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Premium skincare? In this economy?! … is the refrain inside my head most days. Whilst I love me a French brand (L’Occitane and La Roche Posay… wassup?!?!), these days I can’t always justify it. Economically speaking. Also, stuff-wise speaking (to be precise). Let me explain.
Lately I’ve been on a decluttering mission. And when I say lately, I mean for the better part of a decade (or two? But who’s counting). Having children has been the biggest wakeup call for me, both in seeing the effects of a cluttered environment on their emotional regulation (spoiler alert: it’s not good), as well as the difficulty in keeping up with so many clothes when accounting for size changes, season changes, and laundry mountains. Needless to say, it’s a lot.
So a few months ago, I decided to just. stop. buying. This was quite groundbreaking, mind you! Of course, my lovely husband was a great support, and in his Sri Lankan/German way, taught me a saying, ‘weniger aber besser’ (less but better). And what do you know — it’s true! Having been brought up in a ‘more is more’ environment, this is a profound shift in my way of living. But it really is a lovely way to honour yourself, and your belongings, once you get the hang of it. Wanting more, more, more, (without even realising it), always left me with too many things to manage, and these things would expire, get ignored or forgotten, and then be passe by the time I eventually did get to them. It’s really quite an unsettling way to live.
These days, I’m very deliberate about what I buy. Yes, there’s some hangover from my largesse days, and I do make mistakes occasionally (extra Kmart bunny slippers, I’m looking at you). But mostly, it’s all been pared back, and I’ve been shopping secondhand in my local op shop or on Depop (here’s my Depop shop, if you’re interested!), and it’s so much more meaningful. I love buying exactly what I want, not too much of it, and perhaps something that you don’t see everywhere. For instance, this morning I did pop into my local Salvo’s and walked out with one pair of ADORABLE jeans for my oldest daughter. Pumpkin patch, perfect size, marveilleuse. There’s something about having just one nice thing that really pleases me. That may just be my new motto for life… just one nice thing.
But back to my skincare story! (Can you see what I mean about the ADHD now?! Self-diagnosed thus far…) So, as I’ve mentioned, life as a mum… it’s a lot. A beautiful lot! There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing. And yet, sometimes I think… girl (lady?), your skin needs some fixin’. And not often, because I don’t often look in the mirror (unless you’re counting my children’s eyes, then I get myself reflected back at me a LOT). But now that I’m getting a teensy bit more time to consider myself, I’m getting back to my beauty roots and trying to give my skin the love it deserves, whilst also not doing too much. Because I really ain’t got time for that!
So what’s my MO? Well, I like to start by using what I’ve got. And that means, knowing what you’ve got. And I’ve got a lot! My cabinets are still overflowing, with both trash and treasure alike, and it takes a strong woman to sift through them whilst caring for one’s children and blaring ‘Golden’ on repeat and simultaneously being asked to look somewhere 985987 times. But oh, the cuteness! So, in order not to grumble too much at my innocent little cherubs, I keep a few things out that I know and love. Or at least know. And like. And when I finish these, only then will I either repurchase or move on. (I’m so serious!)
I realised I have quite a few sprays, which I like as an initial toner-adjacent step. That has been my go-to straight out of the shower, when absorption is at its peak. I have a Mario Badescu cucumber Facial Spray one I really love, that I find very calming. This was gifted to me by my sis in law, and it is lovely on sensitive skin. I do find the spray motion a bit intense especially as it seems to get all over my hair, so I spray it into my hands then pat on my face. Pro tip!
I also have a Salus Rose Facial Mist that is very gentle and calming, also a gift. This is an Aussie brand that does some lovely beauty products, and the focus seems to be on natural ingredients and gentle formulations. So, either of these is the first step, and they’re both lovely and light and prime my skin for a few more layers of moisture, if I’m lucky.
Next, I recently purchased (!!!) the Dermaveen facial lotion, and I am really loving it. Again, this is an Australian brand, which I’d also been introduced to by my sister in law via their shower soap-free wash.
This face lotion is so creamy and calming, featuring oatmeal, macadeamia and sweet almond oils, and does not make my sensitive flare up — which is really no small feat! It’s quite rich feeling, without being too heavy on the sin. And it really is the kind of thing you can just throw on and go, as I am wont to do these days!
I also got the Dermaveen intensive body lotion, for use on both myself and my babes. Again, this brand seems to be so gentle and nourishing, without being too heavy or rich. It really is lovely. The lotion (as do most of their products, I believe) contains oatmeal, which is a classic gentle, natural ingredient. I remember I used to make face masks with oats, back in the day…. I think I even had a Jurlique oat mask, come to think of it? Ahh, the early 00s!
I seem to have gotten swept up on a tangent about the benefits of Dermaveen products here (#notspon), but what I’m trying to say is — there are some great local Aussie options for easy skincare which are more affordable, quick to use, and actually work. I love French lotion as much as the next fille (hence the placement of LRP’s Anthelios XL sunscreen… the goat), don’t get me wrong, but sometimes it’s nice to use what you’ve got and look in your own backyard. Mate!
I’d love to hear your recs if you have any… the easier, the better!
Steph