My Skincare Routine - Antipodes, Dermalogica and Bioderma

Winter is well and truly here (well, nearly)! I've been freezing my butt off in Sydney lately, refusing to dress for the season. It feels like we never got a transitional season. What about my cute duster coats? They don't get to have much fun this year.

With the change in season, I have switched up my skincare and decided to try all the Antipodes products I've been eyeing for yonks! Winter means my skin needs extra TLC and I've started using a serum (um, yes, it took me this long to jump on the serum train). Long story short - it's a life changer.

Here are thorough reviews on all the products from my daily/weekly skincare routine. I currently have congested acne-prone skin that's freaking out from the cold chills. It's greasy/congested on the forehead and super dry around the chin and upper lip area.

1. Antipodes Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser. Key ingredients: kiwi fruit, hibiscus flower and manuka honey. This product claims to brighten the skin and help with blemishes. It lathers up nicely and has the colour of maple syrup. The fragrance is quite strong and sweet - sort of reminds of asian hand creams. I've been using this for a month now and can't say that it's brightened my skin or helped with my acne. I think it's a good general cleanser - removes makeup and doesn't leave your skin stripped. This cleanser is light and fruity and it screams summer to me.

2. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant. Key ingredients: papain, salicylic acid and rice enzymes. Because the cleanser above doesn't contain many ingredients that pack a punch, I've been pairing it with this trusty friend. I've been using this for over two years now and my skin cannot live without it. It contains salicylic acid and is the most gentle/effective physical exfoliator ever. You can pair this with any cleanser. How I use it: I squeeze some cleanser on to my Clarisonic and then sprinkle this on top. Make sure you wet the Clarisonic/your face - this product only works when mixed with water. 

3. Homemade apple cider vinegar toner. Key ingredients: distilled water and apple cider vinegar (with the mother). This is the easiest toner ever! I only use this at night because it smells so bad. Toners are great at balancing the skin, especially if you use a lot of soapy (basic - as in not acidic) products in your skincare. It brings harmony to your skin (aka neutralises pH). Now that I'm hooked on this homemade alternative, I'll never buy another toner again!

4. Antipodes Divine Face Oil. Key ingredients: rosehip and avocado oil. This stuff is holy grail status! Doesn't matter what state my skin is in, this serum will revive it overnight. It absorbs into the skin instantly and isn't greasy at all! I feel like it really plumps the skin overnight - my spots heal faster, redness is reduced and dry patches disappear. Highly recommend this for dry skin types. Antipodes has also made it super easy to try this product, you can get a trial pack which also includes their hero Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream. I think it's less than $20 at Priceline. DO IT. But make sure you grab it before June, I think it's limited edition.

5. Bioderma Sensibio Light Soothing Cream. Key ingredients: Toleridine (whatever that is...) and glycyrrhetinic acid. I bought this because I am obsessed with Bioderma! This is great for my cystic acne because it calms the inflammation. This is my night mosturiser at the moment and it provides enough hydration in winter. In the morning my face is always less red and irritated. Definitely a product worth trying if everything irritates the crap out of your skin.

6. Antipodes Immortal SPF 15 Face & Body Moisturiser. Key ingredients: raspberry seed oil. To be completely honest, I'm not a huge fan of this product. I'm not sure why it's intended for both body and face. The consistency is too light as a body moisturiser and it also tends to get greasy on my face throughout the day. It manages to be light (not hydrating) and greasy at the same time. Maybe I'm using it wrong? Will persevere and report back (if you are a mineral foundation wearer, I would not recommend this product. Your foundation will separate within hours).

7. Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask. Key ingredients: manuka honey (dah). I love the scent of this product! It's vanilla and mandarin. Argh - I just want to lick it off my face! You probably heard about this mask before. I am here to confirm that it's worth the hype. Manuka honey has amazing antibacterial properties and this mask manages to clear and nourish at the same time. It goes on like a thick cream and almost disappears off your face. After 15 minutes you'll notice most of the product has been absorbed into your skin! Whilst it isn't a deep cleansing clay mask, it's a great gentle twice-a-week treat for your skin!