Hi everyone.
Today I thought I’d share just some of my favourite hygiene essentials for beautiful, glowing skin. This isn’t a complete and detailed list. I usually use a wide range of different products because I love trying out new brands and if I like the packaging and ingredients, I’m pretty much sold. The only products I don’t change are facial skincare products because in the past, I struggled to find facial skincare products that really worked for me. Most of these products are available in most stores all year round for anyone who may want to give them a try.
FACIAL SKINCARE PRODUCTS
Like I mentioned, I struggled over the years to find products that really worked for me. So once I did, I stuck with them and never looked back. I don’t like complicated routines, so I try to make sure that I’m not using too many products on my face.
FACEWASHES
Garnier is one of my go-to skincare brands. I bought my first Garnier product about five years ago, and instantly fell in love. I’ve tried many of their products (face washes, masks, toners and moisturisers) never reacted to any of them, and have always been pleased with the results. It’s a brand that I trust and would definitely recommend. I especially like the 3-in-1 face wash because it leaves my skin brighter, and I don’t have to buy three different products. It also contains charcoal, which is a fantastic ingredient if you want something that deeply cleanses your skin.
I’ve read and heard so many wonderful things about African black soap, so five months ago I bought my first bar to figure out what all the rave was about. I usually use it only in the evenings, and a little goes a really long way so one bar lasts pretty long. It contains shea butter and coconut oil, and these are two ingredients that are really good for your skin. It’s good for acne, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation and so many other skin issues. Even if you don’t suffer from any of those, it’s still a really great option for radiant skin. I think any brand would do the job. The one above is the one I use because that’s the brand that’s always readily available in my city.
SERUMS, OILS AND MOISTURISERS
Portia M is another brand I swear by. I’d see a lot of its ads on social media and for some reason, I was reluctant to try it out at first. I then decided to buy the day cream and serum, and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my skin. I apply the serum and cream twice a day and I always have glowing skin as a result. I only use the oil on my face once in a while, usually during winter. I mainly use it on other parts of my body where I have any stretch marks or uneven skin. Portia M products have worked like magic for me, and I’d definitely recommend them.
Cetaphil is also a really good brand. I stopped using it because I’m a little fussy when it comes how different mositurisers and lotions feel on my skin, but other than that, it was worth all the money I paid. Although the bottle is small, a little goes a long way and mine lasted me several months despite using it every day.
BODY WASHES
I use a range of different brands, and if I like a particular brand, I’ll buy the products frequently. These are the ones I currently have. I’ve been using Nivea and Oh So Heavenly products for as long as I can remember, and I’ve always been happy with them. For the Oh So Heavenly Double the Yum range, I included the body lotion as well because it comes as a set. All of these are gentle on the skin, cleanse well, and leave your skin feeling soft, and smelling divine (and delicious).
BODY LOTIONS
The Lentheric brand has a range of perfumed body lotions, and those two are some of my favourites. I absolutely love the smell of cocoa butter, and it’s great for nourishing skin. They’re also pretty affordable, so they’re a good option for anyone working with a tight budget. I buy them mainly for the scent.
The Aloe and Hydration body lotion by Nivea is also a good option. It costs more than the Lentheric lotions, but it’s totally worth the money. It’s light, deeply hydrating and smells great too. Aloe vera also has a myriad of benefits for the skin.
I mainly use the shimmer body lotion by Oh So Heavenly whenever I have a girls’ night out or a date.
I only use body butters during winter because they’re really rich. They’re great for hydrating the skin and locking in that extra moisture. The two above are by Avroy Shlain, and they smell amazing. They also come with hand lotions and perfumes so you can build up the scent.
LIP CARE
I bought this recently and I’m loving it so far. It comes in different flavours such as peach, raspberry and strawberry. You apply it on your lips, massage them and then wipe it off. It’s great for lifting any dead skin cells, and leaves your lips feeling soft and smelling great too.
A Brighter Picture 