❤ – Repurchased Already
😍 – Would Repurchase
😢 – Not For Me
Skincare
❤ Kate Somerville HydraKate Recharging Serum*
Already a repurchase. This is the hydrating serum I swear by, and it’s the first thing I pack when heading off on any trip. Its ultra-nourishing formula delivers that deep-down hydration my skin craves, and it never disappoints. Solid, reliable, can’t live without it.
😍 Tatcha The Rice Polish Classic
This little jar goes a long way – one mini seems to last forever. If you’re a fan of physical exfoliators (gently does it, always), this one’s a dream. Instant softness, refined pores, and a smoothness that feels like you’ve had a facial, even if all you’ve done is a quick wash before bed. It’s one I’ll be buying again.
❤ Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Moisturiser
A proper glow-getter. Whenever my skin’s looking a bit lacklustre, this is the one I turn to. It gently exfoliates while keeping my dry skin comfortably hydrated. The glow it gives? Think ‘just had a facial’ but without having to leave the house.
❤ Sunday Riley Good Genes
One of the best-known exfoliating treatments out there, and for good reason. I smooth it on before bed and wake up with skin that’s softer, smoother, and radiant.
❤ Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cleanser
A holy grail in travel-size form – what more could I ask for? It’s the cleanser I reach for when I want my skin clean but not stripped, and the fact it’s gentle enough for my dry skin is just the cherry on top. When I’ve got a trip lined up, this one’s coming with me.
😢 Elf Suntouchable! Whoa Glow SPF30
Not quite empty, but nearing its expiration, so time to part ways. It had a nice finish on the skin but sadly it had a frustrating habit of pilling, which is never a good look. You might like this if you have the time and want to make it work for you. I personally didn’t – I just want my morning routine to be quick and easy.
Bodycare
😍 Flexitol Intensely Nourishing Foot Cream*
Foot care is non-negotiable for me. I slather on moisturiser every night like it’s my religion – I’ve no intention of ending up with cracked heels in my later years. This Flexitol cream has been my stalwart for ages. It’s a deeply hydrating, non-greasy formula that sinks in quickly, leaving my feet feeling soft but never slick. The best bit? The generous bottle. It lasts for ages, making it an unassuming hero in my nightly routine.
😍 Naturium Bio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion
This lotion was a lovely surprise – rich enough to leave skin feeling moisturised but light enough to avoid that dreaded greasy layer. No overpowering scent either, which I appreciate when I don’t want to go to bed smelling of something. Definitely on my repurchase list once I’ve given their Retinol Body Lotion a whirl. A quiet but solid winner.
😢 Clarins Aroma Eau Ressourçante Comforting Shower Milk
Oh, Clarins. I really wanted to like this, but it’s just not for me. The scent was underwhelming and it didn’t leave my skin feeling particularly hydrated. I was hoping for something closer to the Elemis Skin Nourishing Shower Cream, but Clarins just doesn’t come close. I’ll be sticking with Elemis – better scent, better hydration and just better all around.
😍 Lacura Almond Exfoliating Body Scrub
This one was a pleasant Aldi surprise. You know the score with Aldi’s special buys—blink and they’re gone. But if you can track it down, this body scrub is a steal. It left my skin feeling smooth and polished without any harshness. I’ll grab it again if they ever bring it back, but with Aldi, who knows?
❤ Dove Original Advanced Care Deodorant
After years of using Dove’s men’s deodorant, I had to switch when they decided to tamper with the formula. The original scent was clean, subtly masculine, and perfect. The new version? Awful. So, I’ve moved over to the women’s version, which thankfully has that classic Dove scent – clean, soft, and frankly, totally unisex. It’s my new everyday essential.
Haircare
😍 JVN Nurture Hydrating Shampoo
I finished the conditioner last month, and now the shampoo is all gone too. I loved using this – it left my hair feeling hydrated but not weighed down. My only gripe? No refills. The aluminium packaging practically begs for a refill scheme, so it feels wasteful to toss it out. But overall, it’s a fabulous product I’d buy again. Just… sort out the refills, please.
😍 American Crew Fiber
I’ve been loyal to American Crew Forming Cream for years but fancied a change. Fiber has a more demi-matte finish, which isn’t usually my thing as I lean towards high shine finish. But I’ve enjoyed using it. It gives a slightly more textured look, and while I’ll probably go back to my Forming Cream, this was a nice experiment into new territory.
