BEAUTY HAS PLAYED ITS PART IN CHEERING US ALL UP IN THESE TESTING TIMES. LET’S RAISE A GLASS TO OUR ULTIMATE-TREAT HEROES
For those who weren’t expected to show a ‘work’ face over the past few months there have been advantages to furloughing the make-up bag.
And for those who’ve continued to work - whether in the NHS or any other public-facing businesses, the need for a home-style pamper has been powerful. After all, times have been tough - and skin can suffer under stress.
According to Google Trends, the searches for skincare routine are up 500% on 2019, (possibly, when confronted by our skin on Zoom!).
And when on lockdown, there’s generally been more time to experiment and find out what really works to keep our skin in top condition. We’ve looked into the real skin-saving heroes of 2020 so far - try them, you deserve it!
BREAKTHROUGH TREATMENTS
ULTIMATE ANTI-AGERS
WE THE SCIENCY ONE: (1.) No 7 Advanced Retinol Complex, £34, boots.com WHY IT’S A WINNER: Form an orderly queue, people: where Boots leads, the British public follows for good reason: Trust. This particular smoothing, firming, moisturising complex contains the wonder ingredient that helps scarring and gives a youth-enhancing boost into the bargain - retinol. The uber-ingredient has been around for decades but formulas are getting gentler and more sophisticated. Do start slowly and use every other day leading up to daily use, the active ingredients work wonderfully on the antiageing front but can cause flare-ups on sensitive skin. Also, do use an SPF religiously as this is designed to avoid sun damage. Another great retinol to add to the stable is (2.) Paula’s Choice Retinol and Bakuchiol Treatment with Peptides & Vitamin C, £53. This antioxidant light lotion supports collagen production, creates a barrier against pollution, absorbs fast and makes skin look firmer fast. Both keepers!
WE THE NATURAL ONE: (3.) Weleda High Quality Almond Soothing Facial Oil, £18.95, hollandandbarrett.com WHY IT’S A WINNER: Facial oils are really effective in draining the puffy-morning-face and giving the face a glowing, glamorous finish. Oils won’t work under make-up (foundation can’t glide over its slick surface) but work spectacularly as overnight/all-day-long hydrating saviours.
BEST FOR AN INSTANT LIFT
WE (4.) e.l.f. single sheet Aloe infused soothing mask, £3, elfcosmetics.co.uk WHY IT’S A WINNER: A single-sheet mask is an excellent way to kickstart the day with a cooling, soothing cucumber and green tea-infused complexion. Apply and waft around looking ghostly for a full half an hour then massage the residue in.
WE (5.) Ren Daily Ready Steady Glow AHA Tonic, £27, renskincare.com WHY IT’S A WINNER: This tonic is a real gamechanger: Apply a few drops on cotton wool and watch as it evens the complexion by exfoliat
