Having acne prone, oily and dehydrated skin means that I never fit into any 'ranges' brands provide. If I use something too stripping or harsh my skin gets more dehydrated and produces more oil. In contrast if I use products that are too rich my skin breaks out. Oh the joy!
These are the products I have found, after many trials and errors, that don't break me out but give my skin enough moisture. As you can see I favour simple but effective, nothing overly scented or with outlandish claims. In essence they all do what they say on the tin.
1/ La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo + / After reading so many rave reviews when this first launched I decided to give it a try and it works brilliantly at keeping spots at bay and helping reduce acne scars.
2 / La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 / I mix this with the Effaclar Duo to add moisture as it isn't hydrating enough for my dehydrated skin.
3/ Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask / A fab mask for soothing and hydrating without causing breakouts.
4/ La Roche-Posay Serozinc / I have no idea if this does anything but I do feel like I have had less spots since incorporating this into my routine.
5/ Ren Clearcalm Clarifying Cleanser / My favourite cleanser, keeps my pores feeling clean but doesn't dry out my skin.
6/ Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream / While searching for an eye cream a few years ago I stumbled on this Antipodes one, realising it was both natural and has double the quantity (30ml) of other creams the same price I got it and have only used this since.
7/ Pixi Glow Tonic / When Caroline Hirons sang its praises it shot straight to the top of every beauty lovers wish list, a few months later I got my hands on it and have been using it ever since.
8/ First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads / These are a great alternative to the Pixi and fab for travel.
9/ Ren Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask / Acne scars be gone! If you're trying to fade makes left by spots you need this, it's amazing.
10/ Ren Pore Minimising Detox Mask / Great for when my skin feels like it needs a deep clean.
So there you have it, my 10 favourite products that I always have on hand for all my skin woes.