Summer Palma Skin

While on me hols, again, I wanted to keep my skincare routine minimal but with enough hydration, so I took with me:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser

Garnier Micellar Water

Eucerin Face Cream SFP50

Origins Drink Up-Intensive Overnight Mask

Solait Sun Cream SPF50

Soltan Moisturise & Repel Aftersun

1. Cetaphil (£9 for 236ml and £15 for 473ml)

I can't remember which model recently said that she had this little beauty scientifically tested but its supposed to be the best cleanser out there.  It has simply been formulated to be effective, non-irritating and not upsetting the pH balance of the skin and is great for people with specific skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, acne and rosacea. Celebs and pro make-up artists have been singing its praises for years now and (yay) it's gone mainstream and is easily accessible.  It took me ages to give this a go to be honest but I got my hands on some samples and thought they were perfect size for my toiletry bag.

I was surprised to learn that one of the ingredients in Cetaphil was SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate - gives products the bubbles) as it doesn't really foam up.  We are repeatedly being told that this little horror is notorious for drying out skin and hair and is therefore ageing.  When checking the ingredient list, I was pleased to see it at the bottom (ingredients are listed with highest quantities at the top) so it is obviously a small amount.  Happy to announce though, I was left with the smoothest, silkiest of skin after use so I will be purchasing a full-size bottle when I am done with my current cream cleanser.   Even though my face isn't sensitive, I do suffer from itchy skin on my legs and this cleanser is great for body too.

2. Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water (£2 for 125ml and £5 for 400ml)
I took the smaller bottle away with me to get rid of my make-up of an evening.  I do like these micellar waters as they are great to use in a hurry and better for the skin than wipes.  Unfortunately I had to bring my L'Oreal Absolute Eye & Lip Remover as well as its the only product that doesn't make my eyes sting when removing my eye make-up but the Garnier removes everything else efficiently.

3.  Eucerin Sun Face Creme SPF50 (£16 for 50ml)

For daytime, I found myself reapplying this a lot more than what I did last year using Boots Soltan Face SPF50.  However, I didn't burn so that was the main thing. The texture is extremely light for sun protection which is great as who wants a heavy sun cream and it has UVA (protect against ageing), UVB (protection against burning) and some ingredients in there to protect against free radicals and reducing pigmentation spots.

4. Origins Drink Up-Intensive Overnight Mask (£24 for 100ml)

I bought this years ago when I was working for Shiseido in Dublin but I never liked the smell of it so haven't used it that much.  However, I thought it might be a good product to use after a day in the sun.  Ironically but thankfully the peachy smell was still there so it hadn't gone off!   I am so glad I took this little beauty with me.  My skin felt lovely in the mornings; soft, supple and extremely hydrated, this was due to the apricot oil (the peachy smell culprit?) and Japanese seaweed.  Totally recommend this product for holidays in the sun (if you don't mind the peachy pong).  Apply a thin layer and go to sleep.

5.  Superdrug Solait Sun Cream (£5 for 200ml)

Hmmm, was not enamoured with this sun cream.  It was far too runny.  I didn't burn though so it was obviously working its magic but I didn't like it. 

6.  Boots Soltan Moisturise & Repel Aftersun (£4 for 200ml)

OK, having the word 'repel' in the name of the product isn't exactly appealing but I absolutely love this lotion and think I will continue to buy it regardless of whether or not I'm on holiday.  In fact, I am still slathering it on daily and it doesn't interfere with my perfume.  Even the husband commented on how soft the tops of my feet were.  It's an aftersun with insect repellent which smells so good that you think how could it possibly be an insect repellent?  It smells of coconuts to me.  Tee hee, I never got bitten on holiday but husband did - it was the night that he forgot to put some on!