There’s a reason why a beauty product earns “cult” status: it’s exceptionally good.
When it comes to skincare in particular, a cult product pretty much always boasts buzzy ingredients (maybe hyaluronic acid, retinol or vitamin C, for example), shelfie-worthy packaging, eco-friendly credentials and, of course, unrivalled results.
Whether it’s a moisturiser, cleanser or serum, said cult product almost always has fans in top dermatologists, expert facialists and beauty influencers and editors worldwide. But do they really live up to the hype?
From Weleda Skin Food to Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser, I tried some skincare products the beauty industry can’t stop talking about. Here are my unfiltered thoughts…
Weleda Skin FoodWeleda Skin Food is all over Instagram. Not only do influencers rate it for transforming dry skin, but makeup artists like Katie Jane Hughes are obsessed with how it imparts a dewy sheen on skin, which looks like a really natural highlight.The consistency is very thick and it appears to be quite oily when massaged into skin. If you’re prone to breakouts, I’d suggest avoiding it. For me, it lead to a couple of clogged pores, but it worked well on my parched hands and elbows. If your facial skin is dry and rough, you’ll love it. It smells lush, too.
The Ordinary AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling SolutionThis bright red acid peel is very strong (30% AHA and 2% BHA) so is better suited to those who already use acids in their skincare routine. Many skin experts love it for minimising hyperpigmentation and dissolving blackheads, but it broke me out. Although experiencing spots after a peel is pretty normal before you see results, there are exfoliating masks out there that don’t erupt my skin like this one does, although you can expect to pay a little more. Try Lixirskin Peel Express, £31, or Caudalie Glycolic Peel, £22, which are gentler but just as effective.
Augustinus Bader The CreamThere is so much hype around Augustinus Bader’s The Cream and The Rich Cream. I tried the former. It’s unscented, which is unusual for a luxury cream, but that means it’s much less likely to irritate sensitive skin types, so it gets a big tick from me. My skin felt so soft after using this and my makeup didn’t slip or slide. But like all skincare, it’s not magic. I haven’t noticed a difference in any fine lines or a more even skin tone. It’s just a really nice moisturiser.
Pixi Glow TonicA top London dermatologist once recommended Pixi Glow Tonic for a hormonal breakout that just wouldn’t let up. It has a cloying, sweet smell (which I’m not a fan of, unfortunately) but it isn’t sticky and it doesn’t tingle or sting like some other leave-on acid toners. The star ingredient is 5% glycolic acid, which exfoliates the top layer of skin, unclogs pores and minimises hyperpigmentation. It works wonders for smaller breakouts and is great for exfoliating acid beginners.If you’re looking for something a little stronger, try The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution, £6.80. Using any acids in skincare makes skin sensitive to sunlight, so always apply a high factor sunscreen during the day.
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth CleanserThis product takes the chore out of cleansing. Not only does rosemary, chamomile and eucalyptus mean it smells dreamy, but used with a hot cloth, it makes removing makeup feel like a spa experience. The texture is rich and creamy, so I’d say it’s better suited to dry, ‘normal’ or combination skin types. A little goes a long way.
Summer Fridays Jet Lag MaskAt first, I didn’t think much of this balmy, minty mask. It just felt like a cooling moisturiser and absorbed really quickly. What can I say, I like the theatricality of applying and wearing a face mask. But I let it work its magic for ten minutes and blotted the excess away with a warm, damp cloth, and my skin looked like I’d just had a professional facial: radiant, smooth and seriously soft.
Kiehl’s Ultra Facial CreamI haven’t met a beauty editor or skin expert who doesn’t rate this product highly. It’s substantial but lightweight and moisturises skin without leaving behind a greasy feel or sheen. Granted, it isn’t a miracle cream. But it is an effective, every day moisturiser.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery ComplexWhenever my skin looks dull or feels tight and dry, I reach for this stuff. It peps up skin better than any other serum or mask thanks to a dream team of hydrators, such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin. It’s great for mature skin types, especially.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème ConcentréThis is a backstage favourite at Fashion Week, as it makes for the ultimate dewy moisturiser and makeup primer. But it left behind a tacky residue on my skin, which felt uncomfortable. I much prefer the brand’s new Hydra-Cream Light, £18, as it has a much lighter, gel-like texture. It sinks in fast and quenches dry, taught skin with a heavy helping of hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
La Mer Crème de la Mer Moisturizing CreamCrème de la Mer is world renowned. Ideal for mature skin, it’s a rich and luxurious moisturiser, but it was a little too heavy for my skin type, likely because of petrolatum (or petroleum jelly) and a handful of oils. If you’re going to splurge on any La Mer products, make it The Soft Fluid Long Wear Foundation SPF 20, £95, which airbrushes skin, and The Regenerating Serum, £285, which made my skin smooth and minimised the appearance of large pores.
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