SKINCARE ROUTINE // ORIGINS

Lets face it, it is all too easy for women in their twenties to take beautiful skin for granted. Gone are the teenage days of raging hormones and spots, but the idea of frown lines and wrinkles seems too distant. However, having recently turned 25, I am more aware of the need to invest in my skin now. The skin starts to age naturally in your mid-20s so preventative care and early treatment is key to maintaining a youthful glow. 

Cue Origins... I must admit I have only started getting into the brand within the past six months, but as well as delivering noticeable differences to my skin, I also love the fact that all the products are natural. I have been loving my skincare routine lately [and i think my skin has been thanking me] so I thought why not share it with you guys...

After cleansing my face in the morning, I lightly massage and dab in the Starting Over Age-Erasing Eye Cream with Mimosa, which is designed to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. This was my first ever eye cream and I love it. The skin around my eyes just looks so much more youthful and it really does help to fill out lines. As an extra bonus I have also noticed my concealer's staying power lasts a lot longer. I use this cream both in the day and night. 

Next step, is the much raved about GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturiser, and I bought the limited addition super-size. If the smell of sweet citrus isn't enough to wake you up in the morning than the skin-boosters like panax ginseng and coffee bean certainly will. This moisturiser is perfect for the summer, because it is lightweight and oil-free. It makes my skin feel super silky and soft and totally hydrated. This is definitely a product I will be re-purchasing. 

When it's time for bed, I switch to High Potency Night-A-Mins mineral enriched renewal cream. It has a complete different texture to GinZing - a lot thicker and richer. It has relaxing aromas to help you doze off, which I love, and best of all you wake up radiant and refreshed. I can honestly notice a difference when I don't use this, and I just love how renewed my skin feels. No more dullness - that's for sure. 

Possibly one of my favourite products, is the much talked about Original Skin Renewal Serum with Willowherb. I use this both in the day and night and I swear it's the product that has really helped to restore the glow in my skin. Not only does it shrink my pores [perfect for making my skin look flawless], but it also minimises my flaws and smooths out any roughness. I let it sink in for about 30 seconds and I'm left with a face that just feel vibrant and replenished. 

Finally, who doesn't like nothing more than putting on your favourite film, with a glass of wine and your favourite face mask. It's one of my favourite things to do and my mum recently bought me the Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask to clear pores. I am a big fan of the Lush fresh face masks but this is right up there with the best. The charcoal acts like a magnet to draw out pore-cloggers and the white china clay absorbs environmental pollutants,  so you are left with luscious looking skin that not only feels but looks great. It's lovely and thick and I leave it on for a good 15/20 minutes before washing off with a flannel. 

If you have me on Instagram, you will see I posted this picture below, as part of Origin's weekly competition #MaskMonday. All you have to do is post a picture of yourself in your mask and you could be in with a chance of winning three masks. I was over the moon when I got picked as this week's winner and I cannot wait to try the other masks - Thanks Origins! 

Let me know if you have tried any of these products and what you think, particularly if you have tried some of the other masks!

Love Nic

x

Ps. follow me on Instagram @nickygibbons

WEEKEND AWAY // ALEXANDER HOUSE HOTEL AND UTOPIA SPA

From sensuous spas, delicious food and beautiful grounds waiting to be explored, the Alexander House and Utopia Spa is truly somewhere unique.

In need of some relaxation and a country getaway, I booked two nights with my friend Sophie in the five-star boutique hotel set in 120 acres of grounds at the heart of the Sussex countryside. 

As soon as we drove up the path, a sense of calm, comfort and relaxation came over me and that was just for starters...

OUR ROOM

Alexander House, which has history dating back to the 17th century, has 39 beautiful rooms - we stayed in the Laburnum room which as you can see had great views of the outside spa. Not only does it have everything you would expect, but it's the little touches that I like, such as the white linen gowns and slippers, the Temple Spa products in the bathroom and the wide range of herbal teas... truly heaven.

THE FOOD

Who doesn't want to indulge in food when you are away, I certainly did, and was not disappointed. You can choose from either the three-AA Rosette restaurant or the less formal but creative Reflections restaurant. We went for the second option and not only was the food perfect but also the service - one very happy customer. We also ordered some food to our room on the second night and as you can see from the pictures - quality remains throughout.

AFTERNOON TEA

Now if you do stay here, you have to try the afternoon tea. Ours included  delicious home-made cakes and puddings, as well as flavour-packed sandwiches and scrumptious scones... and just to make it extra special we ordered some champagne - what more could you want! Just incase you were wondering my favourite had to be the pistachio macaroon, soft and chewy, with a crisp bite YUM!

Unfortunately I didn't take a camera down into the spa, but it truly is a treat for the eyes as well as your body and mind. As you walk down to the lower ground in your robe and slippers you are met with a spa that stemmed from the concept of a basement monastery. There are arches and pillars, a special staircase hand painted on one of the walls surrounding the main pool and stars painted above one of the pools. As you can imagine we spent hours in the spa and after two nights we felt completely replenished and refreshed. 

If the hotel and facilities wasn't enough, the staff made it even more special, and nothing was ever too much trouble. I really had the best stay and can't wait to go back. 

If you fancy staying here check out www.alexanderhotels.co.uk for more details.

Love Nic x