Happy Beauty

The six beauty products that will bring optimism to your life this week

Each week, Marie Claire’s Beauty and Style Director, Lisa Oxenham, brings you the lowdown on her edit of products that will add joy and positive energy to your beauty ritual and self-care routine. From uplifting oils and calming serums to relaxing bath-time classics, these products are designed to give your self-esteem a boost.

Clarins Total Cleansing Oil, 100ml, £23.00, Clarins

I love cleansing oils; they don’t leave my skin feeling tight like foaming cleansers sometimes do, or create sensitivity like balms can. A few drops massaged onto my face for 30 seconds removes every trace of make-up (even mascara) and leaves my skin feeling nourished and soothed. This one by Clarins uses a 100% organic, responsibly-grown alpine herb and two plant extracts (organic golden gentian and organic lemon balm) to plump and soothe inflamed skin, while extracting impurities. The formula helps to guard the skin’s microbiota – the normal levels of bacteria in healthy skin. (Side note: it smells heavenly).

Zelens Tea Shot Urban Defence Serum, £85, Zelens

This serum might be pricey, but as pollution is returning to pre-pandemic levels, this is a good investment for protection. I’m a massive fan of tea for it’s powerful antioxidant properties thanks to polyphenols and flavonoids, and this contains a blend of five types: green tea, matcha green tea, white tea, black tea and kombucha, which jointly protect against stressors and fight visible signs of premature skin ageing caused by free radicals. Load me up.

Facetheory Retin C Vitamin Oil Scar Treatment, 100ml, £17.99, Facetheory

I have a scar on my forehead as the result of a cycling accident and, unfortunately, due to the change of cell structure in the skin, it will remain a permanent structure. However, there are various things we can do to reduce the appearance of scars, and help them to fade a little over time. At the moment, I’m trialling this scar treatment by vegan and cruelty-free company Facetheory. A high-concentrated oil which combines potent actives including 2% retinol (retinyl palmitate), vitamin C and E. It works to promote skin cell shedding and renewal without blocking pores. Retinyl palmitate is used to minimise potential risk as esters of retinol are associated with less sun sensitivity than retinol. Vitamin C is used in the form of Ascorbyl Isostearate, brightens skin, fights acne bacteria, and accelerates the synthesis of collagen. I’m using it every morning under SPF, and at night so it can work its magic while I sleep.

Skingredients Skin Shield SPF 50 PA +++, 50ml, £42, Skingredients

This feather-light broad-spectrum mineral SPF is Skingredient's best-seller and I completely understand why. The non-oily lotion plumps and hydrates while leaving an ethereal, silky glow on skin (that won’t cause any photo flashback), meaning you can skip base altogether and go straight to concealer (or use it as a primer). The SPF50 is adequate for extended periods outdoors. As well as protecting from UVA and UVB, this is formulated to protect against blue light too and includes hydrating ingredients such as niacinamide, vitamin E and allantoin for an additional boost of antioxidants – the dream sunscreen.

MySmile by Dr. Uchenna Whitening Toothpaste, 75ml, £17.99, London Smiling

This is the toothpaste I’ve been waiting for. While whitening toothpaste may remove surface stains, it can be abrasive and damage enamel (the hard-outer layer of the tooth), making it even more prone to staining. Whitening toothpaste on the high street also often doesn't contain any active whitening ingredients, or they may be missing key ingredients required to maintain healthy teeth such as fluoride. Enter cosmetic dentist from 10 Years Younger, Dr Uchenna Okoye, and her next level toothpaste. The whitening agents are patented with fine silica exfoliants that clean and polish the teeth without damaging the enamel. For teeth where enamel may already be damaged, the hydroxyapatite ingredient works to rebuild tooth enamel and prevent demineralisation. The formula is highly concentrated with low water, so there are no added preservatives or SLS. The flavour is a natural peppermint with a dash of spearmint oil that cleanses the teeth and mouth without burning, and each toothpaste comes in a cute Nigerian printed pouch and the tube is 100% recyclable.

The Organic Pharmacy Detox Body Oil, 100ml, £36, The Organic Pharmacy

I love The Organic Pharmacy and their high quality vitamin supplements - I also love boosting my body's detoxifying ability with this beautiful blend of juniper, grapefruit and rosemary oils derived from organic farming that tone, invigorate and deeply nourish the skin while eliminating toxins. The moisturising oil is great for massaging onto the skin to treat cellulite and improve microcirculation. It has been clinically proven to increase the skin's moisture levels and elasticity as assessed after 28 days of once-a-day application.