Today's post is going to be about your coat, your protection from the elements, your moisturiser.

Your moisturiser is the 'top coat' for your skin after application of serums or treatments. Far too many people spend ages choosing their moisturiser, but don't think about what goes on their skin beforehand. Prep your skin properly, and the ingredients in your moisturiser will work better.

Firstly, a few tips: 

• Avoid moisturisers containing mineral oil..or any skincare products containing it for that matter (also mentioned in my previous post), it just sits on the skin and doesn't have any benefits. Look on the ingredients list for 'mineral oil/petrolatum/paraffin'.
• Try to avoid serums & moisturisers containing silicone. Silicone is used in products to provide 'slip', and makes the product feel almost silk-like upon application. It does the same sort of thing as mineral oil - just sits on top of the skin, and doesn't absorb. Typically, anything on the ingredients list ending in 'cone' are silicone (dimethicone/methicone).
• Silicones are fine in make-up - that's what you want make up to do, sit on the skin, not absorb into it. Basically the opposite of what your skincare products should be doing.
• Don't be tempted to apply a thick layer of moisturiser all at once, it'll just sit on top and won't absorb. Apply a thin layer, wait a little while, apply some more. As long as it's still absorbing, you can apply as much as you need. If my skin is feeling particularly dehydrated and I'm at home all day wearing no make up, I'll keep adding a little moisturiser throughout the day.
• Wait a few minutes before applying make-up after you moisturise, to let it sink in and avoid it getting mixed in with your make-up. I will normally moisturise, then do something else like my hair or get dressed, then move onto make-up.
• You don't always need a moisturiser containing SPF. The SPF will overtake any active ingredients in your moisturiser, making it less effective. If you do like to wear SPF every day, apply a separate one over the top of your moisturiser. Personally, my make-up contains SPF so that's all I need, plus, I spend most of my days in a dimly lit treatment room with no windows, so I don't particularly need a separate one. Of course, if you work outside/ are outside a lot, you will need one. For anyone with acne-prone skin, try to use oil free SPF's, as most generally are comedogenic.
• Include your lips when you moisturise your face, don't neglect them, they need the moisture too. Include them in your whole routine! 

• Decleor Hydra Floral Hydrating Light/Rich Cream, £39.50 available here.

This is a gorgeous, hydrating, milky cream, perfect for this time of year. It's so comforting and creamy, and smells fresh & heavenly. It's main ingredients are neroli essential oil, wild pansy and samphire for 24 hour hydration, plus moringa & sunflower for protection. Decleor uses the highest quality essential oils and purest ingredients in their products, which I love.

Skin types: There is a light and rich version of this cream, the light is better for oily skin, and rich for dry skin. However, I'd say they are both suitable for all skins.

To use: Apply as the last part of your routine, smooth a small amount all over the face and neck.

• Origins Make A Difference Plus+, £35, available here.

A gorgeous creamy light texture, which is really hydrating and rejuvenating. This really helps to surge moisture levels in the skin, it contains lychee, watermelon and 'rose of jericho'. It has a really gorgeous fresh scent, and is suitable for morning or evening. This is also one of Michelle Keegan's favourites! 

Skin types: all, especially dry, dehydrated.

To use: same as above.

• Indeed Labs Hydraluron Moisture Jelly, £24.99 available at Boots. (On offer at the moment for £16.66!)

This is my current moisturiser, and I'm loving it. It's really plumping and hydrating, and contains one of my favourite ingredients, hyaluronic acid. It's the moisturiser version of the hydraluron serum I mentioned in my last post. This, like the serum, has no scent, and is a clear, jelly like texture (as the name suggests). It absorbs into the skin really well, and provides immediate 'comfort' at this time of year when skin can be parched. I love the pump packaging too, it gives you just the right amount of product, and is also nice and hygienic as it's airtight, and also avoids having to dip your fingers into the pot. 
Skin types: all, literally everyone! 
To use: apply one pump all over the face and neck, as the last step of your skincare routine.

• REN Vita Mineral Daily Supplement Moisturising Cream, £20 available here.

A great, radiance-boosting, skin treat. This helps replenish moisture levels, and contains excellent anti-oxidants, vitamins and nutrients that are just amazing on the skin. This also helps reduce redness and sensitivity in the skin. Again, I love the pump packaging, hygienic and easy to use.

Skin types: all, especially dry. Not the best for acne-prone skin as it contains shea butter which can be slightly heavy. 

To use: same as above.

• Super Facialist Probiotic Skin Recovery Day Cream £14.99 available at Boots.

This one I'd say is the 'budget' option. Plus, Boots often have 3 for 2 or similar offers on. This one is silicone and mineral oil free, and suitable for most skin types. It contains aloe vera which is great for sensitivity and redness on the skin, and arnica, it does also contain shea butter which can be slightly heavy on oily, acne prone skin. It's a very soothing, and comforting milky cream, brilliant for the colder months.

Skin types: most, apart from acne prone skin.

To use: same as above.

If you have any questions just pop them in the comment section below :)