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Winter Skin Survival For Dry and Dehydrated Skin

Every now and again I branch out from my tried and tested favourites in search of something new for my skin.  I don’t mind admitting that I’ve been doing this for a lot of years now, I’ve mostly found what works for my skin and I’ve settled on a routine that works for my budget and my schedule - cheap and quick if you’re wondering. But that doesn’t mean that I will end the search for new products. I’m just very careful how I do it. I live by samples and testers, I opt for the occasional beauty box or calendar, and I love love love finding miniatures and gift sets on offer after the holidays - I tend to stock up on products around this time and drag them out through the next year.



Which leads to my recent purchase of the Marks & Spencer beauty advent calendar. It’s my 4th year in a row buying this calendar and I very much doubt I’ll miss it next year. Some of my absolute favourite products have come out of these calendars, the Formula Absolute Ultimate Sleep Cream being one and my trusty Alpha H Liquid Gold, Rose Gold and Pixi Glow Tonic were trialed through here. My holy grail Burt’s Bees cuticle cream. All of my L’occitane favourites. Leighton Denny everything. Philip Kingsley Elasticizer. And so many more that have gone on to become all time favourites. Nothing has gone to waste, even the products where I was initially a bit “oh, ok then”.

And whilst I didn’t mean this to turn in to a love letter to M&S I did mean to share the two products I’ve recently purchased there that have become my ‘go to’ night time routine. I dragged out my two miniatures of the Formula absolute ultimate sleep cream for as long as I could. This was definitely one of those products where I initially went “oh, a night cream” and carried on with my day not knowing the gem I had just held. I quickly understood why it made its place in to my box and when the internet exploded with love for this new “must have” I was able to echo the praise. It really is that yummy.

Another favourite - and my budget hates me for saying this - is the Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Youth capsules. Work out at roughly a quid per use these are a speedy treat for your face but when it comes to giving that nourished feeling that just makes you happy and glowy. I have only purchased them once and it was a “fuck it” moment in the airport duty free after a horrific days travelling where everything went. These bad boys made it so much better.  When it comes to long term effects I would put them on par with other "premium" serums I've tried in the past such as Clarins Double Serum and Estée Lauder Advance Night Repair but these little capsules of joy are silkier than both and perfectly portioned so you don't waste any product.

The final touch to this instalment of “what keeps Bex soft and happy” is Palmers Cocoa Butter Lip balm. I have literally dozens of lip balms of varying colours, applications and flavours but Palmers is the one is reach for - or desperately hunt for its gone walkies - when I start to feel the roughness creeping in during the colder months. It is my old reliable and I’d be lost without it on my person at all times.






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