February 11th, 2016
There’s some light at the end of the tunnel – or more appropriately at the end of the day – as winter starts to wind down. Between gale-force winds, central heating and constantly varying temperature we’re finding our skin is distinctly lacking in moisture. For those with naturally dry skin it’s a painful time of year, with sensitive, flaky skin making skincare and the make-up you put on top look less than ideal. Whether you’re shooting a film in the snow or your winter bride needs some TLC, we have some dry skin saviours for you.
Starting with cleanser, look out for soothing milk formulas or nourishing cleansing balms. The Gatineau Silk Cleanser (£29) has been one of our go-to products for years. It’s gentle enough not to aggravate sore patches whilst gently hydrating and removing make-up and impurities. For a balm texture it’s all about the Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (£39.50) – the solid balm melts into a silky oil to leave skin intensely cleansed, nourished and renewed for a glowing complexion.
Follow up with a serum which will continue to deliver moisture while it penetrates through the different layers of the skin. Clarins have their fantastic HydraQuench range for those who are dry or dehydrated, and it is their HydraQuench Bi-Phase Serum (£43) which their MUAs love to use to prep skin. The oil and water blend means that it is easily absorbed by the skin – leaving no oily residue that might interfere with the make-up which follows. Gatineau also have a great serum, the Mélatogénine AOX Probiotics Youth Activating Beauty Serum (£62) which would be ideal for older or ageing clients. Working to hydrate and soften skin, it dramatically reduces the visible signs of ageing whilst enhancing the complexion and providing a daily moisture boost with anti-oxidants and probiotics, leaving it smoother, softer and noticeably younger.
Fast-acting masks are also worth keeping on hand. The plumping effects of the Decleor Hydra Floral Expert Mask (£30) will make your client feel like they’ve had a short and sweet trip to the spa. The cream formula quickly melts into an oil and only takes 10 minutes to transform the complexion.
For continual hydration throughout the day we reach for spray hydrators. Whether you’re using them to perk up settled make-up or using it to layer on hydration, they’re another quick and easy option. We love the refreshing scent of the Kerstin Florian Rehydrating Neroli Water (£31.50), distilled from the Bitter Orange Blossom and its light misting pump. For a stronger moisture boost try the Aesop Immediate Moisture Facial Hydrosol (£17). The formulation’s uplifting blend of steam-distilled botanicals includes Rose Otto to hydrate the skin and Moroccan Chamomile to soothe.
And then we’re on to moisturisers. It can be tricky to find the balance between a moisturiser which packs a real punch with hydration but doesn’t leave your make-up unable to sit on top. The new Garnier Moisture Bomb 3-in-1 Day Cream (£7.99) is a great budget alternative with some sophisticated ingredients to stave off flaky patches. Inspired by Asian skincare, Moisture Bomb boasts a unique water-break texture designed to deliver an intense moisture hit with a super soft touch, leaving skin feeling supple, smooth and not greasy.
For longer-term results over lengthy shoot periods, or perhaps a recurring client, we’ve seen real differences with the This Works no wrinkles extreme moisturiser (£46). The intelligent formulation includes time-released Retinol (the best known and trusted anti-ageing ingredient derived from Vitamin A), Hyaluronic Acid, ultra-moisturising Moringa oil and UK-sourced Crambe Oil, in addition to amino acids and a hydroregulating system for smoother skin with long-lasting hydration.
Clinique’s Moisture Surge is ideal for when you’re dealing with tight and uncomfortable skin. Of all the products on offer, we’d choose the Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief (£34). The lightweight gel-cream texture means it sinks in quickly, while its carefully-picked ingredients work to stabilise unstable levels of hydration. Trehalose and Sorbitol help to maximise the skin’s natural ability to attract moisture from the environment, even during drastic changes in temperature and humidity. Both ingredients counter the osmotic shock effect, when skin is dehydrated due to a moisture imbalance.
Finally we turn to old favourite Liz Earle and their Superskin Moisturiser (£39), which should sort out even the most sensitive and dry skin. A luxurious fragrance-free moisturiser which contains high levels of GLA and is rich in omega-3, Superskin Moisturiser helps prevent moisture loss and improves skin elasticity, while pomegranate fruit extract and natural source vitamin E, both rich in antioxidants, help protect from environmental damage.
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