My skincare routine is under constant refinement. I’ll usually introduce something new on a fortnightly basis, but the products I keep coming back to always remain the same. And it’s the test of time that really highlights which are the heroes in your routine. And out of everything I’ve been trying, I’ve found myself having something of a semi-exclusive Emma Lewisham skincare routine. Not on purpose, but because my complexion seems to really be loving each and every product.
It’s worth noting that this is a luxury skincare brand. Which is reflected in the price point, but also the overall experience. The packaging feels weighty, high end. The formulations have this soft fragrance I often associate with luxury skincare, but they also have a textural elegance to them. Smooth and silky to the touch. All ingredients are 100% natural, and there are no fillers, artificial colours, synthetic fragrances or synthetic preservatives used in any of their products.
And what I love to see is that Emma Lewisham is B-Corp certified, and strives for sustainability across the range. All products are both refillable (something that I’m thrilled to see become more common across the board), and Toitū Climate Positive certified PAS 2050. You can find out more about their sustainability initiatives via their website here.
Now let’s talk about the three products from the range which form part of my daily skincare routine.
Illuminating Face Cleanser
Emma Lewisham’s Illuminating Face Cleanser is one of four cleansers I currently have on rotation. It took me a while to warm up to oil-based cleansers, because in my early twenties I’d always assumed that these would make my “oily” skin oilier. Clearly, I’ve since seen the light, and also recognised more about my skin. It’s combination/oily but dehydrated. So cleansers which are both efficacious and nourishing at the same time work wonders for me.
As far as oil cleansers go, this has quite a thin consistency. Very emollient, with a soft, floral fragrance. And it’s effective. The only mascara it’s not been able to shift is this one from Merit – and I suspect that’s because it’s a mascara that’s best removed with warm water. I’ll usually squeeze 2-3 pumps onto my fingertips and work into my face for around 30 seconds before following up with warm water. Occasionally there will be some stubborn eye makeup that it didn’t melt down during the initial cleanse, but I find this is often the case if I’m not using a face cloth (something I find always gives a more precise, thorough cleanse in general). One tip is not to try and add more product once your skin or fingertips are damp. It needs to be applied directly to dry skin in order to be most effective.
The way my skin feels after is soft, nourished, dewy. This is very gentle, and as someone who does have sensitive skin, I’ve not had any sensitivity issues with this cleanser (or any Emma Lewisham products for that matter!).
A quick look at the ingredients list, and you’ll note a deluge of oils which all work to hydrate and replenish the skin. For example, Helianthus annuus seed oil and Olea europaea fruit oil to reduce the loss of skin’s water content and nourish the skin. And Lavandula angustifolia oil which has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s no wonder my complexion loves this. For me this is a 9.5 out of 10. Cosmetically elegant, the experience of using it feels luxurious, and the only minor flaw being it’s not 100% compatible with my current mascara of choice.
Skin Reset Face Serum
The third step in my skincare routine is the Skin Reset Face Serum. Which I’ll apply after using Avene’s Tolerance Control Recovery Serum (which I’ve found has been helping to settle my skin sensitivity). I love the airtight pump jar – this disperses the perfect amount of product, and feels unfussy and clean. Again, you’ll notice a soft, floral fragrance, but most surprising is the appearance of the serum. Usually, I’d expect something clear, perhaps viscose in nature. But instead it’s milky white in appearance, with a light creamy texture.
This serum is award-winning, packed with natural actives that work to even out skin tone, reduce hyperpigmentation and restore radiance. Due to the efficacy of the serum, it’s recommended that you introduce it into your routine slowly. What’s interesting to me is their proprietary Physiology Synchrony Unlock Method™, and the way in which they’ve been able to innovate and engineer a formulation which prolongs the activity of Vitamin C on the skin – an ingredient we all know to be a real skincare powerhouse.
It’s worth remembering that skincare isn’t a magic salve, though what I see this as doing is softening the effects of my genetics. My complexion is pretty similar to my late mother’s, and I recall her having quite a bit of pigmentation from the sun. So no wonder that as I’ve approached my mid-thirties, my skin has begun to do the same (despite avoiding the sun as much as possible!). Clinical studies found that 77% of users noticed a visible reduction in their hyperpigmentation, which is a credit to the R&D, and concentration of actives like Vitamin C and Niacinamide. That said, I can’t say I’ve noticed any new hyperpigmentation – which in of itself is a win!
What I have noticed, is that my skin is glowing. I was reflecting on this last night, and had put it down to stepping up my exercise game. But am realising that exercise is only one piece of the puzzle. The Skin Reset Face Serum has also been helping to do the heavy lifting. A miracle given my reliance on chocolate for that sugar rush/bout of energy due to a lack of quality sleep.
Supernatural Face Creme Riche
Final step in my skincare routine is the Supernatural 72-hour Hydration Face Creme Riche. Something I’ll use both morning and night. What I love about opening the jar is the fresh scent of powdery rose that jumps right out at you.
It’s been a struggle for me to find creams that penetrate the skin’s lipid barrier deeply for lasting hydration which also have a rich, lush texture. I’m prone to milia, which are small fatty deposits that form under the skin, so I always approach thick nourishing creams with some trepidation. But I’m pleased to report that this offers the richness that I crave – especially during winter when our skin is its thirstiest – without being too heavy on my skin. A big win for me as it’s a rarity – the only other brand I have on rotation which offers something similar in terms of richness would be Go-To.
You know, this year, I’ve really started to feel like my skin is showing my age. The fine lines in my forehead look more apparent and the quality of my complexion seems to be changing. While I can’t ever see myself going through the motions, I did say to a friend that this year was the first time I’d considered whether I needed botox. Not on the menu for me, but perhaps the precursor to highlight the way that this has worked for me. My wrinkles seem less apparent. Softer. I feel more youthful when I look at my reflection in the mirror. And again, while this isn’t a miracle product, that is high praise and I think testament to the quality of the formulation.
It’s been developed to signal to our skin to increase collagen synthesis, using peptides like Human Tripeptide-1 (a liposomal plant derivative). And of course you have ingredients like Alaria Esculenta Seaweed which support that boost to collagen, and Saccaride Isomerate to lock in hydration.
This is a splurge, but as I’ve come to realise as I’ve gotten older, it’s worth investing in the right kind of skincare for you. For me the price tag is warranted as it’s felt like a salve to some the more major skincare concerns I’d been having. Safe to say it’s one I don’t want to go without in my vanity.
In addition to their website, you can also shop Emma Lewisham via Net-a-Porter.
Please note that these products were provided for review with no obligation to post.
