Hey guys,

Recently I was sent a box full of skincare products from Dermalogica to try out. I was really excited as Dermalogica are a brand that I have heard of numerous times before. Their products are often recommended to me when I go for facials, yet I had never actually tried their skincare before. I had previously used their Climate Control Lip Treatment but that was about it. I think the reason I had never purchased before was because I always considered Dermalogica a brand to use for serious skin issues, which I never really had. By serious I mean things like acne or very oily skin etc. But actually Dermalogica cater to all skin types and issues, whether it's acne, ageing or general maintenance there is a product to suit everyone. My skin is normal sensitivity and combination, in that it is oily in the T-zone but can be quite dry else where. I occasionally get the odd spot here or there but luckily I have never had any issues. 

This is the fist time I have used dermalogica and I have been using the products for over a month now so thought I could talk to you about products that really stood out to me and give you a little introduction to some of my faves.

1. Precleanse

This is one of the products I really enjoy using. By precleanse it basically means it is the first step in your cleansing routine because we all double cleanse right? This is perfect for removing make-up, you simple rub into your dry skin and watch the make-up completely disappear. Simply wash off with water and there should be no traces of makeup left. I really like this, and if you haven't tried an oil  cleanser before you will love. I find it quite similar to DHC cleansing oil, I think I prefer DHC a little more as I find it's thicker in consistency so really removes makeup from the oily parts of my face. The precleanse may suit those who are a little less oily.

2. Special Cleansing Gel

The next step for me is to use the special cleansing gel as my second cleanser to really remove the dirt under the skin's surface. This is soap free and you basically lather it up in your hands with water and then apply to your face. Next you simply rinse off and my face is left feeling squeaky clean. It literally has a squeak to it. And once you get this complete cleanse your skin never quite feels as clean without the squeak, so this is why I have continuously been going back to this. It is quite addictive.

3. Daily Microfoliant

Another fave of mine has been the Daily Microfoliant. This comes in powder form, you pour a little bit into wet hands, rub it together until a paste is formed and then rub into your skin. I have always been told to exfoliate maximum twice a week however because the exfoliant is so gentle it is suitable for everyday use. In particular my forehead has been of concern to me recently as I have really broken out and the exfoliant has really reduced my spot size. I'm not sure if my breakout is hormonal or even related to my hair products, but it is really starting to bug me. So I'm hoping continued use will help them to vanish!

4. Skin Smoothing Cream

Once I have cleansed I then Tone using my Pixi Glow Tonic, apply my Kiehls Creamy Avocado Eye cream, and Murad Porcelain Skin Serum. I then apply the Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream. It is the nicest moisturiser I have used in a while. The reason I say this is because the consistency is just right for me, it is not too greasy but not too weightless. I like my moisturiser somewhere in between. Once applied my skin feels so supple and looks really healthy so I have been using this daily. The thing is that my skin feels moisturised from within and not just on the surface which many standard moisturisers do. It is full of antioxidants and vitamins which also help to shield the skin from environmental factors, so all in all it's a keeper.

5. Skinperfect Primer

The final step in my skin routine is usually some sort of SPF. I was sent the Skin Perfect Primer with SPF 30. In terms of a primer I think this is a good product, but honestly this is probably the product I have used the least as I prefer a higher SPF and this is the only reason. The primer is slightly peach tinted too which is great as it corrects some of my uneven skin tone. I really like the fact it comes with a tube slider so you can really get all the product out of the tube, it's a clever little gadget. However I absolutely love my Biore Watery Essence SPF50 and will probably stick to using that, as SPF is one product you do want to be weightless!

Out of all the products I will definitely be purchasing the Special Cleansing Gel, Daily Microfoliant and Skin Smoothing Cream once I have run out, as they definitely leave my skin feeling cleaner than before. I can't wait to try more Dermalogica products! There is such a wide range and definitely something for everyone! What should I try next?

Amina xx

*PR Sample. All opinions are my own.

Hey guys,

Over the past month I have been changing my cleansing routine up a little bit. I find with my skin, once it gets used to a product, it's almost like the product stops working as effectively, and I need to switch things up a bit. Luckily this change coincided with me being sent some skin cleansing products! I received the SENSSE Silicone Cleansing Facial Brush and Exfoliator. I had only ever used my hands to cleanse with before so was intrigued to try it. Aside from the exfoliator, I have also been introduced to a great skincare brand called DHC, which I had heard a lot about but never tried, so was equally intrigued to test.

The SENSSE cleansing brush comes in a very sleek, nicely packed box, which I feel gives it a touch of luxury. Plus when I opened the package I was surprised to find a lovely pink storage bag thrown in for extra measure. The design of the cleanser is very sleek, with rose gold details. Come on, who doesn't love a bit of rose gold?! Selecting the middle button switches the cleanser on and lights it up. You have an up arrow button to increase the vibration and down arrow to decrease the vibration depending on the strength you want. I really like this feature as it gives you more control.

Another fab feature is that you can turn the cleanser around and use the back as a tool to massage your face. I think this is one of the things I loved most about the brush as a daily facial massage increases blood and keeps your skin looking youthful. I usually massage my face with my hands but having the vibration definitely adds a bit extra. Overall, I think it's a great addition to my routine and my skin has been left glowing, which is probably due to the fact that the silicone bristles also work as an exfoliator to remove dead skin cells in a gentle way.

I have been using the brush with the DHC Deep Cleansing oil. I apply the oil to my un-dampened skin with my hands first and then dampen the cleansing brush and move it around the whole face for that extra clean feeling. The packaging is simple and that's because the oil speaks for itself. One of these are sold every 10 seconds around the world and that's simply because it works. I have used this over a full face of make-up and it seems to just melt the make-up away. With it being an oil, I had the misconception that it would leave my skin feeling oily, but that was not true at all.  When washed off, my skin was left feeling moisturised, soft and hydrated. Needless to say I am converted.

For days where I have heavy duty eyeshadow on, I like to cleanse with the Nouveau Lashes Eye Make-up Remover. It's so soft and gentle on the eyes and removes every little bit of make-up, including waterproof mascara. It is a gel formulation and can be used on natural lashes and lash extensions. You can apply it to a cotton pad and then to the eyes, however I also like to use my finger tips too. I usually do this first and then apply the DHC cleansing oil all over the face after. I also use it on a cotton bud to clean my strip lashes!

So that's it guys. Some of the recent cleansing products I have been using. Let me know if you have any must-have products I need to try!

Amina xx


*PR gifts. All opinions are my own.