The Beauty Memo

The best new beauty buys to try now

The new-season products worth investing in – tried and tested by PORTER’s beauty desk

Beauty
Illustration by Willa Gebbie

The perfect skin cleanser Decree Deep Cleanse

According to the experts I speak to, the way we clean our face ultimately dictates the state of our skin: over-cleanse it and you may end up with reactive skin; don’t do it properly and it can’t fully function – plus, without a good clean you’re letting known aggressors such as pollution actively age the skin. But good cleansers are hard to find, which is why I particularly rate the new Deep Cleanse created by Dr Anita Sturnham for her skincare brand Decree. Blending clay (a skincare classic that’s super-popular again – because it works) to deep clean with mild acids (lactic and salicylic) that keep cells turning over and calm inflammation, plus rose water to hydrate, it’s more a night-time treatment than makeup remover. But the true sign of a great cleanser is that skin is left incredibly ‘comfortable’ and not dry, tight or taut, which is exactly what you get with this one. Newby Hands

The essential overnight skin treatment Dr Barbara Sturm Night Ampoules

We know that night-time is the key period for repairing skin cells (daytime is about protection), so it makes sense to focus on using products with the necessary active ingredients in the evening. Which is where these generous one-dose ampoules come into action. Massaged into clean skin (and under your cream), this velvety-rich serum works to build a strong barrier, repair cell damage and calm inflammation (the root cause of aging) with a blend of purslane and beta-glucan. Plus, since it contains Dr. Barbara Sturm’s signature hyaluronic acid, it hydrates and plumps up your skin both superficially and at a deeper level. NH

The ultimate eye treat Sisley Black Rose Eye Contour Fluid

If you haven’t already discovered the brilliance of the mini Black Rose range (the Cream Mask is incredible, giving a ‘before’ and ‘after’ you can see), then it is definitely worth trying. And this new eye treatment is a worthy addition. While it helps most eye issues, from puffiness to dark circles, what makes it stand out for me is the truly great texture, as it literally sinks into the skin, hydrating and plumping it up without being rich or heavy. It’s perfect for anyone who wakes up with puffy eyes, and I love it especially when traveling because it’s also so refreshing, exactly as a good eye cream should be. NH

The sexiest new-season scent Tom Ford Rose Prick EDP

If Tom Ford’s controversial fragrance F***ing Fabulous was designed to set the tone for scents still to come, it is hardly unsurprising that his follow-up, Rose Prick, is anything but tame. Housed in a sweetly feminine candied-pink bottle, this scent is heady, a little ‘dirty’ and very sexy. Rose takes center stage but is wrapped in spicy notes of pepper, turmeric and tonka bean, leaving the most head-turning of trails. Danielle Fox

The skincare that will make you rethink your regime Noble Panacea The Absolute Rejuvenation Night Balm

It’s not often skincare comes with such scientific prowess as having a Nobel laureate in chemistry at its helm. This fact, along with the packaging (every product comes in daily allotted doses, making it brilliant for travel), made the brand a must-try for this beauty team. After using just a few doses of The Absolute Rejuvenation Night Balm I have to admit I’m impressed; no breakouts, just a truly healthy and significantly more even-toned complexion when I wake up that others have commented on. DF

The best for lash definition Gucci Beauty Mascara L’Obscur

You only need to take a look at this mascara wand to know the exact lash effect it will deliver. This compact, tightly bristled brush really does give exceptional separation and definition, and deposits just the right amount of product onto each lash. Plus, the decadent packaging is particularly pleasing. DF

The antidote to dull skin Wishful Yo Glow Enzyme Scrub

The brainchild of Huda Kattan, one of the most well-known beauty influencers, this exfoliating peel scrub from her new skincare range Wishful has gone somewhat viral on Instagram. It’s a polish, but not as you know it. It works by using a medley of acids and enzymes that gently and thoroughly gather and lift away pollutants and grime without irritating the skin. Not only is it extremely satisfying to see, but after multiple uses, dark spots are softened and skin is definitely more even-toned. DF

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