Makeup or skincare? No need to choose

Nothing sits as long on or as close to your skin as makeup. Yet, for the longest time, most makeup products were created with zero benefit to the skin. Thankfully, that is changing. There are now mascaras that condition and strengthen your lashes, lipsticks infused with peptides and hyaluronic acid, and foundations, like Laura Mercier’s latest, which is chock full of antioxidants that treat everything from fine lines to dark spots. You shouldn’t have to compromise on skincare for a bit of colour.

1. Laura Mercier Real Flawless Foundation £38, johnlewis.com
2. Benefit Goof Proof Brow Powder £19.50, benefit.com
3. Kylie Cosmetics Kylash Volume Mascara £23, boots.com
4. Huda Beauty Lipblush: Creamy Lip & Cheek Stain £21, hudabeauty.com
5. Bobbi Brown Extra Tint Lip £30, bobbibrown.co.uk

I can’t do without… QMS Medicosmetics cleansing lotion

I love facials. Not the pathetic options that you could probably achieve by washing your own face and lying in a dark room to the sound of whale music. No, I mean the kind of facial that actually does stuff: where you touch your face afterwards and your fingers glide across your skin; where you look in the mirror and the glow is off the chart and you discover that stubborn blackhead that has been hanging around like an unwelcome guest has suddenly disappeared. These are the extraordinary facials you get with QMS. If you haven’t heard of them, no matter: even in the beauty industry they are very much an ‘if-you-know-you-know’ kind of brand. It is a high-performance skincare line founded by trauma surgeon Dr Erich Schulte whose research discovered the healing powers of collagen. This is at the core of QMS. The facials are bespoke so the specialist simply analyses your skin and gets to work. Everything from pigmentation issues to congestion is dealt with, but unlike a lot of targeted facials, it doesn’t feel brutal. Instead everything, from the cleansing to the liquid mask that turns to jelly to the exquisite facial massage, is gentle and, 60 minutes later, you look in the mirror and you are blown away. The effects – clearer, plumper, brighter and smoother skin – are immediate and, what’s more, they last. Keep up the good work at home with QMS Deep Gentle Cleanser, £50 – it’s a dream. £120, libertylondon.com

On my radar… All the soothing solutions your skin could need

Breakout remedy This brand was created to deal with acne-prone skin and their latest offering, a serum that exfoliates, hydrates and brightens while preventing breakouts, is excellent. Carbon Theory Succinic Acid and Niacinamide Acid Resurfacing Serum, £13, carbontheory.com

Whatever you need Need hydration? Skin barrier strengthening? Brightening? Well whatever your skin requires, Violette FR has a serum to tackle all the above and more. Violette FR Rescue Serums, £48 or £231 for a set of 5, violettefr.com

Lasting value For those desperately seeking a solution to thirsty skin, this lightweight serum might just be the answer. It not only boosts hydration but protects skin from water loss so that the effect is long-term. Oskia Isotonic Hydra Serum, £64, oskiaskincare.com

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