Pretty Pennies Hauls: Dermatologist's Top Skincare Picks
We’re snooping inside your favourite beauty lover’s shopping bags in our Pretty Pennies Hauls! Each month, we’re challenging makeup artists, dermatologists and content creators to spend their Pretty Pennies, and we’re sharing their beauty buys and bargains with you…
A dermatologist is the best source of skincare advice, and we’re offering you just that in this month’s Pretty Pennies Haul. We’re looking into the shopping bag of Dr Cristina Psomadakis, a London-based NHS Dermatologist who specialises in skin ageing and aesthetics.
She is also known on Instagram as Dr Soma, and she is enthusiastic about skin health and education; her profile is a must-follow for any skincare fanatic. As Escentual is the home of French Pharmacy skincare, we asked Dr Soma to share her top recommendations with us.
The Challenge
We asked Dr Soma to spend her 10,000 Pretty Pennies (£100) on the French Pharmacy skincare she always recommends.
1. Quick & Easy Makeup Remover
Dr Soma says: Bioderma Sensibio is a very gentle and effective micellar water. It’s a great first step to cleansing your face at the end of the day. Soak a cotton pad with the solution and wipe across the eye and face makeup. Follow with your favourite face cleanser!
Ceryn says: One of French Pharmacy’s icons, Sensibio H2O is a must-have. Nothing takes makeup off quite like it, so it’s a favourite among makeup artists and models. Sensibio is for sensitive skin, and there’s also Hydrabio for dry skin and Sebium for oily.
5 Micellar Water Questions People Still Don’t Know The Answer To
2. Dry Skin Travel Essentials
Avene Hydrance Rehydrating Routine Kit
Dr Soma says: I really like the Hydrance range from Avene. It’s great to keep these minis in your bag or office if you’re prone to getting dry skin throughout the day and need a hydration boost.
Ceryn says: I have a soft spot for skincare minis. They are great for travel, but they’re an excellent way to test out products before investing in a bigger size. If you have dehydrated skin and are prone to sensitivity, Hydrance will be right up your street!
3. The Answer To Very Chapped Lips
Eucerin Dry Skin Acute Lip Balm
Dr Soma says: This lip balm is a lifesaver for dry, cracked lips. It’s especially good for patients on drying acne medication. I like to use it overnight as a lip mask.
Ceryn says: I have eczema, and this lip balm has saved my lips time and time again. No matter how cracked, chapped, and painful my lips are, this brings them back to the brink.
4. Lazy Girl’s Body Moisturiser
Eucerin Aquaphor Body Ointment Spray
Dr Soma says: I absolutely love this ointment spray! It gives a lovely hydrated glow to the legs, and it’s perfect for anyone with dry skin who finds applying moisturiser onerous. It’s a great solution for kids with dry skin conditions. It can top up hydration and can be packed up for school.
Ceryn says: Moisturising top to toe is possible with this; it has a 360-degree nozzle! Whether you have super dry skin or like to ensure your silky smooth, this body moisturiser makes body care quick, easy, and fun, too!
5. Silky-Smooth Feet Must-Have
Eucerin Urea Repair Plus Foot Cream – 10% Urea
Dr Soma says: Urea is a fantastic ingredient for hydration and, at 10% strength, can help shed dry, flaky skin. If you’re suffering from dry heels, try this on your feet with cotton socks or wrapped in cling film for a few hours.
Ceryn says: Sandal season is fast approaching, and this ensures your feet are summer-ready. Feet can often get forgotten about in a pamper session, so this is your reminder to give yours some love.
6. For Hydration, Heatwaves and Hot Flushes
Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Anti-Age Refreshing Mist Spray
Dr Soma says: In the warm months, I like to keep a mist spray in the fridge at home for a cool dose of hydration and one in my bag for a quick plump glow; this can be especially refreshing for perimenopausal women.
Ceryn says: I live by skincare guru Caroline Hirons’ advice to ‘spray hydrated’. The Hyaluron-Filler Mist is one of the best with added hyaluronic acid and gluco-glyceron, plus it’s free when you spend £15 or more on Eucerin while stocks last!
7. Glow-Giving Face Wash
PAYOT Gelee Gommante Douceur Melting Exfoliating Gel
Dr Soma says: This is a facewash with a beautiful jelly texture with exfoliating acids and soothing ingredients. I like to use it once or twice per week for an added glow.
Ceryn says: Exfoliating is an essential part of every skincare routine, and this is a great all-rounder option. It’s not a scrub; instead, it has AHAs inside that gently remove dead skin cells to give your complexion a gorgeous glow.
8. Lather-Up in Luxury
PAYOT Rituel Corps Huile De Douche Relaxante – Gentle Oil-In-Foam Cleanser
Dr Soma says: This has a gentle fragrance of jasmine and white tea and goes from a silky oil to a foam texture. It adds a bit of luxury to the shower experience!
Ceryn says: Shower time is the perfect time for self-care. Use products that make you feel incredible, and this foaming body oil will do just that. It lathers up into a luxurious foam, makes your skin silky soft, and leaves a delicate floral scent on your skin.
9. All-Rounder Holiday Skincare Routine
Vichy Mineral 89 Daily Hydrate & Protect Routine
Dr Soma says: This is a perfect kit to take with you on a sunny holiday – it has a hydrating cleanser and moisturiser, the iconic Mineral 89 serum, which gives the most gorgeous glow, and the Capital Soleil UV – Age Sunscreen. Capital Soleil – UV Age is one of my favourites because it has excellent sun protection while packed with great skincare ingredients like niacinamide and peptides.
Ceryn says: Don’t deal with the stress of cramming your skincare into a clear airport security bag; opt for this set instead. Packed with Vichy favourites, including the award-winning hydrating Mineral 89 serum, your skin in is safe hands with this line-up.