The top 10 skincare products we discovered in lockdown (that will stay in our facial regimes forever!)
When we think back over the past year, skincare seems to have taken precedence over makeup. Many of us have had more time at home to mull over exactly what we've been putting on our faces all this time and to actively look into new treatments, try different skincare regimes and invest in products that actually make a difference.
Last autumn, global market research company Mintel discovered that during lockdown, UK sales of skincare products skyrocketed, with facial cleansers seeing the biggest rise in usage – up 55% from 2019 – followed by micellar water and moisturiser. Hardly surprising when we’ve been spending the best part of every day staring back at our faces on screens.
Of course, here at GLAMOUR, we are constantly bombarded by new launches and we are no strangers to product testing. In fact, we sample thousands of creams, serums and moisturisers every year – and yet, during lockdown even we couldn’t resist a chance to shop for our skin. After all, our Zoom faces were – like everyone else’s – crying out for a bit of TLC.
One place we found ourselves heading to rather frequently during all three lockdowns was Boots, our local high-street hero, which never lets us down when we need an emergency beauty haul.
In fact, since many Boots stores were open throughout lockdown, and with its website offering home delivery, finding a cult new cream or trying a well-known classic cleanser was pretty easy – and so we shopped like never before.
Naturally, between us all, we unearthed some skincare goodies. And not just any goodies, the ABSOLUTE must-haves; the mega-affordable yet super-effective hyaluronic acid serum, the gentle spot-busting cleanser, the go-anywhere, three-step mini skincare regime, the multitasking parched skin saviour – the list goes on.
So, we’ve whittled down the top 10 for you – the lockdown skincare product discoveries that have since found a spot in our bathroom cabinets and ones that totally deserve to be in yours too, now and forever. Best of all, they can be snapped up either in store or online at Boots.
Scroll down to see our must-buys…
1/10Boots Ingredients Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Boots
It’s hard to argue with a targeted serum that offers a dose of super-hydrating, plant-derived hyaluronic acid for a purse-friendly fiver, giving some of the more expensive brands a run for their money. Hello brighter, happier skin.
2/10Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, Boots
One of these cleansers sells every 17 seconds, which definitely makes it a cult product in our eyes. This deliciously buttery cream melts away makeup. And when used with the exfoliating pure-cotton cloth, dead skin is lifted away, leaving you with a luminous, peachy glow.
3/10CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser, Boots
For anyone with problem skin, this cleanser is a gamechanger. With its 0.5% concentration of salicylic acid, it helps banish pesky spots without aggravating or drying out skin, plus hyaluronic acid to keep things hydrated.
4/10Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Colour Correcting Treatment, Boots
There’s a reason this cream is popular. It has a knack for transforming skin, treating blemishes, correcting redness and restoring skin's strength, with a subtle hint of soothing lavender. You’ll find yourself feeling the need to wear less foundation and concealer as a result. The dream.
5/10L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Pure Retinol Deep Wrinkle Night Serum, Boots
This is L’Oréal's highest concentration of pure retinol and in lab tests, 77% of women saw a reduction in the appearance of deep wrinkles, so we are talking RESULTS. That doesn’t mean it’s overly strong though, it also contains a lovely blend of hyaluronic acid to help keep skin well moisturised.
6/10No7 Laboratories Line Correcting Booster Serum, Boots
Cancel the clinic because this powerhouse serum will help you look youthful in no time, getting to work on those pesky lines – whether it’s on your forehead, crow’s feet, lips or between brows. No7’s most supercharged serum to date, this one is the holy grail.
7/10This is known as one of the beauty greats, a fave of beauty lovers and makeup artists alike, thanks to the fact it’s one of those multitasking wonders, offering a glossy finish to skin, nourishment for dry or cracked hands and feet, and relief for any area of skin that just feels a bit bleurgh.
8/10Rihanna’s starter routine kit is exactly what you need on the go (especially if you’re currently plotting your post-lockdown vacay). With a deep cleanser, do-it-all toner/serum combo and 2-in-1 sunscreen/moisturiser, this is hands-down one of our favourite mini skincare kits ever.
9/10The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum, Boots
Another bargain buy that offers dry, thirsty skin a dose of glorious hyaluronic acid, plumping up the moisture and reducing the look of fine lines. It’s a fab pre-makeup base and even those with oily, acne-prone skin will see that this hydrates without clogging pores.
10/10Ole Henriksen Lemonade Smoothing Scrub, Boots
A seriously effective scrub that miraculously manages to both physically and chemically exfoliate, thanks to the AHAs, lemon peel and sugar, without leaving your skin feeling fragile. Mostly because there’s added holy basil and chamomile that help calm and soothe as it gets to work.
Head in store or online to shop our top 10 hero skincare products now at boots.com
