When it comes to skincare, I like to keep my routines as basic as possible to make sure I don't overload my skin and apply too many products. I recently shared my winter skincare favourites, which included some amazing and affordable products that have helped keep my skin healthy and happy. If you have seen this post, then you would have noted that I spoke about the Simple x Little Mix Hydrating Booster - a super lightweight formula facial moisturiser designed to reverse 5 signs of dehydration: dryness, roughness, feelings of tightness, dullness and dehydration lines. As I really enjoyed using this product from the Simple x Little Mix collection, I wanted to branch out and test out a few more items, (I picked up 4 items in total) see how they compared and see if they improved my skin.

The first product I decided I wanted to test is the Moisturising Facial Wash. Formulated for a gentle cleanse - it helps remove dirt, oil and makeup that can clog pores, without leaving skin feeling dry or tight. Enriched with vitamin B5, known to actively restore, soften, and smooth skin, this cleansing wash is especially good for dry or sensitive skin. I've been using this simply with some warm water and a face cloth for a gentle cleanse on an everyday basis, or with my facial cleansing brush for a more deep cleanse - once or twice a week when necessary.

Simple x Little Mix Rich Moisture Sheet Mask

If you're looking for something that really gives your skin that boost of hydration, the Rich Moisture Sheet Mask is what you need to try. Packed with rose extract, agave extract and natural fibres, this sheet mask is formulated to give your skin "16 days worth of moisturiser in just one application" - just what you need when the cold winter air has really dried out your skin! I tend to reach for sheet masks a couple of times a month, when needed, or when my normal skincare routine just isn't enough and I need extra moisture and nourishment.

I've previously mentioned the Hydrating Booster on my blog in another post, so I won't talk about it for too long. This has been such a great product to use before my moisturiser, as I am able to target the drier areas of my skin. It absorbs into the skin really quickly, and doesn't leave the skin feeling greasy or tacky. This is a product I generally use when I think my skin needs some extra hydration - mainly around my cheeks and nose.

Simple x Little Mix Under-Eye Hydrogel Mask

The Under-Eye Hydrogel Mask is perfect for those who suffer with puffy eyes and dark circles. If you're struggling with getting enough sleep, these are definitely the magic product to use to mask any eye problems and give an illusion of a brighter, smoother and more radiant under eye. Made with natural fruit enzymes, including lemon extract and pomegranate extract, as well as vitamin b3, these help to brighten the skin and radiate that healthy glow, for a more awake and refreshed complexion. I like to use these as a skin treat once a week to help keep my under eyes hydrated and bright. Simple peel the masks off and apply to the under eye area and leave for 5 minutes. How easy could it be?

The range features the following 6 products;

Simple x Little Mix Moisturising Facial Wash 150ml £3.65

Simple x Little Mix Rich Moisture Sheet Mask £2.99

Simple x Little Mix Hydrating Booster 25ml £6.99

Simple x Little Mix Under-Eye Mask £2.99

Simple x Little Mix Biodegradable Face Wipes 20 PC £3.65

Simple x Little Mix Micellar Water 400ml £6.59

"At Simple we believe in being kind to skin, the planet and people, and that’s why we have created this Limited Edition range of Simple packs in partnership with Little Mix. In the UK, nearly 1 in 3 teens have experienced bullying online so together with Little Mix and our charity partner Ditch the Label, we are making a stand. Covered with kind words, this pack celebrates and inspires others to wipe away unkind words and instead #ChooseKindness. "

Have you tested out the Simple x Little Mix skincare collaboration? What is your favourite product?

One of my goals for 2020 is to grow, take better care of my hair, and make sure to keep it in the healthiest condition it has ever been. I've also vowed to try and use less heat tools on my hair, mainly hair straighteners, to prevent dryness, breakage and split ends. Over the years I've stuck to the same haircare brands and the same products - which I have really enjoyed using - but I have decided that it's time to change things up, try something new and see what products work best for my hair type. In terms of my hair type, I have medium length, natural, dark blonde hair which is mostly straight but with a slight wave to it in parts. I've also never dyed my hair which has kept my hair in a good condition. Below are a number of hair masks, oils and serums that I have chosen will aim to help add moisture and hydration, prevent frizz and breakage, as well as adding shine and sleekness to my hair, that I think will help to achieve my hair goals for 2020.

Wishlist - Garnier Ultimate Blends Hair Food Coconut 3 in 1 Mask £6.99 / Bondi Boost Miracle Mask 250ml £25.95 / Shea Moisture Superfruit Masque 326ml £10.99

Hair Masks are a great way to really give your hair a deep and thorough condition. They have similar benefits as a conditioner—like deeply nourishing and strengthening hair—but are more intense and powerful. Hair masks can also target any specific hair concerns you may have, which for me would be frizz, dry ends and dullness. I always look for super hydrating hair masks, usually enriched with nourishing oils, that will really add some moisture back into my hair. I really want to try and aim to be using hair masks 1-2 times a week to really help keep my hair moisturised and nourished, as the colder weather can really damage it and make it dry.

Wishlist - VO5 Nourishing Coconut Hot Oil 4x15ml £4.39 / OUAI Hair Oil 50ml £24 / HASK Argan Shine Oil Pump 100ml £6.99

Hair Oils are a great way to control frizz, tame flyaways and add shine to your hair. They are super lightweight and don't weigh your hair down or make it greasy. I tend to use oils on the mid-lengths and ends of my hair, on freshly washed hair or on dry hair to lock in some moisture and help with shine. I like using oils that contain avocado, argan, coconut or macadamia nut, as for me, these provide the most moisture for my hair and help to boost the appearance/texture of my hair.

Wishlist - John Frieda Frizz-Ease Extra Strength 6 Effects + Serum 50ml £6.99 / L'Oreal Dream Lengths Frizz Killer Serum £8.00 / Lee Stafford Cactus Crush Dazzle Drops 50ml £8.49 / VO5 Heat Protect Serum £4.40
Hair Serums are another treatment that I like to use on a day to day basis. One of the main use of hair serum is that it makes the hair shinier, healthier and causes less tangles. They are perfect for using on washed hair or when styling hair. I always pick up serums that will really benefit my hair needs - mainly to help prevent frizz, split ends, to add shine or to protect from heat.

What products are on your haircare wishlists? What products would you recommend?

With the start of 2020 in full swing, I wanted to write about some of my favourite skincare products I have been using religiously over the last few months. With the incredibly cold weather that we have been having, my skin has needed extra hydration and moisturising, and the products I have been using have really kept my skin nourished and looking healthy.

Keep your skin beautifully soft, smooth, plump, and hydrated with Lavera Soft Moisturising Cream*(*gifted). A soft and luxurious cream from the basis sensitive range, perfect for the face, body and hands - this cream has been my go to moisturiser for the colder weather, where my skin has needed extra hydration. Enriched with Jojoba and Aloe Vera with added Vitamin E to protect, care and provide long lasting moisture for your skin.

A new addition to my Winter skincare routine has been the Simple x Little Mix Hydrating Booster. This has been such a great product to use before my moisturiser, as I am able to target the drier areas of my skin, helping me get that skin glow and leaving it looking and feeling healthy. The Simple Hydrating Booster facial moisturiser has been designed to reverse 5 signs of dehydration: dryness, roughness, feelings of tightness, dullness and dehydration lines.

The Superdrug Vitamin C Energising Facial Spritz has been my life-saving product during the colder months - keeping my skin glowing, radiant and refreshed. I've previously used the Superdrug Vitamin C range and absolutely loved it, and this facial spritz is no exception. I've used this both morning and nighttime as the perfect energising and revitalising wake up call for my skin!

I previously reviewed the Beauti Skincare Beauty Sleep Elixir back in December 2018, and it's been something I've used ever since! This facial oil is the perfect skincare product you need to give a radiance boost to your complexion and give your skin that healthy glow all year round. This luxurious face oil is 100% natural and enriched with fourteen precious plant oils. I use this oil twice a week as part of my nighttime skincare routine, and in the morning, my skin is plump, hydrated and nourished.

It may not be skincare as such, but lip balm is a Winter essential for sure! I've tried plenty of lip balms and never found one that really works until I picked up the Nivea Soft Lips Lip Balms. They are so moisturising and hydrating, you can say goodbye to dry, chapped lips forever!

Finally, everybody's favourite - E45 Moisturising Lotion. I suffer with extremely dry skin on both my legs and arms, so I would be completely lost without this stuff! This is a super light, and easily absorbed lotion that you can use all over the body, and keeps your skin hydrated all day long.

What are your Winter skin favourites?

* Products marked with * have been gifted for review purposes