Being an avid follower of Zoe Foster-Blake's blog, I remember being extremely excited when she announced last year that she was going to be releasing her own skincare line. I have always thought that I'd like to be Zoe when I grow up, ( we can just pretend for a minute that I am not actually older than her ), an experienced beauty journalist, both in print and online for many years, a brilliantly quick, dry sense of humour, fabulous hair and a complexion to envy. If anyone knows their skincare stuff, it's Zoe. And did I mention that she seems like such a groovy chick?
The GO-TO line currently consists of five products, not designed as a full line in its own entity, but a streamlined edit of products that can easily slot into your current skincare regime. I remember reading an article about Zoe's vision for the brand, wanting her products, to be the "go-to products" for her customers...hence the name GO-TO was born. The line consists of a cleanser, moisturiser, exfoliating pads, lip balm and an all purpose oil/balm. GO-TO was created in Australia, and is made in New Zealand, something that this half kiwi appreciates!
My initial purchase consisted of the Exfoliating Swipeys, and the lip balm, Lips! I loved both immediately. A few months later I opened my letter box and found another peachy pink box inside, and to my complete and utter surprise ( I believe I used the phrase "Shut the front door!" on social media ), there was a lovely hand written note ( LOVE those ) accompanied by Properly Clean, and Very Useful Face Cream. I know. How lovely!
So today, I would like to share my thoughts with you on Properly Clean, Very Useful Face Cream, Exfoliating Swipeys, and Lips! I have indeed been eyeing off Exception-Oil, and considering it is birthday month this month ( and a big one at that ), I think a purchase is inevitable.
Just as a quick re-cap for reference, I have oily/combination/acne prone/dehydrated skin.
I know. High maintenance aren't I?
Let's GO-TO it!! ( see what I did there?...)
GO-TO PROPERLY CLEAN rrp $29.95
I don't think there could be a better name for this cleanser. The bottle houses a liquid cleanser that dispenses as a foam/mousse through a pump mechanism. Now, if you are a regular reader of this blog, you might know that I have sworn off cleansers that foam for a number of years now. I have removed the pump and tested this cleansing liquid on its own, and found very minimal foaming action at all. Once dispensed, the mousse texture feels soft and lovely on the skin, and maintains its' marshmallowy texture without continuing to foam or suds. It rinses away quickly and easily, with no fuss or bother, leaving not a trace of residue in its wake. Now, I do love a good cleansing oil/balm as my first cleanse in the evening, so I have been using one pump of Properly Clean as my second cleanse, and have also enjoyed it as a quick morning cleanse. It has a beautifully uplifting scent of ginger, mandarin and lime, not overpowering, just refreshing and soothing. Love.
GO-TO EXFOLIATING SWIPEYS rrp $45.95
Oh my, I can safely say that Exfoliating Swipeys will forever occupy valuable real estate in my heaving bathroom cabinet for many years to come. Yep. They are good. Combining one of the gentlest Apha Hydroxy Acids, Lactic Acid, in a base of soothing Aloe Vera and nourishing Almond Oil, these face pads are brilliant. Each of the 50 slightly textured facial pads has the perfect amount of product to easily swipe over the entire face, and down the neck to the top of the boobs. If you are not a regular user of chemical exfoliants, then I would highly recommend following the directions given, and that is to rinse the skin gently a few minutes following application. I believe this is to simply dilute the exfoliant a little, making it even more gentle. I know my skin pretty well, so I do not rinse my face. DO follow the directions, and if in doubt head over to the GO-TO website, where you will find many frequently asked questions that might help you. I use these a couple of times a week in the evening, after cleansing, and prior to application of serums/moisturisers. Without fail, the next morning my skin looks plump and glowing, feels hydrated, and any inflammation significantly reduced. They do contain mandarin and lemon essential oils ( and smell divine ) so something to be aware of if you are sensitive to essential oils in your skincare. I absolutely love these, and will certainly be repurchasing. Worthy of note, these are perfect for travel, and came with me to New York City recently. Love. Love times two.
GO-TO VERY USEFUL FACE CREAM rrp $39.95
A beautiful, nourishing and protective moisturiser that is full of terrific ingredients, including a hefty dose of protective anti-oxidants. However, the second ingredient is Shea Butter, and whilst it is a beautiful ingredient, daily use does not agree with my skin. Along with being acne prone, I also suffer with some congestion, and I find that products with Shea Butter reasonably high on the list of ingredients will exacerbate this. GO-TO have actually suggested to use Very Useful Face Cream sparingly on areas that may be prone to congestion, so for some people that is typically the T-zone. Of course not everyone has this issue with Shea butter, and I have no doubt that many people with a more normal to dry skin type would absolutely adore this cream. It contains other oils that are normally well tolerated by my skin, but this one for me has been relegated to an ocassional "overnight mask" treatment. And for that, it does a stellar job. For such a nourishing moisturiser, it feels particularly lightweight. I will often repurpose products that don't work for me as they were intended. Again, it has a beautiful, but subtle fragrance of fig and oriental rose. Although it is not suited to me personally, if you have no issue with congestion from Shea butter, then it is definitely worth a try!
GO-TO LIPS! rrp $14.95
A super balm indeed, this lovely concoction of medical grade lanolin, shea butter, apricot kernel, sweet almond, evening primose, pomegranate seed, calendula, jojoba, and avocado oils will whip the most weather ravaged, cracking, peeling painful lips into a soft, plump kissable kisser in no time! Not much else to say really, this little tube sits nicely on my bedside table and gets slathered on every night. Divine. She does get a little runny in warmer weather due to all the lovely oils, so just be careful when you squeeze the tube. Not to say she can't be used during the day, you will find a delicate shimmer on your lips, perfect for no fuss day, or patted on top of your lippy if you fancy. Love!
You can find Zoe's website ZOTHEYSAY here. Her blog is contained within the website, including all of the older post from FruityBeauty, and you will find a link there to GO-TO skincare.
OH! And guess what was just posted today on the blog??? All about the new GO-TO face oil, called FACE HERO! My goodness this one is on my list to try, follow the link here to go straight to the post!!
You're welcome!
Have you tried any of the GO-TO range? Do you have a favourite product? Are you as keen as I am to try the new face oil? Do leave me a comment below! I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Blessings,
Lou xo
Disclaimer: I am sharing my own personal experience and opinion, with no claim to being an expert, nor having received training in skincare. Do follow instructions and recommendations, and patch test first if you wish to. Cheers xo
