Taking care of my skin is of the utmost importance to me and I am devoted to a strict skin care regime that focuses on my oily skin as well as fighting the early signs of ageing. This consists of a cocktail of nothing but the best professional skin care treatments available.  I want products that deliver results I can see, that repair, recharge and restore my skin for the perfect youthful complexion.

When Robin from Simplicité provided me with several skin care products to try, at first I was a little dubious.  However, the more I pondered and analysed my current regime I decided the idea of trying a natural alternative, whilst giving my skin a break from the potent combination of treatments I normally use, certainly couldn’t hurt, so it was worth a try.  After some initial research, I discovered that with Simplicité , a natural, plant based, aromatherapy skin care line; I could still address all of my skin concerns.  By focusing on a simple and pure means of feeding my skin with a concentrated blend of essential nutrients and antioxidants, which are integrated with herbs, plants and flowers to establish a uniquely organic formula, achieving real results was possible.  

All of the Simplicité products are free from alcohol, parabens, synthetic or added fragrances, silicones and other so called ‘natural’ ingredients such as mineral oil.  In fact, Simplicité consists of only the highest quality medicinal grade plant extracts that rejuvenate your skin and rejuvenate your spirit.  Simplicité don’t support animal testing and none of their products or ingredients have been tested on animals.  David Lyons is the mastermind of Simplicité and a leading Australian herbalist and naturopath.  David, along with his wife, co-founder Robin, created Simplicité , a completely natural skin care range consisting 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, they have proven this natural skin care approach is fully results driven.  Ideal for all skin types, even the most sensitive, Simplicité delivers fantastic results for sun damage, early ageing, sensitivity and acne prone skin.  As suggested on their website "use of these products: imparts a glowing appearance to complexion within a few weeks of use; forever changes the tone, health and vigour of the skin.”  This equates to the "Simplicité glow”.

The products I tried were contained within the Simplicité skin care starter pack. This is a full regime of Simplicité products to cleanse, calm and soothe and is the total rejuvenating package to deliver soft, supple skin while maintaining a youthful, healthy glow.

The pack consists of:
Simplicité Plant Gel Cleanser
Simplicité Hydrating Floral Spritz
Simplicité Oil Controlled Day crème
Simplicité Lemon Night crème

The other products I used in conjunction with the kit were: Simplicité One Step Exfoliating Cleaser and Simplicité Results Lift Gel

My verdict:
I am amazed at the condition of my skin after committing to the all-natural, Simplicité skin care routine.  After the initial ‘detox’ period, where my skin was doing all sorts of weird things, like breaking out and producing more oil to expel any toxins. I was patient and persisted diligently with the Simplicité routine that Robin had recommended.  After several weeks of battling along, suddenly my skin progressed to a greater new level, where it was thriving with radiance, proving to me that natural skin care solutions really do work.  While I was sceptical that I could possibly achieve the same results using a natural range as I could with my professional skin care treatments, I can honestly say my skin has ever looked better! Simplicité has exceeded my expectations, helping me to achieve a clearer complexion, with my skin looking and feeling healthier.  These Simplicité products will remain a crucial part of my skin care regime, allowing me to maintain my fountain of youth by repairing and nourishing my skin with a simple holistic alternative approach.  I dare say I am now standing ten foot tall and ultra proud to be sporting the reputable ‘Simplicité glow’. 

Experience Simplicité for yourself and make the change!

Love Mel, Beauty Editor

It turns out they’re more than just the standard uniform for a girly sleepover or a requirement for bored, rich women taking naps. You know the type; cucumbers on the eyes, towel on the head…we’ve all seen Desperate Housewives.

All joking aside, facial masks are actually a very important part of your skincare regime, and when used regularly, encourage bright, lustrous skin. In addition to this they can also prove very useful in treating skin disorders. Sounds good, yes?

At the most basic level, face masks work to moisturise and provide deep cleansing to the skin, helping to get rid of trapped dirt and oily build up that your normal cleanser and exfoliant may not reach. The result of this is the prevention of blemishes and congestion, leading to clearer more healthy looking skin. The fun doesn’t stop there though; many face masks also help shed the top layer of dead skin. With the removal of these dull, dead skin cells, your complexion will not only look bright and radiant, but more youthful too. Yes that’s right: a good face mask will even reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Obviously it is important to choose a mask that will work for your personal skin needs. For your ease, here are a few Facial Company favorites:

Skinstitut Hydrating Mask
This nourishing mask is ideal for those of you with dry or sensitive skin, as it hydrates, repairs and provides relief to irritated areas. It contains a blend of antioxidants, plant extracts and vitamins to protect against free radical damage and reinforce stressed skin. In effect, it protects, repairs and soothes. This one strikes me as a bit of winner.

Payot Masque Purifiant
Now this one here is ideal for combination/oily complexions, as the purifying white clay and ultra-absorbent mineral salts really get in there to eliminate impurities and tighten the pores. You need look no further for a clearer, more purified complexion; this little gem here will catch impurities before they form, effectively eliminating blemishes.

Dermalogica UltraCalming Relief Masque
This specially formulated mask is ideal for sensitive skin types; if you suffer from inflammation, redness or rosacea, this is for you. The calming actives and botanical extracts provide calming relief that is almost instantaneous, working with your skin to get rid of redness and prevent future inflammatory flare ups. Benefits aside, the mask itself is so refreshing you can actually feel it working.

Now besides the physical benefits a face mask can have on your skin, we must also consider the relaxing effect the application process can have. Think about it: you’ve lit some candles, put on some music, maybe poured yourself a cool beverage. The mask itself is cool and pleasant smelling as it’s massaged into your skin…
Obviously you could just apply it in the bathroom mirror after cleansing, but I’m trying to create a mood here.

Some things to remember when applying a mask:

+ Apply to freshly cleansed skin that has been rinsed with warm water; this will open your pores and allow the mask to really work on your epidermis (that’s the outer layer of skin).

+ Massage the mask into the skin using a gentle, circular motion.

+ After the required waiting time (always check the directions), rinse the mask using cool water to help close up your pores.

+ For the best effect, use a face mask once a week.

Browse facial masks or try out The Facial Company's free online skin analysis to search for the best mask for your skin type!