6 skincare products to try during lockdown

We’re in the sixth week of lockdown and if you’re anything like me, you’re really missing your regular beauty treatments, over-indulging in chocolate and carbs and throwing in a couple of Joe Wicks workouts for good measure. We can be forgiven for letting the diet slip, it’s a weird time after all, but who’s suffering with more breakouts than usual and needs some help with skincare? – You’re in the right place…

I’ve become obsessed with skincare and used this time at home as an opportunity to give my skin a break from make-up and refresh my skincare routine. I’ve done a huge amount of research and tested one product a week, from cleansers and toners to serums and moisturisers.

Week 1: Pixi Glow Tonic

This is one of the first products I wanted to test. I’d heard a lot about 'acids' but had the fear, so I wanted to start with a mild one. The Pixi Glow tonic contains only 5% Glycolic acid, which helps to loosen dead skin cells for exfoliation.

I’ve used this for six weeks, twice every day and I’ve noticed a much smoother and softer texture to my skin. It has become one of my favourite products and now I really notice the difference if I don’t use it in my skincare routine.

Click here to buy (or you can get a smaller bottle here if you’d like to give this a try).

Week 2: Tan-Luxe Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum

As temperatures reached 25 degrees in the UK, I needed a little extra help on the tanning front! Previously, I relied on the Garnier self-tan face mist, but I found that it dried my skin out so I needed a replacement. I read a lot of reviews about the Tan Luxe Super Glow Serum, a gradual tanner with hydrating properties and decided to give it a try.

I have been using this product almost every day for the last 4 weeks and I am impressed! It hydrates and brightens the skin to give a sun-kissed glow, it isn’t sticky to apply and absorbs quickly.

You can build the intensity of the tan by applying a few extra drops or just stick to one or two drops for a subtle glow. The best thing about this product is, it doesn’t have that fake-tan smell or stain your bed sheets, and you won’t wake up looking orange!

Click here to buy

Week 3: The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5

Don’t worry, this isn’t as scary as it sounds. Hyaluronic acid is known for its skin benefits, it hydrates the skin. The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid is paired with vitamin B5 to help with moisture retention.

I have been applying this product twice daily, before moisturiser, for about three weeks now. On application it feels fresh and absorbs quickly and I’ve already started to notice a change in my typically dehydrated skin, it now feels dewy and smooth.

Click here to buy

Week 4: Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C SPF 30

I wanted to start using an anti-ageing moisturiser, which also has a high SPF and didn’t give my skin that greasy feeling before applying make-up. The antioxidant-rich formula protects the skin from environmental damage to prevent premature signs of ageing. It's collagen-boosting properties also help to smooth fine lines and wrinkles - always a winner! The light-weight cream contains vitamin C, vitamin E and added hyaluronic acid and I really notice how it brightens and hydrates the skin, whilst combating any dryness. Being an SPF moisturiser, I choose to only use this in the mornings before exposing my face to the sun. (Fun fact: You should wear SPF everyday - even when it's raining!) The Medik8 Daily Radiance Vitamin C can be viewed to be quite expensive at £55 RRP but for me, the skin benefits are worth the investment. PS If you do decide to give this a try, don’t be alarmed by the pastel yellow colour!

Click here to buy

Week 5: Embryolisse Laboratories Lait-Crème Concentrate

This has become one of my favourite moisturisers. It’s always been a staple product in my professional make-up kit, but I’ve only used it on myself over the last 2 weeks.

I love it, it’s reasonably priced and works really well on my combination skin (I also use this on clients with dry skin). It’s light in texture and quickly absorbed, which makes it a perfect base for make-up.

I personally wouldn't use this every day, just when my skin feels like it needs some extra nourishment. It works a dream, leaving my skin feeling really smooth and velvety ready for make-up.

This product could be used as a moisturiser and primer in one.

Click here to buy

Week 6: Bobbi Brown Smoothing Cleansing Oil

I always used to go for a foaming cleanser, which would make my skin feel squeaky clean, but then it would start to feel tight. Ever had that? Try an oil-based cleanser.

• It melts away dirt, impurities and make-up - even waterproof mascara - but at the same time it is gentle on the skin

• It doesn’t strip the skin of natural oils, like a foam cleanser does – that’s what causes that tight feeling!

• Oils contain soothing ingredients to help calm irritated skin

I've only been using the Brown Brown Smoothing Cleansing Oil for a week and I really like how it has calmed my skin and leaves it feeling super soft.

Click here for a small travel size bottle or full size here.

Skincare is not an exact science as everyone’s skin type is so different. I have ‘combination skin’ - an oily T-zone and some dry areas - my skin is also very dehydrated and sucks the water out of any product I put on my face, even foundation. It takes a lot of research and trial and error to get your skincare routine right.

I’ve learnt a lot from the skincare guru, Caroline Hirons, her blogs and cheat sheets have really helped me up my skincare game, so if this interests you I recommend you take a look.

Now I’m getting brave, trying acid toners, mild retinols and investing more in serums to give my skin exactly what it needs. Hopefully, we’re getting close to the end of lockdown now but why not use this time to give your skin a bit of TLC.

Stay tuned for my next blog on how to use moisturisers and primers to create the perfect base for make-up.