9 'facial in a bottle' skincare products for real results at home
Whether seeing your usual skin therapist isn’t an option right now or you just want to give your skin the TLC it deserves from the comfort of home, we got you. While you may not be able to emulate the intuitive touch of your facialist or mirror the aesthetics of your go-to spa, these hard-working cult and new beauty products are as close as it gets to the real deal. Thank us later.
Dermalogica Precleanse
One of the most indulgent (and non-negotiable) steps in any professional facial is of course a double cleanse. Sure, there are a lots of facial cleansers on the market, but cult skincare brand Dermalogica’s award-winning deep-cleansing oil is a firm favourite among beauty editors for good reason. It literally melts away make-up while deeply cleansing to draw impurities from the skin. Bonus that it also feels so damn lush.
Murad Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial
Want brighter, tighter, and overall better skin? There's an ingredient for that: vitamin C. We're calling it...This powerhouse skincare staple is probably the closest thing to facial results at home. The potent antioxidant helps to reduce skin inflammation and irregular pigmentation, while promoting healthy collagen production. Vita-C Triple Exfoliating Facial replicates a complete facial by uniting three exfoliants with gold-stabilised vitamin C, to instantly smooth, brighten and boost radiance. The clever colour changing formula also acts as a guide for even application every time.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50W
Take beauty cues from the French with cult brand Biologique Recherche, which boasts an army of fans including local royalty Georgia Fowler and Lorde. Dubbed “French holy water”, its best-known product is Lotion P50W, the “life-changing” chemical exfoliant adored by influencers and celebrity facialists alike. Exclusive to the luxurious Sofitel SPA at Sofitel Auckland Viaduct Harbour, indulge in a luxurious, bespoke Biologique Recherche professional treatment. A word of warning though: you’ll be back for more - just one treatment is enough to convince you of its complexion perfecting prowess.
Shiseido Ultimune 3.0
Enter the third generation of Shiseido’s award-winning serum, Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate. What’s new? The old faithful has been reinvented with Lifeblood Beauty Science, a revolutionary beauty breakthrough that enhances the flow of essential ingredients throughout your skin. The clinically tested serum delivers maximum moisture and smoothness for healthy vibrant skin, as well as recharged radiance in as little as three days.
Boostlab Brightening Serum
Not even one year-old and it’s already an award winner, thanks to its simplified approach to skin health. The range is designed for flexibility, you can either create a tailored routine that can be used in combination or as a boost to your usual regime. Leveraging actives in high concentrations, the products are formulated to specifically target concerns, like hydration or brightness, with maximum efficacy. It’s super easy to understand, but if you’re after some pointers, we recommend the Brightening Serum, which is supercharged with vitamin C, vitamin E and niacinamide, for bright, glowing and radiant skin…quick (within 28 days to be precise).
Dr Dennis Gross Advanced Retinol + Ferulic Overnight Texture Renewal Peel
He’s done it again. Despite its ridiculously convoluted name, it's extremely simple to use - just swipe over dry skin 2-3 times a week. Retinol, bakuchiol, rambutan, and ferulic acid unite to bring you the ultimate in skin renewal while you sleep. Meanwhile, cucumber extract soothes and protects from free radicals and squalane and hyaluronic acid hydrates for a radiant, healthy-looking complexion. It’s essentially an overnight one-step peel that mimics professional results. If a smooth, even skin tone and texture is the goal, then add this newly launched gem to your cart. Available 28 September.
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2%
Anything but ordinary, The Ordinary is the disruptive skincare brand you’re likely already well-acquainted with. While they’re super affordable and potent, navigating the range can be overwhelming. What…you don’t know your alpha-hydroxy acids from your lactic acids?! Don’t worry you’re not alone. Take it from us, try the high-strength Lactic Acid 10% + HA 2% for quick, visible results. The water-based serum targets uneven skin tone, texture and fine lines. It’s supported with a purified Tasmanian pepperberry derivative to help reduce signs of redness and sensitivity commonly associated with other acids.
Glow Lab Targeted Booster Treatments
This range of targeted treatments from Glow Lab feature a higher concentration of active ingredients to address specific skincare concerns. The three Boosters – Hydrating, Firming and Brightening – contain botanical-extracts, vitamins, antioxidants and scientifically proven active ingredients, at levels that deliver real results in as little as 2-4 weeks! What’s more, you can pick these beautifying babies up from your local supermarket. EASY.
Skintopia Gua Sha
Really want to elevate your at-home facial? Not just pretty, leveraging a gua sha in your regime will help to improve circulation and relieve tension in the face, like puffiness and inflammation. It's also an indulgent selfcare ritual, which we could all do with right now let's be honest. Use to massage products into the skin to reveal a brighter, more toned and radiant complexion. Skintopia have a Rose Quartz Gua Sha and Black Obsidian Gua Sha, which boast different targeted benefits to truly tailor your DIY facial.