Skincare products you actually need right now
Guess who’s back.
After spending four months practically by myself, I’ve had an unfathomable amount of time to slap on every serum and lather every lotion from the pile of PR that occupies the same amount of my space as my kitchen in my shoebox apartment.
Here’s the thing, I’m not domesticated. If someone put a gun to my head and demanded I whipped up some sort of banana bread delicacy, I would politely ask them to shoot me directly in the face. I can’t cook, bake, have a short attention span, and often leave books a quarter read. What I am saying is I basically can’t do anything. I’m not a homebody; I’m born for the streets, the bars, the 4 AM coffee table chats. I like connecting with other people. I like talking to you; I’ve missed you.
I guess, well, the only thing I am good at or rather think I am good at is separating the trash from the treasure. I’ve tried so much shit on my face over the last four months; it’s a miracle I have any flesh left.
So, I’m here to share with you what I actually would spend my sweet cash on right now. These products are staples – the GOAT (as the youth would say).
If you’re looking for a new sexy product to soothe your pandemic blues, you might just find it here. You have my word; this carefully curated selection of potions, lotions, elixirs, creams, hell, even mouthwash is everything you need and nothing you don’t
Without further adieu, let’s…. fucking….blast.
If I am going to fork out money on a toner, I want one that actually provides more than another layer of hydration – otherwise, I’d rather just blast myself with some lukewarm water and call it a day. I want some bloody added value, god damn it. I’ve found a home in Sulwhasoo’s Balancing Water Toner. It has a thicker viscosity, so a little goes a long way. I would say it lasts for four to five months, even if you use it every single day. It has noticeably improved my redness, especially after I clean-cut shave. Chuck it in my cart, love.
Charlotte Tilbury Cryo Recovery Mask
If you know me, you know I ride hard for Mecca. And I have good reason to. The living legends brought Charlotte Tilbury to Australasia, and y’all know I don’t give three flying craps about makeup, but I will go to my grave in this mask. Next time you’re hungover, pop this mask in the freezer for 30 or so minutes (depending on how cold your freezer is, we’re not trying to freeze it here, huns). After it’s freezing cold (but not frozen), strap it to your face and let the cryotherapy magic work wonders on your complexion. It helps reduce inflammation, puffiness and it’s just so soothing. Apply your favourite serum or mask right before you pop it on for a sheet mask kinda effect. It’s reusable, duh!
Emma Lewisham Supernatural 72-Hour Hydration Creme
I will never stop talking about this damn creme. Ever. My favourite beauty brand has produced something in a class of its own, but that doesn’t surprise me. Now, trust me, I’ve tried my fair share of moisturisers/cremes/lotions, but nothing compares to Emma’s Supernatural Creme. Nothing. It’s thick at first touch, but rub it for a split second or two into the palm of your hands, and then massage it in circular motions on your sweet face and watch it melt like hot butter. The ingredient Pentavitin is the powerhouse hydration hero here. As if it can’t get any better, the Supernatural Creme is refillable, so you can apply in comfort knowing you’re preserving Mother Nature.
Foreo Luna 3 Normal
You absolutely don’t need this product, but has that ever stopped you before? No. I was, of course, sceptical about Foreo until I got sucked in. It’s now a mainstay in my vanity. Seriously, if you want a deeper cleanse – scoop this up. The device pulsates 8,000 times per minute, allowing dirt to be vibrated out rather than penetrating the pore. It’s also a sweet Lil gadget for a facial massage if that’s ya thing. I don’t have the time or patience to give myself a facial massage; I invite people over for that. Better living, everyone.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Play Shower Cream-Gel
1L of fucking madness, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. In Brazil, showering is more of a treat than a routine (as stated on the packaging) which is something I simply can’t relate to. Still, I can relate to the ritualist experience this product ever so satisfyingly provides. Y’all know I love myself some sweet almond, and this encapsulates the scent around the entire circumference of your body as it foams for an almost sickly aroma (I’m obsessed). This is my favourite body wash on the market; I’ll be taking no further questions at this time.
Anything LE LABO at this point
Am I a parfum connoisseur? Absolutely not. Do wasted people sniff me and basically word vomit all over me that I always smell delicious at 2 AM. Yes. I like spraying myself with cologne until the air around me is unbreathable. I look for long-lasting, masculine, earthy notes that take me from day to night in whatever style I can muster up. I love LE LABO.
Listerine Zero Alcohol Mouth Wash
The pandemic has shat all over my life in so many different ways, but I’ll never take for granted the mouth washing routine it’s instilled in me. No matter how clean you believe your throat to be, wearing a mask all day will destroy any minuscule of self-confidence you have left in your breath’s stench. I have wires on both my upper and lower jaw to hold my teeth together; if only I could put a wire in my head to stick my thoughts together. Alas, this mouth wash is the only product I’ve found on the market that doesn’t give me a headache. I’ve tried a fancy one from Aesop, and it ruined my entire day. Look for alcohol-free mouthwashes. I genuinely believe they are more gentle and have fewer adverse side effects. Gag.
Summer Fridays Summer Silk Body Lotion
Summer Fridays and I have been through it, I am still scarred from the Jet Lag Mask, but I won’t hold them to it because this body lotion is IT. Just in time for summer, next time you’re on one of your silly little lockdown walks, slap this sweet coconut (ish) vanilla lotion in every crevice on your body for a dolphin-like complexion. If you’ve spent too much time in the sun (naughty) and you’re maybe a touch burnt and dry, apply this when you get home to help soothe your skin.
LANEIGE Lip Sleeping Mask
I eat too late like sometimes I’m pigging out at 9:30 PM. It’s so bad. It just shows I honestly can’t live without my mother. Anyway, apart from guzzling a Prego bottle of water at 2 AM most nights because I am so dehydrated from stuffing my pig mouth so late, I also apply this hydrating lip mask. It’s not sticky, absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a glossy finish.
Sunday Riley Autocorrect Eye Creme
If you’re looking for a new eye creme, consider purchasing a product with caffeine. Sounds weird, but caffeine reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness – this eye creme does just that. If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable, The Ordinary has an excellent caffeine eye serum.
Youth To The People Superfood Cleanser
If you’re anything like me, and I know you are since you’ve made it this far into the piece, you sometimes (often) cleanse your face in the shower. THE HORROR. It’s assumed the water temperature most people prefer to shower in is too hot for the skin, and I know that’s true for me. I didn’t think I liked this cleanser at first when I used it over a basin, but I’ve started to get into it in the shower. I don’t like the scent, it’s a bit overpowering, but it’s not as noticeable in the shower, and I am slowly making my way through it now. It’s gentle, ultra-foaming without irritation and a good everyday cleanse.
Alpha H Sleep Power Retinol
I was lucky enough to try the entire Alpha H range, and, to be honest, it’s bloody epic. This was my favourite. 14% glycolic acid (AHA) and 0.5% Retinol work to give you an overnight facelift. I shit you not. The first time I tried this elixir, I woke up with visibly brightened, smoothed skin. It’s not for the faint-hearted, so maybe try a few other products from the range to see if you can tolerate the active percentages in Alpha H products before you tackle this sleep treatment. It will ruin any white linen, be warned.
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
I stole this from my mum’s bedside table before I gapped to Sydney. I thought to myself, “if it can put this beast to sleep, it better work for me” I’m excited to report back to you today that it works. I spray six pumps all over my bed before I go to sleep because lord knows I roll around when I sleep like I’m on some weird trip. Get it and thank me later, please.
Words — Liam Sharma
Images — Liam Sharma
