by Annie Vischer
We all know by now that aloe vera is wildly beneficial in terms of beauty. It has been used for centuries in Africa and India medicinally, and is enjoying somewhat of a vogue era in beauty around about now. It soothes, heals, moisturisers and brightens. What’s not to love? We’ve collected together our five favourite aloe vera beauty products to show you just what sort of aloe-rich beauties are out there.
I can’t go on about this moisturiser enough. I have tried so so many and always returned back to this little wonder. The Body Shop Aloe Soothing Moisture Lotion SPF 15 (£11.00) may not be for everyone, no moisturiser is, but I can never be without it, and it must be down to the aloe vera factor! I used to be able to use any moisturiser, until my skin decided to throw a hissy fit one day and turn ultra-sensitive. From then on, the wrong choice of moisturiser could cause all sorts of appearance-sabotaging reactions, puffy eyes, uneven texture, tenderness, the lot. Not this little one though. It’s as soothing as you can imagine without being heavy, and it imparts the sort of dewiness you see on the most glowing of catwalk makeup looks.
Bliss Aloe Leaf + Peppermint Foot Patrol (£18.40) is a firm favourite with our editor. Krista says ‘This is amazing. It revives your Haviana heels and leaves your feet baby soft’. Whether it’s strappy heels or gladiator sandals that you’re set to rock this summer, the season for flaunting your feet is fast approaching, making this particular aloe hero and absolute must.
Exfoliating for some always runs the risk of feeling slightly unkind to skin. Large granuals in products can scrape and irritate, whilst acidic formulations can leave complexions feeling tight and irritated. Aesop Tea Tree Leaf Facial Exfoliant (£27.00) combines essence of Tea Tree leaf with walnut shell and aloe vera to provide an altogether more gentle experience. The aloe vera soothes and calms skin during and after exfoliation, giving it exactly the after-care it requires. Skin will shine with the healthy glow of its soft polish without feeling any of the usual after-effects.
The benefits of the Alpha-H Triple Action Cleanser (£23.00) are of course three fold. It removes excess oil, removes makeup and rebalances skin’s pH level. Users have commented on the dewy afterglow from this popular product. Well would you know it. That’s all down to the aloe vera!
It doesn’t get more pure than aloe gel when it comes to gleaning the benefits of the beauty boosting plant. Use it to moisturise, to hydrate, as a lip balm, even to calm and heal burns or skin ailments. It’s brilliant for using on skin post-hair removal, whether it’s shaving, waxing or epilating, and you’ll want to smooth generously onto legs any way thanks to the gorgeous sheen it bestows. Life Plan Aloe Vera Gel (£7.49) is a great one to opt for. Wave the aloe vera want and feel the beauty benefits.