Beauty lab
Each month, our beauty team tests the newest products. Here, beauty director Victoria Jowett searches for the very best dry skin soothers
1. SAND & SKY AUSTRALIAN GLOW BERRIES INTENSE GLOW MOISTURISER, £43.90
The vegan squalane in this cream gives an instant hydration hit. But the fun doesn’t stop there – what’s clever about this formula is that it’s also loaded with vitamin C, which brightens and helps plump up the skin. It leaves a light layer on the surface of your skin, which creates a barrier against moisture loss, making it ideal for stubbornly dry, dull skin.
2. AVÈNE TOLERANCE HYDRA-10 HYDRATING CREAM, £18
If (like me) your skin can be a tad dramatic and stresses out over everything – from a slight change in the weather to a milky latte, then this is for you. Made with just 10 ingredients (there are no preservatives or fragrances), it’s designed to deeply soothe and hydrate sensitised complexions. The hyaluronic acid and thermal spring water act like a comfort blanket on angry skin.
3. STRESS FAACE MOISTURISER, £34
Please can we take a moment to appreciate the beauty that is this packaging? Well, it’s not just a pretty pot. The formula is just as wonderful. First, the texture – it’s rich thanks to the nourishing marula oil, but has been whipped to give it a lightness that doesn’t feel too claggy on the skin. Japanese rice bran oil gives hydration for days, while niacinamide helps even out tone and strengthen a weakened skin barrier.
4. THE INKEY LIST 10% UREA MOISTURIZER, £18.99
Yes, the packaging is no frills, but this is a solid moisturiser that works on all (yes, I repeat, all) skin types. Created in partnership with dermatologists, whether you’re prone to acne or dealing with a skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis, the urea in this delivers hydration and gently exfoliates. Colloidal oat acts like a soothing salve for red and irritated skin, making this cream an all-round crowd pleaser.
5. GLOW HUB CALM & SOOTHE CREAM WHIP MOISTURISER, £11
For just over a tenner, I’m impressed. Yes, the formula isn’t quite as nourishing as some of the other moisturisers on this page, but it’s cooling, lightweight and gives an instant supple feeling to tight, parched complexions. It works best as a daily moisturiser, refreshing and plumping the skin
