Finally, the longest winter ever is over, we’ve put away our black opaque tights and breathed an enormous sigh of relief. Listen hard and you will hear you skin exhaling too: it will be delighted that the drying sub-zero temperatures are done with – and thrilled that a mild, damp atmosphere has replaced the complexion-wrecking effects of central heating.
Do not be complacent though. It’s time to ditch the gunky winter creams before skin gets clogged and dull. I had a forehead spot at the weekend that whispered to me, ‘Time for your lighter spring/summer day cream’. OK, it didn’t really. But here are my top five anyway.
First up is Darphin Ideal Resource Micro-Refining Smoothing Fluid (£50). This is a perfect moisturiser if, like me, you have your eye on the wrinkles but tend to break out with anything too rich. Great for the morning after an overnight mask as it has a light, slightly mattifying texture.
Dermaviduals can make up bespoke skincare to suit your complexion exactly, which sounds like a great idea. However, I tried the ‘off the peg’ DMS High Classic cream (£32) which didn’t exactly catch my eye for its packaging but I loved the fact it contains no emulsifiers, mineral oils, preservatives or perfume, and the texture is just fabulous, giving a nourished feeling without a suggestion of oiliness.
The sudden sunshine has reminded me of the importance of a daily SPF. Origins Plantscription SPF25 Anti-aging cream (£46) ticks every spring moisturiser box for me: oil-free… an SPF… some fancy raspberry plant stem cell technology for my wrinkles. What’s not to love?
Equally box-ticking is the gorgeous Dr Jackson’s 01 Skin Cream SPF20 (£80). This new, fairly small range is based on pharmacognosy principles, ‘utilising the best from nature’. The cream contains interesting stuff such as kigelia, baobab, shea butter and marula oil – have a look at the stylish website to find out more, but suffice to say I’m smitten.
One more, which is eye-wateringly pricey. I had a tube the size of my toddler’s finger to try and actually wanted to be unimpressed. I wasn’t. It’s Sisley Global Anti-Age Cream (£251) and it smells like Carla Bruni-Sarkozy’s en suite. It’s my spring choice for when I’m feeling a bit drawn: it takes years of you, but then it should really for that price.