A new year is the perfect time to revise your skin care routine.
When it comes to sourcing a good moisturiser look out for ingredients like hyaluronic acid. This wonder ingredient has multiple functions like improving skin hydration, stimulating collagen production, helps maintain skin elasticity as well as a powerful cushion for joints and nerve tissues, along with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Of course to target the latter you need to take the HA orally so invest in a product like Syno Vital Hyaluran, which is in small sachets and can be added to water.
Hyaluronic Acid in a moisturiser can of course only target the upper layers of the skin however as HA is also a powerful humectant ( so attracts moisture) ,only use a small amount because if you put too much on it could actually drain moisture from the lower levels of your skin if you are a dry skin type.
So here are my fave three products which contain HA but also other super soothing ingredients:
Kiehls Super Corrective Cream (£43.20) contains Jasmonic acid which works on fine lines, wrinkles and firmness, whist Beech Tree helps with firming, along with HA's hydrating benefits.
Rodial Dragons Blood Hyaluronic Acid mask (£39) is sourced from the red sap of the ‘sangre de drago’ tree & works to form a second skin-like protective film on the skin. Use as leave on mask but also great for frequent flyers. Helps to also smooth and calm skin.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream (£70) has a cold-cream style consistency which immediately gives comfort to a dehydrated skin. Along with HA, there's Rose Hip oil, vitamin E and a peptide complex to help soothe, smooth and revitalise lacklustre skin.
To help you get over the party season invest in a good concealer to brighten those tired peepers.
MAC Pro Longwear Concealer(£17) is ideal for stubborn dark circles, especially ones that are hereditary. It has superb staying power and a little goes along way. Pat on with your ring finger then blend quickly before it sets.
Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer(£22) has a buildable coverage and a luminous finish. Available in 10 shades.
YSL Touché Éclat(£25) is ideal if you need brightness as it has illuminating and light reflecting properties. Use at the inner and outer edge of the eye for a more a youthful look. I used this a lot when I did the makeovers on channel 4s How To Look Good Naked great as it was so versatile I could use it around the lipline to give a fuller look to your lips.
Armand Beasley is a celebrity makeup artist and beauty columnist. He is a regular contributor to beauty magazines and publications, and appears on TV, radio and podcasts.