BRHQ’s Best Of 2015: Skincare

Compiled By BR Kellie

Ah skincare, you’re a treat you are. The BR Crew are huge fans of the stuff, whenever we apply something it feels like we’re doing ourselves a favour – and across the office we’ve a pretty diverse mix of things we love, which we thought we’d share.So what were our favourite skincare products of 2015? Read on…

BR Zoe:  Dermalogica Pre Cleanse is the ultimate product for anyone who loves to wear make up! Pre Cleanse thoroughly melts away layers of excess sebum (oil), sunscreen, waterproof make-up, pollutants and products that build up on skin, allowing your chosen cleanser to penetrate even further for professional cleansing results. It’s actually great for oily skins as well. It’s awesome as not only does it melt away your make up when you add water it turns into a milky solution, which helps to nourish the skin as well as its deep cleansing properties. It’s also available in wipe form for lazy people or people who travel often.

BR Tabatha: Don’t hate me but this year I don’t have any new favourite products. Not a single one. That’s not to say that they’re not out there, but I’ve found a routine I liked last year and I’ve stuck to it. Out of that routine though I’d have to say I rate Neutrogena’s Pore Refining Cleanser. It cleanses my skin really well without stripping it and while my pores aren’t noticeably different my skin looks better and my breakouts have been a whole lot less explodery. I’ll be sticking with this cleanser for a while. 

BR Kellie. Oh, Snowberry. I may have trembled a little as I put your tubes of Radiance Serum goodness onto the BR shelves. I glanced at you often as I awaited the trial to come and go so I could pack you off to some happy homes. I knew of your reputation and then when I read the results from the trial I was convinced to finally make a purchase. And I’m so glad I did. My skin glows, it looks smoother, it feels younger. You’re my number one pick this year, Snowberry and I get the feeling we’ll be together for the long haul.

BR Nat:  My skincare routine for the last year hasn't change much (if it ain't broke, don't fix it!) but the one product I have changed up through out the year has been my serum / face oil.  Earlier in the year I was using individual serum capsules, which were ok, but I wanted wowing.  So then I tried the most expensive product I've ever used - so convinced was I that I just needed to give it a bit more time, I bought a second bottle and was possibly even more underwhelmed than the first!  $300 down the drain. (Husband if you're reading this,clearly that is a misprint.  $30 down the drain...cough)

And then, while doing the groceries, I saw Skinfood on offer and what do you know, some products just fell into the trolley.  And one of them became my new BFF.  Skinfood Renew Certified Organic Rosehip Oil leaves my skin feeling fresh, supple and soft.  It's balanced out my oily prone skin and I can honestly say during the 8 thousand months of being pregnant I have had precisely 1 spot.  I've been using it on my itchy tummy, I slather my feet in it after giving them a rasp and I even used it on my horrifically dry, cracked lips, thanks to Hyperemesis.

Other reasons to love this product:  It is the best thing I've used on Milky's cradle cap.  Seriously.  Rub onto the affected patches, leave a while and shampoo out.  That is all, no brushing or trying to loosen the crust, it literally just washes away!It's a great beard oil.  For The Husband, not me.  It helps heal Milky's skin after a coldsore.I will point out this isn't pure Rosehip Oil, there's some citrusy oils in the mix, but rather than that being a negative, I quite like it - they add a really yummy smell.  Oh and the best thing?  You get great skin, scalp and beard for like 20 bucks.  Bargain!

BR Amelia:  So, unlike First Lady, I change up my skincare products often.  I can't help it.  There are just so many products, with so many claims, how can a girl just settle down with one for the long haul? But, there is one product I have not changed at all during 2015, and that is my twice-weekly treat of Oasis Tropical Fruit Smoothie.  It's a good as it sounds!  It's in my shower caddy and I use it in whatever way suits my mood that day.  Oh yes - it's a multi tasker, you can use it in a few ways.  If you're pressed for time you can use it as a simple exfoliator (with the added kick of natural enzymes).  You can use it first in the shower by exfoliating with the Fruit Smoothie and leaving the remaining product on your skin to do it's thing while you wash and conditioner your hair, shave your legs etc.  Or you can use it before you shower, by applying it as a face masque and when you're ready to remove it, hop in the shower, add a little water to the mask and exfoliate before rinsing. The results are amazing - my face feels really cleansed and so soft.  My skin looks bright and clear and I find it balances my skin while I'm off experimenting and trying all and sundry from the skincare section. A little goes a long way with this one, so you'll easy get a good few months use out of it, making $40 a bargain.  What else do I love about it?  Well it's packed full of the good stuff, is colour and fragrance free and a big plus for me is it's cruelty free.  

And, as for Queenie:

I can’t choose between the Trilogy Make-up Be Gone Cleansing Balm and Clarins Huile Tonic. Trilogy’s Make-up Be Gone Cleansing Balm is amazing, not only am I in love with its aroma, how I love how long you have to use it for on your face and how it makes your skin feel afterwards – so smooth and beautiful. As for Clarins Huile Tonic… I love it because I used it when I was pregnant everyday and never had one stretchmark and these days I love how it transforms your shower into a spa experience, with its heady aroma of geranium and rosemary that envelops you. You come out feeling tight and toned. If I’m in a bad mood I have a shower with Clarins Huile Tonic and come out feeling fabulous. Absolutely recommend both products.

What will we be loving next year? I can’t wait to find out! But first, tell us what your favourite skincare products were? Maybe you’ll introduce us to our future favs!