ONE-STEP DAY CREAMS

 

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Not everyone has the time or inclination to do a multi-step skincare routine; especially not in the morning! So, today I'm talking through some day cream that contain actives, removing the need to apply a serum beforehand; you can just go for one of these formulas, apply some sunscreen and you're good to go...

The first product I wanted to mention is the Trinny London Energise Me Niacinamide Moisturiser* | £42. This is such a perfectly-balanced formula, to me! It has this richness and body to it but isn't thick or heavy and provides the perfect soft, moisturised, plump base for makeup. This formula combines soothing ingredients like cica with water magnets like glycerin and hyaluronic acid and moisturising Vitamin E. It's given an active boost by the niacinamide in the formula; this multi-tasking ingredient is fantastic for almost any skin type. It can help regulate oil production in the skin. It boost ceramide production in the skin, boosting your skin's lipid barrier so its strong and healthy. It can also help stop the spread of hyperpigmentation through the skin, minimising blemish marks. If you have spot-prone skin and you're short on time in the morning: this is a great way to keep your routine quick and simple whilst also treating your concerns.

Next, we have the Sunday Riley CEO Afterglow Brightening Vitamin C Cream* | £60. This is a gorgeous moisturiser with a little something extra! It's a kind of melting cream that does have body and gives my skin a fresh, dewy glow. It's lightweight but still gives my skin the hydration and nourishment it needs with glycerin, hyaluronic acid and plant oils. Plus it contains a Vitamin C derivative: THD Ascorbate. This is a gentle but effective antioxidant (protecting the skin from free radical damage) that can also help treat discolouration in the skin. Vitamin C is a must-have ingredient for me in your skincare routine because it can help prevent premature skin ageing as your face is exposed to pollution and the elements all day. This wraps it up in a formula that feel amazing and leaves my skin soft and happy.

Next up is the Ole Henriksen Strength Trainer Peptide Boost Moisturiser* | £42. I love the texture of this moisturiser, first and foremost; the texture is wonderful. It's breathable, but substantial, which is no mean feat with the ingredients in here. This is formulated with hydrating and replenishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, topical collagen and amino acids, alongside amazing stuff for your skin barrier such as ceramides and linoleic acid. Mango butter is super-nourishing and I love seeing it in this lighter gel-cream. Then we have the stars of the show; obviously the product name calls out the peptides but there's also niacinamide in here, as an added bonus (the benefits of which we've just discussed). Peptides are short-chain amino acids that are hydrating for the skin and make it look and feel plump and bouncy. At the same time, they might be able to increase your skin's collagen production, which helps keep your skin full and elastic in the long run. It's a gorgeous, gentle, easy all-in-one that I personally love.

The next product I have is a little simpler but still helps streamline your routine; the Glow Recipe Plum Plump Hyaluronic Cream* | £35 | is a gorgeous melting gel-cream. It's obviously formulated with several forms of hyaluronic acid, a hydration magnet that draws water into the skin. It's often found in standalone serums but I personally find the extra step unnecessary and I do like that this formula binds the hydration with other ingredients so it really lasts. The hyaluronic acid is blended with antioxidant fruit extracts, soothing aloe, moisturising jojoba oil and more. It leaves my skin as plump as the name suggests, the hydration lasts all day and my skin looks fresh, juicy and glowing when I use this product.

 

A newer discovery for me has been the Naturium Multi-Peptide Moisturiser* | £21. This is a kind of melting cream; it's lightweight and will suit just about any skin type, and there's just so much packed into it! This formula contains peptides, which I already mentioned are fantastic for skin hydration but also from a well-ageing perspective, and your niacinamide (with how many formulas it's in, why would you ever need a separate serum?!) There's also 3-O ethylated ascorbic acid in here, a gentle but stable Vitamin C derivative that will help the skin glow, assist in reducing discolouration and protect the skin from free radical damage. Then we have all of the supporting hydrators and moisturisers like hyaluronic acid, panthenol, Vitamin E (which also stabilises and boosts the efficacy of the Vitamin C), glycerin, squalane and jojoba oil. If you're not sure your skin can handle lots of different actives, this is a skin-friendly way to get them into your routine. The texture is great and this works really nicely under makeup!

These formulas are some of my favourites; they combine an amazing base formula with some essential actives. If you find single-ingredient serums a minefield, or if you're just busy and you're lucky to get 2 minutes to do your morning skincare routine: these sorts of products are for you! If you want a PM version of this check out my one-step retinoid creams.

Have you tried any of these formulas? Are there any others you'd recommend in the same category?

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