Good Things Miracle Mattifier Moisturiser.

When I was a teenager, there wasn't the range of skincare products that there is today. There were things like Biactol and Clearasil which stripped the skin of everything and subsequently produced more oil and more spots. There were Aapri skin buffing pads which left the skin feeling as if it had been attacked with a Brillo Pad. But there were no decent (and cheap) moisturisers for young skin.

 In despair at my acne, my mother took me to the GP, who prescribed Quinoderm which was just as bad. After a trip a dermatologist, I was prescribed a hormonal cream and antibiotics. When this did not work, the dermatologist suggested Clinique Clarifying lotion and the Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion. My dad nearly broke down at the cost of them at the counter in House of Fraser. It worked in the end and I've used the clarifying lotion every day since I was 15. I'm still scared to give it up now but only use it once or twice a week now.


Good Things is a brand of skin care developed by Alice Hart-Davies aimed at teenagers. I feel it would be suitable for teen boys too but I highly doubt if they'd go for something in a lilac tube (maybe put the range in a gunmetal tube and lose the scent for boys?) For the face, there are two ranges - one for normal-dry skin and one for oily spot prone skin. You can mix and match to get the right regime for your skin.

I'd never heard of the brand until I was in the Carnaby St Boots looking for a new moisturiser to try out back in August. I have sensitive combination skin so was going to go for La Roche Posay but the packaging of the Good Things Miracle Mattifier Moisturiser caught my eye. The thing that particularly caught my eye was the 'Free From' stamped on the packaging. Free from parabens, animal tested ingredients and mineral oils. So far so good. The next thing that attracted me was the price - £7.99. So in the basket it went.

When I got it home, I was a little worried at the scent because perfumed moisturisers break my skin out (I'm looking at you, Garnier). My worries were unfounded for the next day, there was no breakout. It smells of blackcurrants. It reminds me of a summer pudding, scentwise. It also doesn't seem to contain any silicone at all so takes a while to work into the skin. Most people are used to silicone being in a lot of products for slip and ease of blending so this will take a while to get used to. It's also packed with goji berries, one of the super fruits.

Now, the only foundation I use on myself is Illamasqua Skin Base which is silicone based. There was no conflict between either product (sometimes, I find that Skin Base does not mix well with some moisturisers and primers but that's a whole other post) and during the hot weather in August (oh it seems such a long time ago now), the moisturiser kept my skin mostly matte and the foundation did not slide off.

After 6 weeks of continuous use (I have even tried it in place of a cleanser during hot cloth cleansing at night to take my make up off), I have to say that my skin feels a lot better, has barely broken out and is looking good.

There are no anti aging properties in this moisturiser because it is aimed at teens and teens have enough to worry about without having to think about lines and wrinkles as well.

If you're looking for a good simple cleansing and moisturising routine for yourself or teen, then you can't go wrong with this brand. The website is full of Q&As and a lot more info about the various products.

Good Things Website

Buy Good Things products at Boots.