In my decade working as a beauty editor, I've been lucky enough to try thousands of new beauty products. But even with a beauty cupboard full of skincare products, expensive serums and moisturisers at my disposal, my actual skincare routine is pretty minimal. I've learned the hard way that introducing too many products only ends badly for my sensitive skin and acne-prone complexion. And every dermatologist and skin expert I've spoken to throughout my career has always sung the praises of a streamlined routine consisting of good skincare products. And guess what? My skin is on board with consistency. It might be boring, but it works!

So if I'm adding something to my routine, it's got to be really good. And one product I've trusted for years is Medik8 Crystal Retinal. This iconic Medik8 skincare product is one I'm always recommending to friends who are looking for a retinol serum. However, this formula actually uses retinaldehyde, a form of retinoid that works up to 11 times faster than retinol and is like a skincare silver bullet for just about any and every concern. Reducing spots, fading acne scarring, plumping fine lines and wrinkles, smoothing uneven skin texture and fading pigmentation: there's really nothing this serum can't do.

The best part is that Medik8 Crystal Retinal (was £45, now £36) is currently on sale at Amazon for a generous discount. But if you want to find out more about this award-winning serum, scroll ahead for my full review.

Medik8 Crystal Retinal

The Formula

As I mentioned, what makes this particular serum so special is that it uses retinaldehyde (or retinal for short), which works faster than retinol formulas to plump fine lines and wrinkles, decongest acne-prone complexions, as well as smooth skin texture and fade scarring or pigmentation.

The serum itself is lightweight and non-sticky, absorbing into the skin fast. You apply it after your nightly serums and/or moisturiser. If you're new to retinal (or any retinol or retinoid product), it's advisable to start with strengths 1 or 3 first, building up to applying it once or twice a week in your evening routine. As your skin adjusts, you can increase the frequency to each night, and after you've finished a tube, Medik8 advises you move up to the next strength if you've tolerated the formula well.

What I love most is that Medik8 has incredible clinical trials to back up its products. In an independent trial over 12 weeks, users saw a 20% reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation and an 11% inrease in skin firmness. In short, this serum really works, so you can feel confident about investing.

Before and After

My Verdict

I’ve been using Medik8 Crystal Retinal for years (alongside the Medik8 Crystal Retinal Eye Cream, which is also a favourite of mine) and nearly every skin expert I speak to recommends it. I have sensitive skin, and it’s one of the few retinoid products I genuinely trust. What makes it stand out is that whether you’re an experienced retinal user or trying the ingredient for the first time, there are different strengths available to suit your skin. As your skin gradually adapts, you can move up to the next level, building on the skincare benefits as you move onto the next strength.

I started with strength 1 (the lowest, which is designed for sensitive skin and retinal beginners) a few years ago, and have now worked my way up to 6. Since using it, I’ve noticed my rough skin texture becoming smoother and my fine lines beginning to soften. It’s also one of the rare retinoid products that hasn’t caused me any irritation or flaking on my sensitive skin, which is a major plus. It also doesn't upset my acne-prone complexion either. In fact, I find it helps a lot in reducing my breakouts.

I'll then progress onto 10 to build on my results and treat the deeper lines I'm starting to see on my skin. In fact, I recently saw a friend of mine also uses it, and her skin looked incredible. All in all, if there's one retinoid serum I can wholeheartedly recommend that anyone add to their skincare routine, it's this one.

Shop Medik8 Crystal Retinal:

When I recently sat down to map out the skincare trends set to define 2026, one ingredient category kept resurfacing—peptides. Whilst they are not a new skincare ingredient (but previously very much a supporting player), peptides are now proving to be a central focus of some of the most talked-about new beauty launches across skincare. From reformulated cult favourites to entirely new peptide technologies, it’s clear the industry is well and truly entering its peptide era.

While they previously took a backseat to actives like vitamin C, retinoids and exfoliating acids, today’s peptide-focussed formulas are smarter, more concentrated, and engineered to work across multiple pathways at once—supporting collagen, strengthening the skin barrier, and softening the appearance of lines, all in a single step.

Skincare conversations are moving away from instant fixes and toward what actually holds up over time—you've probably heard the term 'skin longevity' being thrown around. It's all about products that promote resilience, elasticity and skin that behaves better in the long term, and peptides answer that brief perfectly. They’re generally gentle, suitable for almost every skin type, and easy to use morning or night alongside your other favourite ingredients. As facialist and skincare expert Charlie Perry puts it, peptides are “a great cornerstone ingredient in both clinical and at-home skincare,” and judging by the launches lining up for the year ahead, brands agree.

What Are Peptides?

“Peptides are short chains of amino acids, which are essentially the building blocks of proteins like collagen and elastin,” explains Perry. These proteins are what give skin its firmness, elasticity, and strength, but as we age, their production naturally slows. Peptides work by acting as signalling molecules, communicating with skin cells and encouraging them to function more efficiently.

Rather than forcing change, peptides support the skin’s own repair and renewal processes. “They encourage the skin’s natural processes to work more effectively,” explains Perry, which is why they’re so widely used in both professional treatments and at-home skincare routines. Importantly, not all peptides behave in the same way. Some stimulate collagen and elastin production, others support barrier repair or help calm inflammation, while some are designed to soften expression lines by reducing surface muscle tension—often described as having ‘botox-like’ effects.

What Are the Benefits of Using Peptides?

One of the biggest advantages of peptides is their versatility. Because they work with the skin rather than aggressively pushing it, they’re generally well tolerated and suitable for most skin types, including sensitive or breakout-prone skin. Over time, consistent use can support firmer-feeling skin, improved elasticity, smoother texture and a stronger skin barrier.

According to Perry, peptides align perfectly with the current shift towards longevity-led skincare. “People are moving away from quick fixes and towards barrier health, resilience and prevention,” she says. For clients who want to support firmness without stepping into invasive treatments or who can’t tolerate stronger actives like high-strength retinoids or acids, peptides offer a science-backed, gradual approach. They’re also easy to integrate into both morning and evening routines, making them a minimal-risk, maximum-reward addition.

What to Look for

The latest launches are far more advanced than their earlier counterparts, so formulation matters. Today’s best peptide serums are designed with improved stability and absorption, meaning peptides are more likely to reach the layers of the skin where they can actually have an impact. Many formulas now combine multiple peptide types in one serum, allowing them to address collagen support, inflammation and barrier strength simultaneously.

“This multi-pronged approach is key,” says Perry, particularly as people look to streamline their routines. If you’re choosing a peptide serum, look for products that clearly outline the peptide technology used, rather than relying on vague marketing claims. Supporting ingredients like humectants, antioxidants or barrier-strengthening actives can also enhance results. Above all, peptides reward consistency—they’re not about instant gratification, but visible improvements that build steadily over time.

The Best Peptide Serums

1. Best Overall Peptide Serum: Medik8 Liquid Peptides
2. Best Peptide Serum for Breakout-Prone Skin: NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum
3. Best Beginners Peptide Serum: Naturium Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum
4. Best Peptide Serum for All Skin Types: Tatcha The Longevity Serum
5. Best Peptide Serum for Sensitive Skin: Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Booster Serum

1. Medik8 Liquid Peptides

2. NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum

3. Naturium Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum

4. Tatcha The Longevity Serum

5. Paula's Choice Pro-Collagen Peptide Booster

6. Skinceuticals P-Tiox Neuro-Peptide Serum

7. Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum

8. Rhode Peptide Glazing Fluid Dewy Gel Serum

9. The Ordinary Multi-Peptide + HA Serum

10. Trinny London Plump Up Peptide + HA Serum

11. Sachi Skin Peptide Pro-Resilience Serum Concentrate

12. Deviant Skincare Pigmentation Corrector Serum

13. No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum

How We Tested

Peptide serums don’t deliver overnight results, so testing them properly means time, consistency and comparison. Many of the serums featured in this edit have been in my ongoing rotation for months—and in some cases years—as new launches have emerged and peptide technology has evolved. Because peptide serums are rarely one-size-fits-all, I also considered how each formula performed across different skin types and concerns. The final selections balance formulation quality, visible results (with continued use), skin tolerance, and value.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Collagen masks are having a moment, and if your social feeds are anything like mine, you’ve likely seen them everywhere. From jelly-textured sheet masks to overnight face mask formulas that peel off and promise glassy skin, they’ve become one of the most viral categories in skincare right now. As both an aesthetician and a beauty editor, it’s also one of the topics I’m asked about most: do collagen masks actually work? And if so, which ones are worth your time?

Here’s the thing. Collagen, as an ingredient, is a large protein molecule—too large to penetrate the skin when applied topically. That means collagen in masks isn’t directly replacing the collagen we naturally lose with age, stress and environmental exposure. Instead, it primarily functions as a humectant, helping to temporarily hydrate, smooth and plump the skin’s surface. The results can be noticeable in the short term, but they’re not quite doing what many viral claims suggest.

That doesn’t mean collagen masks are pointless—far from it. The best ones are cleverly formulated to support the skin in a more meaningful way. Rather than relying on collagen itself, they’re packed with ingredients that encourage your skin to do what it already knows how to do best: stimulate its own collagen production. Think peptides, vitamin C, retinoids, niacinamide and barrier-repairing lipids, all working in tandem to support firmness, elasticity and long-term skin health.

A well-formulated mask can also play a powerful supporting role, creating an occlusive environment that helps active ingredients penetrate more effectively whilst delivering that immediate, post-facial glow we all love. In other words, it’s not about the word collagen on the label; it’s about what’s working behind the scenes.

Ahead, I’ve rounded up the best collagen masks that are actually worthy of a place in your routine. These are formulas that balance instant gratification with smarter, skin-first ingredients: viral where deserved, effective where it truly counts.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the skin’s main structural protein. "I like to think of it as the skin’s internal scaffolding, giving it firmness, strength and shape," says facialist and skincare expert Charlie Perry. "I often explain it to clients as the framework that everything else in the skin sits on, helping it stay smooth, resilient and able to bounce back after stress or pressure," she says.

"From our mid-twenties onwards, collagen production naturally slows, and the fibres we already have begin to break down. Factors like sun exposure, chronic stress, inflammation, diet, poor sleep and environmental damage can all speed this up. Over time, you may notice the skin feeling less firm, a little thinner and slower to bounce back," says Perry.

How to Boost Collagen Production

"Collagen is made inside the skin, and supporting it is really a two-pronged approach: we want to both stimulate new production and protect what’s already there," says Perry. "To encourage production, we can utilise ingredients and treatments that signal the skin to repair and regenerate. Vitamin A derivatives [retinoids, like retinol or retinal] speed up cell turnover and trigger collagen synthesis, vitamin C supports the enzymes that build new fibres, and peptides act as messengers telling the skin to strengthen its structure. Gentle exfoliation or professional treatments create a controlled, small 'stress' that prompts the skin to repair itself, gradually building firmer, stronger fibres as a result."

At the same time, we need to protect and maintain the collagen already in place. "UV exposure, stress, inflammation, poor sleep and environmental damage all accelerate the breakdown of collagen," adds Perry. "Focusing on sun protection, managing stress, getting enough restorative sleep and balanced nutrition helps slow that process, which helps keep existing collagen fibres healthy and maintain the skin’s resilience."

What to Look for in a Collagen Mask

Remember that just because a product has "collagen" in its name, it doesn't mean that its primary purpose and main benefit will actually be increasing collagen in the skin. "Topical collagen products aren’t as effective because they can’t reach the layers of skin where collagen is actually made," says Perry. "Collagen molecules are large and just too big to penetrate the skin’s outer barrier (the stratum corneum), so they can’t interact with fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing collagen). On the surface, these products can temporarily hydrate and plump the skin, but they don’t trigger the repair or regeneration processes needed to actually build new collagen."

If boosting collagen production is your main goal, then the best masks for you may not actually have the word collagen in their name. This is because products that stimulate collagen work very differently from straight-up topical collagen. Instead of delivering collagen directly, they utilise ingredients like retinoids, peptides and vitamin C, which contain smaller, active molecules that penetrate the skin or trigger signalling pathways from the surface, communicating with the cells that produce collagen to increase production.

"Basically, if you want to boost collagen, look for ingredients that signal your skin to produce it, rather than trying to replace it from the outside," adds Perry. "Vitamin A derivatives, like retinoids, encourage cell turnover and stimulate collagen over time. Vitamin C supports the enzymes that build collagen fibres and helps protect against oxidative stress.

"Peptides act as messengers, telling the skin to repair and strengthen itself. And consistent sun protection is non-negotiable. UV exposure is one of the biggest drivers of collagen breakdown, so protecting what you already have is just as important as stimulating new production." So, make sure to wear your SPF daily, even during the winter months and on cloudy days.

What Are the Benefits of Collagen Masks?

Collagen masks can still be a beneficial addition to your skincare routine, but keep in mind that they may be doing more for your moisture levels than your collagen levels. "They’re excellent for giving the skin a quick boost of hydration, plumping and soothing, which is why they feel indulgent," says Perry. "The effect is surface-level and temporary, but used alongside ingredients and treatments that do stimulate collagen, they can leave skin looking fresh, smooth and nourished."

"I tend to view them as a finishing touch rather than a treatment," she adds. "Perfect before an event, after a flight or whenever the skin needs comfort and hydration, like over winter, but not something that will change collagen levels long-term. For real collagen support, the focus should always be on skincare ingredients, treatments and habits that encourage the skin to do the work itself."

The Best Collagen Face Masks

1. Best Overall: Biodance Bio Collagen Real Deep Mask, £15
2. Best Peel-Off Mask: Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask, £26
3. Best Overnight Mask: BareMinerals 10% Phyto ProCollagen Firming Sleeping Mask, £46
4. Best Gel Mask: PerriconeMD Gel Plasma Plus Intensive Gel Mask, £35
5. Best Leave-On Treatment: Cosmetic Consult Miracle Skin Transformation, £40
6. Best Cream Mask: Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask, £20
7. Best Affordable Mask: No7 Good Intent Collagen Jelly Hydrogel Mask, £5
8. Best Hydrating Mask: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Mask, £62
9. Best Firming Mask: Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask, £34
10. Best Targeted Treatment: Current Body Forehead Microneedling Patch, £60
11. Best Luxury Mask: 111Skin Contour Firming Mask, £125
12. Best Sheet Mask: Anua Rice 70 Glow Collagen Mask, £16
13. Best Lifting Mask: Natura Bisse Diamond Ice Lift Mask, £155

1. Biodance Bio Collagen-Real Deep Mask

2. Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask

3. Bareminerals Ageless Phyto Procollagen Instant Firming Sleeping Mask 

4. PerriconeMD Cold Plasma Plus+ the Intensive Gel Mask

5. Cosmetic Consult Miracle Skin Transformation

6. Mario Badescu Super Collagen Mask

7. No7 Good Intent Collagen Jelly Hydrogel Mask

8. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Mask

9. Fresh Black Tea Overnight Mask

10. Currentbody Forehead Microneedling Patch

11. 111Skin Contour Firming Mask

12. Anua Rice 70 Glow Collagen Mask

13. Natura Bisse Diamond Lift Mask

How We Tested

Each mask was evaluated through a combination of professional experience, ingredient analysis and real-life use. I assessed formulas for what they actually do—distinguishing surface-level hydration from true collagen-supporting activity. Masks were used as directed on clean skin within a consistent routine, with attention paid to immediate results (hydration, smoothness, firmness) and any cumulative effects. Products were selected based on performance, tolerance and formulation integrity rather than hype or virality.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

There are loads of buzzy new skincare ingredients out there, but sometimes it's safer to stick to the ones that have stood the test of time. Take vitamin C, for example. Once you've found the best vitamin C serum for your skin type and start to use it consistently, you'll see results for skin tone, laxity, dullness and pigmentation that few other ingredients can deliver.

Of course, not all vitamin C serums are created equally. Since vitamin C is a notoriously unstable ingredient, some forms may not be effective or may even cause irritation to skin. Ask any skincare expert or professional and they will tell you that the best and most reliable form of vitamin C is L-ascorbic acid. Why? Because it's the purest form of vitamin C, with extensive proven skin benefits and plenty of data and research to back its efficacy. If you want to firm, brighten, address signs of skin ageing or simply amp up the glow, L-ascorbic acid is guaranteed to deliver results—and you'll find it in a whole bunch of vitamin C products.

To help you find the best L-ascorbic acid serum for your skin type or concerns, I've compiled a list of the ones I love the most. It took a while, mind you. I took into account everything from how they play with other products to whether they triggered sensitivity and, of course, how efficiently they delivered results.

Here's a quick brush up on the ingredient and its benefits, followed by my shortlist of the best L-ascorbic acid serums on the market.

What Is L-Ascorbic Acid?

L-ascorbic acid is the purest form of vitamin C and one of the most common form of vitamin C found in skincare products. It's a very stable, active and quick-to-absorb type of vitamin C, which makes it the most effective form for topical skin treatments.

What Are the Benefits of L-Ascorbic Acid?

"L-ascorbic acid is used in skincare products for its antioxidant properties," says dermatologist Sonia Khorana. "It can help reduce signs of ageing, brighten the skin and even out skin tone." In particular, mature skin showing common signs of ageing like wrinkles, loose skin and sun damage, and acne-prone skin with scarring and hyperpigmentation will significantly benefit from using L-ascorbic acid.

Most people can benefit from using L-ascorbic acid in their skincare routine thanks to its antioxidant properties. As an antioxidant it protects skin from environmental stressors like pollution and sunlight.

Differences Between Ascorbic Acid and L-Ascorbic Acid

Take a look at the ingredients lists on your vitamin C serums and you'll notice they feature either L-ascorbic acid or ascorbic acid. "The two names are used interchangeably but the main thing is that the 'L' indicates that it's the most natural form of the vitamin C," explains Khorana. "Ascorbic acid is a general term that refers to the vitamin C molecule. However, it can exist in two forms: L-ascorbic acid and D-ascorbic acid. In skincare, it’s almost always L-ascorbic acid because the D form is not biologically active and doesn't provide the same benefits as L-ascorbic acid."

Ascorbic acid is often used to describe all forms of vitamin C, both active and inactive. For this reason, these forms may not be as potent or stable as L-ascorbic acid and may not absorb as quickly or be as effective. This is because inactive forms of vitamin C have to convert to L-ascorbic acid before they can be beneficial to the skin.

What Percentage of L-Ascorbic Acid Is Best?

For best results, it's recommended to use a vitamin C serum with at least 8% L-ascorbic acid. However, a higher percentage of L-ascorbic acid doesn't always mean the product is better—sometimes it can lead to skin sensitivity like stinging, redness and even breakouts.

"It is typically effective at concentrations between 10% to 20%. Higher than that would lead to irritation," says Khorana. "L-ascorbic acid is often formulated with complementary ingredients like ferulic acid and vitamin E to enhance stability and boost its antioxidant power," she adds.

Ideally a vitamin C serum with 10-20% L-ascorbic acid will deliver benefits to the skin, but if you have dry, dehydrated or sensitive skin or are new to using vitamin C, you should definitely opt for gentler serums with less than 15% L-ascorbic acid.

The Best L-Ascorbic Acid Serums

• Best affordable L-ascorbic acid serum: Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum, £22
• Best high-end L-ascorbic acid serum: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic, £160
• Best L-ascorbic acid serum for mature skin: Allies of Skin 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum, £93
• Best L-ascorbic acid serum for acne scarring: iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance+, £95
• Best L-ascorbic acid serum for dull skin: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum, £70
• Best L-ascorbic acid serum for dry skin: Jan Marini C-Esta Serum, £115
• Best L-ascorbic acid serum for oily skin: La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Serum, £45
• Best L-ascorbic acid serum for sensitive skin: Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster, £52
• Best all-rounder L-ascorbic acid serum: NIOD Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid 30% Network, £37

1. Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum

2. Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

3. Allies of Skin 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum

4. iS Clinical Pro-Heal Serum Advance+

5. Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

6. Jan Marini C-Esta Serum

7. La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Serum

8. Paula's Choice C15 Super Booster

9. NIOD Ethylated L-Ascorbic Acid 30% Network

If you're looking for a less invasive alternative to aesthetic tweakments, there's a good chance that during your research, you'll have come across argireline, a skincare ingredient often touted as 'Botox in a bottle'. Most commonly found in serums, the ingredient may not yet be as popular as the likes of vitamin C and retinoids, but it's certainly becoming a skincare secret for those looking for effective but non-invasive anti-ageing products.

In fact, as an esthetician, one of the topics I discuss most frequently with my clients is how to address key signs of ageing, like fine lines, wrinkles, and loose skin, without the need for needles. I find that most people are open to the idea of trying Botox and fillers eventually, but want to see what they can achieve with their at-home skincare routine first. If that sounds like you, then a peptide like argireline can be a great addition to your routine. What's more, if you've previously found that ingredients like vitamin C and retinoids have caused irritation to your skin, peptides are often more easily tolerated by those with skin sensitivity.

Of course there's a lot of hype in the skincare world and not everything lives up to its lofty promises, so it's easy to become cynical when faced with claims like 'miracle cream' and 'Botox in a bottle'. We tapped the expertise of dermatologist Sonia Khorana to find out everything there is to know about argireline. From exactly what it is, to its benefits and side effects, keep reading for everything you need to know about the ingredient.

What is argireline?

"Argireline is a peptide (also known as acetyl hexapeptide-8) that has wrinkle-fighting and anti-aging properties," explains Khorana. "It is important to bear in mind that argireline is a brand name and there’s only one lab in Spain that has the patent on the peptide," she adds. "So various brands can use it and combine it with other anti-aging ingredients."

How does argireline benefit skin?

"Argireline is often used in skincare formulas to help fight wrinkles," says Khorana. "It also helps stimulate collagen production and helps the skin to retain moisture."

Argireline has been compared to Botox in its ability to relax facial muscles, but according to Khorana, it is not the same. "Botox is a neurotoxin (called botulinum toxin type A) injected into muscles to temporarily relax them," she explains. "Botox works by blocking the signals that are sent from the nerves to the muscles, which prevents them from contracting. As a result, the skin appears smoother and more youthful-looking."

While serums containing argireline can help to target the same concerns as Botox, Khorana explains that they cannot offer the same results. "You won't get the same results out of a bottle as you do with injections as [topically applied products] do not inhibit muscle contraction in the same way—a serum cannot penetrate so deep into the muscle. Plus, the results are also not long lasting as they are with Botox."

What are the side effects of using argireline?

According to Khorana, there are no known side effects to using argireline, however, since it's often combined with other ingredients, it's important to remember that how effective it will be will be down to the formulation of the product.

Shop the best argireline skincare products:

1. The Ordinary Argireline Solution 10%

2. Medik8 Liquid Peptides Advanced MP

3. 111 Skin Eye Lift Gel Nac Y²™

4. Jordan Samuel Skin The Performance Cream

5. Goldfaden MD Needle-Less Line Smoothing Concentrate

6. Summer Fridays Light Aura Vitamin C + Peptide Eye Cream

7. Estée Lauder Futurist Peptide-Power Serum Primer

9. Niod Copper Amino Isolate Serum 3 1:1

10. Aveda Tulasāra Firm Concentrate

11. Naturium Multi-Peptide Advanced Serum

12. Peter Thomas Roth Peptide 21 Wrinkle Resist Serum

I'm 28 years old and about to turn 29. I've always been well aware that time brings some less-than-ideal skin changes along with it (it's the price we pay for the privilege of aging!), but I was still somehow surprised when I spotted signs of aging on my own skin. One day, I looked in the mirror and noticed an accumulation of sun damage, as well as lines and wrinkles forming. I was struck by the realisation that maybe my skin wasn't "bouncing back" like it used to.

That was especially true for the skin on my neck. While I had never given my neck a second thought when I was younger, I was suddenly focusing on it all the time because of the newly entrenched horizontal lines that appeared somewhere around my 25th birthday. This so-called "tech neck" results from a forward, tilted head position that's usually brought about by constantly looking down at phone and computer screens. For me, this checks out. I have a job that requires a lot of screen time, and I'm not immune to the temptation of TikTok doom-scrolling. Pair that with sun damage, and my neck looks older than it I feel it should. It's the kind of thing that I'd never notice on someone else, but I've become acutely aware, and can't un-see the development.

Listen, I'm not claiming I'm old; I'm still in my twenties for Pete's sake. But that doesn't mean I can't do something about the health of my skin, and hopefully, reverse the clock a bit. That's why I decided to reach out to two dermatologists to ask for the ultimate anti-aging neck skincare routine. I needed to know what at-home products to use, which professional treatments could help, and so on.

Here's a makeup-free and filter-free photo to show what I'm working with. My main concern is the deep line that spans my neck from jawbone to jawbone.

Here's a front-facing view. I have three different neck lines, which I'd rather try to lessen.

Step 1: Use an SPF Moisturiser Every. Single. Morning

This one didn't surprise me, because I know moisture and sunscreen are both critical for soft, plump, and youthful-looking skin. Still, it's a good reminder that it's necessary every single day, rain or shine, even when I'm feeling lazy and spending all day watching Netflix on my couch. Take it from Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology. "As we age, our bodies make less collagen and elastin, which are structural proteins in the dermis that provide structure and rigidity. The sun contributes to the aging process by accelerating the degradation of these proteins."

The sun—more specifically, the UV rays that come from it—contribute to all signs of aging, including the ones Camp sees more often in his dermatological practice. The first is that aforementioned tech neck. "'Tech neck' refers to horizontal lines that are accentuated when we tilt our heads down while looking at our phones," he says. The second is skin laxity, also known as sagging. This is "a result of aging and sun damage and is a concern for some patients." And yes, a simple SPF moisturiser can treat and prevent both.

Step 2: Apply a Retinol Serum a Few Nights Per Week

Retinol can turn back time on your neck just like it can on your face. "Retinol serums or moisturizers, when used regularly over time, are known to improve collagen production," Camp says. "Remember to gradually ease into the use of retinol because it can cause side effects like redness, dryness, and itching, especially on the delicate skin of the neck."

According to board-certified dermatologist at Westlake Dermatology, Elizabeth Geddes-Bruce, MD, the skin on the neck is different than the skin on other areas of the body. "The skin on the neck is more delicate than the skin on the face and should be treated more gently. It is more prone to irritation and takes longer to heal after injury due to a lower number of follicles and stem cell reserves."

Camp agrees, saying, "Neck skin is often not as tolerant of facial skin to topical treatments, like retinol. Part of the reason is because there is a lower density of sebaceous glands on the neck."

Step 3: Use a Targeted Neck Serum With Peptides on the Other Nights

While retinol is great for so many things, including minimising the appearance of lines and wrinkles, peptides play the long game to firm skin over time. Translation? They help prevent sagging or lax skin, which is a huge component of neck aging. "Peptides are skincare ingredients that act as building blocks of proteins, improving levels of collagen and elastin," Camp says.

Step 4: Try Professional Treatments

If topical skincare isn't enough, the good news is that there are a multitude of in-office treatments I can turn to to reverse-age my neck. Camp recommends microneedling and Botox and/or filler. "Microneedling is an in-office treatment that creates small superficial injuries in the skin, which in turn stimulates collagen production," he explains. "This stimulates the production of new collagen to tighten and firm neck skin."

As for Botox and filler, they work in different ways to encourage a more youthful-looking appearance. Hyaluronic acid filler can be injected into the area to soften the appearance of lines specifically. Neurotoxin injections, like Botox "can minimise the appearance of platysmal bands, which often become more pronounced with age," Camp says. "The platysma is a thin, sheet-like muscle on the anterior neck. By limiting the ability of the platysma to contract, the bands become less pronounced."

As for Geddes-Bruce, she recommends a multitude of professional treatments depending on specific cases and goals. "There are so many different in-office treatments to address these concerns. My favorites are Ultherapy, Genius Radiofrequency Microneedling, and Fraxel non-ablative resurfacing, sometimes augmented with biostimulatory fillers like Sculptra or hyperdilute Radiesse."

9 More Neck Treatments I'd Recommend

As a beauty editor, I'm well aware that at times the beauty industry can be a little overwhelming. Even as a beauty expert, it can be a struggle to separate the fad from the fabulous when it comes to products, and debunk what will work for you and not just for others. Especially now, with so many cutting-edge products, new innovative ingredients and emerging brands that promise to transform your skin, it can be impossible to wade through what's actually worth the investment for you. 

So when I heard about BEAUTY PIE's Skin Quiz, which asks you a few questions and then suggests the best products for your skin and its concerns, I was immediately interested. In case you're unaware of BEAUTY PIE and its unique business model, let me explain. It's a membership in which you pay a monthly fee in return for discounts on groundbreaking products. Working with leading cosmetic scientists around the world, its award-winning skincare is thoroughly researched and innovative and is only available on the BEAUTY PIE site. Because the brand cuts out third-party costs (from working with other retailers, celebrity endorsements, etc.), it is able to offer premium products at a fraction of the usual cost.

But back to the quiz. Recently introduced by the brand to help educate its customers on the absolute best products for their specific skin concerns and lifestyle, it's super quick to take and the results are so interesting. Whether you're a beauty novice wanting a low-maintenance routine or an expert with a 12-step, twice-daily ritual, the recommendations are insightful and tailored to you, and are delivered to your email for future reference. It's no secret that Who What Wear UK is big into BEAUTY PIE, and this doesn't just apply to our beauty editors, but everyone on the team.

Personally, I love the cool, contemporary packaging and the fact that no product has had a better impact on my acne than its Youthbomb Retinol Serum (you can read me raving about it here). For others, the appeal is of course great products at an incredibly affordable price point. In light of our shared love, I asked two other editors to do the quiz and share their results. We then collectively trialled the recommended products to see how they impacted our skin. 

"I’m now in my late twenties, and as a beauty editor, you could say that my routine is naturally high maintenance. My skin can be oily, so I’m prone to hormonal breakouts that leave behind stubborn hyperpigmentation and I sometimes experience sensitivity and dehydration too. So amongst the active ingredients in my skincare routine, I like hydrating products that are gentle and skin-replenishing to keep my sometimes-sensitive skin balanced.

"My skin’s needs change seasonally, so I was intrigued to see what the quiz results would recommend for me right now. At the moment, I’m contending with some post-breakout hyperpigmentation, so I was recommended both Dr Glycolic Pore-Purifying Glycolic Acid Toner and Superdose Vitamin C C-Suite Rapid Action Brightener for my routine. Dr Glycolic Toner is a powerhouse product that brightens and exfoliates, whilst Superdose C-Suite has become my new favourite for unlocking unparalleled levels of glow for my skin. Since using them both, my skin has never looked more even-toned, radiant breakout-free."

"To take the day off, I’ve been enjoying using Japanfusion Pure Transforming Cleanser, which has a gel-to-oil-to-milk texture and leaves my combination skin feeling gently cleansed and balanced. I’m already a huge fan of Triple Hyaluronic Acid Serum, so I was excited to try both Elastic Lifting Eye Cream and Deep Moisture Miracle Cream in the range to hydrate, soothe and plump the dehydration lines I’m sometimes prone to during winter. My skin is already feeling much more hydrated and plump from using these, and I can feel that my face is benefiting from the additional hydration now it's getting colder.

"Finally, Super Healthy Skin UVA/UVB Featherlight SPF 50 has been a game-changer. Everyone can benefit from wearing an SPF every day, but in particular, those with hyperpigmentation (like myself) should shield their skin to prevent it from creeping back and undoing all of the hard work in the rest of your routine. This one lives up to its name—it truly is a lightweight SPF that you don’t feel on your skin. It doesn’t leave a white cast, and I love that it also primes my skin for makeup, too."

— Eleanor Vousden, Beauty Editor

"I've always been incredibly fortunate to have good skin with very little effort, but after having a baby four years ago, the clarity, evenness and reliable glow I once used to take for granted have become increasingly difficult to find again. Because of my lack of skincare struggles in my earlier years, I often feel ill-equipped to know which route to take, which ingredients to try and which new products to take a punt on, which is why I was so intrigued to do BEAUTY PIE's Skincare Quiz. As a brand that I know my entire team rates highly and sees as incredibly efficacious and well-priced for the quality, I knew this would lead me to some fantastic new discoveries and an easy-yet-impactful routine.

"I juggle a (pretty full-on!) full-time job with a very full-on child. Combined with the fact I get a lot less sleep than I used to and my that my hormones are probably different these days, there's simply no denying that the past few years have taken their toll on my skin. I have very little time to spend on myself, but I want to start targeting a few areas where I feel my skin could look healthier and more like it used to. I'm pro-ageing and I think it's an absolute privilege to get older, but I'd also like to do it gracefully and in my own time without using anything too powerful or harsh, as I have relatively sensitive skin."

"The selection of products that were recommended for me tick my boxes of not being overly rich, fragranced or gimmicky (anything like that is an instant breakout-maker for me). Youthbomb moisturiser is gentle enough for all ages and skin types and is great to use as a super-hydrating evening hydrator. The gentle Super Retinol eye cream feels like the perfect entry product for someone who is still new to retinoids, whilst Jeju Cleanser is the kind of skin-friendly cleansing milk that I'm absolutely convinced suits everyone—it did a great job of cleansing my skin without stripping it or leaving it feeling dry.

"In addition, BEAUTY PIE's Super Healthy Skin Ultralight SPF comes with the extra bonus of hyaluronic acid, providing that extra hit of hydration my skin desperately needs in the depths of winter, and Super Healthy Skin Moisturiser layers beautifully under it by day to boost radiance. Since introducing it, I can see that my skin looks noticeably plumper, more glowy and a lot more hydrated—something that really helps to blur those fine lines that can crop up due to dehydration." 

 — Hannah Almassi, editor-in-chief

My journey to "good skin" has been a marathon. It’s one I’ve been on for as long as I can remember, and it’s only in recent years that I’ve found myself at a place where I’m content with the skin I have. But it’s certainly not perfect to me. My main issue has always been mild acne, and whilst my face may occasionally be free of cystic spots, there will always be scarring and dark spots from years of hormonal breakouts. My skin is also on the dry side, which is always worse at this time of year due to the change in temperature.

"I knew when taking the BEAUTY PIE Skincare Quiz that my results would suggest a retinoid, as it’s such a hard-working, results-driven ingredient with a multitude of success stories from fellow acne sufferers. What’s brilliant about retinol—if you don’t already know of its wondrous capabilities—is that it helps not only acne, but also signs of ageing. Which is great, because at 31 it goes without saying that I’m starting to see some fine lines around my eyes and forehead. I’ve always been one to embrace age and have never been that interested injectables, but that doesn’t mean I’m not delighted to hear when a product has the capability to boost radiance and reduce lines."

"The quiz results suggested Super Healthy Skin Gentle Foamy Face Wash, which I introduced every evening as a second cleanse and occasionally in the morning as a simple yet effective wash when I felt I needed more than just water. To tackle my acne and acne scarring, I began to implement Superdrops Brightening Niacinamide as well as Super Retinol Night Cream into my evening routine. Because Super Retinol also contains vitamin C (which shouldn't be applied at the same time as niacinamide), I was sure to use these on alternating nights. It's also worth mentioning that because I've been using retinol for over a year, my skin was able to handle Super Retinol's formula two to three times per week, but if you're new to it, it's best to slowly introduce to your regime (just once a week to begin with, and then slowly build up to three times per week if there's no reaction). Even within a week, I noticed my scarring had faded slightly, and my skin tone was more balanced. 

"As my skin always feels tight with dehydration, especially when using retinol, I love the added injection of moisture from using a combination of Triple Hyaluronic Acid and Super Healthy Skin Daily Moisturiser. I've been using them together both morning and evening, along with Super Healthy Skin Featherlight SPF in the mornings (an SPF is vital every day, but especially the morning after you've used retinol). I love this product not only for the protection it gives me against the sun all year round but also because it's a gorgeous primer, allowing my foundation to glide onto my face. As it turns out, another product that also makes a great primer is Plantastic Genius Ginseng Eye Cream. I wouldn't necessarily have thought to use a product like this if it wasn't for my quiz results, but it's been great at targeting my tired and puffy morning eyes and has helped give some added moisture to my eye area ahead of makeup application."

 — Rebecca Rhys-Evans, branded content editor

Want to try the BEAUTY PIE Skincare Quiz for yourself? Check it out here. 

Finding the right CC cream can be challenging, especially when you're not sure which ones are right for your skin type. While it's easy to gravitate to whichever CC creams are trending when you're on the lookout for one (I'm guilty of doing this when short on time or energy), familiarising yourself with the best ingredients and products that will make a difference in your skin's appearance as it matures is important. Remember when you were encouraged to incorporate a good eye cream into your skincare routine after entering your twenties? Here's your sign to do the same for CC cream. 

Read on to learn everything you need to know about CC cream from a makeup artist experienced with working on mature skin. Then discover which products 100% deserve your attention.

What Is CC Cream?

Think of CC cream as a multitasking makeup product formulated to combat redness, dullness, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone, and other skin discolouration concerns. The name stands for "colour control" or "complexion correction," referencing its unique ability to target problem areas. CC cream can be especially helpful when creating makeup looks on mature skin. "CC Creams typically have more skincare benefits than a traditional foundation, and as we age, ensuring our makeup includes skincare benefits is essential," says veteran makeup artist Laura Geller.

"CC creams are often moisturising, and some include SPF, both of which help address common concerns of sun protection and hydration as our skin tends to dry as we age." Geller's namesake brand, founded in 1997, is celebrated for its approach to inclusive products and marketing (in fact, it exclusively uses women over 40 in advertising). CC Creams such as Geller's Quench-n-Tint Hydrating Foundation are only the tip of the iceberg.

How To Use CC Cream

When deciding which CC creams to use for mature skin, Geller gravitates toward ones that utilise hyaluronic acid or sodium hyaluronate to repair and protect the skin barrier. "Less is more as we age, so this is a great substitute for foundation on those 'no makeup' makeup days," she adds. "The moisturising ingredients in your CC cream will ensure it won't crease, crack, or settle into fine lines or wrinkles." According to Geller, CC cream should provide your skin with more benefits than a traditional foundation, a testament to the importance of incorporating ingredients that support healthy and beautiful mature skin.

For the best outcome, Geller recommends applying the product with the fingers and then blending it outward and upward for an even complexion. "Ideally, it's going to give me light coverage and colour-correct any discolouration while also serving as a moisturiser," Geller explains. "There's nothing worse than a cream that will dry you out, especially for mature skin."

Best CC Creams for Mature Skin

Best Overall: Laura Geller Quench-n-Tint

Next up, The 13 Best Tinted Moisturisers for Mature Skin, Ranked by a Beauty Editor

As a beauty editor, I enjoy nothing more than snooping through someone's makeup bag or checking out the product lineup on their bathroom shelf. I could talk cleansers, lipsticks, eye creams, and face masks for days—and I love hearing the personal reasons behind why people use certain brands or why they incorporate specific products into their beauty routines. While one of the perks of my job is having access to a vast amount of products and new beauty launches, like most people when it comes to beauty, I am most easily influenced by those around me. Seeing first hand the products that my friends and family members use often inspires me to try something new or to switch up my routine.

This influence can come in many forms, one of which being a mother or motherly figures in our lives, whose own beauty choices have gone on to shape our own. Ahead of Mother's Day, I reached out to a group of self-confessed beauty obsessives and asked them to share the beauty routines of the special women they have in their lives and introduce us to the products they each love to use. So, if you're looking for inspiration for your own regime, keep scrolling for the ageless beauty products these women reach for every day.

1. Grace Day, Freelance Beauty Editor & Who What Wear UK Contributing Beauty Editor

Grace's mum.

"My mum has never been big into beauty, which is strange in context of the fact that I’ve build my entire livelihood around it. I often wonder if it was the mystery and unknown of beauty that got me into it, because makeup and skincare wasn’t something I was really exposed to until I was a teenager. With that said, in recent years (and as the recipient of a lot of my hand-me-down products), she has become more interested, and even recently, asked me to build her a skincare routine.

Her favourite product category however is hand creams—she is a primary school teacher and spends a lot of time washing them, so has very dry, chapped hands, which makes her the perfect guinea pig when I need to test hand products for a story. "My favourite one is Nursem Caring Hand Cream,” she tells me. "I love how light it is—I don’t need to spend ages rubbing it in or waiting for it to dry. Plus, I love that it comes in both a pump bottle and a tube, so I can have one at home and one for on the go.”

The only other staple products you’ll find in my mum’s routine? Eve Lom's Daily Protection SPF50—my mission to convert her to daily sunscreen use finally paid off, and NIOD’s Fractionated Eye Contour Concentrate—after witnessing such noticeable and impressive results the first time she used it, she’ll never be without it.

"She's also a huge fan of fragrance—when I was growing up, Chanel No 5 was her daily go-to, but now she has a growing curation of perfumes on her dressing table which she picks and chooses from. And adds to—she loves nothing more than wandering around Liberty's beauty hall on our trips to London. Penhaligon's Orange Blossom, Byredo Blanche, and Diptyque Eau Duelle are some of her recent acquisitions."

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2. Estée Lalonde, Content Creator & Creative Director of Mirror Water

"I really love the simplicity of my mom’s skincare routine but I try to inspire her to use new products and add a couple of steps in there when she feels like it. With my job, I get to try lots of amazing products but sometimes that means my skincare routine can get pretty complex.

I think it’s great that my mom has found brands that she really trusts and listens to. She likes using systems of skincare because she knows that the products she buys are are designed to work together. She hates overthinking and likes to know exactly which products to use each morning and night. Her ethos when it comes to skincare is sticking with what she knows works for her, creating routines from the advice of the brands she trusts. She has really inspired me to delve deeper into the brands I love and see what they recommended to use together for some of my absolute holy grail products.

I’ve been using my skincare as a form of self-care for years now. Taking that extra five minutes for myself at the start and end of each day. My mom said that she’d never really looked at it that way before and I’ve inspired her to start taking care of herself each morning too which I love. Skincare is self-care!"

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3. Hannah Almassi, Who What Wear UK Editor in Chief

Hannah with her mum and dad.

"My mum and I share the same 'less is more' ethos when it comes to skincare and beauty—although, I think there are times when we wish we had both looked after our skin a little better! We both like to make an effort but prefer a natural look, even if that means showing our age (my grey hairs are peeking through proudly, for example!) So, we have reached a kind of low-maintenance middle ground and share a philosophy, even if we don't share the exact same products. Neither of us can handle rich, fragranced or heavy products—simpler is always better.

After 70-something years, my mum has finally found a few key buys that really work for her: Estelle & Thild's Age Control Serum is a little indulgence that she just loves and wouldn't swap out. She removes her makeup with Boots' Micellar Cleansing Water and uses a cheap Boots eye makeup remover too—actually dispensing with certain more faffy stages and products suits both of our skin-types better. My mother's mother had fantastic skin and only ever used soap and water. Yes, you can inherit good skin (and I'm lucky that both my mum and dad have aged very well, so here's hoping) but perhaps there's something in the less fussy routines of the past…

"When it comes to makeup, for little blemishes she'll reach for Boots' Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Concealer; she rates Clinique's Chubby Sticks (Super Strawberry is her fave) and we both share a love of Charlotte Tilbury's Pillow Talk; after years of trying different mascaras she believes that Maybelline's Great Lash is the one—I'm sure many other women would agree. 

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4. Franny Monzemba, Fashion Content Creator

"My skincare habits come especially from my mother. Ever since I was a little girl, she used to slather me and my sisters with cream and shea butter. We couldn't leave the house until she had checked that we had carefully applied the cream - most black families will recognise this themselves! These habits have been passed on to me.

As an adult, one of my first jobs was as a cosmetic sales consultant—I learned a lot in the process, and naturally my sisters started to take an interest. We had a ritual on Sundays where we monopolised the bathroom (which could annoy our mother!). It was a time for me to teach them a few things that I had learned at work myself. My little sister has kept these rituals, adding in some essentials that she didn't necessarily do at the time, like using sunscreen every day and some soothing creams.

I love being able to say that I have had an impact on her in terms of how she takes care of herself, and I think that this has helped to increase her self-esteem. Today she is a beautiful woman who can't be beaten on skincare—now she is the one giving me advice and I love that!"

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5. Lena Farl, Fashion Content Creator

Lena with her mum as a baby.

"In terms of skincare routine, I learned everything from my mother. When I was a child, I used to watch her getting ready and I really enjoyed this special moment spent with her as it was just the two of us. She has a very simple and effortless skincare routine based on hydration and nourishment. Her go-to brand is Filorga Paris, a line of French science-based skincare products she uses everyday. She is a big fan of the Hydra-Hyal Hydrating Cream and Age Purify Cleanser."

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6. Maxine Eggenberger, Who What Wear UK Deputy Editor

"For as long as I can remember, I've loved playing around with makeup. My mum had me when she was 21 and I remember her being quite experimental with her make-up during the early '90s; thin brows and lined lips included. Nowadays her beauty aesthetic is much more natural and mirrors my own immensely. We swap new makeup finds, review recently-tried skincare, and debate which products we think are superior. Though our routines have changed over the years, my paternal grandmother's has remained unchanged for the best part of 20 years. 

"One thing my grandma does which I always tell myself I need to take her lead on is taking care of her feet. Every night, she massages her feet with cream, gently teasing out any knots or sore spots and ensuring her skin feels suitably hydrated. Not only do her feet look as if they go to a spa every day, but I think it contributes to her overall health, too. A couple of years ago, I gifted her a few Margaret Dabbs London products and now they're the foot formulas she swears by. What can I say? I had to get my sense of good taste from somewhere! 

"Makeup-wise, my grandma has always preferred cream formulas, which puts her ahead of the times and the trends. Before cream eyeshadows and blushes were as prevalent as they are now, she was snapping up what limited products there were on the market as she thought they give a more 'natural look'. As far as brands go, Clinique has long been her go-to, as has Bobbi Brown. However, I know she's also taken with Chanel's Les Beiges collection, too, which I introduced her to last year." 

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7. Poppy Nash, Who What Wear UK Managing Editor

Poppy's mum.

"For as long as I can remember, my grandma (who is 84 this year!) has worn red lipstick. I actually don't think I've ever seen her without it, and even on holiday she applies a wash of lippie before coming downstairs in her nightie for breakfast! Her favourite is Chanel's Rouge Coco Ultra Hydrating Lip Colour in Gabrielle. She's not a fan of a pink or peachy tone, so this true poppy-red hue is her go-to, and I actually think she has stocked up on a couple of tubes just in case it gets discontinued.

While I don't really wear lipstick myself, whenever I do reach for a bright red it always reminds me of her, which I love. I also have really fond memories of playing with all her lotions and potions as a little girl (she's also a big fan of YSL's Touche Eclat) while she brushed my hair, so maybe that's where I got my love of beauty from!

In contrast to my grandma, my mum has very few makeup products in her roster. She's all about skincare, and her biggest pet-peeve is when I forget to moisturise or pop SPF on in the winter (guilty as charged). A recent discovery of hers is Charlotte Tilbury's Collagen Superfusion Facial Oil, which she says has now become a firm favourite in her bag of skincare tricks. As a woman in her 50s, she says she loves how this boosts glow and plumps up her skin, without it being left feeling sticky. My mum uses this before popping on her LED mask, too, which she claims is a perfect combo. Her skin is actually pretty amazing, so I should probably take her recommendations more seriously. Sorry, mum!"

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8. Elle McNamara, Beauty Content Creator

"My mum has gone from being relatively uninterested in skincare to "Feel my skin - feel how dewy it is!” real quick. Not only because we get so much to test (we live together so she loves to spy around my "to test” crates) but because of how much her skin has changed - quite dramatically actually! She’s a tough crowd so when something gets her approval I’m very happy to recommend it on to my followers - at the moment she’s loving Venn’s Age Reversing Concentrate, and one of her OG favourites is the Clinique Moisture Surge. Her skin really is proof it’s never too late to see results from skincare!"

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9. Remy Farrell, Who What Wear UK Shopping Editor

"My relationship with beauty comes entirely from my mum's influence. I never feel quite "ready" without a couple of finishing touches after growing up watching her cultivate her signature look—Bobbi Brown makeup, red nails, and always a spritz of Chanel No.5. Over the last 25 years or so she's experimented with Dolce and Gabbana, Narcisco Rodriguez, and Viktor and Rolf, but nothing transports me back to childhood quite like the iconic bottle that seems to be a mainstay on many mother's vanities for decades. It might even become a tradition that I end up passing onto my daughter one day."

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Next Up: French Girls Swear By These 13 Brands for Amazing Skin

When you work in the beauty industry, you’re sent a lot of products to try out. (I know, I know—it’s a hard job, but someone has to do it.) Of course, there are a lot of creams, serums, sprays and supplements to wade through in order to find the real gems, so it’s rewarding when you discover a product that actually works or a brand that lives up to the hype.

As a beauty lover, I’ve long been a BEAUTY PIE fanatic. I can’t get enough of the cool, minimalist packaging, the award-winning products (obviously) and the whole subscription concept—it’s right up my street. For those unfamiliar, here’s how it works: Members pay a monthly fee in return for huge discounts on BEAUTY PIE products, which can only be found on the brand’s website. By using this direct-to-consumer model (i.e. not relying on retailers or celebrity endorsements to sell its beauty products), BEAUTY PIE is able to offer innovative formulas and premium-quality products at much more affordable prices. I know what you’re thinking: What’s the catch? Well, let me tell you: There isn’t one.

So when the brand asked me to test its latest Youthbomb Double-Retinol Action Skin Overhaul Serum (member price: £44), it was a no-brainer. Retinol was last year’s biggest beauty trend with 9.2 million Google searches and 1.2 billion views on TikTok. Whilst it’s best known for its anti-ageing properties (it’s proven to stimulate cell turnover, produce collagen and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles), it can also work wonders for acne.

This retinol serum is for those looking to take their entry-level retinol routine up a notch (if you're looking for one with lower strength, I'd recommend the Super Retinol + Vitamin C Night Renewal Moisturiser). The Double-Retinol serum is strong, so it’s effective for anyone looking for a faster and harder-working anti-ageing product. The yellow formula (retinol’s natural colour) is packed with two retinoids for a double dose of resurfacing power and niacinamide and hyaluronic acid to counteract the side effects of retinol use, such as irritation. But it’s best used as part of the Ultimate Youthbomb Trio (member price: £119), which includes the Youthbomb Biologic Collagen Peptide Cream (member price: £44), an ideal night cream, and the Youthbomb 360° Radiance Concentrate (member price: £44), along with the retinol serum.

I call this trio the Holy Trinity of Beauty because the three products work together to give your skin a healthy, youthful glow: The retinol serum smooths skin, the rich collagen cream plumps and hydrates, and the concentrate brightens, firms and gives you a natural glow. To be clear, I’ve never been one to chase my youth. I’ve never had botox, and I don’t mind my fine lines. I just want clear, healthy-looking, glowy skin, and that's exactly what this trio does.

Before I go into how I used the Youthbomb Trio and its effects, it’s important to tell you about my skin: It’s slightly dry, sensitive and acne-prone. Since adolescence, I’ve almost always had a zit or two at any given time, and I have some scarring where the temptation to squeeze whiteheads got the better of me. (We’ve all been there, right?) I’ve tried a lot of treatments over the years and have been using retinol for about a year. This is important to note because the Youthbomb retinol serum is too strong to introduce into your skincare routine if you’ve never used a retinol before. When speaking to the Who What Wear UK beauty editor, Eleanor Vousden, she explained that "From around our mid-twenties, we start to lose about 1% of our collagen every year. From this point onwards, using a retinoid (the umbrella term for retinols and retinals) can help your skin kickstart that collagen production and address the first signs of fine lines and wrinkles we often see in our late twenties.

When I speak with dermatologists and skin therapists, they often urge first-time users of retinols to go low and slow. Start with the lowest percentage and use once or twice a week at first, before building up the frequency as your skin tolerates it. Once your skin has acclimatised, you can look at going to a higher strength. All skin types can benefit from a retinol, it's all about finding the best formulation for your skin's needs."

For this review, I decided to stop using my other products almost entirely in order to trial the Youthbomb retinol serum properly and fairly. This being said, I love a double-cleanse and still needed to remove my makeup every night, so I used BEAUTY PIE’s Hot Oil Double Cleansing Balm (member price: £16) and the Japanfusion Pure Transforming Cleanser (member price: £9) to prep my skin. Once it was was completely cleansed, I added a few drops of the Radiance Concentrate on my palms and then directly onto my face and neck. (You can also add this to your morning routine.) After it soaked in, I used two pumps of the Double-Retinol Action Skin Overhaul Serum all over my face (I used it every other night for two weeks before I started using it nightly), paying close attention to the bottom of my cheeks and near my mouth where I get most of my breakouts. After I’d given the retinol a few minutes to sink in, I lathered my face with the Biologic Collagen Peptide Cream. (Pro tip: It’s so thick and creamy, so a little goes a long way.)

But let’s get to the results. Honestly, I cannot recommend this stuff enough. I mean, look at the photos! My skin looks dewy, bright and plump, and my acne scars have seriously reduced. But I was most impressed and surprised by the fact that my skin didn’t have a single bad reaction to the retinol serum. I expected that I would have to stop using it for a few days as my skin is sensitive, but there was no redness or dryness at all—my skin just got increasingly clearer each day. I have actually since swapped out my foundation for a tinted moisturiser, which I would usually only use on holiday when I’m sun-kissed and glowing. The Youthbomb Double-Retinol Action Skin Overhaul Serum has definitely made my skin appear youthful, but most importantly, it’s given me the confidence to wear less makeup, and for me, that’s the ultimate win.

Discover More BEAUTY PIE Products

And is if that wasn't tempting enough, BEAUTY PIE are offering £10 off any new membership with code LOVE10. To discover more product and sign up, head this way.

Carving out a skincare routine is essential, and we love to ask our friends, What are you using? (Especially if they've got healthy skin and a solid routine.) But there's another source we look to—our favourite celebrities. And rightfully so. They have access to the best of the best when it comes to caring for the skin. However, it can be tricky to discern what they're actually using and loving in the age of social media, brand deals, and celeb skincare lines. In some cases, people can be hush-hush about it, but with a little investigative digging, or paying close attention to celebs on social, you can often find out what's on their vanities

So I've taken the guesswork out and researched not just what celebs are using what but what 40-something celebrities are applying to their skin. (Because as a mid-30-something who's just four years shy of 40, I'm curious, too!) Keep reading to know the 14 of the best serums a few of our favourite celebs use.

This story originally appeared on Who What Wear U.S. 

Up next, The 5 "Anti-Ageing" Skincare Truths That Everyone Needs to Hear

Over the past few years, the skincare and technology industries have collided, resulting in an abundance of facial tools and skincare devices that promise to do everything from lifting and sculpting to decongesting and brightening skin. Now, as a trained esthetician, I’ve tried my fair share of skincare gadgets, from LED masks to microcurrent devices, but what makes this new cohort of beauty tech different is that these devices are designed to be easily used by skincare novices from the comfort of their own homes. Safe, easy to use, and affordable, these tools replicate the effects of professional treatments and will seriously upgrade your daily skincare routine.

One of the brands that has really led the way when it comes to skincare tech is Foreo. The Swedish brand first launched in 2013, debuting the world’s first silicone facial cleansing brush, and has since expanded its product range to include innovations such as a 5-in-1 facial massager, an LED breakout wand and a silicone toothbrush.

My first introduction to the brand was via Foreo’s facial cleansing brush (known as the Luna), and I have to admit, I was sceptical as to just how good an at-home device could be. Needless to say, four years have passed, and it’s been a staple in my daily skincare routine ever since. As someone who is acne-prone and experiences concerns like enlarged pores and deep-rooted congestion, cleansing efficiently has always been a main focus of my skincare routine. However, cleansers themselves can only do so much, so incorporating the Foreo Luna into my cleansing routine was a major upgrade. In fact, Foreo’s more recent version of the Luna is clinically proven to remove 99% of dirt, oil and makeup residue, which is a lot more than hands alone can achieve.

The Best Foreo Products

• Best Foreo tool for effective cleansing: Foreo Luna 4 (£132, now £111)
• Best Foreo tool for lifting and sculpting: Foreo Bear 2 (£379, now £207)
• Best Foreo tool for hydrating: Foreo UFO 2 Supercharged Facial Mask Device (£104)
• Best Foreo tool for the eye area: Iris 2 Rejuvenating Eye Massager (£169, now £118)
• Best Foreo tool for fine lines and wrinkles: Foreo FAQ 101 Clinical Anti-Ageing Treatment (£369, now £268)

Made from super-soft silicone and powered by sonic pulsations, this is quite unlike any other facial cleansing brush I’ve ever tried—it’s also a lot more hygienic than brushes with nylon bristles. With three modes (gentle, regular and deep), it’s suitable for all (including sensitive) skin types, and simultaneously massages, cleanses, and exfoliates skin. The soothing massage function helps to improve lymphatic drainage and skin elasticity, resulting in a firmer, sculpted appearance, while the gentle exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and prep skin for effective product penetration.

I tend to use the device during my evening cleanse, usually alongside a gel or foam cleanser (as I find this texture works best). Once turned on, it runs for two minutes—the perfect amount of time to cover my face and neck, with extra focus on my congested areas (along my jawline) and around my nose where my pores are most obvious.

Within a few weeks of first using it, I noticed a reduction in the bumpy, uneven texture of my skin, and with daily use, my skin is now smooth and totally bump-free. I’ve also noticed an overall reduction in the amount of breakouts I experience, which I credit to the fact that not only does the Luna give my skin a really deep cleanse, but it also forces me to spend two whole minutes focussing on your cleansing routine—I’ve noticed on days when I don’t use the Foreo, I rarely spend more than 20 seconds on this step.

I’ll admit that what usually puts me off using a device in the long term is how easy it is to maintain, but the Luna is practically effortless. It’s rechargeable (and only needs charging 2-3 times a year), doesn’t need to be replaced, and is super easy to clean—silicone is bacteria-resistant, so you just rinse it under water after each use. If you are after a device to help with concerns like congestion, breakouts, and excess oil, then I can’t recommend the Foreo Luna enough.

Oh, and I’ve since tried out a number of other devices from the range, so if you’re interested, scroll down for my verdict on the best Foreo products worth investing in.

1. Foreo Luna 4

2. Foreo Bear 2

3. Foreo Luna 4 Body

4. Foreo Luna 4 Plus

5. Foreo UFO 2

6. Foreo Luna 4 Go

7. Foreo Iris 2

7. Foreo Espada

9. Foreo FAQ 101

10. Foreo Issa 3

11. FOREO KIWI Derma

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

Innovations in technology are all part of the growing uptake in tweakments and cosmetic procedures like Botox and filler, but if there’s one trend we’ve noticed in 2023, it’s that they’re now starting to impact product development, too. A new generation of skincare products are blurring the lines between in-salon and at-home treatments, allowing consumers to replicate the effects of professional cosmetic procedures, minus the cost and downtime. These tweakment product dupes are all about fast results and instant gratification, often targeting dull skin and fine lines, and harnessing the latest ingredient technologies.

"Tweakment products have been gaining popularity with consumers because they offer a safe and effective alternative to traditional Botox and fillers,” says Dimitra Davidson, President and COO of Indeed Labs. "Today’s tweakment products include ingredients that work in a similar way to more traditional treatments but are much less evasive. They’re safe to use at home, can be used daily, and are often formulated with additional ingredients for added benefits.” Of course, one major factor in the growing popularity of tweakment products is affordability in comparison to in-salon treatments—as the cost-of-living crisis cuts down our disposable incomes. In-salon treatments with a reliable practitioner can cost hundreds of pounds, and with the commitment needed to maintain results, this cost can easily add up into the thousands. "Price conscience consumers and those looking for needle-free alternatives are definitely gravitating to tweakment products as alternatives,” adds Davidson. "But that doesn’t exclude the consumer who also uses traditional treatments such as Botox and filler who turns to tweakment products for added benefits and to prolong the effectiveness of their treatments.”

Like the treatments they replicate, tweakment products are predominantly aimed towards those who want to address or prepare for signs of ageing, like loose skin, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles. "At Medik8, our bestselling products consistently fall within the youth renewing and boosting category,” says Daniel Isaacs, Director of Research at Medik8. "Purchasing trends include sculpting, firming, tightening, plumping and glowing skin benefits for fast, tweakment-like results. With new breakthroughs and innovation in science skin tech, consumers are reaping the rewards with advanced formulas delivering long-term, long-lasting results that are easily available.”

Of course, if you’ve ever looked into booking an in-salon cosmetic procedure, you’ll know that they’re not without their risks. "In today’s society we are a lot more clued up about the realities of invasive skin and facial procedures and that damage they can cause to us in the longer term,” says Inge Theron, founder of FaceGym. "I know this all too well. During my time as a journalist, I tried and tested multiple procedures which left me suffering the impact of injectable abuse. It wasn’t until one particular face-lifting procedure left me housebound, that I realised enough was enough, and I decided there must be a better way to age confidently and beautifully.”

For Theron, this was her eureka moment and the start of FaceGym. The brand has pioneered a workout-inspired approach to facial massage, and now has eleven global studios, a product line, and offers digital workout appointments. "We provide a natural, non-invasive alternative that delivers the instantly visible results but also provides lasting benefits for both the skin and muscles,” she explains. "I think the fact that we are now able to produce so many devices which offer the professional results of a spa or aesthetic treatment but from home has been the biggest game-changer in this area over the past few years. At FaceGym we are creating tools and devices that deliver high-end results and making them accessible to the consumer wherever they are.”

Another brand to capitalise on the tweakment trend is Indeed Labs, whose ‘Botox in a bottle’ serum Snoxin II went viral on TikTok last year and was, for months, impossible to get hold of. "Snoxin II improves skin’s elasticity and smoothness, revealing fresher and more vibrant skin. This targeted solution provides instant and long-terms results as it softens the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles,” explains Davidson. "The star ingredient is a biomimetic peptide, XEP-018™. This peptide blocks signals sent from the brain to the facial muscles to contract and relax the muscles instantly. As the peptide accumulates, this active provides both instant and lasting effects as it continuously works to help the skin repair itself by allowing new collagen to grow and mature, increasing skin elasticity.” It’s easy to see why this has been hailed as a ‘Notox’ treatment, since Botox itself works by preventing muscles from contracting.

While the pros of topical tweakment products range from their affordability and convenience to the fact you can take a much safer approach to targeting your concerns, you will just have to wait a little longer for those results to show. It’s also worth remembering that no product can ever truly replicate the exact effects of a cosmetic procedure, particularly when it comes to face-altering treatments like filler and Botox. "It is only worth investing in tools and tweakment products if you will use them regularly and consistently (often, this means daily),” says esthetician and skin expert Katie Onyejekwe. "Otherwise, save your money.”

Interested? Scroll down for the 15 tweakment products that will upgrade your skincare routine. 

The best tweakment product dupes:

1. Indeed Labs Snoxin II Serum

2. ZIIP Beauty Nanocurrent Skincare Device

3. Face Gym Active Rollers

4. The Ordinary 10% Agireline Solution

5. Medik8 Liquid Peptides

6. NIOD Lip Bio-Lipid Concentrate

7. Face Gym Multi-Sculpt

8. NuFace Fix Line Smoothing Device

9. No7 Future Renew Serum

10. 111 Skin Sub-Zero De-Puffing Energy Facial Mask

11. Face Gym Weighted Ball

12. Allies of Skin Multi Peptides & GF Advanced Lifting Serum

13. Omnilux Contour Face

14. Dr Barbara Sturm Anti-Aging Neck & Decollete Cream

15. Cellcosmet CellBust-XT

Next Up: I'm a Skin Expert, and These Are the Tweakments That Are Worth Knowing About

If there is one thing I'm hoping for, it's that I've inherited some good skin genetics from my gran, Audrey. At 83, my family refer to her as glam-ma as opposed to grandma, as she always looks put together. Plus, people often say she looks far younger than her age would suggest, and I have to agree, I hope I look this lovely at her age.

When I recently visited her for a cup of tea, we got talking about her beauty routine, and naturally, I wanted to know what skincare secrets she might that she could pass on. Going into beauty editor mode, I quizzed her on all things beauty and investigated her dressing table for the best products for mature skin, as well as her all-time favourites that she swears by.

With 55 years in between us, one thing that became clear in our conversation is that there are now just so many beauty brands around to choose from nowadays. Growing up, my gran notes that there were only a handful brands of available to her in her local Boots store. "Outdoor Girl, Max Factor and No7 were three of my favourites." she says, to which my grandad quips: "You've used No7 as long as we've been married!" As such, she has stayed loyal to some of her favourite products for 60 years—all of which are budget-friendly and can be found in most drugstores. "I have sensitive skin, so I like to stick to what I know, and I've never bought expensive skincare" she says. Her routine is very minimal when it comes to skincare and makeup—and very rarely veers away from her favourite brands. 

She hasn't followed a specific diet, bought expensive products (apart from the odd moisturiser I may have given her in my job as a beauty journalist) or followed a complicated 10-step skincare routine. In fact, I was amazed to hear that she hasn't diligently avoided the sun over the years, explaining that when she was younger she would often bask in the sun with olive oil on—SPF certainly was not applied. We now know how much the sun's UV rays contribute to wrinkles and pigmentation, so it's remarkable that her skin still looks as great as it does. 

The only two hard rules that she's followed? "I don't drink very much alcohol, and I've never used soap on my face," she says. In the beauty climate we live in, it's quite refreshing to hear that using less products is actually better for our skin, and my gran is a great case in point of that notion. After combing through her bathroom shelf and dressing table, I've listed her favourite products for mature skin below and—spoiler alert—they're mostly all very affordable too.

The Best Products For Mature Skin:

Up Next: The Holy-Grail Product My 73-Year-Old Mum Uses to Make Her Look 20 Years Younger

This story was originally posted at an earlier date and has since been updated.

The idea that your beauty regimen should change with your age is nothing new. After all, our skin is our largest living organ, so it's only natural that as it adapts to changes, our beauty routines call for a bit of a revamp, and with them, so do our makeup bags. And when it comes to makeup products, foundation (alongside your tinted moisturiser or BB cream) is one of the first things you might find yourself wanting to change. So, how come—out of all products—foundations for mature skin are so notoriously tricky to get right?

It's no secret that mature skin requires a different approach. As we age, not only does our collagen production decline (which is followed by loss of elasticity and the formation of fine lines and wrinkles), but our skin also becomes much drier, which inevitably means that skincare-infused serum foundations and dewy skin tints will be your best bet. Elsewhere, you might want to look into blurring formulas—bonus points if they also pack an impressive staying power.

But before even adding any foundation to your basket, it's imperative that you're familiarised with all the ins and outs of mature skin. Most importantly: What exactly is "mature" skin, and at what age is your skin considered mature?

"Because it can refer to either a certain age or condition of the skin, it’s a bit of an ambiguous term,” explains Sarah Chapman, cosmetic scientist, skincare expert and founder of Skinesis. "If we’re looking for classic signs of a ‘mature’ complexion, it would be skin that’s showing visible signs of ageing—loss of volume and firmness, fine lines, wrinkles and signs of sun damage such as uneven pigmentation and collagen loss.”

It’s also important to note that a variety of factors play a role in skin maturity, including genetics, ethnicity, overall health, and lifestyle choices like hydration, smoking, drinking, and sun exposure.

Below, we've put together a definitive edit of the best foundations for mature skin, including expert advice from Chapman and celebrity make-up artist Kenneth Soh, who's worked with the likes of Golda Rosheuvel, Sophie Okonedo and Priyanka Chopra. So, whether you were curious about how our skin changes as it matures, how to find the right foundation and all the different ways you can apply it, here's everything you need to know.

The Best Foundations for Mature Skin

• Best Overall: Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, £47
• Best Glow Giver: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation, £39
• Best for Luxury Formula: Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate SPF 50, £130
• Best Budget Foundation: Beauty Pie Everyday Great Skin Foundation, £16
• Best for Oily Skin: Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation, £39

1. Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

2. Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation

3. Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate SPF 50

4. Westman Atelier Vital Skin Foundation Stick

5. Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation

6. Sisley Sisleÿa Le Teint Anti-Ageing Foundation

7. Nars Light Reflecting Advanced Foundation

8. Jones Road What The Foundation

9. Shiseido Synchro Skin Radiant Lifting SPF 30 Foundation

10. ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 30

11. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation

12. Beauty Pie Everyday Great Skin Foundation

13. Bareminerals Barepro 24hr Skin-Perfecting Powder Foundation

14. Dior Forever Skin Glow Foundation

15. Lisa Eldridge Seamless Skin Foundation

16. Chanel Sublimage L'essence De Teint Ultimate Radiance-Generating Serum Foundation

What Happens to Skin When We Age?

As we get older, our complexion decreases its production of sebum, oil and ceramides, which are essential to help strengthen the lipid barrier and retain moisture, keeping skin plump and firm. "Cell turnover also slows down—from about every 14 days as infants to about 30 days in our 30s to 60+ days as we reach our 60s,” says Chapman.

"In fact, research suggests that by our early twenties, collagen production starts diminishing by 1% each year. Our collagen and elastin fibres become thicker and less taut, leading to slackening, a change in face shape, and a reduction in the youthful plumpness of the skin.” However, it isn’t one size fits all, and someone in their 20s may show more signs of ageing than someone in their 40s, so it’s all about being in tune with your skin.

What to Look for in a Foundation for Mature Skin?

According to Chapman, you should look for make-up with good skincare ingredients. "Our skin can become increasingly dull and dehydrated as we age, so hydrators such as hyaluronic acid can help plump out fine lines and help keep your skin looking dewy and radiant throughout the day.” Chapman says it’s worth noting that although a foundation offering extra UV protection is always beneficial, never skip your dedicated SPF.

What to Avoid in a Foundation for Mature Skin?

As for things to avoid? "I recommend avoiding retinol in a foundation and focusing instead on delivering high-quality actives through your skincare. Vitamin A can make your skin more sensitive to UV rays, so if you do go for a foundation containing retinol, it’s even more important to wear a high-protection SPF underneath.”

How to Apply Foundation on Mature Skin

"See where you need foundation, be it to warm and even out skin tone or to provide a little coverage, then working with the principle that less is more, use only what you need, starting from the centre of the face, working outwards,” explains Soh. "Keep as little product as possible on areas where there are lines or creases. I often run a clean cotton bud over the areas with lines to help prevent any creasing or build-up of foundation.”

How We Tested

We know that foundation is one of the most personal products in your makeup bag, especially when you're navigating the nuances of mature skin. To make sure every recommendation here truly delivers, we put each foundation through its paces on real skin, not just in swatches or studio lighting. Our editors, experts and contributors (with skin ranging from dry to combination and ages spanning from 20s to 60s) wore each formula in their daily lives, from school runs to Zoom calls to long dinners. We looked at coverage, blendability, finish, how it wore throughout the day, and—crucially—how it interacted with fine lines, dryness, or texture. If it creased, caked, or disappeared by lunch, it didn’t make the cut.

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

This story was published at an earlier time and has since been updated.

As you get older, your skin loses elasticity because your body produces less collagen and elastin. In fact, by the time people turn 20, they'll produce 1% less collagen in the skin each year. And because your skin loses elasticity, it can seem loose and saggy.

Other factors can accelerate collagen and elastin loss: UV exposure, environmental pollutants, and certain lifestyle habits (such as smoking, poor nutrition, and drinking excessively). Your skin can lose its tightness after weight loss or pregnancy.

There are a couple of things you can do to combat saggy skin if it is concerning you. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, there are nonsurgical procedures you can get at the dermatologist's office like ultrasounds, radiofrequency microneedling, laser treatments, and laser resurfacing. And of course, there are surgical procedures, too.

But if you want to try an at-home remedy first, you can opt for a skin-tightening serum. These formulas contain ingredients that can boost the production of collagen and elastin, like retinol, peptides, and vitamin C.

Take a look at some options below both for the face and body, which have rave reviews.

The Best Skin-Tightening Serums for the Face

The Best Skin-Tightening Serums for the Body

Up Next, 18 Affordable Anti-Ageing Skincare Products That Truly Work

Getting older is a privilege, and skin ageing is part and parcel of growing older. However, lip lines can creep up quickly on our skin (sometimes prematurely), and you may want to know how to treat them. While we cannot halt skin ageing altogether, there are many ways to keep our skin looking its best.

Lip lines can be the result of multiple lifestyle and genetic factors, but if you do want to address them, then there are many ways to prevent and treat them, from lifestyle changes to skincare products and in-clinic treatments. To find out the best ways to get rid of lip lines (as well as keep them at bay), I asked three top dermatologists and skin experts for their honest thoughts. Ahead, CeraVe consultant dermatologist Alexis Granite, Skin + Me dermatologist Jason Thomson and GP and award-winning aesthetician Ahmed El Muntasar share their advice on how to get rid of lip lines, whatever your age.

What Causes Lip Lines?

There are multiple reasons that lip lines can form, says Thomson. "Lines and wrinkles around the mouth (or perioral wrinkles) are caused by the same factors that cause lines and wrinkles on the rest of the face," he says. "As we age, our skin gradually loses collagen and elastin, it becomes drier, and we eventually lose facial fat and muscle, which all contribute to the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and eventually loose skin," he says, adding that the skin around the lips is particularly prone to lines. "Lines and wrinkles usually appear first in areas where we have the thinnest skin and where we have muscles that we use repeatedly, so this explains why we often get our first lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth."

Additionally, genetics and our lifestyle choices can also play a part in developing lines around the lips. "There is a genetic predisposition to having lines around the mouth, which can’t overly be changed," says El Muntasar. "Lifestyle preferences such as smoking can really affect this, and having a low fat content around the mouth and repetitive movement may lead to lines," he says.

Ahead, we've rounded up the best ways to treat lip lines should you want to address them.

How to Treat Lip Lines

1. Address Lifestyle Habits

"External factors contribute to the development of fine lines and wrinkles, with UV damage from the sun's rays being the biggest contributor to overall skin ageing. Around 80% of skin-ageing is thought to be due to UV damage," says Thomson. So not only is it important to protect your skin from the sun (more on that below), but quitting smoking or vaping can also help. "Smoking (including vaping) can also have a big effect on accelerating the ageing process. Smokers will usually develop deep vertical lines on the skin above the upper lip—what we call smoker's lines," he adds. Granite agrees, "Cigarette and vape smoke create free radicals, which damage skin elastin and collagen, accelerating skin ageing." Plus, the act of pursing your lips repetitively can also contribute to lip lines. So if you're currently smoking or vaping, it's best to quit if you want to get rid of lip lines. 

The next lifestyle habit may be somewhat surprising, but if you regularly drink through a straw, then this may also be contributing to your lip lines. "Repeatedly drinking out of a straw causes the lips to purse over and over again, leading to potentially persistent lip creases," says Granite.

2. Wear SPF Regularly

This goes hand-in-hand with lifestyle habits, but you'll want to watch your sun exposure and ensure you're regularly wearing an SPF to block skin-ageing UV rays. This is essential for not only preventing and treating lip lines but protecting your skin overall, too.

"Limiting exposure to the sun's damaging UV rays is another essential," says Thompson. "This means wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day, all year round," he says. And yes, that means even when it is cloudy or cold outside. "I recommend wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 50. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin, destroying elastin and collagen and are present all year round and can penetrate windows," he adds. "In addition to sunscreen, you should also adopt good general sun-protection behaviours, such as avoiding the midday sun and wearing wide-brimmed hats and protective clothing."

3. Use Retinol

Retinoids (the family name of retinols, tretinoin and retinals) can be beneficial in treating wrinkles and lines around the lips. "Retinoids are the ingredient with the most evidence for improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and have been used by dermatologists for decades for this purpose," says Thomson. "Tretinoin is the most potent retinoid but is only available on prescription. (Skin + Me offers this treatment with a dermatologist.)

"The skin around the mouth can be quite sensitive and prone to irritation, so you may want to start with a gentler retinoid (such as retinyl palmitate, retinol or retinaldehyde) and make sure you buffer the skin with a layer of moisturiser before applying your retinoid," adds Thomson. "Retinoids can make you more sensitive to sunlight during the first few months of use, and they're also broken down by the sun, so always incorporate them into your evening skincare routine after cleansing."

4. Use Hyaluronic Acid and Peptides

While hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid might not give the same extreme results as in-clinic treatments, they can go a long way to help plump and reduce the appearance of lip lines. "Skincare can be helpful when treating fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth," says Thomson. "Hydrating the skin can plump it temporarily, softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, so incorporate a moisturiser that has hydrating and skin barrier-boosting ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, shea butter and ceramides," he says. 

Alongside retinols and hyaluronic acid–based skincare, it can also be useful to incorporate peptides into your routine. "Peptides are a broad class of active skincare ingredients that act as chemical messengers to bring about various effects, such as boosting collagen and tightening the skin," says Thomson. "There's less evidence for these ingredients than retinoids, but they can be a good addition to your skincare routine."

5. Injectibles

You may associate injectables with the lips, but they have various uses, including treating lip lines. "If you have deep lines and wrinkles around the mouth, then skincare will only get you so far and will usually take at least six months before you see any noticeable improvements," says Thomson. "Injectable treatments such as botulinum toxin (Botox is a well-known brand name) and dermal fillers will be able to give a greater improvement in a much shorter time frame. Botulinum toxin is more commonly used to treat wrinkles on the upper face (forehead, frown lines and around the eyes), but it can also be used to relax the muscles that contribute to the appearance of wrinkles around the mouth," he says.

Dermal fillers, on the other hand, usually contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and work to plump the skin, and some help to stimulate collagen too. "Hyaluronic acid filler can be used to add subtle volume to the area around the lips, filling creases and improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, with results typically last up to one year," says Granite. There are many treatments available, so it's best to book in with a trusted and qualified practitioner who can tailor the treatment to your needs. El Muntasar recommends an injectable treatment called Ellansé. "Ellansé is a collagen stimulator, which you have injected into the skin. It increases collagen in the area, so it thickens the skin, smooths it out, and results can last up to two years," he says.

However, if you venture down the injectible route, it's important to find a qualified practitioner who you trust and also factor in the cost and maintenance of treatments. "These procedures can result in dramatic improvements, but they are temporary, fairly expensive and need to be repeated to maintain the effects," says Thomson.

6. Resurfacing Treatments

Aside from injectables, in-clinic resurfacing treatments such as can be beneficial in treating lip lines. "This can be done by various procedures such as laser resurfacing, chemical peels and dermabrasion," says Thomson. "Each of these techniques involves removing the upper layers of the skin to reveal smooth, more radiant skin whilst also increasing collagen production to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles."

Resurfacing laser treatments can be particularly effective. "Lasers such as Fraxel, iPixel and CO2 can be very effective in treating lip lines and improving overall skin quality and texture," says Granite. "These lasers essentially cause micro-injury to the skin's surface, stimulating collagen as the skin heals. There is downtime associated with these treatments, but the results are also quite long-lasting."

Up Next, According to Editors, These Are the 15 Best Lip Balms Ever Created

I am firmly against any skincare brand selling products to women in a way that encourages us to buy more. It's for this reason that when beauty brands started marketing certain products towards menopausal women, I felt somewhat uncomfortable. Why can't they just educate women on what they need rather than sell them more? I thought. But as more menopause skincare lines started launching, I saw more conversation about menopause open up. Women were talking openly online about their experience of menopause more than they ever had done before, and it felt momentous.

It's no secret that hormone changes affect our skin in a number of ways, and this is no more apparent than when female bodies experience menopause. With perimenopause typically starting between the ages of 45 and 55 (although, it's important to remember that this is just an average, as menopause can begin far sooner or later in life), bodily changes throughout the perimenopausal and menopausal transitions are absolutely normal (and to be expected)—particularly when it comes to skin. "We know that dryness, dullness, sensitivity, uneven skin tone, lines and wrinkles, and a lack of firmness are all key skin concerns that women experience during the menopause transition. These concerns are due to changes happening within the skin during this time, caused by fluctuating hormones and declining oestrogen levels," explains skincare expert and No7 science credentialing manager Eleanor Bradley.

This drop in oestrogen levels is the main cause for skin changes from the offset of perimenopause (the time at which periods begin to become irregular). "Collagen levels start to decline more quickly as oestrogen levels drop, meaning that skin can start to feel less firm and wrinkles can deepen. The biggest changes are arguably to the top layers of the skin though, including to the skin barrier. Changes here will have a bigger impact on skin’s resilience, radiance and how healthy the skin looks and feels. We know from our scientific research that declining oestrogen levels reduce the amount of lipids in the skin barrier, for example, which play a role in keeping skin supple, nourished and the skin barrier strong," adds Bradley. 

In essence, this means that throughout the menopause transition and beyond, it's likely that skin will become more prone to wrinkles, redness, irritation and, believe it or not, sun sensitivity. Sadly, this means that, chances are, you're going to need to adjust your skincare routine somewhat. Products that once worked might not deliver the same results. Generally speaking, skin will require more hydration, more regimented sun cream application and products to target specific issues that tend to arise. So if you're at a loss with how to care for your skin throughout the menopause transition, keep scrolling for the best products to look for, depending on your concerns.

1. Fine Lines

A drop in plumping collagen during periomenopause and menopause can accelerate the rate at which skin ages, resulting in what may present as a fast onset of wrinkle formation and the deepening of fine lines. The best way to prevent this from happening and treating existing fine lines and wrinkles is through incorporating a retinol into your evening routine. Retinol can help boost the skin's natural collagen production and generally leave skin looking and feeling healthier. The catch? Skin can turn more sensitive throughout menopause, and retinol is infamously irritating, so be sure to start low and slow—look for formulas that contain low percentages, and start by applying once a week, slowly increasing as skin becomes more tolerant.

2. Dryness

Any shift in hormone levels can wreak havoc with the skin's natural hydration levels. The drop in oestrogen that occurs throughout menopause can result in skin producing less of its naturally hydrating oils and therefore turning dry and lacklustre. It is absolutely essential to keep skin hydrated and well moisturised if you want to avoid further upset in the form of irritation, redness, and even menopausal breakouts.

3. Redness and Irritation

As mentioned, a drop in oestrogen production can cause all sorts of issues for the skin barrier. The skin barrier is your skin's natural defence mechanism that works to retain hydration and moisture in the skin, protecting it from external aggressors. When the skin barrier becomes weakened or compromised (as it commonly does throughout menopause) skin will be more susceptible to damage, redness, sensitivity and irritation (hence the importance of the hydrating products above). If you're experiencing any sort of skin sensitivity, look for targeted skin-barrier treatments to tackle your specific problem.

4. Sun Sensitivity

As skin turns more fragile and prone to external aggressors throughout the menopause transition, it is absolutely imperative to remember this makes your skin more susceptible to sun damage. This means it is even more important that usual to keep up with daily sunscreen application throughout menopause—particularly if you want to avoid those accelerated signs of skin ageing and damage we discussed earlier.

Next up, the five "anti-ageing" skincare truths that everyone needs to hear.

It feels as though the beauty tides are really starting to turn. Over the past few months, the way in which we approach our beauty routines has really changed, and I'm not just talking about the products we're shopping. Forget the intricacies. I'm talking real, deep-rooted, institutional sort of change. For the first time in my career as a beauty editor, I genuinely believe that the beauty industry's whole mission has undergone a shift: The anti-ageing myth is, I believe, no more.

While beauty brands have always championed a "fountain of youth" approach to their marketing, the past few decades have seen a particular focus on wrinkle reversal. In fact, the term "anti-ageing" has come to mean total annihilation of any wrinkle or fine line in sight. But this year, the approach to anti-ageing is changing. We are finally coming to terms with the fact that the dream we have been sold is one big con. The creams don't work, the science isn't there and, perhaps most importantly, we don't want to demonise our wrinkles anymore.

However, this isn't to say there's not some truth to anti-ageing promises. And it's certainly not to say you're wrong if you still feel as though you'd like to look a little younger. (It's only human.) There are, in fact, ways we can embrace our skin's natural ageing process while ensuring we maintain a youthful-looking complexion. If you're feeling like you don't know what to think about your skincare routine right now, you're not alone. To help navigate this new world of skincare, I reached out to the most straight-talking expert I know, aesthetics doctor Ahmed El Muntasar. Keep scrolling for the mature-skin advice everyone really needs to hear. Trust me—your skin will thank you for it.

1. Skincare Won't Get Rid of Wrinkles or Sagging

Before you read another word of this article, it is absolutely imperative that you really understand this point. Repeat after me: Skincare will not get rid of wrinkles. Keep repeating this until you truly believe it. I get that it's a tough thing to come to terms with given that we've spent most of our lives being told the opposite by beauty brands, but believe me when I say you will be so much happier with your skin when you stop believing your skincare products can change its genetic structure.

To really understand why skincare products won't get rid of wrinkles, you need to first understand some basics of the skin's ageing process. "Ultimately, as we age, the fat pads that provide cushioning for our faces start moving down (gravity gets to work), and this is why people start developing jowls. On top of this, our bone structure changes, and we start losing a lot of the collagen our body naturally produces," explains El Muntasar. "Skincare can't act as the scaffolding our skin needs to maintain its previous structure. In order to do that, you need something that works at a level that would alter the connective tissue. Of course, no cream can do that."

Of course, there are some ingredients that can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles (retinol, I'm looking at you), but this truly only works at an epidermal level and can't change the tightness of your skin.

2. Prevention Trumps Treatment

You already know this, I'm sure, but it is important to know it and understand it if you want to be sure to keep up the good work. Preventing damage is far easier than treating damage. This is something that is drilled into us in our younger years but often overlooked as we get older. The truth is preventative skincare treatments are just as important for those with mature skin as they are for those with younger skin. "You are basically decreasing the rate at which your skin ages by taking preventative actions. If your skin looks 50, it can still look 70, and actually, the skin ageing that takes place in later years is a lot more visible," says El Muntasar.

Prevention comes down to two very simple skincare steps: SPF and retinol. "Scientifically speaking, there are only two things that have actual data supporting anti-ageing. Number one is using a minimum of SPF 50 every single day and reapplying it every two to three hours if you can. Number two is an encapsulated retinol of some sort, and I mean a proper retinol," he adds.

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3. Injectables Can Be Subtle

I know you don't want to hear this (and I don't particularly like writing it either), but injectables truly are the only way to noticeably get rid of wrinkles��temporarily, at least. And while injectable treatments are becoming more mainstream and popular, I can't help but notice the number of people (particularly women with mature skin) who say they're worried injectables will make them look worse. The truth is that anti-wrinkle injections shouldn't (and likely won't) drastically change the way your face looks.

"Botox is incredible, but I understand a lot of people don't like it," says El Muntasar. "Instead, perhaps look for skin-booster treatments to hydrate and plump the skin, dermafillers for big, deep lines like smile lines, or even collagen stimulators like Ellansé (which can't really leave you looking fake as it just encourages your body to create more collagen in the injected area)."

4. Pigmentation Is Hard to Treat

As we get older, pigmentation or "age spots" become part and parcel of our skin's existence. Most of the time, skin pigmentation in mature skin happens as a result of years of UVA exposure. Wearing SPF will naturally help prevent not only the development of pigmentation but also the severity of it once it already exists. However, pigmentation is very hard to treat, so take marketing claims with a pinch of salt. "Vitamin C and retinol tend to help hyperpigmentation on caucasian skin. However, skin of colour that has a lot of hyperpigmentation often needs more treatment. We can look at prescription treatments such as tretinoin, which is the most active form of vitamin A," says El Muntasar.

You may also have heard of a prescription treatment called hydroquinone, and there's something El Muntasar would like for you to know. "Hydroquinone is a great treatment for evening out pigmentation across all skin tones. It has a lot of stigma because, back in the day, it was used for skin bleaching, but the treatment has come a long way. Previous formulas were 30-40%. The one I prescribe is 4%. It really helps to neutralise different levels of pigmentation," he says.

5. Glow Is Your Best Friend

This is perhaps the most important "anti-ageing" rule around. Forget trying to eradicate your wrinkles. The real secret to youthful skin is nailing that healthy-looking glow. And trust me—it's equally as convincing and a lot less effort. "Ultimately, glow comes from vitamin C, specifically from L-ascorbic acid. That is the most active form of vitamin C that works really well at increasing brightness. Exfoliation with a gentle chemical exfoliator like salicylic acid and glycolic acid will help. A tinted moisturiser also gives a nice glow, and that can be all it takes," says El Muntasar.

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Next Up: A 54-year-old shares 7 beauty products that make her looks 10 years younger.

During my years working as a beauty editor, it has become increasingly apparent that there’s one skincare product that people are obsessed with above all else—moisturiser. There’s no doubt that "Which moisturisers are genuinely worth the money?" is one of the questions I get asked most frequently, and it’s really no surprise when there are so many on the market. From moisturisers for dry skin to moisturisers for oily skin and sensitive skin, it can take some digging around to find the right one for your skin's needs.

However, skincare is deeply personal, and whilst most of us are becoming increasingly clued-up on our skin types, there’s another major factor at play when it comes to sourcing a moisturiser that will work for you—your age. Before we get into it, let me be clear: I have no time for wild anti-ageing claims—nothing is going to turn back the clock or eliminate fine lines that are already present on your skin.

However, the care that mature skin needs compared to what it might have done in your 20s or 30s is undoubtedly different, most notably because our collagen, hydration and elasticity levels start to decrease. So when I’m recommending moisturisers for people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond, I’m focused on formulations that boost moisture levels, plump the skin and improve texture and tone.

Ahead, I've created a comprehensive list of the very best moisturisers for mature skin that I continually recommend based on expert advice and rave reviews from other beauty editors. Plus, I called on some top dermatologists and skin experts to reveal the best skincare ingredients and formulas that they swear by personally and for their clients.

Why Do We Need to Moisturise?

"As we age, the essential lipids—such as cholesterol, fatty acids and ceramides— are depleted," explains Dr Fiona McCarthy, consultant oncologist, aesthetic doctor and co-founder of The Bronte Clinic. "These lipids are essential for our skin to maintain healthy barrier function. If these are lost, our skin loses moisture more quickly and can become dry and irritated."

What Ingredients Are Best?

"To combat an impaired skin barrier, dehydration, or dry skin, it's essential to choose a moisturiser that's rich in restorative ingredients like ceramides, squalane, and lipids," says esthetician and skin expert Grace Day. "These will improve the skin's ability to retain moisture." Of course, it's also important to look out for ingredients that deliver moisture to the skin, as well as trap it in. "Ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and polyglutamic acid are frequently found in most moisturisers and will work quickly and effectively," she adds.

When Should You Apply Moisturiser?

"Ideally, you want to be applying moisturiser day and night to maintain hydration levels around the clock," says Day. "The general rule for product application is to layer textures from thinnest to thickest, so moisturiser should be applied after serums. In the evening, it will probably be the final step in your routine, and in the morning, it will be followed up by sunscreen application."

How Do You Apply Moisturiser?

Day advises applying moisturiser generously for the best results. "Most people are quite frugal with their moisturiser application, but remember that—much like drinking water— you can't really overdo it with hydration," she adds. "To ensure your moisturiser absorbs effectively, apply it to damp skin when possible, and press it firmly into skin."

Shop the Best Moisturisers for Mature Skin

1. Best Overall: Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream (£150)
2. Best Premium Moisturiser: SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2 (£150)
3. Best Affordable Moisturiser: Weleda Skin Food (£10)
4. Best Gel-Cream Moisturiser: Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (£98)

1. Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream

2. SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2

3. Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream

4. Beauty Pie Super Healthy Skin Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream

5. La Mer Moisturising Cream

6. Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 Night Face Moisturiser 

7. Dr. Sam Bunting Skincare Dr Sam's Flawless Reviving Mask

8. Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Cream

9. Kate Somerville Peptide K8 Power Cream

10. Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Moisturiser for Dehydrated Skin

11. Weleda Skin Food

12. Meder Beauty Circa-Night Cream

13. Medik8 Advanced Night Restore

14. Tata Harper Hyaluronic Gel Moisturiser

Why Trust Us

At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.

We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.

First things first: Here at Who What Wear UK, we are firm believers in the joys of ageing. After all, what a privilege it is to have lived a life full of fun and to have the laughter lines to prove it? However, despite being downright dubious about a lot of the promises that certain anti-ageing products make, we're also well aware that there's no shame in wanting to keep your skin looking its best for as long as possible. And, for me personally, that means investing in a decent eye cream. Yes, despite my scepticism about the efficacy of eye creams while I was in my 20s, now that I'm in my early 30s and starting to see the first flurry of fine lines and long-lasting dark circles, I'm starting to notice a marked difference between the days that I use eye cream and those that I skip it.

But when it comes to choosing an eye cream that will target those classic signs of ageing, what should we actually be looking out for? To help, I called on Ewoma Ukeleghe, a medical and cosmetic doctor and clinical expert in skincare and non-surgical enhancement, for some expert advice. 

Ahead, Dr. Ewoma fills me in on the best anti-ageing eye creams on the market and spills the beans on the ingredients that we should be looking out for and when exactly we should start using an anti-ageing eye cream. Keep scrolling for the full low-down.

When should we start using an anti-ageing eye cream?

"I'm in my late 20s, but I've taken a head start on my anti-ageing routine—that's the best and most effective approach," explains Dr. Ewoma. "Although there's no set age to start using eye creams, and it does depend on the current quality of your skin and other factors, I would recommend considering using one from the age of 25, as this coincides with decreasing collagen levels within the skin."

What skin changes should we look out for as we age?

"There are a few skin changes that take place with age," says Dr. Ewoma. "Fine lines and wrinkles, dryness and dehydration, thinning of the skin around the eye and puffiness, because as we age, fat pads around the eye begin to protrude out of their original position. Hyperpigmentation can also occur, but increased sun exposure and changing hormones can also affect this."

It sounds like a long list, right? But by choosing the right ingredients in your eye cream, you can genuinely help to target any of these skin concerns that might be bothering you right now. And if you're not worried in the slightest? We totally salute you.

Which ingredients are key to choosing an effective anti-ageing eye cream?

"There are a few holy-grail anti-ageing ingredients, but for some of them, you need to be really careful when applying them to the delicate eye area," explains Dr. Ewoma. "Retinoids are a really powerful anti-ageing ingredient and are clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Peptides are brilliant too, as they support the building blocks of the skin—elastin and collagen—which deplete with age."

Shop the best anti-ageing eye creams:

1. B. Smoothing Eye Cream

2. Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream

3. Elemis Peptide4 Eye Recovery Cream

4. Revolution Skincare Toning Retinol Eye Cream

5. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Ferulic + Retinol Eye Cream

6. Biossance Squalane and Peptide Eye Gel 

7. Susanne Kaufmann Eye Cream Line A

8. The Inkey List Retinol Eye Cream

9. Kate Somerville KateCeuticals Lifting Eye Cream

10. Medik8 Retinol Eye TR

11. It Cosmetics Confidence in an Eye Cream With Collagen, Ceramides, and Peptides

12. Allies of Skin Peptides and Omegas Firming Eye Cream

When it comes to the beauty ingredients that I'm asked about most frequently, retinol is undoubtedly up there at the top of the list. Plenty of my friends and family members have come to me wondering whether or not they actually need retinol or how to find a decent retinol serum to start with. For many people, retinol is the one ingredient that feels like totally uncharted territory. Why? If I had to hazard a guess, I'd say that a lot of us are totally terrified to start using retinol when there are so many stories out there about some of its potentially negative side effects. Trust me—I get it. I experienced an adverse reaction when trying a retinol cream for my acne a few years back. And in general, retinol can definitely cause irritation like dry skin and redness if you don't introduce it slowly and carefully to your skincare routine. But now that I'm in my early 30s and talk to skincare experts regularly for work, I've learned more about the positive effects that retinol can have on our skin. In fact, dermatologists say that it's actually one of the few ingredients that visibly benefits our skin.

With this in mind, I've been tentatively venturing back into the world of retinol serums and moisturisers, and after my latest trial period, I've officially been converted. My spot-prone skin is now smoother, softer and more even in texture, and besides some hormonal moments, my breakouts are generally less frequent and less severe. But retinol isn't just renowned for its ability to improve skin texture. It's also one of the most effective anti-ageing ingredients that we have at our disposal. And while I firmly believe that ageing is something to be celebrated, I have to be honest: I'm not loving the early scattering of fine lines that are starting to appear around my eyes. You might be thinking that retinol is surely too harsh an ingredient to use around your eye area. As it turns out, it isn't. And that's exactly where the Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream steps in.

When I think about Elizabeth Arden, its collection of skincare capsules immediately comes to mind. This is unsurprising, considering that the brand's skincare capsules are its best-selling products. Its award-winning Retinol Ceramide Capsules are truly brilliant, so I had high hopes for the eye cream from the same range.

Formulated with Smart Retinol Technology, this eye cream is a clever creation. As an ingredient, retinol is incredibly sensitive to light and air, so Elizabeth Arden uses microencapsulated retinol that not only protects it from the elements to preserve potency but also allows it to absorb into your skin five times more deeply than unencapsulated retinol. This means that the eye cream has major smoothing, brightening, and de-puffing benefits, but I was a little nervous that it would also be too harsh for my under-eye area. Oh, how wrong I was.

Retinol isn't the only powerful ingredient in this eye cream. It's formulated with moisture-boosting ceramides, skin-strengthening peptides and a brightening niacinamide blend, so it feels incredibly nourishing and hydrating on the skin. Believe it or not, I didn't experience even a hint of irritation or redness when I started using it.

Of course, it's important to add Elizabeth Arden's Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream into your routine slowly, as you would with any retinol product. I started by using it just once or twice a week at night. Once I knew that my skin was reacting well to it, I slowly started using it two or three nights a week. A month in, I now use this eye cream every single evening, and my eyes look so much brighter and smoother because of it.

So if you're still on the fence about trying a retinol eye cream, the Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream just might convince you. Plus, thanks to its variety of skin benefits—it boosts moisture, de-puffs tired eyes, smooths the appearance of fine lines and minimises dark circles—you can actually introduce this eye cream into your skincare routine as soon as your early 20s. It's just that versatile.

Shop the Elizabeth Arden Retinol Ceramide Line Erasing Eye Cream

Shop More of My Elizabeth Arden Skincare Favourites

To receive 25% off Ceramide products at elizabetharden.co.uk, use code CERAMIDE25 at checkout. But, hurry—offer ends Friday, 22nd October.

(Code only valid on Ceramide collection while stocks last. Live from: 14/10/21–22/10/21. May not combine with other offers and excludes gift sets/online exclusive sets. Not valid on past purchases. Offers subject to change without notice. One gift per customer.)

To receive 25% off Ceramide products at elizabetharden.co.uk, use code CERAMIDE25 at checkout. Code only valid on Ceramide collection while stocks last. Live from 14/10/21 to 21/10/21. May not combine with other offers and excludes gift sets/online exclusive sets. Not valid on past purchases. Offers subject to change without notice. One gift per customer.

I am not what most would define as a makeup wearer. As a beauty journalist whose job is to trial and test all of the new makeup launches, I’d go as far as to say that makeup for me is strictly a work thing. Spending my days swatching, buffing and blending means that when it comes to non-work hours, I’d rather let my skin do its thing and avoid the laborious task of applying makeup altogether.

Instead, I prefer to select my morning skincare products carefully. I look for cleansers that deliver an instant glow boost, SPFs that come with subtle blurring benefits and, most importantly, serums that leave my complexion looking plump, healthy and radiant. And I say serums are the most important part of my morning skincare routine because it is through the wonders of serums that my skin gets all of the goodness it needs to stay healthy in the long term. 

I’ve spent countless years trying to find a morning serum that delivers such a glow I can skip makeup (I’m lazy—what can I say?), and I’ve tried hundreds. So imagine my surprise at the fact the one I forever find myself coming back to is the UK’s number one serum (and the second most-searched-for skincare product on Google this year). Yes, it’s Clarins Double Serum.

And while I’m obviously overjoyed that I can sit here and tell you that the glowiest, most skin-loving serum I’ve ever come across is widely accessible and easy to get your hands on, I must admit that a little part of my beauty editor heart is sad. My job is to tell you what you don’t already know, and the fact that one bottle of Double Serum sells every five seconds worldwide and that it has won 394 beauty awards implies you already know how good it is.

But on the off chance you don’t, I’m here to confirm it. Seriously, this product is good. It’s marketed predominantly as an anti-ageing serum, which, needless to say, I’m not particularly in favour of. It doesn’t contain retinol, and it isn’t going to get rid of any deep-set wrinkles. If you ask me, Double Serum is just healthy-looking skin in one very clever bottle. (It contains two vials to keep oil-soluble and water-soluble ingredients separate for ultimate potency.)

Championing anti-inflammatory turmeric along with a plethora of other plant ingredients (21 to be exact), Double Serum delivers the core things your skin needs to look healthy and radiant. It delivers lightweight but intense hydration to plump, turns skin supple and radiant thanks to skin barrier support, has antioxidant benefits to protect skin against potentially dulling damage and, on top of all of this, leaves skin looking noticeably smoother thanks to a boost in collagen production.

It is so good at what it does, in fact, that my choice to avoid makeup application in the morning is no longer just down to the fact that I simply can’t be bothered but also that I genuinely don’t feel as though my skin needs it. If anything, applying makeup risks only flattening and dulling Double Serum’s handiwork. And the best bit is there’s something for my disastrously dark under-eye area now, too.

For years, I have preached the message that dark circles and eye wrinkles cannot be tackled with topical products. Unless you’re prepared to try something invasive (tear-trough filler, I’m looking at you), concealer and cover-up are the only ways. But now, Clarins Double Serum Eye is a thing, and with 89% of people saying that signs of fatigue are visibly minimised after 28 days of use, I must admit that if it’s anywhere close to being as good as the original Double Serum, I might be tempted to give it a go.

Shop More Glow-Boosting Serums

As is to be expected when a landmark birthday looms, the weeks and months prior to my thirtieth birthday felt like they were building up to a seismic event. There was no shortage of both excitement and dread (whether warranted or not) as I began to mourn my twenties, while simultaneously looking forward to a decade which my thirty-something friends continuously told me would be ‘the best one yet’. But the thing is, when the day itself actually comes, turning 30 doesn’t actually feel any different to turning 29, or 25, or 21. 

In reality, of course, I know that when it comes to my body and my skin, this is going to be the decade where big changes happen. "As you hit your thirties, you may find your skin becomes less elastic and you might also find that it is slightly drier or oiler (this can vary due to hormones) because the rate of collagen and elastin production lowers,” explains dermatologist Sonia Khorana. "You can also start to see some early signs of ageing, as well as the first effects of sun damage that most likely happened in your younger years. Loss of volume in cheeks can also start happening and this can make under eye changes appear more prominent.”

I’m a huge believer in the fact that ageing is a privilege, and I’m no lover of the term ‘anti-ageing’. As a beauty editor and esthetician, I’m well aware that there really is no such thing. Skin ages, whether we like it or not, and while there are plenty of potent antioxidants and scientifically proven ingredients that can help to slow down the appearance of ageing skin, nothing that you apply to your face can stop it in its tracks. Sure, wearing daily SPF and using ingredients like retinol and vitamin C will help, but a lot of skin ageing is down to genetics or to damage that occurred to our skin much earlier in life.

"Prevention is better than cure, so the earlier you start taking care of your skin the better but it is never too late to start,” says Khorana. "In fact, your thirties is the perfect time to start incorporating "anti-ageing” or active ingredients so you can target specific concerns.” If you haven’t already, there are a few simple changes to your skincare regime you can make that will make a huge difference in the long term. Keep scrolling for the changes I’m making to my skincare routine for my thirties.

1. Using Antioxidant Ingredients

"It is important to have a good skincare routine in your thirties to preserve collagen as well as to stimulate collagen and elastin production to keep your skin looking its best,” says Khorana. "There are some key skincare ingredients that can help, along with in clinic treatments such as microneedling, radiofrequency, lasers, and IPL.” Collagen and elastin are responsible for keeping our skin looking and feeling plump and tight. Our bodies naturally produce them, but this production starts to slow down once we’re in our late twenties. As it decreases, skin appears looser and thinner, which means it creases more easily, and over time, these creases form fine lines and eventually wrinkles. To protect collagen and elastin, look out for skincare that contains antioxidant ingredients—antioxidants protect the skin from free radicals, which we’re exposed to through things like pollution and sun exposure, and which further contribute to the breakdown of skin’s collagen and elastin. But which antioxidants are best to use?

"In the morning, I would recommend incorporating vitamin C into your routine. It’s been heavily researched—it helps prevent free radical damage, helps improve brightness and helps build collagen,” says Khorana. For the evening, she recommends using a retinoid based serum or cream. "A retinoid is a great addition to your skincare routine for your thirties as it encourages skin cell renewal, collagen production, exfoliation, reduces the appearance of pores and regulates oil production. It’s a superhero ingredient for me,” she adds.

Shop the hero products:

2. A Daily Face Massage

Every time I go for a facial I walk out promising myself I’m going to start incorporating more facial massage techniques into my daily routine. After all, who wouldn’t want to see that post-facial lift and glow on a daily basis? And as it turns out, facial massage has far more than just an immediate effect—if practiced regularly, the long term benefits can help to address some of the key signs of ageing skin. "Adding the simple step of facial massage into your routine helps to stimulate and re-energise all the natural functions, such as blood flow, detoxification and cell turnover meaning collagen production,” explains Sophie Perry, Global Education Manager at FaceGym. "The more you keep consistent the better the results for all ages.” 

If you’re curious about exactly how to start with facial massage, I’d highly recommend getting some face time with a FaceGym trainer—they’re available both in person at FaceGym’s studios and via online 1:1 masterclasses. The brand refers to their treatments as workouts—they incorporate vigorous muscle manipulation techniques to produce immediate results. "FaceGym trainers are armed with so many at home techniques to recommend specifically to their clients needs to help maintain results at home,” says Perry. "I always say if you’re super new to the practice, start by including a few moves into your cleansing routine if you struggle with time,” she adds. "Above all, don’t overthink it! Begin with a few key moves every day on an area you wish to focus on. It doesn’t need to be more than a few minutes, the key is to stay consistent, and you can always built upon your practice once you start to notice the results.”

Shop the hero products:

3. Regular Facials

Having spent the majority of my teens and twenties battling acne, I’ve had my fair share of facials, but in my thirties I’m committing to being more dedicated to regular in-salon treatments. "Once we reach our thirties, our skin health is prone to decline, which is why keeping up with treatments and a regular skincare regime is so important,” says skincare expert and aesthetic practitioner Natali Kelly. "This is due to the cell production slowing down, and hormonal changes giving you drier and more acne prone skin, not to mention an increase in fine lines,” she adds. "With this in mind, its key to maintain skins health with regular facials, as this helps your pores stay cleansed and skin more hydrated.” If you’re new to facials and unsure where to start, Kelly recommends the HydraFacial, a popular treatment which is suitable for all skin types. "A HydraFacial is basically a huge skin detox,” she explains. "It’s a non-invasive treatment which cleanses skin and supports with hydration, brightening, evening skin tone, calming, and anti-ageing. The treatment incorporates an exfoliating suction device which removes dead skin calls from the surface of your skin, so your skin instantly looks and feels brighter and smoother. "My patients always leave the clinic feeling refreshed, and with a plumped and youthful glow,” adds Kelly. "It’s a popular treatment before big events because the results are so immediate.”

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4. Taking Targeted Supplements

If you’ve ever done any research into "anti-ageing skincare” then you’ll know that collagen really is a hot topic. Why? Because its depletion has one of the most visible effects upon the body. "As collagen production slows down along with the skin’s repair cycle – people often complain that their skin looks duller and less tight,” says Khorana. These days collagen is mentioned not just in relation to serums and creams, but frequently in regard to oral supplements. Liquid shots, powders, capsules, and tablets which contain collagen or help the body to produce collagen are one of the fastest growing supplement categories, especially for consumers in their thirties and above.

If you’re in the market for a collagen supplement, then according to Lorraine Perretta, Head of Nutrition at Advanced Nutrition Programme, it’s best to choose one that combines collagen with other ingredients that will help the body to absorb it and use it effectively. ""All the vitamins and minerals in your body work together, so if you do not have one of the co-factors necessary for a specific process, the body struggles to complete the activity,” she explains. "For example, vitamin A and vitamin C are two key nutrients for the skin. Both of them have many benefits when taken as a supplement and maintain overall skin health, and one of their properties is supporting and strengthening collagen and elastin fibres which can help lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”

Another change that we can anticipate in our thirties is an increase in signs of dryness and dehydration, so a supplement containing omegas 3 and 6 can be beneficial in helping to moisturise skin from within. "These essential fatty acids are also required for optimum physical and mental health,” explains Perretta. "And research has indicated that they may support skin, memory and cardiovascular health.”

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5. Applying SPF, Everywhere

If SPF isn’t already a staple in your morning skincare routine, then in your thirties, it really needs to be. "If you don’t use sunscreen then don’t look at other products and start here first,” says Khorana. Sunscreen is far more than just a product to use on sunny days or trips to the beach. UV rays are the biggest cause of the visible signs of ageing, and we’re exposed to them 365 days a year. In fact, because of its ability to block UV from reaching the skin, SPF really is the most effective "anti-ageing” ingredient there is. "It helps preserve collagen, prevent signs of premature ageing, reduce pigmentation and dark marks, and reduce the chance of skin cancer,” adds Khorana.

While I’ve religiously applied sunscreen daily for years, I’m definitely guilty of neglecting certain areas—something I’m keen to address in my thirties. The scalp, ears, lips, and hands are often overlooked when it comes to SPF application. However, brands are catching on, and in recent years SPF has been added to lip balms, hand creams, and even easy-to-apply sprays which can be used on hard-to-target areas like the ears and scalp. 

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6. Layering In Extra Eye Care

I’ve been very fortunate that through my twenties I’ve never really had any major concerns with my eye area, aside from the occasional morning puffiness. However I’m well aware that, due to its thin and delicate skin (which creases easily), the eye area is typically the first to show signs of ageing. "When my clients hit their thirties they often start noticing blood vessels beneath the eyes and discolouration, which makes the appearance of dark circles and tired eyes more obvious,” says Khorana. "Some of my patients also start seeing fine lines and pigmentation appear,” she adds. Of course, there’s nothing that can be done to permanently prevent these things from eventually happening, but we can certainly 

Keeping the eye area well hydrated is a great preventative measure, since this keeps the skin plump and prevents it from creasing easily. Likewise, the same antioxidant ingredients you apply to the rest of your face will also benefit the eye area, especially if you’re concerned about pigmentation and loose skin—you’ll find many eye creams and serums containing ingredients like vitamin C and retinoids.

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7. Trying Tweakment Procedures

Having naturally thin and slightly wonky lips, I got lip filler in my late twenties and found it gave me a huge confidence boost. While I by no means want to rely in injectables as a "solution” to ageing, I can certainly see the benefits of a preventative approach, and I’m sure that this is something I’ll explore further in my thirties.

There’s still a lot of unwarranted stigma around cosmetic procedures, but the reality is that tweakments like filler and Botox are the future of "anti-ageing” skincare.  "Cosmetic injectables are still very much seen as preventative treatments for my clients in their thirties,” says medical esthetician Bridie Bukorovic. "But your thirties are the best time to start them. Botox at this point can help to prevent lines and wrinkles from forming or becoming deeply set,” she adds. "When injected, the toxin blocks the nerve signals that cause muscles to contract,” explains Bukorovic. "So when used for aesthetic purposes it basically relaxes the targeted muscle, reducing its movement, which in turn prevents the formation of lines in that area.” This popular tweakment is often used to reduce or prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, most commonly on the forehead, around the eyes, and between the eyebrows.

As for filler, Bukorovic recommends this for clients who are noticing skin no longer appearing as plump or ‘lifted’ as it used to be. "There’s a common misconception that filler will really alter your face shape, but we can use it to restore lost volume so you can retain your natural facial features rather than dramatically changing them,” she adds. "You shouldn't notice good filler and that's my approach to my treatments. A good practitioner will advise you based on your individual face and proportions, as this should always be considered before committing to a treatment.”  

In addition, for those concerned about loss of collagen, Bukorovic also recommends looking into 'collagen banking’ treatments. "Treatments like these involve injecting a hyaluronic acid based gel under the skin in targeted areas on the face, so unlike filler this does not change your features in any way,” she explains. "It’s basically skincare applied directly to the source—it stimulates the production of different types of collagen and elastin which in turn improves the overall condition of your skin, boosts hydration, and creates a smoother more youthful appearance—think baby face!” One such treatment is Profhilo, currently one of the most popular skin boosters on the market due to the fact it requires little down time, has no associated risks, and can be used to treat areas beyond the face, such as the neck, décolletage, and hands.

Next Up: I'm a Skin Expert, and These Are the Tweakments That Are Worth Knowing About

I'll never forget the first time I thought seriously about getting Botox. I was watching an episode of Vanderpump Rules, and a cast member admitted that she'd been having the neuromodulator injected into her face since the age of 25 to prevent the eventual formation of fine lines and wrinkles. I was 27 at the time and had never once considered it. Since I didn't have any significant concerns around skin ageing yet, I just didn't see the point. Even still, I couldn't help but wonder if my lack of a Botox regimen would eventually result in a wrinkly little raisin staring back at me in the mirror. Not going to lie, I began to spiral a bit.

Well, a few minutes passed and so did my panic. I reminded myself that the show takes place in Los Angeles (where I live as well), which might be the Botox capital of the world and where starting an injectable regimen in one's early 20s is more common than starting a pension. A quick look in the mirror left me with another important reminder: I was completely satisfied with the way my face looked. I've always been into skincare and have gone to great lengths to protect and preserve my skin, so the fact that I wasn't yet noticing any severe crow's-feet, forehead wrinkles, or frown lines wasn't actually that surprising. On top of that, the faint lines I did already have didn't really bother me. 

Fast-forward to today. I'm 31 and still don't feel like my Botox time has arrived yet. And trust me—I'm not in any way opposed to the procedure, nor do I judge anyone who partakes. If it makes you feel good about yourself and isn't financially crippling, then, by all means, go for it! It just so happens that my skincare routine seems to be doing a perfectly adequate job of keeping my skin as smooth and free of lines and wrinkles as I find necessary. I'm alright with slight indentations on my forehead or around my eyes that linger for a moment after outwardly expressing myself in this wild world. (We'll see how I feel about this in another few years as I delve deeper into my 30s, though.)

Anyway, I recently put one of those "How old do I look" filters from Instagram on my face, and it said I look 16, so we can all thank technology for the unsolicited skincare advice I'm about to share. Aside from minding my own business, fiercely protecting my energy, and drinking a gallon of water a day whenever I can, I'm certain my fine-tuned skincare routine has contributed to my glowing 31-year-old face. My mum definitely sprinkled some of her ageless magic into my DNA, but seriously, I've spent years learning what my skin wants and needs to build the most effective routine. Keep scrolling for the eight indispensable products I'm loving in my 30s that I think you will, too.

1. Hydrating Serum

When: morning and evening

How often: daily or as needed

Why I love it: For me, juicing up my dermis with varying hydrating ingredients that are able to reach different layers of my skin results in plump, firm, and elastic skin that bounces back when I tap it and glows from within. In my eyes, plump skin and youthful-looking skin are one and the same, so I'll never skrimp on the hydrating products. After all, they act as a refreshing gulp of water would inside my body.

My favourite hydrating serums:

2. Retinol

When: evening only

How often: 3-4 times per week

Why I love it: So far, retinol is still the only skincare ingredient that's been studied and proven to reverse visible signs of skin ageing. I haven't spoken to a single dermatologist who doesn't tout it as the ultimate product for smooth, firm, and even skin. Up to this point, I've only used cosmetic retinol as opposed to prescription-strength retinoids, but I'm satisfied with the results I've seen. I'm open to transitioning to the hard stuff if and when I ever recognise the need, but for now, I'm happy riding around with my training wheels on.

My favourite retinols:

3. Vitamin C Serum

When: morning

How often: daily

Why I love it: Antioxidants will always be part of my skincare routine to keep cell-damaging free radicals from wreaking havoc. My go-to and perhaps the most popular antioxidant right now is vitamin C because it increases collagen synthesis (hello, plump skin!), boosts luminosity, and helps to smooth out uneven tone and hyperpigmentation, which I struggle with.

My favourite vitamin C serums:

4. Moisturiser

When: morning and evening

How often: daily

Why I love it: Locking in all the goodness of my serums while adding in its own moisturising factors are just a couple of reasons I'll never kick moisturising cream out of my routine. While I'll sometimes supplement with oils to crank it up a notch, I'm committed to day and night creams that help give me more of that skin-plumping power I'm always after.

My favourite moisturisers:

5. Sunscreen

When: morning only

How often: as needed

Why I love it: In case you hadn't heard, sunscreen is a must. On days when I'll be setting foot outside, I always cap off my morning routine with a product with SPF 30 or higher to make sure my skin is protected. This is especially crucial if I've been particularly heavy-handed with retinol and other exfoliants. It also helps to keep hyperpigmentation from advancing.

My favourite sunscreens:

6. Chemical Exfoliator

When: evening only

How often: 1-2 times per week

Why I love it: I've fallen into the overexfoliation trap once or twice while trying desperately to scrub and melt away dead skin and hyperpigmentation, but I've learned that the dryness and sensitivity that can result from damaging my skin's delicate acid mantle just aren't worth it. When done properly (read: in moderation), though, exfoliation is a surefire way to reveal glowy, refreshed, supple, and healthy skin. Plus, it helps to loosen and rid the surface of my face of dead cells that can clog pores and inhibit the absorption of all my carefully selected serums and creams.

My favourite chemical exfoliators:

7. Oil

When: morning or evening

How often: as needed

Why I love it: I love oils! I avoided them at all costs throughout my youth thanks to the oil-free skincare marketing craze of the '90s and early 2000s that tricked me into thinking that all oils were evil. But now, I incorporate them whenever I feel like my skin needs added moisture or when I'm removing makeup with the double-cleansing method.

My favourite oils:

8. Tools

When: evening only

How often: as needed

Why I love it: There are so many wonderful skincare tools out there these days. With the recent influx of at-home LED lights, facial steamers, and the like, anyone can carry out a salon-quality facial. I'm new to tools and haven't explored the category all that deeply yet, but the few tools I do have in rotation are among my most prized possessions.

My favourite tools:

My mum is no stranger to the Who What Wear scene. Of course, she's a member of my family, so it's a given that she has to put up with me talking about and testing beauty products 24/7, but since she has her own background and experience in beauty, trading secrets, application tips, and fave products with her is all the more fun. As I am a beauty editor, you'd think I'd be the one teaching her all of the things, but in reality, she's taught me some of my most treasured beauty secrets and has turned me on to some of my most beloved products. (Plop her in a drugstore aisle, and she'll pull together an all-star ensemble of cheap makeup picks that will look so expensive on your face.)

As someone who had years of experience in front of the camera while working at a television station before transitioning to the makeup scene by working as an artist for a major cosmetic line and beginning her own YouTube channel for women over 40, she's a font of amazing information and beauty intel (no matter what age bracket you're in). So I frequently turn to her to lend a more age-inclusive angle to my stories. It's one thing for a product to be great on my 27-year-old complexion, but I hold all brands accountable for creating options that look amazing on all ages of skin. 

So that's kind of what inspired this piece. Over the holidays, I spent about three full months in Arizona, where my parents retired, and in that course of time, I recommended tons of different products to my mum. I'm consistently gifted with more products than I can humanly try as part of my job, so to get a second opinion on new launches or just whenever my mum was in need of something new or extra special, I'd set a few things on her vanity for her to test-drive—some she loved and some she, well, didn't. Here, we're celebrating eight skincare products that are so effective and fabulous that we both love, use, and recommend them despite the 46-year age difference in our skin. Below, I asked my mum to share some insight into why she loves each of the all-star formulas, and to round it all out, she's sharing a few makeup products she's fallen in love with since I turned her on to them as well. Keep scrolling! Eight skincare products that we love for all ages are just ahead.

Our Top Skincare Picks

The Face Creams

The Serums

The Eye Products

I'm going to let you in on a little secret. It’s a secret that the beauty industry doesn't want you to know, but it's about time someone just laid it down for us: There is no such thing as anti-ageing. There isn't a single moisturiser, serum, cleanser, or mask with the power to knock five years off your face. Sure, there are ingredients around that can smooth very fine lines under a microscope, make skin look temporarily glowy and plump sagginess in the short-term, but as far as one hero product that guarantees eternal youth goes, it just doesn’t exist.

What's really frustrating is that, deep down, we all know this is true. We know it's true because we spend hundreds of pounds on skincare products that promise us age reversal, and they never live up to their claims. However, people will continue to buy every miracle-promising product out there. Why? Because the anti-ageing narrative is so deeply etched into our being through clever marketing techniques. No matter what the evidence says, as the decades tick by, we will continue to buy the next "wrinkle-reducing" cream that comes our way, just in case it's the one that actually works.

So as much as it pains me to admit, as long as we're going to spend money on anti-ageing products anyway, we might as well be spending our cash wisely. While it's true that no product can make us look substantially younger, there are "anti-ageing" products out there that can optimise our skin's function, making it appear healthier and more youthful. For example, retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants won’t rid your face of wrinkles, but they can help plump the skin, boost radiance and slow down any further ageing.

In recent months, luckily, there has been an influx of anti-ageing products that harness formulas and technologies that can make a real difference to our skin's health and the way that it looks. I still don't believe in anti-ageing, but these are 17 products that I do think are worth adding to your skincare routine.

Retinol

Peptides

Hyaluronic Acid

Antioxidants