The best new beauty buys to try now

As one of the few tried and true active ingredients, vitamin C is the go-to for fresher-looking skin and a more even complexion – plus, it boosts collagen production. However, more is not necessarily better – which is why, when formulating her excellent new The Good C Vitamin Serum, Dr. Barbara Sturm allowed a concentration of only five percent. “There are a lot of studies that show the damage caused by higher doses to the skin-barrier function, which means more water loss,” she explains. With three forms of vitamin C, plus zinc to help it absorb, hyaluronic acid and purslane, this serum is totally tingle-free (so non-irritating, as higher levels sometimes are) and can be used morning and evening. Newby Hands

Known for working her tanning magic on many red-carpet regulars (sculpting cheekbones and bodies with her clever tanning technique), Amanda Harrington’s home products are easy to use and give beautiful results. And her Perfect Body Ultimate Gradual Tan is particularly foolproof, as it mixes a true ‘tan’ (the color builds over applications) with a blend of shea butter, almond oil and hyaluronic acid to deep-treat skin. I use it every other day to give my pasty skin a nice glow. For those who prefer their ‘tan’ to be a little deeper, Harrington recommends using the Gradual Tan as a good all-over base color before adding intensity with deeper self-tan on top. NH

Famous for her approach to treating the skin from within – and her belief that a healthy microbiome in the gut ensures an equally healthy-looking skin – naturopathic doctor Nigma Talib’s new probiotic-rich Treatment Mask No1 supports the skin’s microbiota, which in turn protects the skin’s vital barrier function. (In the short term, a damaged skin barrier means dehydration and inflammation – which, in the long term, mean aging.) Apply the snug-fitting biocellulose sheet mask for 20 minutes and then massage in the generous amount of serum it’s infused with for a skin that feel super-hydrated and comfortable. This is exactly what every dull and winter-dry complexion needs right now. NH

There are two reasons we are obsessed with Charlotte Tilbury’s makeup: the shades are designed to flatter and enhance your own features and, crucially, you don’t have to be a makeup artist to apply it. The new limited-edition Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Eye Filter lives up to both standards. The shades – ranging from soft metallics to velvety mattes – make eyes look brighter and larger when applied following the clear instructions. There are two palettes, Star Aura and Diva Lights, covering a spectrum of light-to-dark shades, which can be applied dry or wet – depending on the intensity you desire. The palest shade in each palette makes for a beautiful inner-corner highlight. Suzanne Scott

Mask-wearing is likely to be a reality for the foreseeable future, so we need to protect our skin from germs and trapped heat if we are to prevent ‘maskne’. Enter The Light Salon Antimicrobial Mask & Skin Repair Set. The mask itself, which is made from bamboo, is lightweight and comfortable, minimizing friction and subsequent inflammation; the spray helps to keep pores clear and bacteria, redness and inflammation in check. Just cleanse your skin, pat it dry and then apply a fine layer of the mist before donning your mask. You’ll get the best results if you re-mist throughout the day, too. SS

When my normally cooperative skin went through a period of unrelenting acne in my mid-twenties, it was peel pads that helped me haul my skin back in line. But, while they cleared the acne, they left my skin feeling sensitive and dehydrated. Thankfully, formulas have come a long way since then – with Eve Lom Rescue Peel Pads among the best. They contain salicylic acid to clear pores and glycolic acid to exfoliate. However, what makes them a firm favorite is the addition of lactic acid – a polyhydroxy acid that helps skin hold onto moisture and reduces sensitivity. Essentially, you get clear skin without the irritation. And all you have to do is smooth a pad over cleansed skin every evening before applying your moisturizer. SS