Blog
ALL THE BEST PRIMERS - Ayelined
Oct 22, 2019Trona from Ayelined wrote a blog post all about her favourite primers. "I previously wasn’t a huge fan of primer. I never liked the slippery silicone feel on my skin. But recently primers have got much better. They don’t feel as heavy or slippy anymore. I especially appreciate them a bit more now I’m getting older. A good primer can help makeup look smoother and last longer. I’m reviewing a selection of some of my recent favourite primers."
This included our ARK Skincare Skin Protector SPF30 Primer ! "If you’re looking for a natural, high end primer that is super multi-tasking ARK Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer* is the one for you! This award-winning primer feels luxurious and is definitely a more refined, sophisticated formula than the previous primers I’ve mentioned (which is reflected in its price tag). My skin feels smoother, brighter and hydrated after applying this primer SPF.
Makeup goes on easily over the top and lasts a bit longer than usual. What I like most about ARK Skin Protector though is how fresh my skin looks after application plus the SPF protection is a winner for me. "
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Read the full blog post HERE
Shop our SPF30 Primer HERE
Back to you Beauty - Mature Skin Series
Sep 20, 2019Sharon from Back to you Beauty has started a 'Mature Skin Series' and recently did a post about testing the perfect face mists for mature skin. In this post she features our Skin Essential Hydrating Beauty Mist.
"I use a face mist everyday, a couple of times for different reasons. Sometimes as soon as I wake up – to wake up! Other times I spritz one over a face masque before I remove it, sometimes i use one on the train when I am squashed in like a sardine and always to set my make up."
"If you watch my Instastories Often, you will have seen me using this loads lately. I just love the scent of refreshing Wild Mint and the way my skin feels suddenly cool and calm. This spray is perfect for all ages and stages of skin but I have included it in my mature skin round-up as I think that a hot, flushed skin, dehydrated skin or someone with those fine lines and wrinkles can really benefit from the hydrating properites it offers. The cooling sensation of that Wild Mint and the beautiful ingredients included make this a joy to use. Goji and Blue Lotus (which is in a lot of much higher price point skincare) bring lots of anti-oxidant rich, brightening properties as well as detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties which I think work wonderfully on menopausal skin. I am loving this brand so much and I know you will too."
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Shop our Hydrating Beauty Mist HERE
Read the full blog post HERE
Priceless Life Of Mine - 'ARK Skincare, beautiful skin at any age'
Sep 04, 2019Steph from 'Priceless Life of Mine' wrote a blog post featuring our Age Defy range and Pre Cleanse & Make-Up Remover.
"I've been double cleansing for a while now as I like to remove every trace of make up first and then go back in to do a second cleanse. The pre cleanse & make up remover is amazing. I've been raving about it on Instagram as it really does melt any make up away, even waterproof mascara. It's a multi fruit lipid blend with omegas 3,6, and 9 and it's gentle on the skin. I probably will buy this when this one runs out. "
"For my second cleanse I've been using their Age Defy brightening cleanser and thumbs up for this one too. It's quite a light, creamy cleanser, but effective, my skin feels squeaky clean afterwards. It's packed with a combination of vitamins, antioxidants and lipids. It also has red algae and vitamin c which help to brighten the complexion, and it definitely does."
"The moisturiser is lovely. It's quite a rich texture but it glides on and sinks in beautifully. It leaves my skin feeling plumper and nourished which is what we need as our skin changes quite dramatically in our 40's and 50's. I've not been using it with any of my own serums as I wanted to see what this was like without it but I think I definitely need something more for me personally, and I'll start adding in my extra hyaluronic acid as I do have quite dehydrated skin a lot of the time. It may be that this alone offers enough hydration for someone else, depends on your skins needs. Mines very thirsty!!!"
"I love that the range is so versatile, in that it's not just one size fits all, it's age specific and I think that's so important when there's much choice of quality skincare out there right now."
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Read the full blog post HERE
Shop our Age Defy range HERE
Shop our Pre Cleanse & Make-Up Remover HERE
The Beautiful Bluebird - ARK Skincare SPF30 Primer
Aug 28, 2019Roxie from The Beautiful Bluebird wrote a blog post all about our SPF30 Primer.
"The Skin Protector SPF 30 Primer....is the latest addition to my collection and it’s become a bit of a summer essential. The primer is part of their Skin Essentials range ... It’s a great multitasker as it applies like a moisturising milk that hydrates and smooths whilst protecting your skin against damaging UV rays. I think we all know that sunscreen is something we should all wear daily, however, I almost always forget to apply it unless it’s scorching and I’m already applying it to the babies. You can smooth the Skin Protector Primer over your face after cleansing, after your moisturiser or even on its own."
"Not only does this primer create a smooth, super hydrated and slightly radiant base to apply makeup on top of, but it also offers defence against UVA and UVB rays to prevent sun damage and premature ageing, and contains an advanced active antioxidant system to protect against the effects of pollutants. The Skin Protector Primer contains Vitamin E, nourishing Shea Butter, Hydracire (blend of Jojoba, Mimosa and Sunflower) and a Hyaluronic Acid Booster."
"What I love about this primer is that it’s super light and doesn’t give your skin a white cast like other products that contain SPF do. It’s easy to blend in and leaves my skin looking slightly dewy and healthy. It doesn’t add any excess shine but a subtle glow and I often reach for it on no makeup days too. If you’re guilty of skipping sun protection, then this is the product for you. It’s a fuss-free way of protecting your skin whilst giving it an added boost of hydration and creating a flawless base to seamlessly blend your foundation on top of."
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Shop our SPF30 Primer HERE
Read the full blog post HERE
Stormvoe - Favourite Cleansers For Different Needs
Aug 19, 2019Stormvoe wrote a blog post about their 'Favourite Cleansers For Different Needs'.
"I have been testing a few products from Ark, a British, cruelty-free skincare brand including this Conditioning Cleanser* from the Age Defend range specifically created for 30 plus skin types. Being in my thirties I started paying more attention on what I put on my skin and over the years I have found a handful of products that deliver. I’m always on a hunt for something affordable with good ingredients to make a difference to my skin. Not only does this cleanser remove impurities but it also cares for your skin. It includes Morninga oil, which contains Vitamin A and C. All of these prevent your skin from losing its moisture while making sure it’s clean. What’s more, Kiwi and Passion Fruit oils combined with Omega 3 fatty acids boost hydration levels and Blue Lotus extract improves skin elasticity and firmness."
"If you’re after something that is designed purely for removing make up this Pre Cleanse and Make-Up Remover* from Ark could be for you. It’s a definite step up from your regular micellar water type of product. Infused with a combination of fruit oils (kiwi, grape seed, avocado), Omega 3, 6 and 9, it dissolves dirt and make up thoroughly while being gentle and soothing on the skin at the same time."
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Read the full blog post HERE
Shop our Cleansers HERE
MOONLIGHT MEL - ARK SKINCARE
Aug 07, 2019 Moonlight Mel tried out our Age Protect Range . About the Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser she said; "I really love this cleanser, firstly I just love the smell, it has a lovely fresh herbal smell that smells natural. The cleanser is a little thicker than most cleansers I have tried but for me, it makes it easier to work with. I simply wash my face in the sink with warm water then apply this generously on my face gently in a circular motion, then wash off with warm water. It's best to dry the skin with a soft towel. I love this cleanser so far as my skin feels rather refreshed after using this. I do think the price of £25 is very fair considering you get a decent amount of product, it works and it smells gorgeous!"
Mel also loved the Age Protect Skin Vitality Moisturiser; "This has a lovely refreshing natural smell and the moisturiser itself...is very thick, so you can see that a little will go a long way. It melts and blends into the skin effortlessly leaving skin feeling hydrated and soft. It costs £35 which is a good value for the amount you get and a little goes a long way. I would get this again for sure." She also particularly loved the pump mechanism, "Not only does it give the right amount of product each time but it also acts like a vacuum so no product is wasted. The vitality moisturiser offers the perfect level of hydration for younger skin."
Mel has yet to try the Pre Cleanse & Make-Up Remover, however she thinks that "This is a wonderful product as it is a pre cleanser and also a makeup remover....I am looking forward to trying it out."
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Read the full blog post HERE
Shop our Age Protect Range HERE
Shop our Pre Cleanse & Make-Up Remover HERE
Kate Louise Blogs - ARK Skincare
Aug 07, 2019Kate Lousie kindly wrote a blog post all about our Age Defend Range and our Pre Cleanse & Make-Up Remover.
Firstly, she tried our Pre Cleanse & Makeup Remover.
"I've really been enjoying using this as a change from my usual micellar water, and have been finding it just as effective at removing makeup. Formulated from a multi-fruit lipid blend with Omegas 3, 6 and 9 and containing Grape Seed, Avocado and Kiwi Oil, the product nourishes while dissolving grime and feels like a very light oil on the skin. I've mentioned before that my skin doesn't always appreciate oil based cleansing on a long term basis, so I've not been using this every day of the week. As a result, my complexion is reaping the nourishing benefits of this gentle cleanser without my oily t-zone having the chance to become irritated. In addition to the main ingredients, Margosa Leaf Extract helps to curb the spread of bacteria while Zi Cao (an Ayurvedic herb) soothes sensitivity."
Secondly, Kate tried our Age Defend range. About the Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser, Kate said; "This is probably my favourite of the three products as it's such a pleasure to use. The gel-type consistency that my skin always seems to favour, it also has the loveliest light and natural fragrance to it. The ingredients include Moringa Oil, rich in Vitamins A and C, as well as Kiwi and Passionfruit Lipids which provide moisture boosting Omega 3 fatty acids. Powerful antioxidant Blue Lotus assists with skin firmness and elasticity, while the combination as a whole helps to calm redness and soothe sensitive skin. I've been using this morning and night for a while now, and it always leaves my skin feeling clean but not stripped, and beautifully balanced."
Lastly, Kate tried our Age Defend Moisturiser; "Just like the cleanser, I've been using the Replenishing Moisturiser twice a day and my skin has been loving it. It's creamy enough to make my complexion feel like it's getting the hydration it needs, yet light enough to absorb easily and let me press on with makeup application. It contains Co-enzyme Q10 as well as Shea Butter and Olive Oil to provide plenty of moisture, and wrinkle plumping peptides including Matrixyl to help soften the appearance of fine lines. It's a fantastic moisturiser for anyone in their thirties or forties to have in their collection as a daily staple. My skin feels soft and looks smooth, and I love that I can just reach for this on a regular basis and know that it's working for my skin without having to think too much about it."
"I love the concept of age-based skincare, especially as you can still address additional skincare issues within the scope of their product range. The products themselves have been working very well for me and just as before, I'm keen to try more."
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Read the full blog post HERE
Shop our Pre Cleanse & Make-Up Remover HERE
Shop our Age Defend Range HERE
Beauty | Let's take it off, Let's Talk Cleansers - The Naughty Forty Diaries
Aug 06, 2019Tracey from 'The Naughty Forty Diaries' wrote a blog post all about her favourite cleansers. "I thought I’d share 3 cleansers with you that I have received over the past month or so. Cleansers I am really enjoying using . I will probably purchase them all for myself after they have ran out." She featured our Age Defend Conditioning Cleanser.
"This cleanser is great for my second cleanse. It has been formulated especially for men and woman in their 30’s and 40’s .
The pump dispenser hygienically disperses just the right amount of clear gel cleanser that has a pleasant but not overpowering scent.
I apply a couple of pumps directly onto my BeGlow TIA before massaging around my face for a further few minutes.
It is a targeted cleanser with hydrating Moringa Oil to remove impurities, gently exfoliate and boost elasticity.
Kiwi, passion fruit lipids, Vitamin A and high levels of Omega 3 and Omega 6 to assist skins fitness and defend against moisture loss.
It leaves my skin feeling comfortable and clean without any dryness. Lines and wrinkles appear softer. It’s just a really lovely cleanser."
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Shop the Age Defend Cleanser HERE
Read the full Blog Post HERE
Radiance Serum - as seen in The Hills being used by Stephanie Pratt
Aug 02, 2019Stephanie Pratt was seen in 'The Hills: New Beginnings' using ARK Skincare's Radiance Serum to get ready for a night out in Vegas, July 2019.
The Radiance Serum is one for glow-seekers like Stephanie Pratt. Our Radiance Serum will brighten, soothe, hydrate and illuminate skin for a radiant dewy look in an instant. Helps reduce the appearance of hyper pigmentation. Stephanie Pratt adds a few drops to her foundation for that extra glow.
Shop our Radiance Serum HERE now
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Top ten tips for dealing with facial redness and rosacea
Jun 13, 2018Feeling flushed? Suffering from persistent redness? It may be rosacea, which is more common than you think. It is, unfortunately, not something you can cure, but you may like to try our top tips for keeping it under control.
- Protect your skin from damaging UV rays. UV rays are the number one cause of rosacea flare ups. Use a broad spectrum good quality facial SPF (have you tried ours) all year round. In high summer use a hat and stay out of direct sunlight.
- Keep a food diary. Diet can have a huge impact on rosacea. Whilst it is not the only cause, controlling the intake of the foods which are thought to lead to flare ups can help keep redness under control. Common triggers are spicy food, alcohol, and caffeine but each person will have unique triggers they should avoid. Keep a food diary and note the appearance of your skin each day, or consider intolerance testing, which may identify foods you should avoid.
- Consider the environment around you. Extremes of temperature and pollution can aggravate rosacea. Hot weather, cold winds, high humidity, and urban pollution can all be problematic. Keep cool, avoid steam, wrap up against cold winds, and protect from pollution.
- Manage stress levels. Stress is known to exaggerate skin concerns. Use stress management strategies and take care of your whole self. Sleep, eat well, exercise, and consider including meditation or breathing exercises in your daily routine. All will help.
- Keep well. Being unwell can show on your skin. Fever, coughs and colds, high blood pressure, and serious illness can cause rosacea to flare up. Occasionally long term medication can affect the sensitivity of your skin. If you take medication and suffer from redness discuss it with your GP and explore alternatives. Consider taking multivitamins to keep well especially those with vitamin C and Zinc.
- Wash your make up brushes. In an independent survey of 1000 people 44% said they had never cleaned their make up brushes! Several studies have shown that make up brushes can be contaminated with dangerously high levels of bacteria, and in some cases carried more bacteria than was found on a loo brush! Clean those brushes to prevent skin irritations and redness flare ups.
- Go make up free. Consider having a break from make up and see if your redness comes down. Some ingredients in cosmetics can cause irritation. If you have a break from make up and your skin improves reintroduce your products one by one to see which ones cause a flare up. You may be able to identify key ingredients to avoid.
- Avoid scent. Scent can be a major cause of skin irritation. Stop using perfumes and avoid facial, body, and bath products that are highly scented. Even some essential oils can be irritating to the skin.
- Alter your exercise routine. Exercise is reported by many rosacea sufferers as a cause of flare ups. But don’t stop exercising! It is essential to your stress management and overall wellbeing. Instead alter the way you exercise. Consider short blasts of high intensity work outs rather than prolonged sessions. Avoid working out in a stuffy hot room, but instead make sure the gym is well ventilated and ideally air conditioned. Try using a beauty mist to keep cool during classes. Try swimming. AND always keep hydrated. It is essential to keep your water consumption up.
- Skincare. Products can help, but choose carefully. Use products which are free from known irritants. Avoid highly scented products and make sure you select those suited to sensitive skins. Keep your routine simple – “less is more” – and do not chop and change your products or over stimulate your skin. When applying products be gentle. Do not rub your face, or use harsh exfoliators or scrubs, and when cleansing with water avoid extremes of temperature - use hand warm water and a soft cloth. Resist the temptation to wash you face when in a power shower. The strong jets can cause sensitivity and redness to flare. Seek advice as to the best products for you. Our soothing Anti-Redness Serum contains a botanical complex clinically proven to calm and protect sensitive, and regularly receives 5 star reviews, you can find our more about it here: https://www.arkskincare.com/collections/serums-treatments/products/anti-redness-skinresponse-serum-30ml?variant=1437008961#reviews
Controlling rosacea involves looking at all aspects of your lifestyle. Follow these tips to help keep your skin calm. Don’t be disheartened or allow it to upset you. You are not alone. In fact you are in good company with film stars, princes, and presidents reportedly suffering.
"I don't need SPF any more - the sun has gone"
May 01, 2018
So, the sun was short-lived! Time to put the flip flops and sunscreen away again? Wrong! Keep that SPF protection to hand. You still need it.
UV rays can be damaging all year round and can actually even be stronger when it is cloudy. According to studies in the USA and Australia, UV rays can be strengthened by clouds as rays may bounce off them, or be redirected and scattered causing a higher, amplified UV threat to us on the ground. So do not be fooled - keep wearing that SPF protection!
What is SPF Protection? We are all constantly told to use it. But why do we need it and how does it work?
We are all aware that over exposure to the sun can be harmful. Skin diseases, cancers, and photo-ageing are increasing around the world, and we need to protect against the sun's damaging rays which cause this with broad spectrum protection. Having broad spectrum protection means we are protected against both UVB (burning) and UVA (ageing) rays. Did you know, UVA rays are not susceptible to seasonal variations and are a threat all year round? They can even penetrate glass, so skin should still be protected when indoors near a window or in the car, or on a train.
What is the best way to protect ourselves? There are two types of protection. Physical and chemical.
Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients which work by sitting on top of the skin (often giving the skin a white appearance) to deflect and scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin. They are effective at protecting against UVB rays however, they can not protect against the full spectrum of rays.
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun's rays (and converting them to heat) and offer full protection against the whole spectrum of damaging UVA and UVB rays. They tend to be lighter in texture than physical SPF products, and do not block pores or cause breakouts, so are often preferred as an everyday solution.
Which approach does ARK Skincare take?
ARK Skincare's Skin Protector SPF30 Primer is classified as a chemical SPF. We chose this route as we believe it is very important to offer a product with broad spectrum protection. The award winning formula contains protection against sun damage and associated premature ageing. It is a beautifully light weight moisturiser which offers a great base for make up and is easily adapted to your everyday routine. Whilst the formulation contains the necessary chemical compounds to offer effective protection, it is still 64.84% natural as it contains active naturals to hydrate, offer antioxidant protection, and provide a silky smooth luminous finish to the skin.
There are a lot of skin protection options available, and you can read more on the pros and cons of different sunscreens here. The choice is yours. But whatever you decide, make sure you use a broad spectrum SPF daily, whatever the weather.
What is SPF Protection? We are all constantly told to use it. But why do we need it and how does it work?
We are all aware that over exposure to the sun can be harmful. Skin diseases, cancers, and photo-ageing are increasing around the world, and we need to protect against the sun's damaging rays which cause this with broad spectrum protection. Having broad spectrum protection means we are protected against both UVB (burning) and UVA (ageing) rays. Did you know, UVA rays are not susceptible to seasonal variations and are a threat all year round? They can even penetrate glass, so skin should still be protected when indoors near a window or in the car, or on a train.
What is the best way to protect ourselves? There are two types of protection. Physical and chemical.
Physical sunscreens contain active mineral ingredients which work by sitting on top of the skin (often giving the skin a white appearance) to deflect and scatter damaging UV rays away from the skin. They are effective at protecting against UVB rays however, they can not protect against the full spectrum of rays.
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the sun's rays (and converting them to heat) and offer full protection against the whole spectrum of damaging UVA and UVB rays. They tend to be lighter in texture than physical SPF products, and do not block pores or cause breakouts, so are often preferred as an everyday solution.
Which approach does ARK Skincare take?
ARK Skincare's Skin Protector SPF30 Primer is classified as a chemical SPF. We chose this route as we believe it is very important to offer a product with broad spectrum protection. The award winning formula contains protection against sun damage and associated premature ageing. It is a beautifully light weight moisturiser which offers a great base for make up and is easily adapted to your everyday routine. Whilst the formulation contains the necessary chemical compounds to offer effective protection, it is still 64.84% natural as it contains active naturals to hydrate, offer antioxidant protection, and provide a silky smooth luminous finish to the skin.
There are a lot of skin protection options available, and you can read more on the pros and cons of different sunscreens here. The choice is yours. But whatever you decide, make sure you use a broad spectrum SPF daily, whatever the weather.
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Shop our SPF30Primer now:
L Page Beauty Product Review
Apr 10, 2018Leanne Page has recently featured us in a series of Instagram Posts & Blog posts, "Skincare I am Just Loving" & "Best in beauty - March". Our Radiance Serum featured in both, and our triple action exfoliator also featured in "Skincare I am just loving".
"A product from ARK I've been loving is this exfoliator. It contains a potent blend of AHA, Fruit acids and Bamboo micro particles to lift away dead cells, encourage the skin to renew and boost radiance. This stuff is amazing. It's quite an abrasive scrub but this really does work. It has really helped improve my texture issue and keep my skin looking bright. Definitely one to check out."
About the Radiance Serum she said: "My dehydrated skin loves a good serum, especially one that brightens too and that's exactly what this serum does. It has an oily consistency but it doesn't feel heavy on the skin and it absorbs really quickly. Leaving my skin soft and so smooth. I've been using this for a few weeks and definitely think my skin looks brighter. It has given my skin a nice glow. I've been using this as part of my evening and morning skincare routine, it works brilliantly in both and it sits well under makeup without making my skin oily but giving it the hydration it needs."
Thank you Leanne for your lovely review.
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Read the full blog posts at: www.lpagebeauty.com
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Check out Leanne's Instagram - @lpbeautyblog
Cruelty Free Skincare
Mar 21, 2018ARK Skincare has never, and will never test on animals. We manufacture in England and are registered on the EU Portal for registration of cosmetics, CPNP - Cosmetic Product Notification Portal which adheres to all EU rulings. The ban on animal testing of cosmetic products in the EU came into effect in September 2004. it has been illegal to test cosmetic product on animals in the EU since that time. In the UK testing of cosmetic products was banned in 1997 after a voluntary initiative by the industry. The ban on animal testing of cosmetic ingredients in the EU came into effect in 2013. it has been illegal to test cosmetic ingredients since then.
We are a relatively young, independent owned company and not linked to any other companies who test on animals.
We often get asked, "What about the China debate?" Our answer is; we are not sold in any Chinese stores. We do ship worldwide from our web site and from other beauty web sites but this is via a "cross boarder" arrangement which means our products do not have to go through local tests and are definitely not tested on animals. We would not undertake any business activity which forces us to test our products
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Shop our full range of products now:
https://www.arkskincare.com/collections/all
Pixiwoo's latest Blog Post all about ARK!
Sep 08, 2017Pixiwoo's latest Blog Post is all about our Massaging Body Brush and Body Beautiful Conditioning Oil. They provide top tips on how to use the products and explains why they're a must have to your beauty regime.
"After only a few circular strokes you can instantly feel that your skin is softened. The bristles on the ARK Body Brush are very firm so you will find that you can only go over the same area for a few seconds. The brush also contains smooth flexible nodules, which work together to massage, improve circulation, remove dead skin cells and leave the skin visibly glowing."
"The body beautiful conditioning oil smells like a spa, it’s amazing and instantly promotes a sense of calm and relaxation. It’s multi purpose and can be used as a moisturiser all over the body, as a massage oil or on the tips of your hair to treat fly away or split ends."
Order Our Massaging Body Brush and Conditioning Oil now:
https://www.arkskincare.com/collections/body-beautiful
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Read the full blog post at: http://www.pixiwoo.com/
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Check out Pixiewoo's Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/user/pixiwoo
Albertine Sarah shows us 'Six Skincare tips for WTF weather'
Sep 06, 2017
AlbertineSarah keeps her blog very real and only features products that she loves and are suitable for 'the lifestyle of a twenty-something, busy, creative, hyper London gal'. In her latest blog posts, she provides 'Six Skincare tips for WTF weather', as if you live in the UK you will be familiar with the unpredictable weather which can hugely affect your skin.
One of her tips is that 'hydration is key'. For this she features our age protect skin vitality moisturiser; "I don’t leave my house without putting on a moisturiser, my skin just doesn’t feel the same without it!". "When it comes to moisturiser, it’s all about your skin type and what it responds well to. I know mine likes all of the moisture and hydration, but yours may prefer something lighter, so follow the formulas you know work for you, but don’t skip it!"
Check out AlbertineSarah Blog and read the full article at;
http://www.dippywrites.com/2017/09/six-skincare-picks-temperamental-british-weather.html
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Shop our Age Protect Skin Vitality Moisturiser now at:
https://www.arkskincare.com/collections/age-protect/products/age-prepare-skin-vitality-moisturiser-50ml?variant=1184009305
