SKINCARE THROUGH THE AGES

SKINCARE FOR TEENS

BEST FOR DRY SKIN
The Ordinary Squalane Cleanser
Dry skin in your teens is often due to use of skincare with high alcohol-content, which strips the skin – try a non-congesting cleanser like this one (it’s oil-free) to cleanse thoroughly and comfortably.

BEST FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN
IT Cosmetics Confidence In A Gel Lotion Moisturiser
This lightweight gel works beautifully with makeup, but contains moisturising glycerin and has a mild blurring effect on the skin. It soothes irritated skin and feels lightweight to wear.

BEST FOR OILY SKIN
Glamglow Supermud Clearing Treatment
To tackle breakouts and blocked pores, apply this weekly to congested or oily areas like the nose and chin. Leave it to dry and then gently remove with a warm, damp flannel.

BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
My Clarins CLEAR OUT
Even when teen skin is sensitive, breakouts can be a problem, and all-over drying treatments can worsen sensitivity. Try a treatment like this one only where it’s needed – directly on spots and blemishes.

BEST FOR COMBINATION SKIN
REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30
Start good skin habits early! SPF is far easier to wear when it feels comfortable and doesn’t break you out. This one won’t congest even disgruntled adolescent skin.

SKINCARE FOR 20's

BEST FOR DRY SKIN
Skingredients The Sally Cleanse
If you are prone to breakouts, salicylic acid is an incredibly effective decongesting ingredient. This home-grown Irish salicylic cleanser, from The Skin Nerd, Jennifer Rock, will prepare morning skin for the day (and for the skincare to follow).

BEST FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN
Dr Jart+ Water Drop Hydrating Moisturiser
Rich moisturisers can be a bit much in your twenties, causing your makeup to migrate by lunch. This one is light but still moisturising – skin drinks it in very happily.

BEST FOR OILY SKIN
Kiehl’s Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil
Oil? For oily skin? Yes! Applying this soothing, anti-bacterial oil at night will help to regulate oil production, calm breakouts, and give you dreamily plump skin when you wake up.

BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Lancôme Energie De Vie Granita Eye Gel
An eye cream doesn’t need to be rich in your twenties. This one is wonderfully depuffing and keeps skin hydrated – minimising any darkness that may linger under the eyes.

BEST FOR COMBINATION SKIN
Charlotte Tilbury Goddess Skin Cleansing Duo
Nothing removes makeup as well as a cleansing oil while respecting the skin’s own barrier. The clay cleanser in this duo is ideal for removing sebum and sweat build up in your morning cleanse. Leave it on for three minutes as a mini-mask.

SKINCARE FOR 30's

BEST FOR DRY SKIN
Charlotte Tilbury Instant Magic Mask
Sometimes, you need a quick fix. This mask is a makeup artist favourite for when makeup needs to sit perfectly but dry skin won’t comply. Ideal for special occasions..

BEST FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN
Chanel Hydra Beauty Camellia Water Cream
In your thirties, your moisturiser should get a little more serious. This is gloriously hydrating, but also moisturises and cocoons the skin without congesting it. It’s dreamy under makeup.

BEST FOR OILY SKIN
Pestle & Mortar Exfoliate Glycolic Acid Toner
Scrubs are well and good, but a friction-free daily dose of exfoliating glycolic acid keeps cell turnover high and skin bouncy. It also promotes the absorption of other skincare.

BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Clinique Fresh Pressed 7-Day System with Pure Vitamin C
You’ll see brightening results in days with this potent Vitamin C system. Vitamin C is vulnerable to light and air, so you can activate the optimally packaged booster serum when you’re ready, and use it within the week.

BEST FOR COMBINATION SKIN
Skingredients Skin Shield SPF50 +++
Apart from being satisfyingly generous in size, this SPF is impeccable. Comfortable, effective, and plays nicely with makeup and other skincare. It has pride of place on my bathroom shelf.

SKINCARE FOR 40's

BEST FOR DRY SKIN
Giorgio Armani Prima Glow-On Moisturising Cream
After forty, skin needs a little more comfort. This moisturiser is sumptuous, leaving a radiantly glowing finish that makes makeup look candlelit. Think of it as priming skincare.

BEST FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN
Chanel Le Lift Serum
With hyaluronic acid and glycerine, this both hydrates and nourishes skin, but it also has a firming and plumping effect. Apply at night before moisturiser for softened, rested skin by morning.

BEST FOR OILY SKIN
Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil
Whether your skin is dry or breakout-prone (or both), if you wear makeup or SPF, an oil is the kindest, most thorough way to remove it. This leaves skin comfortable and completely clean.

BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Intensive Lip Repair Balm
Lips can become bothersomely dry, especially around autumn, but this balm is a multi-tasker. Pop it around dry noses or ears, or on cuticles; anywhere that needs protection and intense moisture.

BEST FOR COMBINATION SKIN
Dior Capture Totale Dreamskin Care & Perfect
This perfecting emulsion is ideal for cranky skin days when you don’t feel like wearing makeup. It has a colour-correcting, blurring effect that leaves skin glowing but not at all shiny.

SKINCARE FOR 50's

BEST FOR DRY SKIN
La Mer The Regenerating Serum
La Mer have reformulated their bestselling regenerating serum, enhancing its anti-inflammatory effects. It works even on fragile and compromised skin to smooth, soften and retexturise.

BEST FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN
Clarins Dry Sun Care Cream SPF50 for Face
Dehydration leaves skin feeling a size too small. Heavy SPFs can feel like a layer of cling film over the top, increasing discomfort. This one feels moisturising and won’t ball when applied over hydrating skincare.

BEST FOR OILY SKIN
Lancôme Advanced Genifique Microbiome
Lancôme’s new pre and probiotic serum protects the bacterial balance of your skin, promoting skin health and healing, and guarding against excessive oil production, breakouts or problem dryness.

BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
The Ordinary Retinol 0.2% in Squalane
Retinoids are clinically proven to be the most effective ingredient for signs of aging, but can be tough on the skin. This one is gentle, but still works on lines and pigmentation.

BEST FOR COMBINATION SKIN
TOM FORD Research Crème Concentrate
The new line from Tom Ford is one for skincare enthusiasts. It’s a soothing, non-congesting cure-all cream for every skin type. It depuffs with caffeine, and provides anti-oxidant protection while soothing irritation and moisturising deeply.

SKINCARE FOR 60's

BEST FOR DRY SKIN
bareMinerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Serum
This is bareMinerals’ bestselling serum for a reason. It replenishes and reinforces the skin. A good all-rounder for all skin types, this works under any moisturiser to push moisture into the skin.

BEST FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN
La Prairie Caviar Eye Lift
This eye cream can be used all around the eye, including the brow and crows feet area. It has a wonderfully instant temporary tautening effect while diminishing fine lines over time.

BEST FOR OILY SKIN
Clarins Plant Gold Nutri-Revitalising Oil Emulsion
In your sixties, oil is a good idea no matter your skin type. That applies even if you find you’re still prone to shine in some areas. This delectable new oil emulsion softens, firms and gives glow to the skin.

BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
Sensitivity around the delicate eye area is frustrating. The skin needs moisture (the lack of which exacerbates lines and texture), but needs the right cream. This one is deeply nourishing, non-irritating and reassuringly rich.

BEST FOR COMBINATION SKIN
Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base
This luscious cream creates a comforting, glowy base for foundation. Massage it in vigorously and leave for a couple of minutes before applying makeup.

SKINCARE FOR 70's

BEST FOR DRY SKIN
Aveda Tulasara Wedding Masque
Less of a wedding mask and more of a special occasion mask, this thick, rich product has an incredible softening effect on the skin. Leave it on overnight if you’re feeling especially indulgent

BEST FOR DEHYDRATED SKIN
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Intense Reset Concentrate
Mature skin is more prone to fragility, and can become dehydrated and irritated more easily. This calming, fortifying serum protects the skin’s barrier function and hydrates efficiently while you sleep.

BEST FOR OILY SKIN
Patchology Hydrate 5 Minute FlashMasque
Oiliness generally isn’t an issue in your seventies, but it can be when central heating goes back on in autumn. When skin feels tight and looks flat, a quick hyaluronic sheet mask will inject moisture and give an instantly healthier, brightened effect without greasiness.

BEST FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Sisley Velvet Sleeping Mask
For sensitised and very dry skin, an overnight mask is ideal. This is an intense repair product that restores moisture and takes down redness, but still feels impossibly luxurious.

BEST FOR COMBINATION SKIN
Tata Harper Beautifying Face Oil
This is my favourite facial oil of all time. Even those prone to congestion can use it, but it has the most transformative effect on dull skin and smells delicately divine.