Summer Skincare Finds

Oh Summer! You are so sweet, with your endless sunny days and your magical nights of shooting stars in the sky.

This season I have been happier than ever, I have spent my days lying, strolling, eating, drinking, reading, resting and spending quality time with my family. Because I was on holidays I let my hair become more wild and my beauty regimen was in general very low maintenance.

The big change and improvement that I have noticed, compared to other years, is on my complexion. I used to have so many breakouts and bad skin due to the sweat and the fact that I applied the same heavy creams that I use during winter...
 I have learnt that you have to listen to your skin to perceive what are its needs depending on the situation or the concern (dryness, irritation, breakouts, clogged pores, lack of radiance...). If you have a favorite staple skincare product that works for you, stick with it, but also try to adapt your beauty routine to your real needs and you will see the best results.

I have been using 3 new products and my beloved Darphin Water Lily cleanser that I had previously mentioned in my French Pharmacy post. The first one that I bought was the Kiehl's Calendula & Aloe  Soothing Hydration Masque. An ideal treatment for Summer, because as you know, Aloe Vera is restorative and hydrating but without being heavy or greasy, just gelly and refreshing. After long exposures to the sunlight Aloe Vera is the best aftersun, because it repairs the damage and calms the skin. This mask is very natural, I have put on my skin raw aloe vera gel directly from the leafs several times, and the feel is very similar. It also contains hand-picked calendula flower petals that are anti-bacterial, antioxidant, brightening and regenerating. The combination of these two ingredients (Aloe Vera + Calendula) is exceptional to heal the skin. During heat waves if you store this product in the fridge the cooling and hydrating effect are the best sensation to feel good. A must-have for the years to come in my Summer beauty case.

I'm also thrilled to write about an organic and vegan brand from Madrid called Herbera. Oh Gosh! Their products are so amazing! I discovered them thanks to a very good Esthetician called Raquel from The Beauty Cave. 

Herbera Burdock and Nigella Sativa Facial Fluid

This moisturizer should be called dreamy lemon fluid because it has an irresistible citrussy scent and leaves your skin hydrated and plumped avoiding a greasy finish. 90% of the ingredients are organic and the two key ones are burdock and nigella sativa that help you to prevent pimples and blackheads whilst they calm the irritation caused by the sun. 

Other actives in the formula are Jojoba Oil, Grape Seed, Hammelis, Calendula and essential oil of Lemongrass. What it's surprising about this facial fluid is the fact that your face looks matte but very comfortable and moisturized at the same time. The last time that I used a product to reduce the excess of shine I was a teenager and I was never satisfied. These type of creams tended to dry out my skin. 

I'm very impressed by this product that is a balance between the control of shine and the hydration of the complexion. The smell is just sensational, like lemon curd or lemon pie. 

Herbera Ginko Biloba and Hyaluronic Acid Eye Cream

I have been neglecting my under eye area for years, but now these days are over, I'm really into specific treatments for this delicate area prone to fine lines.
This cream is very gentle and has a fantastic refreshing feel. Its formula contains Hyaluronic Acid (which is hydrating and anti-aging) and Ginko Biloba extract that improves the appearance of the skin leaving a smooth finish. Other ingredients of this anti-aging eye cream are Evening Primrose Oil, Jojoba Oil and Peppermint Essential Oil. 
I've been using a lot this product during all Summer, not only because 80,90 % of the ingredients are natural and organic, but also because the scent of Peppermint has an invigorating and mood-elevating effect. It makes you feel in harmony and calms mental agitation. On the skin this essential oil has a cooling and decongestant sensation which is very welcomed when you are very tired.