7 Skincare Products I’ve Recently Road-Tested & Can’t Stop Raving About

Last month I celebrated my first anniversary at Adore Beauty.

Cue the confetti.

Which would be hard to believe if it weren’t for my spare bedroom-turned-glam-studio brimming with all the skin, makeup and hair care samples that have graced my desk over the past year.

I know, I know. It’s tough being a beauty editor. But hey, someone’s gotta do it. And my face and body have selflessly volunteered as tribute.

In the past 365 days, I’ve probably tried more products than I have in my entire life. Some great, some not-so-great, and some life-changing.

Amongst the treasure trove of skincare goodies are a select few that have truly earned their stripes – the ones I’ve rinsed, repurchased and raved about to anyone who would listen.

Below, I’ve managed to narrow it down to just seven. Lucky number seven, indeed.

1. Aspect Extreme B17.

What: Aspect Extreme B 17

Pls ignore how rough and ready she is. Clearly, well-loved.

This reenergising serum has been a godsend for dehydration, particularly during colder months.

Its blend of sea plants and vitamin B complex works to improve the skin’s ability to retain moisture, reducing trans-epidermal water loss for firmer, more hydrated skin.

Vitamin B is also great at rebalancing sebum levels, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts and minimise acne scarring.

Even though my skin is rather dry, it’s not uncommon for it to experience a bout of breakouts while transitioning to cooler weather or combatting increased dryness in the wintertime.

If it wasn’t already working hard enough, Aspect Extreme B17 also provides antioxidant protection which essentially shields the skin from oxidative damage caused by free radicals and environmental aggressors that contribute to signs of ageing.

Oilier skin types will be pleased to hear that this serum also has a mattifying finish.

Don’t worry, my fellow dry skin sufferers, simply follow with your favourite hydrating moisturiser.

2. Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Balancing Water Toner.

What: Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort Balancing Water Toner 150ML

I was one of those people who could love and leave toners. Prior to working at Adore, I just didn’t see their purpose. And then I tried this one by Sulwhasoo.

It’s so hydrating the first time I used it I was convinced I’d applied it wrong. Surely all toners are as astringent as the ones I'd previously tried.

But boy, was I wrong. I’m happy to eat my words (on this occasion).

Be warned, she’s a little exxy, coming in just shy of the $100 mark, but you don’t need to use much, just a 5-cent piece-sized amount, and in my opinion, she’s worth it.

Its hybrid gel-water texture makes my skin feel and look so juicy. It also helps restore lost moisture from my naughty habit of hot AF showers. Look away, dermal therapists!

The Sulwhasoo toner is enriched with moisturising purslane (derived from the succulent Portulaca oleracea), a powerful antioxidant that helps heal and soothe irritated skin.

It also includes honey, which beyond being a delicious treat for peppermint tea, is an anti-inflammatory ingredient that helps to increase hydration and calm stressed skin.

So if you too are dubious about toners or have skin that loves a tantrum, I’d recommend giving Sulwhasoo Essential Comfort a closer look.

3. Aspect Phytostat 9.

What: Aspect Phytostat 9

This one probably comes as no surprise to anyone. I’ll take any chance I can get to yap about how damn good this moisturiser is.

But I won’t stop until every dry skin haver has this rich, emollient moisturiser in their cart.

Or, at the very least on their radar for payday or their birthday (sorry, this is the last spenny skincare rec I promise).

Why? Well, this clever cream uses ~advanced technology~ to adjust to the specific needs of your skin, delivering a measured surge of moisture for optimal hydration.

In addition to its laundry list of skin-loving hydrators, including shea butter, seed and nut oils, it’s also formulated with antioxidants and ChroNOline™, referred to as the “anti-wrinkle peptide”, to help reduce the appearance of fine lines.

In other words, Phytostat is a powerhouse worthy of a place in your skincare routine.

4. Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm with Australian Flannel Flower.

What: Alpha-H Melting Moment Cleansing Balm with Australian Flannel Flower

I’m going to say it: this is the best version Alpha-H has released of their cleansing balm probably ever.

The limited-edition spicy pear, sage and warm amber scent is akin to the type of fragrance I’d wear and adds a bougie spa touch to my skincare routine.

Like the existing Alpha-H Melting Moment Balms, this one effortlessly sweeps away makeup, oil and residue from the day in a single swipe, leaving my skin clean while still touchably soft.

It’s also housed in a stunning sage green jar which matches my bathroom perfectly.

5. Avene Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum.

What: Avene Hyaluron Activ B3 Concentrated Plumping Serum 30ml

Out of all the Avene serums I’ve tried (which you can read my reviews of here), this one takes the cake as the ultimate skin hydrator and plumper-upper in one.

Featuring two of my fave ingredients – hyaluronic acid and niacinamide – the serum drenches your skin in moisture like it’s going out of fashion.

Fear not, oily skins, it absorbs almost instantly and I promise it won’t make your skin sticky.

I found it’s helpful in soothing skin sensitivity and makes my skin baby-soft.

Formula aside, we need to talk about its packaging: a chic glass bottle with a convenient dropper that makes it easy to get the perfect amount of product and see when it’s time for a top-up.

Speaking of, BRB...

6. Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum.

What: Alpha-H Vitamin E Serum with 1% Ceramide Complex 25ml

OK, OK. I promise this is the last serum.

But I can’t help it! If there’s one product worthy of your hard-earned money, it’s a treatment tailored to your skin concerns.

If your skin has the emotional maturity of a five-year-old, you’ll particularly appreciate this soothing serum.

Vitamin E blended with a 1% ceramide complex sweeps in to quell irritation and reduce dry and flaky skin while working behind the scenes to reinforce the skin barrier.

Those with age-management concerns will also benefit from this Alpha-H serum, thanks to its moisture-rich ingredient list including evening primrose oil, a rich source of omega-6 essential fatty acids.

I found this serum especially helpful in aiding skin recovery on the occasions I’ve overdone it on the actives, travelling, or trialling more products than my skin has the patience for.

7. La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Body Balm.

What: La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+M Baume

Finally, because skincare shouldn’t stop at your neck, I figured I better include my body care staple too: the La Roche-Posay Lipikar Body Balm.

This ultra-rich cream is perfect for dry skin that appreciates a heavier hand in the hydration department.

It’s packed with shea butter and niacinamide to revive scaly legs and reduce irritation and itchiness.

Over time, with consistent use, I noticed my skin’s ability to retain moisture improved, so where I’d usually apply it both morning and night, I could get away with only applying it once.

I also found it worked even better when applied to damp skin. Albeit giving slippery dolphin, the dampness helps seal in all the hydration goodness. Trust the process.

If you’re strapped for cash, this moisturiser also moonlights as an anywhere-you’re-dry cream and for what it’s worth, one tub has lasted me well over six months.

In girl math speak, that’s like literally $7 a month–a fair price to pay for the rest of your body that misses out on your bougie face products.

Sensitive skins will be pleased to hear that it’s also fragrance-free and dermatologically tested.

Curious what other skincare is currently tickling our fancy? Read these next:

• How To (Safely) Use Liquid Exfoliants

• Achieve Next-Level Skincare Results Between Your Treatments With Cosmedix Elite

• How to Care for Your Skin When You’re Going *Through* It