From a flaky forehead to an oily T-zone, understanding your complexion is essential when picking the most effective products. We reveal our go-to skincare heroes designed to cater to your specific needs.
OILY SKIN: Oily skin can be difficult to cope with … no sooner have you washed your face that you notice it starts to look greasy again. The problem is caused by excess sebum, the oily substance that protects and hydrates our skin and is vital to keep it looking healthy. While it may sound strange, using oil on your face actually stops your skin thinking it needs to produce any more, so a daily serum is a great introduction to skincare routine.
STYLE LOVES … VENN’s Advanced Multi-Perfecting Red Oil Serum, from Harvey Nichols, is formulated using 34 root extracts, botanicals, and essential oils to deliver a category-defining, comprehensive treatment. It’s clinically tested to hydrate skin for up to 24 hours, instantly increase skin’s radiance and improve skin elasticity and firmness.
SPOT-PRONE SKIN: You may have thought you’d leave spots behind in your teens, but many adults regularly suffer from pesky breakouts. Look for products that contain super ingredients like glycolic and salicylic acid that will help detox and gently exfoliate the skin. Keeping your face clean is essential to prevent pores getting clogged and causing even more spots.
STYLE LOVES … Kiehl’s deep cleansing Calendula Foaming Wash, from Selfridges, has a creamy gel formula that activates with water to create a rich foam. It gently lifts away impurities, dirt and oil without stripping your skin of its essential moisture, leaving it looking refreshed and revitalised.
DRY SKIN: If your skin feels tight and flaky and often looks dull then you need to chose daily essentials with hydrating hyaluronic acid (which can hold 1,000 times its weight in water) and collagen (renowned for its anti-ageing benefits). Avoid abrasive scrubs and products that contain alcohol to prevent further irritation and dryness.
STYLE LOVES … Heaven Skincare’s new Collagen Face & Body Mist is a top-to-toe spray that works as a skin firmer and refiner, energy booster and make-up setting spray all in one. It contains the brand’s Collagen Drops so you’ll feel a tightening effect when you spritz; there’s also additional hyaluronic acid to leave skin looking radiant, as well as essential neroli oil, known for its antibacterial and rich antioxidants properties.
MATURE SKIN: While it’s true that we can’t stop our skin ageing (it’s as inevitable as night follows day, I’m afraid) we can still introduce products that hydrate, repair and tighten to improve its texture and tone and help diminish the appearance of those dreaded fine lines. Many women stick with the same products for years on end, but you’ll probably find many of the ones you relied on a decade ago just won’t be right for you now.
STYLE LOVES … Sisleÿa L’Intégral Anti-Age Eye and Lip Contour Cream, from John Lewis, targets wrinkles, puffiness and dark circles. Rich in plant extracts and vitamins, it maintains skin’s hydration, elasticity and toned appearance. Prepare the skin first with the mini massage tool before smoothing above your brows and eyelids, always using a motion away from the inner eye; then apply above the lips from the centre of the mouth to the outer edges.
