the Elle next door: AN INTRODUCTION TO SKINCERE

As a diagnosed coeliac of 6 years, I like to think that I know all there is to know about gluten free and free from items (without sounding like a terrible - slightly pretentious - brag). I can tell you that it's virtually impossible to find a free from doughnut in London (this is the kind of hardships I have to live with, can I get a cry face emoji up in here please?). I can tell you that Beyond Bread Bakery is pretty much heaven for anyone who has to eat gluten free (a hands up/hallelujah emoji would work pretty brilliantly here). And I can also tell you that - thanks to a LFW catastrophe - KFC baked beans now contain flour. I know, insert all the "are you actually trying to ruin my life KFC"/outraged emoji here.

But what I couldn't have told you about only a few months ago, was gluten free and totally free from skincare items. Because I generally stick to more natural brands anyway, I hadn't had any reactions which meant that I'd never even considered that my skincare could contain gluten (or dairy, soya, nuts etc.) Which is why when I was introduced to Skincere, an absolutely stunning skincare brand made of 100% natural ingredients and completely gluten, dairy, soya and nut free, so is absolutely perfect for those with allergies, intolerance's and sensitive skin... I knew that I had to tell you lovely lot about it.

Oh, did I mention that is also has anti-ageing properties? Perhaps it will sink through and make me act more like a 23 year old rather than a granny too? Oh, ok... well younger looking skin it is then.

First up is the Skincere Cream Cleanser and I have to say, this might just be my favourite product from the range (although I am potentially the most indecisive person in existence so this may also change). What I immediately loved about this was that it was so thick and creamy and really just beautifully gentle on the skin. I don't think I'm alone in having the general opinion that gentle products sometimes don't do as much, but this cleanser really does remove all makeup without leaving your skin red or sore. The perfect cleanser for all skin types but especially amazing for those with sensitive skin.

Once my face is cleansed and looking as fresh as a daisy - well, as fresh as one can get with no sleep and an Indian takeaway bloat - it's time go in with the moisture and my first step is the Skincere facial serum. I have to say, I've used - and liked - a lot of serums in my time (in my time, can we take a moment to appreciate how much of a granny I now am?) but I've never loved one enough for it to become holy grail material, this serum however, is pretty much my holy grail right now. What I love about it is that it's seriously light whilst giving the biggest kick of hydration and moisturisation. A little goes a very long way and I just find that I notice such a difference in my hydration levels when I use this underneath my day cream...

... talking of day creams (you would never think that I used to be a TV Producer with a link like that would you?) The Skincere Day Cream is another winner in the brand's range. Made with plant extracts and natural botanics to gently hydrate and soothe the skin, it literally does, well... just that. I think Day creams are one of those gloriously basic items that kinda just do the job. And that's what this does. With the facial serum underneath, it's the perfect base combo underneath makeup as it's completely non-greasy and keeps the skin looking healthy and glowy.

Last but not least, the Skincere Eye serum. When it comes to eye products, I usually favour a thick, rich cream - in the hopes that a miracle will happen and I'll wake up without dark circles that are on fleek - so I wasn't convinced that this extremely light, almost gel like serum would really work for me. Well, erm - *stops for a second to eat (gluten free) humble pie* - it does. It's become my favourite morning eye cream as it's extremely light, silky and smooth and doesn't interrupt your eye makeup at all whilst keeping your eye area smooth and hydrated.

So that brings me to the end of my little ~~fangirl~~ rave review of this range. Overall, if you suffer from any allergies/intolerances, sensitive skin, or just favour natural skincare brands, I genuinely couldn't recommend Skincere enough. Every product is extremely gentle due to the natural ingredients and most importantly for me, make me feel safe in the knowledge that they're completely free from and won't affect my gluten free self.

Skincere launched in Holland and Barrett in December in case you're more of an in store shopper - like myself - but is also available online. (It also has a pretty blimmin great sale on at the moment so get in while you can).

I would love to know if you've ever heard of Skincere? Or if you've ever thought about Free From skincare before? If you have any other recommendations, please do let me know :)