Best beauty products I’ve discovered in the last 12 months
As you may already know, I test out lots of different beauty products every year, and I don’t impress easily. You only need to hear about the good stuff, right?
Time to look at some of the best beauty products I’ve discovered in the last 12 months, starting with skincare. We have a serum, a sunscreen and a moisturiser that I think represent excellent value for money so off we go.
Cosrx The 6 Peptide Skin Booster Serum | £23.00 for 150ml
This cult Korean beauty product is designed for general skin health, and it contains a whole lot more than a few peptides, despite the official name. That includes glycerin, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and acetyl glucosamine, to name just a few. The peptides have various functions, including soothing irritation, regulating the pores and supporting collagen.
It has a watery, hydrating texture and a little goes a long way. Regarding the price, most serums come in 30ml bottles, but this is a whopping 150ml and lasts for months and months. It’s a very nice all-rounder and what’s interesting is that I really notice the difference if I stop using it for a few days. It’s been designed for combination, normal, oily or acne prone skin types, and layers well with other products.
BUY AT >> Boots or Sephora UK
PG’s Tip: I see from reviews that many people with dry, dehydrated and/or mature skin have had good results from this serum too. Or you might prefer Bubble’s Waterslide Hydration Boosting Serum £18.00 for 30ml, Superdrug Me+ Milky Toner £9.00 for 200ml, or Geek & Gorgeous Power Peptides Serum £12.49 for 30ml.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+ | £15.50 for 50ml
I really like this new version of an old favourite sunscreen – it’s very light and water based, and I haven’t found it to block pores or have an alcohol sting like many other SPFs. It doesn’t seem to give a white cast, and sits nicely under makeup, plus it doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes (your mileage may vary, always do a patch test with any new product!)
This is a good everyday sunscreen designed for combination or oily skin types, and I think it would also work for most people with dehydrated, sensitive or normal skin too. For beach time or outdoor sports and hiking it’s probably better to use something waterproof instead, but I love this for regular office wear and weekend sun protection. It regularly turns up in discount offers and multi-buy deals, making it even better value.
BUY AT >> Boots or Lookfantastic or Sephora UK
[NB: please only buy your sunscreen from an established high street retailer – I’m absolutely convinced I was sent a fake by Amazon UK, and would never consider buying via eBay, Vinted or any other marketplace. If it looks too good to be true, it usually is.]
PGs Tip: Normal to slightly dry skin types might prefer the original Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice+Probiotics SPF50+, a gentle, more moisturising sunscreen.
The Beauty Crop Peptide Calm Balm | £12.00 for 75ml
This is a balm moisturiser, thicker than a lotion but thinner than the average cream, from a British brand best known for their cheap but great face powders and makeup primers. It has a lovely texture and it sinks in well without leaving a greasy residue, so it’s good under makeup. It also seems to work well at night with actives such as retinoids.
The ingredients include copper peptides, which gives it a slightly blue tint, but don’t worry because it disappears instantly on the skin. It’s a very well formulated moisturiser with lots of peptides, ceramides and other beneficial ingredients that are normally found in much more expensive products, so I’d say it’s a bit of a bargain.
BUY AT >> The Beauty Crop, or their official shop on Amazon
PG’s Tip: Other bestselling products from the range are the melting cleansing balm and the hydrating skin mist, both very popular for good reason. They’ve also just released a rich night cream that’s a thicker texture than the balm if you want something more emollient and hydrating.
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Full disclosure: These products are not supplied by PR companies, and I’m not working with any of these brands in any capacity, nor have I worked with them in the past. Honest reviews.
These are some of the best beauty products I’ve discovered in the last 12 months, and I’m sure there will be more skincare to tell you about in due course.
There’ll also be some new reviews of great value makeup coming next, so look out for those.
