With all the new spring launches landing on our desks by the day and some really interesting new entries in for our 4th annual beauty awards this March, it’s time to let the cat(s) out of the bag(s) and share the creams of the new crop. We definitely rate and have tested every one, so if you’re in the mood for a skincare switch, here are four that made this month’s shortlist…
THE CREAMS
PURELOGICOL’s Super Antioxidant Moisturiser SPF15 £57
Why we love it: With a useful SPF 15, it’s collagen-boosting, glossy, lightweight, really comfortable on and packed with nano-vitamins and Trylagen. The active peptides and proteins in Trylagen are clinically proven to boost collagen types I, III and IV.
Purelogicol report that in clinical studies use of this cream revealed a 128% increase of collagen I synthesis after 15 days and an 81% increase of collagen IV synthesis. Also contains hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the best things you could put on your skin, as is a natural moisture retainer, so it actively helps prevent dehydration. Mineral-rich bladderwrack seaweed extracts are in the formula, too, and another big plus is that it absorbs really quickly.
Ideal for dry, more mature skin and we love the beautiful, natural scent.
Essential oils include: Basil oil, bergamot oil BF, caraway seed, cardamom oil, citral natural, coriander oil, cypress oil, lavandin oil abrailis, lemon oil, lime oil distilled, nutmeg oil, orange oil, orange terpenes, black pepper oil, rosemary oil, black tea and thyme oil.
NEW: AVEDA’S NEW BOTANICAL KINETICS SOFT CREME £35
Why we love it: Superb texture. Light, glossy, feels great on and Aveda say it promotes a dewy complexion (it does). Out this month, Botanicals Kinetics Soft Creme ticks a lot of boxes, not least price-wise and this cream is a perfect example that proves you don’t need anything heavy if you’re looking for ‘extended hydration factor’ – it’s super-light but hard working.
One to look at if your skin struggles with retaining its radiance factor in the winter months and could do with a “leg up” pre-spring and so comfortable on you’ll want to wear it all summer, too.
THE SERUM
RAJEUNIR’s 5-in-1 MOISTURE SERUM £42
Another product that feels incredibly comfortable on, this super-light (thanks to its aqua, coconut, aloe and glycerin formulation) hardworking serum does a lot more than you might expect…
Why we love it: Formulated by a chemist, if you hate a cluttered bathroom cabinet or if your makeup bag is bursting at the seams, this serum happily doubles up as an eye treatment, day and night moisturiser, and a primer, so it’s superb as a makeup base.
I also think it would suit pretty much every skin type (and age). Ingredients include honey from the nectar of flowers and they make for interesting reading, have a look HERE
This is a serum worth a good look at as we move into spring if you normally switch to something less heavy as winter fades and if you prefer a more glycerine-based product v. an oil-based serum. Contains coconut, aloe, grape seed oil, pomegranate, calendula, horse chestnut and more plant actives.
THE DAILY SPF30 YOU’LL FEEL NAKED WITHOUT
NEW: DR MURAD’S AGE-BALANCING MOISTURISER SPF30 | PA +++
Another new launch for these winter-into-spring months is Dr. Murad’s day moisturiser, which actually feels like a cream-serum hybrid and yes, it’s another lightweight, super-comfortable formula!
Why we love it: You have to love a day moisturiser with an SPF30 in it and what’s more it was designed to help skin retain moisture over 24 hours so it’s “got legs”.
The star of the show here (which also features in Dr. Murad’s new Age-Balancing Serum) is the intriguingly named Resurrection Plant (also called Rose of Jericho) which grows in desert climates and is super-hardy. It completely “rejuvenates” itself and blooms when given water – watch this fascinating time-lapse video and see it in action.
Shea butter and natural fruit oils help boost hydration and radiance and you’ll get so used to the SPF30 protection veiled in this super light, comfortable formula that you’ll forget you’re wearing anything but you’ll feel naked without it. And in case you’re wondering what PA+++ means, it’s a Japanese/Korean sun protection rating, PA+ and PA++ being weaker, so PA+++ will keep you well protected.
£59.50 at Murad.co.uk (good offer on at the moment!)
