I’ve been a Beauty Editor for over 25 years – this is the skincare that I always use

I’ve been testing the latest beauty products every single day since I began my career back in 1998. And while I get sent lots of skincare for free, there are a few products that I buy on repeat, because they have made such a difference to my skin.  

And so this is the skincare that I always recommend. To you. To my mum. To my best friend. Because I know they will make a difference: 

The cleanser that will make you want to take your makeup off:
Elemis Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm 
You’ll actually look forward to taking your makeup off at night when you try this! It has the most divine texture and smell. It’s rich and luxurious, yet doesn’t feel heavy on your skin. It smells like a spa and is just dreamy to use. I can’t stress that enough. Skin feels soft even without moisturiser when you wash it off. Just love! 

The night serum to help get your glow back: 
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair
I remember first testing this for a feature I was writing for the British fashion magazine Grazia. I was in my early 30s and my skin was experiencing the first signs of collagen loss. I’d recently had a baby and missed that pregnancy glow and I couldn’t believe how quickly this turned my stressed, dull skin around. Needless to say, I’ve been using it ever since. 

The ‘family’ moisturiser that suits all skin types:
Cerave Daily Moisturizing Lotion 
I bulk buy this and you’ll find a bottle in every bathroom in my house. I also take a mini version whenever I travel. It’s just so versatile. It’s safe for all skin types – even those who suffer with eczema and psoriasis, and it softens skin without leaving a greasy film which is why my kids and husband love it too. I apply it all over my body and on my face when I’m not testing other face creams.  

The ‘if all else fails’ serum:
Clarins Double Serum 
If you just can’t seem to get your skin to look happy – try introducing this serum to your routine. It works deep down beneath the surface to really hydrate and soften your skin. It has a beautiful oil/lotion hybrid formulation that instantly gives skin a beautiful glowy texture and after time, you’ll notice how hydrated it makes your skin.

The retinal that doesn’t irritate skin but actually works: 
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 
I remember going to the launch of this brand back in 2009 in London and being impressed by their claims and innovation. And I was right to be. This is still one of my favourite skincare products. Retinal with an ‘a’ is more active then retinol with an ‘o’ but often that means it can be irritating on your skin. But this works without any irritation and by using it regularly, skin is softer, smoother and brighter. It really has worked wonders for me! 

The exfoliator that gives overnight glow
Alpha H Liquid Gold + Vitamin C 
I’ve been using this product for years and I love this updated version with Vitamin C. Exfoliation really helps to boost skin renewal which slows down as you age, and this contains 5% glycolic acid which helps to gently strip away dead layers and the Vit C helps to boost glow. It’s so easy to use – apply it like a toner after cleansing at night. Leave skin bare afterwards for best results.  

The SPF50 that feels like a luxe day cream 
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50
I am often asked if you really need to wear SPF on your face all year around, and the general rule is, if you’re outside and there’s enough light to read a book, then you should wear protection.  This is as good as any nourishing day cream – it leaves no white cast but has great added SPF50 protection. It’s more affordable than it feels!