the gingerbread fran: Current Beauty Picks July 2014

My Top Five

Beauty Products I Can’t Live Without

So I’m one of those really lucky people with dry, sensitive skin that reacts to EVERYTHING. These are my top five products that work wonders for problem skin…

1. Benefit 'The Porefessional' This stuff is amazing on all skin types, especially dry skin. It is the smoothest primer I have found, that helps to cover dry skin as well as diminishing pores and providing a great base for your make-up. I have one at home and one in my make-up bag at all times, as you can even top up over your foundation: what’s not to love?!

2. No.7 Beautiful Skin Radiance Exfoliator Sticking with the face, this scrub is another amazing product. It is recommended as a once or twice weekly treatment, but I actually use it most days, as it is not too harsh to upset my skin. It always leaves my face feeling soft, fresh and most importantly, free of any dry, flaky skin…because no-one wants a bad skin day.

3. 8 Hour Cream Without any competition, this is the best cream for healing dry skin and spots. It’s not an immediate solution (nothing is) but it’s pretty damn good. I put it on before bed, applying liberally to affected areas, and let it soak in and work its magic while I sleep. Cheap? No. Worth it? Absolutely.

4. L’Oreal Elvive Specifically, Re-nutrition . Annoyingly, this formula has become increasingly difficult to get, as the newer ones have taken over, but it’s the best. (In my opinion). Out of many products I have tried, this shampoo and conditioner are the only ones which protect and nourish my hair and scalp without drying them out. And it smells delicious…bonus!

5. Hemp Hand Protector (and Lip Balm) This stuff is incredible. It’s smooth, moisturising and is the most effective hand cream I’ve used so far. Mum introduced me to it last winter and I haven’t looked back. Also a quick shout-out to the Hemp Lip Balm, equally amazing product, great for dried out lips, whether from sun or cold. I haven’t got to the rest of the range yet, but it’s only a matter of time…

If you want to try these products, have a look at my shopping list...
And what about you? Which skincare stars can't you go without having in your make-up bag? Comments below! <3