Review: Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil

Facial oils are a key player when it comes to soft, bright and radiant skin, and  I've become accustomed to using them in my evening skincare routine in place of a night cream or other moisturiser. The latest addition to my routine is the Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil*, the first product I've managed to get my hands on from the much-coveted brand, which has only recently become available in the UK via QVC.

Maracuja - or passion fruit - is packed with vitamin C and essential fatty acids, which are vital for healthy skin cells and something which the body cannot produce on its own. Without them, skin can appear dry and age prematurely, so it's really no laughing matter.

Known as "The Pure Miracle", this rare Amazonian fruit is delicately and sustainably harvested, piece by piece. The nutrient-rich, seeded pulp is extracted from each individual fruit, then hand-pressed without heat, in order to preserve the nutritious vitamins and essential fatty acids, ensuring that the maximum possible make it into the end product.

The Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil* is exactly as it says on the tin - 100% pure, with no parabens, sulphates or other chemical nasties to contend with. A potent anti-ageing elixir, this little gem will infuse life back into your skin, however sorry a state it is in.

The oil comes with a user-friendly glass dropper, eliminating any worries about unnecessarily wasting product. A couple of drops on the finger tips will suffice - I usually press the oil into my skin with my fingertips, massaging in any residue.

The oil aims to infuse thirsty and dehydrated skin with a shot of much-needed moisture,  delivering harmony and resulting in firmer, smoother and brighter looking skin. The essential fatty acids recharge and replenish, rejuvenating skin and resulting in a more even-toned appearance.

My skin certainly does feel soft and hydrated the morning after use, and I'm more than satisfied with the radiant glow that comes with it. Unfortunately for me, despite oils being of great benefit to all skin types, I have always found that no matter what kind of oil I'm using, I always come out in a spot or two after a few days' use, and this is no exception. 

I haven't let it put me off, however. 

The answer? I reserve it for bi-weekly use. Applied this way, my skin seems to reap the benefits, and is bright, plump and smooth.

If you're a fan of facial oils, then this one is a must-try. It's definitely up there with the best of them, and has to be my favourite oil to date. 

If you've yet to take the plunge, then I urge you to do so. Don't shy away if your skin is already bordering on oil-slick territory, as the right oils can have a balancing effect. Often, those with oily skin will reach for gels and foaming products, but actually, these can have a detrimental effect, stripping your skin of every last bit of moisture. The result? Over-compensation - or, in other words, over-production of sebum. Nourish and hydrate your skin with the right oils, and this will no longer be such an issue.

Do you use facial oils? What is your favourite?

If not, why not?

xx

Hydrating Skincare: From Winter to Spring

The weather may be getting warmer, and the evenings longer and lighter, but that doesn't always mean you can slack off on the skincare front. In fact, a sudden change in the climate, and weather that can't make up its mind can wreak havoc on the skin, making it more important than ever to ensure that it's taken care of.

When it comes to hydration, I have a few trusty favourites that I know I can reach for whatever the time of year, and they will always get things sorted in no time. A common mistake a lot of people make is to think that if they haven't got any dry or flaky patches, then their skin is not dehydrated, but actually, this is a long way from the truth in many cases. Personally, I don't tend to suffer from the former, but I'd definitely put a tick in the latter box from time to time. Usual triggers for me are leaving makeup on for too long or skipping on exfoliation (I tend to use AHA toners rather than manual scrubs), but often, an unstable climate is to blame.

The Elemental Herbology Cell Food Serum* is a favourite of mine when I feel that my skin could do with a boost. Containing a powerhouse of proteins, vitamins and minerals, a couple of drops of this applied after my toner and before my moisturiser in the mornings make all the difference when it comes to radiance and vitality. On its own, it doesn't pack enough of a moisturising punch though, so I follow up with my go-to morning and evening moisturiser, Origins Make a Difference Rejuvenating Treatment Plus. With a deliciously orangey fragrance, this is a gel-cream, so although it's incredibly hydrating, it won't feel heavy or greasy on the skin like some products can. It sinks in like a dream, leaving my skin soft and plump, and I know it's a product I can always rely on to keep things in check.

The Balance Me Radiance Oil* is an extra little night time treat, and if my skin is feeling particularly out of sorts then I often mix a couple of drops of this in with my night cream. With a divine herbal scent, it sinks in fairly well - but I'd always recommend pinning your fringe back if you don't want to have to wash it in the morning. The Radiance Oil really does do what it says on the tin, and my complexion looks brighter and healthier after a couple of uses.

I really do find that hydration makes the biggest difference to the appearance of my skin as a whole, as when it's in need of a little extra moisture I look tired and drawn by comparison. It doesn't take much to get things back on track, and it's always worth the extra effort.

What are your go-to products when it comes to giving your skin a moisture boost?

Have you added any new products to your skincare arsenal of late?

xx

Balance Me Radiance Oil review
Elemental Herbology Cell Food Serum Review

Review: Nourish Argan Skin Rescue*

Everyone knows, without a doubt, how much I love skincare that uses lots of lovely natural and organic ingredients, so when the lovely people at Nourish asked me if I'd like to try some of their products, I jumped at the chance.

Nourish believe that the way our skin ages and the condition it is in comes down not only to our core skin-types, but also to the lives we lead - it's not just internal factors that have an affect, but external ones, to. With this in mind, Nourish have come up with a natural anti-ageing range to optimise the skin's health around the lives that we lead, as well as providing it with all the daily care it needs.

I was very kindly sent the Nourish Balance Mini Kit*, which I will be reviewing within the next week or so, and along with that came the Argan Skin Rescue*(90% organic) - a product I was really excited to try, as face oils were new to me.

The Argan Skin Rescue* is a natural collagen enhancer, designed to protect skin from the signs of ageing, as well as restoring it when it's not quite at it's best and is in need of a little extra help. Not only does it combat the signs of wrinkes and lines by strengthening the protein bonding structures, but it also keeps the skin plump and hydrated and helps to reduce any red marks and scarring left behind by skin conditions such as acne and psoriasis.

One of the key ingredients in this oil treatment is Moroccan Argan oil, which I'm sure most of us are no stranger to. It's renowned for it's skin rejuvenating properties, though personally I had only ever tried it on my hair, so I was intrigued to see what it could do for my face. Rich in essential fatty acids such as Omega 6, and protective anti-oxidant vitamin E, it leaves skin supple and resilient, while Abyssinian oil moisturises and provides the skin with much-needed nutrients for a firmer, smoother appearance.

All this, and a patented anti-inflammatory ginger extract, which aims to reduce the damaging effects of environmental pollution.

When this arrived on my doorstep, my skin was definitely a little bit distressed - I'd been suffering from a sudden, unexplained breakout on my chin area, resulting in some angry, red blemishes, and lots of marks left behind to boot. On top of this, my skin was in dire need of some extra moisture, as I'd cut right back on my skincare in order to try and discover what was causing the issues.

The Nourish Argan Skin Rescue is best applied to damp skin, as it absorbs more easily, and personally I tend to reserve it for my evening skincare routine, as the skin tends to do most of it's regenration and repair at night. You could use it in the morning too, if you wanted to, but personally I think it wouldn't work as well for me, especially with having to apply makeup over the top.

One or two pumps is all you need, and after pressing it into my skin, I spend a minute or so gently massaging it in, using circular motions. It smells really lovely, so it's a pleasure to use, and it does sink in quite easily if you take the time to apply it properly.

The Verdict:

Within just a couple of days of using this, along with the Nourish Balance Range, my stubborn blemishes had already diminished considerably, and my skin was plump, soft and smooth. The breakout did return, but as I've since established this is a hormonal thing, it's not something that skincare could be expected to banish completely. I have got noticeably fewer red marks, and the oil has definitely helped to keep things under control and soothe the skin. 

I'm genuinely really happy with this product, and will definitely be repurchasing, as I think it's a great treatment to have on hand. I'm now trying to settle down into a more consistent routine with my skincare, rather than chopping and changing every two seconds and confusing the life out of my skin, and this is something that has definitely made the cut.

The Argan Skin Rescue retails at £18.95 for 15ml, and is availble from the Nourish website and Feel Unique.

Have you tried anything from Nourish?

What did you think?

xx