IF I COULD ONLY KEEP 10 SKINCARE PRODUCTS...

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Today I thought I'd whittle down my collection to my must-haves! 10 products is probably a lot for the average person, but as someone who reviews skincare, if you've made the cut: that's saying a lot...

Let's start with cleansers. I've chosen one as a second or morning cleanse and one that removes makeup (but that I also enjoy it as a moisturising morning cleanse too, so it's amazing for travel). After much deliberation, I've gone with the Kate Somerville DeliKate Soothing Cleanser* | £34 | full review. This is a water-based cleanser, but is non-foaming (I personally am not a big fan of foaming cleansers) and I can use it even when my skin is freaking out or really dry. It's formulated with peptides, aloe and ceramides to really soothe and replenish the skin. Cleansing is obviously the most stripping step of your routine and these ingredients really make this the most gentle cleanse ever. My first cleanse of choice is the Ordinary's Squalane Cleanser* | £13.90 (supersize) | full review. I honestly don't wear super-heavy makeup these days and I'm sure this couldn't take off layers of drag makeup, but it works for me. It's a sort of creamy balm-gel that melts down into an oil, shifting my eye makeup, complexion makeup and sunscreen in the mosst skin-friendly way possible. I also love it in the morning when I want something gentle and nourishing.

I've forfeited a hydrating toner, and in this nightmare-ish alternate reality, I'd just skip that step most of the time and exfoliate three evenings a week with the PSA Skin Heroine Mandelic & Licorice Superfood Glow Toner | £28 | full review. This is an amazing gentle acid toner (with mandelic and lactic) that also uses licorice extract and niacinamide to target uneven skin tone. You really don't have to burn your face off to get amazing results! I've then chosen a treatment for the AM, a treatment for the PM and a product to support barrier health for when I have a little wobble with my skin. In the morning, it has to be the Skinceuticals C E Ferulic Serum* | £145 | full review coming soon | and I guess if I'm only allowed 10 products, I can invest a little... This is pretty much the creme de a creme of pure form Vitamin C in terms of efficacy and stability. It provides antioxidant benefits (protecting the skin from free radical damage), helping with uneven skin tone and even boosting up collagen production in the skin.

In the evening, it has to be the Medik8 Crystal Retinal* | from £39 | full review. This comes in a variety of strengths, and you move up the ladder as you finish each product. A retinoid is a must for me; this class of ingredients stimulates collagen production, helps even out the skin's tone and texture and can actually reverse the signs of ageing. Retinal is my perfect balance because retinol isn't quite enough but the side-effects of retinoic acid are just a bit of a slog for me at this time in my life. This comes in a moisturising base and smooths and clarifies my skin with zero irritation - I recently moved onto the 6. When my skin is struggling a little, or if I just want to focus on replenishment or even for layering, it has to be the Monday Muse the Juice Daily Serum* | £40 | full review. This is formulated with prebiotics, panthenol, niacinamide and cica, to hydrate, counteract inflammation and keep the skin barrier happy.

The moisturiser would have to be for the AM and for the PM and my favourite multi-tasker is the I'm From Rice Cream | £31 (15% off with code JASMINETALKSBEAUTY) | full review. This is a fragrance-free rice bran ceramide moisturiser that packs a punch whilst having a light texture. It's deeply nourishing and leaves my skin so soft; this could actually be my perfect kind of formula. It's gorgeous under makeup but still gives me enough on cold winter nights. I also really like the Biossance Squalane + Omega Repair Cream | £49 | full review | and the Zelens Emulsion D Fortifying Moisturiser | £60 | full review | for similar reasons, I just feel like this one slightly pips them. I do personally really enjoy using a face oil as part of my evening routine and I can't be without my Zelens Power D* | £95 | full review. This is a super-light barrier repair oil with Vitamins D3, E and F, fatty acids, squalane and other non-fragrant plant oils. It's amazing for an impaired skin barrier or even to pair with a retinoid to offset any dryness or irritation. 

I've then got two sunscreens: one for under makeup and a mineral option with a bit of a tint for when my skin is a little more irritated and because it has some water resistance and visible light protection. Under makeup, I love my Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating SPF 50+ Sunscreen | £34 | full review. It softens, smooths and moisturises my skin, providing the perfect canvas for makeup without ever pilling. I love how it makes my base look and it gives an amazing level of protection. When my skin is feeling sensitive, I opt for mineral formulas and a great all-rounder that comes in a variety of shades is the Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield SPF 50 in Glow | £29.99 | full review. I love the light texture, the fact it isn't too matte and the tint means it doesn't leave a white cast if you can match yourself to the options in the line.

What would make your cut if you could only keep 10 skincare products?

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Read more posts from this series here!