After six days trapped in the depths of hell – aka the winter flu that everyone seems to catch – I emerged into the light like a mole seeing sunlight for the first time. I barely recognised myself in the mirror. I looked pale, tired, drawn and, worst of all, my skin was dull and grey. While I was finally starting to feel better, my skin clearly hadn’t got the memo, so it was clear that urgent action was needed – a winter glow-up was on the menu.
I reached for several products I’ve been using on and off for quite some time – apart from one brand new one that we’ll get into in a moment – but all of them have one thing in common: they work instantly. While I could give you many reasons to love these products, the real selling point is their immediate results.
So if you’re in desperate need of a glow-up like I was, look no further than these four skin saviours. They’ll help you say goodbye to dull, winter skin and hello to a complexion so radiant, it might just start its own Instagram account.
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
Don’t worry, there’s no actual peeling involved with this product. What does happen, however, is one of the highest-octane glows your skin will ever show off. Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel (€25 for a pack of five from Space NK) is truly legendary. There are few products like it when it comes to delivering an intense, smooth, radiant glow.
It’s a potent mix of alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) and beta hydroxy acids (BHAs) – meaning it works both on the surface and beneath the skin – sloughing off dead skin cells, improving texture, boosting smoothness and brightening the complexion, while helping to keep breakouts at bay.
Rhode Glazing Milk
TLC in an aesthetically pleasing bottle, Rhode Glazing Milk (€42 from rhodeskin.com) is showing up in this column so often, it’s officially become a trend. But there’s a reason for that: it’s exactly what your skin craves during the winter months. This silky formula drenches your skin in moisture while intensely soothing, plumping and hydrating – thanks to its ceramide-packed blend. Apply liberally to the skin after cleansing (or immediately after exfoliation) and then pat yourself on the back.
Patchology FlashPatch Illuminating Eye Gels
Nothing perks me up (and makes me look less exhausted) quite like a good pair of eye gels. I’ve tried many over the years, and there are a few standout brands really knocking it out of the park when it comes to eye gels – Poco Beauty, Pixi Beauty, Charlotte Tilbury, to name a few. But none do it quite like the original OG of eye gels: Patchology.
And not just any eye gels – I’m talking about their FlashPatch Illuminating Eye Gels (€12 for a pack of five from millies.ie). Why? Because these little wonders don’t just depuff and hydrate the under-eye area. They illuminate. They add light and, frankly, some kind of magical glow that takes “rested” to a whole new level. Ten out of 10 on every front.
Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Cream
I’m not one to recommend expensive products unless they truly deserve every single euro of their price tag. Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Recovery Cream (€106 from dermalogica.ie) is one of those rare exceptions.
New to the brand and the latest addition to their Multivitamin Power Recovery range, this barrier-repairing, glow-boosting moisturiser is basically skincare on overdrive. The product’s tagline is “Stressed skin solved after one use”, and I have to wholeheartedly agree.
This is a powerhouse moisturiser with a capital P. It’s packed with peptides, vitamins A, C, and E, niacinamide and vitamin B5 – essentially everything your skin needs to treat, repair, brighten and protect. It’s the kind of product your skin will thank you for.
This week I’m loving ... CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment
Not new, but definitely worth mentioning this week – CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment (€12.50 from Boots) was an essential sidekick during my flu ordeal. It saved the sides of my nose from peeling after a tissue marathon. It’s also perfect for chapped lips, dry cuticles or any patch of skin in desperate need of protection and repair.
