It's easy to get stuck in a rut when it comes to skincare, repeatedly purchasing those bottles and pots that we know so well. Innovation has never been more rife in the category than it is now, with revolutionary textures and groundbreaking claims creating much excitement - but which products should we be paying attention to and adding to our otherwise basic repertoire? I've picked five products that have landed on my desk in the last month, all providing an element that wowed my senses and have found themselves within my daily skincare routine.
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1. Time Bomb Complexion Cocktail - With A Shot Of H2Omega (£24.00)
These unusual potions will be the next big thing in skincare: neither a cleanser, nor a moisturiser, this is an 'in-between step' that helps to increase the condition of skin, as well as the performance of other products placed on top. Time Bomb's powerful potion counteracts the effects of serious dehydration by reloading critical moisture and essential fatty acids into the skin. It restores a smooth, supple texture to complexions that look dull and dry, thanks to its 'unbound' fluid gel-like formula (as opposed to 'bound' in a cream base) that allows essential fatty acids to be instantly absorbed. Applied to a cotton pad and wiped over skin after cleansing, this is a fab product to help your skin look and feel fantastic. Once you get the hang of it, it'll become that essential step you never knew you needed.
2. The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet (£9.00)
Perfect for summer, this skin treat provides an instant cooling sensation, hydrating and refreshing the surface of skin while providing a velvety soft finish. Used instead of a traditional moisturiser, this is great for days when you don't need a heavy product or are concerned about layering too much under makeup. The unusual fluffy texture takes some getting used to, but after a few minutes provides a mattifying finish that's great if you want to keep makeup nude - or even go without. You need such a small amount of this to add a hit of hydration, but it doesn't overwhelm the skin. A great addition to any skincare regime as the weather starts to get a little warmer.
3. Rodial Super Acids X-Treme Pore Shrink Cleansing Pads (£38.00)
Cleansing pads are definitely hot right now, and this pack of 50 individual mini wipes helps to remove traces of makeup and dirt, as well as visibly reducing the appearance of enlarged pores. Containing apple amino acids blended with olive oil and salicylic acid, when wiped across the skin these little pads soften the surface and refine skin texture for a more toned appearance. These are great in the morning after your usual cleansing routine, helping to create a flawless surface that helps makeup look even better once applied. Although these definitely aren't for daily use, they're great when you want to give your skin a little boost or have an important day ahead.
4. Olay Regenerist Dark Circle Correcting Swirl Eye Cream (£29.99)
Until recently I wouldn't have even thought about reaching for an Olay product, but they're definitely producing some handy multi-functional technologies that make my life easier. The distinctive dual-swirl formula contains a gel to hydrate and a cream to instantly reduce the appearance of dark circles. These two elements combined both tighten and brighten the under eye area, to help you look more rested. There really is a visible difference, the under eye area looking distinctively brightened and lifted, even if it is temporary. It's great to use when you're feeling a little tired and your usual eye cream simply won't cut it, although it's pretty expensive for such a little bottle.
5. Institut Esthederm Osmoclean High Tolerance Make-Up Remover (£22.00)
Developed specifically for sensitive, fragile or irritated skin, this dual-phase formula preserves the fragile balance of the eye contour area while reinforcing the skin’s natural protection layer. It's powerful enough to remove even waterproof makeup, whilst feeling extremely delicate on the skin. Rubbing eyes in an attempt to remove makeup not only harms lashes and delicate skin, but can aggravate skin and leave it even more sensitive; a great makeup remover such as this will delicately remove all traces while protecting the skin's surface. A fab investment buy.
Do you like the sound of any of my top picks? Have you discovered any great products recently?![]()
1. Time Bomb Complexion Cocktail - With A Shot Of H2Omega (£24.00)
These unusual potions will be the next big thing in skincare: neither a cleanser, nor a moisturiser, this is an 'in-between step' that helps to increase the condition of skin, as well as the performance of other products placed on top. Time Bomb's powerful potion counteracts the effects of serious dehydration by reloading critical moisture and essential fatty acids into the skin. It restores a smooth, supple texture to complexions that look dull and dry, thanks to its 'unbound' fluid gel-like formula (as opposed to 'bound' in a cream base) that allows essential fatty acids to be instantly absorbed. Applied to a cotton pad and wiped over skin after cleansing, this is a fab product to help your skin look and feel fantastic. Once you get the hang of it, it'll become that essential step you never knew you needed.
2. The Body Shop Vitamin E Aqua Boost Sorbet (£9.00)
Perfect for summer, this skin treat provides an instant cooling sensation, hydrating and refreshing the surface of skin while providing a velvety soft finish. Used instead of a traditional moisturiser, this is great for days when you don't need a heavy product or are concerned about layering too much under makeup. The unusual fluffy texture takes some getting used to, but after a few minutes provides a mattifying finish that's great if you want to keep makeup nude - or even go without. You need such a small amount of this to add a hit of hydration, but it doesn't overwhelm the skin. A great addition to any skincare regime as the weather starts to get a little warmer.
3. Rodial Super Acids X-Treme Pore Shrink Cleansing Pads (£38.00)
Cleansing pads are definitely hot right now, and this pack of 50 individual mini wipes helps to remove traces of makeup and dirt, as well as visibly reducing the appearance of enlarged pores. Containing apple amino acids blended with olive oil and salicylic acid, when wiped across the skin these little pads soften the surface and refine skin texture for a more toned appearance. These are great in the morning after your usual cleansing routine, helping to create a flawless surface that helps makeup look even better once applied. Although these definitely aren't for daily use, they're great when you want to give your skin a little boost or have an important day ahead.
4. Olay Regenerist Dark Circle Correcting Swirl Eye Cream (£29.99)
Until recently I wouldn't have even thought about reaching for an Olay product, but they're definitely producing some handy multi-functional technologies that make my life easier. The distinctive dual-swirl formula contains a gel to hydrate and a cream to instantly reduce the appearance of dark circles. These two elements combined both tighten and brighten the under eye area, to help you look more rested. There really is a visible difference, the under eye area looking distinctively brightened and lifted, even if it is temporary. It's great to use when you're feeling a little tired and your usual eye cream simply won't cut it, although it's pretty expensive for such a little bottle.
5. Institut Esthederm Osmoclean High Tolerance Make-Up Remover (£22.00)
Developed specifically for sensitive, fragile or irritated skin, this dual-phase formula preserves the fragile balance of the eye contour area while reinforcing the skin’s natural protection layer. It's powerful enough to remove even waterproof makeup, whilst feeling extremely delicate on the skin. Rubbing eyes in an attempt to remove makeup not only harms lashes and delicate skin, but can aggravate skin and leave it even more sensitive; a great makeup remover such as this will delicately remove all traces while protecting the skin's surface. A fab investment buy.
Do you like the sound of any of my top picks? Have you discovered any great products recently?