BUILDING BLOCK
Lay a solid foundation for good skin with efficacy-enhancing toners, lotions and essences that also target specific skin concerns
Revitalizing Supreme+ Bright Power Soft Milky Lotion, $150, Estée Lauder
Tackling discoloration and dullness, this is powered by the brand’s signature 511AA Target Technology, a complex featuring beautyberry extract and vitamin C that inhibits melanin production and lightens existing pigmentation. Working in tandem is moringa extract, which not just stimulates skin cell renewal, but also helps neutralise free-radical damage. Meanwhile, a collagen-boosting complex helps improve skin’s firmness and elasticity.
Pure Shots Soft Polish Double Essence, $129, YSL Beauté
This bi-phase lotion gently exfoliates skin while giving it a quick hit of hydration. The aqueous phase works on a brighter, smoother complexion with lipohydroxy acid and alpha-hydroxy acid to boost skin cell turnover and rid surface dullness. The oily phase soothes and moisturises while helping to restore the skin’s barrier function with nutrient-, vitamin- and antioxidant-rich Moroccan argan oil. Shake well before use to ensure you’re getting the benefits of both compositions.
Intensive Treatment Lotion, $224, Tom Ford Research
This perks fatigued skin right up with a potent blend of extracts of white porcelain cacao, caffeine and gyokuro—a type of shaded green tea high in antioxidants. There’s also acetyl lipo-dipeptide, which has muscle-relaxing properties and reduces the look of expression lines, as well as lactic acid, which gently refines skin while boosting radiance— making this product a true all-rounder that leaves skin looking and feeling revitalised.