3 Skincare Staples for your Thirties

Image of model dispensing Reve de Miel Face Cleansing and Make-up removing gel

We asked the Escentual beauty team to share the three holy grail French skincare products in their shelfie. Elisabeth, Communications & Campaigns Assistant had her 40th birthday in 2019 and shares with us the purse-friendly products she swears by to keep her sensitive and combination skin looking younger…

I’m proud of the fact I’m 40 and get mistaken for someone in their late twenties to early thirties a lot. Is it down to good genetics? Well, perhaps a little, but I credit most of it to a good skincare regime that I’ve stuck to religiously, especially over the last ten years.

I always get asked: ‘How do I get my skin to look as good as yours, Lis?’. The answer is simple, prevent and protect; this is a mindset to ideally adopt in your 20s, and is an absolute necessity in your 30s. Why? Everyday aggressors such as pollution, the sun, computer screens and lack of sleep can take its toll on your complexion. But fear not, with some quick and easy steps in your everyday skin routine you can help to slow down the ageing process and prevent your skin from weakening. And contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to use expensive skincare formulas to do this. Most of my everyday skincare routine you can find in our French Pharmacy category. If you’re concerned about fine lines and wrinkles, puffy eyes or tired-looking skin, step this way.

 

#1 The Hydrating Cleanser

Image of Nuxe Reve de Miel Face Cleansing and Make-Up Removing Gel being held and applied to the hand

Looking after your skin for the future begins with a good cleanser. You need to effectively remove dirt and makeup that can cause your skin to look dull and lacklustre.

I discovered the Nuxe Makeup Removing Gel last year, and it’s quickly gained a permanent spot on my bathroom shelf (I’m on my third bottle!). My skin can be a little sensitive at times so anything too harsh can cause it to become red and tight, but not with this effective yet soothing Nuxe cleanser. It removes every last trace of makeup but leaves my skin feeling nourished, soft and hydrated; this is down to the honey, sunflower, coconut and allantoin included in its super-caring formula.

The star of the show in this foaming cleanser, however, is the honey; a natural flavonoid that contains a high percentage of antioxidants, it helps to slow down the ageing process and protects the skin from free radical damage. I couldn’t be without it now.

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There’s more Reve de Miel to discover! Learn more about the honey-enriched range in this review.

 

#2 The Awakening Eye Cream

Image of model holding Nuxe Creme Prodigeuse Boost Multi-Correction Eye Balm Gel with application to hand

Eye cream was one of the first steps I adopted in my quest for eternally youthful skin. I remember reading an article in my early 20s about how the delicate skin around the eyes is one of the first places to show the tell-tale signs of ageing and fatigue. I marched straight to the shops to make a purchase!

Over the years, I’ve tried many eye creams. What I love about the Nuxe Creme Prodiegueuse Eye Balm is that it not only addresses the signs of ageing, it also tackles my other biggest concerns – tired, puffy eyes and dark circles. This eye balm has a gel texture that feels cooling and refreshing as soon as I apply to my eye contour. The caffeine extract gets to work straight away on that ‘I can’t wake up properly’ puffiness while jasmine flower extract and hazelnut oil help me with those unwanted fine lines and wrinkles. I especially love using this eye gel in the morning; it’s become as necessary as my cup of coffee!

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#3 The Non-Negotiable SPF

Image of model holding Avene Sun Care Very High Protection B-Protect SPF50+ and applying to the hand

If you buy one thing from this edit, make it this. Why? Because sun damage is the biggest cause of skin ageing. Protecting your skin from UV rays, pollution and free radicals is one of the best things you can do for it, and your complexion will thank you in years to come. A reliable facial SPF is a skincare step you can’t skip if you’re serious about looking after, and future-proofing your skin.

Avene B-Protect is one of those products I buy again and again. The white cream turns into a tinted formula on application, thanks to micro-encapsulated pigments, and its lightweight formula leaves no white residue. The skin-perfecting formula means I can get away with adding just a touch of bronzer if I’m having a no-makeup day, but also sits beautifully underneath my foundation – it also doubles up as a smoothing primer and moisturiser. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you need only to use it on those ‘sunny’ days though, your skin can be damaged by UVA and UVB rays whenever it’s exposed to daylight; this is an everyday essential.

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Discover More:

Our Shelfie Series doesn’t end here. Get to know our beauty team and their skincare routines below:
• Chelsey’s post dermaplaning essentials
• Ceryn’s must-haves for eczema-prone skin
• Keavy’s simple but effective skincare routine

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