I filmed a video a while back explaining how I was put on a skincare
diet (aka a very strict regime) for my acne-prone skin. I’m amazed how
many people still message me about it, saying they found it so helpful.
The crux of it was to cut back on skin fads, try not to get wooed by
snazzy packaging, don’t buy a product because your favourite influ-
encer likes it — and consistency is key. Yes, that means minimi sing
the chopping and changing. It’s for that reason I’m careful not to do
jazz hands every week about another “miracle” skincare wonder — because remember, there are no
miracles in skincare. Only science. But recently I’ve struggled to say no to some of the newness
because, well, there are a handful of skincare smash hits that are simply too good to ignore.
First, Trinny London. Gosh, the founder Trinny Woodall is getting things right. The impatient side
of me isn’t a fan of how she’s launching skincare — slow “product drops” every few weeks — I want to
know about everything! And I want to know now! But when each product does become available I am
completely and utterly impressed. So far, Better Off AHA/PHA Gel Cleanser (£28) and Boost Up
30% Vitamin C Serum (£65) have proceeded directly into my daily regime — seriously, the vitamin C
is the pick-me-up skin treat I’ve been missing — and the new moisturisers are equally brilliant.
There are two to choose between, but I am team Trinny London Bounce Back Intense Peptide
Moisturiser ( 1 £49). It goes against what I usually say about moisturisers, which is that it doesn’t have
to be expensive as its no-frills job is simply to hydrate, but as Trinny rightly says: “This moisturiser is a
skincare overachiever.” It has all sorts of frills: the peptides and hyaluronic acid give a supercharged
shot of hydration — and then some. I used it the other morning and my complexion instantly felt full
of bounce. It sits wonderfully under make-up. What next, Trinny? What next?!
Another brand hitting the bull’s-eye is Skin + Me. It’s not a traditional brand as such. The concept
started as a subscription service that democratised access to top dermatologists and gave the chance
to use prescription skincare for £25 per month. (A traditional one-off dermatologist appointment can
cost about £200.) The service has got more enticing as you now get the brilliant dermatologist -
approved skincare line thrown in when you sign up, including back-to-basics moisturisers and
cleansers. Skin + Me Purify + Prep Hydrating Cleanser (2 £30 for eight weeks) is such a gentle treat.
If your face feels tight and dry after washing, then this is designed to nurture the skin’s barrier rather
than strip it. Take note that there is another cleanser on offer specifically for oily skin. The screw-top
takes a bit of getting used to. I am queen “loser of skincare lids”, so I panic at the thought of what will
happen when I lose this one, but the sustainable packaging is lovely, light and great for summer travel.
Next, there has been a lot of noise about Beauty Pie YouthBomb 360° Face Lift Serum ( 3 £44 for
members). The name sets it up to fail, in my opinion. “Youthbomb” and “face lift” are big words —
huge words — and yet people absolutely love this. The trials are quite something: 91 per cent of users
said skin looked smoother and 84 per cent reported that skin appeared brighter. This super-serum is
for you if your glow has gone walkies. Use it morning or evening after cleanser and before moisturiser.
Personally I use it in the morning as it peps up my lacklustre skin for the day ahead.
And one more ... The cult Japanese-American skincare brand Tatcha has finally landed on UK soil!
It was always at the top of my shopping list when I hit a US Sephora. I love the story behind it: the
founder Vicky Tsai, who started out as a Wall Street trader, created Tatcha when her stress-induced
dermatitis resulted in her being unable to find products she wanted to use. Think of it as “slow skin-
care”. Everything is a gentle, sensorial joy, from the textures to the fragrances. Tatcha The Rice Polish
Classic ( 4 £60) is a gift for dry skin. It’s a water-activated exfoliant made of nourishing rice powder
and papaya enzymes that sloughs away dead skin cells, making way for a weekly “new me”
Cat Garcia complexion reset. Yes, today’s smash-hit skincare is worth raving about. ■ @sarahjossel
Sarah Jossel
Shopping lists at the ready: these are the skincare
smash hits hitting the shelves this month
3124The Sunday Times Style • 55