Living / 7 October, 2019 / Ellie Thompson
Hurtling headlong into the last couple of years of my third decade, I’m becoming more and more aware of my skin and the products I’m using.
I’ve always had the privilege of not really having to worry too much about it, having never suffered from spots or dry skin – just a little rosacea perhaps, but nothing my make-up wouldn’t hide.
Fast forward to now, and I’m noticing more lines and wrinkles, and a very slight drop in elasticity. I thought I’d turn the first signs of ageing into a research project, and take a look at the latest products on the market to work into my beauty regime.
Here are my favourite ten from all of those I’ve researched and used. Of course, I can’t pretend to be completely sure whether they all do exactly what they say on the tin in terms of science, but each left my skin feeling plump and healthy.
Coveted, Butter Park
£110, 200ml
As packing goes, this cream is definitely crowned Queen of the crop. It’s completely majestic and would make the most perfect gift. What I like about this cream is that although it comes in a bumper size of 200ml, a small amount goes along way. It shares the same consistency as thick whipped buttercream, and can be used all over your body – so this one is not just for the face.
Key ingredients include virgin chia seed oil which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids, which aims to combat premature ageing. It’s a brilliant hydrator, definitely one I’d recommend investing in for the winter months.
Butter Park is a brand new London based beauty brand, and definitely one to check out for their range of luxurious products.
Day Cream, Glory Days
£66, 100ml
A multi-functional moisturiser, this product not only moisturisers the skin, it primes, evens skin tone and brightens the skin.
Glory Days Day Cream contains high levels of Borage Oil which is renowned for his anti-aging properties. It also contains Hyaluronic Acid Complex aimed at plumping and firming the skin. The cream is pleasantly scented and absorbs really nicely into the skin – it’s not a greasy moisturiser and I found it a great base for foundation to sit on. It’s micro-reflective particles purport to diffuse the look of lines and brighten your skin.
I’m a sucker for packaging and this tennis ball-sized and shaped cream looks very cool. For those with really dry skin you might wish to try something with a little more grease, but for those with normal or greasy skin, this product is brilliant.
Moisture Restore Day Protective Lotion, Nu Skin
Nu Skin’s day cream is made up of a unique formula of botanicals, with ingredients including Meadowfoam Seed Oil and Shea Butter that work hard to protect the natural moisture barrier in the skin.
The formula’s rich hydrating ingredients protect skin from oxidative stress, pollution, daily stressors and sun exposure, with a handy spf 15 thrown in for good measure.
Ideal for normal to dry skin, this product will leave your skin feeling dewy, fresh and radiant.
Aqualia Thermal Light Cream, Vichy
£15, 50ml
Did you know, premium skincare brand Vichy only uses thermal spa water from the hot springs of the town of Vichy in France in its formulations? They’re definitely on to something.
This cream smells really clean and fresh. True to what it’s named, it really is a light-weight cream and it left my skin feeling soft and hydrated, and smelling lovely.
Vichy’s volcanic water contains 15 minerals which have been scientifically proven to strengthen skin and reduce fine lines while providing 48 hours hydration.
Firming Day Cream, Daytox
£34.66, 100ml
A vegan cream with a lovely scent, Ocado’s firming day cream is an intensive moisturiser with a triple hyaluronic complex that purports to plump wrinkles.
It’s a great cream for dry skin thanks to the richness of the product, and for a heavier cream, it doesn’t feel greasy and absorbs quickly into the skin.
I found this cream worked well underneath my primer.
Fashion Blogger Laura Wills Shares Her Style Secrets, Baby Essentials & What Life Is Like With 3 Children Under Three
Tips and Tricks for The Perfect Lashes & Locks
Cell Revitalise Day Moisturiser, Aurelia
60ml, £58
I’ve been a fan of Aurelia for sometime now; I love their packaging, products and their ethos. Their products focus on bio-organic ingredients, probiotics and botanicals charged with antioxidants, omegas and plenty of Vit E. These ingredients claim to calm the natural immune triggers in your skin that can be overstimulated by pollution and stress. It’s these triggers that can cause damage to collagen, elastin and healthy cells.
The Day Moisturiser is a lightly whipped cream that glides on easily and smells delicious. This day cream doubles up as the perfect silicone-free primer for photo-finish soft, smooth and glowing skin.
Embryolisse Anti-Age Firming Cream, FeelUnique
£39.99, 50ml
This is a beast of a cream that deals with ageing from every angle, specifically for skin aged 40+. The cream contains collagen and hyaluronic acid to support the skin’s structure. There’s also a healthy dose of natural plant extract to promote cell cohesion and vitamins to combat those nasty free radicals.
Embryolisse Anti-Age Firming Cream is a rich, thick and non-greasy formula with a pleasant scent. It left my skin feeling soft, nourished and ready for make-up.
Hidraderm Facial Cream, Sesderma
£25.46, 50ml
Specifically for dry and dehydrated skin, this Sesderma product is also great for those suffering from dryness caused from aesthetic skin procedures – we’re talking peeling, lasers, microdermabrasions etc.
It’s a cream that’s advisable to use two times a day – accompanied with a bit of fingertip massage into the driest parts.
Hydrating Day Crème, bee-yü
£76, 50g
A truly beautiful looking product in all its packaging, this anti-aging day cream by bee-yü is definitely not for those with bee allergies. This product contains active manuka honey, royal jelly and bee venom.
Bee venom?! I hear you cry. Don’t worry – it’s never to the detriment of any bee – or you, for that matter.
This hydrating day cream uses the best of nature to cleverly tighten fine lines and wrinkles. The cream protects your skin from the daily drudge, by creating an increased blood flow to boost natural collagen and elastin.
Safely enjoy the benefits without feeling the sting (except perhaps, to your pocket).
Day Cream, Ecooking
£32, 50ml
This Day Cream is a thick and rich moisturiser that leaves skin feeling silky and hydrated. This cream works to tone the face and firm contours.
The science includes the protagonist Hyadisine, which mimics the effects of Hyaluronic Acid which provides instant and lasting hydration. The use of Trylagen supports the production of collagen and elastin, which improves elasticity, plumps out the fine lines to give you a youthful glow.
Face Moisturising Balm, Clockface
£30, 60ml
This vegan moisturising balm by Clockface contains 100% natural ingredients, and is 90% organic. The cream left my skin feeling incredibly soft and smooth, but it did take a little longer to absorb than the others in this collection. It left my skin feeling hydrated as opposed to greasy. Aromatically scented with clary sage and juniper berry
Intensive Spiruline Cream, Institut Esthederm
£64, 50ml
This intensive cream tones, firms and smooths. It contains spirulina to restore radiance, strengthen and revitalise. It’s a great option for post-pregnancy skin.
Interestingly, this cream is unisex, although I’m not sure I’ll be telling this to my other half. Not while he’s happy with soap and water!
Twinning Mother & Daughter Looks Made Easy With This One-Stop Shop
10 Reasons Why The Wonder Weeks is The Best Baby Book
John Lewis has relaunched kidswear and it’s a whole lot of fun. Get ready for half term and discover 80 kids’ brands at John Lewis. Shop now with 20% off selected kids’ brands. Shop for baby, children, Tweens or Teens clothing collections and home.
