I’m all about looking after skin more than covering it up, so my five products to take away to a desert island are mostly skincare. I think if you’ve got great skin you’ll need less makeup, and as I’ve gotten older I appreciate more and more great skin. Don’t get me wrong, I love my makeup too but skincare’s higher on my priority list these days.
1. NeoStrata Enlighten Ultra Brightening Cleanser is my first pick. I started using this a few months ago and after about two weeks I saw a huge improvement in skin tone, it was much brighter and was more even. Active ingredients help reduce the appearance of dark spots and pigmentation. I had a bit of rosacea around my cheeks and nose which has thankfully now disappeared too. The creamy formulation gently removes oils and makeup, so no need for other cleansers. This is a product I use every day and another difference I’ve noticed is that my oily T-zone is no longer; so makeup glides on and stays on!
2. I was introduced to Episilk Facelift Serum about about 18 months and use this every night – this is the best kept secret ever. At 42 I’m lucky enough not to have many wrinkles – yet! But that’s down to a fuller face I imagine … and this serum! A combination of hyaluronic acid and pepha-tight, it’s designed to hydrate and support the natural firmness and elasticity of the skin. It rejuvenates your skin while reducing the appearance of wrinkles. I never get dry skin any more or dry patches, it looks hydrated and smooth, so I’ll never be without this.
3. Coconut Oil is a miracle product and found in all supermarkets, I could do so much with this stranded on a desert island. I love this gem, it’s so cheap and a multitasking product (less to carry, too). It works as a sunscreen apparently (this I haven’t tried) and it’ll heal sunburn. I use it post-shower, as a moisturiser to keep my skin feeling soft and looking great after a day in the sun and I can use it as deodorant while I’m stranded too! I try use this once a week in my hair so that’ll cover the conditioner for my hair, plus it’s great for bringing back the shine when highlights get dull and gives your hair a healthier look. It’s also a gorgeous moisturiser for your face and works on lashes as well. I can mix it with a little sand from the beach to use as a foot scrub for dry feet, making them look softer. And most importantly I can eat it for energy (for the imaginary beach parties I’ll be going to) and cook with it when I catch my dinner!
4. I always keep a tube of Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream in my bag, it covers so much, like burns for one! I’ve a habit of burning myself when I’m cooking so a dab of this relieves and heals, preventing scarring. It’s also brilliant for using as a lip balm or moisturiser, instantly softening dried and chapped lips. These obviously must look their best at all times as they are out there and no covering them up! You never know who might be dropping by that desert island either…
5. I’ll need a little makeup for those just in case, so I thought I’d take a multitasking product that’s always in my makeup bag. Daniel Sandler Watercolour Liquid Blush in Cherub gives a little radiance to cheeks and it covers eyes and lips too. I love it over foundation for a little glow; it’s great for older skin as it’s liquid so it doesn’t sit on your skin or pores. I find it makes my skin look a little dewy and gives it a lift without trying too hard. So if you’ve no foundation with you, and you’ve been taking care of your skin this’ll give you that pick-me-up and little lift.
