[unpaid/sample/purchase/affiliate/ad] I’ve had more skin care to try this year than any other and have experienced some utterly lovely things. But, those that are in very regular use are few. I prefer not to keep a rigid routine – it’s impossible to be honest, but some products have been irresistible and I’ve gone on to buy more after the samples are gone. I’m focusing on new or new-to-me for this post, but I always have supplies of BioEffect serum, still consider Emma Hardie Cleansing Balm, Dennis Gross Pore Perfecting Cleanser, Chanel SPF50 and Kate Somerville Exfolikate (or was that this year? I’ve lost track) to be products I’d never like to see vanish from my bathroom.

Skin

Obviously, because I know I’ve mentioned it so much already, Dr Murad Vita C Glycolic Brightening Serum takes pole position. I worked with the brand on sponsored content and I’m now a customer. This is my third, if not fourth, bottle and it just suits my skin so well. I’d say the results are glowy, hydrated skin which obviously you can get from lots of different things but this is such a good match my to skin’s requirements that even after testing was more than over, I haven’t given it up. It’s a beautiful combination of gold stabilised Vitamin C, glycolic acid and luminescent particles that give such a nice radiance. My bad luck that it’s £72 a bottle which is really more than I’d want to be addicted to! It’s not even in any sales but HERE, non-affiliate HERE, if it takes your interest. At the other end of the budget scale, Superdrug’s Me+ Polyglutamic Acid Booster has more than proved its worth at £8.99 a bottle. The serum like texture forms an almost imperceptible veil on the skin that stops moisture leaving it. A couple of weeks of locked in hydration soon shows up in the form of more balanced and dewy skin. It’s HERE, non-affiliate HERE.

Also in the picture is Revitalash Advanced – I didn’t have a category for this so it’s lumped in with skin care! It’s also really expensive but absolutely did the job of giving my lashes length and strength spectacularly well. You need patience because it takes a while to kick in (it conditions and strengthens the lashes so that they stay put and have the chance to grow longer) but boy, when they do, they really do! I was so impressed with it and while I know it’s not a new product, it was the first time I’d given it a thorough test. It’s £74 HERE, non affiliate HERE, but more elsewhere. I haven’t replaced my tube but it’s an area that I want to explore next year so I’m looking for alternatives.

Skin

Tan-Luxe Super Glow is a stand-out product for taking the pasty edge off make-up free complexions. I’ve just bought my third bottle so that says it all. Infused with hyaluronic, it’s the first self-tan product I’ve used on my face that doesn’t eventually dry the skin. In fact, the opposite happens – you get a lovely sheen. I was never much of a self-tanner but a daily dose of Tan-Luxe has changed that. You’re in charge of how much ‘tan’ you get by how much product you apply so there’s never a chance of, let’s call it ‘over-glow’, unless you specifically want it. The effect is light – don’t be thinking regular self-tan – it’s a translucent veil of warmth that never looks fake. I haven’t used it for a few days (note to self – get it on!) but usually, I splosh some on when I get up, follow with Murad and a slick of Gucci lipstick and Honey and I are ready for our coffee! Because we leave the house early, I save SPF for later unless it’s blazing. It’s £35 HERE and not on offer anywhere – I’ve spent ages looking. Non-affiliate HERE. Finally, I’ve found something with an offer! Elizabeth Arden Hyaluronic Acid Ceramide Capsules that I trialled earlier (it was sponsored content) in the year HERE, reduced from £45 to £33.75 for a month’s worth (although I swear you can eke them out). At the time I said you will not have felt anything like it on your skin and I stand by that – the formula is completely divine and is an instant fix for dry skin. The effect of the hyaluronic is boosted by ceramides and Arden is a front-runner on this combination discovery. I’m not using them consistently but I love popping a capsule whenever and wherever.

Transparency Disclosure

All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.