little white truths

I've already done my yearly favourites posts for haircare and body care (see here and here respectively), and I'm back today to write my favourites for facial skincare. After that I'll do my 2017 makeup picks and then we're done!

This skincare post is the most difficult for me, I must say. Skincare remains my biggest love and I also try a lot more skincare each year than I do anything else for the simple reason that I get through more and I like to keep trying new things, unlike eg haircare where I tend to stick with what works. 

Do note that after looking at last year's list (see here), I've decided to stray from old favourites and instead post on things that I've discovered this year. I'm doing this to keep things interesting, but just so you're aware, products like Alpha-H's Liquid Gold and Ren's Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial are still favourites for me (again, see last year's list) - it's just that I wanted to bring you some new finds this year. 

So without further ado...

Best cleansing oil: Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil

It was a toss-up between this product and Oskia's Renaissance Cleansing Gel (reviewed here), but I went for this because I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did - whereas the Oskia product gets plenty of hype and you don't need to hear any more from me.

Full review here. It's hard to pinpoint why I love this so much, but it definitely blew most cleansing oils I've tried out of the park. It's soothing, hydrating and nourishing, and it just feels so nice on my skin. Indeed, I was sad when I recently finished my second bottle and I'm already missing it. 

There aren't many cleansing oils or balms that feel special to me because so many of them are decent enough, but this is definitely in the special category and I'm hoping I'll be able to buy it at some point next year. Sure it ain't cheap, but the large bottle would last me ages so I reckon I can justify the price-tag. It's just that good.

Best gentle cleanser: Simple Radiance Brightening Facial Wash

This product surprised me. I've reviewed it here.

It was given to me by my sister-in-law, and I didn't have any expectations for it because I haven't used much from Simple - nor have I heard anyone rave about this product - so I figured it would be ok but nothing to write home about. 

Turns out I love it. It's a gentle cleanser that smells divine and it sits somewhere between a gel and a cream. I would buy it for the scent alone: it's fresh, creamy and sweet. I've become rather addicted to it.

I use it in the evenings as my in-shower cleanser, and it leaves my skin cleaner and brighter without being irritating, plus it's lasted me ages so it's good value.

Only problem is, I can't find it anywhere to buy another one! Do let me know if you've seen it around because I'm desperate to use it again.

Best treatment cleanser: Alpha-H Liquid Gold Skin Renewal Wash

Best all-in-one: Chulala Cleansing Lotion

I enjoyed this product so much that I didn't want to leave it out of my 2017 favourites, so I created a category for it because it really is an all-in-one that removes makeup, cleanses the skin and also tones in one hit. I've reviewed it here.

It's a cleanser that looks and feels like water and you apply it to a cotton pad and wipe it over your face to remove grime. It does remove makeup but I prefer to use it as a skin cleanser because I reckon it's too nice to use for gunk removal.

I love that it has a brightening, toning effect - plus it smells nice and it's just generally nice to use. I tend to use it in the evenings, so I'll remove my makeup with something else and then go in with this, then I'll often apply a face mask before I shower. 

If we weren't so broke I'd be buying a couple of these in Maslow & Co's closing-down sale, but pennies are tight at the moment so I've had to let it slide. Boo foo boo.

Best serum: Lancôme Advanced Génifique Youth Activating Concentrate

I love this stuff. My skin hasn't looked this good for ages, and I know this product is responsible because it's the only thing I've changed and I can see its effects as soon as I apply it. Indeed, the difference is so marked that others have commented on my skin. That's saying something! I've reviewed it here.

It's a fluid serum that comes in a beautiful, weighty bottle: the product just feels special, but better still, the results it offers are special too. Not only does it spread and absorb well, but it also has a brightening effect so it boosts radiance. On top of that, it plumps fine lines and wrinkles so it makes my skin look smoother, and it has an effect on how firm and toned my face feels too. 

This is one of the few serums I've given an HG tag, and I don't ever want to finish my bottle. Unbeatable.

In sum

There we have it - my top twelve skincare picks for 2017!

This has been the most difficult post in my 2017 Best in Beauty series so far because I had to narrow things down from over twenty products, but I'm pleased with my final list and I love everything on here.

Do let me know in the comments what your favourite skincare picks are for this year: I'd love to hear.

Hope all's well with you, and speak soon x