Softly Does It

Review by Fleur Fruzza and Thea Lewis-Yates

Image by David Newton

(Clockwise from top left)

The SOS formula: ESPA

In extreme weather nothing protects skin more effectively than a barrier cream like Espa’s 24 Hour Skin Saviour. This formula uses evening primrose and manuka oils combined with shea butter to create a hydrating barrier that wards off damage to the dermis caused by the elements. Meadowfoam and nut oils, meanwhile, soothe irritation and redness.

The skin refresher: CHANTECAILLE

Relentless cold winds combined with overzealous central heating can leave skin dry, dull and flaky. This hydrating mask harnesses the power of natural fruit acids and enzymes, gently removing dead skin cells to reveal a fresh new complexion. Serums and moisturisers are fully optimised, as they can truly soak in. Beauty hack: use this miracle worker on hands before applying a thick layer of cream overnight, and wake up to kitten-soft paws.

The eye cream: TOM FORD

A recent convert to eye cream (with a beauteous bottle of Tom Ford's Intensive Infusion eye treatment on my bathroom shelf, how could I not be seduced?) and I'm kicking myself I didn't discover this wonder-balm sooner. Its revitalising formula nourishes and hydrates, yet leaves zero greasy traces. The result? Firmer, fresher skin with noticeably reduced fine lines, creating a flawless and long-lasting base for eye make-up.

The comforting cleanser: CLARINS

As gentle as a cleansing milk, and as effective as soap, Clarins' Gentle Foaming Cleanser is a face wash that comforts as expertly as it cleanses. Enriched with shea butter and pro-vitamin B5, the creamy mousse floats away all traces of make-up and pollutants, leaving skin butter-soft and primed for hydration. Neutralising the drying effects of hard water is yet another plus point of this iconic product, making it ideal for hard working city skin.

The treatment: GUERLAIN

During cold winter months, skin-repairing treatments are more critical than ever. Applied twice a week, Guerlain’sAbeille Royale Repairing Honey Gel Mask offers an intense hit of hydration, thanks to its honey-based formula. Honey is known for its natural healing properties and, when combined with royal jelly, gives skin a plumped, smoothed and nourished appearance.

The moisturiser: DIOR

For a daily moisturiser with an extra dose of hydration at this time of year, it’s hard to improve upon Dior’s Hydra Life Pro-Youth Silk Crème. Formulated with plant extracts grown by the bods at Dior’s Innovation Centre, this cream has a light yet rich consistency (no easy feat), and contains centella and black rose, which work together to intensely hydrate and repair the skin.

The extra layer: SISLEY

There are skin oils, and then there’s Sisley’s Black Rose Precious Face Oil. The Parisian brand’s first face oil is easily one of the best on the market. To be used daily (and under a moisturiser in winter) the oil is rich in Omegas 3 and 6, avocado extract, and a vitamin E derivative, which nourish the skin, while rose and algae extracts combat the signs of premature ageing.

The beauty insiders favourite: CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Inspired by the conductive physics of plasma, Charlotte Tilbury's Magic Night Rescue Cream is a breakthrough in a bottle. High-tech ingredients including stem cell extract, red algae marigel and bionymph peptide deliver beautifully pumped, plumped, line-free skin while you sleep. The perfect secret weapon for combatting winter skin dullness. Eight hours' sleep in a jar? We'll take all you've got.