These Are the Best Skincare Products for Every Skin Type, According To Us
When we first announced the launch of the BYRDIE / CURATED Beauty Awards in July, the response we received from brands was overwhelming. Our goal, always, is to service you, our reader. We know you're discerning, educated, and looking for products and brands that speak directly to you. But to hear that our unique approach to shining a light on stellar new beauty and health buys—breaking each category down from a single winner into personalised categories—had resonated with many in the industry, was both inspiring and energising. Truth be told, we are elated to be leading the charge. I mean, it's 2017 you guys. How is one size fits all still even a thing?
Now, after an intensive trialling process, we're ready to introduce this year's winners. (!!!) Ahead, you'll find we've taken our tailored approach one step further by curating each overarching category (see: skincare, haircare, makeup, fragrance, health) to deliver you top picks on the products you care about most. From the best foundation for oily skin, to our favourite all-round pore refiner, the full list of winners was selected by a team of Byrdie Australia editors, influencers from the Who What Wear Australia INF / Network, and one beauty-obsessed reader. And did we mention the whole thing is 100% shoppable? It sure is.
Keep scrolling for the full list of Byrdie / Curated winners in skincare.
BEST CLEANSER
NORMAL SKIN
The Clinic By Scott + Sullivan The Cleansing Pad ($55)
Know how skin experts don't advise replacing cleanser with face wipes? These pre-soaked cleansing pads don't count. Fans of micellar water (and sleeping in) will love them—they're gentle, effective, and one-step.
COMBINATION SKIN
Simple Water Boost Micellar Cleansing Water ($13)
This unscented micellar water is what dreams are made of. Strong enough to remove mascara and long-wear concealer, but gentle enough not to disturb sensitive, breakout-prone skin. It's seriously the best I've tried.
—Nella Van Veenendaal, reader judge
OILY SKIN
Shiseido Waso Quick Gentle Cleanser ($45)
It goes on as a bouncy gel and quickly transforms into a super-silky cleansing froth once water is added. Expect it to lift off makeup without drying your skin of its natural oils. Bonus points for the wildflower honey scent.
SENSITIVE SKIN
Bioderma Sensibio Mild Cleansing Foaming Gel ($30)
Fans of Bioderma's cult micellar water will enjoy the latest addition to the French pharmacy brand's sensitive cleansing range. Free from soap, fragrance, parabens, and colours, it's excellent at removing makeup and grime.
DRY SKIN
Sukin Super Greens Cleansing Oil ($14)
One of our judges called this product "the best makeup remover for waterproof eyeliner, ever". As cleansing oils tend to do, it doesn't fully rinse away. If you're super-dry, leave the sheer film of skin-loving oils on. Congested types are better off using it as a nourishing first step in a double-cleansing routine.
BEST EXFOLIANT
NORMAL SKIN
Dermalogica Daily Superfoliant ( $85 ) ($68)
Charcoal is gold standard for detoxifying skin and clearing out pores, making this water-activated powder exfoliant a no-brainer pick for normal skin. It's gentle enough to use daily but still leaves skin looking clear, fresh and bright.
COMBINATION SKIN
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Rose ($62)
As a fan of Alpha-H's classic Liquid Gold, I was prepared to love the new rose-infused formula, but I have to say, it's even better than the original. It has a beautiful subtle floral scent, and achieves the same smoothing, resurfacing, and hydrating effect as the standard formula.
—Talisa Sutton of Badlands, INF / Network judge
OILY SKIN
The Body Shop Drops of Light Pure Resurfacing Liquid Peel ($37)
This clever formula goes on like a serum, but once massaged in, begins to ball up, sweeping away grime and surface debris from the skin. Gentle yet effective, think of it as a mini DIY peel in a bottle.
SENSITIVE SKIN
French Girl Organics Facial Polish in Rose du Jardin ($32)
We've been enamored with US beauty brand French Girl Organics since day dot, so the news the range recently became shoppable at Mecca didn't go uncelebrated. This finely milled rice and clay exfoliant is great for sensitive types—it's rich in oils and antioxidants, and not harsh on skin in the slightest.
DRY SKIN
Happy Skincare Spoonful of Sugar Exfoliating Scrub ($34)
This vegan scrub smells delicious, which might be down to the fact it's mostly moisture-boosting coconut oil and sugar. The formula seems coarse, but when mixed with water it softens into a gentle potion perfect for smoothing skin.
BEST SERUM
NORMAL SKIN
Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Volume Filling Pearls ( $33 ) ($23)
Technically designed for mature skins, the hydrating nature of this silky serum means it has much to offer everyone else, too. The pearls inside are packed with hyaluronic acid, plus an anti-ageing complex the brand calls a "collagen booster". Both help to smooth and plump—what's not to love?
COMBINATION SKIN
The Ordinary "Buffet" Multi-Technology Peptide Serum ($25)
Appropriately titled, this serum does indeed deliver a buffet of skin-loving ingredients. Made from a cocktail of reparative peptides, plus hydrating hyaluronic acid, it supports elasticity without clogging pores.
OILY SKIN
Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate ($135)
Clarins' Double Serum recently had a makeover—and it's better than ever. Supercharged with turmeric, an anti-ageing powerhouse, the new formula also boosts glow. It's not greasy at all, making it ideal for easily congested skin.
SENSITIVE SKIN
Lancôme Advanced Génifique Sensitive ($109)
A short-term treatment for temporary skin freak outs (like dryness or redness), this healing formula is packed with probiotics and ferulic acid. It's self-activated and only comes in one size to ensure you get 100% potency from every drop.
DRY SKIN
Tatcha Deep Hydration Firming Serum ($138)
If you can get past the fact this serum contains 23-karat gold dust (for shimmer-free radiance), you'll fall in love with its ability to dramatically restore hydration. It leaves skin deeply refreshed like a tall glass of water for your face.
BEST MOISTURISER
NORMAL SKIN
Jurlique Herbal Recovery Advanced Day Cream ($69)
This lush cream boasts a healing blend of 18+ botanicals in concentrations able to hydrate and soften the look of fine lines. The texture is super-smooth (it's perfect under makeup), and the brightening effects last all day.
COMBINATION SKIN
Olay Total Effects 7 In One Day Cream ($33)
Lightweight to apply, this moisturiser doesn't have a strong perfume smell, which is my preference. It's hydrating but doesn't make skin oily after a full day's wear, and it's also great underneath foundation. I'm a new fan of this brand after using this.
—Petra Mackova of Pepamack, INF / Network judge
OILY SKIN
Cremorlab Fresh Water Gel ($80)
It's hard to find a moisturiser that can adequately hydrate without overloading an oily complexion. Enter: This guy. A light gel-cream, it's based on a mineral-rich thermal water that boosts moisture but leaves skin matte.
SENSITIVE SKIN
Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Ultra-Soothing Balm ($33)
For super-sensitive types, this comforting balm is a godsend. Fragrance- and paraben-free, and non-comedogenic, it helps to restore the skin barrier and soothe irritation. Bonus: The tube is jumbo so you can use it for face and body.
DRY SKIN
Venustus Rose Elixir Facial Moisturiser ($129)
Entirely organic, this nourishing cream is crafted in house at Sydney's Venustus spa. Pure Bulgarian rose helps to smooth wrinkles, nix dryness, and knock back redness. Also, it smells phenomenal. (Better than the real thing.)
BEST FACE MASK
NORMAL SKIN
Endota Spa New Age Elements High Performance Lifting Mask ($80)
Intended to combat the effects of the harsh Australian climate, this cloth mask is pre-soaked in a potent multi-purpose serum, which leaves skin calm, hydrated, and just-had-a-facial glowy. Whatever ails you, this treatment will fix it.
COMBINATION SKIN
Essano Rosehip Clarifying Clay Mask ($17)
There's something to be said for masking to nourish, not just to target skin issues. The consistency of this natural, vegan treatment is like whipped mousse, and a tiny bit goes a long way. It doesn't dry or harden, but stays moist and nourishing the whole time. Think of it as a healthy dessert for your face.
OILY SKIN
The Body Shop Tea Tree Anti-Imperfection Night Mask ($25)
This targeted overnight mask works wonders on acne-prone skin, and with practically zero effort. Apply a thin layer of the clear, jelly-like formula before bed, and let hero ingredients tea tree oil and salicylic acid get to work controlling shine and breakouts while you snooze.
SENSITIVE SKIN
SkinCeuticals Phyto Corrective Masque ( $85 ) ($75)
Perfect for soothing irritation, this Kermit-green mask cools on contact. It's been tested on skin post-procedure to ensure it can calm even the highest levels of inflammation, but we love it as a quick fix for everything from windburn to too much sun.
DRY SKIN
Ole Henriksen Moment of Truth 2-in-1 Polishing Sugar Mask ($52)
Part scrub, part mask, this delightful mix polishes away dead skin cells to allow moisturising oils and brightening vitamin C to sink in. Our reviewer said it gave her "a new face", which is pretty big praise in anyone's books.
BEST EYE PRODUCT
It Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Eye Cream ($68)
In true It Cosmetics style, this eye treatment delivers both long-term results and instant gratification. It contains a truckload of ingredients beloved for their anti-ageing benefits, including vitamin C, protective blue algae, and hyaluronic acid. It's also tinted blue, which subtly counteracts dark circles sans concealer.
BEST FACIAL SPF
Ultraceuticals Ultra Protective Daily Moisturiser SPF 50+ Mattifying ($74)
Let us count the ways we love this facial sunscreen. 1. It's broad spectrum, high protection, and free from nano particles. 2. It's lightweight and sinks in fast. 3. It's hydrating yet mattifying. (Magic?) 4. It doesn't clog pores. 5. Need we go on?
BEST PORE-REFINER
Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Purifying Black Mask ($80)
Blackheads beware, this mask is no joke. Super-potent, it's made from a special type of mud famed for its next level nutrient, as well as its mineral and antioxidant content. Also in the mix is activated charcoal and volcanic ash, both known to draw out skin impurities to improve the look of congested pores.
BEST NEW INNOVATION
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Light Therapy Acne Mask ( $70 ) ($60)
There's no denying this Hannibal Lecter–style mask is game-changer for anyone with acne-prone skin. Novice-friendly and quick to use, it targets inflammation and bacteria, promoting healing and reducing breakouts. Better yet, its drugstore price point means that this targeted light therapy (once only available by way of a dermatologist) is able to be used daily at home.
BEST NEW AUSTRALIAN BEAUTY BRAND
Equal Beauty Super Serum ($100)
Jessica Gomes' fledgling skincare line is simple, chic, and fragrance-free, and revolves around hydration and protection—two things every woman could probably use more of. The entire range is noteworthy, but the vitamin C–enriched serum is our pick for glowy, model-like skin.
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