Craig’s Skincare Blog

Every fortnight I share with you skincare that I have either used over a period of time or something new I am trying out. I’m no expert (I’ll leave that to Alison Young!) but I get a kick out of trying different products and ranges and I know many of you are also interested in how a man uses these products. Enjoy!

This first week I am looking at a product that I have been using on and off for a couple of years – it’s the Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial. I first discovered Sarah’s range when I had a facial at her London spa – having to wear make up on TV really plays havoc on my skin (so Ladies I know how you feel having to wear it everyday!) so I do go for a facial a few times a year for a really good, deep cleanse. I was impressed by the quality and the feel of her products on the skin, and it was there where the therapist suggested I try the overnight facial…

The first thing to say is that Overnight Facial is an oil – if the thought of putting an oil on your face sends you running – don’t go anywhere just yet – as this is an oil unlike any other; it is light, velvety and actually feels more like a light serum on the skin than an oil and no matter what your skin type you can use this beautiful formulation. 

I actually did a course in aromatherapy few years ago and the smell is reminiscent of the oils that can be mixed together for a relaxing spa massage. The overnight facial has essential oils of jasmine and rose as well as jojoba and hemp seed oil, and as you warm it up in your hands the fragrance is pure heaven.

Then comes the joy of gently massaging it all over the face. I actually hadn’t realised how important facial massage is and I have learnt many techniques from facial expert Joy Salem in treatments I have had with her. The overnight facial is a joy to use and glides the oil so easily around the face, you inhale the wonderful fragrance and it is actually relaxing and reviving to do this little treatment, a wonderful discipline to build into your bedtime routine and Sarah has plenty of videos online of techniques you can use.

So, I love the fragrance, the feel on the skin and the massaging techniques that can be used with the oil…but what about those all important results?! Well, I can safely say you wake up in the morning and the skin looks glowing! I am actually shocked when I look in the mirror, especially if its been a late night or I have been working late – I expect to see this face which is shallow and lacklustre but actually I see a face which looks bright and awake.

Now, if I can talk specifically how MEN can use this – I know this is a product intended for night time use but I must admit I find after a wet shave my skin can feel almost raw and really quite uncomfortable. I will sometimes mix a tiny amount of Overnight Facial into my regular after shaving moisturiser to give it more richness and I find it actually soothes and calms the skin almost instantly. 

Also, as men we (generally) don’t wear make up so we have no way to disguise a tired, washed out or shallow looking skin. If I am having one of those mornings I will add a tiny amount of overnight facial to my regular moisturiser and use this all over the face – I find it adds instant brightness to the skin, nobody will ever know what a late night you had! The key here is to add just a small amount, but don’t be afraid to try this – even with my oily t-zone skin I find it works a treat!

So, there you have it – my first skincare blog! I hope you enjoyed it and next time I will share with you one of my favourite eye products from Decleor. Until then please do leave a comment below and let me know if there is a particular product or range you would like me to blog about.

See you soon,
Craig. x 

See the Sarah Chapman Overnight Facial