Are Night Creams Necessary?

Whether night creams work or not is an age old questions asked by most women. The main thought being, do we have to use one specifically designed for nighttime use? Why can't we just use our normal day cream?

Review | Antipodes Baptise Ultra-Hydrating Gel

Antipodes is one of my favourite skincare brands and, when I heard it was launching Baptise, a gel moisturiser designed for dehydrated skin, I had to review it. I'm a huge fan of the New Zealand brand's Hosanna H2O Skin Plumping Serum and have been praying for something similar in moisturiser form. It looks like my prayers have been answered...

Ask TBI: Looking After Oily But Dehydrated Skin

Question: Could you please recommend a skin care regime or even just a cleanser and moisturiser for oily but dehydrated skin? I have spent a small fortune searching for the right products without much luck! Some cleansers can be too harsh and some moisturisers too rich - Sinead.

Win An Exclusive Antipodes Skincare Set

Antipodes is one of my favourite skincare brands. Not just because its organic products feel and smell amazing on my skin, but because they provide amazing results. This is actually what makes Antipodes different from other natural and organic skincare brands; its products have been scientifically proven to give outstanding results, particularly in anti-ageing. Every Antipodes product is tested in a controlled laboratory, with a small fraction of the final product being placed on human skin cells to closely monitor its effects. My favourite product, the Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream, has been found to boost collagen production by up to 92%. What's more, Antipodes use a large number of ingredients native to New Zealand in its products, including manuka honey, mamaku black fern, kawakawa and Waiwera water.

Win An Exclusive Antipodes Skincare Set

Antipodes is one of my favourite skincare brands. Not just because its organic products feel and smell amazing on my skin, but because they provide amazing results. This is actually what makes Antipodes different from other natural and organic skincare brands; its products have been scientifically proven to give outstanding results, particularly in anti-ageing. Every Antipodes product is tested in a controlled laboratory, with a small fraction of the final product being placed on human skin cells to closely monitor its effects. My favourite product, the Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream, has been found to boost collagen production by up to 92%. What's more, Antipodes use a large number of ingredients native to New Zealand in its products, including manuka honey, mamaku black fern, kawakawa and Waiwera water.

My other favourite Antipodes products include the Aura Manuka Honey Face Mask, Apostle Skin-Brightening & Tone-Correcting Serum, Divine Face Oil and Joyful Hand & Body Cream. To be honest there is not one product I dislike. I love this brand so much, that I have teamed up with Antipodes to offer one of you the chance to win a gorgeous skincare set worth over £250.00!

The exclusive set contains a Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser, Aura Manuka Honey Mask, Apostle Skin-Brightening & Tone-Correcting Serum, Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream, Manuka Skin-Brightening Light Day Cream, Manuka Skin-Brightening Eye Cream, Saviour Skin Balm and Joyful Hand & Body Cream.

If you want to win this gorgeous Antipodes skincare set, all you have to do is enter (via Rafflecopter) below!

The Prize:

• Juliet Skin-Brightening Gel Cleanser
• Aura Manuka Honey Mask
• Apostle Skin-Brightening & Tone-Correcting Serum
• Avocado Pear Nourishing Night Cream
• Manuka Skin-Brightening Light Day Cream
• Manuka Skin-Brightening Eye Cream
• Joyful Hand & Body Cream
• Saviour Skin Balm

The Rules:

• The giveaway will run for two weeks
• The giveaway is open to UK residents only
• The winner will be contacted within 24 hours of the giveaway closing. If I don't hear from the winner within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ask TBI: Looking After Skin On Long-Haul Flights

Question: I'm going on a long-haul flight next month and whenever I fly my skin becomes dull and dry. How can I stop this? - Christina, Belfast.

Answer:

In-flight dehydration is the worst! But fear not, there are lots of ways to over come it. This may sound obvious but drinking water is the best thing you can do. The increase in altitude and exposure to low moisture levels really contribute to dehydration, so it is advised that you drink at least 8oz (227ml) of water per hour to make up for what is lost. While we are on the subject of drinking, alcohol consumption is a big no no (shit,right?!) Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it draws water from the body causing dehydration. Because of this, alcohol magnifies any pre-existing skin irregularities, such as fine lines and wrinkles. Coffee, soft drinks and chocolate are also diuretics so avoid these too!

Ask TBI: Dark Patches On My Face During Pregnancy

Question: I am four months pregnant and have just started developing dark patches under my eyes and around my mouth. What are they? How can I remove them? - Hannah, Belfast.

Answer: I think what you're describing is chloasma, a skin discolouration that is very common during pregnancy. The symptoms of chloasma are exactly as you described; patches of darkened skin that can appear on the face.

The Tuesday Tip: Get Maximum Moisture

Achieving maximum moisture isn't always easy. There are times when, no matter how many creams or serums you apply, your skin doesn't seem to absorb moisture, let alone retain it! Luckily there is one ingredient you can always depend on to hydrate and moisturise the skin. I'm talking about honey...

Long Haul Flight Skincare Routine

I recently flew to NYC and, stupidly, did absolutely nothing to treat my skin during the flight. A shocking confession from a beauty blogger, I know. Nothing was applied to my skin skin before, during or after my flight and I suffered majorly as a result. From the moment I stepped off the plane, my skin was dull, dry and flaky for an entire week. It took nightly applications of the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask, as well as an Elizabeth Arden Signature facial and Dermalogica facial to get my skin back to normal.

So, as you would expect, everything changed when it came to flying home. This time I stepped on-board prepared, and, thanks to a solid skincare routine and arsenal of amazing skincare products, I was able to keep my skin in perfect condition.

Before I had even arrived at the airport, I consumed a liter of water and drank another during my flight. Once the plane took off, I got to work applying my skin saviours...

Ingredients 101: Kiwi Seed Oil

Natural or Synthetic: Natural

Origin: Kiwi seed oil is a natural protease enzyme that is extracted from a kiwi fruit (aka Chinese gooseberry); an edible berry. The kiwi fruit was organically name the Chinese gooseberry (and still is!). However when New Zealand began commercially cultivating the fruit, the country changed its name to 'kiwi fruit' after its national bird.

Location: The kiwi fruit is native to the Chang Kiang Valley in China and is recognised as the national fruit of China. However, kiwi fruit is now cultivated all over the world, mainly in New Zealand, Italy and Chile.

Beauty Benefits: Kiwi seed oil contains high amounts of vitamin E, vitamin C and omega-3 fatty acids. So kiwi seed oil keeps skin healthy and deeply moisturised and helps to boost collagen production. Being packed with antioxidants, kiwi seed oil is also able to fight free radicals that lead to premature ageing (pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles). The wonder ingredient also contains natural AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), which are a group of natural acids used topically to moisturise the skin, as well as exfoliate the skin. AHAs are very effective at treating oily or congested skin, acne, wrinkles and pigmentation.

Because of its many benefits, kiwi seed oil is the perfect skincare ingredient for those with mature skin, dry skin, acne and certain skin conditions (such as eczema and psoriasis).

Warnings: Kiwi seed oil is considered safe to use topically

Found in: The Antipodes Worship Superfruit Antioxidant Serum 30ml (£33.99 cosnatural.co.uk). This water-based serum is packed with kiwi seed oil, as well as boysenberry, blackcurrant and the unique antioxidant-rich ingredients, Vinanza Oxifend Plus and Vinanza Grape. Its main purpose is to protect the skin from free radical damage, keeping it healthy and youthful. I absolutely love it! It leaves my skin soft, hydrated and problem-free. Oh, and it smells absolutely amazing!

Faithful Four: Hydrating Serums

Indeed Laboratories Hydraluron

Promise: “Hydraluron™ contains a pure form of hyaluronic acid, an incredibly hydrating ingredient that holds up to 1,000 times its weight in water. Red marine algae helps with maximum delivery. The result – better hydrated, moisture nourished, plumped up skin.”

Price: £16.66 30ml

Purchase: Boots

Hyaluronic Acid is the magic ingredient in this serum and, for those of you who don't know, Hyaluronic Acid is a substance naturally found in the human body - mostly in the fluids in the eyes and joints. Hyaluronic Acid is used in this skin saviour as it's capable of absorbing up to 1,000 times its weight in water. So it is able to hold on to the moisture in your skin, as well as the moisture provided by skincare products you put on top of it.

Win: Antipodes Hero Products

Antipodes is one of my favourite skincare brands. Not only are all the products 100% natural but they provide some amazing, scientifically proven results. I am not alone in my level of worship, supermodels go wild for the New Zealand brand; Cara Delevingne, Elle Macpherson and Georgia May Jagger to name just a few.

So I have teamed up with Antipodes to offer one of you lovely people the chance to win three of my favourite Antipodes products, worth £80.00!

The first product up for grabs is the Saviour Skin Balm, a multi-purpose healing balm that fixes everything from acne and sunburn, to insect bites, chapped lips and bruises. The miracle balm comes in a beautiful tin and travels with me everywhere I go! Next is the Joyful Hand & Body Cream. This ultra-nourishing cream smells absolutely divine and moisturises the skin the second it's applied, leaving it oh-so-smooth.

The final product ready for the winning is one of Antipodes most famous...the Aura Manuka Honey Mask. Containing a base ingredient of New Zealand's own manuka honey, this much-loved face mask deeply hydrates the skin, fixes any dry patches and helps to heal skin damage - acne in particular. It smells divine and works wonders...it's my go-to product when my skin needs a reboot.

Win:

• Antipodes Saviour Skin Balm
• Antipodes Joyful Hand & Body Cream
• Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask

If you want to win these natural wonders, all you have to do is enter (via Rafflecopter) below!

Rules:

• The giveaway will run for two weeks
• The giveaway is only open to UK residents
• The winner will be contacted within 24 hours of the giveaway closing. If I don't hear from the winner within 48 hours, another winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Weekly Worship: Antipodes & Simple

Price: £5.33 50ml

Stockist: Boots

I am obsessed with bright and radiant skin. My foundations have to have a dewy finish, my makeup can never be matte (expect for lips!) and I am forever stocking up on skincare that promises to brighten my skin. So it's no surprise that the Simple Kind To Skin Illuminating Radiance Cream got my attention when I recently attended a Simple press event.

I have been using the Illuminating Radiance Cream for the last two weeks and, considering its price, I'm very impressed. The cream has a medium to thin consistency which feels lightweight on the skin. It is scentless, colourless and absorbs relatively quickly, leaving skin soft and nourished.

The cream does contain very tiny glitter particles that sit on the skin evenly when it's applied. Some people aren't cool with glitter in skincare - I get it - however these particles are very hard to spot with the naked eye and they don't leave you looking like a glitter ball, I promise! As for illuminating the skin, this cream does an amazing job. My skin looks bright and more youthful once applied and it helps give my foundation added radiance and staying power. It also has a SPF 15 which is a great added extra!

Price: £27.99 / $42.00 30ml

Stockist: feelunique.com / antipodesnature.com

The Antipodes Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum is not a new product; for me or the beauty shelves. However it is one of my favourite hydrating serums and I thought it was about time I shared my love for it.

This water-based serum is a real hydrating hero. It absorbs quickly and, unlike other hydrating serums, doesn't leave any stickiness on the skin after application. It instantly hydrates my skin and brings it back to life, so I'm always reaching for it whenever I am sick, hungover or suffering from extreme dehydration. Its ability to instantly hydrate isn't the only thing I love about this serum; it provides some great anti-ageing benefits too. In vitro testing has shown it to stimulate collagen production by up to 72%!

Like all Antipodes products, it contains 100% natural ingredients and is also certified organic. So it's a great f**k you to those who think green beauty products don't pack a punch!

Faithful Four: Face Creams

Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream

Promise: “Multi-targeted anti-ageing moisturiser that corrects the most visible signs of aging”
Price: £48.00 / $62.00 50ml

Purchase: John Lewis / Nordstrom

The first face cream on the list is Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream. This wonder cream applies well and absorbs incredibly quickly. It actually absorbs better than any other face cream I've tried and it isn't greasy or remotely sticky after application. It provides an ultra smooth, even finish that makes subsequent makeup application a dream.

This Super Multi-Corrective Cream is fragrance free, safe for sensitive skin and paraben free. What makes this cream particularly special is that it is packed with hyaluronic acid, which deeply moisturises the skin and locks in moisture. This face cream is lacking in a SPF, so you will need to apply a SPF primer and/or foundation over the top of it, to ensure your skin is protected.

Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream

Promise: “Say good-bye to dry skin and hello to "total moisture." This facial cream provides concentrated immediate & long-term hydration for a radiantly refreshed complexion”

Price: £28.50 / $42.00 50ml

Purchase: Boots / Sephora

The Benefit Total Moisture Facial Cream is the perfect face cream for just about any skin type. It is formulated with mango-seed butter and caprylic capric triglycerides which work together to deeply moisturise the skin and create a barrier on the skin's surface that locks in moisture. The cream is not too heavy and absorbs quickly, leaving behind a soft, even finish that is perfect for subsequent makeup application. As only a small amount of product is required per application, this 50ml pot will lasts a loonnng time. It doesn't have a SPF, so be sure to protect your skin with a SPF primer or foundation.

The only downside to the Total Moisture Facial Cream is the scent. It has a strong perfumed scent that I find a little off-putting. However the smell goes within a few minutes after application.

Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream

Promise: “A light but intensive hydrating cream that feels beautifully fresh and alive on your face”

Price: £26.99 / $48.00 60ml

Purchase: feelunique.com / antipodesnature.us

The Antipodes Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream is the most moisturising face cream around. It is 100% natural and is packed with avocado oil, manuka honey and rosehip oil. These skin-benefiting ingredients work to deeply moisturise, repair and protect the skin.

Now the Vanilla Pod Hydrating Day Cream is very rich, so it wouldn't be ideal for those with oily skin. It glides on to the skin easily but takes a little while to fully absorb. However, when it does, you are left with soft, plump and deeply hydrated skin. After a couple of weeks of using this face cream daily, you will also see a reduction in pigmentation. This has been my go-to moisturiser for the past few years, I'm beyond loyal! Oh...and it smells amazing.

Unfortunately this face cream is also lacking in SPF, so make sure your skin is protected by applying a SPF primer or foundation over the top of it.

SK-II Essential Power Rich Cream

Promise: “This lavish facial cream addresses signs of ageing and keeps the skin nourished to perfection. It contains a key plant-derived ingredient that protects the skin from harsh environmental conditions, leaving skin moisturised and healthy”

Price: £143.00 / $260.00 50ml

Purchase: Harrods / blissworld.com

I know what you're thinking? F**k, this is an unbelievably expensive face cream! Now, you're right, however it is as amazing as it is expensive...I promise!

The SK-II Essential Power Rich Cream is a ultra nourishing cream that has a gorgeous  silky texture. To apply this cream is nothing short of a dream. It glides on to the skin effortlessly and only a small pea size amount of product is required to cover the entire face. It sinks in relatively quickly, however I always leave a good five minutes before applying anything over the top. It is worth the wait though, as once this is fully absorbed, the skin is left plump and soft, with an even texture - setting the perfect base for makeup. This cream is also the perfect anti-ager, firming the skin and reducing fine lines. Like the other creams here, the Essential Power Rich Cream is also lacking in a SPF, so you will need to apply a SPF primer and/or foundation over the top of it.

The only downside to this product has to be the price, it is one serious splurge!

Understanding...Facial Serums

A facial serum is an intensive hydrating skin treatment designed to deliver optimum performance directly to the cells beneath your skin’s surface. Serums are the most concentrated form of skincare product; designed to target specific skincare concerns. They often have considerably less filler ingredients and are known for containing a high level of active ingredients (antioxidants, vitamins and proteins).

Unlike most skincare products that are formulated with large molecules, serums have a smaller molecular structure that enables them to penetrate the three layers of skin. This, coupled with the fact that serums typically contain a greater concentration of active ingredients, means they are able to target and treat skincare concerns more directly.

In addition to deeply hydrating the skin, serums can treat even the most specific skincare concern. Serums can even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of dark spots and discolouration, brighten skin, boost collagen production, boost the skin’s protection, firm and lift the skin and minimise the appearance of ageing.

Serums are traditionally water-based, as water is a very effective carrier of active ingredients. More oil-based serums are appearing on the market now, which work well if the oil blend is fine and therefore readily absorbable.

The F.A.Qs

Should I use a moisturiser as well as a serum?

The choice comes down to which best suits your skin. Serums can be lighter than a moisturiser and enable skin to breathe, especially in humid conditions. However, the best option is to use both: for example, you can use a serum before bed to target skin cells and apply layer a night cream over it to lock in moisture and help powerfully boost its action.

It is important to note that a serum should always be paired with a good sunscreen for the best possible protection.

Do you put moisturiser on before or after a serum?

As with all skincare products, the order in which you use products is simple – you should start with the thinnest lotion and end with the heaviest cream. Therefore moisturisers, in most cases, should be the final skincare product used.

How long should I wait after applying a serum before I add moisturiser?

It is advised that you wait 2-3 minutes to allow the serum to properly absorb.

Recommendations

1. The Anti-Ager – YSL Forever Youth Liberator Serum 30ml (£65.00 House of Fraser / $155.00 Nordstrom)
2. The Hydrator – SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel 30ml (£59.00 johnandginger.co.uk / $78.00 skinceuticals.com)
3. The Corrector – REN ClearCalm 3 Replenishing Night Serum 50ml (£22.00 Liberty / $30.00 Sephora)
4. The Brightener – Antipodes Apostle Skin-Brightening & Tone-Correcting Serum (£41.99 antipodesnature.com / $69.70 feelunique.com)

Faithful Four: Hydrating Facial Serums

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum

Promise: “This serum collects and continuously and deeply spreads water to restore skin's water balance, making skin supple and fresh”
Price: £29.00 / $49.00 30ml

Purchase: John Lewis / Sephora

This really is a beauty product that stays true to its word. Caudalie’s S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum is very lightweight and fine in texture, yet is still able to provide a whole load of hydration to the skin. One of its greatest strengths is that it does not irritate skin, a side effect that is common in highly concentrated serums. The hero ingredient in this skin saviour is organic grape water, an antioxidant rich water that helps to strengthen collagen and firm the skin. Typical of all Caudalie products, the S.O.S Thirst Quenching Serum is non-comedogenic, paraben-free and is not tested on animals.

Darphin Hydraskin Serum

Promise: “Hydraskin Intensive Moisturising Serum is formulated with the Extreme Hydration Complex and extracts of pomegranate and elm root to smooth, soften and restore suppleness to dry and dehydrated skin"

Price: £43.00 / $76.00 30ml

Purchase: House of Fraser / Space NK

Darphin’s water-based serum is a great hydrating serum for all skin types. Although on the pricey side, the Hydraskin Intensive Moisturising Serum feels weightless on the skin and leaves it looking healthy and plumped. It includes pomegranate extract, a powerful antioxidant that plays a positive role in the repair of skin damage caused by UV exposure and aging. The downside? It doesn't last long, especially if you take Darphin’s advice for maximum effectiveness and use five drops per application.

Antipodes Hosanna H20 Intensive Skin-Plumping Serum

Promise: “A water-charged and oil-free bioactive serum that immediately quenches thirsty skin and helps intensively improve skin appearance over time”

Price: £28.00 / $48.98 30ml

Purchase: Selfridges / feelunique.com

Antipodes Hosanna H20 Intensive is one of the best water-based serums available. This certified organic serum deeply hydrates the skin, leaving it plumped and free of those pesky fine lines. What's more, Hosanna replaces standard 'aqua' with Waiwera water, a water low in sodium and rich in naturally occurring minerals. It has been scientifically proven to stimulate type 1 collagen production by up to 72% and did I mention it smells amazing?

Chanel Hydra Beauty Serum

Promise: “This universal moisturising beautifying serum has the power to protect your beauty and restore all your radiance. Exquisitely comforted with vital moisture, skin is radiant, beautiful, fresh and plumped”

Price: £78.00 / $135.00 50ml

Purchase: Selfridges / Nordstrom

This ultra-hydrating serum absorbs into the skin almost instantly. In addition to treating dry skin, the Chanel Hydra Beauty Serum also helps to repair flaky skin and its non-greasy, smooth texture makes it a great foundation primer. The one thing that pushes this serum to the pedestal is that, after a week of using it, my concealer finally stopped creasing....halle-freakin-lujah! Unsurprisingly, the only downside is the cost.

The Lookbook: Kylie Jenner

The 'Kylie Jenner Lip' has been a big talking point amongst beauty fans these past weeks. Whether little Miss Jenner is injecting those lips with fillers or extending them with liner, they look amazing and girls everywhere have been dying to know what colour she puts on them. For those who care, she applies MAC's Whirl Liner across the entire lip. She also revealed that MAC's Velvet Teddy is another one of her favourite lip colours.

Her makeup is always flawless, so it's no surprise that there are already hundreds of tutorials on how to replicate it. I am obsessed with her everyday makeup look, so I created something that was similar but a little softer.

Here is what I used to create the look...

Skincare:
- Antipodes Apostle Skin Brightening & Tone-Correcting Serum
- Dermalogica Age Smart Skin Perfect Primer SPF30
- Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Eye Gel
- Homemade lip scrub (recipe here!)

Makeup:

- bareMinerals bareSkin® Pure Brightening Serum Foundation SPF20

- Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer in Light Golden

- Cover FX Illuminator in Moonlight

- Max Factor Wild Mega Volume Mascara

- MAC Spiked Eye Brows

- DHC Liquid Eyeliner EX

- MAC Beurre Cremestick Liner

- Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Addiction

- MAC The Perfect Cheek Blush

Tools:

- MAC 168 Large Angled Contour Brush
- Real Techniques Blush Brush
- Bobbi Brown Eye Brow Brush
- Japonesque Power Curler

Now it's time to show me your 'Kylie Jenner' inspired makeup look. Just Tweet or Instagram me your #lookbookselfie!

Understanding...Beauty Sleep

The term beauty sleep may sound like it jumped straight out of a Disney movie, however you might be surprised to hear that it actually holds a lot of truth. A good night's sleep is essential for maintaining a healthy, beautiful appearance.

So how can sleeping affect our appearance? Well, without scaring you too much, lack of sleep can cause the following:

- Dark circles
- Wrinkles
- Inflammation
- Dry skin
- Acne
- Bloodshot eyes
- Sagging skin
- Unhealthy skin

To get scientific, our growth-hormone levels are at their peak during the delta sleep cycle, helping to repair damaged cells and tissues - including skin. Some of the damage that leads to premature ageing is repaired during this stage of sleep. So, when you lose sleep, your body misses out on this period of repair, resulting in untreated skin damage. In addition, you miss out on the antioxidant repair of the skin that occurs during this sleep cycle.

Also, when you don’t get enough sleep, your body releases more cortisol (stress hormone). Too much cortisol can break down skin collagen (the protein that keeps skin elastic, firm and smooth).

If that wasn't bad enough, lack of sleep can also cause weight gain. Sleep deprivation stimulates appetite because it decreases the level of leptin (the hormone that makes you feel full) while increasing the level of ghrelin (the hormone that makes you feel hungry). Another reason sleep deprivation increases weight gain is simply due to the fact that it makes you tired and less active, so you burn fewer calories.

Aside from effecting your looks, lack of sleep can increase your risk of developing diabetes, effect your immunity and fertility, cause depression and anxiety, and kill your sex drive. So getting your beauty sleep really is necessary for all-round good health and beauty.

Experts advise getting between 7.5 - 9 hours of sleep per night, however the exact amount of sleep needed per night is dependant on the individual.

Now, if you struggle getting a good night's sleep, here are a few things that might help:

1. Try and keep to the same sleeping schedule every night
2. Avoid eating big meals late at night
3. Avoid drinking alcohol late at night
4. Get regular exercise
5. Try and wind down before bed - take a warm bath, read a good book etc.

If you find that a good night's sleep is not providing enough beauty benefits, you may want to give your beauty sleep a boost. There are some great skincare products designed to work wonders whilst you snooze...

Recommendations

1. Origins Drink Up Intensive Overnight Mask (£22.00 Debenhams / $24.00 Macy's)
2. Antipodes Joyous Protein-Rich Night-Replenishing Serum (£36.99 feelunique.com / $49.00 hipapotheca.com)
3. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Eye 15ml (£24.50 Selfridges / $36.00 Kiehl's)
4. Mario Badescu Protein Night Cream 30ml (£18.95 beautybay.com / $20.00 Nordstrom)

Ingredients 101: Mānuka Honey

Natural or Synthetic: Natural

Origin: Mānuka Honey is a monofloral honey produced from the nectar of the mānuka tree

Location: New Zealand and Australia

Beauty Benefits: Mānuka honey is famous for its healing properties - so much so that the Māori people have been using it to treat themselves (both inside and out) for centuries! As mānuka honey is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it is also great for treating acne. If you suffer from acne, apply this miracle honey directly onto your skin to help reduce the size of pimples, reduce the redness and prevent future flare-ups. Giving yourself a mānuka honey face mask will also hydrate and soothe your skin.

The major antibacterial component in mānuka honey is methylglyoxal (MG), however not all types of mānuka honey contain the same concentration of MG. For these reasons, honey producers developed a scale for rating the potency of mānuka honey, known as the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF). The UMF rating corresponds with the concentration of MG and any type of mānuka honey will need to have a minimum rating of 10 UMF in order to be considered potent enough to provide real benefits. Any mānuka honey above 10 UMF is referred to as Active Mānuka Honey.

Warnings: Mānuka honey is safe to use topically

Found in: Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask 75ml (£21.99 antipodesnature.com / $36.55 feelunique.com). This smooth, creamy mask draws moisture to skin to hydrate it intensely, whilst also treating acne and dry patches. It is the perfect skin pick-me-up and it smells amazing.

Faithful Four: Hydrating Face Masks

Origins Drink Up Intensive

Promise: “This intense moisture replacement mask with Avocado and Apricot Kernel Oil deeply and instantly quenches compromised moisture reserves and builds a reservoir for tomorrow”

Price: £22.00/$24.00 100ml

Purchase: Debenhams / Macy's

The Origins Drink Up Intensive is an amazing hydrating mask that - as name suggests - acts like a drink for the skin. The mask is designed for overnight use, which is great as skin goes into repair mode whilst you sleep. The only downside to this is that you need to avoid sleeping on your side until the mask is fully absorbed or has dried - I mean the mask is designed for your face, not your pillow!

Drink Up Intensive has a thick, creamy consistency that applies effortlessly and it smells absolutely amazing. It is incredibly hydrating and moisturising and is great at ridding your skin of dry patches. The best thing about this product is the way you look the morning after - you wake up with plump, buttery soft skin!

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Hydrating Overnight Masque

Promise: “Formulated with drought-resistant Fountain Plant, this new addition to Kiehl’s iconic Ultra Facial range replenishes skin’s water reserves for long-lasting hydration and healthy looking skin”

Price: £28.00 / $35.00 125ml

Purchase: kiehls.co.uk / Nordstrom

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Hydrating Overnight Masque doesn't just hydrate, it boosts skin’s ability to retain water! It is formulated with drought-resistant Fountain Plant, which replenishes skin’s water reserves - resulting in long-lasting hydration.

The mask has a gel-like consistency and it is very lightweight so, unlike some masks, it doesn't feel at all heavy on the skin. Not much product is needed to cover the entire face and, although the product feels quite tacky when applied, it absorbs in smoothly after 20 minutes.

Like all hydrating face masks, the Ultra Facial Hydrating Overnight Masque is designed for dry and dehydrated skin - however it also works well on oily and normal skin types. This mask does everything it promises - it has you waking up with soft and ultra-hydrated skin that lasts. It also contains 125ml worth of product, so you'll be in hydration heaven for a very long time!

Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask

Promise: “This facial mask delivers an intensely moisturising, cleansing and antioxidising treatment. It is the ultimate solution for spots and blemishes”

Price: £21.99/$39.00 60ml 

Purchase: Antipodesnature.com / hipapotheca.com

Using 100% natural ingredients, the Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask not only hydrates the skin, it heals it. It contains a base of Manuka Honey, an ingredient native to New Zealand. Manuka honey is famous for its powerful healing properties - so much so that Māori people have been using it in this way for centuries!

The mask has a very thin, creamy consistency that glides onto the skin easily! It smells sooo good, however if you don't like the smell of honey, you sure as hell won't feel the same! It makes skin super-soft, plump and very hydrated. And, thanks to the healing properties in manuka honey, this mask helps to treat acne and skin damage. In fact, many people recommend using this mask as an emergency sport treatment, as it reduces redness and pimple size!

La Roche-Posay Hydraphase Intense Mask

Promise: “The infusing texture of Hydraphase Intense Mask envelopes the skin in a thermal bath and releases high-performance hydrating ingredients [Hyaluronic Acid Fragments] to immediately infuse and retain water in the skin for optimal hydration”

Price: £15.50/$30.00 50ml 

Purchase: escentual.com / amazon.com

The Hydraphase Intense Mask is perfect for those with sensitive skin - which is no surprise considering it comes from sensitive skin saviours, La Roche-Posay. It has a lotion consistency and is very lightweight - which is great for getting in and around the eyebrows (an area prone to dryness). Unlike the other masks featured, this one isn't supposed to be washed off. After 10 minutes, you just have to remove the excess product with a tissue or cotton pad.

It hydrates a little less then the other contenders here, however it is the ultimate treatment for dry and flaky skin. So much so that I would say it smooths more than it soaks! Regular use of this winter wonder will keep your flaky skin and dry patches at bay...I promise!