This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
Girlfriends are a consistently good source of advice. Which is why I asked a few of ours to let me in on their skincare secrets. In a world where we are bombarded with ads for serums, masks, creams and balms, it takes some of the guesswork out of choosing what to slather on your face next if someone you trust tells you what they are using. So, here are some of our current favourite face creams…
Marvellous-Mother-In-Law
What I’m using at the moment is Garden of Wisdom Neurophroline serum (£18) which I apply night and morning. It “freshens” my face – a little like I’ve just had a facial. My go to is Bobbi Brown’s Hydrating Face Cream expensive at £44.50 but definitely does the job. Also, if I’m feeling strapped for cash, I am a great fan of Olay Total Effects 7 In One moisturiser and serum duo. And at £7.50 it gets my credit card’s vote! CeraVe, the cult US brand, is also on my radar as it has just become available in the UK. Haven’t tried it yet, but it’s had rave reviews and only costs £9.
Bumble
I am always trying new face creams in the ever increasing minefield of ‘must have’ products. Every week a new and life-changing brand appears, and yes… I give quite a few of them a go😬. However, a face cream that I return to time and time again is Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. It is definitely a considered purchase, but I either splurge when I’m travelling and purchase at DutyFree, or otherwise buy it through QVC when it’s on ‘special value’ – currently £54.
My large 100ml pot bought at Heathrow in February is still going. I use it only as a day cream for my combination skin. It’s an anti ageing cream that delivers. It smells divine and hydrates so intensely that you really notice the difference in the texture and firmness of your skin. I also use it on my neck and occasionally (when feeling reckless) on my décolletage.
Jean Rose
Hi. My favourite face cream is, and always will be, Astral. It can be used as a body cream too. I am now 80 years old and have used Astral on my face since I was fourteen and people still remark on my soft skin and no wrinkles. I have tried many creams in my lifetime but there is nothing like Astral to hydrate your skin. I use it as a night cream, day cream and moisturiser. Great value too about £7 for 500ml – currently on offer at Superdrug for only £4.45. Lasts for ages, so no fancy creams at astronomic prices for me.
Janey
I use L’Oreal Age Perfect. I love using this cream as I like its consistency – it is thick and rich but also has a nice light whipped feeling. It absorbs really quickly and leaves my skin feeling soft and velvety. £11.99
I have also recently started using hyaluronic acid on my face afterwards as well and my skin just drinks it in and feels exceptionally hydrated. Not sure if it actually “plumps” the skin but it makes me feel like I am nourishing my complexion. £5.90
… and my recommendations
I’m excited to be testing a scientifically developed brand called Lumity which is a two part skincare regime. It’s only a seven day trial but my skin already feels more luminous. There’s an anti-ageing facial oil (not greasy and smells great) combined with two types of softgel supplements – one lot for mornings, the other for evenings.
Lumity has a considerable number of A list fans who rave about the benefits to not only their skin, but also their hair, nails and improved sleep. The Lumity website has lots more information on these products.
A couple of other good ones: Absolute Time Capsules – intensively moisturising and perfect to take on holiday as so tiny, yet just the right amount. £27. And, also in the same range from M&S, Absolute All In One Cream £23. Both smell gently luscious and are a pleasure to use.
Also want to give a shout out to Prai neck creams as both Annabel and I are devoted fans – read Annabel’s review for more info.
My last word on fabulous face creams is about cleansing. If you want the simplest possible way to do this then micellar water is the way to go in my humble opinion. Read my article here about this invaluable (and very inexpensive) bathroom treasure.