The Products Our Skincare Team *Actually* Spent Their Own Money on This Month
Amy Clark is Adore Beauty's former Senior Editor and co-host of Skincare School the podcast (and self-appointed beauty road-tester!). Amy's worked as a journalist, beauty editor and podcaster for several years, previously writing and talking about all things beauty at Mamamia and You Beauty. When she's not writing honest, no BS product reviews and taking selfies 'for work', you'll find Amy eating halloumi in a hair towel turban and... taking more selfies.
Our skincare team at Adore Beauty trial a lot of products.
From buzzy new trends to up-and-coming brands, they road-test pretty much every single skincare product before it makes onto our virtual shelves.
But what products does a skincare buyer put on their own face?
Even more importantly, which products do they spend their own money when the trial sample runs dry?
When you work in beauty, repurchasing a product is the ultimate endorsement.
So, I asked four people from Adore Beauty's skin team to share the products they bought in their staff orders this month.
Here's what they told me...
1. Osmosis Skincare Purify Enzyme Cleanser.
Who: Ellie, Skincare Assistant Brand Marketing Manager.
Why it's so great:
Since working at Adore, I've learned my skin responds better to a less is more approach.
I'm very into products that combine a few steps, like this exfoliating cleanser that's my cleanser and exfoliant.
I have oily skin prone to blemishes but need to be careful with exfoliating as I can easily sensitise my skin.
Osmosis Purify Enzyme Cleanser is a gentle enough gel formula that uses fruit extracts to deeply cleanse and break down dead skin cells.
I use it every second or third night after oil cleansing with Dermalogica PreCleanse 150ml and find it leaves my skin satisfyingly-cleansed, while still feeling hydrated and soft.
Shop Ellie's double cleansing duo here:
2. SkinCeuticals SilyMarin CF Serum.
Who: Danielle, Senior Skincare Category Manager.
Why it's so great:
I've been trialling this newbie in my day routine for the last two months, which is sufficient time to notice a difference. And what a difference!
I use this most days, and have seen a marked improvement in my overall skin tone.
We're talking increased clarity to my skin, reduced pigment inconsistencies across my cheeks and my forehead, and it really sped up the healing of any small blemishes.
It's a marker of a great product when your skin just feels and looks better after routine use, and I definitely feel this with SilyMarin.
It's also a way better formulation for my normal to oily skin over the dry skin-friendly SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic because it absorbs quicker and dries to a great matte finish.
Plus, it sits well when layered under my moisturiser, SPF and CC cream every day.
Shop SkinCeuticals SilyMarin CF Serum here:
3. COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid.
Who: Danielle, Senior Skincare Category Manager.
Why it's so great:
I was sceptical about this product, but now I'm a convert.
Having normal/oily skin, it's important to incorporate a beta hydroxy acid (or BHA) like salicylic acid regularly, but I find they can be a bit harsh.
Korean skincare is renowned for achieving that balance of being active and effective, but still hydrating.
This product is the embodiment of that.
Dive deeper into Korean skincare principles in our YouTube video below!
The COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid provides the perfect ingredient for me to fend off blemishes, but is mild and hydrating enough that I can incorporate this into my daily night time routine.
I've definitely noticed it's helped in prevention and staving off those pesky spots I usually get from time to time.
What's more, the liquid is that classic essence viscosity typical in Korean skincare, making it light enough for me to layer alongside other serums in my PM routine.
Shop COSRX BHA Blackhead Power Liquid here:
4. Hunter Lab Marine Healing Essence.
Who: Liz, Skin eCommerce Merchandiser and SEO Coordinator.
Why it's so great:
I've reignited my love affair with Hunter Lab Marine Healing Essence. It's the quenching, juicy step I forget I need.
You can use this hybrid skincare product as a morning refresher on a reusable pad, or as a dreamy in-between step to splash on before my serums (a slightly damp face makes my fanciest serums go further, and do more!).
You can even mix a couple drops into a too-thick winter moisturiser to adjust it to a more summer-appropriate hydrator.
Love me a good multi-tasker.
Shop Hunter Lab Marine Healing Essence here:
5. SALT BY HENDRIX Dry Body Brush.
Who: Sam, Junior Skincare Category Manager.
Why it's so great:
I'd seen dry brushing a lot on TikTok and wanted to give it a try.
I also just liked the chic design of this SBH brush.
Side note, you can watch a recap of dry body brushing and what it can (and can't) do for yor skin in this YouTube video below.
After just one use, I felt really invigorated, and now I love using it when I wake up feeling tired and sluggish.
And after a few uses, my skin texture was way softer and smoother. My skin tone even looked better: less patchy and pale.
And while I know dry brushing can never permanently erase or prevent cellulite, it made me feel good to know I was helping my body detoxify and improve its circulation.
Shop SALT BY HENDRIX Dry Body Brush here:
6. Avène Tolerance CONTROL Soothing Skin Recovery Balm.
Who: Sam, Junior Skincare Category Manager.
Why it's so great:
I'm always on the hunt for the perfect moisturiser, and this new one is ticking all the boxes.
It's super nourishing and hydrating on my dry, dehydrated skin, but never greasy feeling.
The formula is gentle and non-irritating, so I can use it as my last, calming step in a routine of strong active serums.
And it has a great price point, which means I can use it really liberally on my face, neck and chest without stressing about getting through the bottle too quickly!
An added benefit is that this balm sits really nicely under makeup, it was almost like a primer for my fine lines.
Shop Avène Tolerance CONTROL Soothing Skin Recovery Balm here.
Suss these stories below for even more staff orders and product favourites:
