THE SKINCARE PRODUCTS I PACKED FOR LOCKDOWN
When I packed to come to the UK for lockdown, it was to be frank, done in a bit of a panic. Luckily I’m so accustomed to getting my things together for trips for work that I managed to throw most of my essentials in my suitcase, along with enough skincare products to last me a while, in the 30 minutes I gave myself before jumping in an Uber to get my Eurostar. So I thought I’d tell you about them, as these are a few of my favourite products that I’ve been using for the past six months or more. There are also some new discoveries in this list that I was gifted at the beginning of March and a few that I’ve borrowed from my mum’s beauty cabinet and have also been trying.
I use most of these on a daily basis, but rotating the serums and moisturisers. I’m hoping this will also give you some clarity for the types of products that you can use too and what they do!
Oh My Cream Cleansing Balm
Chic packaging aside, this balm transforms into an oil on contact with the skin to completely remove make up, sebum, and SPF. It’s very gentle thanks to the inclusion of oat extract. And smells so good I want to eat it.
Medik8 C-Tetra
This super light serum is full of antioxidant Vitamin C, which works to give skin radiance, prevent premature ageing, and stimulates collagen and elastin production. It’s also formulated with Vitamin F and squalane for extra skin nourishment.
Aurelia CBD Super Serum
CBD is a very trendy ingredient right now, but I trust Aurelia to select and formulate with only what’s best for the complexion. This serum, with its hydrating base of hyaluronic acid and aloe vera, is a real multi-tasker. It calms redness, balances oil production, and helps to reduce fine lines.
Susanne Kaufmann Intensive Power Serum Line A
I turn to this serum when I want something a little more intense, just like the name suggests. The active ingredients ectoine and ubiquinone improve the performance of the cells and brown algae acts as an antioxidant to protect the cells. It does a little bit of everything and it can be used morning and night.
The Inkey List Retinol Serum
This inexpensive serum is somewhat of a gem. Retinol is a derivative of Vitamin A, which promotes skin renewal, helps to repair fine lines as well as prevent new ones. It can cause sensitivity, so I’d advise using a very small amount at night, seeing how your skin reacts and make sure you wear high SPF the next day if you venture outside.
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Another affordable favourite. I love how hydrating the formula is, just a few drops morning and night helps to keep my skin plump and soft.
Sisley Black Rose Eye Contour Fluid
The delicate eye area is usually the first place to show signs of stress and premature ageing. I find that the Sisley Fluid works to instantly brighten while the cocktail of potent ingredients (caffeine, Vitamin E, chlorella, red vine extract) looks after the skin long-term. The ceramic applicator, which stays cold, also works wonders on morning puffiness.
La Roche Posay Toleriane Fluide Ultra
Sometimes all I want is a basic moisturiser that delivers a final layer of hydration and this takes care of that. It’s fragrance-free, light, but with enough body to relieve dryness and soothe irritation.
Augustinus Bader The Cream
Expensive? Yes. Worth it? You bet. Over thirty years of research went into the development of this cream by the eponymous stem cell and biomedical scientist. I reach for this often as it really makes a difference by stimulating the skin’s natural renewal process. It’s powered by the patented Trigger Factor Complex in combination with brightening ascorbic acid, nourishing avocado oil, and calming aloe vera.
Aurelia Cell repair Night Oil
I love using oils at night, especially when I want extra moisture and nourishment. Aurelia’s silky oil delivers a powerful combination of plant and flower essences. It’s a bit like a superfood smoothie for the face, guaranteeing that I wake up to great skin.
Murad Rapid Relief Spot Treatment
Whenever I see a spot rearing its ugly head, I reach for this. Combining salicylic acid with antibacterial pine and thyme extracts in a calming base, it works to prevent and reduce spots without drying the area out.
CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 25
It might be a bit basic but that’s not a bad thing considering I use so many other actives. I love the lightweight texture, ceramide-rich formula, and the dose of SPF, which I never venture outside without.
MZ Skin Hydrate & Nourish Age Defence Retinol Day Moisturiser SPF30
SPF is the superhero of my daytime skincare, and this cream has all the active ingredients I love: Vitamin A, E, and C, which together protect and repair the skin.
Chanel Le Creme Main
Let’s be honest, I love this as much for the packaging as its great formula. The cream is fast-absorbing, nourishing, and always a lot of fun to use.
Aurelia Botanical Cream Deodorant
My switch to a natural deodorant was made seamless thanks to Aurelia. Yes, it’s in a tub, which takes a little while to get used to but it’s possibly the best natural deodorant I’ve ever tried. Plus, it has a wonderful herbal aroma.
Detox Oil by Suzanne Kaufmann
I love body oil, but what I love most about this one is its strong gingery scent that makes your skin smell divine upon application. Along with extract of ginger, this one also contains avocado oil, which is one of the best oils to sooth dry skin and jojoba oil, which controls sebum production, is antioxident and antibacterial.
Sisley Hair Rituel Revitalising Fortifying Serum for the Scalp
The skin on our scalps often gets overlooked, but it needs to be looked after as we do our face. That’s why I like to treat mine with a dedicated product. Sisley’s serum is created with a mixture of essential vitamins and minerals alongside nourishing proteins and peptides, supporting a healthy scalp and conditioning the hair follicles.
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Words by Zhenya Tsenzharyk and Marissa Cox.
