Test the waters with your daily skincare
Volcanic water in your moisturiser? Apple cell water in your cleanser? The beauty world may currently be a-bubble about waterless formulas but some companies are instead harnessing the power of ‘exotic’ waters, from natural spring to glacial, to top up the benefits in our skincare. In the right balance, minerals found in water, such as magnesium, calcium and zinc, keep the skin’s natural barrier healthy and functioning well, sealing in plumping moisture and protecting against ageing elements like pollution. So which to choose?
THE OIL-REDUCING G ICELANDIC ONE
Choosing a pure natural source means the need for chemical purification is eschewed. Icelandic water is filtered through volcanic pumice rock that contains low but effective concentrations of minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Bioeffect’s Osa Water Mist (£35, bioeffect.co.uk) uses this, alongside hyaluronic acid and a form of silica taken from geothermal steam, to refresh skin and balance hydration and mattification.
THE HYDRATING FINNISH ONE
Lumene’s Arctic Nordic Hydra Moisturising Prebiotic Oil-Cocktail (£24.90, johnlewis.com) is the one for windchilled complexions. Its bi-phase formula features a layer of Arctic spring water from Finland, filtered through layers of ice-age-old sand and gravel, promising maximum purity and hydrating capabilities.
THE HI-TECH SWISS ONE
Elixseri serums are based around ‘light water’ technology – deuteriumdepleted water that’s used in medicine to help with processes including wound-healing. Using glacial water from the Swiss Alps, Elixseri’s Opening Act Overnight Resurfacing Skin Renewal Treatment (£76, elixseri. co.uk) works as a gentle but potent detox peel – so expect a fresher, clearer, more luminous complexion.
THE CALMING CANADIAN ONE
Drawing on water taken ‘sustainably’ from iceberg pieces in the Davis Strait, Canada, the Polaar range focuses on reducing sensitivity and boosting brightness. As the water can be thousands of years old and so unadulterated by pollution, it’s naturally pure but still packed with minerals and trace elements. An overnight cocoon of Polaar Icesource Ultra Moisturising Mask, (£28, look fantastic.com) promises to soothe as it deeply nourishes.
THE HEALTHY HIMALAYAN ONE
Inspired by ingredients from the Himalayas, Herbal Essentials use local spring water rich in magnesium and potassium, which supports cell turnover and keeps skin looking fresh and healthy. Rescue Revive Eye Masks, (£24 for eight, herbal-essentials.com) are infused with Himalayan water plus plumping pro-vitamin B and antidark circle arnica to soften and brighten in a swift ten minutes. CAROLINE
BRIEN
Outside lockdown, Mary’s Milk Bar is unmissable for its fabulous hot chocolate gelato floats. For now, though, we’ll have to make do with her inventive artisan chocolates and cakes, packed full of everchanging flavours.
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Bagels, doughnuts and coffee. Bearded baker Rowan creates his bagels and treats from scratch every day, and it really shows.
46 Rodney St, EH7, thebeardedbaker.co.uk