Typically, the only time I find myself reaching for aloe vera is after a hot summer’s day spent tanning at the beach (for a little too long, I might add) – when I would return home sporting an awful sunburn. This is usually paired with an expected lecture from my Mum, stressing the damages of unprotected sun exposure as she comments almost always on queue: “I told you to wear more sunscreen!”
During the summer months, aloe vera acts as a saving grace for those dealing with irritated and inflamed sunburn – earning its place as a summer skincare essential.
But for Grace Cosmetics, aloe vera has become the hero in all of their products, taking the cake as the number one ingredient across their entire skincare range.
With over 40 years of experience in the cosmetics industry, Grace’s products combine a selection of complementary natural ingredients to work in perfect “synergy” together, in order to maximise their effectiveness. This is where the main character aloe vera comes in.
When combined with “cosmeceutical actives” and “potent botanicals”, organic aloe vera flaunts an exceptional list of benefits, some of which include improving the skin’s moisture barrier, whilst containing anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties.
As someone who deals with sensitive eczema-prone skin, when given the chance to test out some of Grace’s sensitive skin range I couldn’t resist – so here are my honest first impressions.
Aloe Foaming Cleanser
The first product in their 4-step routine was the “Aloe Foaming Cleanser” – to be used daily as a purifying face wash. If I’m being completely honest, hearing the word foaming instantly had me worried, as my past experiences with foaming cleansers always left me with even drier skin than I had to begin with. However, Grace’s aloe cleanser may have officially stamped out any prior apprehension I have had with foaming products. A little goes a long way with this cleanser, which instantly converts from a gel to foam after massaging on the face. Equipped with a combination of organic aloe vera and vitamins A, B5 and E, the cleanser effectively removed my makeup and morning skincare, without leaving my skin feeling tight and thirsty. To say I was impressed is an understatement.
Grace Cosmetics Aloe Foaming Cleanser, $42. Shop here.
95% Aloe Hydrating Gel
Next I tested Grace’s “95% Aloe Hydrating Gel”, which is said to be suitable for all skin types. Its initial scent is strong and intriguing – a combination of peppermint, eucalyptus and clove oils. To be used directly after cleansing, the serum-like texture when massaged onto my skin had an undoubtedly hydrating quality to it, which my skin appeared to drink up quickly. This reminded me how my skin would react after lathering on aloe vera gel in the warmer months to soothe my sun-soaked skin. Whilst quickly drying, my skin felt plump and hydrated after the gel’s use – also soothing the redness surrounding a small colony of spots I had picked prior to application.
Grace Cosmetics 95% Aloe Hydrating Gel, $45. Shop here.
Infiniti-C Moisturiser
The third step in Grace’s 4-product sensitive skin range was their “Infiniti-C Moisturiser” (sounds intriguing, right?) Claiming to provide lightweight nourishment, the aloe-based moisturiser packed with antioxidants and vitamins certainly lived up to its expectations. I was particularly excited to discover the product didn’t contain any scent – those battling sensitive skin should understand my enthusiasm. Under makeup the moisturiser sat perfect, whilst upholding a long-lasting glow throughout the day. As an added bonus, its use of kakadu plum and beech tree extract are said to prevent fine lines and wrinkles from forming in the long term. Who could say no to that?
Grace Cosmetics Infiniti-C Moisturiser, $59. Shop here.
Vital Skin Oils
As the icing on the cake, the final product I tested was Grace’s “Vital Skin Oils”. Labelled as “liquid gold” in its description, this oil combines apricot, avocado and jojoba oils to refresh and hydrate your skin – which should be used as a final step in your night time routine. I was particularly excited to try this product as I had never used a face oil before, and was instantly a fan of its deluxe packaging. The oil’s hydration was clear when I woke up the next morning with plump hydrated skin, and I was left thoroughly impressed by its ability to lock in the layers of skincare I had applied prior.
Grace Cosmetics Vital Skin Oils, $42.50. Shop here.
I can now understand why aloe vera holds such a special place in Grace Cosmetics’ heart (and skincare routine). Its hydrating and soothing qualities make for an exceptional skincare ingredient that effectively caters for those who fall under the irritated and sensitive skin umbrella – just like myself.
I would encourage anyone wanting to update their skincare routine not to overlook what once was a summer staple, but now an everyday hero: the humble aloe vera.
Learn more about Grace Cosmetics below.
Read more of our product reviews here.
