We’ve all seen the viral TikTok skincare dupes promising luxury results for a tenner — but are they really as good as the originals? In this episode, I’m breaking down what a dupe actually is, whether they use the same ingredients, if they’re safe, and when it’s worth saving your money or splashing out. Grab a cuppa and let’s debunk the dupe hype together.
In this episode, we're diving into the world of salicylic acid—a powerhouse ingredient that clears pores, calms breakouts, and smooths bumpy skin. Whether you're battling blackheads or just curious about what makes this exfoliating acid so effective, we’ll break it all down: how it works, who it’s for, how to use it, what to avoid, and some of my go-to UK product picks. Tune in for practical tips, honest advice, and everything you need to know to make salicylic acid work for your skin, not against it.
Can your skincare routine be both kind to your skin and the planet?
In this episode, we dive into the world of sustainable skincare—from eco-conscious brands and refillable products to the not-so-pretty truth about beauty packaging. Learn how to spot greenwashing, discover UK-based brands doing it right, and get practical tips for making your routine a little greener without sacrificing results.
It’s time to glow up—sustainably.
In this episode, we’re taking a more reflective turn and diving into the emotional side of skincare. From soothing rituals to self-worth, we’ll explore why those daily skincare steps can have such a powerful impact on our mental wellbeing. I’ll be sharing a bit about my own recent experience with anxiety, and how returning to the simple structure of my evening routine helped me find a sense of calm. Plus, we’ll look at how skincare connects to identity, when it starts to feel overwhelming, and why it’s okay to keep it simple. It’s self-care, from the inside out.
Waking up, peeling off layers of masks, mouth tape, and chin straps, and revealing flawless skin—sounds like a dream, right? The ‘Morning Shed’ trend has taken over TikTok, promising overnight transformations, but is it actually good for your skin? In this episode, we break down what this trend really involves, why more isn’t always better in skincare, and what actually works for overnight skin repair.
Ready to start a skincare routine but don’t know where to begin? In this episode, we’re breaking down the absolute basics—cleanser, moisturiser, and sunscreen—keeping it simple, affordable, and effective. Whether you’re a total newbie or just need a back-to-basics refresh, we've got practical tips, product recommendations, and advice to help you build a routine you can actually stick to.
Cleansers:
For oily/combination skin:
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
The Inkey List Salicylic Acid Cleanser
For dry/sensitive skin:
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
Simple Kind to Skin Moisturising Face Wash
Gentle all-rounder:
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser
Moisturisers:
For oily/combination skin:
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel
The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA
For dry/sensitive skin:
CeraVe Moisturising Cream
Aveeno Calm and Restore Oat Gel Moisturiser
All-rounder:
Simple Hydrating Light Moisturiser
Sunscreens:
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50 — lightweight, great for sensitive skin
Bondi Sands Face SPF 50 — budget-friendly, non-greasy
Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV Anti-Dryness SPF 50 — affordable and easily available
Optional Extras:
Serums:
Niacinamide: The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Hyaluronic Acid: The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid
Exfoliation:
The Ordinary Lactic Acid 5% + HA — gentle and effective
Spot Treatments:
Products with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide for targeted treatment
Eye Cream:
CeraVe Eye Repair Cream — gentle and hydrating
Is there anything niacinamide can’t do? This powerhouse ingredient helps with oil control, brightens skin, strengthens the barrier, soothes redness, and even supports anti-aging—without the irritation of stronger actives. But how do you use it properly? Who benefits most? And what about all those myths (like, can you really use it with vitamin C)?
In this episode, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about niacinamide, from how it works to how to fit it into your routine. Whether you’re new to skincare or a total product junkie, this is one ingredient you don’t want to overlook!
Product Recommendations
The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc
La Roche-Posay Pure Niacinamide 10 Serum
Paula’s Choice 10% Niacinamide Booster
Spring is finally here, which means it’s time to switch up your skincare routine. In this episode we dive into the key changes your skin needs as we move into (hopefully) warmer, sunnier days, and give you some simple tweaks that’ll keep your skin fresh and balanced.
Product Recommendations
Lighter Moisturisers
La Roche-Posay Toleraine Sensitive Fluid £18
Byoma Moisturising Gel £13.99
Daily SPF
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50 £18
Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid £10.99
Gentle Exfoliants
Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant £34
The Inkey List PHA Toner £12.99
Hydrating Serums
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Serum £25
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2%+B5 £8.90
Antioxidant Serums (Vitamin C)
La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10 Serum £38
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% £10
Soothing Products for Seasonal Sensitivity
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ £12
The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum £7.99
Skincare myths - are you falling for them? In this episode, we’re busting five of the most common skincare misconceptions, from whether expensive products really work better, to the truth about oily skin and moisturiser. Let’s separate fact from fiction and help you make smarter skincare choices!
Is less really more when it comes to skincare? In this episode we’re diving into the ‘Skinimalism’ trend - what it is, why it’s gaining popularity, and how to simplify your routine without compromising on results. We’ll also break down the benefits, potential downsides, and whether this is a trend actually worth following. Get ready to declutter your skincare shelf!
Don’t forget to follow the show, and share it with all your skincare loving friends!
If you’re confused about the difference between Retinoid and retinol, which to use when, and the best products to try, we have all the info you need!
Product Recommendations
The Inkey List Retinol
Medik8 Crystal Retinal
La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Serum
Stronger Non Prescription Alternatives
Dermatica
Skin+Me
As always, thank you so much for listening…see you next week!
This week we’re delving into the changes our skin experiences as we hit our 40s, why these changes happen and what we can do to help.
Product Recommendations (high street & luxury options)
* Morning Routine *
Cleanser
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (£10)
Medik8 Cream Cleanse (£22)
Antioxidant Serum (Vitamin C + Niacinamide)
The Ordinary Ascorbic Acid 8% + Alpha Arbutin 2% (£12)
The Inkey List Niacinamide Serum (£8)
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (£145)
Allies of Skin Prebiotics & Niacinamide Pore Refining Booster (£80)
Hydrating Serum (Hyaluronic Acid + Peptides)
Vichy Mineral 89 (£23)
Dr Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum (£235)
Moisturiser with Ceramides & Peptides
La Roche-Posay Toleraine Sensitive Riche (£18)
Augustinus Bader The Cream (£140)
SPF 30+
Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF50+ (£9)
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen SPF50+ (£36)
* Evening Routine *
Oil or Cream Cleanser
The Body Shop Camomile Cleansing Butter (£13)
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (£48)
Retinol or Bakuchiol
The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane (£8)
BYBI Bakuchiol Booster (£12)
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6 (£59)
Oskia Super-R Retinoid Sleep Serum (£88)
Richer Night Cream
CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream (£15)
Omorovicza Rejuvenating Night Cream (£125)
Facial Oil
The Ordinary 100% Organic Rosehip Seed Oil (£10)
Votary Super Seed Facial Oil (£75)
Eye Cream
The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream (£10)
La Mer The Eye Concentrate (£210)
Exfoliation
The Inkey List PHA Toner (£12)
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Peel (£89)
As always, thank you so much for listening. See you next week!
In our first Ingredient Spotlight episode, we take a look at why Hyaluronic Acid is such a popular skincare product, and why it should be in everyone’s routine!
Products mentioned:
The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5
La Roche Posay Hyalu B5
Dr Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum
Thanks so much for listening, please feel free to leave a comment or suggestion for future episodes. See you next time!
Glass skin has been trending for a while now, but what actually is it, how can we achieve it and what should we avoid in the pursuit of true ‘glass skin’?
Product Recommendations
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser
The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution
Klairs Supple Preparation Unscented Toner
COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum
La Roche-Posay Toleraine Double Repair Face Moisturiser
La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 50
Don’t forget to share your skincare journey with us and we’d love to hear your suggestions for topics to cover!
Men, if you’re clueless about skincare or feel it’s not important, this one’s for you! Why, what and when…we cover it all.
Products mentioned:
Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser
CeraVe Foaming Cleanser
The Ordinary Natural Moisturising Factors
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream
La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 50
Nivea Sun UV Face Shine Control SPF 50
Thanks for listening, please rate and follow us on your preferred podcast platform and share with all the men in your life!
Join us as we talk about why your skin feels so different in winter, the effects the cold can have, and what can be done to combat it.
Check out this episode about a hot (pun intended) skincare topic where we cover the difference between chemical & mineral sunscreens, the downside to being unprotected and that burning (again, pun intended) question…is spf really necessary indoors?
Hi lovely people, this is a short introduction about what to expect from your new skincare bestie!