As Louise Hilsz has discovered, exfoliation and hydration are central to a good skincare routine. She is ready to face the chilly season with her K-beauty-inspired skincare routine. Some of her can’t live without beauty buys are below; read on to learn more.
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Like our wardrobes, with every new season comes a rethink of your skincare routine. Why? Your skin is dynamic; it changes like the weather, and if you’re feeling the temperature drop, your skin will be too. Autumn is the season to amp up hydration and strengthen the skin’s barrier, which is its raincoat to help trap the moisture in and keep the irritation out. Invest in products that boost dullness and correct pigmentation (reduce the look of those dark spots you may have gained over the summer). Finally, just because we are heading into winter, I still use an SPF daily, whether rain, hail, or shine. While I like to keep things simple, I constantly mix up my cosmetic brands, but I am religious with every step. Here’s what I rate and the order in which I use them.
Tatcha The Matcha Cleanse, $74.
I like a gritty cleanser. This gem is infused with Japanese green tea, rice bran, and papaya enzymes. Together, they help exfoliate and brighten dull skin, and it’s ideal for refining those open pores. It feels gentle on the skin and lathers up nicely when mixed with water. The subtle herbal scent is not overpowering and provides a spa-like experience during each use. The luxurious feel of the product, combined with its natural ingredients and gentle exfoliation, makes it my go-to autumn cleanser.
Mario Badescu Hydrating Glow Toner, $35.
If you can get your hands on this toner (a popular beauty buy), it will brighten the skin and help refine it while keeping the pH level perfectly balanced. It has a subtle, pleasant scent that is not overpowering. This is for anyone looking to add a hydrating and brightening step to their skincare routine. all skin types will benefit from a daily dose of this hard-working radiance-maker.
Bioderma Sensibio Defensive Serum, $51.
The latest gentle serum, with soothing ingredients such as niacinamide and peptides, is divine. Vitamin E and red sage hydrate and calm any flare-ups, a combination of ingredients that are a game-changer if your skin is easily irritated (which mine does from time to time). It’s so silky and absorbs quickly sans the greasy residue. One of the standout features of this serum is its fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, so your sensitive skin is in safe hands. I appreciated how quickly it soothed my skin overnight - also, a few drops go a long way.
Avène Cleanance AHA Exfoliating Serum, $68.
A hardcore Avène fan (the Thermal Spring Water is a constant in my skincare routine), the latest exfoliating serum will transform skin if you are battling breakouts. It promises to unclog pores, smooth skin texture, and even out its tone. It’s lightweight but active when gently exfoliating the skin, thanks to the combination of glycolic and lactic acids. While it was made to treat breakouts, I am excited by its ability to refine open pores. Like all Avène skincare, it’s fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, made for anyone with sensitive skin. I recommend this serum for correcting breakouts, uneven texture, and post-summer blotchiness.
Tailor Gold Dust Vitamin C powder treatment, $66.
A go-to for skin brightening, this clever beauty buy has taken my skin to new heights. Recently refined (it has the texture of icing sugar), its brightening power comes from the antioxidant combination of pure vitamin C and coenzyme Q10, which work in synergy to smooth fine lines and erase dark spots. The powder form makes it versatile because it can be mixed with any serum or moisturiser and has a gorgeous citrus scent. You may notice a slight tingling sensation, which made me feel like the product was actively working on my skin. Over time, I saw a noticeable improvement in my skin's radiance and clarity. The vitamin C helped to fade some of my dark spots and even out my skin tone. If you want to incorporate vitamin C into your routine day and night, here is the best 100 per cent natural offering.
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion, $30.
For value and potency, this new emulsion is a promising addition to any anti-ageing skincare routine. Packed with a 0.2 per cent concentration of retinaldehyde (a form of retinoid famous for skin renewal), it targets fine lines, uneven skin tone, and dullness. I find the texture lightweight, so it quickly absorbs into the skin. If you are battling an uneven skin tone, you are one pump away from boosting your skin’s radiance. One tip: If you are new to retinoids or vitamin A skincare or have sensitive skin, use this emulsion once a week, then build up to daily as your skin’s tolerance improves.
Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Light Cream, $44.
I love what the K-beauty trend has brought to our skincare routines; think sheet masks and BB creams, and this lightweight cream is another win. From the first application, you notice its silky texture and the speed at which it absorbs. The key ingredients include ceramides, which nourish and help strengthen the skin, while vitamin B5 is a brilliant humectant that keeps my skin hydrated for hours. This cream is free from harmful ingredients like parabens, artificial colouring, and mineral oil, making it a safe option for sensitive skin. It’s an utter joy to slather on.
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Instant Glow Moisturiser, $78.
First, the creamy texture is fantastic, without feeling greasy. Next, it's brimming with the good stuff skin needs post-summer. Glycolic acid gently exfoliates, collagen firms the skin, while hyaluronic acid nourishes it for hours. Adding niacinamide or vitamin B3 and vitamin C offers skin-strengthening and brightening benefits that all skin over 30 needs. Thanks to the vitamin C and banana powder infusion, it has the most refreshing tropical citrus scent. Expect to glow (true to its name). This is a fantastic option for dry, dull-looking skin and works for morning and evening routines.
AIRYDAY DREAMSCREEN CLEAR AS DAY SPF50, $55.
Created for a woman who got skin cancer at the age of 36. This SPF is my perfect fit. A TGA-approved formula offers UVA and UVB protection with sunscreen ingredients that absorb UV rays. It’s weightless and invisible. It feels like a gel primer when you apply it. It’s loaded with hyaluronic acid, built-in blue light protection and vitamins C, E and F.
Finally, the fresh watermelon scent reminds me of a summery cocktail - it’s my go-to, and I love it.
The latest skin-changing innovation.