As much as I love makeup (and trust, me I really love it), skincare is the place to invest when it comes to your beauty routine. I’m not saying you have to drop half your overdraft on a face serum, but you do have to invest time, patience, and yes, perhaps a little cash, when it comes to curating a skincare routine that works.
Having a perfect regime doesn’t necessarily mean you need a complicated 10-step routine (although if you do that, bravo) it’s mainly about getting the basics sorted like your cleanser, moisturiser and SPF. Then add in serums for your specific skin concerns and extras like masks and treatments for regular skin upkeep.
So where to start? There’s a whole lotta noise out there and it can be tricky to separate the magic from the marketing when it comes to skincare shopping. That’s why I asked the rest of the Cosmopolitan beauty team (past and present) which products they genuinely couldn’t live without, from face creams to serums and oils to masks.
Our Editors try out hundreds of new products each year to keep up with the latest ingredients and buzziest launches on the market, so it takes a very special product to make it into our routines time and time again.
These are the holy-grail picks that we go back to every damn time, why? Because they really work. If a skincare product has made it onto this list, you can bet it’s an A* buy…
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35 of the best skincare products
The Daily Doser
The concept of Skin + Me is genius. Essentially, this is a tailored skincare service based on your skin goals and concerns. After a consultation with an expert dermatologist, the team create a formula (filled with all the right skincare ingredients) to help tackle your skin concern, whether that’s pigmentation or acne.
Your personalised Daily Doser prescription is delivered to your door – all you need to do is apply the treatment daily to see improvements. And to make things easier, the tube dispenses the right amount of product so you know how much to use.
– Clare Stephenson, Beauty E-commerce Writer
Skincare Subscription
Somewhat rogue, but this isn’t a favourite skincare product per se, but an entire brand subscription service. Klira, you have my <3.
Around a year ago, for a print piece on prescription skincare services, the Cosmo beauty team tried a different brand each. Mine? Klira, which is where the love affair started.
To start my journey, I filled out an online questionnaire that asked me everything from how much sun exposure I usually got to what my mum’s skin looked like. I then took pictures of my face from all angles to determine my skin type. (I have oily, acne-prone skin, FYI.)
Once that was done, the process was quick and I had my prescription within a day, and my treatment –an own-brand serum – was on its way not long after I ordered it. My prescription was based on tretinoin, a prescription-only acid medication used to treat mild, moderate, and severe acne.
Since that first week of use, my skin has never looked better. Sure, I still break out during hormonal periods – or even react to certain ingredients elsewhere – but for the most part, I have never been more confident in my skin.
A Klira Special subscription, which includes a dermatologist consultation and a monthly delivery of a bespoke prescription formula, costs £59 per month. This is a subscription service, and the payment is made on a monthly basis.
– Lia Mappoura, Beauty Writer
Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser
On a day-to-day basis, if I’m out in the office or meeting up with friends, I love to wear a full-face beat. So, when coming home after a long day of said outings, I don’t want to be spending another hour lugging off all that makeup with a million cotton pads.
That’s why this Cleanse & Polish captured my heart – it’s suuuper convenient. Just apply two pumps onto your dry makeup-full face and it’ll melt away everything in a tick.
Oh and the best bit? There’s zero waste as you don’t need to use disposable wipes or cotton pads!
After a cheaper alternative? See my below recommendation from The Body Shop… You can thank me later.
– Lia Mappoura, Beauty Writer
Water Bank Gel Moisturiser
Moisturising when you have super oily skin can somewhat feel counterintuitive – I getchu. But (!!) it is super important to keep hydrated (even those of us with oily skin); If not, your skin may produce even more sebum, and we don’t want that.
So, with that in mind, fellow greasy gals may want to try out this moisturiser as it adds just enough hydration to the skin to keep it feeling youthful and bouncy, yet doesn’t at all feel greasy or heavy.
Laneige, I am now on my third tub and scouting out which of your products I can fall in love with next! You really did your big one with this Water Bank Gel Moisturiser.
– Lia Mappoura, Beauty Writer
Cicaplast Balm B5 Multi-Purpose Repairing Balm
I’ve lost count of how many dermatologists have recommended this balm to me. It’s brilliant at soothing irritations and dryness, the smart formula works to repair the skin’s barrier, creating the perfect environment for damaged skin to heal.
It can be used on the face and body, and is incredibly gentle on sensitive complexions. These days I’m never without a tube on hand for soothing any skin flare ups.
– Victoria Jowett, former Beauty Director
Camomile Sumptuous Makeup Cleansing Butter
Ever since hitting my 20s, I’ve become lazier than ever. And removing my makeup at the end of a long day is one of my most hated chores. Don’t get me wrong, I will, no doubt, do it every single time. But will I enjoy it? That’s a different story.
That said, since discovering The Body Shop’s Cleansing Butter, said chore has become a little less daunting. On a dry, full face of makeup, I massage in a coin-sized amount of the butter and rinse off with warm water and a hot flannel. I then do a second ‘face wash’ cleanse and follow it by applying the rest of my skincare serums and moisturiser.
I mean, ain’t nobody got time to faff around with cotton wool pads. Do it all at the sink and be done with it! That’s what I say, anyway… Oh, and for £13. Hell. Yes.
– Lia Mappoura, Beauty Writer
Peptides & Antioxidants Advanced Firming Daily Treatment
It’s very, very rare that I find a skincare product I instantly fall in love with, but Allies of Skin Peptides & Antioxidants Advanced Firming Daily Treatment might just be my soul mate. Seriously, it is so good.
After a couple of days of use, it soothed my stubbornly red-tinged cheeks and after a few weeks, my skin is clearer and brighter. Plus, it’s made a big difference to the texture issues (hi, pores and fine lines) I had been struggling with across my forehead.
With everything from Vitamin C to peptides, this moisturiser-meets-serum is perfect if you want glowier, healthier skin (fast).
– Victoria Jowett, former Beauty Director
Ceramidin Cream
I love this moisturiser so much I’ve written an entire dedicated feature on it.
I am religious about keeping my skin barrier protected and this is one of the few moisturisers I can always rely on. As soon as I apply it my face feels like it’s having a duvet day and everything instantly feels better. Plus the thicker cream texture makes it the perfect hydrator for autumn/winter when you want some extra protection.
– Laura Capon, former Deputy Beauty Editor
Oat Cleansing Balm
Once upon a time, I got a bit overexcited with some exfoliating formulas and was left with very angry, irritated, red skin. Anything I put on my face stung – until I tried this.
It’s formulated with oat kernel oil and colloidal oatmeal, both of which hydrate skin but, most importantly, soothe and calm signs of irritation. As well as a cleanser, you can apply a layer on skin and leave for 10 minutes for a quick face mask moment – something that I think helped a lot.
– Hanna Ibraheem, former Deputy Beauty Editor
Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant – Trial Size
As someone who has incredibly oily skin, I have long been on the hunt for something that can reduce the slick. And seeing as this BHA Liquid Exfoliant has one of my favourite ingredients as its key component, aka salicylic acid, I’m not too surprised that I quickly fell in love!
I use it every day in my PM routine after cleansing and before serums and moisturiser.
– Lia Mappoura, Beauty Writer
Vitamin C Gel Cream
Before I tried this, I wasn’t on the vitamin C bandwagon. Loads of products I tried had the super-ingredient in it but I just didn’t see how it enhanced my skin.
But after using this gel cream for a few months I noticed how much my skin was glowing before I’d even put on makeup. It was the product that made me feel more confident to go out sans base product.
– Keeks Reid, Beauty Director
Superdrops™ Brightening Niacinamide (10%)
Member price: £30
Spots followed by post-inflammatory pigmentation is a skincare issue I face on a monthly basis. However, this niacinamide-rich serum from Beauty Pie was a game-changer for me and even cut my monthly breakouts by half – no small feat, trust me.
I adore this so much, I even wrote a lengthy love letter to it which you can read here.
– Charlotte Bitmead, former Senior Beauty Writer
Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum
I’m all about a sun-kissed glow, it’s such a great way to even out the complexion and fake a fresh-face – even if you’re surviving on little-to-no sleep (which, with a teething one-year-old, is something I truly understand).
Tan Luxe have concocted the perfect potion to give skin a subtle, natural-looking bronze. It’s also packed with added hyaluronic acid for hydration, and as someone who is forever trying to simplify my life, I love a skincare multitasker.
– Victoria Jowett, former Beauty Director
Micellar Hyaluronic Aloe Water
I have used Garnier’s micellar waters since they launched and I honestly don’t think you can top them when it comes to price and affordability.
They remove your makeup far quicker than any wipe ever could, don’t irritate my eyes and one bottle lasts me ages. I recently switched to this Hyaluronic Aloe version for a change as I’m a sucker for anything ‘soothing’.
– Laura Capon, former Deputy Beauty Editor
Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50
In terms of texture, this is the nicest SPF I have ever applied and trust me when I say it will make you look forward to applying your suncream every morning.I discovered this after meeting Jin Kwon, the founder of Korean beauty retailer Tonic 15 and I have never looked back.
– Laura Capon, former Deputy Beauty Editor
The Dewy Skin Cream
Tatcha has long been on my ‘must-buy’ list, but for many years the elusive brand was only available in the US. Thankfully, Space NK have saved me (and my Avios points) by bringing the brand over here to the UK.
Of all their products, my favourite has to be The Dewy Skin Cream. As someone with permanently dry skin, this wonder moisturiser does just what it says on the tub, gives a dewy glow to even parched complexions.
– Victoria Jowett, former Beauty Director
Gentle Skin Cleanser Wash
If, like me, you have sensitive, blemish-prone skin, then look no further than this Cetaphil cleanser. It’s gentle enough not to irritate the face yet still firm enough to remove any dirt or excess oil from the skin.
So, do feel free to use it twice daily. Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, meaning it won’t cause those pesky under-the-skin bumps. Hallelujah!
– Lia Mappoura, Beauty Writer
Calming Serum
Ok, hear me out, I know that this is a LOT of money to spend on skincare, but this is one of the best serums I’ve ever used (and trust me, I don’t say that lightly).
Why? Because every time my skin freaks out, this serum calms it down asap. From hormonal breakouts to redness, dry patches or texture issues, this soothing formula contains an active, plant-based complex that calms skin, taking down redness and reducing irritation.
– Victoria Jowett, former Beauty Director
Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Serum
With continued use, this genuinely makes your skin look like you’ve only drank water and eaten greens for a month.
The hyaluronic acid sits in two different molecular sizes; the bigger of the two plumps the surface and the smaller ones penetrate the skin barrier to work from within… it’s all very techy. I just love how dewy my skin looks tbh.
– Keeks Reid, Beauty Director
Vitamin Enriched Face Base
I use to steal this from my mum’s dresser when I lived at home (sorry, mum) and I still love it years later. It’s just the silkiest moisturiser that makes a fab base for makeup.
It’s especially great for dry skin– I hate when makeup clings to dry patches or doesn’t blend properly and this eliminates that.
– Keeks Reid, Beauty Director
Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defence SPF 30
I’ve tried so many sunscreens in my mission to find one that doesn’t break me out. From oil-free to all-natural, they all seem to give me those tiny under-the-skin bumps. That was until I found this ah-mazing formula by Drunk Elephant.
Free from essential oils, drying alcohols, silicones, chemical screens, fragrance/dyes and SLS, this SPF kept my skin happy and breakout-free.
– Victoria Jowett, former Beauty Director
Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
In the mornings I always wash my face before I hop in the shower and then I do my skincare afterwards. Not really sure when I developed this bizarre routine but it works.
This is the perfect morning cleanser for me because it leaves skin feeling fresh as it foams but doesn’t leave your face feeling tighter than your favourite jeans post-lockdown in between washing it and applying my serum.
– Keeks Reid, Beauty Director
Vinopure Blemish Control Salicylic Serum
I credit this serum with clearing up my acne after a good 12 years. It comes at it from a prevent and repair approach, with salicylic acid to unclog and tighten pores, and niacinamide for evening the complexion. If there’s one thing it taught me, it’s that the best ways to target spots, often don’t target the actual spots at all.
Now my skin is pretty much clear, this serum’s taken a back seat, but if I do go into a breakout period, this is the first thing I reach for to stop it in its tracks.
– Elena Chabo, former Beauty Writer
Moringa Cleansing Balm with Cleansing Cloth
What can I say? This is a cult classic for a reason. Not only is it the best-smelling skincare product I’ve ever used (seriously, it makes my bathroom smell like a fancy spa) but it also manages to dissolve even the most stubborn of mascaras and leaves my dry skin feeling perfectly quenched after cleansing.
I’ve gone through more tubs of this stuff than I can count over the decade I’ve been using it, so I can safely say I’m hooked.
– Charlotte Bitmead, former Senior Beauty Writer
Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+
SPFs always got a bad rep for feeling heavy, drying and leaving a white cast – but this Ultra Violette formula dispels all those myths.
It feels lightweight and comfortable on skin, actually hydrates skin and contains antioxidants Kakadu plum and vitamin C to protect skin against environmental stressors aaaaall while shielding skin against damaging UVA and UVB rays. Plus, it looks great sitting on the bathroom shelf.
– Hanna Ibraheem, former Deputy Beauty Editor
Blemish + Age Defense
I’ve been having some issues with texture recently, every morning I’d wake up with teeny-tiny little blemishes and those annoying under-the-skin spots across my jawline and lower cheeks.
That was until I started using this serum. It’s totally decongested my skin, leaving it smooth and bump/blemish-free. It’s non-drying, so perfect if you have sensitive skin but want an effective anti-blemish treatment.
– Victoria Jowett, former Beauty Director
£110.00 at skinceuticals.co.uk
Calm Rescue and Repair Intensive Moisturiser
If you have sensitive, dry, inflamed, red skin, this little beauty will calm and soothe, while also repairing the skin, and strengthening your skin barrier. My skin however is none of those things.
I’m not boasting, it’s relevant to my point. Intense moisturisers often feel overwhelming for my skin, without much success, but I reach for this with joy in the evenings, balmy and surprisingly lightweight, it feels so nice to apply, and I can feel my skin thanking me. It’s not just hydration, my skin’s improved all-round, looking better than ever, and I’m putting it down to this.
– Elena Chabo, former Beauty Writer
The Original 101 Ointment
Whether it’s autumn, winter, spring or summer, I’m a year-long sufferer of dry lips and this is one of the few products that has ever made a difference.
It’s made with medical-grade lanolin, an ingredient which can hold 400% of its weight in moisture and delivers intense hydration to lips. But that’s not all – it’s a multipurpose product, so it can also be used on cuticles, dry patches of skin, dry elbows and even as a nipple cream. Talk about an all-rounder, ey?
– Hanna Ibraheem, former Deputy Beauty Editor
Transform Plus PHAT Glow Facial
I’m a huge fan of using exfoliating acids in my skincare and PHAs are gentle acids that work at sloughing off dead skin to reveal the glowy, illuminated skin beneath.
I’m used to the more potent AHAs that we have in our skincare in things like serums and toners so I was sceptical about the effectiveness at first. But, this mask really does work wonders, when I wash it off my skin looks so much brighter and plump.
– Keeks Reid, Beauty Director
Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum
I’ve never met a Murad product I didn’t like, and this one just took the top spot.
Vitamin C is a tricky ingredient to bottle effectively, but this one is gold-stabilised (fancy) and teamed with dead-skin-slaying glycolic acid for a brighter, healthier-looking complexion. My skin looked improved within days of using it and I don’t plan on stopping.
– Cassie Powney, former Beauty Editor
Soy Face Cleanser
If you want a cleanser that removes everything, from makeup to dirt and excess oil, this is for you.
The low-foam formula dissolves impurities and leaves the complexion feeling clean – without stinging your eyes or leaving your skin dry and tight. It’s perfect if you don’t fancy faffing around with multiple makeup removers and just want a one-stop shop.
– Victoria Jowett, former Beauty Director
Hello FAB Coconut Water Cream 50ml
If there’s one product that I will forever love, it’s this lightweight coconut-scented face moisturiser.
I hate to keep banging on about it but I do have very oily skin and when it comes to moisturising, I don’t want to feel like my skin is suffocating under a bed of cream. That’s why I prefer a gel-like consistency when it comes to my skincare, hence my admiration for this product.
– Lia Mappoura, Beauty Writer
Vinoclean Micellar Cleansing Water
This is such a lush micellar water if you are looking beyond the drugstore. It’s made from organic grape water and removes all signs of makeup so well on all skin types.
When I’m doing a light face beat, I find it so effective as a first cleanse that there’s no remanence on my flannel on my second.
– Keeks Reid, Beauty Director
Smoothing Cleanser
Sometimes, I have to push my magpie tendencies to one side and accept that the product in the fugly bottle is The One. Case in Point: this frill-free gel cleanser, offering three types of ceramides and a gentle foaming action to remove dirt.
I love it because it feels gentle enough to lather all over my face (including my sensitive eyes), and leaves my skin feeling clean and refreshed without any tightness. The dream.
– Cassie Powney, former Beauty Editor
Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer SPF30
As someone with dehydrated skin, I often find that SPF moisturisers are not hydrating enough for me and I need to apply them separately – until I met Hydra Vizor.
It’s so lightly creamy and the soft pink formula really blends into my skin well (ashiness is a real worry for melanin-rich skin). It’s love.
– Keeks Reid, Beauty Director
Why trust ‘Cosmopolitan’?
OK, so I know it may sound hard to believe, but everyone mentioned in this article, their full-time, 9-5 job is to test beauty products… I know, cool, right? And most of us (I speak for the collective Cosmo girlie) have been doing this for over five years. Mind = blown.
That knowledge, combined with the differences in our skin types and concerns, makes for a powerhouse of recommendations, even if I do say so myself. Trust me, we don’t take this lightly and are always thinking of our readers in mind when we’re testing out new formulas, speaking to beauty founders and/or interviewing dermatologists/skincare experts!
So, whether you’ve got oily, dry, textured, red, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, there’s an A1 product rec for you. But as always, if you are struggling with your skin, please do seek professional advice from a doctor or dermatologist <3.
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