Welcome Our Favourite Products, a monthly feature of the products keeping our skin glowing, mood lifted and health high. It's a combination of the new things we've tried over the previous month and historic repeat purchases that we think you might love too. And as part of our editorial policy, every product we write about is vegan, cruelty-free and 100% natural and where possible organic. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the idea of incorporating clean beauty and wellness products into your daily routine — or even finding them, we hope you find the following helpful. And as a reminder, a constant favourite of mine — clean filtered water. Drink it frequently, daily. Here's what I'm loving this month:
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
A first try. Isabella, my friend and deep-diving follower of all things beauty, gave me this bottle of The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution, and like all The Ordinary products, the name defines the composition. Vegan and cruelty-free, this peeling solution includes 30% Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA), mainly glycolic acid, with lactic, tartaric and citric acid; plus 2% Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA), commonly called salicylic acid. These ingredients dissolve the dead skin cells. The BH acid also deeply exfoliates, going into the pores and pushing out excess sebum, oil and dirt. As such, a 10 minutes of direct contact, once or twice a week, is the maximum your skin should handle this product. It’s acid after all. The rest of the composition classifies as fragrance ingredients, plus sodium hydroxide, a cleansing and denaturing agent.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution helps clear pore congestion, improve visible blemishes and acne scars while enhancing skin radiance—making this product the ally of acne-prone and oily skin. Also, consistent use works on skin texture and reduces fine lines. I don’t consider having particular completion issues, but this peeling really did something. I noticed my skin was glowing, and pores were tighter. Not like I care about my pores, but the change was evident. Since this peeling, I found my completion is brighter, smoother with a matte appearance. Achieving radiant skin in so little time, I will definitely continue with this peeling.
Salt by Hendrix Mermaid facial oil
I spend quite some time exercising with my friends all week, so on Fridays, we like relaxing in the hammam and sauna at our gym, this is an opportunity for self-indulgence and rejuvenation. After going through the heat, your skin is detoxified of impurities, ready to absorb products effectively—the ideal state to apply Mermaid facial oil. Discovered through Biddy and May, this oil is from Salt by Hendrix, Australian skincare we praised in the past.
Vegan, cruelty-free, Mermaid is a polyvalent, botanical facial serum targeting dryness, inflammation, skin balance and ageing. Inside the bottle, you will find Omega 6 and 9 for hydration and calming action; Retinol Vitamin A for preventing signs of ageing; Vitamin E for another layer of moisturiser plus antioxidant protection and Watermelon Seed Oil for restoration and radiance. Expect a luminous completion. The texture is rich and thick, but the oil absorbs quickly, leaving no stickiness. Still, it is doing something because my skin looks nourished, smooth and soft, plump and glowy—all of it. The smell is divine, somehow reminding me of an old school fragrance, and quite frankly, I love the bottle. I am always up to that “at home spa feeling” result-driven with my skincare products, and Mermaid facial oil is what I was looking for exactly.
Rose Quartz Facial Roller
My most peculiar beauty purchase so far. I discovered face rollers a few years back on the Dore website. These tools were used a hundred years ago by the ancient Chinese royalties for facial massage. Rolled on the face, neck and décolleté, they help drain and tone muscles, improving circulation while eliminating toxins and reducing puffiness. And there are more claims, from lymphatic massage, collagen production to cell turnover. The crystals are said to influence your Qi, aka vital energy flow. Quartz, for example, promotes self-love, enhancing self-care ritual. Prepare to vibrate higher.
At the time, I found these tools were too pretentious for me; until I had the opportunity to get my hands on this rose quartz facial roller from Biddy and May. Now I indulge myself daily in a five minute facial massage, after applying my serum and eye cream of the moment. For convenience, I roll in the evenings; however, you can practice at any time of the day. The stone is naturally cold, yet you have the opportunity to amplify its power, placing it in the fridge or warm water. I had to check online on how to use a facial roller properly and came across this simple and useful video. There is something relaxing using this quartz roller, and it certainly enhances product absorption while stimulating the derm, leaving my complexion dewy and smooth. And let’s face it; this spa-like tool is quite elegant and luxurious. I have to admit; I think I am hooked for life.
Aesop Calming Shampoo
The latest protagonist of my hair routine. After finishing the Ethique Heali Kiwi shampoo sample, I was willing to test another product continuing to soothe my itchy skull and decided to go for the Aesop Calming shampoo. I picked this shampoo because Aesop is an appealing brand, whom I heard for a long time yet never got my hands on it. According to the label, this shampoo formula helps with an irritated scalp, gently and effectively cleansing hair, by removing from the composition the ingredients that traditionally irritate. The star ingredients, sage leaf, chamomile flower and lemon balm, share anti-inflammatory, astringents, and antimicrobial properties. They treat scalp conditions like dandruff, eczema and dermatitis, alleviating and calming irritations. Besides, the sage strengthens the roots and stimulates hair growth for volume. Chamomile brings shine, and lemon balm regulates hair loss. Washing my hair every two or three days and thoroughly combing daily, I managed to keep the itchiness under control, and my friends noticed the change and complimented my hair. I can definitively say that it is looking fresher, with more body volume than before. Another winner.
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