Whatever your skin type, hydration is key to a good skincare routine because hydration and nourishment are two things that will really help to keep your skin at its best. You can make your own daily skincare routine as simple or as complicated as you like because it is your skin and your routine.
I try a lot of brands and beautiful products that I am either sent for review or items that I buy which is why I wanted to round up some old and new favourites that I have been using on my skin this summer and didn't want to neglect to tell you about because they work whatever the season. A lot of them will work for many skins but there could well be a superstar product that you didn't know your skin needed until now. Whether you need hydration, calmness, firming, nourishment, cleansing etc these have been super effective for me and could work just as well for you. I shall keep it brief as there is a few to touch on, but rest assured, they have my approval should you need any ideas to update your skincare.
Skincare for hydration, glow & comfort
CLEANSE/TONE ...
Skincare for hydration, glow & comfort
KATE SOMERVILLE Goat Milk Cleanser here
This is a super famous cleanser that Kate Somerville is known for. A very gentle daily face wash that's formulated to cleanse and soothe without tightness or irritation. Its non-foaming, creamy formula removes makeup, dirt, oil and impurities while maintaining skin's radiance and essential moisture. I can't say much more than this is a must for sensitive skins or anyone that likes to wash their skin, this will keep it hydrated and happy!TEMPLE SPA Deep Cleansing Melt here
I love a good Cleansing Balm and this one from Temple Spa, blew me away. Temple Spa are in fact a spa range so I knew I would love it instantly to be fair. This gorgeous, soft, buttery balm literally melts away makeup and daily build-up to leave your skin with a real just had a facial feel with its light (and slightly grainy) exfoliating/cleansing action. The balm is formulated with Mediterranean ingredients such as olive, calendula, basil, clary so you can imagine just how amazing it smells and most importantly, leaves your skin feeling clean, hydrated, dewy and glowing. If you love cleansing balms like I do then make this your next try, you won't regret it.
Skincare for hydration, glow & comfort
ELEMIS Soothing Toner here
This for me is my OG toner. I've lost count of how many times I've spoken about this and I currently have five bottles as a backup in my bathroom cabinet (no joke). I initially purchased this about nine years ago in the US and it's been with me ever since. It really calms sensitive complexions with a hydrating formula that leaves skin feeling cooled and refreshed thanks to its alcohol-free blend of ingredients and Vitamins A, B, and C, which all help to comfort and refresh. Everyone I have got onto this one loves it! Plus the spray bottle makes it so easy to use; its skincare royalty for me.GOOD MOLECULES Glycolic Exfoliating Toner here
Good Molecules is such a great affordable brand. Not all products have been my cup of tea as I do miss the luxury aspect in some of their products but this was newly sent over to me to trial and I think it's great. You can't go too far wrong with acid toners (just make sure the % is ideal for your skin) as they are a great way of exfoliating in a gentle way as opposed to a physical exfoliator where you are scrubbing the skin. This is always an effortless way of getting your glow back by ridding it of the dead skin that makes it look dull. For less than $15/€12, it's such a worthy try.
Skincare for hydration, glow & comfort
URIAGE Glow Up Water Essence here
This was one of my most recent discoveries and own purchases from the French Pharmacy. In fact, it was originally a sample that was put in with a previous purchase that enticed me back for the full size. Heads up, ALL skins will LOVE this. This is a hybrid between a toner and a Serum and is in fact apparently more hydrating than a serum according to its stats. This hybrid moisturises and reinforces your skin barrier using thermal water, probiotics and hyaluronic acid to ... name a few. The unique water texture instantly fuses with the skin without leaving an oily film, for a fresh feel. A few drops in your palms pressed into your skin is all it takes after cleansing, to get hydration and a glow into your skin. I feel like I have stumbled upon a hidden gem here because I have heard nobody speak about this product yet I for one think it's a diamond!TREAT ...
Skincare for hydration, glow & comfort
DERMALOGICA Melting Moisture Mask here
Another recent discovery that was sent over for me to try and such a great one for dry/dehydrated skins. This is one dreamy, rich, buttery balm-to-oil mask that is activated on skin heat that creates a melting sensation to deeply nourish and rehydrate your skin instantly. It also has this real herbal, lavender scent that just instantly feels comforting. Micro-algae’s hydrate, Linoleic Acid nourishes and Vitamin E helps protect against skin-damaging free radicals. Ideal for every season and mask you will find yourself making excuses to have a pamper session.CLARINS Calm Essential Facial Oil & Moisturiser here
This is a new launch from Clarins for the needs of sensitive and fragile skins. I was very excited to try both having been sent over both to try, I knew it would be perfect given the hot summer weather but will also be heaven for the cooler months when skin gets affected by the cold. It uses 95% to 98% natural ingredients with a Restoring Treatment Oil to treat dryness and tightness at night and an Emulsion to do the same throughout the day. Both intensely moisturise, nourish and protect and your skin just feels so much happier if for some reason it wasn't. It also has a nice light, fresh, floral scent and is a line I think many will enjoy as much as I have. I have been so impressed by Clarins skincare of late as I have always been a huge fan of their body care but not so much their skincare, but they are winning me around with products like this.
Skincare for hydration, glow & comfort
KATE SOMERVILLE Delikate Serum here
Another skin hero from Kate's line that has been clinically proven to restore stressed skin, relieve visible redness and most importantly, promote a healthy skin barrier. This is a treatment for skin that is stressed or sensitive as the lightweight, hydrating serum will instantly alleviate dryness and tightness while calming irritation. This has worked wonders for times when my skin has been upset by something or has been a touch hormonal and is so easy to add into your routine whenever you feel you need it. Most definitely 100% worth the buy as I know I will need to repurchase when this runs out. Think of it as your rescue remedy!MURAD Retinol Serum & Eye Serum here
I love Murad Skincare and have a post here previously on some other amazing products and these came later as Murad is famously known for its Retinol line. My skin does not have the best connection with Retinol as an ingredient, but this has been fine as I have had no sensitivity whatsoever. I was actually quite shocked that I didn't?! I noticed a little puffiness on my cheeks after the first few uses, but nothing that didn't go away. The Serum is the main player I would say opposed to the Night Cream, but together, they are a powerhouse. It uses a fast-acting retinoid, a time-released retinol and a retinol booster to help fight lines/deep wrinkles, skin tone and boost radiance. The Eye Serum does the same and I am hooked. For me, they both have restored glow, hydration and evened things out nicely. If you are new to Retinols and you want something gentle then Murad is worth the try.
Skincare for hydration, glow & comfort
SWISSLINE Cell Shock Serum & Eye Cream here
I featured a post recently all about my love for this stunning brand. It is very luxurious and you get what you pay for here. I couldn’t not mention these two products especially as I found with long-term use the results have definitely been more prominent. In fact, have a full post here as you need to know the full details of them but if you are in the market for a results-driven brand (over surgery and filler options too!) then this is a brand worth looking into.
Skincare for hydration, glow & comfort
CLOUD 9 Clarity Blemish Gel here
I have spoken about this magic gel many a time as this is the only spot/blemish treatment I use because it works. No matter how good your skin is, we all get breakouts for whatever reason hence needing a product like this for times of need. One of the many reasons I love this product is because it's a gel formula and does not dry the area of skin out or make it peel. You can ever apply it over makeup; hurrah! I guarantee this will work on any breakout hence it's been a staple in my home for some years now and I am never ever without a tube.Hydrate/Moisturise ...
Skincare for hydration, glow & comfort
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Rich Cream here
This is a Moisturiser I always find myself purchasing again at some time or another because like the Soothing Toner, it has just become an OG favorite. The Pro-collagen line is famous with Elemis as I'm sure you know and this Pro-Collagen Cream in the Rich Version for me, is just one that works beautifully on my skin whatever the season, day or night. I love the scent, the texture and the result that it gives my skin this healthy, plump, radiant finish. If you are in the market for an all round, anti-ageing day/night cream then this is one to surely check out and Elemis always have so many great deals running, especially on QVC which is why I end up stocking up.
Skincare for hydration, glow & comfort
MZ SKIN Hydrate & Nourish Moisturiser here
This was part of a recent Mintd Box and I instantly fell in love with it as I do love MZ Skin. This Moisturiser targets many things such as hydration using Hyaluronic Acid to plump and hydrate, Retinol to help with lines and pigmentation, Ceramides to brighten and illuminate and SPF 30 to protect. What more could you ask for really? I love the creamy texture that absorbs beautifully into the skin leaving a nice healthy glow. A tad spendy but always amazing value as part of Mintd Box and the best way to grab this one whilst you still can.
Skincare for hydration, glow & comfort
BY TERRY Hyaluronic Global Face Cream here
I spoke about this product as it launched as ByTerry is obviously known more for their make-up line but this has been a huge hit for their skincare line. It is a lovely lightweight cream-gel consistency that is the first of its kind to use 8 hyaluronic acids for intense hydration as well as plumping, smoothing and illuminating. It also contains 5% Squalane and Niacinamide which all work together to have the most amazing 'youthful' result on the skin. Check out my full post here but this has been a favorite of mine for times when I want my skin to look really glowing and plumped especially under light makeup. It's just fabulous!
Skincare for hydration, glow & comfort
ST TROPEZ Purity Face Mist here
This is another hero product for me and one that features daily in my skincare routine. I have in fact now lost count of how many bottles I have actually gone through! I have over the years used and loved many products that are designed to give your skin a healthy glow by adding a touch of self-tan but this is by far the easiest and most effective product I have used to achieve a healthy, glowing bronzed face. The Water Mist is packed with Hyaluronic Acid so has major skin benefits as well. You can mist over makeup, under makeup, morning, evening ... it's foolproof and I have to say my N01 favorite St Tropez product to date. If like me you are fair, this just takes the edge off of looking pale and pasty and is so natural you can't even tell that it's not a real bronzed glow. More in-depth review here.PROTECT ...
There is no point in doing all this lovely skincare if you are not going to protect your skin from the elements, so get your SPF on folks!
Skincare for hydration, glow & comfort
MURAD City Skin Age Defense SPF50 here
This cream is a fragrance-free, 100% mineral SPF protection against these 5 causes of skin aging as a polymer matrix helps inhibit adhesion and penetration of toxins. The formula absorbs quickly with NO ashy residue and has a slight peach tint to it which leaves this luminous, pearlized finish on the skin. I LOVE it and it's great for all skin types.LA ROCHE POSAY Anthelios Dry Mist Spray SPF50 here
This has been a staple ever since I discovered it on my move to the South of France. The Anthelios sun range covers every texture from lotions, fluids, tints and mists ... just everything that you could want from a suncare range to suit every taste and skin type. The dry mist is perfect for oily-combination skins that like a matte result but I love it for times where I may need to reapply so it's great to spray over your make-up without disturbing anything or times when you may have forgotten to apply that you can easily rectify that. It's super affordable and just a great one to carry in your bag.SWISSLINE SPF50 Invisible Veil here
Another recent favorite that I just cannot get enough of. It is spendy but it really does look after your skin well and if you are someone that really suffers from pigmentation and sun-related issues then I think it's a valid investment. I love that it's super lightweight in texture and dries to a satin-like finish. It's perfect on the hands, neck and décolleté too as there is no heavy or greasy feel. See my full review here if you are thinking of trying!
Skincare for hydration, glow & comfort
SUNBUM SPF50 Body Mist here
This was one of those 'Instagram influenced me' moments as I'd seen the brand all over social media so was super excited to stumble across it in the French pharmacy. I've got a list as long as my arm when it comes to suncare recommendations but naturally, I like to try new ones too so I can report back. I always use SPF 50 and tend to opt for a spray version hence this take the boxes right away for me. It smells of summer and is just a brilliant body SPF!! It is available in different textures and factors too should you be wanting to try it out for yourself and can recommend doing so.
Skincare for hydration, glow & comfort
I hope these recommendations help to maybe add something new into your skincare regime! Always feel free to ask me any Qs.
Take care,
