Last year, after finding my preferred cleanser and facial oil, I decided it was time to go on a hunt for the perfect moisturiser. A daunting task considering the many many on sale. So to stop myself going into moisturiser meltdown, I decided the best way was to pick two at a time and use them morning and night for a month each to really see if they worked. My first duo (Caudalie vs Benefit) certainly had their plus points but I was still left feeling like something was missing. Not to be disheartened, I swiftly moved on to two more and began my search.

First up is natural skincare brand ESPA’s Optimal Skin Promoisturiser.

I have spoken about my love for ESPA’s Proserum, a light but seriously nourishing facial oil that leaves my skin feeling soft and hydrated, so I was excited to try the moisturiser from the same range. Claiming to hydrate the skin where it is most needed using a combination of natural plant extracts and inca inchi oil, it sounded perfect for my oily skin that still cried out for some serious hydration.

Consistency-wise this moisturiser is beautifully lightweight and just fluid enough that it glides over the skin without running everywhere.

It has that classic ESPA scent of natural herbs and flowers, that transports me to a luxury spa within seconds of applying (oh if only I could stay there), but it’s certainly not a subtle scent. This isn’t a big deal, unless I use it in combination with my Proserum, which has a similar scent. Together, the fragrance is a bit overwhelming for me, and it just depends on whether you are sensitive to strong perfumes in your skincare.

This is where things started going down hill for me with this moisturiser. I think the problem is when there is one thing you don’t like about a product it makes other thing that you wouldn’t necessarily notice more obvious.

Once applied I found that although it was absorbed quickly into my skin, it made my skin feel what I can only describe as “chalky”. Almost like my skin felt wafer thin and fragile. I used this moisturiser for two weeks out of the four I intended and every time my skin was left feeling the same.

I personally could not give up the ESPA facial oil, I find it really works wonders, so for me although it has a lot of the qualities I look for in a moisturiser, it’s a no from me.

Next up, is the Pure & Light Organic Skincare Essential Face Cream. I  received this in one of my Birchbox’s  and immediately was curious. I hadn’t heard of this brand before, and being packed full of lots of gorgeous oils such as argan, rosehip and orange blossom I started to wonder was this face cream the answer to my prayers and eagerly opened the tube to find out.

This moisturiser is thicker than the one from ESPA, something I am wary of when it comes to my skin, as a heavy cream makes my oily skin go into grease overload. However, it still absorbed quickly into my skin and left it feeling very soft.

The downside for me was the scent (am I just being too picky when it comes to fragrance!?).

Although it’s not a strong scent, it smells to me like talcum powder and dare I say, a bit elderly lady-ish. This meant after a couple days use, it got shoved it a cupboard never to see the light of day again… or so I thought.

After months of sitting in a drawer, this little beauty was a life saver, but not for my face. It was following my monthly leg shave, when the skin on my shins was feelings so dry and sensitive. I rummaged through all my skincare only to find lotions that were too thin, or gradual tannings creams. What was a girl to do? Spotting this, I figured why not? I wasn’t going to use it on my face anyway, so I slathered it all over my legs.

Best leg moisturiser ever!

It really sorted out all the dry patches and didn’t make my freshly shaved legs sting one bit. Obviously I understand it would be impractical to use a face cream for your body all the time, but a little search revealed Pure & Light Organic Skincare also do a body lotion, hurrah!!

Unfortunately my search for the perfect moisturiser is not over, but I have some really good ones lined up.

Fingers crossed,

Birchbox ESPA Moisturise Moisturiser Moisturizer Skin Deep Skincare