It’s no secret that Antipodes and I have a serious love affair (on my part anyway). They are my go-to for skincare products and towards the latter part of 2013 I hopped on to their website and discovered their ‘Skin Condition & Concern’ page – in a nutshell they have 8 different sections which cater for various skin-types; be it anti-ageing, dehydrated, blemished or sensitive they’ve got it covered. Under each section are Antipodes skincare recommendations for that particular skin type, amazing right? So you don’t have to fanny about searching the description boxes to see if the products are going to be suitable for your skin, you simply select your skin type and all the right products are available at the click of a button, for you to purchase.
My skin type, oily and blemished includes a lovely little selection of products and that’s what I’m going to be chatting to you about today. So, shall we get started?
This lightly scented gel cleanser is perfect to wake me up first thing in the morning. Packed with Manuka honey and Vinanza Grape – the ultimate source of antibacterial and antioxidant properties, it helps to balance oil production and give a healthy glow. Feeling amazing on the skin, it lathers beautifully and leaves my face fresh, smooth and most importantly – oil free. It definitely zaps up all the excess and I can’t quite believe how fantastically it brightens my complexion, gone are the days of dull, grey skin with this beauty.
Ah, the famous Manuka Honey Mask. I’m quite sure you’ve all read a gazillion and one reviews on this, so naturally, here’s another one. Manuka honey is famous for it’s healing powers and this mask is absolutely spot on for blemished skin (excuse the pun). With a super gloopy, honey like consistency it’s definitely different to anything I’ve ever tried before, but a kind of different I LOVE. Combining a purifying mask & a hydrating mask in one product is not only massively impressive but it also makes it hugely desirable – it manages to reduce the redness of new blemishes, shrinks them in size and at the same time intensely moisturises. I think I’ve said enough.
Scarring is something I suffer with, badly. Not only am I fortunate enough to have spots all the time, the old ones like my face so much that they figure they’ll stay put as lovely red marks on my face, forever. I’m quite sure there isn’t one singular beauty serum that can rid scarring completely (I’ve tried a lot), but this one has helped more than any other to date. This serum is packed with ingredients I have never heard of, but whatever they do, they seem to work. Vinanza Performance Plus makes an appearance to help melanin production that causes discoloration in the skin and Vinanza Oxifend (what now?) that helps to fight off oxidative stress on the skin (basically an imbalance in the skin that stops it from healing itself) therefore reducing redness. It’s definitely helped to clear up scarring and unlike other serums, I’m able to apply it in the morning without my skin feeling greasy – albeit I have to leave it a few minutes before applying moisturiser.
I've also had my eyes on the Visible Change Skin Perfecting Moisturiser from Wentworth Clinics that's a little more affordable at £29.99. It's made up of 100% natural ingredients and works to lighten and brighten skin naturally while replacing vital nutrients. Hopefully helping to reduce the appearance of age spots, even out the skin tone and improve any sun damage. It states that it's best used over a 8 week period, morning and night as this is the given time inhibit the production of Melanin (which causes dark spots) - which is a considerably shorter time frame than some I've used. I'm intrigued to say the least!
I've also had my eyes on the Visible Change Skin Perfecting Moisturiser from Wentworth Clinics that's a little more affordable at £29.99. It's made up of 100% natural ingredients and works to lighten and brighten skin naturally while replacing vital nutrients. Hopefully helping to reduce the appearance of age spots, even out the skin tone and improve any sun damage. It states that it's best used over a 8 week period, morning and night as this is the given time inhibit the production of Melanin (which causes dark spots) - which is a considerably shorter time frame than some I've used. I'm intrigued to say the least!
Together with manuka flower and avocado oil, macadamia and jojoba this moisturiser helps to lock in moisture and balance oiliness, as well as harnessing the same healing properties that the other products include. It plumps the skin, leaves it smooth and has a beautiful light scent of sweet almond. It sinks in to the skin and makes for the perfect base for make-up primers. One of the loveliest moisturisers I’ve ever used.
Used together or singularly within your existing skincare routine there are some real gems within this range. Have you spotted anything you like the look of? Or are you too an avid fan of Antipodes like me?
N.B. If you'd like to purchase any of the above, the Antipodes website has the option to change the currency from NZ to United Kingdom at the very top of the web page :)
