Beauty/ 16/01/2023/

Sans Pareil Online Best In Skincare Awards 2022

by Robecca Leyden and Clare Jennings

We get sent a lot (and also buy a lot) of skincare and beauty products at SP. Between that and the amount of treatments we do, it's safe to say we are pretty skincare obsessed. That's why we have launched the brand-spanking new 'Sans Pareil Online Best In Skincare Awards'! We've made a list of categories and are picking our very favorite in each. It should be noted that while I've bought on Clare -our in house skincare guru to help write this - neither of us are a cosmetologist or scientist. We are writing from the point of view of our own opinions. Research has been done to bring you the best information possible, but we are writers not medical professionals. For any of those super serious skincare questions - go see a professional. It should also be mentioned that while some of the products I have picked have been sent to me, I am under no obligation to any brand, nor financial gain from picking and no brand knows we are making this list (surprise!).

Best Sunscreen Body:

La Roche Posay Anthelios Wet and Dry Body Sunscreen 50+

This sunscreen is a must for anyone who goes near water during summer. No white cast, it can be applied to wet or dry skin, and a 50+ SPF factor that is a must in the harsh New Zealand sun. Non greasy, and very, very effective. Great for the whole whanau.

Available: In New Zealand at various retailers and online.

Best Sunscreen Face:

Emma Lewisham Skin Shield SPF 30.

This day crème combines sun and antioxidant skin protection with 9 high performing active ingredients to improve the condition of your skin. I love it SO much and the best part, is wearing it doesn't make you feel like a greased up monkey (whatever that actually means?). For combination skin like mine, that can very, very easily look sweaty in my t-zone, this product is my go-to.

Available: In New Zealand at various retailers and online.

Pictured: Emma Lewisham Skin Shield SPF 30 and Essano Body Lotion Daily Hydration.

Best Body Moisturiser:

Essano Body Lotion Daily Hydration.

It can be very easy to forget about the body with the amount of energy we put into our face. I tend to pat myself on the back and exclaim 'SELF CARE QUEEN' when I simply remember to use that 2 year old giant bottle of cream on my knees and elbows. When I was sent this, I was very excited. Hyaluronic acid is this decade's skincare ingredient of choice, so treat your body like your face, and use this ingredient all over.

Available: In most New Zealand supermarkets and online.

Best Retinol Serum:

The Ordinary % in Squalane.

I freaking LOVE this stuff. Before The Ordinary became available in NZ, I stocked up in London because I love it so much. I love a product where you can see the results, the quicker the better. Within a week my face broke out in what is referred to as the 'retinol uglies', spots coming to the surface and uneven skin tone- which soon gave way to beautiful even skin with a noted reduction in pigmentation marks. This product comes in 0.2% 0.5% and 1%. Make sure to start at the bottom and build your way up, otherwise you will burn your skin.

Available: In New Zealand online.

Best Exfoliating Treatment:

Good Genes Lactic Acid.

There's just something so special about this serum. It has achieved cult status amongst the skincare community, and for good reason. It's star ingredient is lactic acid, a hydrating and effective alpha hydroxy acid which gently exfoliates the skin, plus liquorice root for brightening, plus aloe, meadow foam oil, and arnica for soothing the skin. It has a distinct lemon grass scent from the oil present in the formulation but it's not overbearing. I truly hate when I run out of this delight.

Available: In New Zealand at Mecca.

Pictured: The Ordinary % in Squalane and Good Genes Lactic Acid.

Best Cleanser:

INCELLDERM Active Clean-up Powder.

A little while ago we published a review on the INCELLDERM range, and I was not kidding when I said I fell in love. I cannot express enough how great this stuff is. It goes on so softly and the more you lather, the more like a mask it becomes. After rinse off my skin is the softest it has ever felt.

Available: In New Zealand through INCELLDERM NZ.

Best Skincare Tool:

Skinsmiths Derma Roller.

I've had one of these for a few years now and I love it. This roller creates tiny micro-channels (think pinpricks) in your skin that help increase the absorption of active ingredients in your skincare. It gives your skin super powers, like making it more bouncy, reducing the appearance of lines and making your pores less noticeable. Basically, it's an at home mini microdermabrasion.

Available in New Zealand at Caci Clinics and online.

Best Sheet Mask:

Lemon & Beaker Galvanic Brightening Sheet Mask.

Enriched with hydrating New Zealand's Harakeke extract and nourishing Manuka essential oil. This unique formula also combines our 8 hyaluronic acids with ceramides to brighten and keep your skin looking dewy, luminous, and youthful.

Available in New Zealand at various pharmacies and online.

Best Targeted Dark Spot Serum:

Clear Skincare TX Tranexamic Acid Serum.

This stuff is actually AMAZING. My number one skin concern is dark spots that I cannot get rid of. This lightweight serum with 3% Tranexamic Acid known for its powerful brightening properties, helps diminish the appearance of skin discolouration, stubborn dark spots, hyperpigmentation or even red-splotched complexions, post-acne marks and scars and stubborn brown patches.

Available in New Zealand at their locations or online.

Pictured: Lemon & Beaker Sheet Mask and Clear Skincare TX.

Best Brightening Treatment:

Skinsmiths Pro Strenth Vitamin C Serum.

this serum is new to the market - an update to their previous Vitamin C offering. It contains a stabilised derivative of Vitamin C - Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate which is water soluble and doesn't need to be used as quickly as other derivatives of Vitamin C. It's been scientifically proven to reduce dark spots by at least 25 %. This also contains Vitamin E and liquorice root for added brightening benefits, plus a new to me ingredient - SauvigNZ - an ingredient taken from grapes that I definitely need to learn more about. It's gentle enough to use AM and PM, and honestly for me to add it to my favourites of the year after only 6 weeks of use is a good indicator of just how effective this serum is.

Available in New Zealand at Caci Clinics and online.

Best Hydrating Serum:

The Ordinary Amino Acids + B5 serum.

This lightweight serum is hydration in a bottle. It contains soothing amino acids that help with hydration and production of collagen, and Vitamin B5 which acts and a humectant. Combined these ingredients make a lovely addition to any skincare routine, helping strengthen the moisture barrier and promote stronger skin.

Available in New Zealand at Farmers and online.

Best Toner:

Indie Lee CoQ-10 Toner.

n oldie but such a goodie. This toner contains aloe, hyaluronic acid, CoQ-10 and a few other gentle ingredients. It's a hydrating and supportive toner that can be used day and night, and I can't get enough of it. CoQ-10 is a wonderful ingredient in skincare - it's full of antioxidants and is a fantastic hydrator. Combined with the hyaluronic acid and aloe in the formulation it is well tolerated by many. You can spritz it on your face, or use a cotton pad. Either way, it's gorgeous.

Available in New Zealand at Sephora.

Best Under Eye Creme:

Dr LeWinn's Line Smoothing Complex Intensive Action Caviar Eye Serum.

a lightweight and super potent gel serum formulated with powerful scientifically proven actives to transform the eye area. Clinically tested peptide Snap-8™ is proven to help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles by up to 63%*, while nutrient-rich Caviar Extract is captured inside each gold millicapsule and is crushed upon dispensing to release a concentrated serum. Enriched with a superior form of Hyaluronic Acid to intensely nourish and hydrate skin, while Golden C, the next generation of Vitamin C is supercharged with Gold to maintain 100% potency* and works to brighten skin and boost collagen.

Available in New Zealand online.

Best Mist Spray:

Essano Hydrating Rosehip Mist Toner.

Huge fan of this product. Rosehip is such a calming, great ingredient for skin. A nourishing blend of vitamins A and C from Rosehip Oil and Kakadu Plum are combined with soothing, Aloe Vera, Green Tea and Witch Hazel to balance and tone. It is so soothing and refreshing and lives in my hand bag (and beach bag!).

Available in New Zealand at Supermarkets and online.

Pictured: Dr LeWinn's Line Smoothing Complex Intensive Action Caviar Eye Serum and Essano Hydrating Rosehip Mist Toner.

Best Face Mask:

ROIMATAWE Glacier Masque.

This product is designed to exfoliate, clean and invigorate the skin which in turn offers improved blood circulation and improved skin tone. A beautiful deep clean, and perfect after a long day.

Available online.

Best Night Cream:

Emma Lewisham Supernatural Sleeping Mask.

Another fantastic product from Emma Lewisham. a highly concentrated, at-home skin treatment for dramatically elevated results in skin regeneration. Basically you wake up looking like you've had 9 hours sleep instead of 4.

Available in New Zealand at Mecca and online.

Best Skin Primer:

Raww Superfood Crystal Glow Elixir.

I love this product because I am someone who doesn't usually wear foundation and I've found this is a great way to give my skin and instant glow before I'm going out. dries down with an iridescent finish – but it is more than just a surface shimmer. The certified cruelty free skincare/makeup hybrid adds a fine glisten as White Tourmaline crystal stimulates circulation with an oh-so-luxe warming effect.

Available in New Zealand online.