My ultimate skincare favourites
One of the most wonderful things about my blogging journey has been the discovery of skincare and beauty. Before this I’d been a face wipe girl with very little understanding of what products could do or why you’d want to own them. Make up wise I owned concealers and mascaras and that really was it. Maybe it’s that I’m now in my mid thirties but I’m now skincare obsessed.
So, after a lot of testing here are my absolute favourites. I do chop and change to test new things as they come through, but it at the very least gives you an idea of the brands I trust as those don’t change very often (I’m a bit stubborn like that!).
This list runs alongside a giveaway I am running on my Instagram here to win all of the products for you and a friend*. I’ve tried to use a mix of brands so I can indicate those I trust and I’ve included options where I couldn’t not mention a secondary option. Right, let’s get into it…
please note affiliate links are used throughout this post
Cleansers
When it comes to cleansers I look for a few things. First up, which may sound obvious, but I want my skin to feel like it’s been cleansed. Without it stripping my skin too much. I know double cleansing is important but I don’t always do it (sorry to my dermatologists) as I just don’t have time and find that if I bother to keep it up with face masks a couple of times a week my skin doesn’t need it.
I do use cream-based cleansers (I really like Dermalogica, Pixi and Evelom ones) but for me discovering how good cleansing balms were was a real moment. I assumed, having fairly oil skin in places, that they’d cause break outs when in fact the opposite is true.
1. Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm
This cleansing balm was the first one I ever tried. There are a number of variations (fragrance free, rose, neroli) but for me the classic is the best. I assumed that it was more the concept of a balm than this specific one, but I keep going back to it just because it strikes the balance of making my skin feel super balanced with not drying it out. My skin never feels tight after washing and overall I think it’s fantastic.
Other cleansing balms of note:
Beauty Pie’s Apricot Butter Cleansing Balm
Omorovizca’s Thermal Cleansing Balm
Rodial’s Pink Diamond Cleansing Balm
Skin and Tonic’s Cleansing Balm
2 - Erborian black cleansing oil
On the other end of the scale, the other kind of cleanser I need is one that’ll calm down my breakouts is the Erborian Charcoal Cleansing’s Oil. I have pretty difficult skin to manage in that it goes through phases of being oily, dry, congested, sensitive and have to say this is one of very few charcoal products that doesn’t make my skin go nuts. In fact I use it for the opposite; its brilliant to manage breakouts (or the threat of a breakout).
Toners and Exfoliators
I’ve used exfoliators for a while but toners were the last addition to my skincare routine as I never really saw the need for one. They seemed like an excessive purchase and were quite easy to skip. Fast forward to now and I’d state them as being as important as a moisturiser…
3. Dermalogica Hydramist
When I tried Dermalogica’s Hydramist for the first time I was blown away by the difference is made. It’s a spray and I use a couple of pumps between cleansing and serum or moisturiser. I just noticed that my skin was brighter, pigmentation wasn’t as “loud” and my skin seemed to absorb all other products a great deal better. Yes, it’s a very luxurious addition to a regime but I really recommend it particularly if you wear a lot of make up and need to make sure that your skin is buffed so that foundations sit well.
4. Ren Ready Steady Glow AHA Tonic
Once or twice a week I also this Ren Skincare toner as it’s an AHA tonic meaning it’s that little bit stronger. AHA stands for “alpha hydroxy acid” and is used for a combination of anti aging, hydration and exfoliating properties. It’s also very good to some pigmentation types (will write separately on this as I massively advise a professional opinion before treating dark spots). If you are someone (like me) who gets congestion, scars from break outs and has open pores then you’ll really do well from using something like this. Ren Skincare are a hugely reliable brand, I’ve never had a product from them that hasn’t done what it’s supposed to so really recommend.
5. Nip and Fab 6% Glycolic Scrub
I take caution in recommending scrub-based exfoliators because I know some people say they’re never a good thing and can be very harsh. I try to use them as minimally as possible but it’s annoying because I do think they do the best job if you really need to buff and clean the skin. My favourite is from Nip and Fab (Rodial’s little sister) and is called the Glycolic 6% Scrub it isn’t included in the competition but I didn’t want to miss off. I use this almost topically, when I notice that my skin really need a thorough clean or is very oily. A little goes a long way and I actually recommend buying it in a supermarket or Boots over online as it’s always on offer.
Serums and Moisturisers
I struggle to get my head around serums VS moisturisers as they seem to promise similar results. I think the professionals say you use serum between toning and moisturising but I don’t really need both at the same time. My skin sometimes gets enough from one, especially in the daytime - my make up would slide everywhere.
I tend to use a moisturiser in the morning and then if I was taking extra care of my skin I’ll apply a serum after an evening shower and then do moisturisers when I clean my teeth before bed – but that’s very much a luxury and I could easily do one or the other, just sometimes handy if I’m using a retinol (I put this on just before bed) but also want to make sure that I get my hyaluronics or vitamin based products in.
It was near impossible to choose a favourite so I whittled it down to four (should really be five as I had a moment of madness and forgot Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair, doh) each has an individual strength…
6. L’occitane Immortelle Serum
This serum smells delicious (it’s fragranced lightly, citrusy) and I came about it through work. We ran a campaign where we ask a group of women to test if over 30 days, posting their results on day 1, 7, 14 and 30. The results spoke for themselves and left my entire office with an addiction. It’s a bit of an all rounder - will improve tone, fine lines, pigmentation and bounciness of the skin. One girl who has since left the company has it shipped to Switzerland regularly!
7. Murad Vita C Serum
Well, this one is an all star and I don’t say this lightly. Although it calls itself a serum I’d say it’s a halfway house as it has two elements - a light serum fluid combined with a white, thicker moisturiser. If you have pigmentation or breakouts make this your new best friend. I use this every single day without fail. I even bought travel size ones to take to the gym.
8. rodial dragons blood serum
Another one that I’d say is more of a moisturiser, and unfortunately not included in the competition. I first used this a few years ago as it was recommended by a friend when I’d come back from holiday and overdone sun exposure - my skin just looked dry and tired. Fast forward a couple of weeks and I was getting compliments left, right and centre. Everything felt better when I used it, and my make up sat on my skin so much better than it did before. Oh and it somehow held on to my tan too!
9. beauty pie healthy sleep oil
I wanted to put a sleep oil in because I think they get quite over looked. I was certainly guilty of it until it was pointed out to me (by a dermalogica specialist) that our skin does 80% of it’s repair work when we sleep. It’s one of the reasons we “look better” for a good nights kip. Beauty Pie’s entry is one of the best I’ve used and made an impactful difference. You need a very small amount, I made it part of my bedtime ritual. It doesn’t stay oily, or f*** your pillows for those wondering. Expect to look just a little bit brighter - ironically it’s brilliant for when you go to bed late and don’t want to look like death the following day.
self tan
Now this could have been a blog post of it’s own as I’ve tried a number of them and as my sheets will tell you, some have gone better than others. It was hard to select just one, and there are some solid runners up (I see you Isle of Paradise and Nivea Gradual Tan) but I picked this one as the formulation and reliability is second to none.
10. Balance Me Tanning Drops
Balance Me is a brand I just love. In fact I’ll do a dedicated post on it all at some point as it’s one of those unsung heroes of the skincare world - organic from the off, largely plant based and extremely sustainably conscious. Their tanning drops are foolproof - I use them by putting a drop or two into my serum/moisturiser - but you can even put it on right before bed and it’ll sink in before your head hits the pillow with no mess the following day. It builds up lightly, after two or three days you’ll look properly “holidayed” or use it in winter to just ward off the vampire look…
eye creams
I can hear all the dermatologists in the world scream as I say this - I didn’t use an eye cream until I was 32. I probably completely screwed my chances for eternal youth but since I got into it I’ve been hastily making up for lost time. As some guidance from a rookie who got it very wrong at times; the word “decomedogenic” is essential if you suffer from milia (hard white spots on delicate skin around the eye) and as much as we say “eye cream” try and find water or gel based ones to avoid looking like you’ve been stung by a bee if you’re prone to puffiness… Choosing a favourite was hard, but there was one that stood out from the rest.
11. dermalogica bio lumin c serum
This just ticks every single box and with the competition element of this post I couldn’t not give you a chance to try it. It’s a water gel, so although white in colour its not a cream. It works on dark circles, puffiness, contouring, fine lines - it’s the hero of my routine. As I was taught by Caroline Hirons book; this goes on before face moisturiser and after toning. Put it on with your fingers, though do also invest in a jade roller, this one is good and keep it in the fridge.
other eye creams of note:
Dermalogica’s Age Reversal Cream
Elizabeth Arden’s Retinol CeramideEye Cream
Murad’s Renewing Eye Cream
Face Masks
I hadn’t really used facemasks before starting blogging, at least none over than those sachet ones at sleepovers as a teen. I thought they were a bit of a luxury rather than an essential, but have since figured out that by using a decent one every week or two you save yourself a huge amount of time and stress with your daily routine as the masks will act as a deep clean or boost.
I use them weekly and usually use two at a time. The first will be a detoxing masks, usually a clay (charcoal for example) to get the toxins out - then I’ll use another packed with vitamins and boosters to put the goodness back in. You can get good overnight ones too (Drunk Elephant and Chanel for example have really good options for this) but my list below are my favourites for the two-pronged approach.
12. ren glycolactic mask
This was the first grown-up face mask I ever tried and if I had a £1 for everyone who’s bought this on my recommendation then… Well, I’d not be writing this from Pret in Kings Cross Station let me tell you. If you’re looking for an entry into skincare, or even looking to buy a gift for someone (I’ve bought them as get well soon gifts, new mum pressies…) this is a brilliant option. It lasts a while, you barely need one pump of it to cover your whole face. It’s very sticky, jam-like. Leave it on for as long as you can and wipe off with a warm cloth. It tightens, de puffs, brightens, clears impurities and you just look like you’ve been away.
13. Dermalogica Multivitamin Mask
This mask is a very good one. In terms of results I’d say it’s similar to the Ren Skincare one - but goes on as more of a cream and is probably slightly better for more sensitive skins. My facialist swears by wearing this overnight once a week, although I dread to think what it does to her pillows as it goes on as a peachy-orange cream. I love the smell of it, almost a tropical vibe. The kind of thing you might think would taste good… Obviously I haven’t tried. One tube will last you a long while, and I’d recommend doing it weekly or a few times in the run up to a big event. Ooh, it’s particularly good for puffiness if you are prone too.
14. Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel
I could have done this entire post on Elemis, have had to really hold back on how much I include it so that all the brands I really rate get a look in. But it’s a bit of a fail safe, much like Dermalogica and Ren in my eyes.
This mask is really good for skin that is getting a little ragged around the edges, or showing signs of ageing. It really helps with fine lines, stress line or skin thats had a bit of a hard time (sun damage, weather damage, pollution etc).
15. Kiehl’s turmeric and cranberry mask
God, this one is so good. Never, ever wash it off with a flannel or towel you care about as it will turn yellow forever (as will your bath if you wash it off in there) but my God, it’s so, so worth it. In case it wasn’t obvious this mask is bright yellow - thanks to all the turmeric goodness inside. I really don’t know how something so small can do such big things - it’s a facial in a pot. I’ve recommended this to friends who now also swear by it. I think it must have a mint of some kind in it as it cools and refreshes the skin which is excellent for sore break outs or damage too. Cannot recommend enough.
16. erborian Red Pepper Paste Mask
Much like the Kiehl’s mask, I put this in almost for the theatre of it. You really do look like something from CSI with this on! But in all seriousness, this mask does do good things. Especially good for sun damage, at least for me, and for when my pores are looking a little more visible than I’d like them to
17. Origins Active Charcoal Mask
I could do an entire post on charcoal, in fact maybe I will… It’s the best thing for breakouts, congestion and hormonal skin changes. Charcoal masks are ten a penny and there are very good options, but one thing I would say - don’t skimp on it. Charcoal is a tempestuous ingredient and in the wrong or unmonitored quantities can do more harm than good. So look for one that has “active charcoal” as it means it has been treated to be suitable for use before being added in.
I picked this Origins one as it’s never let me know. I put it on for about 10/15 mins (often as I’m running a bath) and let it do it’s work. Once it’s dry I wash it off with a damp cloth. My skin is often red when I take it off but thats normal. I would also advise not doing this the day before you need your skin to look good - charcoal works by bringing impurities to the surface so the chances are you'll have a few spots to deal with the following day before you fully reap the benefits of the mask.
Treatments
This was a tricky one to phrase, but essentially what I mean is “products that have a singular, focussed purpose” as opposed to all round great lotions and potions. Every beauty closet should have a decent Hyaluronic (for dryness), Ceramide, Retinol (both for damage, anti ageing and collagen levels) and some kind of spot treatment.
It’s possible to do this cheaply, but as with the charcoal mask be really careful as some cheaper brands don’t regulate the ingredients as much which can cause problems. If you are super budget conscious, try something like Beauty Pie (my code for additional allowance still works ANNASENTME). Any way, here are the best I’ve found in the aforementioned categories (extended into “capsules” section below):
18. Balance Me Hyaluronic Serum
Adding a decent hyaluronic to my routine was a game changer. The first time to consider is that dryness and dehydration are very different things in skincare. Dryness is somewhat obvious - skin is visibly dusty, cracked and looks… dry. Dehydrated is a very different thing - enlarged pores (they open/widen to try and help get more moisture in), dank in colour and fine lines really showing themselves. It’s possible to have greasy yet dehydrated skin, and thats where hyaluronic has really helped me.
I chose Balance Me’s as it’s formulation thats really worked, works brilliantly alongside a daily routine to help all of the above issues. I’ve found since using it that my skin is perkier and all my other skincare (and even make up) works better as my skin is more able to absorb formulations. Firmly recommend!
19. dermalogica Overnight Clearing Oil
This product went out of stock for a while and my skin felt it. It’s very good - as in, has saved me from tears a few times when I’ve been a day away from an event and my skin has gone insane. Whilst pricey, you pay for what you get - cheaper sulphur based products tend to strip my skin meaning whilst I lose the spot I gain and unsightly dry patch for a week (which doesn’t happen with this clearing oil. Firmly recommend, it lasts for ages and worth having up your sleeve for those unexpected panics.
Capsules
The concept of capsules will form their own post on the blog as I really can’t rate them enough. They’re a brilliant way of ensuring the formulation of a product stays at its best as each little pod keeps the ingredients fresh. They’re great for people who travel (when we can, please say it’s soon) and save a huge amount of space in gym bags or overnight pouches.
20. Elizabeth Arden Retinol Capsules
I picked these out for two reasons. Elizabeth Arden is where I tell every one to start with Retinol. They were the first to use it, they are masters with their formulations and really importantly they were the first to introduce the concept of capsules. It’s absolutely genius for anyone looking for guidance on how much to use as each capsule is a perfectly size portion. The formulation is rock solid; I’ve never known anyone flare up using them so I trust them implicitly. I’ve got friends who have used them with various skin tones, conditions and tendencies. I’ll do a deeper thing on retinol on the blog, but if you are looking to start venturing into anti ageing products, and/or have regular break out flare ups - give a Retinol a go.
21. beauty pie Ceramide Capsules
On the other end of the scale, Beauty Pie have a brilliant range of capsules too. I tend to avoid cheaper options as it often means corners are cut with the quality or strength of ingredients - but Beauty Pie is an exception to the rule (read my post on how it works if you’re wondering).
For those wondering, Ceramides are “lipids” - fats that are found naturally in young skin that keep it plump and less prone to wrinkles. The analogy of bricks and mortar is often used: bricks being skin cells and ceramics being the water. Using a product packed full of them will essentially help deter ageing and improve overall skin health so you’re less likely to have problems with breakouts, flare ups or dullness.
Lips and Multipurpose
I’m an enormous fuss pot about my lip balms and have a couple I recommend (Dermalogica, Drunk Elephant and La Neige) with my somewhat troublesome lips. They are really broken to dryness, they crack easily and for those reason I’m never further than 20 feet from a lip balm. As I am an untrained skin care enthusiast, rather than a qualified dermatologist I try to refrain from giving out strict advise but please, if you do nothing else, stop using Vaseline. Petroleum Jelly is very bad for you and linked to a lot of cancers.
22. bloom and blossom Wonder Worker
Last but by no means least; the product you need in your handbag at all times. There are many multipurpose balms, but few are as pure as Bloom and Blossom’s. It’s vegan, it’s not sold in China (a textbook way to find out if a brand tests on animals) and it’s also mighty effective. I work with the brand on a long term partnership, having tried their products last year. I’ll do a larger post on them at some point. But for now, just as I did, start with the Wonder Worker. Use it on dry patches, lips, burns - hell you can use it on squeaky door hinges… It’s very good. If you do buy it you can use my code, ANNA15, to get 15% off.
Thats all from me folks. I hope you found this useful, it was quite therapeutic to put pen to paper on this. Don’t forget you can enter to win the majority of all this on my Instagram here.
Competition T&C’s: *Entrants must be of legal age to own an Instagram account and within the United Kingdom. Entrants must be followers of @annaelerihart and comment underneath the relevant post as required. The winner will be selected at random on the date specified on the relevant Instagram post, should the first selected fail to contact me within 24 hours of winning another will be chosen. This competition is unsponsored, though product has been provided by the brands involved. This is not associated with Instagram or Facebook’s wider platform offering.