Welcome back to BEAUTYDIRECTORY's monthly series – where each BD team member puts the latest must-have products to the test.
Last month we tried the beauty buys helping you to live greener – you can read that HERE. Next up? Winter must-have: A look at some of the best products doing their bit to keep us hydrated, happy and healthy during the cooler months.
Read our honest thoughts below, and why you should give these goodies a go yourself. After all, once you see the BD Tried & Tested badge, you know we've given it our stamp of approval.
For hi-res images, and further product information, click the brand name.
Sunday Riley LUNA Sleeping Night Oil - Aja
What we think: As a serum fanatic, I was so excited to try the LUNA Sleeping Night Oil from Sunday Riley – and it didn't disappoint. I found it worked wonders on any uneven texture and dryness I'm currently experiencing through winter, and also helped to calm the redness across my cheek area. If, like me, you're a fan of the Good Genes Lactic Acid Treatment, LUNA work perfectly underneath, as the most luxurious night time concoction.
La Roche-Posay Hyalu B5 Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Ageing Serum - Tiarne
What we think: This is just the serum my skin needed this winter! To my dismay, I recently discovered some dry patches on my cheeks that I just couldn’t get rid of. Thankfully, after using this for a few weeks, the dry patches have not only disappeared, but my overall complexion feels a lot smoother, more hydrated and just all around healthier. I have fairly sensitive skin, so I’m always a bit cautious about trying new products, however, I had absolutely nothing to fear – because this little guy has been a great way to bring some much-needed life back to my skin, without any annoying side effects.
Essano Certified Organic Hydrating Rosehip Oil - Sam
What we think: I am one of the many fans of this cult favourite rosehip oil and what's not to love with delicious ingredients like acai and vitamin E. I use this on my face, neck and decolletage every night to lock in my many layers of skincare and leave me looking like a glazed donut of self care.
Minenssey Body Lotion - Caitlin
What we think: Being right in the middle of winter, now was a perfect time to give myself some TLC and focus on hydrating my skin since this time of year my skin gets super dry. This body lotion was the perfect pick me up for my skin that I have been using it all month. Infused with essential oils of jasmine, honeysuckle and pink grapefruit, it gives off an incredible floral scent that smells divine. It is enriched with jojoba and macadamia nut oils in a lightweight moisturiser that absorbs well into the skin without any residue. I love that the design is in a classic chic white bottle that looks fantastic in my bathroom.
De Lorenzo Tricho Scalp Balance Trio Pack - Tam
What we think: I have been suffering from a dry scalp for months now and had tried a couple of products to no avail. Recently I got my hands on the De Lorenzo TRICHO Scalp Balance Pack, and frankly can't believe that I didn't know about it earlier. The pack contains a Scalp Balance Cleanser & Conditioner that are enriched with probiolitcs to reinforce the skin barrier and cleanse and nourish my scalp. There is also a leave in toner that relieves the scalp and restores balance using a herbal complex. Not to mention that the products are also sulphate and paraben free!
Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence SPF50 - Deb
What we think: Sunscreen is my religion, and I am a huge believer in SPF50 every day, even in the middle of winter! So I am always searching for the most lightweight SPF50, and the Invisible Zinc Sheer Defence does not disappoint. I don't wear makeup often, so I went for the untinted, which I would usually expect to have a thick texture that sits heavy on the skin, with that slightly reflective SPF look; but this product had a smooth creamy texture that blended well into my skin and with no strong smell it felt like I was wearing a plain moisturiser. Overall this is a great everyday product!
Kiehls Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum - Eleni
What we think: I love a good retinol in my regime and this one from Kiehl's is so effective with added benefits of cerimides and peptites to support skin moisture and health. It is gentle enough to use nightly with zero irritation or dryness. The pump bottle delivers enough product for your face and the retinol works to assist in anti-ageing by bringing new cells to the skin surface. I love incorporating this into my nightly skincare regime because I wake up with plump, smoother and more refined skin.
Jergens Ultra Healing Body Balm - Issy R
What we think: This is a nourishing pot of gold – just what the doctor ordered for my dry and itchy winter skin. I can't get enough of the scent. It has a clean and freshness to it. The formula is thick and creamy, made with vitamin C, E & B5 that absorbs lovely into my skin. My skin feels nourished and I have noticed the itchiness has improved which is an irritation that is not pleasant. The name of the cream says it all – ultra healing!
Dermalogica Melting Moisture Mask - Issy D
What we think: I love this product! It has honestly saved my skin in lockdown and winter! I’ve been running most mornings and love a hot shower so this product saves me from flaky skin and reduces the appearance of fine lines – who doesn’t love the sound of that? I also love this underneath makeup for that extra bit of plumpy glow. Would recommend to those with dryer skin types.
Yours Only Coat Body Moisturiser - Alicia
What we think: Having sensitive skin, I always struggle to find a hydrating body lotion that will not cause irritation, but the Yours Only Coat Body Moisturiser will now be a staple in my everyday routine – I love it! It not only helps with my dry skin in these colder winter months but it is really soothing and a little bit goes a long way. As I am always in a rush it is great that this product does absorb really quickly and then leaves my skin feeling great all day.
KMS MOISTREPAIR Revival Creme - Aurora
What we think: This was perfect for me when I’m having those dry, frizzy winter hair days. It smoothed and hydrated my hair without weighing it down or leaving it looking oily. I only needed to use a tiny amount as a little goes a long way.
