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THE BEST PRODUCTS TO REVIVE YOU THIS WINTER!




Never mind Hailey Bieber's glazed donut look, I'm out here just trying to avoid looking like a flaky croissant this winter. With only fifty days until Spring (but who's counting?!), I've been on the hunt for the best products to help bring us back to life and survive the harsh weather!

MARGARET DABBS HAND CREAM


I think it’s been three years since I owned a pair of gloves. On particularly cold days I grab a pair of socks which I tell myself are mittens - on other days I embrace the red dry cracked hand look. Makes me look tough, like I've lived, I think to myself.

Or that was my approach. Perhaps the 'new year, new me' got to me this year, because I've found myself moving away from my red raw hand era and actually using hand cream. In the same way that applying lip balm can fast become a subconscious reflex in social situations, I have found that hand cream is the same. Margaret Dabbs hand cream is without a doubt the best I’ve tried, and feels soft and silky without being sticky. It smells like the best creams do - like I'm living in a forest in a hut made of sticks and making my own products out of plants and flowers. Not only this, but Dabbs have created the perfect 'hand mask'. If you're having a pamper night and want an extra moisture boost this is a must!


THE ICE BATH CO




For me, having a hot shower is one of the highlights of my day. The first exposure I had to the whole cold water trend was the ice bucket challenge in 2014 which I swiftly averted every time I was 'nominated'. I've known for a long time that immersing yourself in cold water is good for you, but until the Ice Bath Co sent me a literal ice bath, I’d always seen it as a kind of torture.

Anyway, for the sake of journalism, and the proven skin benefits (think anti-puff, pro-circulation), I decided to, ahem, take the plunge. Well, the first time I lasted a grand total of two minutes - in my defence it was snowing outside - and the second attempt wasn’t much better. In the end, the best combination for me was post-exercise pre-warm shower. I began to find it acted like an extra caffeine boost and left my skin feeling tighter. It's important to note that I've also started to frequent the sauna, and I do think that the combination of both the ice and the heat have maximised skin glow results!


If, like me, you live in a big city, you'll know that there's no such thing as taking a breath of fresh air. When I first moved from the bonny banks of Scotland, my skin was not happy (and I was sneezing what looked like black soot). Enter Clinisoothe+ Skin Purifier. Once you start using this skin purifier, you'll feel like your daily routine is incomplete without it. I found that even when I thought my skin was 'clean', it didn't really feel clean until I'd used this. Promising protection from pollution and emissions, this is particularly great if you find yourself breaking out, hormonally or otherwise. The bottles are big enough to last, and the formula smells simple and clean. For clear skin, this is a no-brainer.


OSCAR CHARLES SKINCARE


You know that meme that's like 'you better fix my whole life' and it's a guy standing looking at a vape or something? That's how I felt as I opened my Oscar Charles products, my skin feeling especially dry that day. I was lucky enough to try the protect and repair day cream and anti aging serum. The serum is light and pairs really well with the day cream before applying make up. With their commitment to sustainability and anti-cruelty, you can be sure that Oscar Charles aren't putting any nonsense into their products. The creams are particularly gentle and would be great for more sensitive skin.


DOLL SMASH BLUSH STICK


I'll never understand people who are embarrassed by their rosy cheeks. If you're not one of the lucky natural rosy cheekers of the world, a blush stick is essential for looking alive! Often I find that blush awkwardly sits on top of foundation and changes shade as the day goes on, but Doll Smash manage to avoid this, instead appearing subtle but buildable. Cruelty free and vegan, the blush is rated highly amongst professional make up artists and comes in four different shades, with bloom being my go-to! Extremely versatile, I also use it to give my lips some colour - if there's one make up product you should be carrying in your bag this winter, it's this one!


EVOLVE ORGANIC BEAUTY INTENSE MASK



I tried the Evolve intense mask after too many late nights, in hope that it would freshen me up before the next late night. Freshen me up it did, and I found it to be remarkably cooling and refreshing. I applied the mask after a shower and washed it off before bed, and woke up to skin that felt as soft as a baby! Vegan and cruelty free, the mask is both gentle and nourishing, and feels like a real treat after being pummelled by cold, windy weather.


HYDROPEPTIDE POWER LUXE


Like a toxic lover, a lot of moisturisers promise you the world only to leave you high and dry five minutes later. It's rare to find a moisturiser that actually has the staying power to keep your skin feeling soft all day, so I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered HydroPeptide Power Luxe. The first thing I thought when opening the pot is... she thick. The second thing I thought was 'is she going to clog my pores'? After a couple of weeks of use I can safely say no pores have been clogged in the writing of this review. I have extremely dry skin that soaks up moisture like a sponge, so for me having a thick moisturiser that replenishes the skin is vital in winter. This is truly the best I've discovered so far, and I've noticed that my skin stays soft long after using it!


DERMAROLLER MASKS


For me, sheet masks are a great midweek skin fix, and I like to tidy my room whilst wearing one, usually keeping them on for far longer than the recommended time. The Dermaroller ones are great because they reduce puffiness and give a real instant glow. I found myself using it one morning before work and not applying any make up on top, and I had multiple compliments about how good my skin looked that day! Great to carry when travelling for a quick pick me up.

WONDERSKIN LIP STAIN


I've been intrigued by Wonderskin for a long time due to their lip stains' advertised staying power. As someone who bites my lips a lot and eats snacks every thirty minutes I'd just about given up on any kind of lip colour lasting for me, so I was sceptical. Get ready to unleash your inner emo as you paint on the black stain. After ten minutes you can peel it off, and you're left with a beautiful natural looking lip colour. I loved these, and whilst I did find myself topping up the colour, I definitely found that they lasted a lot longe than any other lipstick I'd tried. I tried the lip liners too and absolutely love the shades! Great for adding some much needed colour in winter.

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