If, like us, you're always on the hunt for skincare unicorns that do more than just feel nice on the skin, then you've probably already consulted our tried-and-trusted guides for best vitamin C serums, moisturisers and retinol.
But let's be honest, sometimes what really gets us hooked on a product is the recommendation from someone with skin as slick as a dolphin's, or having a virtual snoop around their bathroom cabinet.
Seriously worth the hype.
At GLAMOUR, we're lucky enough to test a lot of skincare, so trust us when we say it takes a special kind of product to make it into our routines on repeat. It also means we're qualified to let you know the high street products to add to basket – and which pricier products are worth the extra spend.
Keep scrolling to see what some of our GLAMOUR team members really use – we've all got very different skincare personalities and concerns – and the holy grail skincare they truly can't live without.
Consider this your editor-approved Pinterest board of healthy, glowing skin – and get inspired!
The skincare maximalist
After a turbulent few years with hormonal acne in my early 20s, I feel like I have been given a second chance with my skin. And boy have I made the most of it ever since, rarely wearing foundation and preferring instead to layer up my skincare to get a next-level dewy glow and snuff out damage from pollution and UV rays.
In some ways I'm a skincare purist as the backbone of my routine is cleanser, serum and moisturiser with an SPF thrown in by day and actives shoe-horned in at night.
But I also lean heavily into beauty tech as I'm a big believer that products alone can only go so far – tools powered by LED and microcurrent are what really have transformative results. I take an inside-out approach, too, and am more likely to offer you a cocktail of supplements than booze.
The main goal for my skin? ‘Collagen banking’. It's like an insurance policy against slack skin by using tech and cosmetic treatments to shore up a ‘bank’ of collagen while my body is still efficient at making it.
Cleanser: I only cleanse in the morning if I've applied retinol the night before. Otherwise, I just splash my face with cold water to avoid stripping away the oils and lipids my skin produced overnight to strengthen its moisture barrier.
The evening is when I really get in there with a double cleanse, starting with the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm to break down make-up and sunscreen (I can't wait to try the new Black Cherry version!). It smells like a spa, which immediately calms me, while the texture is brilliant for sweeping a gua sha along the jawline up to the ear and from the nose to the temple.
I follow up with CeraVe's Foaming Cleanser, which deep-cleans pores but never leaves my skin feeling tight.
Essence: I always use an essence after cleansing as a humectant, like hyaluronic acid, which needs a damp surface to pull water into the skin, especially in winter when there's zero humidity. I swear by the Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser and switch to Caudalie's Vinoperfect Concentrated Brightening Glycolic Essence if my pigmentation flares up.
Serums: Serum is the one product in your routine that I believe you should really invest in. Due to their high concentration and tiny molecules, serums are the most effective way of shuttling active ingredients into the cells beneath the skin's top layer, where the magic happens.
Mine is a protect by day, repair-by-night approach. Because I work in London, my skin is busy deflecting UV rays and pollution during the day so I use an antioxidant vitamin C serum – Sunday Riley CEO 15% Vitamin C Serum is good. At night I alternate between Medik8's Crystal Retinal, which is powered by a vitamin A derivative that works up to 11 times faster than retinol without the irritation, and hyaluronic acid.
Dr Ash Soni recommended the Alastin HA Immerse Serum after my polynucleotide treatment with him and I've never stopped using it. It's pricey but it's so science-backed I don't ever question its efficacy. The gel-like formula actually encourages your own skin to produce more hyaluronic acid – and my skin has never looked more pillowy.
Hydration: As eye cream is thinner than moisturiser, I apply it immediately after serum. I've been seriously impressed with the Alastin Restorative Eye Complex, which contains peptides to clear away damaged elastin and encourage your skin to produce a fresh batch.
But I'm also that person who wears a sheet mask for the eyes at my desk or on my morning commute! Garnier's Moisture Bomb Eye Sheet Mask, Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Hollywood Skin Secrets Immediate Eye Revival Patches and the 111Skin rose Gold Illuminating Eye Mask are all excellent and perform a vanishing act on dark circles and crepey skin.
I have combination skin so I tend to patchwork my moisturiser using a water-based cream (Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Water Cream or Tatcha's The Water Cream) on my oily T-Zone and a richer cream on my parched cheeks.
I've gone through eight bottles of the Augustinus Bader Rich Cream since it launched. It's very expensive but very good, having been created by a world-leading stem cell scientist who has packed it full of 40 different skin-loving ingredients. The Rich Cream is more of a treatment than a moisturiser so I justify the price tag by applying it alone on freshly cleansed skin. Stick with it for a month - it's like a Wonder Bra for slack, dull skin.
Rather than use Vaseline to slug, I slather on Rhode's Barrier Butter as the last step in my routine to lock in all the hydrating goodness.
I'm also obsessed with Vida Glow's Pro Collagen+. I was always sceptical about collagen supplements until I tried this. I take a sachet every day and I've noticed the lines on my forehead aren't as obvious and it keeps my scalp balanced.
You'll also find a lip balm in every room in my house – usually a Glossier Balm Dotcom or a Rhode Peptide Lip Tint. Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream is also a multi-tasking staple for soothing cracked lips and hands.
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SPF: People always ask me what I think the best anti-ageing product is. The answer is always the same: SPF. It makes sense when you consider only 20% of ageing is genetic – everything else is lifestyle, especially sun damage. I've used the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF50+ for years as it absorbs fast, has an invisible finish and plays nicely under makeup.
S.O.S products: Luckily I don't get breakouts very often any more, but when I do, I dab on a little Murad Rapid Relief Spot Treatment with witch hazel and shea butter to buffer against dryness. I've also used this slightly weird hack for years - applying self-tan and then using a cotton bud to dab a dot of Savlon onto any spots. It flattens them super fast!
I test a lot of products and treatments in my job, which can sometimes cause irritation. Kate Somerville Delikate recovery Cream is the OG for dialling down redness.
At-home treatments: There's nothing more satisfying than revealing a fresh, clean top layer of skin. I don't like harsh scrubs so my go-to is a gentle AHA peel. My current go-to's are the U Beauty Resurfacing Flash Peel and Caudalie Vinoperfect Glycolic Peel Mask, which are like a facial in a bottle and seem to give my skin an otherwordly sheen.
Gadgets: Where do I start? Every morning I use the Nurse Jamie Instant Uplift Massaging Beauty Roller to massage my serum in and get rid of any 7am face puff. Its 24 massaging stones and the roller action are designed to replicate a toning, lymphatic drainage massage.
I've included an LED mask in my skincare routine for the past four years because the red and infrared lights recharge the ‘battery’ inside your skin cells in order to boost collagen production. I love using the Therabody TheraFace LED Skincare Mask LED because it's a three-minute treatment and it has a built-in massager, which feels heavenly around the eyes after a day of looking at a screen. On alternate nights I use the Nuface, which uses microcurrent to lift your facial muscles.
TheraFace Mask
- Number of LEDs: 648 LED lights in total.
- Light modes: Three light settings and three vibration modes. You can choose between pre-programmed three minute or nine minute cycles.
- Treatment time: 9-minute pre-programmed treatment once a day for 6 days each week.
- Wireless? Yes.
- Countdown timer?
- Tested by: Fiona Embleton.
Why Glamour loves it: "First came the Theragun massage gun and then the Theraface Pro. Now, Therabody, the global pioneer in wellness technology, has released an LED face mask that is clinically proven to reduce signs of aging, firm skin and increase radiance – according to the brand's research.
"Their objective clinical study of 31 participants between the ages of 39 to 64 found that after 12 weeks, TheraFace Mask improved the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, firmed skin and reduced sagging, smoothed texture, increased luminosity and radiance, lightened dark spots, and revealed radiant, healthy skin. The mask boasts 648 Red, Red + Infrared and Blue LED lights.
“The mask's main USP is that it is the only LED face mask in this edit which also harnesses the benefits of vibration therapy at the same time as administering light treatment. There are three different vibration settings which each help to ease facial tension, boost circulation and relax you.”
The lowdown on LED treatments.
Injectables/cosmetic treatments: This year, I'll probably pop my Botox cherry, but I'm never going to be a filler girl. Rather than add volume, I prefer treatments that either replace the nutrients my skin needs, or nudge my cells to produce more collagen.
I've tried microneedling but for me it was all pain and not a lot of gain. I prefer mesotherapy, which I regularly had at the Dr Dray Clinic (three treatments, each two weeks apart), where a cocktail of vitamins (A, B,C and E), minerals (especially zinc), amino acids, coenzymes and hyaluronic acid was pushed into the skin via a gun-like device. I loved the glass skin effect.
But since last year I've been getting polynucleotide injections (also known as the salmon sperm facial) under my eyes and in the lower part of my face every six months. Dr Ash Soni is my go-to for his light touch and I'm obsessed with how polynucleotides make my skin look plumper and more snatched.
The DIY skincare fan
Moisturising was ingrained in me from a young age, so caring for my skin has always been second nature. However, It wasn't until later in life that I really took notes and started to understand how my routine could work to suit my own unique skincare needs. The older I got, I noticed the winters were really harsh on my skin, so I’ve learnt to adapt my skin routine to the seasons. In winter, I focus on deep hydration and come summer, my priority shifts to lightweight, protective layers with plenty of SPF to keep my skin balanced and healthy in the heat.
I tend to keep my day-to-day skincare routine minimal, but it’s something I value as a self-care ritual. A big part of looking after my skin is focusing on nutrition, balancing hormones, and getting enough sleep. And then I mainly use products that complement and enhance my skin’s natural health. I like to keep products clean, natural and artificial fragrance-free. At some point during lockdown, while everyone was busy baking banana bread, I started cooking up a different kind of recipe in the kitchen. I wanted more control of what I was putting on my skin as most moisturisers didn’t hit the levels of hydration I needed, so I decided to make my own, and my skin has never been healthier.
Cleanser: Oil-based cleansers work really well for me as they avoid stripping everything off. I used coconut oil for a long time as a cleanser or make-up remover (which worked wonders) until the day I walked past a beauty pop-up at Soho House and got introduced to Epara, it was love at first sight.
I swear by their cleanser and love using it when I get home from work, the smell is so soothing that I now associate it with winding down for the day. I also love the hydrating mask, which is so rejuvenating to skin in winter months.
Toner: Witch hazel is also a great toner or cleanser. You don’t need anything too fancy – the Boots Distilled Witch Hazel does the trick and it’s a staple in my bathroom cabinet. I’ve seen a noticeable difference to light scarring on my face with consistent use. After using it, I like to spritz on a little rose water to balance my skin’s pH. It’s a tip I picked up from my mama, who’s always had amazing skin – simple, effective and timeless skincare that really works.
Serums: I recently added IRÄYE’s Eye Revive Cream to my skincare routine, and it’s been a game changer. A little drop goes a long way, and it’s gentle yet effective around the delicate eye area. As a mother who doesn’t get as much beauty sleep as I’d like, it’s reassuring to have something I can count on to uplift and refresh my eyes.
Hydration: My go-to skincare product is a homemade multi-purpose butter. I’ve perfected it over the years with shea, cocoa and mango butters blended with carrier and essential oils and it’s surprisingly easy to throw together. I love it for intense hydration and nourishment to my face and body and it’s become a go-to in my household for everything from hair conditioner to nappy cream. I use raw and unprocessed ingredients like the Liha raw shea butter.
I also always apply a face and body oil after moisturising as it helps to lock in moisture. The Liha Idan body oil is my favourite ever – it smells so good and it has a silky texture that feels so luxe when applied.
SPF: I was so happy to find a sunscreen for dark skin that doesn’t have a thick white coating and still leaves my skin feeling dewy.
S.O.S products: I always have two bottles of aloe vera gel and one stocked in the fridge, I use it for everything from bites to toning or soothing skin. When I get a spot I blend it with a drop of tea tree oil and it works wonders every single time.
At-home treatments: I’ve gone through a lot of face masks and pure honey is still my favourite mask. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and works wonders for exfoliating and renewing skin.
I also always keep the Epara Intense Hydrating Mask in my bathroom for when I want a deeper cleanser.
The pared-back pregnancy skincare edit
Given my job as a beauty editor, my skincare routine is less rigid than most. Once I finish a product, I’ll usually switch it up and start testing another, but it’s a lot more conscious (and simple) than it used to be. Where once upon a time I tried 12 PHAs on my face in a week in the name of research, and would pile on a twelve step skincare routine, I’m way more careful with my skin these days.
The theme is: gentle, barrier-building products that soothe and reinforce my slightly sensitised skin. And while I’ll switch up the products, I stick to the same format.
Cleanse: I’ve never been a foam cleanser girl, it’s a cream or balm hot cloth cleanse for me, all the way. Because I’m lazy, I like to just do one deep cleanse, so I need something gentle that can melt my eye makeup off, too.
Hydration: When it comes to hydrating my dry skin, I like little, light layers like a hyaluronic gel moisturiser on top of a silky plumping lotion, rather than burying my face in a giant slab of ultra rich cream.
The one exception is Kate Somerville’s Delikate Recovery Cream. This is ultra-nourishing but it doesn’t feel claustrophobic and it’s my go-to if my face is having a proper mare, feels extra sensitive, or when I get dry patches that refuse to budge.
Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream
Kate Somerville DeliKate Recovery Cream
- Consistency: Rich but comfortable
- Skin type: Sensitive and sensitised skin
- Key ingredients: Ceramides, shea butter, glycerin, peptides.
- Pros: Ultra soothing and cocooning
- Cons: Pretty expensive.
Why we love it: This was specifically developed (and clinically tested) with sensitive and sensitised skin in mind. Ceramides and peptides calm and soften irritable skin and help to rebuild compromised skin barriers. "This is ultra-nourishing but it doesn’t feel claustrophobic and it’s my go-to if my face is having a proper mare, feels extra sensitive, or when I get dry patches that refuse to budge," – Elle Turner, GLAMOUR's Senior Beauty Editor.
Serums: Ingredients-wise, I’ve been burned (literally) by actives in the past, so I’m heavy on nourishers like peptides and ceramides, with a teensy sprinkle of actives thrown in as and when I need (a glycolic acid or polyhydroxy acid like Medik8’s Press & Glow Tonic to exfoliate every week or so, or a vitamin C, like Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, in the morning, if I’m in the mood).
I should mention that I’m currently pregnant, which throws some actives out the window. I’ve never been a hardcore retinol fan, only dabbling with ultra-gentle formulas applied in the evening before my moisturiser (Medik8 Crystal Retinal has a stepped system starting with number 1, the most gentle for sensitive skin, then gradually increasing in potency from there with 3, 6, 10 etc.).
But I’ve swapped that out for pregnancy-compatible Bakuchiol from the brand to smooth and tone skin. It’s blended with peptides, which makes it even more comfortable (although, honestly, I’m not mega-consistent).
S.O.S products: As for blemish busters like benzoyl peroxide and high doses of salicylic acid, which I’d use as a treatment when spots cropped up, again, they’re not recommended for pregnancy, so I’ve had to take a more gentle approach with niacinamides like The Ordinary’s Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%. Pre-pregnancy, I swore by Murad Rapid Relief Spot Treatment.
SPF: When it comes to brands, you might have noticed, I tend to sway towards pharmacy and derm-led names, so the SPF I apply as the last step in my morning skincare routine (got to have SPF) could be £16 from La Roche Posay or £69 from Murad – I love both.
The hard-working, low maintenance kit
I'm low maintenance when it comes to my skin, despite having worked as a beauty journalist for over 25 years. I've learnt that sometimes less is more. But I also have to confess that sometimes. – when life is hectic – I'm also lazy, and so (shock horror!) I do occasionally commit the skin sin of wearing my makeup to bed!
As a result, I rely on hardworking products that can make the difference for my sometimes lack of effort. I've always had combination skin, with overactive sebaceous glands, which I'm actually grateful for as I age as it can keep skin supple.
Cleansing: I'm a wash and go girl so I like a quick foaming cleanser in the shower with AHAs that give an extra clean hint of exfoliation. Very much required if I have skipped it the night before.
Favourites include Cerave's SA Cleanse and Kate Somerville Exfolikate Cleanser and Simple Eye Makeup Remover to remove makeup residue. In winter, when time allows, I may upgrade to a cleansing balm. My current obsession is the Elemis Pro Collagen Black Cherry Cleansing Balm, which has the kind of scent you just need more of!
Serums: This is my skincare jam and the category where I try the most product. It's the step where you can really get an intense boost of actives into skin, so I'll often switch between different variants from hyaluronic acid to vitamin C as I feel I need it. An old favourite I go back to time and time again is Shiseido Ultimune – that's an all-around goodie.
I'll also sometimes skip serum in favour of Elizabeth Arden's new Retinol + HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin-Renewing Water Cream, which is excellent at tackling fine lines, uneven skin tone and texture. It combines retinol with granactive retinoid – a buzzy new retinoid for those with sensitive skin – and barrier-boosting ceramides so my skin never feels red, dry or irritated.
Hydration: I tend to experience dehydration from city life and also dryness on the outer edges of my face, which is typical of combination skin. I'm a lover of Tatcha's The Dewy Cream – it's moisturising and gives skin a glow so it's a go-to.
For a treat, I love Augustinus Bader The Cream as I find my skin becomes well-behaved and, when there's a jar on my bathroom shelf, dryness and oiliness disappear. In summer, I'll go lightweight with the Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Water Cream.
Tatcha The Dewy Skin Cream
- Consistency: Lightweight cream.
- Skin type: Normal to dry skin.
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, Japanese purple rice, Okinawa algae, ginseng.
Why we love it: This rich, moisturising cream from Tatcha works to plump and hydrate the skin – in fact, it's easily one of the best. Formulated with a blend of hyaluronic acid and anti-inflammatory Okinawa algae, it even contains antioxidant-rich Japanese purple rice to help protect your delicate skin against environmental aggressors like pollution. “My complexion soaks up the Tatcha Dewy Skin Cream like a dream, resulting in the dewiest and glowiest skin that peeks through my makeup,” says Denise Primbet, Glamour's freelance contributor.
Tester: Denise Primbet, Glamour's freelance contributor.
Tester's skin type: dry and sensitive.
Testing time: 6 months.
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At-home treatments: There's nothing like a mask – my favourites are the 111Skin Rose Gold Masks for a deep hit of hydration, especially after travelling or before a night out. When my skin feels dull and needs a glow-up, I'll reach for an exfoliating mask such as Drunk Elephant's viral T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial or switch my moisturiser for Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Water Cream that gives a visibly renewed look to skin.
When it comes to aesthetic treatments, I am not a fan of injectables. I've tried Botox and Profhilo in the past with mixed results. I much prefer a non-invasive heat or laser treatment that can boost collagen production. Last year I tried Neo Gen, a nitrogen plasma treatment that causes a mild resurfacing peel of skin (about 5 days of downtime) and works below the surface to stimulate the skin's own collagen production processes to tighten and smooth skin.
SPF: As you age you see the effects of sun damage so I wear SPF most days – even on grey, cloudy days as UVA rays are still present. La Roche-Posay sun care is my go-to and as it's reasonably priced you can be liberal with your application, which is what dermatologists recommend.
I also love the Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skincreen SPF50+ because it's packed with skin-loving ingredients including kakadu plum, which is a brilliant skin-brightener and hydrator. Sometimes I'll use it as my sole daytime moisturiser in warmer months.
The skincare traditionalist
Gen Z might have a reputation for being skincare-savvy from a young age, but my education on the subject was practically non-existent growing up. Puberty hit and with it came greasy, spot-prone skin that was a huge source of embarrassment.
I had no idea how to handle it. My mum, trying to help, bought me a super-strong Clean & Clear blackhead scrub aimed at teenage skin. Unfortunately, all it did was make my face greasier.
Years of picking at my skin, scrubbing it raw, and feeling generally insecure followed until I stumbled upon Lush’s skincare range. I used my birthday money to buy its Mask of Magnaminty, and I never looked back. The natural ingredients were a revelation, helping to regulate oil production and soothe my skin. Paired with a Simple moisturiser, it became a staple in my routine for about five years, taking me into my twenties.
Once my teenage skin days were behind me and hormonal breakouts became less of a problem, I started focusing on products that weren’t just reactive but proactive—brightening my complexion, preventing fine lines and enhancing the overall look and feel of my skin.
Now, I’m all about achieving an even, glowing complexion with a healthy cleanser-toner-serum-moisturiser approach. And I feel confident showing it off, with or without makeup.
Cleansing: This has always been an essential step in my routine—there’s nothing quite like that fresh-skin feeling after washing away a day’s grime. After years of scrubbing my face raw as a teen, I’ve learnt to take a gentler approach.
My current everyday go-to is The Outset Gentle Micellar Antioxidant Cleanser. It gives a thorough cleanse, removing all my makeup in one go without stripping or irritating my skin. Over Christmas I clumsily gave myself retinol burns and this was the only product I trusted to keep my skin clean without aggravating the sensitive areas.
I also love the Caudalie Vinoclean Instant Foaming Cleanser, which uses micro-peel exfoliation to stimulate cell renewal, helping to brighten my skin and clear blemishes. It’s a transformative product that has become a crucial part of my daily routine.
When my skin needs an extra cleanse—like during a breakout or after consecutive days of facing London’s pollution—I turn to a gentle exfoliator like the Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser. Its fine grit gets deep into pores without stripping too much moisture, and I use it sparingly, just once or twice a week.
In the summer, I loved finishing my cleansing routine with the Rodial Vitamin C Brightening Pads. They provided a burst of hydration and were a perfect bridge between cleansing and prepping my skin for makeup.
Serums: To double down on the brightening effects of the Caudalie cleanser, I pair it with the Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum. It delivers a lovely dose of hydration to freshly cleansed skin and works wonders on areas of hyperpigmentation and dark spots, helping to balance my complexion and keep my skin looking radiant.
Hydration: For my under-eye area, I swear by the Dr. Loretta Tightening Eye Gel. The moment I apply it, I can feel it working—reducing puffiness and inflammation while giving my under-eye area a snatched, refreshed look.
When it comes to moisturisers, my holy grail is Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Cream. This product truly lives up to the hype. It’s rich and nourishing without being greasy, instantly makes my skin glow, and leaves it feeling incredibly soft. The added SPF 15 is a bonus for someone like me, who always forgets to apply sunscreen!
In winter, when the cold, dry weather takes its toll on my skin, I keep a tube of Weleda Skin Food on hand. This ultra-heavy-duty moisturiser is a lifesaver for dry or flaky skin. It was a godsend during my retinol burn recovery, soothing and replenishing my skin almost instantly.
When prepping for a night out or special occasion, I love adding an extra touch of glow and warmth to my skin. I mix a lightweight moisturiser like the Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Cashmere Cream with a few drops of Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops and a squeeze of the Elf Bronzing Drops.
This combo brings life to my complexion and ensures my skin has enough slip for liquid makeup to blend seamlessly.
