21 skincare products that GLAMOUR beauty editors always add to cart
Every day, dozens of moisturisers, serums and toners roll past the beauty desk. Over the years we must have tried hundreds, if not thousands, of skincare products. We have the best dermatologists, aestheticians and formulators in the field of skincare on speed dial (it's a perk of being a beauty editor), and we've even been known to head straight to the labs to check up on what goes into our favourite face creams. Because of this, we reckon we've got a pretty good knack for spotting exceptional skincare products.
One tip? Beware of judging a serum by its bottle or an eye cream by its pretty pot. Bells and whistles don’t necessarily guarantee a superior skincare product. The packaging might be fantastic (and worthy of a spot on the ‘gram), but the boring, bog-standard pot next to it could be a better shout for happy skin. We seriously rate French pharmacy brands like La Roche Posay and Avène. And, for higher-end skincare, we love derm-led and science-backed brands like Murad, Dr Dennis Gross and Skinceuticals. We also love to see innovation (see: encapsulation, bio-technology and microbiome-friendly skincare)
In terms of ingredients, vitamin C, AHAs, hyaluronic acid and retinol are the gold standard. However, not all are made equal so it's worth looking at the concentration, the quality, the stability and even the packaging (for instance vitamin C degrades when exposed to light, so steer clear of transparent containers).
But, if you've overdone it on the actives, we love barrier-building skincare rich in ceramides, squalane and nourishing oils.
We've whittled down the must-haves: SPF/sunscreen, a great cleanser, and something to keep your skin hydrated (it could be a lightweight serum if you're more oily, or it could be a heavyweight moisturiser if your skin is usually parched).
You don't really need a 10-step skincare routine, but if we were to throw in a few extra bolt-ons, there are a few serums for concerns like anti-ageing or dryness that we swear by included below. In addition, exfoliating (in moderation, and nice and gently) is an excellent shortcut to brighter, healthier-looking skin. Plus, a well-employed face mask can make all the difference; nourishing your soul as well as your skin.
To help you find the best skincare products ever that'll leave your skin feeling better than ever, we've decided to reveal what made it into the hallowed domain of our bathroom cabinets. And what has stayed there. These lotions and potions from the likes of Kate Somerville, U Beauty and Murad are the firming, foaming, dark spot-banishing essentials we reach for on the regular (and smuggle home from the beauty cupboard so we’re never left without them).
Containing skin-loving ingredients like vitamin E, shea butter, squalane, amino acids, peptides and BHAs, they'll help with everything from skin tone to slowing signs of ageing. So without further ado, have a scroll through these killer beauty products, see if there's anything that's up your street and hopefully, discover a few new faves. Happy shopping.
These are the best skincare products on the market according to GLAMOUR editors…
Best skincare products: the capsules
Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Capsules, £47, LookFantastic
While retinol does a sterling job of smoothing skin and plumping out fine lines, it does tend to create irritation if the formulation is too strong, or not up to scratch. This is perfect. Not only do the dosed-out capsules ensure you never apply too much, it’s blended with ceramides to buffer the retinol and stave off sensitivity. Lottie Winter, Beauty Editor
The retinol rulebook: it's the one ingredient that can transform your skin so here's simple guide to finding the right one.
Save while you shop for the best skincare products with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best skincare products: the brightening serum
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum, £140, LookFantastic
As far as investment products go, this one gets my vote. Highly scientific, this is an antioxidant powerhouse that combines 15% vitamin C to brighten, with 1% vitamin C to soothe and repair and 0.5% ferulic acid which helps to supercharge the other two. Elle Turner, Beauty Editor
What's the best serum for me? Here's which face serum you should be applying in your 20s, 30s and 40s.
Save while you shop for the best skincare products with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best skincare products: the exfoliating cleanser
Kate Somerville Exfolikate Cleanser, £38, Cult Beauty
If I’m having a bit of a breakout, I can rely on this cleanser to press reset on my skin. It contains pineapple, pumpkin and papaya enzymes to unclog pores and buff away any dead skin cells that cause blockages. Lottie Winter, Beauty Editor
The best cleansers to stash in your bathroom cabinets for beautifully fresh skin.
Save while you shop for the best skincare products with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best skincare products: the daytime moisturiser
Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream, WAS £85 NOW £65.25, LookFantastic
A big, delicious hit of moisture that absorbs fast and contains mighty ingredients that help to increase collagen and soften skin, meaning a silky, perky complexion. Elle Turner, Beauty Editor
Save while you shop for the best skincare products with these LookFantastic discount codes. Shop our full edit of the best night cream here.
Best skincare products for dry skin
Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cream, £65, Cult Beauty
Lightweight but soothing and smoothing, this is everything I’ve always looked for in a daily moisturiser. The lactose in goat’s milk soothes any damaged or dry areas of skin while aloe vera and avocado oil cocoons the complexion. Lottie Winter, Beauty Editor
Our beauty editors have tried thousands of moisturisers and these are the 25 best of all time.
Save while you shop for the best skincare products with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best skincare products: the rich cream
Weleda Skin Food, WAS £13.50 NOW £9.37, LookFantastic
A multi-purpose, deeply restoring cream that’s as good on cuticles and chapped lips as it is on scrapes and scars. Keep it in your handbag at all times. Lottie Winter, Beauty Editor
Shop our full edit of the best moisturiser for dry skin. Save while you shop for the best skincare products with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best skincare products: the hyaluronic acid serum
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, £6.40, Cult Beauty
It goes without saying that The Ordinary make it on to the list (honourable mention also goes to its salicylic acid, but all the products are a pretty safe bet). Faff free and down to business, the brand in general provides affordable, effective skincare. This hyaluronic acid is perfect for layering beneath your face cream for an extra dose of moisture, or if you like to keep things light, you could use this alone. Elle Turner, Beauty Editor
Save while you shop for the best skincare products with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best skincare product: the gentle exfoliator
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel, £19, Cult Beauty
This is as near to a mild clinical peel as you’ll get at home, and it uses professional methods, too. The first pad is packed with a trio of powerful exfoliating acids, including lactic, mandelic and willow bark extract, to help smooth and refine skin, the second step neutralises the first so you won’t be left with lingering irritation. Unlike the name suggests, your face won’t peel. Instead, it appears instantly brighter. Elle Turner, Beauty Editor
Save when you shop for the best skincare products with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best skincare products: the creamy cleanser
Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Polish Cleanser Starter Kit, £9.50, Boots
Everyone give it up for the nation’s favourite cleanser – as creamy and delicious now as it was when I pinched it off my mum years ago. This gently removes every trace of makeup without stripping skin. Elle Turner, Beauty Editor
Save when you shop for the best skincare products with these Boots discount codes.
Best skincare products: the resurfacing multitasker
U Beauty Resurfacing Compound, £215, Space NK
It may be on the more expensive side, but this formula aims to reduce the number of steps in your skincare routine overall, meaning you won't have to buy as many other products. It contains a blend of antioxidants, vitamins C and E, peptides, hyaluronic acid, AHAs and retinol to take the place of your serums and moisturisers while still achieving clearer, brighter and smoother skin. Lottie Winter, Beauty Editor
Save when you shop for the best skincare products with these Space NK discount codes.
Best skincare products: the soothing mask
Avène Soothing Radiance Mask, £10.80, LookFantastic
If ever my skin starts playing up (frequently, when I test out a product it doesn’t like – perils of the job), I immediately resort to this. Free from practically anything that can cause irritation, it’s basically a giant, soothing hug for your skin. Elle Turner, Beauty Editor
Save when you shop for the best skincare products with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best skincare products: the cleansing gel
Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel, £37, Cult Beauty
This starts out as a gel, then dissolves into a luxurious milk and lifts away makeup effortlessly – effectively a spa treatment for your face every evening. Elle Turner, Beauty Editor
The best cleansers to stash in your bathroom cabinets for beautifully fresh skin. Save while you shop for the best skincare products with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best skincare products: the glycolic acid
Pixi Glow Tonic, £18, LookFantastic
A glycolic acid toner done well. It has enough alpha hydroxy acid (5%) to polish away dead skin cells and make way for the fresh cells beneath, but not so much to dry skin out and cause sensitivity. It’s one of the more affordable options out there, too. To make it work for you, start by applying it every couple of evenings, then switch to more or less depending on how your skin responds. Elle Turner, Beauty Editor
Do we really need a toner and which are the best on the market?
Save while you shop for the best skincare products with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best skincare products: the facial SPF
Ultra Sun Face SPF30, WAS £22 NOW £17.60, LookFantastic
Broad-spectrum UVA/UVB filters delivered in an instantly absorbing, non-greasy formula that’s free from perfume, silicones and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate? Yes on every level. Lottie Winter, Beauty Editor
These are the best face suncreams to wear year-round.
Save while you shop for the best skincare products with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best skincare products: the micellar water
Garnier Micellar Water Sensitive Skin, £3.99, Boots
This micellar water is a staple on my shelfie. It removes all traces of makeup (even waterproof mascara) without irritating the skin or eyes whatsoever. Lottie Winter, Beauty Editor
Micellar water: an explainer. Why you need one in your skincare routine and which to pick.
Best skincare products for acne: the blemish treatment
Murad Rapid Relief Spot Treatment, £21, LookFantastic
Powered by 2% salicylic acid (the holy grail ingredient for spots), use this tactically and stick it directly on top of blemishes. Overnight, it’ll help to clear out pores and deflate angry bumps. Elle Turner, Beauty Editor
The best acne treatments that really work. Save while you shop for the best skincare products with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best skincare products: the sheet mask
111SKIN Y Theorem Bio Cellulose Facial Mask, £20, Cult Beauty
For a quick fix, this skin-perking mask is pure magic. It’s a favourite with celebs like Margot Robbie and Priyanka Chopra for its ability to rapidly rejuvenate their skin before red carpet events (or Zoom meetings). It locks in hydration and leaves skin looking healthy and awake. Elle Turner, Beauty Editor
Why sheet masks are the ideal antidote to knackered pandemic skin.
Save while you shop for the best skincare products with these Cult Beauty discount codes.
Best skincare products: the spot sticker
Zitsticka Killa Spot and Blemish Clarifying Patch Kit, £18.90, Beauty Bay
If you’re a pimple popper, you need ZitStickas in your life. The little micro-channeling patches have tiny darts made of spot-fighting ingredients that penetrate the spot’s surface and dissolve for deeper treatment. Lottie Winter, Beauty Editor
Save when you shop for the best skincare products with these Beauty Bay discount codes.
Best skincare products
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water, £11, Boots
Undefeated at removing stubborn mascara, deep-set SPF and bulletproof lipstick. Elle Turner, Beauty Editor
Save when you shop for the best skincare products with these Boots discount codes.
Best skincare products: the cleansing bar
Gallinée Cleansing Bar, £13, LookFantastic
Gallinée’s whole MO is to strengthen the skin’s microbiome by providing it with the prebiotics it needs to thrive. This gentle cleansing bar does exactly that, feeding good bacteria and helping to eliminate bad bacteria. Lottie Winter, Beauty Editor
Save while you shop for the best skincare products with these LookFantastic discount codes.
Best skincare products: the face mist
Elequra Boosting pH Mist, £39, John Bell & Croydon
Skincare works best when the skin surface is slightly acidic, which is what makes this pH mist so genius. A few spritzes will create a temporary pH gradient, increasing the efficacy of any formula that follows. Lottie Winter, Beauty Editor
If you only buy one thing today, make it one of these editor-approved face mists and cooling sprays.
