After over 15 years working in the beauty industry, you’d expect my bathroom cabinet to be at breaking point: packed to the rafters with products to perfect every possible body part; towers of moisturiser jostling with dry shampoo; shelves overflowing with fragrances, face masks and all manner of outlandish grooming tools.
But you’d be wrong, because – after nearly two decades of trial and error (including a particularly vicious breakout from a multiple-step topical regimen) – what I’ve learnt is the power of using products that work. Products that suit you, and your skin, and that you can call upon in times of need: safe in the knowledge that they will actually work.
When it comes to what goes on my face, I’m super boring: a good cleanser, some hardworking serums and an SPF, nothing more. A few pumps of Skinesis Ultimate Cleanse, worked briskly into the skin before jumping into my morning shower, leaves my complexion soft, dewy and plump (it also has the most therapeutic scent – breathe deeply in the steam). When skin is feeling a little sensitive, I’ll reach for AWvi The Gentle Cleanser, which is full of inflammation-reducing active waters (derived from organic fruits), hydrating hyaluronic acid and ectoin, which balances the skin and promotes a more resilient complexion. Peak excitement, post-cleanse, is when I’ll pull a pair of gold-infused MZ SKIN Hydra-Bright Gold Eye Masks from the drawer (or fridge – they’re even better when chilled), apply them to the under-eye area, then whip them off when I’m ready to do my makeup. (Follow up with the Microtox Tightening Eye Serum, and you’ve never seen eyes so bright).
Any good dermatologist will tell you about the importance of an antioxidant serum, and the Vitamin C powerhouse that is Sarah Chapman Clinical Vitamin C Power 1 is the best out there. A few drops of the radiance-enhancing, niacinamide-rich formula every morning goes a long way, and brightens tired skin while leaving it feeling noticeably firmer. Not forgetting a super-moisturising number, packed with hyaluronic acid – the holy grail of hydrators. Skinceuticals Hydrating B5 Serum comes highly recommended by my face, though equally noteworthy is NIOD Multi-Molecular Hyaluronic Complex.
Next up, SPF – and I’m especially partial to Heliocare’s 360 Water Gel SPF50+, which is a beautifully sheer, pollution-fighting formula (and, extra bonus – makeup goes on like a dream afterwards). Though if I’m in a rush, which is most mornings, Skinesis Skin Insurance SPF 50 Tinted, is my go-to: it gives a flattering soft-focus effect so you can go without foundation entirely.
On that note: if you’re looking for an SPF that delivers a filter-like effect for the rest of your body, may I introduce you to UltraSun Glimmer. It’s flecked with tiny golden particles and leaves limbs looking airbrushed – which definitely takes the edge off slipping into a swimsuit at the start of summer. Though right now, I’m obsessed with Heliocare Invisible Spray – a cooling mist which requires little to no rubbing in (because I am fundamentally lazy). Better still, it comes in a jumbo-sized can that you can literally spritz upside-down, which makes application a breeze – especially on wriggling children.
If you are heading to warmer climes, I also recommend slathering on some Joonbyrd Daydreamer Body Serum, which combines potent, skin-tightening botanicals and a biomimetic peptide in a refreshing, gel-to-oil formula (it’s excellent on wobble-prone areas). Though for a body lotion that packs a proper punch in winter, I love their Kaleidoscope Smoothing Body Serum, which combines shikimic and azelaic acids, plus pigmentation-fading liquorice root – leaving skin nourished and velvety-soft. When it comes to tools, my Altesse Studio Vitalis Body Brush is great for improving lymphatic drainage and reducing water retention – think of it like a daily workout, but for your skin.
Speaking of exercise, I’ve recently re-joined the gym after an 18-month hiatus (I’m loving being back on the Pilates reformer) – and when I’m done, I’ll whizz up a scoop of Form Nutrition Super Blend Protein with lots of ice, some unsweetened almond milk and a spoonful of almond butter. It’s the best re-fuel – and a special mention goes to the Chocolate Salted Caramel flavour, which is as delicious as it sounds. And while I’m partial to several cups of coffee throughout the day, I also rate ARTAH Cellular Hydration – an electrolyte powder which you add to water (it’s an instant boost when you can’t face another espresso). Otherwise, try Indi Mind: a blend of cacao, beetroot and CoEnzyme Q10, its “nootropic” formula is like rocket-fuel for your brain.
Of course, another way to fire up energy is to boost our own natural stores of NAD+ – a vital molecule found in every cell of the body, which powers energy production, repair and overall cellular health. So, I take three capsules of Nuchido TIME+, a next-generation supplement that optimises NAD+ levels, naturally; helping me to maintain peak performance throughout the day. And to give skin and gut a helping hand, I knock back AWvi The Skin Biotic, which is a daily, synergistic dose of complexion-perfecting probiotic strains, prebiotics, plus retinol and D-biotin – designed to support the microbiome, strengthen the skin barrier and maintain healthy digestion.
When it comes to wellness, the power of scent cannot be underestimated. Before bed, I thoroughly advise wallowing in a tub with Susannah Kaufmann’s Oil Bath for the Senses (laced with antioxidant-rich rosemary, it leaves mind and muscles practically sedated), followed by top-to-toe application of TALM Mega Oil, which I’m particularly partial to in pregnancy (it imbues your skin – and subsequently, your sheets – with the lightest floral fragrance). A final slick of Joonbyrd’s Confetti Sky Hand Serum is a delicately-scented send-off for hands, with tiny spheres of Vitamin E that burst upon the skin, releasing their restorative, reparative powers. (Pop some Dreem Distillery CBD Night Drops under your tongue, half an hour before your head hits the pillow, and you’re in for the dreamiest night’s sleep yet).
