Kate Somerville Goat Milk Cream

I have quite a bossy streak in me at the best of times, so I get ridiculously excited when people ask me for skincare suggestions and ideas - I feel like I should put a little white lab coat on and pull out a clipboard, except that seems to scare them off. When it comes to a good regime, I realize that not everyone has skin as dry as mine, nor does everyone like to feel like they're being drowned in moisture at all times (like I do). Regardless though, every type of skin, even oily, needs to be well hydrated, so one of my favorite suggestions for a good all-round cream for regular, sensitive and combination skin is Kate Somerville's Goat Milk Cream. Very light, it feels almost more like a lotion in texture - it does take a bit longer to really soak into skin, but once it does it leaves it soothed and balanced. I tend to like a really rich, balm-like cream, so this is quite light for me, but it's the perfect summer moisture, and my skin seems to absolutely love it. Perhaps I should be listening to it a bit more (it's saying yes, I like this one!) and stop buying my rich, old French woman creams and balms that are drowning it in richness. I don't think I can. I AM an old rich French woman deep down.

The first three ingredients are Aloe Vera juice, goat's milk and coconut oil - all of which are a great, non-irritating mix of soothing but light hydration for sensitive, acne-prone and stressed skin. The lactic acid in the goat's milk exfoliates very gently and leaves skin bright and clear, lightly hydrated and clean feeling. It's very aroma-neutral as well - just a very soft, faint milky scent, and it's paraben, silicone and perfume free - perfect for reactive and delicate skins. Basically brilliant for someone looking for a really high quality, natural and simple moisturizer to keep skin in line without too many excess ingredients.

The packaging is very pretty, with a lavender frosted plastic jar and adorable goat's head design - I definitely tend to shove this to the front of my regime on the vanity. I am a Capricorn though, and have a beloved pet goat (that's a whole other story...) so I could be biased towards caprine imagery. Inside is a brilliant pump action top - several brands are starting to switch over to this design and I hope everyone does eventually - it keeps the products fresh, sterile, and metes out the perfect amount every time. At $55 for a jar, it's pricey but about on par for more natural, high quality brands - $40 to $60 is about the norm when it comes to a quality face cream - and that usually will last your two or three months.

This cream sells out quickly online and is a perennial favorite - keep it in mind as the perfect basic but high quality moisturizer - I've yet to see skin react unfavorably to it, and it really does seem to suit most perfectly. Try this one if you don't like the feeling of most creams on your skin, and want to feel like you're wearing something light and smooth, or if you're skin is feeling really reactive and upset. As an added perk, the Kate Somerville staff and customer service are super knowledgeable and helpful, and are fabulous when it comes to questions and suggestions - they can really steer you towards the best matches for your skin in the line without being pushy or too biased - they get top marks from me, or maybe I'm just jealous of their lab coats.....

How is your skin at the moment - dry, irritated, confused, oily? Are you happy with your moisturizer or looking for something new? Let's hear about it below!

(product was kindly provided by Kate Somerville for consideration)

Kate Somerville Clinic To Go Resurfacing Peel Pads

These fantastic little fellows are one of our current obsessions here at the Blossom Shed. They're tidy, easy and effective - the perfect product to throw into your current routine for an extra bright, smooth complexion.

Each of the little Kate Somerville Clinic To Go pads are separately sealed - to use you just select one, slide it onto your fingers, and peel off the covering - the soft cotton pad smooths a potent but gentle blend of AHAs, Lactic Acid, Sage, Comfrey and Lavender onto the face, with plenty in each use for the neck and hands as well. Leave it on a few minutes, rinse, and follow up with a something rich and soothing.

The ingredients are a lovely blend that don't bother my sensitive skin at all - I can even use a bit closer to my eye area with no discomfort. There's a bit of stinging/tingling when you first apply, which means it's working, but afterwards skin is soft, bright and smooth as glass, with no dryness or irritation. I like to see a difference with a peel, and this one is immediate and rewarding. You can use once or twice a week, but make sure you wear a good sunscreen during the day - all peels, even mild, leave the skin more exposed to sun damage - don't be like me and wait until you have a smattering of new freckles before you put these things together.


I love how easy and travel friendly these are - you can throw a couple into your purse, gym tote or overnight bag when you're on the go, and they're a good value - peels and exfoliants tend to be pricey, and $48 for 16 (2-4 months worth) is not bad at all. If you've disliked the textures, feel or mess of other peels in the past, but want something that gives rewardingly instant results, these are for you - they should suit all skin types well, and are basically, brilliantly designed.

If this is Kate's clinic to go, I can only dream of the bricks and mortar one. Apparently it has lovely wallpaper, and is full of Hollywood starlets. I prefer the former more than the latter, but I would be quite happy to put up with quite a lot for the sort of heavenly complexion promised.

Who likes the sound of these for their 2012 skin routine? Anyone have an exfoliant that they love and recommend instead? Lets hear about it!

(product kindly send for consideration by Kate Somerville Skincare)