In summer, I usually rely on micellars to cleanse but how has this been anything like summer! I spotted someone I follow on Instagram (@rougepoutbeauty) giving Jane Scrivner all of the raves so now I have my own to try and I can very well see why there was such enthusiasm. If you love a cleansing balm, I think you’ll find that this one sits right at the top of the tree when it comes to texture, pleasure of use and effectiveness. I love it. There is something about the feel of this balm that marks it out from others – it’s almost only just solid so when you dip in it feels light and whippy and glides across the skin. Really, all the delights. It’s a straightforward ingredient line up – 87% organic – although unsuitable for vegans: Organic Jojoba Oil, Beeswax, Essential Oils of Ylang Ylang, Elemi, Eucalptus, Frankincense, Lemongrass, Lavender, Myrrh, Sandalwood and Sweet Orange.
The downside is that it’s £46. It comes with a fluffy mitt (I am too fond of Washis HERE to change so I didn’t use it) but I think I’d rather have a slightly less expensive balm and take my chances with a flannel. You don’t need a lot to get a very decent cleanse so you could perhaps eke it out a bit or save it for at home facials when you want to up the ante on the treat stakes. Actually, that’s exactly what I did – I used the Su-Man Refining Facial Polish (at the end of the post) after cleansing and then used the Jane Scrivner Intense Destress Face Masque. Again, it’s all of the joys. It’s French Clay based and designed to revitalize if your skin is lacking pep and maybe a bit dull. Mine definitely has needed extra attention after being ill (I had an infection that went wild because I didn’t go to the Dr – largely because Lucy had been run over and needed all my attention, followed by a hideous reaction to steroids that felled me for a week, so it’s pretty safe to say that I looked pretty ropy and so did my skin – loads of blood tests, antibiotics and a CT scan but all is fine now) and so these extra attention home facials are making such a difference.
Again, a straight forward line up of ingredients with no nasties obviously: French Clay,Aloe Vera, Immortelle, Calendula, Pettigrain, Witch Hazel, Sunflower oil, Argan oil, Rosehip oil, Apricot, Jojoba, Neroli, Benzoin, Lemon, Ylang Ylang and Chamomile. Apart from the fact that it has a nozzle that doesn’t let enough product out with each pump, I can’t find anything not to like. It left my skin feeling supple and nourished and that feeling lasted for a couple of days. At £35 I think it’s very reasonable – a very high recommend from me. The Jane Scrivner site is HERE.
In between the JS cleanser and mask, I used the new Su-Man Refining Facial Polish. The three together were the dream team for what my skin needed. Containing watermelon (which has malic acid that works as an enzymatic exfoliant, alongside papaya that’s full of natural AHAs and does the same thing) I let it sit for a couple of minutes before working around my face. It does that squirly-peely (technical term.. cough) thing that makes you briefly think the skin on your face is coming off (it isn’t – it’s the ingredients balling together and they’re designed to do so) so if you have down on your skin make sure you really rinse well. Otherwise, it fulfilled the brief and is a good option if you don’t like a physical exfoliator. It’s £38 HERE.
I had a Su-Man facial a few years ago – it was amazing and so is she. It was funny because she wrapped my whole face up in soaked muslins and then I heard a friend outside the door so called him in – he obviously couldn’t see who was under the swaddles and was hopelessly confused! The cloths had to come off early because I was laughing so much.
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