The secrets of skin that glows from within

2024-05-12 -

For anyone who wants skin that looks “lit from within”, start with skincare: efficacious facials (QMS is one of the best I’ve ever had), regular exfoliation (Paula’s Choice is an oldie, but a goodie) and sunscreen (add Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Lotion to your repertoire. It is sublime). Then makeup. A good highlighter, foundation that mimics great skin and a skincare mist like Augustinus Bader that protects skin while keeping it dewy. There you glow.

The Face Mist 3. Dior Forever Glow Maximizer 4. Sisley Phyto Teint Perfection 5. Vieve Lip Dew

dior.com

£80, spacenk.com vieve.co.uk

£34,

Scents and sensibility De-stressing skincare 4 Free your mind £90

While professionals swear by retinol, a type of vitamin A used to treat everything from fine lines to pigmentation and acne, the stories of sore, peeling skin from using it are enough to put anyone off. But that needn’t be your experience if you keep certain things in mind. For instance, a high percentage of retinol isn’t automatically better and, formulated badly, can actually be really harsh. Retinol should ideally be used every other night and never in the day – and always use sunscreen in the morning. As always, the right formulation is everything. Skincare expert Sarah Chapman is one of the most trusted in the business: celebrities have her on speed-dial, the treatments in her clinic are game-changing and her new clinical range – it’s as close to prescription grade as possible – is excellent. Particularly the retinol. Like any decent retinol, it is encapsulated, meaning it releases slowly and is less likely to cause irritation. Where Chapman’s retinol goes the extra mile is by delivering directly at cellular level giving you incredible, faster results without irritation. Some of the best retinols on the market still take a long time before they get to cellular level. Like walking up the stairs of a very tall building; by the time it gets to the top floor, it’s knackered – and less effective. Sarah Chapman’s retinol on the other hand takes the express lift straight to the top floor.