It’s the time of year where lists recapping the best of the past 12 months are everywhere. And because I love a list, I’ve used this concept to inspire skincare items that I can’t be without. Well, let’s be generous and call them skincare-related, remembering that I believe good skincare is the foundation on which everything else is built.
I'm starting with the acknowledgement that I am a fan of a regular skincare routine. So you won't be surprised that at the top of my list are moisturiser, eye cream and sunscreen. These are daily staples that I absolutely can’t live without. And because I wrote about lip balm and hand cream so recently, you’ll know these are favourites as well. Now, what else can't I live without?
Cleansing oil. Daily facial cleansing is critical and hands down, this is my favourite medium to use. No matter what skin type you have, cleansing oil is perfect for removing everything on your face and always feels gentle on the skin. Like sunscreen, I have a collection that I rotate. Current favourites include: The Body Shop, SuperFacialist, Sunday Riley, Tata Harper, AmorePacific and Tatcha.
Cleansing sponges. While I apply cleansing oil with my hands, I always remove it with sponges, which makes for my most satisfying cleansing experience. After a gentle face massage while I emulsify the cleanser, the sponges ensure my face is truly clean as I swipe them repeatedly until they show no make-up residue. And while they’re easy to rinse clean at the sink, for a deeper clean, I toss them into the washing machine inside a lingerie bag and then let them air dry.
Square Cotton Pads. I’ve watched many a beauty blogger favourites video touting Shiseido’s cotton wool. And based on personal experience, I can attest, it is all that. You think cotton pads are cotton pads and then you try these and…heaven. So when an Asian skincare enthusiast suggested the Muji dupe, I tested them out and my wallet has been thanking me ever since. The Peelable Cotton option is even more economical as you can separate each pad into as many as 4 sheets.
Eye masks. While sheet masks are what generally get all the attention, my passion is for eye masks. These Klorane patches work miracles to reduce puffiness at the end of a long flight while I use these from Shiseido weekly to give a gentle Vitamin A boost. They keep fine lines from developing more deeply, leaving skin feeling hydrated and firm.
Make-up brushes. There are a lot of make-up videos out there using fingers for application and I have to say, I just don’t understand it. For me, nothing is more satisfying than using the right brush for the right task. Over the years, I have amassed quite a collection of brushes and because I have prioritised caring for my investment, I have never needed to replace them due to bristle loss or cracked handles.
That’s what I can’t live without and of course, I’m dying to know! What are your skincare favourites and what do I need to try?