The Skincare Products These Pro Facialists Can’t Do Without

The Skincare Products These Pro Facialists Can’t Do Without

Professional facialists have access to the best skincare products on the market – so if something earns a regular spot in their own routine, it’s got to be good. To find out what the experts really rate, we asked seven top names to reveal the three products they’d never be without.

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

Michaella Bolder, master facialist & skincare expert

St Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Face Mist

“I don’t wear a lot of make-up, but I am all about a healthy glow, which is easy to create with this tanning mist. It contains a hyaluronic acid blend to prevent the skin from drying out and I love the colour it gives my skin after two uses over two consecutive days. Usually, I then take a break and use it again three days later. It’s one of those effortless products that comes everywhere with me and it’s the final skincare product I use over the top of my SPF in the morning.”

Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream 

“This is a moisturiser that just really works for me. My skin is a mixture of dehydrated, dry and combination, and I often have bumps underneath and around my chin area. I tend to face map with this moisturiser during the summer months, which means I apply it only in areas which need it, such as around my eyes and forehead. In the winter, it keeps my entire face feeling nourished. I also use it as a night cream 20 minutes after applying a vitamin A (retinol) serum – it helps prevent any dryness which can sometimes come after using a retinol.”

Haeckels Algae Plump +B3 

“I love any product with a mix of hyaluronic acid (HA) and niacinamide – they really complement each other and help the skin hold onto water. My skin doesn’t tend to maintain its moisture for long, so any help here is a bonus. The algae in this version helps skin hang onto three times the amount of moisture a general HA would, plus the texture is divine and settles beautifully into skin without leaving behind a sticky or wet residue.”

Visit MichaellaBolder.com

Dr Anita Sturnham, dermatologist & skin health specialist

Decree Protect Elixir Serum

“This is the ultimate day serum. It contains a cocktail of antioxidants, vitamins C, B, E, co enzyme Q10, ferulic acid and a mineral complex consisting of copper peptides, zinc and magnesium for cell protection. Skin barrier function is also supported thanks to ingredients like hyaluronic acid, rosewater and chondrus crispus base. I love how radiant it makes my skin look.”

Drunk Elephant F-Balm™ Electrolyte Waterfacial

“My second product of choice is the Drunk Elephant F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial. I’ve recently started using this and it works brilliantly as an overnight mask. The ceramide and squalane leave my skin feeling hydrated and plump in the morning.”

La Roche-Posay HyaluB5 Serum

“Finally, if you’re looking for a really good hydrating serum, this one from the French pharmacy brand is enriched with hyaluronic acid and panthenol. When my skin is in desperate need of a hydration boost, I always reach for this.”

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Abigail James, aesthetician & founder of Abigail James Skin

IS Clinical Super Serum 

“This is probably the best vitamin C serum on the market, which explains why it’s a daily favourite for me. It’s a time-released vitamin C with copper tripeptides for collagen stimulation and hyaluronic acid for extra moisture. Its super active and effective, and absorbs easily thanks to its watery texture. It does pack a bit of an antioxidant punch, so you can feel it on the skin when you first apply it.”

Epionce Renewal Face Cream 

“This is rich, luxurious and backed by clever science for complete barrier repair and restoration. It’s comfortable to apply too – you can virtually feel the fine lines being plumped out as you massage it in.”

Osmosis Calm Gentle Retinal Serum

“This is a gentle, night-time retinal serum – don’t get it confused with retinol, it’s far more comfortable and also suitable for all skin types to use. Great for cell regeneration, boosting hydration and acting as an anti-inflammatory, those new to retinoids or anyone looking for some non-aggressive age prevention should definitely check it out.”

Visit AbigailJames.com

Teresa Tarmey, expert facialist & Dior UK Skincare Ambassador

Heliocare SPF 50 With Colour

“This product is an absolute must. I don’t leave the house without applying factor 50 sun protection, but this one has a tint and so I don’t need foundation either. In fact, I’ve not used foundation since 2016 because of it.”

Dior Capture Total Super Potent Eye Serum 

This serum from the French house contains acetylated hyaluronic acid, which makes it super hydrating for the delicate area around your eyes. I also love the applicator – it’s really soothing when you’re feeling tired or in need of a bit of a boost. 

Teresa Tarmey Microneedling Kit

So, I might be a bit biased, but I use my own microneedling kit once a week to keep my skin looking rejuvenated. It genuinely works – it’s just simple science that gets the job done.  

Visit TeresaTarmey.com

Debbie Thomas, celebrity facialist & founder of D. Thomas Specialist Skin Clinic

C&E Advanced PCA Skin

“Think of this as a powerhouse of protection, with antioxidant heroes vitamin C and E combined with anti-glycation (collagen weakening) hexylresorcinol and calming (anti-inflammatory) silymarin. 

It’s suitable for all skin types who want a strengthening and brightening product at the heart of their routine.”

Medik8 Clarity Peptides

“A lightweight blend of skin-brightening peptides, balancing and calming niacinamide, and hydrating hyaluronic acid, this is great for all skin types – but particularly good for oily and breakout-prone skin.”

Synergy SPF 50 

“By protecting against UVA, UVB and infrared rays and environmental pollution, this SPF puts itself firmly among the next generation of sun products. It’s a mix of physical and chemical sunscreen and also has blurring pixels to blend imperfections. Plus, it’s suitable for all skin tones and lightweight enough so all skin types – including oily – can use it.”

Visit DThomas.com

Kate Kerr, facialist & founder of Kate Kerr London Skin Clinic

ZO Skin Health Complexion Clearing Mask

“In my opinion, ZO products are head and shoulders above anything else and this is probably my all-time favourite product from the brand. Calling it a mask does it a bit of a disservice – yes, it would give any skin a good cleanse, but it also does so much more than that. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effect, which makes it great for those who suffer with acne, rosacea or perioral dermatitis. You could even use it as a spot treatment overnight – use it for several nights in a row (even just for half an hour) and it would help control excess oil.”

ZO Wrinkle & Texture Repair

“Another ZO product, this one is a 0.5% retinol and I use it every night. Retinol will help your skin look fresher and younger, and it’s one of the superstar ingredients in the skincare world. Everyone over the age of about 25 should be incorporating it into their routine, unless you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.”

IS Clinical Lip Polish

“Not only does this exfoliate dead skin and help create the perfect base for lipstick, it also contains antioxidants to penetrate into the lips to prevent pro-radical damage from external aggressors. It’s so nourishing and will leave your lips feeling beautiful.”

Visit KateKerrLondon.co.uk

Nichola Joss, celebrity facialist & creator of the inner facial

Esse Probiotic Serum

“This serum is phenomenal. The formulation has more than a billion live probiotic microbes per millilitre that enable the skin to rectify imbalances and strengthen its own barrier function for a firmer, fuller, more resilient complexion. The scent and texture only add to the experience – plus, it works so well with the Lyma laser device. More on that later!”

Medik8 Press & Glow 

“This hydrating acid toner is great for all skin types. Apply it to a cotton pad then smooth over the face and neck to exfoliate without drying out the skin or causing any irritation. It helps to keep skin texture smooth, pores refined, and skin tone even. The glow it leaves behind makes it one of my favourite Medik8 products.”

Lyma Laser Device 

“The Lyma laser is a device I’m constantly recommending. It’s the first time a laser this powerful has been designed to use safely at home. It transforms wrinkles, pigmentation, rosacea and acne in a matter of weeks and is 100 times more powerful than an LED mask. Also, if you buy one via this link, you can enjoy a complementary virtual one-to-one session with me to show you the best way to use it.”

 

Visit NicholaJoss.com

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