Summer Skincare Edit

Summer is here!  And then it's not.  But then it's here again!  Nevertheless, I've put together a handful of my favourite skincare products to enter the new season with, a couple of longterm faves and a few new introductions that have got me jumping for joy.  So if, like me, you're on a mission to attain silky-smooth skin this summer, this skincare edit is for you.  Oh and to further prove that summer is at least here for now, I unintentionally tanned my back taking these photos - damn, what a day to wear a cross-back top...
Hang on a minute, isn't that Champneys' old packaging?  Uh, yeah.  I purchased this Skin Comforting Body Butter in bulk at the end of last year and only just discovered this final tub waiting patiently at the back of my cabinet this week.  Sure, I may have professed my love for the brand's new packaging, but it's what's inside that counts after all!  I'm not always a megafan of Champneys' products, however when it comes to their ultra-moisturising body butters, it's a case of 'different product, same story'.  Always impressive.

I stopped sunbathing a few years ago in favour of protecting the longterm health of my skin.  However, I don't avoid the sun at all costs - hence why I'm showcasing a pretty fancy X on my back right now.  With tan lines in mind, I have to get a little creative during the first month of the new season by using Kissed by Mii gradual tanning products.  Instant tans have never been my thing, whereas gradual tans seem far more appealing to remove just a little of the preliminary 'shocking white' so that tan lines aren't quite so severe.  It's either that or blinding passers-by with the sheer white, brightness of my shins.

The Kissed by Mii Get Your Glow On c/o set has been a brilliant all-in-one kit for exfoliating, boosting and moisturising.  The size of the kit is ideal, as I don't intend on using the gradual tanner for much longer than a month or so - that seems about long enough to obsess over the gorgeous fresh marine scent!  However, if you've already fallen in love with a gradual tanning product and are now just on the lookout for something to up your game, try Kissed by Mii Seriously Smoothing Exfoliating Wipes c/o.  So impressed.  I'll definitely be picking up another pack of these ready for my return to the South of France next month.  Gradual tan, instant tan, natural tan, no tan - these exfoliating wipes are perfect for tucking into your suitcase, ready to create a 'smooth canvas'.

Can you believe I used not to have a skincare regime in place?  In fact, this was still the case at the beginning of last year! It was last spring when I finally pulled my head out of the sand and looked in the direction of Clarins for help.  Fast forward to the present day and since first trying Clarins HydraQuench Lotion, I'm still a huge fan.  And I mean a huge fan.  It's ideal for combination skin and helps protect skin from UV damage with SPF 15.  I don't love how quickly I'm getting through it right now, but I love everything else about it.  It's pretty much an all-dancing, all-singing moisturiser: it's a beautifully light texture, helps soften dry patches (particularly down the sides of the nose, I've found) and helps banish shine, which is ideal for the summertime.

At Breakfast with Lancôme last week, I tried the Énergie De Vie Liquid Moisturiser on the back of my hand and was genuinely shocked to find how smooth my skin felt afterwards. To my delight, I was sent into the (not so delightful) rain with the Énergie De Vie Sleeping Mask c/o in hand, a product I've heard only good things about since its recent release.  Having now tried it for myself, I can confirm the hype is justified.  I love, love, love it!  A very small amount is needed upon overnight application, though it can also be applied generously if used as a 10-minute face mask.  The sleeping mask absolutely lives up to its claims of being radiating and hydrating, though more than anything I just love how smooth my skin feels right now.

So there we have it, those are a handful of my current 'skin lusts' for the new season.  Though needless to say, the hunt for silky-smooth skin from head-to-toe is a never-ending one, so let me know which skincare products you're loving right now!

With love,

Gabrielle x