Multi-purpose, multi-taskers
Wonder Balm: Cleanser+
Not only with this little pot of balm cleanser last for ages, but it also strengthens and nourishes your skin on a daily basis. Moreover, its healing ingredients make it ideal for treating minor burns, broken skin and eczema flare-ups. It’s the creation of Emma and Aminah, founders of The Clean Beauty Club, who can be found on social media living up to their mission statement of creating products that are natural, transformational and – above all – joyful. The hero balm has been joined by a day (Glow) and night (Beauty Sleep) serum, Wonder Drops for boosting any skincare regime, a hydrating Orange Flower Mist and a clay-based Wonder Mask. £14.50 thecleanbeautyclub.co.uk
Egyptian Magic: Skin Cream+
Egyptian Magic launched in 1991, but its key ingredients (olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis) have been used to treat and condition skin for centuries. All were much prized in Ancient Egypt and used in skincare, medicine and even for embalming…OK, so that might sound a little extreme in terms of face preservation but nonetheless, as a natural humectant (retains moisture) honey is also antibacterial and a natural antiseptic. Not only will this prime and moisturise your face, but it can also dupe in to tame frizzy hair and sooth chapped lips. £29.99 boots.com
Sudocrem: Healing+
If you have a baby, or have ever had anything to do with babies, you will doubtless be aware of Sudocrem’s manifold uses and near-miraculous capacity to calm nappy rash and other inflamed skin. If, however, that’s a life stage you either haven’t reached yet, or its one you’ve dodged, allow us to enlighten you as to the other many, many other ways in which no home is complete without a pot of this cream to treat…drumroll please…sunburn; chafing; chilblains; eczema; burns; grazes; boils. It is also bloody brilliant with troublesome spots. Dab on before bed and angry acne should be both less red and less sore by morning. From £3 and available from most supermarkets and high-street chemists.
Nudestix: Bronzer+
One of our ultimate one-and-done makeup products. Although there is a comprehensive range of products in the Nudestix collection, it is the well-conceived combination of colour balm and brush that makes this an absolute winner. The balm bronzer comes in a choice of shades, each capable of chameleon-like blending to enhance your natural complexion or build up the layers for more dramatic effect. The sculpting effect when used in combination with the accompanying stippling brush is impressive but don’t stop there. Dab onto lips with your fingers or sweep it over your eyelids to add depth and dimension. And, if you’re trying to mask dark circles or even up your skin tone, the warm tones will help neutralise any blue or purplish hues before you go in with your concealer. £31.50 lookfantastic.com
Talm Mega Oil: Pregnancy care+
Kenza Keller was inspired by her own pregnancy to found talm (‘to all the mamas’). The plant-based range is 100% vegan, organic, certified by Ecocert Greenlife, and is completely safe to use during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Products include supplements for both skin and hair as well as a collection of serums and creams, a refreshing Mega Water spray, an intensely nourishing balm and the ‘triple threat’ Mega Oil. Does it go without saying that all are not only suitable but highly effective for use beyond or regardless of pregnancy and early motherhood? If not, let us state it here. We have been using talm’s Mega Oil throughout a drought-full summer and will be relying on it during the transition from ‘humid heat’ to the often-drying impact of ‘central heat’ as the barometer drops down and the radiators switch on. It is silky-soft and non-greasy to apply and can be used day or night to restore elasticity to the face or body. Plus a few drops make a perfect base for makeup. £39 talm.co
Christophe Robin Regenerating Hair Mask: Deep Conditioning+
Fans of Christophe Robin are almost evangelical in their praise of the range, especially when it comes to the bestselling trio: the Cleansing Purifying Scrub, with sea salt; the Cleansing Volumising Paste with rose extracts; and this, the Regenerating Mask with Prickly Pear oil. As hair masks go, it’s pretty hard to beat. Prickly Pear is deeply nourishing, soothing and smoothing each stray hair, enhancing shine and restoring strength. It works just as well on chemically treated hair, heat-frazzled hair and even wiry grey hairs, restoring fullness and body in just one treatment. Inula flower extract also works to enhance the vibrancy of your colour, whether that’s natural or dye. You can even use a smidge or two to style, smooth and slick-back your do once it’s dry. From £23 christopherobin.co.uk
