AR Obsessions: Beauty & Grooming Favourites For August 2021

I’m usually a devotee of exfoliating AHA and BHA cleansers, however a recent foray into the world of prescription retinol (i.e. tretinoin) meant that a gentle cleanser was in order to prevent triggering or exacerbating any irritation and dryness. A surprisingly fast favourite, the Paula’s Choice Omega+ Complex Cleansing Balm differentiates itself from other cleansing balms through its ability to be used on both wet and dry skin, meaning it can be used for a second cleanse rather than just to remove makeup and sunscreen. Enriched with plant oils like meadowfoam and jojoba, the silky smooth yet rich balm texture comforts and nourishes skin as it cleans, providing sensitive (or sensitised) skin with a beautiful soothing sensation. Plus, it rinses off easily without leaving any residue behind. All in all, an excellent option for anyone in need of a hydrating cleanser.

Honestly one of the most luxurious night creams on the market. Courtesy of high-performance clean skincare brand Emma Lewisham, the Supernatural 72-Hour Hydration Night Crème contains plant-derived peptides that work to boost collagen levels over time, while bioactive ingredient pentativin locks in moisture for up to 72 hours. A little goes a long way with this rich formula; despite it’s thick texture it sinks into the skin quickly, leaving behind a faint shimmery sheen. And, it lives up to its name, with skin feeling hydrated and nourished long into the following day.

Greener and fresher than the standard Daisy scents, the Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Spring is the quintessetial way to ring in the warmer months. Starting out with sweet peony upon first spray, it swiftly dries down into a creamy, slightly powdery fig. A soft, warm skin scent; like many MJ fragrances, its staying power isn’t great (a few hours at best). To make it last longer, spray a little on your clothes as well.

British cosmeceutical brand Medik8 has long been a favourite here at AR and the Medik8 Sleep Glycolic is no exception. Likely one of the best at-home brightening peels available, it uses AHAs in the form of glycolic acid to deeply exfoliate the skin overnight, improving skin texture and overall clarity. Crystal encapsulation technology means the glycolic acid is slowly released into the skin as you sleep, reducing the likelihood of irritation and post-peel downtime.

One of three products in the Clarins Calm-Essentiel range designed with reactive and sensitive skin in mind, the Restoring Treatment Oil uses clary sage to comfort and protect the skin. A waterlight (seriously, it’s almost like atoner in terms of consistency) oil, it sinks into skin easily, leaving skin feeling supple and moisturised. If you typically find yourself reacting to various facial oils, this may be the one for you.

A skin-focused probiotic supplement, the Peppy Co SkinBiotics team five strains of probiotics with nicotinomide, or vitamin B3. The generous two month supply works to improve gut health and digestion and promote skin-supportive bacteria for overall skin health.

An absolutely beautiful scent, the Jurlique Sweet Violet & Grapefruit Hydrating Mist is delightfully sweet and floral without being cloying. With just a hint of citrus, a spritz or two makes for the perfect way to refresh both your skin and your senses. I keep a bottle by my desk at all times.

So good. Almost worth taking for the lemon and honey flavour alone, the Swisse Ultiboost Calm + De-stress Powder works to soothe symptoms of anxiety and promote a restful sleep with ingredients like magnesium, ashwagandha, passionflower, and reishi mushroom. I’ve been taking this over the past couple of months and over time found my quality of sleep has been deeper and I’ve woken up less groggy in the mornings.

Loaded with shea butter, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid, the Rodan + Fields Active Hydration Body Replenish is like a drink of water for your limbs, providing hydration while locking in moisture. Though its lack of a luxurious scent means it’s not quite the sexiest body cream on the market, it does the job well, leaving your skin smooth and soft.

Closer in texture to a gel than a cream, the Selfless By Hyram Niacinamide & Maracujá Daily Barrier Support Moisturiser is ideal for oily skin coming into the warmer months. It goes on slightly tacky, however is quickly absorbed into the skin and leaves you with a light glow. Plus, the addition of niacinamide helps to support the skin barrier and reduce excess sebum production. Though it’s marketed as a day and night product, I’d recommend using this during the day and opting for a richer night cream.