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.

drink me

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!

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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.

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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!

Essano routine

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?!

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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's wee studio in Ponsonby - it's a little slice of heaven

Caroline’s wee studio in Ponsonby – it’s a little slice of heaven

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

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imagesThis post was brought to you by Essano Skincare. Please support the brands that support this blog.