skin

If you were to take a quick scroll through my Instagram stories then you’d be forgiven for thinking that my job basically involves swatching lipsticks and testing face masks for a living, and to some extent you’d be right. A lot of what I do does involve trying and testing new products so that I can make genuine recommendations, but there’s a whole other side to working in beauty that I love just as much—geeking out over data. From stats about sell-out products to studies on skincare, I’m obsessed with the evidence that proves a product works. So when we noticed that there was one specific beauty product trending in our weekly reports because Who What Wear readers had been shopping it in their droves, I immediately wanted to know why.  ...

Despite the fact that the majority of the skin on our bodies is below the neck, we do a very good job at neglecting it. While double cleansing, exfoliating and masking our faces might be rituals cemented firmly in our weekly beauty routines, for the most part, the skin on the rest of our bodies is left to fend for itself. And while the skin on our faces has more demanding wants and needs, the rest of our skin does require at least some basic level of TLC, too. Most notably, at around this time every year, it has a tendency to turn dry. As the seasons change, a perfect concoction of fluctuating temperatures, wind, sun exposure and a change in wardrobe choices (is it warm enough to show a bit of ankle yet?) can cause our skin to turn dry, scaly and ashy. And while dryness on the face ca...

Eye cream is one of those skincare products most of us still aren’t sure we actually need. While more mature skin can really benefit from an eye cream in order to target fine lines and wrinkles (if that’s what floats your boat), it can feel unnecessary for younger skin types or people who just aren’t fussed about disguising the signs of ageing. So can’t we just use our usual moisturisers all over our faces? Turns out no. “A great eye cream has a formula which is gentle enough for the most delicate skin on our body,” explain VENeffect founders Rebecca and Cecil Booth. The skin around the eyes is particularly sensitive (and some of the thinnest on your face); therefore, it needs a special type of product. Booth recommends an eye treatment that’s...

What is Shani Darden Texture Reform? A sensitive skin-friendly serum that’s formulated with gentle retinol and lactic acid to even skin tone, minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, smooth the complexion and brighten. How do you use it? In the evening, after cleansing, smooth 1-2 pumps over dry skin then follow with a light moisturiser if you wish. It can take time for your skin to build a tolerance to retinol so start by using it once or twice a week then add in a day each week if your skin can handle it.  What can you use retinol with?  It’s best to keep things simple when using a retinol like Shani Darden Texture Reform—just cleanse, apply the serum and then a basic moisturiser if needed. It isn’t recommended that you use vitamin C or ex...

Along with cardigan weather and brighter mornings, there’s one thing that spring’s arrival guarantees without fail: a flurry of messages from friends and family asking me how they can get their skin looking brighter. Yes, after a long winter spent inside with a distinct lack of vitamin D, most of us are emerging into the early days of spring with dull, tired-looking complexions and we’re seeking solutions, fast. Luckily, our sister skincare line Versed is one step ahead having just launched two new products that are about to be our saving grace for brighter, glowier skin this spring. I’ve been testing them out since they landed on my doorstep last month and they’ve gone straight to the top of my recommendation list for anyone whos...

My mum and I discuss everything, and that goes tenfold on the topic of skincare. She’s one of the most product obsessed people I know; if it’s available to buy, chances are she’s tried it. It hasn’t always been this way though—her intense skincare obsession started about ten years ago, growing from a novelty interest in Youtube beauty videos to full-fledged enthusiasm combing through hundreds of product reviews online. As she tells me, her carefully curated nine-step skincare routine has been years in the making, testing and recalibrating every step until finding that one formula that doesn’t break her out or exaggerate her hyperpigmentation. And, it seems to be working. It’s not uncommon for my mother to receive a flurry of complimen...

While social media can be a hub for all things fashion and beauty, skincare is a topic that can get a little tricky, especially when certain products start to trend. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t been guilty of succumbing to a viral product only to be disappointed when it didn’t exactly work for my skin. While following trends for clothes and makeup can be an easier feat, with skincare, it’s crucial to be cautious because what works for others may not work for you, and some products may seem like they’re working but can actually cause damage and irritation later on. It’s important to pay close attention to the ingredients before purchasing a product and to consult an expert if possible, especially if you’re facing s...

But what exactly is it about this face mask that makes it just so special? As the name suggests, this is a treatment to reach for when you’re feeling tired, stressed out or you’ve just stepped off a plane. Packed with brightening chestnut extract, powerful vitamin C, soothing green tea and pore-minimising niacinamide, Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask manages to hydrate and plump skin to create a dewy complexion. Apply it to clean, dry skin, leave it for 10 minutes, and then wipe off the excess—there’s no need to rinse. Or, make like the brand’s founders and use it as a super-hydrating primer or as an overnight face mask.   You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So we reimagined what a dating should be. It begins with giving you ba...

It might only be February, but there’s one skincare trend that’s already emerging as the leader of the pack for 2021: personalisation. For this year’s skincare report, I was lucky enough to talk to a whole host of skin experts, dermatologists, and brand founders, and it was the one theme that came up time and again. Just like their wardrobes, consumers are no longer satisfied with a one-size-fits-all approach to beauty, and it’s paving the way for a new wave of skincare brands offering bespoke, tailor-made solutions for our specific skin needs. As someone with acne-prone skin,  this is music to my ears. I love skincare, but I’m well aware that for anyone dealing with more intense skin concerns—like acne, rosacea, or...

Ever wondered whether a new beauty launch or trending product is truly worth the hype? Good news—you’re in the right place. I Just Tried… is our regular beauty column where we test out everything from new formulations to cult classics to find out whether they’re really worth your money. Oh, and we’ll even answer the most-searched-for questions so you don’t have to. I have to be honest, I don’t really get TikTok. From IKEA homeware hacks to viral recipes (no, I haven’t tried that baked feta thing yet) it feels like a new global craze originates in the video sharing platform basically everyday—then disappears as quickly as it arrived. Remember when we were all making weird whipped coffee back in lockdown number one? Case in point. And while I’m willing to acc...

It’s no exaggeration to say that when Drunk Elephant launched in the UK back in October 2018, skincare obsessives shed a collective tear. Gone were the end of beauty junkies having to beg friends, family and colleagues to bring back a piece of the clean-beauty action from any and all trips across the Atlantic—the much-hyped Instagram brand was finally on British shores. But it isn’t just beauty insiders and editors whose heads have been turned by the buzz of this trending beauty brand—it’s our fashion friends and style influencers, too. So, what’s the appeal? Maybe it’s something to do with the chic packaging (neon lids that pop against stark white tubes) or Drunk Elephant’s laid-back approach to application that. Encouraging consumers to cocktail their products, al...

When it comes to controversial beauty products, sheet masks are pretty high up on the list. They’re expensive, usually one-use and are viewed as more of a quick-fix approach to skincare by skin experts who recommend sticking to consistent, ingredients-led routines for the best results. However, as a face mask fanatic I just can’t give up the joys they bring me. They’re indulgent, fun to use and feel like a treat—particularly during a time when, let’s face it, we should all be finding pleasure in the little things. And I know I’m not alone. A quick search on Instagram results in over 950,000 images with the sheet mask hashtag. After all, an undeniable allure of this skincare product has to be its selfie app...