Ugh, January blues are striking yet again; I'm sure that after Christmas holidays, I'm not the only one who feels a little nostalgic for all the festive fun we'd had. Well, sad, but also quite overindulged, be it from all the delicious but not too healthy food I've had, or just from burying myself under a woolly blanket for the better part of December.
Generally speaking, December and January also tend to be the most difficult months for my skin and hair; it's probably part travelling, part stressing, part frigid weather + heated rooms. Here's a little edit of detoxifying products I've been reaching for to remedy spots and dehydration.
Starting with some 100% natural beauty products: there are very few things better than bentonite clay and
Manuka honey, in combination or separately. I've
reviewed this Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay before, so let me just say that I still do use it - sometimes on larger areas, more often just as a spot treatment. I like mixing it with equal parts apple cider and water, and sometimes I add in extras like honey, natural base oils or a drop of an essential oil. Also, if you dislike the pulsating, tightening effect of the product (which does tend to lead to some redness afterwards), just keep misting it with a toner/ water spray so that it doesn't set on your face. I usually alternate the clay with my Manuka honey to avoid excessive dryness - it's great on spots but also dry, cracked lips.
Cleansing is probably the essential part of a successful skin detox, and currently I'm using the
Elemental Herbology Purify & Soothe cleansing balm,
reviewed here. I feel that this helps to both get rid of every last trace of make-up and sebum but also nourishes the skin at the same time. The massaging action really helps to get the circulation going and effectively buffs away little flakes of dry skin. To further quench my poor abused skin, I like using the
Avene Thermal Water spray; one tip to get the most out of this product would be to avoid letting it dry completely on your skin - I like to seal in the moisture by using a moisturizer or an oil when my face is still damp. On mask days when I don't feel like whipping out my whole powder clay mixing kit, I go for
Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal mask.
Lastly, little miscellanous beauty bits: my hair tends to get overloaded with product easily, especially when I'm traveling, resulting in limp, oily strands. Every 2-3 weeks, I switch out my regular shampoo for
MoroccanOil Clarifying Shampoo to get rid of the build-up and add a boost of volume. If you're looking for a good clarifier, I can safely recommend this one: it's color-safe (no sulfates) and less stripping than regular purifying shampoos as it contains a little bit of argan oil, but still very effective. I'm also currently giving my nails a bit of a break from constant manicures (no A Month in Nail Polish post this January!), and I'll be strengthening with my trusty bottle of original
OPI Nail Envy. Lastly, my lips also deserve some much needed pampering, and I've been reaching for the
fresh Sugar Lip Treatment SPF15 the most - it's really fantastic, if a bit (a lot!) overpriced.
Are you on a beauty detox right now as well? What is your detoxifying routine?
No wonder you're always glowing. Look at all this care you take! I feel like all I ever say by comparison is "wash face, moisturize, bye." LOL
ReplyDeleteI now want to try Elemental Herbology and the MO shampoo!
You're too kind, Liz - oily is more like it :) Both EH and MO are really great products to check out!
DeleteAh, I feel you Monika--I start school again tomorrow so definitely longing for the holidays again. *sigh* as for skincare though, that Elemental Herbology cleanser sounds absolutely fab! Cleansers aren't usually something I pay too much attention too. As long as it leaves my skin feeling clean without being too stripped, I'll use it (I've used Aveeno's Ultra Calming Foaming Cleanser for years!). But lately, I've been really curious about cleansing balms. I hear so many good things and especially after finally trying and loving cleansing oils (TATCHA's in particular. That stuff is SO amazing but very pricey :/), I really want to give them a go! This EH one is going on my list for sure!
ReplyDeleteI've stopped using most foaming cleansers, with the exception of using up samples and the Osmia Black Clay soap. TATCHA's oil is amazing, I have to agree! I feel that cleansing balms are another step up from oils on the non-foaming spectrum, as most don't even emulsify; but I still feel that with a hot cloth, the EH rinses clean :)
DeleteThis is such a great list! I love the Origins Clay Mask and that Clarifying Shampoo sounds really nice, I might have to try it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for recommending the Indian Healing Clay! I saw that at local Bartell's and that may be my next to-try. I've just reviewed a few clay cleansers. Any other ones you think worth trying?
ReplyDeleteI got mine at Bartell's too, I remember it being really cheap there :) I would just be careful with it if your skin is dry/sensitive, at its full strenght it's a force to be reckoned with. I just left you a comment at your fabulous post!
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