Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water 250ml, £10.80, boots.com
They say Specially formulated for sensitive, normal to dry skins, the Sensibio H2O micelle solution gently cleanses face and eyes. It removes water-resistant make-up. The micelles contained in its formula effectively micro-emulsify impurities while maintaining the skin’s balance (soap-free, physiological pH).
We say I have tried most of the various micellar waters on the shelf. Applying this one, it feels as if my face is being stroked by a silk ribbon (really). It removes all of my make-up in one go and leaves my skin feeling cool, soft and refreshed. It is also great value and can be bought in huge or travel-size bottles, which I regularly refill for trips away. Hannah Rogers
La Roche-Posay Effaclar H Cleansing Foam Dry Skin 200ml, £9, boots.com
They say Gently cleanses, purifies and soothes skin’s feel to restore comfort. Tested under dermatological control in combination with over-drying treatments. Non-comedogenic. No soap — physiological pH.
We say La Roche-Posay is a go-to for acne sufferers for its proven results. This is my favourite of its cleansers. It was recommended to me by a Harley Street dermatologist, to my surprise — the price tag seemed far too reasonable. But it really works. Being cream-like, it can be worked into an impressive lather in the shower (useability in the shower is my benchmark for convenience) and is thorough without being drying. HR
Sisley Masque Eclat Express, £77, sisley-paris.com
They say A “radiant glow�� mask that perfectly and gently cleans the skin.
We say Expensive? Yes. But also fabulous. I use this mask from Sisley once a week, or before a night out (or the morning after a night out, for that matter; it’s quite addictive) to increase my moisture levels, which can be difficult to maintain when fighting problem skin. The cool, baby-pink mask feels thick, but glides on beautifully. The clay cleanses as well as rejuvenates the skin. I leave it on for five minutes for dewy skin that is perfectly prepped for make-up and does actually have a glow. HR
Glossier Super Pure Serum, £24, glossier.com
They say Freaked-out skin, meet your match. The niacinamide and zinc in Super Pure visibly soothe redness and help calm blemishes. It gets troubled skin in check and flushes out impurities, including excess sebum that builds up inside pores.
We say I’m new to serums. They always seemed so technical. But this one has me converted, not least because it’s from brand-name-to-know Glossier. Glossier does a set of three main serums, all of which fight different causes, but Super Pure claims to clear up blemished, unhappy skin. The clear liquid, sucked up through a pipette, absorbs without a trace and improves any patchy or red skin tone immediately. It’s particularly good for when you haven’t been good at all, tackling grease from late-night junk food, excess sebum around that time of the month and leaving you, well, spotless. Magic. HR
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% 30ml, £5, theordinary.com
They say Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is indicated to reduce the appearance of skin blemishes and congestion. A high 10% concentration of this vitamin is supported in the formula by zinc salt of pyrrolidone carboxylic acid to balance visible aspects of sebum activity.
We say The Ordinary has fast become a beauty editor favourite, thanks to its myriad acids and retinoids at change-from-a-tenner prices. The Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1% — all the names are this easy to remember — is the best for breakouts. It can sometimes feel as if lotions and potions for spots are about as effective as waving a magic wand over them, but this one really does visibly reduce blemishes. It’s also great at balancing your skin — you can kiss that oily T-zone goodbye — although it does leave it feeling a little tacky. The blurb on The Ordinary’s website makes clear that it’s not an acne treatment, and because of the high-strength vitamins in its formula it’s always wise to read the regimen guide before using it in combination with other products. Natalie Hammond
