If you've read any of my articles, you'll know that there's nothing I love more than a glowing complexion. From illuminating primers to dewy foundations, I've tried my fair share of products on my quest to get glowing skin, so when I heard that Drunk Elephant had released a new product promising instant radiance, I knew I had to give it a go. I'm sure you've all heard of the viral Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops. This clever product blew up on social media, and for good reason. The easy-to-use drops act as a skincare-and-makeup hybrid, delivering a bronzy glow that everyone on TikTok was obsessed with. Well, now the brand has released a new version, which offers a more subtle approach whilst still giving that glowing finish. Say hello to B-Goldi Bright Drops.

These drops deliver instant radiance without the bronzing effect, which I personally think makes them a lot more wearable. They can be used on both the face and body, and are designed to be mixed with your favourite serum or moisturiser. After seeing the drops all over TikTok, I couldn't wait to get my hands on them and see what all the hype was about. Keep on scrolling for my honest review.

DRUNK ELEPHANT B-GOLDI BRIGHT DROPS REVIEW

What Do the Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops Do?

So, what do these drops actually do? Similar to the bronzing drops, they act as a skincare-and-makeup hybrid, delivering a radiant, pearlescent finish alongside lots of nourishing skincare benefits. In the formula you'll find a 5% concentration of niacinamide, mulberry leaf extract, squalane, marula oil and more to hydrate the complexion, and trust me when I say that your skin will be left feeling soft all day long.

How Do You Use the Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops?

The brand recommends mixing the drops in with your chosen moisturiser or serum, but I also like mixing them with my makeup for a serious glow. All I do is apply two to three pumps of foundation on the back of my hand and mix in two to three drops of the B-Goldi Bright Drops before applying to my skin with a foundation brush. The result? A hydrated, luminous base that looks great all day long. 

What Is the Difference Between the D-Bronzi and the B-Goldi Bright Drops?

I've seen a lot of people asking about the differences between these new drops and the brand's original D-Bronzi drops. The main difference is that the B-Goldi Bright Drops don't contain a bronze tint. Instead, they add more of a golden finish to the skin. Although this might be a downside for some, as mentioned before, I personally find that this makes the brand's new drops a lot more wearable and easier to use.

Are the Drunk Elephant B-Goldi Bright Drops Worth it?

After putting it to the test, I can confirm that B-Goldi Bright Drops are absolutely worth it. Don't get me wrong, you definitely don't need this product in your routine, but if you're in the market for a something that will help hydrate the skin and deliver an instant glow, then this is for you. Although the drops are a little bit of an investment for something that isn't a must, you only need to use a small amount, so it's safe to say that a bottle will last you for quite a while. The fact that the drops can also be used on your body is a big plus, and I can see myself reaching for this throughout the festive season to add some radiance to my legs or chest.

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

In the world of skincare, the basics are mostly considered to be cleanser, moisturiser and SPF. Throw in a toner, exfoliator and the occasional face mask, and you're on your way to a well-thought-out routine. The question is should you also use an eye cream? "The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate compared to the rest of our facial skin,” explains renowned medical and cosmetic consultant dermatologist Anjali Mahto. "The eye area is also extremely active. We blink on average more than 20,000 times a day. Skin at this site is fragile and needs to be looked after appropriately.”

But there has long been a question mark over eye creams and serums, with some saying that they aren't worth investing in. "Many facial moisturisers are suitable to use around the under-eye area, and you do not necessarily need a separate product, contrary to popular belief. Generally speaking, if a product is suitable for the face, it should be fine to use around the eyes,” says Mahto.

However, if your eye area has specific needs you want to address such as dark circles or dryness, Mahto says eye creams shouldn’t be overlooked, as they can be extremely beneficial. She explains, "Products containing retinol or other vitamin A derivatives can help with smoothing wrinkles around the eyes by boosting collagen, as can peptides. These ingredients can also help minimise dark circles by plumping up skin thickness if they are caused by thin, almost translucent skin exposing underlying vascular structures.

"Retinol-based creams may also help with dark circles due to increased skin pigmentation and vitamin K oxide can help with purplish discolouration from blood vessels. For dry, crepey skin around the eyes, products containing humectant ingredients like hyaluronic acid can give the skin a smoother, less lined appearance and increase comfort in the shorter term.” It’s important to add that wearing an additional SPF around the eyes is absolutely vital.

How to Apply Eye Cream

I, for one, am an avid user of eye cream thanks to its ability to instantly make me look bright eyed and bushy tailed, so I caught up with holistic skin specialist and facialist Nicole Campbell-Watson on her top tips for application.

"Place three small dots of the product under the inner corner of eye, middle of eye and outer corner of the eye. Gently smooth the product from inner to outer eye and then tap from inner to outer a few more times. This allows the product to penetrate effectively without over-massaging this delicate area and encourages lymphatic drainage,” she said. 

Without further ado, here is a selection of eye creams for every skin concern. They’re best sellers for a reason.

Best Eye Cream for Dark Circles

1. Drunk Elephant C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream 

Best Eye Cream for Puffiness

2. CeraVe Eye Repair Cream 

Best Eye Cream for Fine Lines

3. RoC Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing Eye Cream

Best Eye Cream for Brightening

4. Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème

Best Drugstore Eye Cream

5. E.l.f. Holy Hydration! Eye Cream

Best Eye Cream for Very Sensitive Skin

6. Avène Soothing Eye Contour Crean for Very Sensitive Skin

Best Eye Cream for Mature Skin

7. Kate Somerville Line Release Under Eye Repair 

Best Eye Cream for Daytime

8. Medik8 Advanced Day Eye Protect

Best Eye Cream for Nighttime

9. Olay Retinol 24 Max Night Eye Cream

Best Eye Cream With Caffeine

10. The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream

Next Up: 20 Eye Creams That Actually Work on Dark Circles

There’s no doubt that putting together and maintaining a skincare routine can be an expensive habit, and when it comes to serums in particular, prices can be eye-watering. Serums contain high amounts of active ingredients and often have complex formulas that call for a lot of research and development, which is reflected in their )often high) prices. That said, as a beauty editor and esthetician, I’ve tried hundreds of serums, from luxury formulas like Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair through to budget serum dupes from affordable brands such as The Ordinary, Beauty Pie, and The Inkey List, and I’m here to tell you that expensive doesn’t always equal best. 

"There is a perception that expensive skincare is always better than cheap skincare – and that’s not true at all,” agrees dermatologist Sonia Khorana. "Affordable options are often just as effective, as well as being kinder to your bank account. It is down to the ingredients that work for you and you can definitely find them in cheaper products too.” The key, she explains further, is to figure out which ingredients will cater to your skin’s specific needs. "Familiarise yourself with the ingredients in your favourite products so you can start to single out what works for you and see if those ingredients are present in some affordable products,” she recommends.

But why are some products so much cheaper than others? Product prices are dictated by things like quality of ingredients, packaging supply chains, research and development, and marketing costs. But by reducing marketing budgets, keeping packaging minimal, and utilising ingredients that are already tried, tested, and proven to work, brands can keep costs low and pass on the savings to you. "Some brands can also afford to sell their products at lower prices simply because they can afford to produce a large amount of stock,” says esthetician and skin expert Katie Onyejekwe. "It's always worth remembering that brands can position themselves as luxury and charge a fortune for what is a basic formula housed in fancy packaging with a large marketing budget, but it all comes down to formula at the end of the day.”

With a little research, you’ll find that there are plenty of affordable options out there, many of which have similar textures, functions, or formulas which make them affordable alternatives to more expensive serums. Scroll down to discover 15 budget serum dupes that are seriously on par with their more expensive counterparts.

If you love: Skinceuticals C E Ferulic

Try: Revolution Skincare x Sali Hughes Must-C Daily Serum

If you love: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Try: Bliss Youth Got This Advanced Skin Smoothing Serum

If you love: NIOD Copper Amino Isolate Serum

Try: The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%

If you love: Dermalogica Overnight Retinol Repair

Try: CeraVe Resurfacing Retinol Serum

If you love: Sunday Riley Good Genes Glycolic Acid Treatment

Try: Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Serum

If you love: Allies of Skin Multi Hyaluronic Antioxidant Hydration Serum

Try: PSA Skin The Most Hyaluronic Super Nutrient Hydration Serum

If you love: Drunk Elephant C-Firma Fresh Day Serum

Try: Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum

If you love: Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Capsules

Try: Beauty Pie Superactive Capsules Essential Ceramides

If you love: Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Gel Exfoliant

Try: The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution

If you love: Origins Mega-Mushroom Face Serum

Try: By Beauty Bay SkinHit Calming Serum

If you love: Medik8 Liquid Peptides

Try: No7 Protect & Perfect Advanced Serum

If you love: Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Serum

Try: Glow Hub The Barrier Builder

If you love: Glossier Super Bounce

Try: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum

If you love: Dr Dennis Gross B3 Stress Rescue Super Serum

Try: Naturium Niacinamide 12% + Zinc 2%

If you love: Soho Skin Renewal Serum

Try: Byoma Brightening Serum

Next Up: 8 Cheap Anti-Ageing Moisturisers That Are Just as Good as These Expensive Ones

If you have dry skin, it sometimes feels as if no amount of moisturiser will quench your skin’s thirst and give it that covetable, radiant glow. While regular hydration is important, because of the numerous reasons that can cause dry skin (genetics, diet, and climate) it takes more than just finding the daily best moisturiser to truly treat severely dry skin. At its core, dry skin is the result of reduced sebum production. "Dry skin occurs when the skin is depleted in oil and water,” says celebrity skincare therapist and expert, Tarryn Warren. "Typically, a dry skin is associated with a lack of natural oils and lipids.” Genetics determine the rate of oil production by the sebaceous glands in our skin, but environmental conditions, such as winter wind and low humidity, also play a huge role in how dry our skin is.

Regardless of what has triggered your dryness, the symptoms are universal. "The main signs are a roughness of texture which can be felt if you glide your fingers across your face and feel a sandpapery texture,” says Warren. "The skin can also have a greyish appearance, flakiness, and in a worst-case scenario cracking and bleeding.” One thing is apparent: dry skin is challenging to experience. But that said, it’s totally possible to manage (if not eliminate) by restoring balance to your complexion.

Keep reading for a deep dive into our experts’ top tips for dry skin, and discover the best serums, cleansers, moisturisers (and more) to help you on your way to a smoother, softer, hydrated complexion.

The Best Skincare Tips for Dry Skin

1. Focus on Your Skin Barrier

If you have dry skin, then your skin barrier (the outermost layer of skin) is compromised. According to dermatologist Sonia Khorana, the skin barrier is integral because it’s the body’s last line of defence against the outside environment. "When the skin barrier is damaged, it does a poor job of keeping irritants out of the skin and preventing water loss from the skin,” she says. To fix a damaged skin barrier, Khorana recommends simplifying your skincare routine. "I see a lot of patients using exfoliating acids twice daily and attempting at-home peels and microneedling,” she says. "This level of exfoliation can be very damaging to the skin, as can over-washing.”

Try stripping your routine back to the basics: cleanser and moisturiser. Khorana recommends using gentle cleansing formulas and looking for moisturisers with barrier-supporting ingredients like niacinamide and probiotics.

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2. Top Up Your Ceramides

Ceramides are lipid molecules that are naturally produced by our skin as a means of holding our skin cells together, but in dry and mature skin types they’re typically depleted. "Ceramides are vital to maintaining the skin barrier, retaining moisture, and keeping the skin hydrated,” says Khorana. She advises those with dry skin to look for skincare products that utilise ceramides as an ingredient in order to compensate for low ceramide levels.

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3. Use Hyaluronic Acid

Renowned for its ability to draw moisture into the skin, hyaluronic acid is a key ingredient for treating dryness. "Hyaluronic acid is a humectant, which means that it consists of molecules that have high water-retaining properties," explains dermatologist Beibei Du-Harpur, PhD. "It can add moisture to the skin barrier and allow it to be plump and elastic.”

Thankfully, you won’t have to look far to find this hard-working ingredient. Most serums, moisturisers, and face mists will be boosted with this hero hydrator since it improves the hydrating properties of other moisturising ingredients within a formula.

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4. Introduce Squalane

In addition, Warren’s top ingredient recommendation is squalane. This oil-like emollient is particularly effective because (although it’s often derived from sugarcane or olives) it behaves similarly to the skin’s own oil (sebum). This means that skin instantly recognises and knows how to use it, making it an incredibly effective ingredient for preventing moisture loss and restoring suppleness.

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5. Try Oat-Based Products

Warren also recommends trying oat-based products, as oat is especially beneficial for those with extremely dry or eczema-prone skin due to their anti-inflammatory properties. She advises adding oat-based products to your bath water if you have dry skin elsewhere on your body, but oat (and its derivatives) are also commonly found in rich moisturisers. "Look for skincare products containing colloidal oatmeal,” advises facialist and skin expert Lauren Hughes. "Colloidal oat can help lock moisture in the skin but it also very anti-inflammatory and can calm sensitive, irritated dry skin.”

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6. Know Your Acids

Of course, as well as knowing which ingredients to look out for, it’s equally as important to know what to avoid. Warren advises steering clear of salicylic acid which will only exacerbate dryness, and Hughes recommends avoiding glycolic acid. "Instead opt for polyhydroxy acid products,” she says. "They are far more gentle and can actually help with hydration in the skin.”

Commonly known as PHAs, polyhydroxy acids are one of the more gentle forms of chemical exfoliant, and while they’re still incredibly effective at breaking down dead skin cells, they do so with very minimal irritation, making them perfect for those with dry or sensitive skin.

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7. Use Gentle Cleansers

One thing that all the experts I spoke to were unanimous about was the importance of gentle cleansing. "Cleansing is the foundation of a good skin routine and can set you up for success or failure,” says Hughes. "But if you have dry skin, avoid foam and gel cleansers and instead opt for creamy formulas removed with warm (not hot) water.” Warren agrees, "Don’t be tempted to over-cleanse, and if you have dry skin, balmy cleansers are a great choice for cleansing without stripping skin,” she says.

The right cleanser should leave skin feeling soft and comfortable post-cleanse, which indicates that skin has been efficiently cleansed without stripping oils or over-exfoliating.

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8. Exfoliate (Gently)

Even if you have dry skin, exfoliation can still be a key feature in your skincare routine, especially if you want to target the texture caused by dryness. "Flakiness is often a feature of dry skin and it can be tempting to scrub away the flakes with abrasive face scrubs,” says Hughes, "But remember this can cause irritation to the skin and further dryness.” Instead, to remove dead skin cells and smooth skin texture she recommends using a soft muslin or microfibre face cloth to gently slough away rough texture and flakes without irritation.

For extremely dry skin, Du-Harpur recommends taking a cautious approach in order to prevent further irritation. "Exfoliation needs to be done extremely carefully or avoided! A good moisturiser is more likely to help in this scenario than an exfoliant.”

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9. Don’t Overuse Retinol

Retinol is another ingredient to be careful with if you’re prone to dryness as it can exacerbate dry skin. "A lot of people are now adding prescription retinoids into their routines on top of exfoliating acids,” says Khorana. "The side effect is a compromised barrier, resulting in dryness and irritation.” She recommends taking a "low and slow” approach, using retinoids every other night and starting with lower percentages rather than prescription strengths.

You’ll find that retinol products come in many forms, but if you have dry skin, use a cream or an oil formula. They act as a kind of buffer to slow absorption, which reduces irritation and means you’re simultaneously moisturising your skin.

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10. SPF, Every Single Day

We all know the importance of wearing SPF every day in order to protect the skin from the increased risk of cancers and prevent premature signs of ageing. But did you know that UV radiation also has a detrimental impact on the skin barrier? "Sunlight spurs the release of free radicals which wreak havoc on the skin, damaging cells, fatty acids, and collagen,” says Khorana.

The best way to incorporate SPF into your routine is with a separate SPF product at the very end of your morning skincare routine. Apply it liberally, and don’t make the mistake of missing areas such as your under-eyes and neck, where dryness and fine lines are most likely to show.

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11. Layer From Thinnest to Thickest

When it comes to the application of your skincare products, Du-Harpur recommends layering products from thinnest to thickest in order to prioritise absorption. "Skincare products are emulsions consisting of water and oil. Thin products tend to be water-based or have higher water content, whereas thicker products tend to have higher oil content,” she explains. "Oil repels water, and therefore layering something thin and water based on top of a thicker oilier product means that you are less likely to benefit from the water-based product.”

If in doubt, simply compare the texture of your products. Typically most routines will start (post cleanse) with a toner or face mist, followed by serum(s), then moisturiser, and finally, oils or balms.

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12. Mist Throughout the Day

Your skin may feel hydrated and nourished in the hours immediately after you’ve completed your skincare routine, but if you feel the dryness kicking in during the day, Hutton advises keeping a face mist on hand for on-the-go top-ups. "I keep a small one in my handbag at all times to boost my skin throughout the day,” she says. "Just remember to avoid those with alcohol in as alcohol will cause irritation and further dryness.”

For soothing relief to very dry skin, look for milky face mists. With formulas boosted by ingredients like ceramides and probiotics, they go a step further than their regular counterparts and deliver serum-like levels of moisture.

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13. Stick to Nourishing Formulas

Above all, when choosing new products to add to your routine, always keep your dry skin front of mind. "Look for products that use words like nourish, omega, balm, and oil,” says Warren. Since oil is what your skin is lacking in, it should be a key ingredient in your routine. "Buy yourself a non-perfumed facial oil and add a few drops to your moisturiser when the weather gets colder,” she recommends. "Eventually, switch to using the oil as an extra step on top of your moisturiser.”

Ending your skincare routine with a thicker textured product like a balm or an oil will help to seal moisture into the skin and prevent it from escaping. This technique is commonly known as ‘slugging’ but has long since been recommended by dermatologists and skin professionals to help counteract winter skin dryness.

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14. Got Spots? Use Non-Comedogenic Formulas

Most people associate breakouts with oily skin but actually dry skin can be acne-prone, too. Don’t be tempted to skip out on moisturising just because you’ve had a breakout, however. Remember that hydrated skin is healthy skin and healthy skin is better able to defend against acne-causing bacteria, as well as faster at healing breakouts and pigmentation.

The key, of course, is in choosing the right products and ingredients. "If you’re experiencing dryness and breakouts, avoiding products with comedogenic (pore clogging) oils such as coconut and avocado oil is very important,” says Hughes. "My favourite face oil to help replenish lack of moisture without causing breakouts is rosehip seed oil since you can layer it under moisturiser in the evening.”

In addition, choose non-drying spot treatments and look for calming ingredients like cica and green tea, which will help to reduce the inflammation of spots without further irritation.

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15. Supplements Are Crucial

It’s every bit as important to consider how what you put in your body impacts your skin just as much as the products you apply topically. With a background in nutrition, Warren advocates the importance of increasing consumption of natural omega 3 and omega 6 from oils like linseed and pumpkin oil. "I spent a couple of years managing a medical health resort in Austria where one of the core treatments was raw oil shots in the morning,” she says. "I was startled by the effect this had on dry skin and inflammatory conditions like eczema.”

Lorraine Perretta, Head of Nutrition at Advanced Nutrition Programme also recommends omegas 3 and 6. "Dry and sensitive skin may benefits from omega 3 fatty acids found in oily fish, which can help replenish and support a compromised skin barrier,” she adds. "They have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.”

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

As a beauty editor, my biggest gripe with the industry is the power of social media hype. Buying products based on Instagram success totally goes against everything I believe in and have been taught about skincare. Much like books, you should never judge a skincare product by its exterior. Speaking from experience, I have found that most of the products that look really great on the shelf suit my needs far better as home ornaments than skin treatments.

All too often, I find my blood starting to boil as a result of seeing remarkably average (and sometimes terrible) skincare products hit the big time on Instagram purely because they fit the aesthetics of someone’s grid. And the truth is that even I, someone who has years of expert advice and knowledge stored in my brain, sometimes find myself being sucked in. In fact, when lockdown hit last year, I realised that I was wasting so much money on overhyped, Instagram-famous skincare and vowed to never buy an Instagram-famous beauty product ever again. It was all going so well until Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial came along and made me question everything I thought I knew.

Prior to trying the product for the first time back in December, I assumed it was the sort of exfoliating treatment that beauty editors and skinfluencers raved about primarily because it was somewhat exclusive. You see, when massively popular (and very Instagrammable) US skincare brand Drunk Elephant launched in the UK back in 2018, its most-loved, raved-about product didn’t quite make it. Loved by both celebrities and beauty editors, T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is essentially a potent exfoliating treatment that promises to deliver more even, glowing, and baby-soft skin. While we have been able to happily shop Drunk Elephant for the last couple of years, Babyfacial remained a hard-to-get miracle product of faraway lands.

And honestly, I wasn’t that bothered. Sure, I like the Drunk Elephant products I have tried, but something about Babyfacial has always screamed "instant flare-up." (I have very sensitive skin.) Anything containing such a strong blend of acids was, if you ask me, set to be a disaster, especially when it has amassed such hype on Instagram. You see, acid treatments can be very powerful and potentially damaging when used incorrectly or if they end up in the wrong hands. In my opinion, hundreds of thousands of Instagram fans hurrying out to slather their faces in a potent acid treatment doesn’t sound like a great idea. But then, back in December and ahead of it finally launching in the UK last week, a sample arrived on my desk, and I gave it a whirl.

Drunk Elephant's T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial is one of the best at-home acid treatments I have ever tried. My skin is sensitive and usually detests any sort of strong alpha-hydroxy acid, let alone a 25% blend. The minute I slathered it on my face, I was expecting that all too familiar burning sensation to arise (the bottle does warn "tingling may occur," which, for my skin, might as well read "get the ice ready"), but it never came. In fact, for the 20 minutes that the thick cream-like formula sat on my skin, I experienced no sign of discomfort whatsoever.

When I rinsed it off, my skin was glowing. It felt soft and smooth, and my usually garish pores looked virtually non-existent. Plus, while a strong acid treatment would usually have me fighting off angry breakouts in the days afterwards, no such thing happened. My skin just continued to ooze health and radiance. I tried it again after a week passed and then the next week and the one after that, too. It is now a firm favourite in my Sunday night skincare routine. 

While it’s certainly not the product for people suffering with active acne or other inflammatory conditions, if your skin is in need of a pick-me-up, then I highly recommend giving T.L.C. Sukari Babyfacial a go. Those aren’t words I ever thought I would say. It turns out, in this case, this Insta-famous product is seriously deserving of its hype.

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We all know that one person who looks as if they've stopped time. They might be in their thirties or forties but they easily look like they're a twenty-something. Maybe they still even get ID'd. Of course, we all know that ageing is inevitable (and nothing can ever truly reverse it), but no matter what age you are - or whether you're even at all concerned with "ageing" - it's near impossible not to be curious about how these people have managed to maintain plump, radiant skin right through from their twenties. 

One such example is Caroline Labouchere, a grey hair ambassador and model whose glowy, flawless complexion has stopped me in my scrolling tracks on more than one occasion. Labouchere, who began a modelling career just three years ago at 54, now regularly shares her outfits, haircare tips, and of course, skincare treatments with her 508,000 Instagram followers. I don't think I'm alone in feeling that she somehow defies age - just one look at her feed confirms this, so naturally, I did what any skincare-obsessed writer would: I went straight to the source to find out Labouchere's best skin tips.

Ahead, read up on her top tips and the nuggets of wisdom that she credits for maintaining good skin in her fifties - or at any age for that matter.

1. Stay Out of the Sun

I know you've heard it over and over again, but Labouchere confirms the golden rule of skincare: sun protection. Whether you're opting for a massive sun hat or are slathering on the SPF (or both), we can't overstate how important it is. "I have been a sun worshipper all of my life," Labouchere admitted. "I finally stopped turning my face to the sun last year. Now, I wear a hat whenever I leave the house and wear an SPF 50."

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2. Quit Picking at Your Skin

"Don’t pick your spots ever," she said. It may sound obvious, but as a former skin picker myself, I know that this one is easier said than done. Labouchere insists that it's one of the skincare rules she lives by, and I know I personally could have avoided so many dark spots had I heeded her advice sooner. "If you have a whitehead, use two cotton buds to get rid of it," she advised. To quell acne in the first place, below are several products you can incorporate into your daily and weekly routines.

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3. Maintain Moisture Levels

I once heard that the main focus of any skincare regimen hinges on keeping your face hydrated, and Labouchere seems to agree with this. She told me that she uses a thick moisturiser at night (French pharmacy staple brand, Avène, is a favourite of hers) and will sometimes apply the same one for daytime if her skin can handle it. "Trapping moisture in your skin will make for happy skin," she noted.

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4. Pick a Retinol Carefully

The conversation around skincare over fifty wouldn't be complete without a mention of retinol. After all, dermatologists and skin experts so frequently call out this multipurpose ingredient for its anti-ageing benefits - it helps to stimulate collagen production which in turn reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles. Of course, Labouchere's tip is only one of many out there, but according to her, a prescribed retinoid (the umbrella term for retinol and Retin-A) will always work better than store-bought retinoids.

Of course, it's not always easy to get face-time with a clinical dermatologist, so if you're looking to get on the retinol train ASAP, the below editor-approved products will be a good starting point.

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5. Don't Over-Exfoliate Your Face

Exfoliating is an essential step in any skincare routine, as it sloughs away dead skin and promotes skin cell turnover, a process that tends to naturally slow down as we age. If you don't exfoliate enough, the rest of your serums, oils, and moisturisers might not live up to their full potential because you could have dead skin cell buildup. But on the other hand, exfoliating too much could strip the skin of its natural moisture barrier and cause irritation. Labouchere suggests using an exfoliant once every other week.

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6. Keep Makeup Minimal

If applying makeup starts to feel more like a chore, and less of an enjoyable experience, why not embrace a 'less is more' approach? Labouchere told me, "I don't wear makeup every day. I believe it is a good habit to get into. Once you are in a daily makeup rut, it is hard to get out." Instead, she wears a CC or BB cream only once or twice a week. 

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This story originally appeared on Who What Wear US and has since been updated.

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

If cleansing and moisturising are the basics of your skincare routine, face masks are at the other end of the spectrum—they’re far from essential, but they are great to have around for skincare emergencies or when you need to give your skin a quick fix. Indeed, choosing a face mask with the right ingredients to target your specific skin concerns can make an immediate difference to the look and feel of your skin, and one of the great things about face masks is that they can address any and every complexion concern. Stressed over breakouts? A clay-based mask can help to draw out congestion. Experiencing dehydration? A sheet mask will pack the moisture back into your skin. Want to target dullness? Brighten skin with a peel.

Of course, it’s important to manage expectations. Face masks are no one-stop wonders, nor will they have long-term benefits for your skin in the same way a serum or a professional treatment might, but they are one of the best ways to hit ‘reset’ and target concerns in the short term. "Face masks aren’t a necessity, but more of a ‘nice to have’ in your skincare routine,” says consultant dermatologist at Self London, Anjali Mahto. "But I would recommend that a solid basic skincare routine takes precedence. There’s not much point in using masks (especially expensive ones) if the basics of your skincare routine aren’t in place.” 

It’s also important to understand how best to use them to avoid aggravating skin or triggering another issue. "I’d recommend only using an exfoliating mask once a week, whereas a hydrating one can be used two to three times per week if you like,” says Mahto. "If an exfoliating mask is used too often, it can cause disruption to the skin barrier which can then go on to cause even more issues.”

There are tonnes of different formula options to choose from—sheet, clay, gel, peel, cream, mud—but no matter how sore, stressed out, dehydrated, or tired your skin may be, there’s a face mask out there to help. Scroll down to discover the best face masks for every skin type and concern.

1. The Best Face Mask for Dry Skin

2. The Best Face Mask for Oily Skin

3. The Best Face Mask for Combination Skin

4. The Best Face Mask for Brightening Dull Skin

5. The Best Face Mask for Acne-Prone Skin

6. The Best Face Mask for Hyperpigmentation

7. The Best Face Mask for Targeting Enlarged Pores

8. The Best Face Mask for Tired Skin

9. The Best Face Mask for Reducing Redness

10. The Best Face Mask for Dehydrated Skin

11. The Best Face Mask for Signs of Ageing

12. The Best Face Mask for Sensitive Skin

13. The Best Face Mask for Smoothing Skin Texture

14. The Best Face Multitasking Face Mask

15. The Best Face Mask for City Dwellers

16. The Best Face Mask for Pre-Makeup Prep

17. The Best Face Mask for A Relaxing DIY Facial

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As someone who has a 71-year-old beauty fanatic as her mother (surprising I became a beauty editor, right?), I know all too well the trials and tribulations surrounding foundation and mature skin. Of course, finding the best foundation for your skin texture, tone and type is hard enough at any age, but when you throw into the mix age-related conundrums like discolouration from sun damage, fine lines or wrinkles and dehydration, the challenge only gets steeper.

Being that my mum is an actual makeup artist, I've definitely absorbed some of her wisdom and tips over the years—minimal, if any, powder and absolutely no super-matte formulas. She has flawless skin (both with and without makeup), so I've taken her guidance to heart. That said, I was interested to compare notes with some of the top celebrity makeup artists in the industry who regularly cater to Hollywood's leading ladies 40 and over. What foundations do they always have on hand for red carpet prep, and what application tips do they hold gospel to ensure their clients with mature skin look as radiant and healthy as possible? They're covering all that and more below. Keep scrolling! 

The Best Foundation, Product and Application Tips

1. Your Skin Prep Is Everything

Every makeup artist we spoke to explained that without a well-prepped base (i.e. hydrated and healthy skin) any foundation application will flounder. Prepping the skin with the right products and ample moisture is crucial for a seamless, long-lasting finish. 

"I am really, really big on prep—prep is EVERYTHING," exclaims celebrity makeup artist Tamah Krinsky, whose clients include Julianna Margulies, Mary Steenburgen, Judy Greer, Idina Menzel and Christy Turlington. "Regardless of age, how you prep your skin determines how your foundation will sit on your skin, and the more hydrated and healthy your skin is to start, the better your foundation will look. My clients would tell you skin prep is the longest part of their time in the makeup chair with me!"

Krinsky recommends starting the process with a luxe spray like Josh Rosebrook's Hydrating Accelerator (£75) before moving onto an oil. She typically applies around six drops, although it depends on the day and client. "I take three to five minutes to massage the oil from the hairline to the collarbones. It's amazing what that alone can do for your complexion! My favourites are Drunk Elephant Virgin Marula Oil (£34) and Eve Lom Radiance Face Oil (£60)," she says.

Afterward, she'll press a pea-sized amount of moisturiser into the skin to lock all the magic in. She loves anything from Drunk Elephant, Dr. Hauschka or La Roche-Posay.

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2. If You Use Brushes, Make Sure They're Synthetic

So the jury is out on whether or not it's best to use brushes or a damp sponge (like our beloved Beautyblender, £18) for foundation application. Our makeup artists were equally divided in their preference! So we recommend trying both methods to see what you prefer. That said, if you go the brush route, Krinsky recommends using multiple sizes and always reaching for a brush with synthetic brush fibres versus natural hair.

"No matter what foundation I'm using, I always use two brushes—one to deposit the formula and one to blend," she confirms. "I like to use brushes on the smaller side so I can be specific and blend around the structure of the face. To deposit foundation, I use a small flat synthetic eye shadow brush. Synthetic brushes don't hold onto pigment and products as much as natural hair brushes, so you save your products from being wasted, and they leave the foundation where you put them."

To blend, Krinsky tells us she switches to a medium-sized fluffy eye shadow contour brush. Although her brush process takes more time than using a Beautyblender, she thinks it offers more precision in addition to a more seamless result. 

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3. Don't Buy Foundation When You're in a Hurry

Sorry, but finding the right foundation—consistency, finish and shade—takes some time and effort. And Krinsky is especially adamant about taking the time to find your perfect shade. 

"Make sure you are matching your skin tone," she advises. "Always ask for a sample (or better yet, multiple!) and look at yourself in daylight. It should look 100% seamless, and if it isn’t, it’s the wrong shade for you."

4. Don't Apply Foundation to Your Entire Face

"Only use foundation where you need it," Krinsky adds. "Use small amounts, and take your time to blend them into your skin. You don't have to apply a huge amount of foundation to your entire face. You should be using it to even out your skin tone—not to cover your skin."

5. The Right Primer Can Be a Great Sidekick

6. Apply Concealer Before Foundation

7. Forgo Powder—or Apply It With a Beautyblender

Both Murphy and Chanel makeup artist Kate Lee (who counts women like Charlize Theron and Jessica Chastain as regular clients) recommend eliminating—or at least limiting—your powder usage since it can sit into mature skin's fine lines and make a person look older.

8. Know Which Products Should Be Luminous and Which Should be Matte

9. You Need a Specific Protocol If You're Shopping Online

"Let's be real—online swatches are never 100% accurate, and shade names aren't standardised, so it's best to tap into a brand's customer service or a trained makeup artist, whose job it is to know everything, from the curation of foundations to formulation to finish," explains Violet Grey's beauty director, Maureen Choi. "A quick email exchange or phone call with a trusted resource who understands your skin and makeup concerns can make all the difference in receiving the perfect fit on your doorstep.

"Sometimes you have to try before you buy, particularly when it comes to foundation. A good rule of thumb is to ask for samples in three shades—the one you've shade-matched to your complexion, then one shade lighter and one shade deeper. That way, you can test all three in broad daylight and get an accurate sense of what looks best. According to makeup artist and Violet Grey committee member Pati Dubroff, using two shades of foundation—a light shade down the centre of the face and one a shade darker along the perimeter—is the secret to getting the most natural, subtly defined, second-skin look."

The Best Foundations For Women Over 40:

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

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First of all, if you read this headline and are thinking WTF is IPL?, let me back up for a second. IPL is a photo-rejuvenation treatment used to target a range of skin concerns from dark spots to redness and acne. IPL stands for intense pulsed light, meaning the treatment uses a variety of wavelengths of light instead of a laser.

I've had many friends recommend IPL to me after having various skin issues treated, mostly to get rid of unwanted freckles and sun spots. As someone who suffers from rosacea and uneven skin texture, I had heard about how IPL could help me with my specific concerns for a long time before I finally decided to check it out.

I headed into Le Jolie Medi Spa in West Hollywood for more information and to test out the treatment for myself. "Most people that come in for IPL are looking to achieve a glow," explains Le Jolie's co, Brian Nourian. "They want the complexion of their skin to even out. It also helps brighten and tighten the under-eyes for a well-rested look."

After hearing all about the expected results and the minimal recovery period, I decided to go for it. Keep scrolling to read about my experience with IPL, plus a breakdown on everything you need to know about it—from the cost to what actually goes down during the procedure to how much pain to expect.

PREP

The most important part of preparing for your IPL treatment is to avoid sun exposure—this includes tanning beds (which, let's be real, you shouldn't be using to begin with), going out into the sun sans SPF (seriously, use your sunscreen, people!), spray tans and self-tanners.

Tan skin has a higher risk of adverse side effects, so avoid extended sun exposure and make sure you're using SPF. You'll also want to stop using skin irritants like retinols, retinoids and toners three days prior to the appointment.

Immediately before your treatment, you'll be asked to remove makeup, sunscreen, moisturisers, etc. from the area you're looking to treat, as IPL is to be performed on completely clean skin.

This is what the IPL machine looks like. The little gun on the left is what distributes the light.

PROCEDURE

The treatment itself is quick and fairly painless—the whole thing takes maybe 10 minutes. I've tried other lasers to target redness and broken capillaries such as the V-Beam (which was extremely painful, tbh), and compared to those, IPL was only mildly uncomfortable.

The nurse practitioner started by covering my face in a thick layer of cool gel that would act as a barrier between my skin and the light. Once covered, she placed goggles over my eyes, and did a few tests on my right jawline to measure my pain tolerance and skin sensitivity. She bumped up the level of the IPL machine with each test, and after three, we discovered I could tolerate the higher level. This doesn't mean the machine was on the highest level possible; it just means that for someone's first treatment, there are a few variations it's safe to start with, and I was comfortable with the highest of that section.

Once the level is selected, the procedure begins. She started out on the bottom-right side of my face and zapped the first spot with a split-second flash of light. She then moved along my face, stopping as she hovered over each section to blast it with another pulse of light, until my entire face had been treated. Each pulse of light felt like a rubber band snapping against my skin, which is honestly not even as painful as it sounds. The most noticeable thing for me during the treatment was the sudden flash of light you can see underneath the edge of the goggles—it's more jolting than anything; definitely not painful.

POST-PROCEDURE AND RESULTS

Immediately after the treatment is over, my face felt slightly hot and was a bit red from the light. I have sensitive skin and flush easily, so I was probably more heavy on the red scale than someone with normal skin would be.

The nurse practitioner handed me an ice pack to hold on my face, which feels phenomenal and instantly cools down the heat feeling in your cheeks. I was assured this would subside after a few minutes, and sure enough, 10 minutes later, the redness was minimal and the heat was gone.

I slathered sunscreen all over my freshly photo-rejuvenated skin to protect it from the sun on my way home, and I was advised to stay out of direct sunlight for the next two weeks. 

The above photo was taken about 10 minutes after the treatment ended, and as you can see, my redness is pretty minimal.

That night, my skin felt a little sensitive, and I could already see the freckles and sun spots I had becoming darker than they previously were. What happened next was the crazy part for me—over the next few days, these darkened freckles rose to the surface of my skin and began flaking off my face without me feeling it in the slightest! 

It almost looked like I had tiny coffee grinds on my face before the spots flaked off, which could easily be covered with makeup. You can apply makeup immediately after IPL (as long as you apply it gently), which I did the day following the treatment with no problems. The flaking only lasted three to four days for me, but that can vary from person to person. I apologise profusely for not documenting this, but I assure you it was nothing makeup couldn't cover.

Now, I didn't have a ton of freckles or sun spots to begin with, but the few I did have reacted exactly as I was promised to the IPL treatment—rising to the surface and disappearing from my face. I have a few friends who started the IPL process with significantly more freckles than I did, and they're completely gone post-treatment. If you want to save certain freckles or beauty marks, simply point them out to the nurse and they'll avoid going over that spot with the light.

Aside from the removal of sun damage, I also noticed a brighter, more tightened skin tone a few weeks after my IPL treatment. My skin just looked healthier, calmer and more even overall. The procedure helped reduce my facial redness a bit, but I was informed that redness is the hardest to treat with IPL out of all skin concerns. (It requires the higher settings on the machine, so it takes a few sessions to work your way up to that level.) Three to six treatments are recommended for optimal results, so I'll definitely be going back for additional sessions to target the redness more after experiencing how quick and easy IPL is.

If you're interested in learning more about IPL and witnessing the process, one of my best friends, Melissa Alatorre, made this in-depth YouTube video for her channel about our experiences (you can also watch the actual IPL treatment if you're curious!).

COST

The cost of IPL will vary based on the medispa, the area of the body you're looking to treat, the location you live in, etc. but a good estimation would be anywhere from £200 to £500 per session, with many medical spas doing package deals if you purchase multiple sessions at once.

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