I’ve tried a lot of skincare products this year but there are a handful I keep going back to. Let’s start off by explaining my skin a little, as obviously, what works for mine won’t necessarily work for you; I have combination skin with a very oily t-zone which is prone to blemishes and dry cheeks and under eye area. I’m nearly 28 so fine lines are visible on my forehead and I have scarring and visible pores on and around my nose. Here are my favourite skincare products of 2017…
Best Cleanser: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil (£32)
Midnight Recovery was my introduction to oil cleansers. I had been curious about them, however, I was terrified they’d make my skin even greasier and cause me to break out. This cleanser not only smells heavenly but melts away my makeup effortlessly leaving my skin feeling soft, hydrated and clean. It doesn’t leave my skin feeling thirsty or leave any residue. If you are looking for a more affordable alternative check out the Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil from The Body Shop (£12). If oil cleansers aren’t your thing I also recommend The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter (£10) and Neal’s Yard Remedies Wild Rose Beauty Balm (£40).
Best Exfoliator: Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliating Cream (£20)
I’ve not experimented with a lot of exfoliators this year but one I’ve repurchased in 2017 is the Caudalie Deep Cleansing Exfoliating Cream. It’s packed with natural microparticles which remove dead skin cells and give an incredibly deep clean, so deep that your skin will instantly feel smoother and cleaner from the very first try. Very little effort is needed in order for this product to be effective, gentle circular motions help this powerful exfoliator get to work, as with any exfoliator rub too vigorously and you be left with very angry skin.
Best Mask: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clay Mask (£13)
To combat my oily t-zone I usually turn to clay/mud-based masks to draw out any impurities. I have many favourites including the Merumaya Mud Marvel Mask and the Lush Fresh Face Mask in Cupcake but the one I’ve been turning to more frequently is the La Roche-Posay Effaclar Clay Mask. I’m hoping to get a full review up soon but basically, if my skin is feeling a little oily and bumpy this mask helps to soak up any greasiness without leaving the dryer areas feeling tight. I’m also a huge fan of the Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask from The Body Shop (£17). I am on a mission in 2018 to finally try the GlamGlow collection as I’ve read amazing things about their Super Mud Clearing Treatment and I am dying to see what all the fuss is about. I also really enjoyed the T-Zone Charcoal & Bamboo Black Peel Off Mask (£4.99) and pore strips to remove blackheads on my nose. If you suffer from very dry skin check out the Cloud 9 Skin Solutions Good Night Deep Nourishing Sleep Mask (£38).
Best Toner: The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution (£6.75)
I never understood the hype around Pixi Glow Tonic, it did nothing for my skin. This product, however, packs a punch (I wouldn’t recommend for sensitive skin) and it’s nearly a third of the price. I really feel that this has helped improve the texture of my skin as well as brighten it. It also removes any remaining makeup or impurities.
Best Moisturiser: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream (£24.50)
The bestselling Ultra Facial Cream is everything I look for in a moisturiser; it ticks every box. It provides 24-hour hydration in even the harshest of weather conditions, is incredibly lightweight and absorbs easily leaving skin feeling instantly softer, smoother and plump. I can’t recommend it highly enough. My skin drinks this up and instantly feels better for it.
Best Product for Blemishes: La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo [+] (£16) & Effaclar Purifying Cleansing Gel (£13.50)
This combination saved my poor skin in 2017. If you’re suffering from blemishes you really need to try these two products. The wash cuts through all the surface grease that I wake up to every morning and the Effaclar Duo reduces the appearance of spots, controls shine and hydrates my skin. They are both powerful products but are gentle enough for sensitive skin. There is even a tinted version of the Effaclar Duo which acts as a BB cream/primer hybrid that is also worth a try but there isn’t a great range of shades for pale skin.
Best Eye Product: Vichy Aqualia Thermal Awakening Eye Balm (£15)
It’s driving me mad that I can’t find this little tube anywhere as I know it will be a lifesaver this NYE. The Vichy Aqualia Thermal Awakening Eye Balm contains hyaluronic acid, thermal spa water and caffeine. It’s a lightweight balm that’s cooling and gives me that instant pick-me-up my eyes crave first thing in the morning. It absorbs easily without leaving any residue and helps calm, gently tighten and hydrate the eye area giving a more fresh and awake appearance.
Best Overall Skincare Product: Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate (£38)
I’m a huge fan of skincare products that work overnight with minimal fuss. This lightweight oil is simply a miracle worker. It isn’t greasy and absorbs very quickly into the skin. It’s delicately scented with lavender but it’s not overpowering. The packaging is relatively simple but the blue bottle and glass pipette reminds me of an old apothecary which I love. You’ll always find this displayed on my dressing table. I apply just a few drops of this every night and in the morning the texture of my skin feels and looks more refined, toned and radiant. It just leaves it looking it’s very best. It’s magic in a bottle.
Sorry, I don’t have any serums or night creams to recommend because I don’t currently use any in my skincare routine. If you know of any that you think will appeal to my skin please let me know in the comment box below.
What was your holy grail skincare product of 2017?
