I'm all for youth-preservation. And now that I'm in my twenties, I've been gearing my focus to skincare that's going to maintain my youth for as long as possible! Today I'm sharing some of my very favourite anti-aging products with you - everything from retinols to peptides, masks to cleansers, these are the products that form the cornerstones of my skincare routines - so read on for my picks!
DARPHIN YOUTHFUL RADIANCE CAMELLIA MASK
This dreamy, creamy face mask includes Camellia, Ximenia and Meadowfoam seed oils, incredibly rich in unsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, which contribute to keeping the skin looking youthful, elastic and firm. And don't think that's all you get either - there's the inclusion of peptides, pomegranate and olive extracts, caffeine and adenosine to bolster the seed oil's anti-aging effects, as well as shea butter and hyaluronic acid to deeply hydrate and moisturise. Camellia oil is one of my absolute favourites for skin, and a lot of my favourite skincare products contain it. I find a generous layer of this mask works best, as you'll find some of it absorbs into the skin whilst on your face. I've loved using it after an exfoliating mask like my beloved Oskia Renaissance mask. Unlike some 1-time-wonder masks, I think this one really shines bright from continued use, I've seen such an improvement in elasticity after around a month.
Ingredients
Aqua, Ximenia Americana Seed Oil, Myreth-3 Myristate Glyceryl Stearate, Peg-100 Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Talc, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Kaolin, Pentylene Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii Shea Butter, Cetearyl Alcohol, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Camellia Kissi Seed Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Linoleic Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Hyaluronic Acid, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Extract, Chamomila Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat Bran) Extract, Caffeine, Cholesterol, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Tridecyl Stearate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Tridecyl Trimellitate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Cetearyl Glucoside, Glycerin, Adenosine Phosphate, Dipentaerythrityl Hexacaprylate/Hexacaprate, Hectorite, Sodium Hyaluronate, Stearic Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Palmitic Acid, Silica, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Citrate, Sodium Stearate, Tetrasodium Edta, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Mica.
ORDINARY 'BUFFET'
The Ordinary have brought us a complete line of pared back, simple skincare products that promise to offer you significant results should you know what you're doing with them. One of my favourite items I've so far tried from them is the Buffet serum. For under £13, you get a formula including 6 peptides, totaling a concentration of just over 25%, in a base of 11 amino acids. Peptides have a beneficial effect in rebuilding skin and it's resilience, and in my experience, I've found them beneficial if you can exhibit a little consistency and use a well-formulated peptide product continuously. I particularly like the Buffet's texture, it's got a light, 'gloopy' formula that feels really hydrating, without being sticky, and leaves my skin soft and plump.
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Trehalose, Fructose, Glucose, Maltose, Urea, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sodium Lactate, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
ORDINARY ADVANCED RETINOID 2%
Retinols are just about the only ingredient with proven anti-aging effects so I think when you're starting to think about preserving those years, it's essential to add a variation to your routine. One of their two retinol products, the Advanced Retinoid 2% (costing less than £10 which seems pleasantly bonkers) contains the more stable, retinyl ester Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, the same ingredient in Sunday Riley's Luna and the Pestle & Mortar Superstar which I'll talk about more below. I think the beauty of a serum/emulsion formula, is that this product works so well alongside your other skincare items, making it a great retinol to layer in your evening routine. My typical routine when using this serum is the Buffet first for a hit of peptides, followed by the Advanced Retinoid 2%, finishing with camellia oil or sometimes rosehip for antioxidants and to moisturise - this combo is just brilliant.
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Ethyl Linoleate, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Bisabolol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cetyl Palmitate, Sucrose Laurate, Polysorbate 20, Behentrimonium Chloride, Potassium Citrate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
The Ordinary have brought us a complete line of pared back, simple skincare products that promise to offer you significant results should you know what you're doing with them. One of my favourite items I've so far tried from them is the Buffet serum. For under £13, you get a formula including 6 peptides, totaling a concentration of just over 25%, in a base of 11 amino acids. Peptides have a beneficial effect in rebuilding skin and it's resilience, and in my experience, I've found them beneficial if you can exhibit a little consistency and use a well-formulated peptide product continuously. I particularly like the Buffet's texture, it's got a light, 'gloopy' formula that feels really hydrating, without being sticky, and leaves my skin soft and plump.
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Lactococcus Ferment Lysate, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Pentapeptide-18, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38, Dipeptide Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide Diacetate, Acetylarginyltryptophyl Diphenylglycine, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Sodium Hyaluronate, Allantoin, Glycine, Alanine, Serine, Valine, Isoleucine, Proline, Threonine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Arginine, Aspartic Acid, Trehalose, Fructose, Glucose, Maltose, Urea, Sodium PCA, PCA, Sodium Lactate, Citric Acid, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Sodium Chloride, Sodium Hydroxide, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Acacia Senegal Gum, Xanthan Gum, Carbomer, Polysorbate 20, PPG-26-Buteth-26, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Ethoxydiglycol, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
ORDINARY ADVANCED RETINOID 2%
Retinols are just about the only ingredient with proven anti-aging effects so I think when you're starting to think about preserving those years, it's essential to add a variation to your routine. One of their two retinol products, the Advanced Retinoid 2% (costing less than £10 which seems pleasantly bonkers) contains the more stable, retinyl ester Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, the same ingredient in Sunday Riley's Luna and the Pestle & Mortar Superstar which I'll talk about more below. I think the beauty of a serum/emulsion formula, is that this product works so well alongside your other skincare items, making it a great retinol to layer in your evening routine. My typical routine when using this serum is the Buffet first for a hit of peptides, followed by the Advanced Retinoid 2%, finishing with camellia oil or sometimes rosehip for antioxidants and to moisturise - this combo is just brilliant.
Ingredients
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Ethyl Linoleate, Propanediol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Bisabolol, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinol, Tasmannia Lanceolata Fruit/Leaf Extract, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Glyceryl Stearate, Ceteareth-12, Ceteareth-20, Cetearyl Alcohol, Carrageenan, Xanthan Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum, Cetyl Palmitate, Sucrose Laurate, Polysorbate 20, Behentrimonium Chloride, Potassium Citrate, Trisodium Ethylenediamine Disuccinate, Disodium EDTA, Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzoic Acid, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.
PURELOGICOL TRI-PEPTIDE CLEANSER
If I'm perfectly honest, I've never attributed too much time and effort on buying cleansers. Something that gets all my makeup off without stripping my skin was about my only concern, but more recently I've really been enjoying turning the cleansing part of my routine into a bit of a ritual - spending as long as I can muster really massaging the product around my face. Purelogicol (their motto, Beauty Starts From Within, really resonates with me) were kind enough to send over their Tri-Peptide Cleanser and I can't say I didn't get a little more excited when I saw the packaging - #aestheticgoals (and it's possibly just me that gets that little bit giddy about the nicely rounded off corners on the square bottle?). The Tri-Peptide Cleanser is a cream cleanser with a really silky consistency that makes it a pleasure to use on the skin. I'll admit I was dubious as to whether this would remove makeup thoroughly but it absolutely does - every last scrap of waterproof whatever is gone. What I love most about this cleanser is just how gentle it is on my skin, yet it still removes makeup the way it does, it's almost witchcraftery-level. After cleansing, my skin feels noticeably softer, calm and balanced. Within my collection, I'd say this was comparable to Oskia's Renaissance and the Purlisse cleanser, but I think I like this one just pips them to top spot.
Ingredients
Aqua, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice bran Polyglyceryl-3 esters, Sweet Almond Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Sclerotium Gum, Oleyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Benzyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Bladderwrack Extract, Sodium Citrate, Carrageenan Extract, Rooibos Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Bamboo Stem Powder, Tocopherol, Isopropyl Myristate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Lemon Leaf/Peel/Stem Oil, Basil Flower/Leaf Extract, Bergamot Leaf Oil, Cardamom Seed Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Italian Cypress Oil, Galbanum Resin Oil, Ginger Root, 3-Hexenol, Lime Peel Extract, Mandarin Orange Peel Oil, Nutmeg Extract, Bitter Orange Peel Extract, Bitter Orange, Rosemary Stem Extract, Clary Oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Faex Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Dimer Tripeptide-43, Limonene, Linalool, Citral.
If I'm perfectly honest, I've never attributed too much time and effort on buying cleansers. Something that gets all my makeup off without stripping my skin was about my only concern, but more recently I've really been enjoying turning the cleansing part of my routine into a bit of a ritual - spending as long as I can muster really massaging the product around my face. Purelogicol (their motto, Beauty Starts From Within, really resonates with me) were kind enough to send over their Tri-Peptide Cleanser and I can't say I didn't get a little more excited when I saw the packaging - #aestheticgoals (and it's possibly just me that gets that little bit giddy about the nicely rounded off corners on the square bottle?). The Tri-Peptide Cleanser is a cream cleanser with a really silky consistency that makes it a pleasure to use on the skin. I'll admit I was dubious as to whether this would remove makeup thoroughly but it absolutely does - every last scrap of waterproof whatever is gone. What I love most about this cleanser is just how gentle it is on my skin, yet it still removes makeup the way it does, it's almost witchcraftery-level. After cleansing, my skin feels noticeably softer, calm and balanced. Within my collection, I'd say this was comparable to Oskia's Renaissance and the Purlisse cleanser, but I think I like this one just pips them to top spot.
Ingredients
Aqua, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice bran Polyglyceryl-3 esters, Sweet Almond Oil, Olive Fruit Oil, Sclerotium Gum, Oleyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Palmitate, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Olivate, Benzyl Alcohol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Butylene Glycol, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Bladderwrack Extract, Sodium Citrate, Carrageenan Extract, Rooibos Extract, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Bamboo Stem Powder, Tocopherol, Isopropyl Myristate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Lemon Leaf/Peel/Stem Oil, Basil Flower/Leaf Extract, Bergamot Leaf Oil, Cardamom Seed Oil, Cedarwood Oil, Italian Cypress Oil, Galbanum Resin Oil, Ginger Root, 3-Hexenol, Lime Peel Extract, Mandarin Orange Peel Oil, Nutmeg Extract, Bitter Orange Peel Extract, Bitter Orange, Rosemary Stem Extract, Clary Oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Faex Extract, Sodium Benzoate, Dimer Tripeptide-43, Limonene, Linalool, Citral.
TROIAREUKE SKIN COMPLEX FORMULA
Antioxidants I feel are another cornerstone to preserving a youthful complexion, and in fact, to good skin in general. A hydrating facial mist is probably my favourite way to make sure I'm getting my antioxidant quota into my daily routine as their spritz-and-go nature is so quick and easy. This one from Troiareuke (see more on this and the other Troiareuke products I tried out recently in this post) is possibly one of my favourites ever. With over 15 botanical extracts, for a strong antioxidant effect, as well as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide, it's refreshing, light, hydrating and gentle. It's got more substance than water, so leaves my skin feeling so plump, akin to applying a really hydrating serum or cream. A secondary benefit but it smells divine too.
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Japanese Red Pine Bark Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Camomile Flower Extract, Jasmine Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Satsuma Mandarin Peel Extract, Saururus Chinensis Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Chestnut Shell Extract, Salicornia Herbecea Extract, Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Grapefruit Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Betaine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, Calendula Flower Extract, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Perfume.
PESTLE & MORTAR SUPERSTAR RETINOL OIL
With clean, pure ingredients and very few fillers, I just think this retinol oil from Pestle and Mortar is a great quality product. And I find that the oil base not only provides it's own hydrating and anti-aging benefits, but it makes the use of retinols really carefree and easy - I find no hint of irritation, no redness, no peeling, or any other ailments when using this product. Lovely and lightweight, it's the perfect lazy-girl's option for the evening as I can use this alone and still wake up with plump, soft skin. Have a look at my full review here, including a comparison to Sunday Riley's Luna.
Ingredients
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Rosa Canina (Fruit) Oil*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil**, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Oil*, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinyl Palmitate, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil***, Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil**, Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu/Foraha) Seed Oil**, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil*, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tocopherol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil**, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil**.
*Cold Pressed | **Cold Pressed and Organic| ***Steam distilled
Antioxidants I feel are another cornerstone to preserving a youthful complexion, and in fact, to good skin in general. A hydrating facial mist is probably my favourite way to make sure I'm getting my antioxidant quota into my daily routine as their spritz-and-go nature is so quick and easy. This one from Troiareuke (see more on this and the other Troiareuke products I tried out recently in this post) is possibly one of my favourites ever. With over 15 botanical extracts, for a strong antioxidant effect, as well as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and niacinamide, it's refreshing, light, hydrating and gentle. It's got more substance than water, so leaves my skin feeling so plump, akin to applying a really hydrating serum or cream. A secondary benefit but it smells divine too.
Ingredients
Water, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Japanese Red Pine Bark Extract, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Rosa Centifolia Flower Extract, Camomile Flower Extract, Jasmine Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Hibiscus Flower Extract, Satsuma Mandarin Peel Extract, Saururus Chinensis Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Chestnut Shell Extract, Salicornia Herbecea Extract, Honeysuckle Flower Extract, Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract, Pulsatilla Koreana Extract, Grapefruit Fruit Extract, Niacinamide, Betaine, Hydroxyethylcellulose, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Propylene Glycol, Calendula Flower Extract, Tilia Cordata Flower Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Extract, Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Allantoin, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Disodium EDTA, Perfume.
PESTLE & MORTAR SUPERSTAR RETINOL OIL
With clean, pure ingredients and very few fillers, I just think this retinol oil from Pestle and Mortar is a great quality product. And I find that the oil base not only provides it's own hydrating and anti-aging benefits, but it makes the use of retinols really carefree and easy - I find no hint of irritation, no redness, no peeling, or any other ailments when using this product. Lovely and lightweight, it's the perfect lazy-girl's option for the evening as I can use this alone and still wake up with plump, soft skin. Have a look at my full review here, including a comparison to Sunday Riley's Luna.
Ingredients
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil*, Rosa Canina (Fruit) Oil*, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil**, Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Oil*, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Retinyl Palmitate, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Seed Oil***, Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin) Seed Oil**, Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu/Foraha) Seed Oil**, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil*, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Tocopherol, Calendula Officinalis Flower Oil**, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil**.
*Cold Pressed | **Cold Pressed and Organic| ***Steam distilled
SWANICOCO RH EGF PURE AMPOULE
So the eagle-eyed among you have probably spotted this next serum floating around into my Instagram flatlays fairly recently, and it's finally time to introduce the serum that is absolutely changing my skin-life at the moment. I know there's some debate as to whether EGF's or epidermal growth factors really work topically, and really increase cell turnover like they claim etc, but I generally go by the results I see on my own skin and this stuff is amazing. I've been trying to use it consistently twice a day, and my skin already feels and looks healthier, blemishes etc seem to be healing and vanishing faster and I'm just seeing an overall improvement in the condition of my skin that's really amazed me. I'll most likely be doing a followup on this serum, with a lot more info and some of my results, so let me know if you'd like to see more!
Ingredients
Rh-Oligopeptide-1 EGF (1ppm) 99%, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Carbomer, Arginine, Frankincense, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil.
So the eagle-eyed among you have probably spotted this next serum floating around into my Instagram flatlays fairly recently, and it's finally time to introduce the serum that is absolutely changing my skin-life at the moment. I know there's some debate as to whether EGF's or epidermal growth factors really work topically, and really increase cell turnover like they claim etc, but I generally go by the results I see on my own skin and this stuff is amazing. I've been trying to use it consistently twice a day, and my skin already feels and looks healthier, blemishes etc seem to be healing and vanishing faster and I'm just seeing an overall improvement in the condition of my skin that's really amazed me. I'll most likely be doing a followup on this serum, with a lot more info and some of my results, so let me know if you'd like to see more!
Ingredients
Rh-Oligopeptide-1 EGF (1ppm) 99%, Tocopheryl Acetate, Allantoin, Carbomer, Arginine, Frankincense, Rosa Damascena Flower Oil.
What are your favourite anti-aging winners?
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