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Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Lumene Nordic-C Glow Boost Essence
Price: £36.50 for 30ml
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This lightweight serum is packed with vitamin C and three types of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and plump. I advise clients to press into the skin using three fingers to prolong the hydration and turn application into a calming moment.
Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser
Price: £14 for 236ml
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Begin and end the day with this foaming gel: its blend of salicylic and mandelic acid and gluconolactone dives deep into pores to dissolve oil and debris, while niacinamide and panthenol calm and reinforce the skin barrier. Massage into the face with lukewarm water for 60 seconds.
Caudalie Vinoclean Instant Detox Mask
Price: £26 for 75ml
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When unsightly blemishes call for concealer, this pink clay mask is the antidote. I first discovered it on an early teenage trip to Paris and still use it weekly to gently sweep away SPF residue and leftover make-up. Its blend of pink clay and soothing grape marc helps to calm irritated skin.
Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF50+
Price: £38 for 50ml
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SPF is essential regardless of age, but if the texture doesn’t feel good, it won’t get used. This non-greasy, serum- light formula is easy to apply daily, turning sun protection into a ritual rather than a chore. Squeeze it along the entirety of the first and second fingers of one hand and apply in upward circles every morning (and noon if outdoors). It doubles as a light primer under lip tint.
Rhode Peptide Lip Tint in Lemontini
Price: £20
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Hailey Bieber’s cult brand recently made headlines for its $1bn sale to e.l.f. Beauty. But it’s not just about the hype – this lip tint is packed with nurturing peptides that boost hydration and strengthen the delicate skin. For teens beginning their beauty journey, it’s a perfect balance of fun and function.
Dr Levy Fire and Snow Medi-Cure
Price: £175 for 20-day treatment
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This two-step spa-grade treatment is designed to gently lift dullness, refine texture and rebalance the skin without irritation. Step one resurfaces with AHAs and enzymes; step two delivers calming actives that cool, soothe and reinforce the skin barrier. I suggest using once a quarter or when skin feels sluggish. It’s a smart, skin-respecting way to clear congestion and teach young skin to self-regulate.
The Organic Pharmacy Manuka Face Cream
Price: £45 for 50ml
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Māori communities have used the manuka plant to treat wounds and skin infections for centuries – a legacy that lives on in this soothing cream. The manuka is paired with barrier-supporting botanicals such as calendula and aloe, which hydrate without clogging pores. Over time it can help build barrier resilience for calm, balanced, breakout-free skin.
Pixi Clarity Tonic
Price: £18 for 250ml
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A light swipe of this toner after cleansing will help keep early breakouts and blackheads in check without overwhelming young skin. Brush your teeth while it air-dries and let it do its thing. Your skin is not a bathroom tile to be scrubbed; it’s about keeping pores clear over time.