'Would You Rather' - skincare edition

When Jen and I play a little game called 'Would You Rather...' it becomes disgusting and weird fairly quickly. That's the whole point of the game, neither option should be a pleasant one! (If you've never heard of it, Google it. You're missing out on a classic.) However, keeping it clean and family friendly, today I'm going to play a tame beauty version of the game. I know, how dull. But the good news is that it does narrow down the skincare champions from the last few months of reviews – particularly useful if you are trying to decide which of the items we have reviewed to spend your money on!

1. Would you rather use Coconut Oil or Barefoot SOS Repair and Renew Intensive Treatment? 

This is an easy one, definitely Coconut Oil. I use it nightly and although I intend to try Avocado Oil, this is one of the cheapest and best moisturisers I have ever used. I use the Barefoot oil as a body moisturiser. I really liked it on my face but it plateaued after a while. However, it has reduced redness on my arms and always feels as if your skin is really moisturised after a hot shower. It's been great in the winter months but the Coconut Oil is cheaper and just as good. 
Read: Coconut Oil, is it worth the hype?
Read: Barefoot SOS Repair + Renew Intensive Treatment Oil

2. Would you rather use Colbert MD Illumino Oil or the Alegenist Anti-Aging Repair Oil?
Colbert MD Illumino Face Oil. I am yet to try the Body Oil but I have already purchased the Face Oil. Yes, it is a lot of money for 30mls (£100) but it is one of the only products that you can see an immediate improvement the day after. I use it the night before special occasions and my skin looks visibly better. Lines are reduced, tone is even and skin is really hydrated. Don't get me wrong, the Alegenist is great but it doesn't have the immediate effects and, for me, you have to use more than a couple of drops to get results


3. Would you rather use Burt's Bees Citrus Face Scrub or Glam Glow Flash Mud Brightening Treatment? 

Glam Glow. I know it's a mask but I often use it as an exfoliater because of the exfoliating particles within it and yes, the product doesn't work as well as if you leave it on for 25 minutes but it works very well and leaves the face smooth. The citrus smell is gorgeous too. I want to love the Burt's Bees Citrus Scrub but it's so messy and goes everywhere, which drives me nuts. 

Read: Burt's Bees Citrus Facial Scrub

4. Would you rather use Dr Jart's Ceramidin Oil Balm or Aveda's Botanical Kinetics Intense Hydrating Rich Creme? 

Aveda. They are both great products but the Aveda Creme absorbs better and works better under makeup. 

Honourable mention: Nude Progenius Omega Treatment. Review coming soon. 

Kay's Skincare Routine – September 2015

For the last few months, I have been looking for products that do not have parabens or ingredients that the skin doesn't need and that actually work! Jen and I have always said that balance is the key. We are certainly not the ingredients police, it's just a preference and, equally, sometimes you can't have it all! So, after some searching, I have a new skin care routine that I am very happy with:

CLEANSER
Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm – It hydrates the skin, removes waterproof makeup, lasts a long old time and leaves skin feeling clean but not dry.
£38 for 100ml

TONER
I'm not using anything at the moment but I am about to try Naobay Calming Face Toner as good old Glossybox sent a full sized through. Talking of Naobay.... 

£10.50 for 200ml

EXFOLIATOR
Naobay Moisturizing Peeling exfoliator is natural and organic, with fine particles that gently exfoliate the skin. I use this every morning.
£13.50 for 100ml

SERUM
Instead of serum, I have been using two face oils. The first, Colbert MD Illumino Face Oil, is super expensive but it really works. Massage a drop of the oil into damp skin. It gets five stars on the Space NK website and rightly so. My wrinkles appeared reduced with one use! Safe to say that I love this product.
$140 for 30ml 

The second oil is the Algenist Advanced Anti-Aging Repairing Oil. This is hydrating and although it's an oil, I can wear it underneath makeup and it doesn't make my skin oily and the makeup slip off! This is also my day moisturiser.
$79 for 30ml

EYE CREAM
Aveda Botanicals Kinetics – This has helped to smooth fine lines and is easily absorbed.
£28 for 15ml

NIGHT MOISTURISER
Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Oil Balm – This is incredibly hydrating, not greasy, and easily absorbed.
$35 for 1.4oz

MASK
GlamGlow Flashmud Brightening Treatment – This was my first time using a GlamGlow product and I am totally sold. The mask leaves the skin looking luminous and with an equal skin tone. It has birch leaf in it, which confused me on my first try! However, the leaf releases a natural acid, which balances the skin. What I love most are the exfoliating particles. As you apply the mask to the skin, you start with an exfoliation, then spend 20 minutes or so with a citrus smelling mask on your chops and you are left with radiant looking skin! Marvellous.
$69 for 1.7oz

To read my 2014 skincare routine click here
To read Jen's 2014 skincare routine click here