There are a few things getting older has taught me: Never buy cheap tights, a black roll-neck goes with everything and investing in beauty products in your 30s is a must. While I might be lucky enough to look younger than my age, I'm still 35 and need to take care of my skin, so that means finding the right products for me. That's not to say it has to be expensive, though—there are plenty of products that are affordable. However, I am but one woman, so I turned to three of my friends (also in their 30s) and asked them what products they swear by.
(Image credit:Best Knockoff Luxury Clothing
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I'm lucky that I've known most of my closest girlfriends for over 20 years. As part of the same group of friends, you can imagine that we're unflinchingly honest with each other, which means I trust them to tell me exactly what they like. They revealed which brands and type of products really work for them and what they're looking for to help their skin. Below, you'll see three of my friends and their skincare must-haves and why, plus the products I rate to keep my skin in check.
FRIEND #1:
CeraVe
Moisturising Hyaluronic Acid Lotion
Friend #1 said she swears by this for her legs, even though she's struggled to get hold of it right now.
Kiehl's
Midnight Recovery Concentrate Serum
This is also one of my personal favourites too. Kiehl's lightweight oil is great for making your skin look refreshed the next morning.
The Inkey List
Hyaluronic Acid Serum
Hydration is so much more important than before, said Friend #1. To achieved this she invests in serums packed with hyaluronic acid, such as this one by The Inkey List.
This Works
Morning Expert Hyaluronic Serum
Another recommendation was this one from This Works.
Sunday Riley
C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This friend also said she loves anything Sunday Riley, and I'm in complete agreement. While it's on the more expensive side of things, the products really work.
Sunday Riley
Tidal Brightening Enzyme Water Cream
Another winner from Sunday Riley when it comes to moisturising skin.
Superdrug
Naturally Radiant Hot Cloth Face Cleanser
If you're looking for an inexpensive cleanser, there are a couple that are ideal. Friend #1 also said she can get away with a richer cleanser these days so opts for oils or cream cleansers.
Versed
Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm
Try a cleansing balm to remove all makeup.
Drunk Elephant
Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
For a treat, she'll buy Drunk Elephant or Eve Lom cleansers.
Eve Lom
Cleanser
FRIEND #2:
Antipodes
Divine Avocado and Rosehip Face Oil
Friend #2 loves this as it's nice and natural and makes her skin feel amazing.
Neal's Yard
Remedies Wild Rose Hand Cream
Like everyone right now, she needs a great hand cream. And this one, she says, is a game-changer.
La Roche-Posay
Anthelios Anti-Shine SPF50+
To protect her skin and try to avoid creating wrinkles, Friend #2 swears by La Roche-Posay's SPF 50+.
Rituals
The Ritual of Namasté Urban Hydrating Mist
To keep her skin topped up and hydrated all day, Friend #2 likes to do a spritz of this.
Burt's Bees
Beeswax Lip Balm Tube
She also swears by Burt's Bees to keep lips hydrated.
This Works
Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
Beauty sleep is everything, and this friend loves This Works' sleep spray. Full disclosure: I originally bought some for her eight years ago and she's still hooked.
FRIEND #3:
The Body Shop
Tea Tree Oil
The final friend likes to keep her skincare routine as simple as possible.
The Body Shop
Vitamin E Moisture Cream
She swears by the vitamin E range from The Body Shop, including the body and face moisturiser.
The Body Shop
Vitamin E Eye Cream
If you’re looking to keep the skin under your eyes moisturised, this is one Friend #2 swears by.
The Body Shop
Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter
At the end of the day, she loves to use this cleanser. Easy to use and removes all traces of dirt and makeup.
SHOP MY PICKS:
BareMinerals
Brilliant Future Age Defense and Renew Eye Cream
As I've got older, the dark circles under my eyes have become more prominent. This one from BareMinerals includes vitamin C so it helps to brighten the skin underneath my eyes.
BareMinerals
Oil Obsessed Total Cleansing Oil
Takes off makeup super quick.
Drunk Elephant
C-Tango Multivitamin Eye Cream
Another great option for an eye cream.
The Body Shop
Hemp Shower Oil
I'm lazy when it comes to moisturising the rest of my body, which is why this body wash comes in handy. It cleans but also leaves my legs feeling smooth.
The Body Shop
Drops of Youth Concentrate
This is a miracle serum and one I can’t do without. It helps hydrate my face and is a great base for putting on moisturiser.
Nivea
Face Cream Light Moisturiser for Normal and Combination Skin
If you're after a great all-around moisturiser that's super affordable, I can't recommend this Nivea one enough.
Sunday Riley
C.E.O. Vitamin C Rich Hydration Cream
My favourite, however, is this Sunday Riley moisturiser. Packed with vitamin C, this leaves my skin looking brighter and fresher.