Imbalanced skin plagues us all. Depending on sex, age, the time of year and other factors like sleep and diet, there are a variety of skin issues that can try your patience and affect your confidence. Of course, when skin issues get serious, a trip to your GP or dermatologist is always the best course of action. Skincare can make a real difference, but sometimes only medication will do. If your issues are more everyday, the right topical products (when used properly) can restore comfort and balance to your skin.
Sunday Riley U.F.O. Ultra-Clarifying Face Oil (€88 from Space NK)
Acne sufferers usually try to “dry out” excess oil by using harsh alcohol-based products. These set the skin’s sebum production into panic mode, causing it to overproduce and worsen the condition. Though it may seem counterintuitive, oils can really help, and this one contains 1.5 per cent salicylic acid which helps to decongest skin very effectively.
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Recovery Mask-in-Oil (€67)
Fans of Estée Lauder’s legendary Advanced Night Repair will love this. A final “top coat”, as it were, to your night time routine, it seals in your serum, moisturiser (and any other evening product). It is ideal for dry or mature skin, and you’ll wake up to a baby soft face and neck.
Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Radiance with Hyaluronic Acid (€38)
Some days, you just wake up to dull or drab skin. If one of these hits and you have something special happening, look no further than this radiant primer. It makes skin look healthy, glowing and alive at a moment’s notice.
Clinique Fresh Pressed 7-Day System with Pure Vitamin C (€34 from March 10th)
The powder cleanser sachets and booster liquid are available to buy separately, but used together for a week they promise to brighten and renew dull, tired skin.
Eucerin UltraREDNESS Concealing Day Cream SPF25 (€24)
I passed this to a tester who struggles with Rosacea-prone, reactive skin. She declares it to be the first product in years that has calmed her skin without upsetting it.
Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum (€85 from Therapie and Edvard & Pink Dundrum)
Retinol actively tackles sun damage and fine lines. This serum claims to show results within two weeks, and it delivers. Be sure to wear SPF daily as retinol sensitises skin to sunlight.
Garnier Pure Active Intensive Triple Action Care Spots & Blackheads This is a lovely light and affordable salicylic acid product for teenage or congested skin. Apply it underneath a moisturiser to counteract any dryness as it does contain some alcohol.
Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil (€7.50 for 200ml/€15.50 for 1litre)
czema and dryness won’t be exacerbated by this soft, soothing shower oil. It is excellent value for money.
NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer (€30)
NARS’ last concealer offering, Radiant Creamy Concealer, is my all-time favourite (I shudder at the thought of how many tubes I have bought), but this beats it. Soft Matte Complete Concealer covers everything without sitting, is not light reflective, and comes in sixteen shades. Perfection.
