The Skincare Products that Transformed my Skin

Everyone’s skin is different, so what works for one person may cause a dramatic break-out for another. I spent years trialling and testing all kinds of lotions and potions, continually searching for that combination of products that would keep my hormonally-turbulent skin at rest. Today my skin is more clear and balanced than it’s ever been, and I have these wonderful products to thank (together with a clean eating diet – but that’s for another post).

So I thought I’d share this collection of skin saviours that have worked for me, in case you find yourself on a similar hunt and don’t know where to look first. We have an overwhelming selection of choices out there – I blame my subscription to Cult Beauty’s mailing list for a large sum out of my bank account each month – so it’s always good to narrow down your search with what’s worked for someone else.

1. Clarins' Cleansing Milk

This divine cleansing cream is one of my OG favourites, standing as my longest-reigning cleanser to this day. Its oozing blue-tinted cream is both moisturising and rejuvenating, cleansing my skin while ensuring to restore its hydration.

I use this cleansing milk as part of my evening routine – whether taking off make-up, or if I haven’t worn makeup that day it’s the ideal re-fresher before I hit the pillow. I double, sometimes triple, cleanse before I move onto my moisturiser at night: however many times it takes for my cotton pad to look back at me clean! But that’s what’s wonderful about this product, it doesn’t strip your skin, it’s milky texture is so soothing and it gently removes makeup and grime with a nourishing creamy kiss.

Extra tip: If you’re anything like me and don’t like to play with too many different brands and products at a time, this cleanser works wonders for the times your skin needs a little extra hydration boost. After cleansing, I have been known to simply leave the cream to soak into my skin – using it like a moisturiser! It’s not too thick, so isn’t smothering or cakey.

2. Soap & Glory’s Speed Plump Overnight Moisture Mousse

So far, I have managed to turn half the females in my family onto this miracle mousse; all reporting back to me with raving gratitude for the introduction. Now I’ve incorporated products like the sleep mask and Liquid Gold into my weekly routine, I don’t need to use this as much as I used to, but this divine whipped mousse remains my go-to night cream for evenings I’m in need of extra plump and hydration.

Its light, airy texture means it doesn’t suffocate your skin or cause clogs in your pores while you sleep, yet it provides an intense moisture that revitalises your skin by morning! The first time I tried Speed Plump Overnight Mousse was during a really bad skin flare-up, likely due to hormones. It had never been so dry: this stuff truly saved me. The pot reads ‘Miracle Moisture Mousse’, and I cannot vouch for this statement strongly enough. Plus, it smells good enough to eat (don’t, though…obviously). Simply a dessert for your skin.

3. Soap & Glory’s Speed Plump All Day Super Moisture

So, you can assume I am a faithful customer of Soap & Glory. From body scrubs to fragrance sprays this brand never lets me down (this is in no way endorsed or sponsored, but I wouldn’t turn down an offer…hint hint) and this day cream moisturiser is no exception.

Another product that immediately jumped into the faithful midst of my daily skincare routine, this moisturiser has allowed me to kiss my tight dry skin goodbye. Whether I mix it with my foundation, have it in my handbag to re-apply during the day, or just massage a delicious amount around my face each morning, its miraculous hydration balancing properties are now well and truly engrained into my daily regime.

4. Ren’s Clean Screen Mineral SPF

You’ve probably heard a million times over how important SPF is for your skin when soaking in the sun, so I won’t stress what you already know. However, I quickly learned to avoid using the average body spray SPF on my face as within a day or two it would show me its distaste.

Ren is a wonderful brand because of its advocacy for all-clean ingredients: nothing artificial or chemical. This makes is particularly ideal for the fragile skin on your face, neck and chest!

(I try to apply my face products to my neck and chest too, as it’s all more sensitive skin with important glands lying beneath, but let’s focus on one thing at a time).

Silicone-free and vegan with UVA/UVB protection as well as blue light protection, this wonderous cream is well-worth the money, in my opinion. I mix it with my moisturiser, applying extra under my eyes, and my skin absolutely loves it. With this implemented in your morning skin care, it’s a comfort to know you’re not applying a concoction of UV resisting artificial chemicals on your face: and are instead protecting your skin in a safe and nourishing way. It’s sensitive-skin friendly too, with six years of research dedicated to ensuring a gentle formula. Plus – bonus – it’s mattifying, so I ditch the foundation and powder during the summer months, knowing this cream has got me covered…literally.

5. The Ordinary’s Alpha Arbutin

This serum is a relatively new addition to my skincare routine, but its rapid transformation of my skin made this a rapid love story. Containing alpha arbutin – a (safe!) skin-lightening ingredient that reduces melanin production – this oozing gel-like serum aims to tackle hyperpigmentation and has helped to completely erase my mild acne scar marks and blemishes. Needless to say, it’s earned its place in my Top 7 and any high recommendations it receives.

I simply drip the serum with its pipette applicator across my cheeks, between my cheek bones and jaw, across my forehead and down my nose – anywhere I need it to work its tone-evening magic – as part of my morning skincare regime. I massage it all around my face and allow it to fully seep in before I apply my moisturiser.

6. Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask

Next up is a beautiful, silky and pink, summer-smelling serum that very quickly won my heart. The watermelon extract seeps into the skin while you sleep and nourishes it with revitalising vitamins, amino acids and antioxidants.

I’m always sceptical about using rejuvenating products too often for fear that they could throw my PH balance off, or strip it of moisture, but this gel-textured cream is actually designed for everyday use! So, after gradually introducing it into my weekly routine, I now use it as many evenings as I can, wanting the glowing, dewy, flushed and healthy face that greets me in the mirror the following morning!

7. Alpha H Liquid Gold

Now this product really does live up to its name, rightfully earning the excitable buzz that surrounds its presence online. In short, it’s the ultimate one-stop-shop.

Melting the binding between dead skin cells and the new cells that are striving to shine, this glycolic acid formula is simply an all-round rejuvenating potion. From stimulating the skin’s natural repair process to promoting production of collagen, while also eating away any acne-accentuating bacteria, I cannot commend this product enough. It’s worked to completely regenerate my skin and I believe it’s played a large part in harmonising my skin’s PH balance, which also means that my skin seems less triggered in acne flare-ups.

On the nights I apply it – usually every alternate night – I wake up the following morning with glowing, soft, revitalised skin. Rightly so, this product has a proud position in the forefront of my bathroom cabinet: a true liquid gold.