My Journey of Simplicité

Hi there once again peeps,  :-h  If y’all have read some of my existing posts in this blog, you might have of already guessed that taking care of my skin is of the upmost importance to me.  (…guessed?  :-/  Nah, who am I trying to kid? It would be blatantly obvious,  =))  ROFL!)  Therefore, you would understand that just like any other skin care enthusiast, I am devoted to a Serious Skin Care regime that targets my oily skin, whilst focusing on the early signs of ageing; a factor that has become more evident since I reached my mid-thirties.  :-S   The damage to my skin, caused from years of neglect, includes sun damage and is a partially a result of the misuse of skin care products.  :">  The side effects from this maltreatment when I was younger has evidently come back to haunt me, starting to rear its ugly head, the premature ageing symptoms are now more noticeable and it’s beginning to take its toll on my skin.  :(  My regular anti-ageing routine normally boasts an array of the most effective professional skin care treatments I can lay my hands on and often there’s no expense spared.  :-"  I had came to the conclusion that I had to aim high if I wanted products that  truly work and  were able to deliver results that I could see.  I was willing to use whatever it takes in the hope of being able to repair, recharge and restore my skin to achieve, once again, the perfectly youthful-looking complexion.  ;)

A while ago, Robin from Simplicité approached me to test drive several products from their plant-based skin care range.  Prior to coming into contact with Robin, I had only ever heard of Simplicité and knew very little about the brand, so I must admit that at first I was feeling a little dubious. :-?  However, the more I analysed the idea and pondered on my current regime, I surmised that the possibility of taking a natural approach to my skin care, would allow my skin to take a breather  :-  from the highly potent combination of treatments I normally used.  #:-S  Yet, despite my fear of the unknown, I came to conceive that a complete skin care overhaul might actually do my complexion the world of good, without hampering my already developing progress and possibly sustaining an even more encouraging outcome.  :)  I had nothing to loose and everything to gain, so I was determined to give it a workout.  After some initial brand research, I soon learned that I could introduce Simplicité, a natural, plant based, aromatherapy skin care line and still be able to address exactly the same skin concerns that my usual regime focused on.  >:/  I quickly determined that incorporating the appropriate Simplicité treatment products from their comprehensive, natural skin care line up, my skin’s specific needs would be adequately accommodated.  I liked the idea that by using a simple and pure range with the ability to feed my skin with a concentrated blend of essential nutrients and antioxidants, which are integrated with herbs, plants and flowers to establish their uniquely organic formula, Simplicité makes it attainable to procure the overall results I am perpetually striving for.  *-:)

Everything you need to know:

All Simplicité skin care products are free from alcohol, parabens, synthetic or added fragrances, silicones and other ‘questionable’ natural ingredients, often exploited in commercial brands, such as mineral oil.  In fact, the Simplicité line-up flaunts only the highest quality, medicinal grade, plant extracts that rejuvenate your skin and renew your spirit.  Respectfully, Simplicité don’t support animal testing and neither their products nor their ingredients have been tested on animals.  =D>  David Lyons, a leading Australian herbalist and naturopath, is the mastermind of Simplicité.  Along with his wife and co-founder Robin, the determined duo developed Simplicité initially for personal use, then eventually to meet the growing demand for natural-based products in both the Australian and International market.  Comprising of only the freshest herbal extracts, which they prepare and formulate themselves, using the highest quality, hand-selected, organic ingredients.  (*)  With over 25 years of extensive research and customer satisfaction, David and Robin have substantiated that their natural skin care concept is fully results driven.  Ideal for all skin types, even the most sensitive, Simplicité delivers remarkable improvements for those suffering from sun damage, premature ageing, sensitivity and acne prone skins.  As professed on their website “Most skin care products just moisturise ... that’s easy. It's when you enhance your skin's tone, elasticity and smoothness with antioxidants and active herbal principles that you'll look younger, and feel better about your skin.  That’s the Simplicité difference!”

Now that you know a little bit more about Simplicité, let me share my journey and personal product experience with you all.

Simplicite Skin Care Starter Pack Comb/Oily

This kit includes a full regime of Simplicité products that cleanse, calm and soothe the complexion, therefore ensuring this rejuvenating package delivers soft, supple skin and encourages a youthful, healthy glow.  Featuring four travel/trial sized products in a handy zippered pouch, this pack is the perfect introduction to the benefits of Simplicité, the convenient travel companion or a superb gift idea. 

Inside the kit you’ll find:

Plant Gel Cleanser (20g) – I enjoy utilising this facial wash as my AM cleanser because it is so invigorating and refreshing, which wakes up my skin and implements a kick-start to the day ahead.  It has a light and creamy texture that works into a gentle foam to leave my skin feeling completely clean and fresh.  It redresses the balance of my skin without stripping it of its natural oils, yet it’s still powerful enough to cleanse thoroughly and remove all dirt, oils, bacteria, surface debris and the most stubborn makeup (if I were wearing it) from my face.

Hydrating Floral Spritz (60ml) – Post cleansing, I lightly spray my skin with this beautiful flower-infused facial spritz and implement it into my skin care regime as a toner.  I then gently press it into my face to help the solution absorb, which leaves my skin soft, hydrated and well balanced without any sticky residue.  It assists my skin’s natural defence system and refines my pores to help keep moisture locked in.  It’s also ideal as an instant ‘pick me up’ anytime I need a revitalising aromatherapy boost to lift my spirits and refresh my skin, promoting an effectual way to cool down during a long, hot day.  I can also vouch that it works a like a charm to set my mineral makeup.

Oil Controlled Day Creme (20g) – This lightweight daily moisturiser is highly nourishing and comfortable without being too rich or greasy on my already oily skin.  The arousing scent is uplifting, whilst the quick-to-dry/absorb formula sparks my face to feel soft and evenly balanced, hydrating any parched areas to create an effortlessly smooth, uniform canvas.  It’s suitable for the warmer months because it’s not at all heavy on my skin and makes a great base to apply my daily makeup.  The natural blend is non-comodogenic so it doesn’t clog my pores; instead it stimulates my senses and adequately provides ample moisture to maintain constant hydration and a shine-free finish throughout the day.

Lemon Night Creme (20g) – I have mentioned this nighttime moisturiser before, in my Moisturising post, because after this trial, it impressed me so much, I wanted to use it on a permanent basis.  It’s definitely become one of my favourite moisturisers and is absolutely the most kosher night cream I have ever had the fortune of using.  :x  With its gorgeous lemon fragrance and creamy butter-like texture, it is a sheer pleasure to use.  This non-greasy cream is deeply nourishing and conditioning, but not too rich or heavy, making it profoundly fitting for my oily skin.  In addition to presenting exceptional hydrating properties, it helps to clarify my skin and reduce the appearance of blotchiness, redness and discolouration.  Over time, my skin has progressively revamped, flourishing less roughness for a softer texture, tighter, more concealed pores and rapidly fading areas of pigmentation.  Oh, and can’t forget to mention, I have also noticed that my visible fine lines have softened considerably.  It has invaluably contributed to my fulfilment of obtaining a clearer, brighter, more youthful-looking complexion. 

Simplicite One Step Exfoliating Cleanser   

This is a cleansing and refining duo, enriched with micro-fine cinnamon particles that enable a fantastic multi-tasking deep-pore cleaning product, expedient for all skin types.  While I normally shy away from physical exfoliators, I found this one super gentle and so effective that I couldn’t resist the urge to continue randomly using it.  I am relieved that it doesn’t exacerbate my sensitive skin either; in fact, it actually proffers a calming relief to red, irritated skin.  With an elevating natural cinnamon fragrance, that lifts my spirits as soon as I get a whiff, it also revives my skin, triggering a boost of radiance when it appears dull and tired.  It has supported a considerable improvement in the reduction of blackheads forming around my nose, by clearing out any build-up of gunk and congestion from deep within my pores.  It sloughs away any dead surface cells; provoking my skin to look alive and feel refreshed, by smoothing the texture so it’s baby soft to touch.  Immediately after using this product, an all over healthy glow is revealed and my complexion appears lucent. 

Simplicite Results Lift Gel

This was the one product I was most excited to try, because I read claims of it being a “Herbal Alternative to Botox”.  :-O  It boasts a thin, slightly runny consistency with a non-sticky, creamy, gel-like texture (similar to a lotion) that feels cool and soothing as soon as it touches my skin.  Adorning a crisp, fresh scent this treatment indulges an overall exhilarating feeling to my skin, whilst elevating the senses.  Upon application, it instantly plumps my skin prompting the appearance that it’s firmer and bearing more resilience, whilst instigating an all over, natural-looking luminosity.  It is remarkably lightweight and so refreshing that I often use it in place of my daily moisturiser, as it offers generous hydration, without making my oily skin excessively shiny or greasy throughout the day.  I love how it immediately improves my complexion, brightening and evening out the tone, whilst smoothing and softening the texture, especially when my skin appears all stressed or tired.  :x   :x   As long as I’m armed with this amazing treatment product, I can be sure that I will never have to suffer the unsightly consequences when too many late nights start to wreak havoc on my skin , since it’s the best weapon to combat all of those nasty symptoms.  All I need a dose of this miracle moisturiser and my skin transforms, being vibrant, alive and bursting with radiance.  I have also contrived that the longer I use it; I am seeing more permanent changes, as my complexion becomes more refined and brandishes a better overall clarity.  With Simplicite Results Lift Gel on my team, I am confident I will never need to resort to the ‘toxic’ botox option.  :-O   I don’t know about you guys, but I’ll stick with this safe, natural substitute, thank you very much!  Plus, my skin adores the endless benefits and it makes a perfect featherweight treatment moisturiser that doesn’t suffocate my skin come summertime.  ;;)

My Final Verdict:

I ended up pleasantly surprised with the general condition of my skin after committing to this au natural, Simplicité skin care routine, undividedly, for two months straight.  ;)  I freaked out at first  :-O  as my skin went through an initial ‘detox’ period, where it did all sorts of weird things, like constantly breaking out and producing even more oil.  ~X(   However, I realised that it’s normal when changing your skin care routine for it to expel all those nasty toxins as it adjusts to the new products. #:-S  I was patient during this time :-w  persisting diligently with the individual Simplicité programme that Robin had personally recommended for me, then after several weeks of battling along, all of a sudden, my skin progressed to a greater new level.  YAY!  <:-P  It totally cleared up and was blossoming with a newfound radiance, proving to me that natural skin care solutions absolutely do work!  As I mentioned, before I tried this range I was sceptical that I wouldn’t be able to achieve the same level of results using a natural range that I always get with my professional skin care treatments.  :-S  Now, I can honestly say that upon concluding this trial, I don’t think my skin has ever looked better!  :D  Simplicité exceeded my expectations, allowing me to accomplish a clearer, more luminous complexion and optimum skin health.  I wouldn’t hesitate in using Simplicité again, as a natural skin care alternative further and because I was so influenced by the vast improvements I successfully acquired, I was spurred to stick with a few of these products, which I use on a regular basis as a crucial part of my skin care regime.  Simplicité allows me to maintain the fountain of youth by repairing existing damage, nurturing my skin and protecting it from external aggressors, all using a simple, holistic approach.  I dare say it allows me to stand ten foot tall and bullet proof because I’m ultra proud to be sporting the reputable ‘Simplicite Glow.’  \:D/

Have you tried anything from the Simplicité range?  Have you found natural skin care products to be equally effective as their commercial-style cousins?  What natural, organic or plant based brands have you tried and liked best?

All images in this post are generic (sorry folks, my download speed ended up getting capped this month from my internet provider and adding my own images at snail pace wasn't an option, lol)  :p

Moisturising

Hi there once again my peeps!  Moving right along, with this blog comes the third installment of my Serious Skin Care program, featuring the products I personally use in my strict daily anti-ageing skin care regime.  This time, I am going to hit you with the Moisturisers that I use, when I use them and my thoughts on each one.  I have pretty much developed a love/hate relationship with moisturisers over the years, because, as anyone with oily skin would surely understand, finding one that is not too rich or heavy can be like finding a needle in a haystack; very scarce to say the least.  I find it particularly hard during summer, due to the vast humidity here in tropical North Queensland, when thick creams and sweaty faces do not seem to agree, as sweat glands go into overdrive causing skin to become even oilier.  I don’t want to even think about how many moisturisers I have used or tried over the years (far too many to fathom), which have caused me me look like I have just jumped out of a deep fryer, eww.  Yep, there is nothing worse than the ‘greasy face’ effect or the suffocating feeling of a heavy moisturiser encasing your skin and unable to absorb.  Still to this day, I have only found a small selection of moisturisers that work for me, most of which, currently remain in my skin care program, after all they are so hard to find, so I'm not about to let them get away too easily :)

AM

Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Hydrator Gel

I have only been using this moisturiser for a few months and after my first application and test drive all I was allured. Where have you been my whole life?!  I have never really thought about using a moisturising gel before, nor have I really noticed anything available on the market, in the way of gel based facial moisturisers.  However, let me tell you now, if you have oily skin, then you would undoubtedly experience the same dilemmas that I face when trying to finding the right moisturiser.  Well, mark my word, this is exactly what you ARE looking for, the oily skin moisturiser to surpass all moisturisers!  I use this primarily as my daytime moisturiser; however, it’s perfectly fine for night time use too.  The botanical formulation, infused with natural essential oils such as tea tree and eucalyptus, has a complimentary aroma that is refreshing and invigorating.  Just a pea-sized amount of the super lightweight gel is more than enough to evenly apply over my whole face and neck. It absorbs quickly with no tacky residue and leaves my skin soft, smooth, completely nourished and glowing with radiance (not the pesky, shiny glow often seen reflecting off the foreheads of us oily skinned beauties, nope, this glow is one that radiates pure health). It makes for the perfect base under my makeup, providing a matte canvas that my foundation can easily adhere to, bringing a welcome relief in comparison to foundation sliding straight off my greasy mantle, LOL. The gentle, soothing gel is also suitable to use if my skin is all red and irritated, offering a calming relief without exasperating the problem.  I love this Alpha-H Clear Skin Daily Hydrator Gel, so much so, that I could do a song and dance about it, hehe, but seriously, though, I really can’t sing its praises enough!  A ‘must have’ or at least a ‘must try’ for anyone who is sick of the oily skin blues and can't find a way out; this is your escape route. :)

PM

Simplicite Lemon Night Crème

I have been using this night cream for the past 9 months and it’s the first night cream that I can safely say, doesn’t leave my skin coated in a layer of oil upon waking up of a morning.  I usually prefer a slightly richer moisturiser at night, because after all, who is going to see me while I am sleeping, so a bit of shine isn’t a huge drama, but when it's so oily, to the point where you could cook an egg on it, then it just goes beyond reason.  This night cream has become one of my favourite moisturisers, with its gorgeous lemon scent and creamy butter like texture; it is a sheer pleasure to use. It's nourishing and conditioning, but not too rich or heavy, making it perfect for my oily skin. As well as offering hydrating benefits, it also helps to clarify my complexion and reduce the appearance of blotchiness and discolouration. I have noticed less roughness, a softer skin texture, tighter pores and fading areas of pigmentation, revealing brighter, more radiant skin. I believe with longer-term use, I will also see fewer wrinkles as my existing fine lines have started appearing softer.  The all-natural formula makes it my PM moisturiser of choice, on alternate nights, when I use my Clarisonic PRO Sonic Skin Cleansing System.  The Simplicite Lemon Night Crème is, in my opinion, a hidden gem, with not too many people aware of the Simplicite brand or the highly effective, natural range of skin care products they offer, so I feel the need to ‘shout out’ to the world, how awesome it really is!  Plus, it’s an Aussie special, born and bread here in Queensland, with products that are tailored to suit our climate. Its no wonder I love my night cream so much and wouldn't hesitate in recommending it, 5 star product!

Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum

I first discovered Medik8 and this serum about 15 months ago, when at the time, I had never tried, or even seen, for that matter, a hydrating serum.  Initially, I was a bit sceptical about how it could possibly be comparable to a normal moisturiser and apprehensive it would leave my skin an oily, greasy mess, like certain other products, but my concerns were quickly quashed.  This clear serum comes in a small bottle with a dropper to disperse the almost gel-like fluid. It has no scent, it’s extremely lightweight and it is 100% non-greasy, even on my oily skin. Yippee, I am so thrilled to have encountered such a unique product, because I was previously on the ultimate search for a moisturiser to use at night, which would adequately hydrate my skin, minus the accompanying morning 'horror' face, coated in a layer of grease. This serum is the perfect solution to my lifelong dilemma.  It feels cool and soothing upon application, whilst sinking straight into my skin with no sticky, tacky residue, leaving it plump, super soft and full of moisture.  Medik8 Hydr8 B5 Serum compliments my nightly skincare regime exceptionally well, almost as if it were developed just for me. ;)  Every second night, I incorporate a high strength Vitamin A skin care treatment into my routine, which is used in conjunction with my ASAP Daily Facial Cleanser.  These highly potent products, prompted me to pursue a simple, moisturiser that is gentle and kind to the skin, whilst doesn't interfere with the active ingredients featured in the previous steps.  The calming relief provided by the serum feels instantly soothing and helps to alleviate any sign of facial redness.  It keeps moisture locked in overnight, so that when I wake in the morning my skin always feels comfortable and looks healthy.  Over time, it has helped improve the suppleness of my skins texture and overall it's firmer, plumper and more nourished.  Conclusively, a beneficial anti-aging moisturiser for my oily skin, delivering impressive results as it guides me down the path to achieving a more balanced, youthful, radiant complexion.  If you haven't tried a hydrating serum, then do yourself a favour and make it a point to do so; it’s unlike any other moisturiser and maintains to produce even better results!

Well, that wraps up the regular moisturising products that I use in my skin care routine.  Based on my skin type and the climate where I live, I stick with these moisturisers all year round and don’t bother adapting to cater for each season.  I also use various SPF moisturisers as well, but I decided that I won’t mention them here and instead will proceed to list them in my Sun Protection product line-up.  Considering all of my SPF products are actually multi-tasking, SPF moisturisers anyway, rather than targeted, stand-alone sunscreen products, which unlike their non-SPF counterparts, I do chop and change and adapt regularly, so it kind of makes sense to keep them separate, well in my books anyway, hehe ;) 

It took me nearly forever to discover which moisturisers suited me best, after decades of being at war with my skin, always using the wrong type of moisturiser.  A common mistake is confusing dehydrated skin with dry skin, however, dry skin is a type, just like oily skin, whereas dehydrated skin is a condition and as I discovered myself, even oily skin can get dehydrated too! Getting skin concerns/types mixed up often leads to opting for unsuitable products, hence my situation, either making things worse or never getting past first base and forever struggling to get better skin.  Unbeknownst to me, my ‘oily’ skin would occasionally suffer from dehydration, fueling my belief that I had combination skin, when in fact I didn’t.  Having finally determined my correct skin type (better late than never) I began choosing relevant oily skin moisturisers that in turn worked in my favour to support my skin.  When deciding upon a moisturiser, any external factors need considering, such as seasonal requirements.  That is, do you possibly need a richer moisturiser during the cooler months than you use throughout summer…etc?  If so, you need to adapt your skin care routine accordingly.  Once conceded, feel free join me in arming yourself with a suitable moisturiser, which will harmonise with your skin :) 

We all should implement a moisturiser into our skin care regime regardless of our skin type; all skin types need some form of hydration and we all want one that works!  Which moisturisers do you use? What can you recommend?  I would love to hear your thoughts :)

 All images in this blog are generic.