T.S. Eliot decreed that "April is the cruellest month" but that first winter blast at the end of October/beginning of November is truly menacing, especially when it comes to the havoc it wreaks on our skin. Even if you do drink the recommended two litres of water a day (tips on a postcard please), it's more than likely that central heating, pollution and buffeting winds have zapped all moisture from your skin.
We’re all for high street makeup and tools, but with skincare, where possible, it’s worth the investment. Here are the rescue remedies you should add to your routine to revitalise your complexion and conquer the dreaded flake face.
This article was first published November 27, 2015.
La Roche Posay Cicaplast Lips, £5.10 from Escentual
As soon as radiators come on, lips are the first to suffer. Banish chapping with La Roche Posay’s first replenishing lip balm, containing 10% shea butter, which creates a protective layer to immediately fill cutaneous cracks and prevents them from recurring. No need to hide sore and unsightly mouths behind scarves this season, as smooth, plump lips are restored with the deeply hydrating product.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm £39.50
This cult classic melts away makeup (even the most stubborn mascara and deepest contouring) but as it’s a balm, it doesn't dry out skin or strip natural oils. Enriched with a nourishing blend of starflower, elderberry and anti-ageing padina pavonica, it thoroughly cleanses and smoothes for a glowing complexion. Use with a clean face cloth and take off all traces of your day, and if you have more time on the weekend, slather on and leave for 10 minutes as a restorative, treatment mask.
Glossier Balm Dot Com, £30 at Net-A-Porter
Formulated with natural emollients and antioxidants, this dense all-purpose formula has a waxy texture that locks in moisture. The miracle multi-tasking product, can be used to soothe rough patches, as a primer for lipsticks or as a dewy highlighter on your cheeks and eyelids.
Skinceuticals, Gentle Cleanser £29 from Effortless Skin
Created especially for dry and sensitive skin, the Gentle Cleanser from SkinCeuticals revitalises the skin without stripping it of vital moisture. Soothing Allantoin and antiseptic Orange Oil prevent irritation and inflammation and gentle cleansing agents remove make-up, impurities and debris from the skin's surface. Await many compliments on your J. Lo glow.
Avène Cicalfate Repair Cream, £7.50 from Boots
Used to heal grazes, nappy rash, eczema, stitches and sensitive post-procedure skin, this inexpensive cream can cure a whole host of skin concerns. This product is a holy grail item for many beauty bloggers and vloggers, particularly Vivianna Does Makeup who recently included it in her Drugstore Skincare Edit.
Liz Earle Superskin Face Serum, £48, from Boots
No matter how much people go on about serums, who really has the time before work to add another step to their 5-minute-splash-and-dash morning routine? That said, you need to make time for this one. Used as part of your AM skincare steps, after cleansing and toning, and before applying your moisturiser, this serum really makes a noticeable difference to your skin due to the key active ingredients.
Crème de la Mer The Renewal Oil, £155
Last month Crème de la Mer introduced the Renewal Oil, a highly potent elixir. Now the term 'elixir' is a pretty bold claim but this oil, made to mimic the skin’s hydrolipidic structure with a combination of water, eucalyptus and sesame, absorbs quickly and deeply, providing the skin with nourishment that you will feel and see.
Cicaplast Baume B5, £6.50 from Boots
This multi-purpose repairing balm soothes and protects hyper-sensitive or irritated skin. It has been tolerance tested by both dermatologists and paediatricians, so if it’s good enough for babies’ skin, it’s good enough for ours.
Glow After Dark Bath Oil, £38 from Selfridges
If you have trouble sleeping, this may just be the answer to your nightly prayers. Made from only natural ingredients, the Glow Dark Bath Oil is a mix of orange, geranium, myrrh and litsea. New to Selfridges – though it's been used by those in the beauty know for a little while – this moisturising bath oil, nourishes skin and puts you to sleep as well. What's not to love?
Odacite Dry Skin Oil, £33 from Cult Beauty
Add just a few drops of this oil to your existing moisturiser, which is brimming with conditioning essential fatty acids, antioxidants and vitamin C, to counteract the damage done by harsh winter weather and/or a hangover. Used in skin care for thousands of years (the Ancient Egyptians are believed to have used it in skin-healing remedies) moringa oil is powerfully regenerative, strengthening and supporting skin cells. Petigrain oil then works to maximise hydrating power. Even if you don't get the science, you'll notice how super-soft and supple your skin feels.
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