(contains some PR samples, denoted with *. Also contains affiliate links)

I struggle with the first couple of months of a new year. January is far too long and February is just too miserable. To help me through I’ve been taking comfort in small daily rituals using some of my favourite recent products. Read on to find out about some of the best makeup, skincare and other little things I’ve been enjoying.

One of the reasons I love beauty (which is not without its criticisms by the way!) is because it helps me deal with illness. I have chronic pain and other health issues which means I feel awful roughly 90% of the time.

Lipstick and other makeup makes me feel a bit better and lift my spirits. Using skincare daily and the odd face mask is a quick and easy way for self-care. A small act of self-kindness. And that matters.

People with any kind of illness that affects their daily life often feel guilty about their inability to do things other people take in their stride. It can be hard so taking time to not only cleanse but then actively treat yourself matters. It says you’re worth it (and that’s why that iconic L’oreal marketing works).

I’ve often heard people deride the ‘candle and face mask’ self-care ethos. I get why people would be riled by that. There’s so much more to basic self-care that ‘candles and face masks’ feel high up on the pyramid of needs. But, it shouldn’t be an either or situation. Self-care is self-care is self-care. If a face mask makes you feel a little bit less stressed and a little bit cared for go for it. Be kind to yourself, always.

Sorry, a slight tangent! But this has been bothering me for quite a time now. I just wanted to say if self-care looks like pampering for you well that is absolutely fine. And with that in mind, here are some products I’ve been enjoying over the last several weeks.

I’ll start with one of my most favourite new skincare products I’ve included in my skincare routine. It’s the rather amazing ARK Skincare Gua Sha Jade Facial Tool*. I’ve been wanting to try one of these facial massage tools for absolutely ages despite being slightly sceptical too.

What is Gua Sha?

Facial Gua Sha is a facial massage technique using a tool made with jade or another natural material that helps to improve the overall health of the skin. Gua Sha does this by gently massages areas of the face to make the skin glow, de-congest, reduce puffiness, improve skin texture and more. I followed this Gua Sha tutorial (click here).

I’m a Gua Sha convert! I love it so much that I bought mum a Gua Sha facial tool for her Christmas. Not only does Gua Sha make the skin look amazing it is also a really relaxing exercise. My facial muscles are more relaxed and tension reduced. I’m not entirely convinced about some of the claims but it feels nice and is definitely relaxing. I haven’t used a roller yet but I would love to try that too. I really recommend giving Gua Sha a try. It’s a lovely way to either wind down in the evening or having a slow start to the day.

I’ve been enjoying another couple of products from ARK Skincare (both sent to me as PR samples). Both are really good face masks, one is hydrating and the other exfoliating. I’ll start with ARK Skin Perfector Triple Action Exfoliator*.

This exfoliating mask contains bamboo, AHA from fruit acids and skin regenerating enzymes. I love a good exfoliating mask and one of my favourites is the AHA/BHA peel from The Ordinary. The ARK exfoliating mask is a completely different texture, it’s more creamy with small exfoliating particles. I’ve recently stopped using any kind of manual exfoliator so I try not to scrub hard when using this mask.

Why do you still use it you might ask? Well, it’s a really good brightening mask! It’s much gentler than The Ordinary peel so I can use it more frequently. ARK Triple Action Exfoliator really is a great brightening and deep cleansing mask, despite me not liking the manual exfoliating aspect.

The other is ARK Skin Perfector Hydration Injection Masque*. This richly hydrating mask contains lots of lovely ingredients:

“Vitamin A to regulate collagen synthesis; Vitamin B5 for smoothness; Vitamin C to fade pigmentation and Vitamin E to act as an anti inflammatory and to prevent UV damage. Hyaluronic Acid Booster drenches skin with moisture, optimising the circulation of water through all skin layers and providing 24-hour protection against water loss. Sugar Beet and Abyssinian Oil intensely nourish the skin for a plush, luxury skin feel.”

Considering how hydrating and soothing this ARK mask is I was surprised by its consistency. It isn’t goopy but is a silky feel that’s comfortable. My skin always feels immediately plumped and smoothed after use and is perfect for combating the winter weather. If you have particularly sensitive skin this moisture mask might just be perfect for you!

Winter is an especially difficult time for my health. The cold and damp make my arthritis so much worse. Heat is a good way to deal with arthritis pain and hot water is a particular favourite. Long hot showers are one of my favourite things to do at night. Plum Rain shower gel from Lush is a delight to use.

Plum Rain is one of the absolute best shower gels. It’s a thick consistency that foams up beautifully and leaves the skin super soft. The smell is divine, a gentle fruit scent that’s neither too sweet or too zingy. You should absolutely try this!

I’ve also been really enjoying Banila Co Clean It Zero Cleansing Balm Original and Avene Physiolift Regenerating Night Balm. I want to try both out a bit longer before I give a fuller review but Banila Cleansing Balm might just be one of the best cleansing balms I’ve used! I got my Banila Clean It Cleansing Balm from Melon and Starfish, and the balm came with some nifty security so you know it’s a genuine Banila product.

Avene Physiolift is one of the best ‘anti-ageing’ skincare products I’ve tried, thanks to retinal (no that isn’t a spelling mistake of retinol!). I like the Avene night treatment so much that I’ve already ordered a second bottle. I will do a full review once I’ve used it for longer than 2 months. So far so good though!

Oh and I must mention The Ordinary Azeliac Acid Suspension 10%. This too has fast become one of my favourite skincare products. It brightens and soothes instantly and just gets better over time. Again, I want to use this a bit longer before I do a full review but at the moment I would absolutely recommend trying them, especially if you have sensitive skin that doesn’t react very well to strong skincare products.

What are your recent beauty favourites?

(contains some PR samples, denoted with *. Also contains affiliate links)