These beauty buys have changed my skin

OK, OK, I stole one of them. But just one.

The momentous day when Marlene confirmed that my skin did not suck. Thank you Marlene. And the products below.

Photos throughout (except Diptyque) by Sarah Siddell @the_social_tea_

Every Thursday, make-up artist Marlene Andersson does my face before I film Palace Confidential, the royal news show I host. She’s been doing it week in and week out for about nine months now. And just the other day was the first time she didn’t say my skin was a bit dry: the 10-minute wind-whipped walk to the studio, right alongside the River Thames, means I never arrive with the dewiest of faces, no. But it’s fair to say, hydrating my menopausal skin is a full-time job. But the other day, Marlene said my skin felt great! Smooth! Plump! Beautifully hydrated!

I am convinced it’s down to a new brand in my skincare arsenal and specifically two products. 

Last time I did a little round-up of my beauty favourites, it broke the internet. Of course that’s a lie but it’s easily one of my most popular Substack columns, which took me by surprise. But, now I have a genuine personal skin miracle to share so I’m going to do you another round-up of new things that I love. Or more specifically, my skin seems to.

First up, the miracle. 

Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil

Miracles don’t come cheap it seems. I know. But well, for a miracle, it’s not outrageous. Don’t be alarmed when you squirt out something the colour of Fairy Liquid and start massaging it into your face. This retinoid oil has a gorgeous smell and absorbs beautifully. I thought I could feel  - and see - a difference in my skin in the mornings but to have a professional (and one who is often direct about the state of your skin) confirm it, is all the convincing I need. This is now a must-have for me.

And then each day I put this serum under moisturiser.

Sunday Riley C.E.O. Vitamin C Brightening Serum

The claims to brighten skin and even out pigmentation and fine lines are pretty bang on. I don’t know if it’s using the combination of these two products or not, but I have been using them for around six weeks now and I’m seriously impressed. 

Some more things I’ve been loving

Necessaire The Body Wash

I’ve been really impressed with this brand since I discovered it a couple of years ago. I think in all honesty I fell in love with the packaging first. Minimal packaging classes up a shower. Even when said shower could really do with a scrub itself. 

But this body wash is luxey and so a tiny bit goes a long way. I like that it has a very light, neutral scent because I much prefer my perfume to get all the air-time. 

This is my favourite perfume and I get complimented on it by strangers at least twice a day:

Diptyque Eau Des Sens

Emma Lewisham Illuminating Body Oil

Oh my god. This stuff. I am always on the hunt for new and exciting ways to self tan. This, when you first pump it out, looks a bit alarming. It’s quite dark (my natural skin colour is several shades paler than the white of the screen you’re currently looking at), so I waited until I had a good two days of being able to hide away from polite society to give it a go. Friends, it’s phenomenal. Great one for a night out, it has a tiny hint of shimmer in it. Use a mitt to glide it on and what comes out alarmingly terracotta glides into a pleasing sun-kissed look. It’s coming to LA with me. 

Estrid Watermelon Jelly

This stuff is gorgeous. I discovered it when doing an item about getting your legs ready to face summer on Lorraine Kelly and when we were done with filming, I nicked it. Super-moisturising, vegan-formula gel that lathers beautifully into a brilliant shaving gel.  

Beauty Pie Superdose Vitamin C

I can’t not mention this body lotion. I’m a big fan of the super-clean smelling Super Healthy Skin Deluxe Body Moisturiser Cream. And now I’ve discovered this one with a lovely hit of Vitamin C to firm and brighten. It really feels great, absorbs well and you don’t need tons, I don’t know what more you would want from a body lotion. 

Also: Beauty Pie Soul Providers

Heavenly smell (lemongrass and black pepper), effective smoother. Honestly, I had my years of scepticism about a beauty club membership but I’ve yet to meet a product from Beauty Pie that didn’t deliver. THIS IS NOT AN AD. I’m just a genuine convert. 

Tell me your recommendations. What beauty products are you loving? Soon I will do a piece on what I’m packing for holiday and also I’ll get into make-up with you all soon.