So: I am having a bit of a time. A good time, though—a very, very good time. This post is late because I started it in a car, winding my way up a mountainside headed to a villa just outside of Sorrento. My partner and I spent the last few days in Dublin and Naples, and I couldn’t be more excited to tell you about the products I’ve been testing all season. I wasn’t able to take most of them with me (liquid limits, y’all), but looking at these Lavido review photos reminds me of how lucky I am to be here. Not just to be here; to be at this exact place in my life, where I can enjoy things purely for their aesthetics.

Where did you think you’d end up, 10 years ago?

My best friend brought me these lilacs straight off of her bush. Like most things (and like Lavido products for dry skin), they’re almost perfect: gorgeous and full of life, and mostly spider-free.

(Would I still be considered a Spider-Man if my superpower was being a beacon for spiders? Like, no superhuman strength or webbing or anything; just an incredible ability to be found by all spiders in a five mile radius so they can come bite me.)

We had a conversation in the pool yesterday night that opened my eyes wide: where did you think you were going to be ten years ago? Because I absolutely didn’t think I’d be in Italy, still blogging, and in a supportive relationship. If you’d have asked me at 17, I would have told you that I fully expected to be housebound, in crazy amounts of pain, and prematurely retired against my will.

While I’m not healthy, per se, I’m certainly doing better than I thought I’d be. I have around four good hours each day, with which I can choose to work, cook, go to classes, or see a friend. I’m often overwhelmed (who’d have thought that you have to eat food every day?), but things have certainly been—and been expected to be—far worse.

Lavido dry skin moisturizer reviews: Age Away Night Cream, Renewal Neck Cream, and Ultra-Daily Facial Moisture

I can still take pleasure in little luxuries, like the creaminess of Lavido’s Ultra-Daily Facial Moisture ($45 USD) and ultra-hydrating Night Cream ($49 USD). I like the Night Cream the best out of everything here: it’s rich and smooth, but doesn’t sit too heavy on the skin. It’s great when used with something like the Lavido Replenishing Facial Serum, but if I skip a few sessions of the serum, my dry skin holds up. The formula features capric/caprylic triglyceride—one of my favourites—and a bevy of essential oils.

The only odd one of this bunch is the Lavido Renewal Neck Cream ($79 USD), which is a little thick. It has a stiff, whipped texture that’s reminiscent of a few old L’Occitane whipped shea products that I still keep. I like it, but in comparison to the luxe texture of the brand’s silicone-free night cream for dry skin, it’s not quite the same. I’d say skip it — what your neck needs is SPF, not aloe and pomegranate seed oil!

Lavido Hydrating Facial Cleanser & Toner review

Okay: I’m going to try to keep this section very short (as I’ve spent the least time using these products), but things tend to get away from me.

The Lavido Hydrating Facial Cleanser ($29 USD) is indeed quite hydrating, but I find that it’s not much of a makeup remover. It doesn’t promise to be, but as a lazy skincare user, I can’t use a creamy cleanser that’s just going to smear my eyeliner. It’s full of Vitamin A and cold-pressed sesame seed oil, which makes it really nourishing.

Lavido Replenishing Facial Serum

I don’t say this often, but… Lavido’s Replenishing Facial Serum ($59 USD) is a little bit too much for my extremely dry skin. It’s so crazy rich and hydrating that I feel greasy even when I wake up in the morning, and I have to be careful not to apply more than one or two drops at a time.

Lavido’s entire brand message is all about soothing dry skin with plenty of organic essential oils and naturally-derived active ingredients, and you can really tell in this serum. It’s thick and indulgent, despite the lack of things like mineral oils and silicones in the line. The entire range of products, in fact, is cruelty-free, with a little subset of the brand being specifically catered to celiacs.

I’ve tested this brand on and off for about three months now, but I’ll be looping back this winter to see if the serum fares any better. It’s definitely suited for someone with dry skin, but it’s beyond even my level of dryness this season!

The Lavido review verdict?

I’ve really, really enjoyed trying out this line. The products are beautifully composed and designed, and the brand’s detailing is really quaint. They’re clear about what they do and don’t use, and the packaging that they’ve chosen feels like something from a way more expensive brand. (The pump on their $24 toner is otherworldly!)

There are plenty of natural brands out there, but this one is particularly broad. Check them out if you’re looking for silicone-free skincare for dry skin.

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Disclaimer: These products were gifted by PR for editorial consideration. They sent far more than I had asked for, and were very generous with their time!