January Favourites

I can't believe how quickly January has flown past and it's now a few days into February! 

So January saw me challenging myself to transform my skin into the skin I have always wanted, which started with me using a new exfoliating brush.  Needless to say, I didn't read the instructions, started off with too high a setting and ended up with a sore and irritated face combined with an angry rash to boot :-( 

So I decided to take it back to basics in terms of what was being applied to my face and these first two products absolutely saved it

Konjac Sponge with French Pink Clay

Every face-wash I had was just doing too much and upsetting my already irritated skin,  so I needed something really simple but effective. I finally decided to try out my Konjac sponge that I had picked up in a health food store.

If you have never heard of a Konjac sponge before, it's a natural sponge reputed for it's health giving properties and used by the Japanese for over 1500 years.  

It has a really squishy texture to it and is described as being a moisture rich plant fibre which is naturally alkaline and which helps to balance out your skins acidity.

They have a range of different sponges which are infused with natural clays. I luckily had the sponge with French Pink Clay which is recommended for tired, sensitive and dehydrated skins and I found that it helped to gently cleanse and rejuvenate my skin without being at all irritating.

SBC Propolis Gel*

I was given this gel at a QVC event I attended last year and I have to admit it had just been sitting in my product cupboard. 

For anyone who is wondering what Propolis Gel is (I definitely was) it's described as:

"Created by bees to protect the hive against infection, Propolis is a century's old, natural homeopathic antibiotic. A mix of resin, wax and essential oils, Propolis contains organic amino acids, minerals, vitamins and bio-flavanoids which are known to be vital ingredients in the healing process. Propolis has anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties. Used on infected areas, Propolis gel will speed the healing process whilst fighting further infection."

I remembered it after my face flared up and all I can say is that it has been absolute face saver! I have only used it for 3 days in combination with my sponge above but I just had to add it to my favourite list even though I usually like to wait at least a month before writing about a skincare product!  

But I found that at the end of the 3 days my rash and irritated face had completely cleared up and my face is so much smoother. It even has a bit of a glow to it, so it just had to make the list. I have been using this as a moisturiser all over my face and can't sing it's praises highly enough!

Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser in the shade Polynesia

I initially fell in love with this tinted moisturiser during the summer, although I sometimes felt it was a little too moisturising for my combination skin during the heatwave that we had (but this was easily fixed with some blotting powder).

I have reached for it non stop though during January, and it has been perfect for days when I don't want anything too heavy on my face. I also found that the moisture levels are perfect during winter when my skin needs that extra hydration.

What also clinched it for me, was that it was the only colour base that didn't irritate my skin when it was going through it's flare up.

Maybelline Lasting Drama Gel Liner

When I discovered this gel liner, I actually did a happy dance. I have never been able to line the inside of my water line but this liner and it's little brush makes it a complete doodle! I also found that it's a true shade of black and it stays put and doesn't budge. Love, love, love it! 

Origins Ginzing Brightening Mascara

I already sang the praises of this fantastic mascara in it's own show and tell post here , so do check out the post in case you missed it.

And that's it, the products that I have have loved and used through the month of January. 

Have you tried any of these products before? What did you think? What were some of your favourite products that you reached for non stop? Let me know in the comments below

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