I’m always trying out new products. Some exceed my expectations, while others can be quite underwhelming. The four I’m chatting about today I absolutely adore and am pretty damn sure you will too. All four are real treats for the skin. They all deliver on their claims, and are relatively inexpensive – given how fantastic they are.

Mixa Anti-Dryness Body Lotion For Dry Skin – R59.95

Mixa is a French pharmacy brand that was created in 1924 to help soothe skin irritations. Today the brand is renowned abroad for their effective, skin-respecting products. Mixa believes that even sensitive skin can be cared for and comforted. The brand launched in South Africa about a month ago and I was lucky enough to get a hamper of products to try. I’ve only managed to try one body lotion thus far, but boy-oh-boy am I impressed!

The Mixa Anti-Dryness Body Lotion For Dry Skin (R59.95 for a 400ml) contains a range of really great ingredients like Coriander Oil to maintain hydration; Panthenol to soothe and repair; Urea to maintain and regulate epidermis hydration; Vitamin E for its antioxidant properties; Oat Milk that improves hydration levels in the skin while soothing discomfort linked to dry skin; Cold Cream to hydrate and protect the skin and Allantoin that repairs, regenerates and moisturises while soothing sensitive skin. I find the older I get, the drier the skin on my body becomes. I need to use a body lotion after I shower to keep my skin feeling soft and smooth. What I LOVE about this moisturiser is that it it leaves my skin feeling nourished, supple, comfortable and soft. It is not greasy at all, Paraben free, and is dermatologically tested for dry and sensitive skin. Best of all is that the formula has a very slight fragrance, but you can hardly smell it, so it won’t fight with your scent. You’ll find the Mixa range of products at all major retailers.

Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector – R520

Over 35 years of age? Your skin looking dull or tired? If yes, you need a Topical antioxidant. These formulas are so important for the skin because they protect against environmental stressors like pollution, UV rays and smoke – working to neutralize unstable molecules that can wreak havoc on the skin. I was thrilled when Vichy launched their LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector (R520) as it contains a whopping 15% pure Vitamin C – essential to promote collagen synthesis and to protect against UV damage. In addition, the formula also contains a powerful selection of other active ingredients like Vitamin E, Maritime Pine polyphenols and fragmented Hyaluronic Acid (excellent for dehydrated skin).

This skin corrector should be used over a period of 10 days – 3 to 4 times a year – during periods when your skin looks dull and exhausted (Change of season, when your workload is crazy, when there’s nutritional imbalances, before Important lfe events, when the skin is sun-stressed, or if you live in a city where pollution is an issue). The formulas fast acting solution makes skin look more radiant, less tired looking, smoother and revitalized.

To use, you simply put 4 or 5 drops of the product in the morning onto the palms of the hand and apply with fingertips to a clean, dry skin. You’ll notice the formula penetrates quickly and doesn’t leave skin shiny.

Tip: It’s best to use antioxidant formulas in the day, as this is when your skin needs protection from pollution, UV rays etc. Also, topical antioxidants can actually make your sunscreen even more effective.

Bioderma Sensibio H20 – R219.95

Bioderma Sensibio H20 (R219.95 for a 250ml and R319.95 for a 500ml) is hands down my favourite cleansing water.

Did you know it was the first EVER cleansing water and launched way before Micellar waters became so hugely popular? It’s such an iconic product that one bottle is sold every 2 seconds in the world.

The idea for the product came about when Bioderma set out to develop a cleansing product that would eliminate dirt, excess sebum, pollution residue, and all traces of makeup – even waterproof from the skin without damaging it, in a simple step that required no rinsing.

It was Bioderma who invented the micellar water when they discovered that at a very specific concentration cleansing agents group together and form micelles.

What makes the formula so good? The formula is inspired by the skin with unequalled makeup removing power and tolerance. It cleanses, removes makeup, soothes, decongests, hydrates and brings freshness to the skin.

I use mine in the morning to refresh my skin, and again in the evening to remove my makeup. While it’s made for sensitive, reactive and fragile skin that gets irritated by the simple rub of a cotton pad, but everyone can use it.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Cucumber And Green Tea – R250

I love facial sprays, especially those that invigorate the skin. The new Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Cucumber and Green Tea (R250) ticks all the boxes a great facial spray should. It works to revive dull, tired skin with an infusion of nutrient-rich botanicals and cucumber essential water. Aloe Vera and Cucumber – both rich in essential vitamins and minerals – deliver a cooling boost of hydration as Green Tea provides antioxidant protection. I use mine in the mornings, to wake my skin up and throughout the day when when my skin needs a boost. You can also mist it over your makeup to give your skin a dewy finish. Check out the great range of Mario Badescu products HERE.

GIVEAWAY

Win all four of these incredible products!

I’m giving one reader the chance to win a hamper containing all four products valued at R1150

To enter, leave a comment below answering these 4 questions:

  • At what age should I start using the Vichy LiftActiv Vitamin C Brightening Skin Corrector?
  • Name one of the ingredients contained in the Mixa Anti Dryness Body Lotion.
  • Who invented Micellar Water?
  • Name one ingredient in the Mario Badescu Facial Spray

 Please ensure you include your email address (only I can see it), so I can contact you, should you be the winner. I’ll announce the winners name on Monday 9 April on In My Bag’s Facebook page (FOLLOW HERE)