Apologies for the radio silence. I have been unwell but have made two self-discoveries. First, I really hate needles even when I cannot see them. Secondly, sleep is excellent for your skin. All I have done is lie straight on my back for a week and its done wonders for reducing the size of my pores and dark circles.
What am I road-testing?
Skinesis is a skincare brand founded by Sarah Chapman, a UK based super-facialist. The brand has a 10-day radiance-boosting regime, Radiance Recharge System.
Price at time of purchase: GBP 145Every alternative ampoule is either a Lactic Acid micropeel, a Vitamin C booster or a blend (of Niacinamide, Vitamin C etc). The last ampoule is Hyaluronic Acid designed to hydrate the skin.
MZ Skin do a similar shorter 5 day version, which is equally hideously expensive and appears to use similar ingredients.
The winter is an excellent time to test such products because of the lack of sun exposure.
What are my expectations?
I have very high expectations and not least because of the astronomical cost but also because its by Sarah Chapman – a facialist with a formidable reputation and should know what she is doing. My expectation is this:
On the 11th day, my skin should be visibly brighter and radiant. Those fine lines developing around my eye (that I completely choose to ignore) should also be diminishing. Any reduction in pigmentation should also be evident.
My skin before starting the routine
26 January 2020 - right 
26 January 2020 - leftWhat will be my routine?
The products I am planning to use are cleanser, toner and moisturiser. I won’t be using any Vitamin C. As its very cold where I live I may throw in prickly pear oil for extra emollient.
And yes, after roundly berating Clinique’s toner, I am going to use it for 10 days. I cannot justify simply throwing away a 80% full bottle and by default its my toner of choice.
(L to R: Forest Essential's Cleanser, Clinique clarifying lotion, Prickly Pear Oil, La Roche-Posay Hydraphase (day moisturiser), Forest Essential's Date & Litchi cream (night moisturiser)Closing remarks
See also: Forest Essential’s product review for more details on the above cleanser and the Date & Litchi cream. This blog on serums to add to your routine for the winter covers the usefulness of prickly pear oil.
Please drop me a line (email@happyskindays.com) if you have any queries or leave a comment!