I read an interview with a fashion stylist who said she never wears foundation (or makeup), just lipstick. She looked terrific. So for a split second, I was tempted by her ethos. But then I came to my senses. Not everything works for everybody. Some need a little less and some of us need quite a lot more. But we all want to look effortless, right? So cheat. A tinted moisturiser (with a hint of blush) is a really great way to fake that “radiating skin health” face. Team with a neutral lip colour and you’re left with a simple but strong look for spring.
1. Chanel Les Beiges Water-Fresh Tint £50, harveynichols.com
2. Typology Tinted Serum £25.50. uk.typology.com
3. Jones Road Miracle Balm in Flushed £34, jonesroadbeauty.com
4. Rose Inc Luminous Tinted Serum £36, spacenk.com
5. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Light Revealer £37, johnlewis.com
I can’t do without… You are in good hands with this freshly scented gel cleanser
Cleansers feature a lot on this column. I’ll tell you why. The efficacy of your cleanser will determine how well the rest of your skincare performs. A cleanser that doesn’t take your makeup off properly or tampers with your skin barrier or is too oily, drying or harsh will negate the effectiveness of any skincare product that comes afterwards. Ideally you need a roster of cleansers; a balm or oil should always be on tap – great for winter, for drier skins and works as a good makeup remover. But that’s an ideal situation. In real life most people use one cleanser. Well, I can highly recommend this superfood-infused one by Youth To The People. Most people would be immediately sold on the name. And thankfully it doesn’t disappoint. A cleanser shouldn’t be overly scented – if at all – and the fresh green scent of this is barely perceptible. The gel texture feels heavenly on the skin and it works up a rather reassuring foam that always feels comfortable. The end result is clean skin that isn’t stripped of moisture, so your skin is balanced and primed to absorb your serums and moisturisers. This really should be the essential function of any product that calls itself a cleanser. Alas, this is not always the case. So even if you only have this cleanser in your roster, your skin will be in very good hands. Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser, £31 cultbeauty.co.uk
On my radar… Gentle but firm formulations for sensitive skin
Better all the time Niacinamide (vitamin B3) refines pores, smooths skin and helps with hyperpigmentation but it can irritate if not high quality. So try this. Barbara Sturm The Better B Niacinamide Serum, £110, en.drsturm.com
Go minimal The many benefits of using this antioxidant-rich serum (it boosts the skin’s ability to retain moisture, smooths texture and evens out signs of photo-ageing) makes it perfect for minimalists. Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C, £56, cultbeauty.co.uk
Gentle giant For sensitive skins dealing with hyper pigmentation or post-acne scarring, this gentle Mandelic Acid and Retinol treatment is great. Inkey List Mandelic Acid Treatment, £9.99, uk.theinkeylist.com
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