From left to right: Evercalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser, £18, REN, Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base, £17 for 40ml, Clinique, Chamomile and Rosehip Calming Day Cream, £32, Pai, Soothing Moisture Mask, £10.99, Avene, Rosaliac UV Anti-Redness Moisturiser, £11, La Roche-Posay, Red Alert Serum, £24, Medik8
It’s the one thing us brits are associated with thanks to Kate Winslet and those Jane Austin dramas. But achieving that outdoorsy English Rose glow isn’t all its cracked up to be, especially if your “glow” is more like wind-chapped. Redness and skin sensitivity affects millions of people across the world due to environmental factors (heating, air con, pollution etc), certain food and drink groups (spicy foods and alcohol are the main triggers) and sun exposure. But help is at hand (thank god for essential oils!) as brands develop their collections to include sensitive ranges and all-out scientific development. Unfortunately my once-perfect skin has become the victim of London smog, red wine and frying myself in the Italian sun (good times!) and I’m now paying the price. So, like all good shoppers I’ve thrown money at the problem and tried to find the best skincare before I succumb to the laser!
Evercalm Clarifying Clay Cleanser, £18, REN
Now, I’m not usually a big fan of any cleanser that doesn’t foam in my hands so you can really feel it working deep down into the skin. However, I do have sensitive skin and working in the city, at times, even water can make it feel a little uncomfortable which is why REN’s Clarifying Clay Cleanser is perfect for those days. I’d recommend taking all traces of makeup off first as it’s not great at taking off oil-based products on the skin. However, it is exceptionally gentle on the skin and leaves it feeling silky soft and not a hint of irritation. With French Clay, Mayblossom and Manuka extracts the cleanser promises to tone pores, soothe complexions and purify the skin in the gentlest way possible. Although it’s not ideal it doesn’t remove makeup, it’s a small price to pay to have a calmer face without stinging and redness.
Redness Solutions Daily Protective Base, £17, Clinique
As one of the leaders of anti-redness makeup and skincare, I have always found it a little harsh on my skin leaving it tight and a little uncomfortable. So I’m so relieved to be proven wrong on their Protective Base. It has a sheer green tint, which we all know, neutralises redness and evens skin tone. Although it’s refreshing on the skin, it’s not great coverage and would definitely need to be worn under a foundation or powder for a flawless finish.
Chamomile and Rosehip Calming Day Cream, £32, Pai
If you haven’t heard of Pai skincare yet, you soon will. Having recently discovered it myself, the products smell incredibly and incorporate natural ingredients and sweet floral hints. Packed full of antioxidants and Omegas, the Calming Day Cream is rich and silky leaving the skin plumped up and hydrated. Known to calm irritating skin, Rosehip leaves a slightly cooling effect on application whilst the Chamomile soothes any stinging or redness that flares up after a trigger such as the weather or alcohol.It’s the first sensitive skincare that smells more like a a flower bed than a science lab but still does the sam job.
Soothing Moisture Mask, £10.99, Avene
Rich in Avene Thermal Spring water the Soothing Moisture Mask releases the waters anti-irritating properties. Although the range looks a little scientific-scary I’m more inclined to think there’s real development behind it and not just a gimmicky product. The nourishing and moisturising elements restore the skins barrier and increase hydration which can definitely be felt when you apply it to the skin. After using the mask for three weeks it’s the perfect Sunday night skincare treat to inject some moisture after a tough week and prepare for the week ahead. It’s difficult to find a mask that doesn’t irritate sensitive skin as you’re leaving the product on giving it time to cause all kinds of problems underneath. However, Avene’s Moisture Mask is the first I’ve used that hasn’t revealed a blotchy and overwhelmed complexion when washed off. Despite the thiner consistency it’s gentle and gives the same pampering results as a thinker, clay mask.
Rosaliac UV Anti-Redness Moisturiser, £11, La Roche-Posay
I could bore you with the derma-jargon and say that this product contains Mexoryl XL and Vitamins CG and B3 but like me, you won’t have a clue what that means and it’ll make no difference whatsoever! So I will instead tell you that although La Roche-Posay’s Anti-Redness Moisturiser evens the skintone making it perfect for makeup application, it doesn’t reduce redness. After using the moisturiser every morning for the last four weeks my skin feels soft and supple but hasn’t altered in colour or sensitivity. However, the price point is a pull and is great for a high street alternative.
Red Alert Serum, £24, Medik8
It looks like a medicine bottle from an ancient apothecary but Medik8’s Red Alert Serum is the fastest acting treatment I’ve tried yet. For those with hypersensitivity, this serum is a beauty must-have in the event of a flare-up. The Serum has been specifically formulated to treat specific areas of redness, not just the whole face so it is super-targeted and increases in effectiveness with every application. A little goes a long way so use it sparingly and the same results will be achieved. For those with thread veins, mild Rosacea or erythema it will ease the symptoms and decrease the amount of redness you see in the face. It’s hardworking and, as an added bonus, possesses anti-wrinkle properties to fight those pesky fine lines.
Twenty Six Style 