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Product Focus: ARK Skincare's Skin Essential Pre-cleanse & Make-Up Remover
May 27, 2020At ARK Skincare, we are passionate about double-cleansing. We believe that a good cleanser and a good cleansing routine are two essential ingredients for healthy-looking and feeling skin.
In this post we are focus on our Skin Essential Pre-Cleanser & Make-up Remover and why keeping your skin clean is so important.
What is double cleansing?
Double cleansing is a two-step process to remove any make-up and bacteria and deeply cleanse the skin.
Why do I need to double cleanse?
You might be asking yourself if you really need to cleanse twice and the answer is yes! Whether you wear make-up or not, a double cleanse is essential for healthy skin. The first cleanse will remove any traces of dirt, pollution and airborne bacteria from the surface of your skin and the second cleanse will clean deeper into your pores.
By practising this routine you will be safe in the knowledge that your skin is nice and clean. If dirt and bacteria aren’t washed away, they can linger on your skin and contribute to early ageing, pigmentation and breakouts.
In addition to removing build-up, other benefits of keeping your skin clean are that it can help to prevent blemishes and even boost hydration. It’s very important to start with a clean base before applying any other products, the actives in your serum and moisturiser will not be as effective if they sit on layer of grime and dead skin cells.
ARK Skincare's Pre-Cleanse & Make-Up Remover
Product Image: ARK Skincare's Pre-Cleanse & Make-Up Remover
This gentle and nourishing award-winning cleanser is the first step to our powerful cleansing routine. The multi-fruit lipid blend with Omegas 3, 6 & 9 dissolves every last trace of daily grime, excess sebum and make-up – even waterproof mascara – while nourishing and soothing skin with a blend of natural ingredients.
Key Ingredients:
Margosa Leaf Extract - this powerhouse ingredient offers many wonderful benefits. It is used as an antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial and antiviral. It can also help to prevent acne and infection.
Vitamin E - Fantastic for skin; it protects against environmental pollution and UV radiation, quenches skin with moisture, calms and soothes, and helps with wound and scar healing.
Zi Cao - an Ayurvedic herb, which soothes sensitive skin and helps to calm inflammation.
Grapeseed, Avocado and Kiwi Oil - Help to deeply nourish skin and protect it against dryness.
How To Use:
Apply onto dry skin with dry hands and massage gently over the face. Add warm water to turn the oil into a liquid emulsion and continue to massage into the skin before rinsing off with water. Then follow up with your age intelligent cleanser and moisturiser to lock in hydration.
References:
Sharecare - Why is it important to cleanse my skin to keep it healthy?
Glamour - What is double cleansing?
Elle - How to double cleanse your skin
April is Rosacea Awareness Month - Here Are Our Top Tips for dealing with Rosacea
Apr 21, 2020Feeling 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.
1. Protect your skin from damaging UV rays
UV rays are the number one cause of rosacea flare-ups, so it's important to use a good quality SPF all year round and ensure to cover up when in direct sunlight. Take a look at our SPF 30 Primer here - it's the perfect product to protect your skin and it creates a smooth base for makeup application too.
2.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.
3. 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. This will help you not to put unnecessary pressure on yourself and help to calm your mind and body.
4. 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.
5. 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 makeup 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.
6. Go make up free
Consider having a break from makeup and see if your redness comes down. Some ingredients in cosmetics can cause irritation. If you have a break from makeup 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.
7. 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, so it's important to choose products that are as natural as possible as these won't contain any harsh chemicals.
8. 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 workouts 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.
9. Skincare Products can help but choose carefully. Select products that are created for sensitive skin as these will be free of known irritants and strong fragrances. It's also important to keep your skincare routine simple– “less is more” as they say. Don't chop and change your products either, introduce products one by one over a matter of weeks to avoid over-stimulating the 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 your face when in a power shower. The strong jets can cause sensitivity and redness to flare.
Our soothing Anti-Redness Serum contains a botanical complex clinically proven to calm and protect sensitive, and regularly receives 5-star reviews. It has also been featured by Talontedlex, a popular skincare blogger who openly talks about her favourite products to help rosacea. You can find out more about this award-winning product here.
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. You can always chat with us on socials @arkskincare or email sales@arkskincare.com for help and product advice. We love hearing from you!
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
Living Pretty Happy - Skin Protector SPF30 Primer
Oct 08, 2019Alex Grace posted an instagram reviewing our award winning SPF30 Primer.
"Two beauty statements I really stand by are... you should wear a broad-spectrum SPF daily (even on a cloudy day) and makeup lasts longer with primer.
I know these things, but despite my best efforts I hadn’t managed to find an SPF that didn’t overwhelm my skin or a primer that didn’t clog my pores and cause breakouts.
That was until @arkskincare kindly sent me their Skin Protector SPF30 primer to try. It’s a broad spectrum SPF & makeup primer in one! I’m honestly very impressed with it. I’ve written all about why I like it so much in my latest post (available by clicking the latest post button in my bio) if you’ve got 2 minutes why not pop across for a read?
Do you SPF daily or a primer? What do you use? Does it work for you? "
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Read the full blog post HERE
Shop the SPF30 Primer HERE
Loved by Elena - ARK Skincare
Sep 23, 2019Loved by Elena wrote a blog post all about her favourite ARK Skincare products. Firstly she talks about our Age Defend Replenishing Moisturiser; "ARK’s skincare replenishing moisturizer is light with a delicate scent. It contains kiwi and passion fruit lipids and is nourishing enough for my dry skin. This for me is a must in any beauty product; my skin has changed over the years but it’s still extremely dry in places, especially now in the summer after sun exposure."
Furthermore, she talks about our Skin Protector SPF30 Primer; "pigmentation is a bit of a problem for me and I’m doing my utmost to try and prevent it getting worse. So SPF is a must, not just in summer but all year round. This is great product, serving not just as a primer, but as a moisturiser and a sunscreen all in one. It provides the all important UVA and UVB protection against rays, as well as serving as an antioxidant system for everyday skin defence. This is such a great all round product, and I’ve been using it a lot the past few weeks. It’s not greasy and leaves my skin really soft, making it a great base for make up. My skin feels hydrated and it’s now became part of my daily beauty routine."
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Shop our Age Defend range HERE
Shop our SPF30 Primer HERE
Read the full blog post 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
Jenna Suth - Age Protect Review
Sep 20, 2019Jenna Suth wrote a review all about our Age Protect range. "Two products that are key in my skincare are a cleanser and a moisturiser. I need something to wash away my makeup each day without drying out my already dehydrated skin and keeping my skin clear and soft. I also need a moisturiser that I can use day or night that hydrates my skin and protects my sensitive skin. I'm certainly not getting any younger and more and more often we're encouraged to start using anti-aging products but picking the right one for your skin isn't particularly easy, well, unless you take some advice from ARK Skincare."
"When it comes to cleansing my skin I've tried a few different styles of products, from hot cloth cleansers to an oil or a balm. I must admit my favourite tends to be whatever is the least hassle but I also want something that's going to work properly. The Age Protect Skin Clear Cleanser is a soap free cleanser with no parabens and natural ingredients that are designed for younger skin. It's all about tackling acne with Oat Amino Acids and horsetail, and reducing skin damage with Vitamin E."
"The ARK Age Protect Vitality Moisturiser has a long list of natural ingredients including Vitamins A, C and E, avocado and marine algae. It's designed to be hydrating without being suffocating, to protect while leaving your skin clear and radiant. It's definitely one of the most calming moisturisers I've used but still helps tackle my dry skin. I've been using this on my face after the cleanser at night time and again in the morning to leave my skin soft and ready for the day. The moisturiser is £35 so a little more expensive than the cleanser and obviously not comparable to drugstore prices but similar to a few high end skincare products I've used in the past."
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Shop our Age Protect range 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
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
Kathryn's Loves End Of Summer Beauty
Sep 06, 2017Kathryn show us her 'end of summer' beauty favorites in her latest blog post. This includes our intensely refreshing Hydrating Beauty Mist!
"I love products which serve more than one purpose, and the ARK Hydrating Beauty Mist (£25) is one of those gems. It can be used spritzed onto the face as a toner, sprayed after applying powder for a dewy finish, to refresh your makeup, to cool, calm and soothe the skin on hot days or when feeling flushed, and during exercise and refresh. This is an intensively refreshing and soothing beauty mist which has been formulated using bio active ingredients to hydrate and protect the skin and is well worth carrying in your bag on the go."
Check out Kathryn's blog and read her full post at;
http://www.kathrynsloves.com/
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Order our Hydrating Beauty Mist now at;
https://www.arkskincare.com/collections/skin-essentials/products/hydrating-beauty-mist-150ml?variant=35754158157
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For the month of September 2017 if you spend £65 on our website you will receive a hydrating beauty mist FREE!
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
