For our first beauty binge I want to look at soothing skincare. I’ve been talking lots about beauty again on my YouTube channel. This week, as 2020 draws to a close but tension and stress still run high, I feel like I could use some soothing treatment in my life in general. But when there isn’t a calming mask for your soul, soothing skincare is the next best thing.

In this week’s lineup I’m starting with the Elemis Superfood Black Currant Jelly Exfoliant. I’ve tried moisturizers by Elemis and been wildly impressed. And black currant jelly sounds like something from the Great British Baking Show (which I’ve been shamelessly binging for a month now). 

After sloughing off the dead skin cells, sooth and nourish with this 3INA Soothing and Nourishing Mask. I like sheet masks for their ease of use, even application, and quick cleanup. I was introduced to the 3INA (pronounced “Meena”) brand via the Lookfantastic Beauty Advent Calendar this year. One product was enough to make me investigate the rest of the line. Sheet masks are always a low-investment way to try out a new brand, too. They’re very affordable and if you don’t like it, you aren’t stuck with an entire jar of it to leave under your sink.

Treat your skin post-mask with The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5 Hydration Support Formula. I was floored by this brand’s affordable prices and no-gimmick marketing. Just good chemistry for functional beauty products. Hyaluronic acid guarantees deep skin hydration; great for winter dryness and general anti-aging. 

For a daily moisturizer my pick this week is Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Plump Perfect Ultra Lift & Firm Moisture Cream SPF30. Elizabeth Arden is a brand that has not let me down with any of its products. Ceramides are a type of fatty acid naturally found in skin. It’s job is to hold skin cells together and provide a protective layer that also helps to prevent loss of moisture. You just did all that wonderful work to soothe and moisturize your skin, why not add something to help keep it that way?