Holidays and injuries wreaked havoc on my skin. Here’s how I fixed it

Each fortnight, Stephanie Darling roadtests a different make-up, skincare or wellness trend to find out whether it’s worth your time. Ahead, what to look for in a rejuvenating facial.

Stephanie Darling: Holidays and injuries have taken their toll on my skincare regime. Time for a pick-me-up.Credit: iStock

The lowdown After returning from a European holiday, during which all my skincare regimens went to hell, partly as a result of fracturing both wrists (yes, really), I hot-footed it to Ella Baché for a Reawaken My Rejuvenation facial to deal with my dull, unexfoliated skin. I was greeted by Christine, a therapist I’ve known for years, so I knew she would work her magic to re-texture my skin with this treatment, which features a highly concentrated retinol mask. After double-cleansing my face using a cream and then a foaming cleanser, she focused on the area around my eyes using Ella Baché Eye and Lip Cleanser (ellabache.com.au, $47), before applying a fruit enzyme exfoliator. Christine’s hands, combined with the potent retinol and a Qigong brushing infusion, helped slough off all those dead skin cells. Next was a soothing facial massage followed by the application of Ella Baché Great SPF50+ Facesaver lotion ($50), to keep my freshly revealed skin safe from the sun.

Pain factor None.

Downtime Thirty uplifting minutes.

Results This quick-fix facial left my skin looking plump and fresh.

Where to get it Melbourne and Sydney: Ella Baché; ellabache.com.au. Cost: $85.

At home Try Ella Baché Purifying Tomate Emulsion (ellabache.com.au, $90) once or twice a week.

Trend

We love these three newcomers! Christophe Robin’s shampoo with bark extract purifies flaky, oily scalps; R+Co’s dry conditioner is a refreshing booster for textured hair; Coco & Eve helps to repair chemically treated locks by boosting cuticle bonds.

Add to cart

Swap your shimmery bronzer for a matt version like Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer (mecca.com.au, $53), which is infused with cocoa powder to add warmth and definition. If you’re fair-skinned, go for peach, while copper is good for olive and darker tones

Ask Steph

How do I keep my hair hydrated during summer?

Protect your locks from the annual onslaught of chlorine and salt water by using a hydrating hair mask, such as Kérastase Chronologiste Ultimate Masque (adorebeauty.com.au, $75) at least once
a week. Also apply before swimming.

Send questions to [e-mail].

Make the most of your health, relationships, fitness and nutrition with our Live Well newsletter. Get it in your inbox every Monday.