The elevation of skincare during lockdown is almost as well documented as the ascent of slippers. While lipstick sales fell for the first time, John Lewis alone saw searches for skincare products on its website top a million in 2020. Cleansing, toning, plumping, lifting, massaging, sculpting and exercising the face became an almost meditative process for millions.
While spending half an hour twice a day on facial workouts has inevitably waned as more of us have returned to the office, the quest for healthy, glowing skin still trumps almost every other beauty goal. As Newby Hands, Net-a-Porter’s Global Beauty Director, reports: “What everyone wants is skin so good you don’t have to wear make-up.”
That’s quite a turnaround. Until recently, Brits spent more on make-up than any other European country. That doesn’t mean we’re not wearing any make-up. But the trend is towards sheer formulations – Chanel’s Les Beiges Water-Fresh tint, Studio10’s Glow-Plexion (the latter is cruelty free) to name two bestsellers – that allow healthy skin to take centre stage. As for budget buys, Boohoo has just launched a vegan make-up line in recycled packaging and the nine-shade, iridescent eye palette is terrific value at £8.
There are plenty of products that can help us achieve lovely skin, from inexpensive, effective, cruelty-free and environmentally friendly brands such as & Sister, Q&A and Upcircle, to French pharmacy brands such as Roc and Avene, to high-performing luxury buys from Augustinus Bader’s The Cream (which does everything in one product) and cult status buys from Dr Barbara Sturm’s extensive cruelty-free line.
A slew of new brands has emerged to promote radiance – gently and effectively. Mutha’s face oil, which is loaded with antioxidants and fatty acids, is not cheap at £85 but if you can’t get to a professional facial, this plus massage is the next best thing. Like Arbu’s Rose Garden Hydration cream, £68, which I also love, it’s vegan and has the added bonus of smelling gorgeous.
The key though to radiant skin, apart from staying out of the sun, eating healthily (Jennifer Aniston swears by collagen supplements) and getting enough sleep (a 2015 study suggested that we tend to consume an extra 200 calories for every hour of sleep we lose), is to establish a routine and stick to it. If that means going back to basics most days – a cleanser, moisturiser, eye cream and some SPF, that’s fine. You can add in a tiny amount of retinol once or twice a week, and some vitamin C.
Talking of cleansing, U Beauty founder Tina Chen Craig advises against using very hot water to wash away cleanser: “I’ve always been taught that you drink hot water, but you should always wash your face with either cold or room temperature water only. Hot water strips your face of its natural oils and compromises the skin’s barrier.” That’s it – plus as much massage as you can manage, because how you apply your potions makes a big difference.
