When it comes to skincare, it’s now easier than ever to bring our A-game. Advanced formulas have enabled us to practically become our own at-home aestheticians (cue whispers of, “Did she just get a facial?”) Sure, we may not be able to mix up potent concoctions (best left to the professionals), but we do know our salicylic from our hyaluronic and we’re getting better at taking care of our complexions.
Self care is alive and kicking, and as important as it is to take much-needed time out for some pampering, high-performance skincare – the type we can now buy on a trip to Boots – allows for a much more hands-on and convenient experience than a spa visit. Essentially, the latest innovations mean we can employ our skincare ritual whenever we fancy – no schlep across town necessary. It also means we know exactly what we’re putting on our skin, and puts us in charge of our own experience.
We can customise our routines depending on our mood, with the addition of a scented candle (picked by us) and our favourite playlist. And, with our arsenal of superior products ready and waiting in the bathroom cabinet, we can get going on smoothing, clarifying and brightening our skin at a moment’s notice. Here’s how.
Step one: The multi-tasking mask
Convenience is key, so do-it-all DIY masks reign supreme when it comes to creating skincare routines we’ll stick to long term. Ole Henriksen’s PHAT Glow Facial™, £42 is the grand dame of speedy skin perfecting and can be used day or night – no downtime means it can be used anytime. The 15-minute mask is geared to all skin types, even sensitive ones, since it contains polyhydroxy acids. While PHAs will treat your face to some nifty smoothing effects (they work in the same way as AHAs to loosen dead skin cells and whizz them away, giving you softer, brighter skin), thanks to their larger molecules, they won’t sink in as deeply, hence irritation is kept at bay.
Add in Nordic birch sap for hydration, pink bentonite clay to draw out impurities and softening cotton extract and you have yourself an all-purpose skin salve that’s mighty, but gentle. A hero for healthy, glowing skin in mere minutes.
Step two: The brighten and tighten toner
You’d be forgiven for thinking that toner is an unnecessary extra step. Rather than helping to get rid of any leftover makeup (your cleanser should be doing that), think of toner as more of a treatment. The best ones are infused with potent and effective ingredients to help improve skin condition and prep it for the next steps. Avoid any toners that contain alcohol (as this can dry skin out) and instead look for active, purposeful ingredients.
Ole Henriksen’s Glow2OH™ Dark Spot Toner, £22 is a kickass example. It contains high potency AHAs (glycolic and lactic), to gently exfoliate skin (which can help to reduce the appearance of dark spots). It also provides a much-appreciated side hustle of thoroughly smoothing skin. Witch hazel offers up some impressive brightening action while lemon gives it its zingy scent. Most effective when used at night, pour onto a cotton pad and swipe over a clean, dry face in a circular motion. Just remember, whenever you’re exfoliating skin it’s worth being extra vigilant with your SPF the next morning.
Step three: The energising day and night cream
No facial is complete without a generous layer of moisturiser to hydrate and nourish. Slather it on extra thick and leave it on overnight to wake up looking fully refreshed.
To tackle dullness, look for ingredients that quench (such as hyaluronic acid) and brighten. The gold standard for this is vitamin C, which is hands-down the queen of radiance and a bona fide fatigue-buster. Ole Henriksen’s C-Rush™ Brightening Gel Crème, £36 is an especially good option, since it contains three different types of vitamin C to tackle dullness from multiple angles.
Even better, the peachy tint of the product instantly helps to colour-correct dull, ashy-toned skin and makes a fantastic base for makeup in the morning, too. That’s a lot of muscle for one unassuming jar.
OLEHENRIKSEN is now available exclusively at Boots. Shop now at boots.com and selected boots stores nationwide, subject to availability
