ele STYLED

As a beauty editor, I’m lucky enough to try everything, from hyped-up launches to under-the-radar cult brands. I’ve tested it all: serums that promise glass skin, creams with gold in them, and masks that cost more than rent. And while it’s always fun to explore the latest trends, I’ve learned that most of what ends up in my routine long-term is grounded in solid ingredients, clever formulation, and real-world results.

That’s why this list is short. These are the only five skincare products I spend my own money on. No fluff, no filler, just what actually works.

The 5 Products I Swear By (and Actually Buy Myself)

After years of testing skincare professionally, I’ve stripped things back to a tight, reliable edit. These five essentials balance science-backed ingredients with ease of use and are all skincare purchases I keep coming back to. Whether you’re building your first proper routine or refining an existing one, these are the tools I believe in.

“In an age where skincare aisles are more crowded than ever, the most effective routines are often the simplest. Look for products with proven actives, solid science, and a delivery method that suits your skin type.”
— Dr. Samantha Lin, Dermatologist and Clinical Lecturer in Aesthetic Medicine

1. The Secret Skincare – Prescription Night Cream

There’s skincare, and then there’s prescription skincare. The Secret Skincare takes the guesswork out of custom formulations by offering dermatologist-designed blends tailored to your needs. My go-to is their Night Cream, which includes prescription-strength tretinoin (a powerful Vitamin A), niacinamide, and vitamin B3.

Within a few weeks of using it, my skin looked fresher, smoother, and more even. It’s one product that replaces three and makes serious skin results feel effortless.

Why I love it: Simple routine, real results, no overthinking.

2. Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6

If you’re not quite ready for a prescription retinoid, this is your holy grail. Medik8’s Crystal Retinal 6 uses retinaldehyde, a next-gen Vitamin A that’s one step closer to retinoic acid than your standard retinol. It’s faster-acting but still gentle.

I use this on nights when I’m not applying my prescription, or when my skin needs something milder. It hydrates, smooths, and actually works without the flaky side effects.

Why I love it: The perfect balance between results and comfort.

3. CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask

This may look like a prop from a sci-fi movie, but it’s a staple in my skincare arsenal. The CurrentBody LED mask uses red and near-infrared light to stimulate collagen, calm inflammation, and brighten skin tone. I aim for 3 to 5 sessions a week, and the improvement in glow and texture is undeniable.

It’s hands-free, pain-free, and actually relaxing. You’ll feel like you’ve done something good for your skin and your nervous system.

Why I love it: Salon results at home. Enough said.

4. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+

Whenever my skin is dry, irritated, or recovering from active ingredients, this is the first product I reach for. It’s a cult favourite for a reason. The Baume B5+ is rich but non-greasy, packed with panthenol and madecassoside to soothe, restore, and protect the skin barrier.

It layers beautifully under SPF, doesn’t pill under makeup, and makes a noticeable difference after just one night.

Why I love it: It fixes almost everything—without the price tag of luxury creams.

5. Rationale #3 The Tinted Serum SPF50+

This is my sunscreen, serum, and skin tint all rolled into one. Rationale’s Tinted Serum offers SPF50+ protection alongside antioxidant-rich skincare ingredients, helping to prevent sun damage while treating the skin at the same time.

The luminous finish gives just enough coverage to skip foundation, and it feels more like silk than sunscreen. It’s expensive, yes, but when you consider what it replaces in your routine, it makes sense.

Why I love it: It’s luxurious, effective, and makes me actually want to wear SPF every single day.

Skincare should work for you, not overwhelm you. These five products aren’t part of an elaborate 10-step routine, they’re the things I use every day, and they actually make a difference. Whether it’s powerful vitamin A, a serious LED device, or the perfect sunscreen-serum hybrid, each one has earned its place in my beauty editor lineup.