There are a few things getting older has taught me: Never buy cheap tights, a black roll-neck goes with everything and investing in beauty products in your 30s is a must. While I might be lucky enough to look younger than my age, I'm still 35 and need to take care of my skin, so that means finding the right products for me. That's not to say it has to be expensive, though—there are plenty of products that are affordable. However, I am but one woman, so I turned to three of my friends (also in their 30s) and asked them what products they swear by.
I'm lucky that I've known most of my closest girlfriends for over 20 years. As part of the same group of friends, you can imagine that we're unflinchingly honest with each other, which means I trust them to tell me exactly what they like. They revealed which brands and type of products really work for them and what they're looking for to help their skin. Below, you'll see three of my friends and their skincare must-haves and why, plus the products I rate to keep my skin in check.
FRIEND #1:
Friend #1 said she swears by this for her legs, even though she's struggled to get hold of it right now.
This is also one of my personal favourites too. Kiehl's lightweight oil is great for making your skin look refreshed the next morning.
Hydration is so much more important than before, said Friend #1. To achieved this she invests in serums packed with hyaluronic acid, such as this one by The Inkey List.
Another recommendation was this one from This Works.
This friend also said she loves anything Sunday Riley, and I'm in complete agreement. While it's on the more expensive side of things, the products really work.
Another winner from Sunday Riley when it comes to moisturising skin.
If you're looking for an inexpensive cleanser, there are a couple that are ideal. Friend #1 also said she can get away with a richer cleanser these days so opts for oils or cream cleansers.
Try a cleansing balm to remove all makeup.
For a treat, she'll buy Drunk Elephant or Eve Lom cleansers.
FRIEND #2:
Friend #2 loves this as it's nice and natural and makes her skin feel amazing.
Like everyone right now, she needs a great hand cream. And this one, she says, is a game-changer.
To protect her skin and try to avoid creating wrinkles, Friend #2 swears by La Roche-Posay's SPF 50+.
To keep her skin topped up and hydrated all day, Friend #2 likes to do a spritz of this.
She also swears by Burt's Bees to keep lips hydrated.
Beauty sleep is everything, and this friend loves This Works' sleep spray. Full disclosure: I originally bought some for her eight years ago and she's still hooked.
FRIEND #3:
The final friend likes to keep her skincare routine as simple as possible.
She swears by the vitamin E range from The Body Shop, including the body and face moisturiser.
If you’re looking to keep the skin under your eyes moisturised, this is one Friend #2 swears by.
At the end of the day, she loves to use this cleanser. Easy to use and removes all traces of dirt and makeup.
SHOP MY PICKS:
As I've got older, the dark circles under my eyes have become more prominent. This one from BareMinerals includes vitamin C so it helps to brighten the skin underneath my eyes.
Takes off makeup super quick.
Another great option for an eye cream.
I'm lazy when it comes to moisturising the rest of my body, which is why this body wash comes in handy. It cleans but also leaves my legs feeling smooth.
This is a miracle serum and one I can’t do without. It helps hydrate my face and is a great base for putting on moisturiser.
If you're after a great all-around moisturiser that's super affordable, I can't recommend this Nivea one enough.
My favourite, however, is this Sunday Riley moisturiser. Packed with vitamin C, this leaves my skin looking brighter and fresher.
Next up, the biggest spring/summer 2021 fashion trends you need to know.
-
The Brutally Honest Skincare Advice You Needed to Know Yesterday, According to 2 Beauty Industry VetsThe Dieux founders share their hot takes and unfiltered product recs.
-
Sorry to My Classic Black Shoes, But This Printed Shoe Trend Is Defining Fall 2025Spotted on fashion people in Venice, NYC, and Copenhagen.
-
Victorian Sketches, "Street Goth," and Dior—the Beauty References You Shouldn't Ignore in Wednesday Part 2The show's MUA spills all the sinister style secrets.
-
Is It 2016 Again? The Resurrected Beauty Trends Music's It Girls Can't Stop Wearing in 2025Cue the topknots and chokers.
-
Yep, This Hailey Bieber–Approved Lip Pencil Is Impossible to Dupe (I Tried)It's the perfect nude.
-
Move Aside, Milky Manicures—19 More Interesting Ways to Wear Glazed Nails in 2025Chrome dust and shimmery nail polishes continue to dominate.
-
I'm Using Taylor Swift's Album Announcement as an Excuse to Shop Her 2 Signature ScentsBoth are iconic designer fragrances.
-
If You Ask Me (and Bella Hadid), This Type of Fragrance Is a Sneaky Compliment EarnerThe multi-hyphenate calls mismatched perfume notes the secret to "yin and yang" signature perfumes.
-
Not Just the Wolf Cut—16 Androgynous Hairstyles to Save for Your Next Salon VisitEffortlessly cool.
-
Bella Hadid's Fifth 'Ôrəbella Perfume Just Dropped, and It's Guaranteed to Elevate Your Aura"It's both soft and powerful at the same time."
