Beauty Report: finding the right products in the golden age of skincare

We are in a golden age of choice and quality in skincare. If you have anything between €20 and €200 to spend, you can find excellent products. Yes, most of us are closer to the €20 mark, but people occasionally tell me that you can get good skincare for under €10. That’s very, very rare. Generally, for under €20, ingredients start getting poor and inactive and you will buy four cheap creams in a year in an attempt to fix issues that one mid-price serum could legitimately help with.

Here are some heavy hitters both on the cheap(ish) and not so cheap.

NUXE Micellar Water Cleansing Water with Rose Petals (€15.50)

You might as well be removing your make-up with gin as facial wipes. If you’re too tired to cleanse properly, then opt for micellar water.

It actually contains tiny oil particles and oil is the best medium to cleanse with (yes, even for oily skin).

Clarins Multi-Active Jour (€57)

This product from Clarins is specifically for women in their 30s and is designed to combat fine lines, tired skin and dullness. It’s not quite as good as a day off, but almost.

L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Cream SPF20 (€88, from March)

This version of a firm favourite for mature skin is lighter and a little less rich. It is easier for younger skin to tolerate, but hasn’t lost any of its oomph. It also contains SPF 20, making it a more feasible day cream.

Clinique Pep-Start Eye Cream (€28)

With a blend of seven peptides to moisturise the delicate skin around the eye, this also contains caffeine, which works as an anti-irritant and reduces puffiness.

Olay Total Effects Featherweight Moisturiser (€22)

This light and silky day cream packs plenty of punch for its price tag. It works hard for you while still looking great under make-up.

Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser (€39.50)

The acids here gently dissolve bonds between dead surface skin cells and fresh ones underneath.

Left on the skin for five minutes, it also works as a quick exfoliating mask.

NUDE Progenius Firming Youth Oil (€103.50)

If you invest in one pricey skincare product this year, this is the one.

A blend of top quality seed oils, it glides onto skin without feeling heavy, smells divine and makes both dry and oily skin types more balanced.

Crème de la Mer Intensive Revitalizing Mask (€135)

This mask will blast a hole in your wallet, but if your budget can stretch, there’s nothing better. You can leave it on overnight to get every last bit of goodness out of it.

Product of the week: The Body Shop Drops of Youth – Youth Essence Lotion (€23.95)

Inspired by Korean skincare, this is an extra step to your routine, applied before serum. It is incredibly hydrating and really does make a difference.