Skincare Beauty Editors Use To Get The Perfect Base

Skincare Prep

Want to know the secret to a perfect base? It’s all in the skincare. We asked top beauty editors to reveal their go-tos for smooth, plump and soft skin and ask why they’ve become a regular part of their regime…

Alice Manning, Senior Beauty Editor, Red, Good Housekeeping and Prima

1) Laura Mercier Perfecting Water Moisture Mist

What I really love about this skin spritz is how you can use it on bare skin and over make-up. Used like a toner after cleansing and before your morning serum or moisturiser it hydrates, soothes and refreshes. I keep an extra bottle on my desk at work as, sitting in an air-conditioned office, my skin can feel tight and dry throughout the day. But not with this! A few sprays soothes my skin, perks me up and reboots tired looking make-up too.

2) REN Radiance Perfection Serum 

I massage a few drops of this into my face and neck every morning after cleansing. It sinks in really quickly and leaves my skin feeling radiant and smooth. The hit of hydration also plumps-up skin, smoothing any fine lines to create the perfect canvas for my foundation. Tip: I sometimes add an extra drop into my foundation to really boost brilliance for the day ahead.

3) Sarah Chapman Skinesis Dynamic Defence Anti-Ageing Day Cream SPF 15

I was once lucky enough to have a facial with Sarah herself and I’ve been hooked on her range of products ever since. This is without doubt my favourite and the last step in my morning skincare routine. A total hydrating power house, it also protects skin from UVA and UVB and contains SPF15 – what more could you want from a day cream?

Laura Mercier Water
ren radiance serum
sarah chapman skinesis

Alice du Parcq, Editor, Inside Space and Contributing Beauty Director, Glamour

1) Darphin Azahar Cleansing Micellar Water

With two small kids and unpredictable waking hours, my morning skin prep needs to be fast and effective but still feel amazing – there’s no time to do a full-on ritualistic double cleanse – and this is why this micellar water works for me. I drench a couple of cotton pads and sweep it all over to remove any residue from my night products, and my skin feels refreshed and clean.

2) Caudalie Vinosource SOS Thirst-Quenching Serum

Hyaluronic acid is an absolute essential in my routine because I have crazily dry skin that almost hurts by 4pm if I don’t use the correct hydrating products. HA is in its most efficient form within a serum, and this one has a hefty quantity of it. Also, how delicious is that name?

3) La Mer Moisturizing Cream

I kneel at the shrine of La Mer’s original moisturising cream and consider myself one of those devotees who could easily talk about its virtues for two solid hours. In a nutshell, it is deeply moisturising and healing, rich enough to feel protective all day long, but it sinks into skin without feeling claustrophobic and thick. And when I apply my foundation, I have a complexion that looks juicy, plump and even.

darphin cleansing water
caudalie serum
la mer moisturizing cream

Rose Beer, Beauty & Health Director, ES Magazine

1) Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Pore Perfecting Cleansing Gel

I lavish far more time and attention on my skin – my thinking being that the better my complexion the better my makeup will sit on top. This incredibly hard-working cleanser with alpha-beta acids provides plenty of bang for my buck, slaying away makeup, dirt and oil to leave pores gratifyingly clean, clear and small.

2) Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream

I adore this bouncy, mallow-y moisturiser, formulated with skin strengthening ceramides. It leaves my face soft, supple and plump and also has great slip so that makeup literally glides on top.

3) Frank Body Original Lip Duo

About an hour before I plan to do my makeup, I use a forefinger to massage the scrub onto my mouth and eliminate any of those pesky dry bits that make for less-than-perfect lipstick. Afterwards I swoosh on the balm to plump and nourish. An hour later enjoy your easiest lipstick application yet!

dr gross cleanser
drunk elephant cream
frank body lip

Liz Hambleton, Head of Beauty & Editorial Content, Space NK

1) REN Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask

I love to mask and one of my favourite tricks is to apply a hydrating or glow giving mask, (something that sets) as a base for makeup. It really gives your skin that plump, dewy look and it’s also a great trick on cold, winter days or when your skin is looking dull and tired.

2) Darphin Intral Shield SPF50

I swear by using a good SPF to create the perfect pre-base glow. I prefer something with a mineral base like this one as it leaves your skin with a veil of illumination. Makeup artist Wendy Rowe shared this tip with me a year ago and it’s still my absolute go-to.

3) Natura Bisse C+C Vitamin Complex

A great vitamin C serum always works a treat under foundation; this one wakes up your skin and makes for a lovely glow. I also find whatever base I use over the top sits much more smoothly on the skin.

ren mask
darphin spf50
natura bisse c