ heady sweetness. Still, I am seriously thinking of having one of these bushes on our developing garden balcony.

Comforting Smells - Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

Zenology Ambiance Spray Titio / Firewood

Although some people might find it more appropriate for winter, I find this room spray from the Dutch company Zenology so snuggle-able. Which makes its blend of smoked Darjeeling tea accord, woods and spices ideal year round for me. Gourmand-phobics, fear not. There’s nothing sweet nor heavy about it. R260 for 50ml, https://www.skins.co.za.

Comforting Smells - Zenology Ambiance Spray Titio / Firewood

Sabe Masson Le Soft Perfume La Reine Soleil

Sometimes I just want a comforting floral smell that’s close to my skin – just for me and those allowed into my personal space. Even better if it’s in the form of a product that has healthy skin benefits. Sabe Masson Le Soft Perfume La Reine Soleil is made from moisturising mango butter and regenerating Tamanu oil. It’s gently fragranced with notes that include bergamot, honey, ylang-ylang, rose, vanilla and musk. R380 for 5g, https://www.skins.co.za.

Comforting Smells - Sabe Masson Le Soft Perfume La Reine Soleil

Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon

I’ve been wanting to try this gel-cream product for some time, partly due to its relaxing name. As the skin regenerates best while we get a good night’s sleep, it features a mix of highly active ingredients renowned for their rejuvenating properties. These include Persian silk tree bark, Wu-Zhu-Yu fruit, Kakadu plum and tamarind seed extracts. All of these work together overnight to deliver impressive results in the morning. I love that it includes French lavender, sandalwood and patchouli aromatherapy essential oils to enhance sleep. R1 295 for 50ml.

Comforting Smells - Dermalogica Sound Sleep Cocoon