For anyone who wants skin that looks “lit from within”, start with skincare: efficacious facials (QMS is one of the best I’ve ever had), regular exfoliation (Paula’s Choice is an oldie, but a goodie) and sunscreen (add Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Lotion to your repertoire. It is sublime). Then makeup. A good highlighter, foundation that mimics great skin and a skincare mist like Augustinus Bader that protects skin while keeping it dewy. There you glow.
1. Dior Forever Glow Maximizer £36, dior.com
2. Vieve Lip Dew £19, vieve.co.uk
3. Merit Day Glow Solstice £34, meritbeauty.com
4. Augustinus Bader The Face Mist £75, augustinusbader.com
5. Sisley Phyto Teint Perfection £80, spacenk.com
I can’t do without… Fast, effective, irritation-free retinol skincare
While professionals swear by retinol, a type of vitamin A used to treat everything from fine lines to pigmentation and acne, the stories of sore, peeling skin from using it are enough to put anyone off. But that needn’t be your experience if you keep certain things in mind. For instance, a high percentage of retinol isn’t automatically better and, formulated badly, can actually be really harsh. Retinol should ideally be used every other night and never in the day – and always use sunscreen in the morning. As always, the right formulation is everything. Skincare expert Sarah Chapman is one of the most trusted in the business: celebrities have her on speed-dial, the treatments in her clinic are gamechanging and her new clinical range – it’s as close to prescription grade as possible – is excellent. Particularly the retinol. Like any decent retinol, it is encapsulated, meaning it releases slowly and is less likely to cause irritation. Where Chapman’s retinol goes the extra mile is by delivering directly at cellular level giving you incredible, faster results without irritation. Some of the best retinols on the market still take a long time before they get to cellular level. Like walking up the stairs of a very tall building; by the time it gets to the top floor, it’s knackered – and less effective. Sarah Chapman’s retinol on the other hand takes the express lift straight to the top floor. Sarah Chapman Clinic A1 Vitamin A, £90, sarahchapman.com
On my radar: mood-boosting beauty
Scents and sensibility Makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury has teamed up with neuroscientists and perfumers to create six scents to elicit emotions. Calm Bliss includes bergamot, orange blossom and warm tonka bean to capture serenity in a bottle. Charlotte Tilbury Fragrance Collection, from £20 for 10ml, charlottetilbury.com
De-stressing skincare Stress affects our skin: fact. Hence Neurae – developed by the team behind Sisley – have used neuroscience to create skincare that triggers a powerful emotional reset and helps skin build resilience to stress. Neurae The Serum, £135, neurae.com
Free your mind Dr Alexis Granite’s Joonbyrd is set to redefine dermatologist-led beauty brands. Integrating clinically proven formulations with mood-boosting ingredients, it delivers excellent skincare that taps into the mind-body connection. Joonbyrd Moon Swim Body Wash, £48, joonbyrd.com
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