Today I bring you four products I’ve been using to keep my skin well hydrated this winter. All are slightly different, all are effective and most importantly all are under $40.
QED Skincare Ultra Sensitive Body Balm
QED products are formulated specifically for sensitive skin. The Australian company uses plant based, active ingredients and was created by pharmacist Shoshana Eisner after seeing years of clients with the same skin conditions. The Ultra Sensitive Body Balm (RRP $39) is now one of my favourites. The formula is based on shea butter, so it melts onto your skin when applied and is absolutely true to name – perfect for really sensitive skin. I started using this on my legs and hands but now use it on my face, neck, cuticles, pretty much everywhere.
And then there’s the scent. My golly god the scent I chose was Wild Vanilla and Ylang Ylang and It. Is. Just. Heaven. It lingers on my skin for hours and is rich in intensity, not flighty or synthetic like some cosmetic scents. The best part, is with most QED products you can custom scent your products. This means if you like your skincare to simply be about performance and scent free, you can have it. If you like something rich and exotic like me, there’s an entire scent menu to choose from. A scent menu!! I’ve only tried three products from them so far but I’m looking forward to working my way through that menu and can confirm, this is absolutely a product you’ll love.
Andalou Naturals Cannacell Beauty Oil
I’ve been using this product for about three years now and there’s so much to love about it. If you’re new to face oils then it’s a great starting point as it absorbs easily and is light in texture. When I had to give up my cosmeceutical regime while pregnant, I continued to use this and my skin just loves me for it. I’ve raved so much about this on socials that I think I’ve converted at least three people on to it #obsessed. It has a slight botanical scent but nothing overwhelming and is best applied after all your water based serums, usually at night. For the price point (RRP $29) it’s made from excellent quality ingredients.
The Ordinary 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
This is a relatively new addition to my skin care regime and in a word I’d describe it as: rich. This is an oil’s oil if you get me, a product used to fight signs of photo-ageing and dehydration. I could use only one or two drops and it would be enough for my entire face. Unlike the beauty oil above, this is a more intense formulation made from 100% pure rosehip seeds. I see this as part of my anti-ageing regime, used only at night and in conjunction with SPF the following day. It also takes hours to absorb too, which is why I imagine they recommend using it at night. It’s a great product but maybe not for first timers, but something to work your way towards.
You might remember my review from a previous winter skin guide on Egyptian Magic, it’s pretty…magic. Here’s what I said back then:
“It’s a celebrity favourite but can this cream live up to its name? And what….is it? Funnily enough, Egyptian Magic consists of only six ingredients, blended together to the consistency of balm rather than cream. Honey, beeswax, olive oil, royal jelly, bee pollen and bee propolis. That’s it. The feeling can be a little bit greasy, and it might take a little while to absorb, but as I’ve learned you don’t need much of it. I’ve used it as a primer under makeup and it looked FABULOUS.”
Still true!
