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Sometimes it’s easy when you’re trying skincare and picking up new products to forget the things that really work. The ones you loved going back to for a reason before your eye got caught by something in shiny packaging flirting with you at the counter of Space NK. It’s an easy thing to happen, I understand! But, as a written note to the products that I’ve tried, used every last drop of and loved- I thought I’d share some the empties I want to make sure are not only recycled but remembered too (you know- without being too dramatic- that started to sound like some kind of skin care eulogy).
I’m sure you might have heard me wax lyrical about some of these products; there’s a handful of which I’m on my second, third or fourth bottle (trust me, they’re good). But the main thing is that all of them I would purchase and use again in a heartbeat- and that’s definitely the thing to remember after the last drop has disappeared…
Skin Rocks Retinol
If someone is going to make a good retinol, it’s going to be Caroline Hirons. The woman never misses! She’s the woman I’d trust on making a crucial spot-popping judgement (never do it too early, and push UP), with flare ups and whose skin wisdom knows no limits. Anyway, unsurprisingly, her skincare collection, Skin Rocks- is excellent, and this is the second bottle of her retinol I’ve bought from Space NK. With two to chose from you can opt for a strength that works for your skin, which means even if you have more sensitive skin you can build up to something that works, and this stuff is superb.
Lixirskin Universal Emulsion
I found this moisturiser in my stash and remembered the very pretty packaging from a few years ago when I tried the brands Electrogel Cleanser (which sounds far more intimidating than it is), and loved it. This moisturiser is the perfect day moisturiser; great under make up, non-pilling and absorbs perfectly too, and sometimes that’s just really all you need.
Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Concealer
The concealer that would go straight to number one in my Desert Island beauty picks. If nothing else is going to make me look alive, I can rest assured this little doe foot and bottle has got me. Thick enough to use on its own, but never heavy or claggy on the skin (which I’m not sure is a description most beauty writers will be using, weirdly) but it’s just SO great. The Miss World of make up and one product I know I’ll be using until the day it’s discontinued (and then I’ll be scouring Amazon and weird eBay shops for it thereafter).
Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm
A new discovery for me for this year, but a product I’ve heard people talk about for years, and I can finally see why. Incredibly reminiscent to my other favourite Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm, the most deliciously scented cleanser that has the power to transport you to a fabulous London spa with it’s smell alone. It’s also a dream for removing make up, and both this and the Elemis balm will always be worth every penny to me.
Elemis Pro Collagen Super Serum Elixir
I am a real elixir/serum convert, and this little gem is nothing short of brilliant at injecting serious hydration and glow. Being someone partial to dehydration (one day I’ll learn), fine forehead lines are definitely something I’m aware of, and this is so great for helping with fine lines and giving them a little bit of love.
Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish
I don’t think there’s anything new I can say about this cleanser that I haven’t said before. It’s my absolute OG and few come close to cleansing as gently as this and leaving no trace at all. Forever *chefs kiss*!
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Eye Base
I’m quite new to the eye cream club, but after a few years of late nights (ahem), come 7am I need a gentle nudge in the right direction when it comes to looking awake. Thankfully this stuff is absolutely brilliant. Nourishing, plumping and butter thick- but absorbs quickly and leaves no residue either- the dream.
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel
There was a time last year where I could not find this anywhere for love nor money and I was getting desperate. I ended up buying this one in a gift set at Christmas, but have since seen it pop up again which my skin is over-joyed about. Not only is it incredibly hydrating but weirdly it does wonders for my skin in regards to break-outs and keeping them at bay. I’ve yet to find another serum I’ll go to the darkest depths of the internet to hunt down like this one.
Susanne Kauffmann Hyaluron Serum / Kate Sommerville Hydrakate Serum
In my quest to find a suitable Drunk Elephant replacement, I sampled a couple of alternative hydrating serums, and I must say- these both did a brilliant job at filling some pretty big boots. My brief for a great serum is that it quickly absorbs, works well under make up and gives my skin a real drink- and these both did that in spades, brava!
Typology Vitamin C Radiance Serum
Ugh, everything Typology do is just excellent. They make brilliant, minimal fuss products that truly get the job done and make understanding skincare and the things your skin needs really straightforward and simple. This Vitamin C serum was one of the first I introduced as part of my morning routine and it’s amazing at brightening and adding glow.
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