Exfoliator

Skincare products I have used up 2025

- Vicki Leave a comment
skincare empties june 2025

*Samaya Ayurvedic Pitta Renewing Exfoliant

This creamy exfoliator is great if you have sensitive or redness prone skin, the lightweight formula combines natural fruit enzymes and Botanical actives to gently remove dirt, makeup and grease to promote cell renewal and even out skin tone without irritation. The Samaya exfoliant requires no scrubbing which is fantastic, simply apply, leave on for 20 minutes, and rinse off, so if you are prone to irritation this is the perfect non-abrasive exfoliator. There are such a wide range of wonderful, natural and effective ingredients in this exfoliator, this is well worth the price tag, think spa quality at home.

  • Jasmine flower extract – to soothe sensitive skin, reduce redness, and tone gently.
  • Gotu kola oil – boosts collagen, supports healing, and strengthens sensitive skin
  • Neem oil – purifies, calms irritation, and helps prevent breakouts.
  • Saffron extract – brightens skin tone, improves radiance, and supports even pigmentation.
  • Aloe vera leaf juice – soothes, cools, and replenishes moisture.
  • Vitamin E – softens skin, offers antioxidant protection, and supports repair.

The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum

This is the cool looking pink serum, if you haven’t seen it before it looks so fun and unusual (it gets its pink colour from vitamin B12). As with a lot of my skincare, I’m always looking for products that help calm redness and protect my skin, and I think this serum is one of the best I have found. It has so many ingredients which are all focused around being gentle, protecting, soothing, strengthening for your skins’ barrier whilst reducing irritation and redness. I really loved this serum and will be getting another bottle ASAP. I always forget how affordable The Ordinary products are.

  • Vitamin B12 – reduces visible redness and dryness.
  • Gallic acid derivatives – calms and soothes irritated skin.
  • Bisabolol – alleviates redness and discomfort.
  • Soothing complex – eases tightness and irritation.
  • Centella asiatica phytotechnologies – protects against external irritants and supports calms skin.

Super Facialist Vitamin C Brightening Polish Wash

This took me a while to use up, because you need so little product, a little bit is very effective. I would say this is a gentle exfoliator, with a lightweight gel texture, packed with biodegradable microbeads that exfoliate away dead skin and daily grime. I used it at least 2 times a week, it’s been perfect for keeping my skin smooth. It is enriched with ferulic acid plus vitamins C and E, it helps brighten dull skin and smooth rough patches, especially around the nose and chin. My complexion has looked fresher and more radiant, and my makeup goes on like a dream after using it – my skin feels soft, clean, and glowy. A great, affordable exfoliator, it doesn’t irritate or strip the skin. I highly recommend it.

Aveeno Nourishing Oat Cleanser

I thought this product was just OK, didn’t blow me away, and I really didn’t look forward to using it up. I wear SPF every day, and I felt like this cleanser left behind a residue and made my skin feel like it wasn’t properly cleansed. I know this is a gentle formula, but I think it is lacking in being able to clean your skin if you are wearing makeup or SPF. I am sure it would be better if you used it as a morning cleanser, but I like a deeper clean and this didn’t cut it.

Garnier Rose Toner

You can’t go wrong with Garnier toners. They’re affordable, effective, and there’s a version for every skin type. I’ve used loads over the years and liked them all. I get redness on my cheeks, especially in colder months, and this rose toner is always gentle and calming. It’s one I keep repurchasing – a forever favourite

We can see that I like gentle products that soothe and calm my skin, as well as brighten. If you have any recommendations of products you have been enjoying.

*this post contains affiliate links, If you choose to purchase after clicking a link, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. All products mentioned were purchased by me and not gifted or received as PR.

New Skincare for Spring 2019

- Vicki Leave a comment
Spring skincare

I always like to add a few products to my skincare regime at the beginning of a new season. It is the perfect time to assess your skin and revamp your skincare, I love organising and decluttering my products on a regular basis. It is always good to remember that what your skin needs in the depths of a cold Winter might not be the same during spring. I have been on the lookout for some new cleansers as I have used up my beloved DHC Cleansing Oil & my Superdrug Scrub, I bought both my new additions from Boots and noticed that Garnier had this new Fresh Lemongrass Collection which is labelled as being both Vegan and Organic. I also bought a product from one of my favourite skincare brands SuperFacialist, their skincare is always such incredible value or money and great quality. I needed a scrub and this vitamin C Scrub sounded like it would help brighten my skin after winter!

I have been using both products for a couple of weeks now, and I am pretty pleased with my purchases.

Skincare for Spring

Super Facialist Vitamin C+ Brightening Gentle Daily Micro Polish Wash

This face scrub smells like citrus fruits, zesty and fresh. I love it, and it reminds me that the warmer weather is on its way! This is a gentle scrub that you can use daily, I have been using it every two days and that’s been working well for me. It has a lightweight gel texture which is infused with biodegradable microbeads to softly remove dead skin cells & daily impurities and dirt. It is boosted with antioxidant ferulic acid and vitamins C & E to promote brighter looking skin. So if you have quite dull skin and get a little texture where dead skin forms around your nose, chin area then this is perfect for addressing that!

Packed with vitamin C and natural skin brighteners, it encourages skin’s renewal and energises the complexion to keep it looking fit, radiant and youthful. I also like how well my makeup applies after using this and that my skin is smoother and super soft!

Vegan-friendly, paraben & SLES free.

Garnier Organic Fresh Lemongrass Detox Gel Wash

So Garnier now has a range of Organic & Vegan products, who knew! I loved the smell of the Lemongrass collection and opted for the Gel Wash but I think I’m going to pop back and get a few more bits because the whole collection was on offer in Boots (I think it was a save 1/3 deal).

This has such a refreshing, uplifting scent, it smells so luxurious and like a high-end spa (very fancy indeed).

  • Cleanses away dirt, oil and pollution residues without drying skin out
  • Formulated with organic lemongrass essential oil, Organic cornflower water, botanical glycerine and a 100% natural

It feels cooling on the skin and the gel texture is super lightweight, I like to massage into my skin for about a minute before washing it off with a warm flannel. It leaves my face feeling very fresh and clean (but not squeaky clean). Lemongrass is known for its purifying properties, it purifies and mattifies the skin whilst removing all the day’s dirt, oil and pollution residues without drying skin out. It has really impressed me, and now I want to get their Konjac Sponge (which I have heard great things about) and also the Moisturiser. 

Let me know if you have tried anything from these new Organic Collections from Garnier & if you have any recommendations.

New Vichy Idéalia Skincare

- Vicki 1 Comment
NEW Vichy Idealia Skincare

NEW Vichy Idealia Skincare

I have tried quite a few products from French skincare experts Vichy over the years and I am always impressed by their quality. I especially loved the Double Glow Peel Mask and Purete Thermale Range because my number one skin concern is dull, lacklustre skin and they both helped my skin look fresh and achieve that natural healthy glow. So when I heard about this new Idéalia range which is formulated to boost radiance I was so excited to put it to the test, and this duo came through my door at just the right time to combat the dulling effects of Winter on my skin.

New Vichy Serum

Vichy Idéalia Radiance Boosting Serum

So this serum has a lovely lightweight consistency (it contains regenerating Vichy Thermal Spa Water) and I have been enjoying using it in the morning as the first step in my skincare regime. It glides on my skin and instantly gives is a smooth, soft feel. Its emulsified texture leaves a light, non-greasy, protective film on the skin’s surface and protects the complexion from the microparticles that it collects throughout the day.

  • Radiance is restored and dullness reduced
  • Skin texture appears smoother
  • Vichy Mineralising Thermal Water strengthens the skin against aggressors
  • Tested on sensitive skin under dermatological control
  • Hypoallergenic

This Idéalia range is formulated to help repair and restore your complexion so it looks healthy and has that fresh glow. I am all about trying to achieve that glow! It is safe to say that Vichy has packed both products full of incredible ingredients that help protect against environmental aggressors, stimulates cellular repair and gently exfoliates the skin’s surface.

NEW Vichy Radiance Peeling Solution

Vichy Idéalia Peeling – Night Peeling Care

Over the past 3 months, this has become an integral part of my evening skincare regime, I use it after cleansing by applying it with a cotton pad, (avoiding the eye contour) I just sweep it across my skin, and it gently exfoliates the skin whilst the active ingredients illuminate skin from within.

If you have tried other glycolic acids but found them too much for your sensitive skin then I highly recommend trying this Vichy one as it is very gentle, and a little product goes a long way. This formula has a combination of 4% glycolic acid and 5% hepes to provide an exfoliating effect whilst boosting cell turnover.

  • Formulated with blueberry polyphenols, fermented black tea extract & Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water
  • Wake up to the look of naturally glowing skin
  • Evens skin tone and smoothes fine lines
  • Evens complexion
  • Awakens dull skin to reveal a natural glow

I think this has really helped even out my skin and give it that refreshed, healthy glow. My skin also feels smoother and softer since using both products, and I’ve found my makeup also sits better, which is a real bonus.

I’ve been very impressed with both products, but out of the two (if I was forced to only repurchase one) I don’t think I could be without the Vichy Idéalia Peeling – Night Peeling Care. It is unlike any other product I am using at the moment and I know how important it is to use glycolic acid to help renew and rejuvenate skin. I think I have found the right fit for me.

Have you tried either of these products from the new Vichy Idéalia range, or do you have any recommendations for gentle glycolic acid toners?

*This post contains PR samples

Daycol Derma Face Polish

- Vicki Leave a comment
daycol face scrub

I love trying new skincare and there is nothing more satisfying than discovering a small, more indie brand which really blows you away and that is how I feel about daycol. This is a brand that a friend of mine introduced me too and she has incredible skin so I was excited to see how it would fit into my skincare regime.

Daycol are a British skincare brand founded by Annette Heard and she has developed a range that focuses on using lovely organic ingredients to ensure our skin is well taken care of.

“There’s nothing more precious than our skin. Its condition affects our mood, feeling of wellbeing and emotions. I have created a range with natural organic ingredients, free from sulphate, paraben and alcohol to help you look great. And when we look great, we feel great.”

Daycol Derma Face Polish

daycol Derma Face Polish £25

I have been using the daycol Derma Face Polish for a few months now and I’m quite tough when it comes to reviewing face scrubs because they’re my favourite step in my routine. I like how a scrub can leave the skin feeling smooth and give it a healthy radiance but that said I also hate a scrub that is unnecessarily abrasive so this product had a whole checklist it had to meet.

daycol skincare

This face polish has a cream-like consistency and the scrubbies are tiny pieces of Volcanic Rock which are fine enough to exfoliate away those dead skin cells and leave your skin feeling smooth and promote a healthy radiance. I like that it’s not at all rough or abrasive on the skin (so it well and truly ticks that box).

Formulated with daycol’s own infusion of Bioderma3 Complex to include;

  • Apricot Kernel Oil- Apricot Kernel Oil is also high in vitamins B1, B2, B6 and beta-carotene. It has a luxuriously rich texture and is used to soften delicate and dry skin
  • Coconut Oil – Naturally high in vitamins A and E coconut oil will protect against the harmful effects of free radicals.
  • Avocado Oil – A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids (similar to those found in fish oil) it is also high in sterolin which has been shown soften skin and help prevent age spots. Avocado oil is also rich in the antioxidants vitamins A, D and E, making it useful for healing sun-damaged skin and lecithin and potassium.

daycol face scrub

So this lovely creamy face scrub feels really luxurious and after using it my skin is soft and radiant. It really feels like it makes light work of removing dead skin and you do not need to scrub your face – just gently massage into your skin allowing all the cocktail of skin loving ingredients work to their magic.

I am so pleased to have discovered a brand I haven’t heard many people talking about. Daycol has a small but well-rounded selection of products and next on my must-try list is their Ultra Rich Marine Collagen Moisturiser which sounds wonderful.

Let me know what smaller brands you have been loving.