I was recently given Skinceuticals Blemish + Age Defence serum (R1 325, Dermastore) to try and, aside from containing nice concentrations of exfoliating AHA (in the form of glycolic acid) and pore-cleansing salicylic acid, it also includes a very mooi 2% diocic acid. For those who don’t know, this lekker yet little known active does a good job of blitzing bacteria and has skin tone-evening properties to boot.

Skinceuticals suggests you apply it to your entire face up to twice a day (under your moisturiser) to prevent and treat blemishes while speeding up the fade of the marks they leave behind. I haven’t been able to do that as it contains a whack of alcohol which my sometimes sensitised skin doesn’t like. However, as a ‘just on the spot’ treatment it’s a powerful, hard-working gem!

While I still consider prescription only Differin gel my blind pimple zapper of choice, when it comes to ‘regular’ spots, Skinceuticals’ treatment does a brilliant job of drying them up in a flash. I know because I applied it four times a day to a bad boy who popped up on my chest (I was using a super-siliconey serum on my decolletage) and within 24 hours it had shrunk down to nothing. The following day it was practically invisible but I continued to blast it in a bid to fade its ‘footprint’ and now it’s almost gone. (Thanks AHA!)

At just over a grand it’s a pricy little potion but if you’re not on a budget know that it really does work. If money is tight, however, consider something like Innoxa’s Young Solution Wipe Out spot eliminating drops. It’s also an alcohol and salicylic acid mix but doesn’t contain the diocic acid or AHA so you’d have to use another AHA product to pick up on the fading aspect. (I’m a fan of Dermaceutic Light Ceutic with 8% glycolic acid).

On the subject of spots, let’s chat about Physician’s Formula Youthful Wear Spotless Powder SPF 15 (currently R178,46, Dis-Chem).

At first I thought this guy was formulated to help blitz pimples but it turns out it’s aimed at those with pigmentation and a quick look at the ingredients list reveals it contains peony root extract that has proven melanin-inhibiting action. Also, the fact that it contains an SPF 15 will be beneficial too but I wouldn’t rely on the powder alone for sun protection.

Pigmentation-busting aside, Youthful Wear’s merit as a plain old powder is pretty fabulous. I didn’t realise it had a slight shimmer to it until I gave it a closer look and initially worried it would be like slapping a highlighter all over my face (enhance large pores) but, as it’s so finely milled, it results in a lovely light-diffusing effect. I’ve also found it does a good job of helping to control oil and can be applied multiple times throughout the day without building up or oxidizing. Can we get a yay? Also, keep reading for an ‘on face’ piccie. I haaaaate taking them but know you guys appreciate them.

Something else I’m really enjoying? Australian Gold gradual build sunless lotion (R299,95, Clicks).

When I first slapped this guy on my legs I thought the resultant colour was really natural looking but the teensiest bit too light. (For me, Skinny Tan Mousse and Tan Lab in Dark are still my go to body bronzers.) I was impressed, however, with how even-looking it was as well as how naturally it faded. So, I took the plunge and applied it to my face with fantastic results.

In the piccie above I’m wearing Australian Gold, concealer under my eyes, brow powder, the Physician’s Formula Powder, blush, gloss and mascara. That’s it! Nothing else. (The highlight you’re seeing on my cheeks is from my blush – The Body Shop Baked-To-Last in Petal which has a shimmer to it. Believe me when I say you won’t get a strobe-effect from the Spotless Powder.)

Before I was using Clarins Liquid Bronze on my face but felt like I needed two coats to get the desired effect. With Australian Gold I only need one. I also like that it doesn’t tint my brows, smells DELICIOUS (like coconut water and flowers) and costs much less than Liquid Bronze which I actually think is discontinued. (I’ve just had a search for it online and can’t find it on Clarins’ local site. I bought my current bottle last year on eBay but probably won’t purchase it again now that I’ve found Australian Gold.)

If you’re looking for an awesome facial self tanner Australian Gold has got your back! Also, if you like a more subtle self-tan on your bod it’s a top pick because, like I said, it goes on easily and the fades beautifully. Application is easy too as the gel-like formula has lots of slip to it. Using a mitt is ideal but if you use your hands you’ll find it’s got a lot of ‘glide’ so covering large areas is super easy. I also like that the formula’s very hydrating thanks to a mix of antioxidant-rich botanical oils and Shea butter. It also dries in a flash so you could easily slap it on and slip into your clothes. Another plus? It doesn’t smell bad while it develops so you can apply it in the morning and then carry on with your day. There’s no need to hide around at home wearing baggy, dark-coloured rags.

Love, love

Leigh