There are more skin care products on the market now than ever before. It’s a minefield of scrubs, peels, serums, acids, day creams, balancing toners, brightening lotions and much more that can leave you confused and quite frankly, baffled.

Finding your perfect skincare routine can take years. To help make the process easier we’ve picked 7 of our favourite products for use in a different step in your skin care regime.

Cleanser | the first step towards clear, radiant skin is clean skin. There’s no point in investing money in the best products if you’re slathering them onto skin that isn’t properly cleansed…
It’s no secret that MAKING FACES loves Jan Marini; founded in California, this innovative company is continually developing and expanding the professional skincare market.

The Bioglycolic® Face Cleanser offers deep, non irritating cleansing that leaves the skin soft and hydrated. What’s better is you do not need to follow with a toner or astringent…any product that simplifies our morning routine is fine by us!
I am yet to find a client of mine who doesn’t love this cleanser.

“Apart from retinoids, the only other ingredient that’s been shown to stimulate collagen and tighten pores is glycolic acid. As an additional immediate benefit, it removes rough dead skin cells to give skin a smoother appearance. “
TeenVogue.com – March 2012

 

Scrub | using a facial scrub (no microbeads please!) a few times a week is a brilliant way to administer a slightly more intense exfoliation than a Biolglycolic cleanser can offer.  Use a scrub that contains salicylic acid and you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner!

Salicylic acid penetrates deep into the pore lining (as opposed to most acids which only treat the surface layer of the skin) and breaks down the bond that keeps dead cells clinging together. It helps to promote new cell turnover which leaves skin firm and plump. Salicylic acid’s anti-inflammatory properties help to soothe red and angry skin and is a great addition in the treatment of acne.

We love the St Ives Blemish Fighting Apricot Face Scrub which is made with 100% walnut shell powder (much better for the environment) is non-comodegenic (doesn’t block pores) and contains 2% salicylic acid. Plus is smells like apricots – perfection.

 

Serum | the lightweight nature of serums mean that they can penetrate deeper into the skin; delivering active ingredients to both the dermis and epidermis. Regularly using a serum can not only give your skin a firmer, smoother texture; it also improves moisture levels and makes pores appear smaller.

What ‘The Ordinary’ lacks in snazzy packaging they make up for in brilliant products with high performing ingredients. “Buffet” is a multi-peptide serum packed full of anti ageing ingredients that includes hyaluronic acid and Matrixyl 3000 – which stimulates collagen synthesis. A pleasingly affordable price tag makes this our pick of the serums currently available.

 

Primer | Hourglass continually rank highly on our list of favourite cosmetics brands. Not only do they combine luxury, science and beauty, they create cruelty free, vegan products in the process. The Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer is lightweight, oil free and works to hide redness, wrinkles and imperfections while creating the perfect base to ensure your make up stays intact all day.

 

Moisturiser | clinically proven to repair and strengthen the skin’s external barrier, Epionce have used over 20 years of research to perfect their range. Referred to as a ‘cult’ product, you won’t find it in shops as it’s only retailed by aesthetic clinics, spas, dermatologists and plastic surgeons. The Renewal Facial Cream is by far our favourite moisturiser, not only for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties but its luxurious feel and gorgeous flowery scent – this is a cult you should definitely join!

 

SPF | providing broad spectrum protection with the bonus of a glowing tint, the Epionce Daily Shield Tinted Lotion (SPF 50) is perfect for all skin types and will leave you glowing without any of the long lasting damage. Fortified with anti-oxidants and water resistant, if you’re planning a Summer holiday this year, don’t leave without it!

 

Lips | the best £8 you’ll ever spend will be on The Body Shop’s Lipscuff. A lipstick sized stick that nourishes and smoothes, Lipscuff contains a natural exfoliant that will leave your lips kissably soft! Follow with Bobbi Brown’s lip balm with SPF 15 (because lips get sunburnt too) which is specially formulated with wheatgerm, avocado and olive oil for moisturised and happy lip

 

 

 

If you try (or already use!) any of the products we’ve mentioned – let us know what you think in the comments below. Alternatively, if you have a go-to product you couldn’t live without – please share!