skin rescue

It's been quiet on the Dolly Mixture front of late, namely because I've been busy with the day job, and secondly I've been away. In the sun. Lucky me! This blog post addresses post holiday skin. A healthy dose of rays leaves your complexion looking sunkissed, but it can also leave it looking and feeling dry especially if a long haul flight is in the mix.

These two tubes over just a week have undoubtedly rebooted my skin after a 2 week road trip in Southern California - beautiful, but sizzling, constant air con and an 11 hour flight. Yes, my skin demands a staycation, but my mind and body demand something else! My skin was a little blemished touching down from my trip, so I looked to the deep cleansing qualities of Emma Hardie's new Amazing Face Instant Radiance Mask. It's a mask that doubles up as a great prep before going out, or a night treatment if you're staying in. Once removed skin looks tighter in pore size and hydrated and blemishes seem to clear up quickly. I've used it three times this week, as it's so rich and indulgent and feels like pay-back for neglecting my skin. Darphin's Vitalskin  Replumping Energic Emulsion is the perfect everyday moisturiser. Its light application belies its hydrating benefits. My skin's barrier looks strengthened and plumpness has been restored. Together they've rebooted my skin, and I need to thank them for that.

Emma Hardie Instant Radiance Mask, £36 www.emmahardie.com
Darphin Replumping Energic Emulsion, £39 www.darphin.co.uk

Meet your skin's new Super Facialist

Every serious skin sleuth knows that a super facialist is the cornerstone of good skincare, and once their reputations are built at the coal face – giving sublime facials that quickly create long waiting lists, product lines swiftly follow. Joining the elite skincare tribe of uber facailists turned product gurus including Sarah Chapman, Kate Somerville and Emma Hardie is new recruit Una Brennan.  

UNA'S SKIN SPEAKS FOR ITSELF!

Una’s name may not be familiar - yet, but she’s been on speed dial of some of London’s feted natural beauties for years including Laura Bailey and Sienna Miller. Known for making skin look at least five years younger with her dextrous fingers and massage techniques, Una relaxes, revives and replenishes skin behind closed doors from her flat in Notting Hill. Her new range is aptly called Super Facialist. Surprisingly, it's available not from Space NK where expert skin brands tend to launch, but Boots, therefore giving it a wider reach.

Divided into three regimes: Hydrate/Rose, Deep Clean/Tea Flower and Firming/Neroli, the collection of 16 products mix science with nature for effective and feel good results. I’ve been pore testing Hydrate with the Calming Creamy Cleanser and the Miracle Makeover Facial Oil. Upon application of both, the smell of rose really comes to the fore in a clean and fresh way, rather than overpowering and sickly. This is crucial for skincare, if it harbours a smell you don’t bond with then you don’t want to use it. Simple as that! For the science bit, power hitters include a triple offering of : Hyaluronic Acid, Salicylic Acid and Peptides.

So, how did they measure up? The cleanser at £7.99 is creamy but also light. Once rinsed off my skin felt smooth and clean without a hint of tightness or dryness. I’m a huge lover of facial oils and have tried a slew  – many ranging from £50 plus. This one is a steal at £14.99 and very good in terms of consistency, not too oily, but has enough slip to work well under fingertips and not drag the skin.  It sinks in pretty quick too. Una suggests using as a pre-cleanse treatment. This is a great ritual to fall into after a morning shower and before bed as it nourishes the skin and gives you the excuse for a line smoothing facial massage. You may not be able to grab an appointment with Una, but you can certainly experience her skin ethos with these pore picks every day.

Super Facialist has recently launched in leading Boots stores and online at www.boots.com