They say your skin is your body’s biggest organ (we’ll “they” say it, but it’s actually true) and if you’re like me, sometimes you don’t treat that organ as well as you should. (or maybe you’re amazing to your skin and not like me… if you are, could you tell me how to be better??! haha!)
No really, I’m no beauty expert, but when I got engaged, I made a pact with myself to start doing better with my skin, to try and start some new habits so I didn’t end up looking like the old lady from There’s Something About Mary (you know who I mean!).
I also had quite bad acne as a teenager, so I’ve always been quite self-conscious about my skin, it flares up really easily, especially in summer – the sunscreen, the sweat – it all adds up.
BUT I’ve been much better in caring for my skin, and it’s ACTUALLY really easy! And I’m going to share my three easy tips with you – they are simple, time effective and not too expensive ways to look after your skin and getting it looking amazing – here we go!
1. Water, Water and more Water!
DRINK WATER – it’s FREE!!! I know EVERYONE says this but I can’t stress how much this has made a difference, not only to the skin on my face and neck, but over my whole body! An added bonus is I find I get less headaches (which I’m SUPER prone to) and my focus and concentration is much better later in the afternoon.
I made it one of my new years resolutions and now I make sure that I carry my water bottle with me everywhere.
Dehydrated skin looks grey and dull, the impurities get stuck under your skin and the oil stays around, clogging up those pores. But JUST by drinking more water, you can help fix that!
If you are like me, and keep forgetting to fill up your glass, why not get a cute drink bottle that you take everywhere with you? There are so many options out there, here are just three from Typo that will do the job nicely!
SHOP THEM HERE: “Suck it up” drink bottle $9.95 | Active water bottle $5.00 online special | “Soda Pop” drink bottle $9.95
1. Nail your skincare routine
This for me was the “ah-ha” moment – once I nailed my skincare routine, my skin behaved itself much more. The lovely team at Essano Skincare sent me some products to try at the end of last year, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
The whole range is not only gorgeous it is also completely natural and the formulations are based on their amazing certified organic (read HERE to find out more about what that means) but it’s all based on Rosehip oil – mmmmmmm my favourite. Rosehip oil is awesome because it can  help smooth wrinkles, even out skin tone, reduce appearance of scars, moisturise and soothe dry skin, nourish and hydrate ageing skin, balance oily skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes. Great for giving that glow to dull, tired skin! YES PLEASE!
And the essano Rosehip Oil has an added bonus of Acai Berry Oil which gives it a super antioxidant boost – perfect.
I have naturally quite oily skin, so was unsure about using an oil on it, BUT on advice from my beautician (see tip number 3!) AND the Essano team, I’ve given it a go (their advice was to use it sparingly, a few drops goes a long way, use it under my moisturiser like a serum. It’s especially great to use at night so it can sink in and work its magic while I sleep!) PLUS, both advised me to pull it out when I get pregnant to stop the stretch marks – double whammy!
So as well as the rosehip oil itself, here are some of the products I’ve been using since October, and honestly, my skin has never felt better!
SHOP THE PRODUCTS: In New Zealand HERE | In Australia HERE
The best bit though? essano is available in supermarkets (Countdown, New World, Pak n Save) in NZ and Priceline, Woolies, Coles & a bunch of pharmacies in Aussie – it’s accessible, affordable and effective – what more could you want?
3. Consult a professional.
You go to a personal trainer to get your body in shape, you see a hairdresser to get the best haircut for your hair and face shape, and you even see a personal stylist to get the best clothes for your body (I know a good one if you are looking), so why not see someone who is trained in looking after skin, to help you look after your skin?!
Like I mentioned earlier, when we got engaged, I made it a priority to book in monthly micro-dermabrasion and facials with someone who knew what they were doing. I used Flossie.com and found the amazing Caroline Hailstone from SkinPerfector in Ponsonby.
Caroline took one look at my skin and knew exactly what it needed. Whether I’m having a facial, or some micro-dermabrasion, I NEVER leave with red or irritated skin – it’s GLOWING right away. She never pre-plans what she is going to do (in a good way), instead she assesses what your skin is doing and then gives you the treatment that your skin needs.
You don’t have to go every month like me, but every now and then is always a good idea. I also run my daily skincare routine by Caroline (I took in the Essano products to show her and get her tick of approval).
So there are my three steps – the are easy, mostly affordable and not too hard to fit into your busy life and routine!
Do you have any amazing skin care tips? I’d love to hear (there might even be a little something, something in it for you!) Tell me in the comments below!
Until Next Time,
In Love & Style Always
This post was brought to you by Essano Skincare. Please support the brands that support this blog.
Awesome review. Thanks!
Priceline in Oz have it 30% off until tomorrow. Woo hoo
ooooooh! even better!! x
I really need to overhaul my skincare routine because what was working, really isn’t at the moment. I’m on day 3 of a 5 day juice cleanse as well, which has my skin looking worse than normal with all the detoxing I’m doing.
ooooh Essano is perfect for you then – really gentle but with great active ingredients. think about how awesome your skin will be after the detox though!! x
I LOVE Rosehip Oil and have found my favourite so far is the KORA Organic…it’s divine! I will definitely be keeping an eye out for Essano over here xxx
Oh man, if you love Rosehip oil then this is for you! Definitely worth a try and SO affordable xx
i also get incredibly oily and talked to a beautician friend of mine who said STOP CLEANSING or at the very least use a cream cleanser or cleansing oil. She said people with oily skin often spend more money and time on trying to get rid of the oil, which is being over produced because they are stripping their skin. I know just use micellar water to remove my makeup followed by a wash with a wet face washer and it has worked wonders. I do a scrub with my clarisonic Mia twice a week a use an oil based serum each night before moisturiser and I’ve noticed significant differences.
Great tips! It took me so long to work out not to try and get rid of all the oil. I’ve used that micellar water too and its great isn’t it! Stops stripping the natural oils. The good news is for us ladies with slightly oiler skin is that we will age better as our skin won’t dry out so much as we get older! silver lining! x
There is something trying to tell me to drink more water. After a couple of conversations about it over the weekend, to read it here today I think is a sign! Drink more water!! I have found regular professional help has made my skin a lot better. I think the consistency is the key with both that and what you do at home. Oh I have to say I like the packaging of those products you have featured. I think they would look so pretty sitting on your vanity.
haha its TOTALLY a sign then! It took me a while to get into it, but now I DO actually notice when I feel thirsty (I used to ignore it). Totally with you on the professional help and yes, you are right, the essano products look awesome on my vanity, they look pretty, smell pretty and make my skin look pretty – the triple threat! xx