During my pregnancy I got some dark pigmentation on my skin, nothing too drastic but I wanted to try even my complexion out and brighten it so I looked like I wasn't dying. I've been using these four products for quite a while now and my skin definitely looks brighter but it's a constant battle with being a new parent and having chronic pain.
Body Shop Vitamin C Microdermabrasion: I've reviewed this product previously and it still remains one of my favourite exfoliators. I love the orangey scent of this and every time I use it, which is once or twice a week, my skin is super-smooth and brighter. One of my favourite skin care products.
Elemis Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash 50ml:This is new to me and the full size (200ml) is just a wee bit expensive at £29 so I thought I'd go with the travel size for £8.50. Another product I really love, I'm just not sure I'm willing to pay the price for this. It's about the only face wash that doesn't dry my skin out, in fact my skin is always lovely and smooth after use. This is a gentle, non- abrasive resurfacing (or exfoliating) product. It contains something called Galactoarabinan which gentle removes dead skin cells, and Brazilian Babussu Oil to moisturise. It also contains white truffle and Poria cocos to sooth and support the skin's natural flora. I'm guessing it's ingredients like these that push up the price. Because it's a resurfacing product you're advised to wear a high SPF to protect your new skin from sun damage. The only thing I don't like about this product is the smell, it reminds me of shampoo. Other than that I'm quite impressed with this, my skin definitely looks brighter after use. I'd repurchase if it wasn't so pricey so I think I'll look for a cheaper substitute.
Paul & Joe Brightening Serum: I bought this in the sale for £14 I think, again this isn't a cheap product at £28 although I do think this will last a while. This is described as a serum but it's more like a cream, a very smooth silky cream that sinks in quickly and leaves the skin smooth. This is the only product I'm not completely sold on. I don't notice that much of a difference with this which is a shame because look how pretty the packaging is. Paul & Joe always have the most amazing packaging. Despite me not being sure about this products brightening qualities this is a really nice product otherwise. It smells beautiful with a gentle orange blossom type scent and when used in the morning provides a really good base for applying makeup. I'm not sure I'd repurchase this, I think I'll look for a similar but more effective product when I use this up.
Boots Botanics Cleansing Toner All Bright :This is by far the cheapest and currently on offer at just £2.49 so I reckon it's definitely worth a go, although if you have really sensitive skin I'd do a patch test first as this can be a bit strong initially. This was a real surprise for me, I wasn't expecting much from this product but it works really well and from the first use too. My skin was instantly brightened and much smoother. It can feel tightening on the skin due to the natural AHAs from hibiscus flower. The hibiscus AHAs act as a gentle exfoliator and like the Elemis product you need to be careful in sunlight. I'd definitely repurchase and also try other products in this range.
Do you have any brightening product recommendations?
I really like the Botanics Toner I think it's ace, great post xx
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thank you! It's a brilliant bargain buy xx
DeleteAnother fab and useful post! I have the Boots one in my stash but have yet to use it....I shall try it out tonight. Thanks xx
ReplyDeletethank you so much, i appreciate that. Let me know how you get on with it xx
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