Our Online Beauty Editor’s Pick of the Top 10 Unisex Skincare Products

It’s a fact, the days of girly packaging in skincare are long gone. Minus a few brands that target the teen market, the average bathroom shelf now contains simple, sleek containers designed to appeal to both sexes.

And it’s not only the aesthetic that’s changed – what’s inside has, too. Today, many brands strive to create formulas that are suitable for all skin types. Perfect for small bathrooms, and practical when travelling as a two.

In a crowded market place, it’s hard to cut through the noise and discover the best products, but as a makeup artist my picks have been tried and tested on myself as well as male and female models. Most are old favourites, some are new found obsessions. Here’s my top ten.

1. ELEMIS SUPERFOOD FACIAL WASH

Green and clean! This facial wash smells like a tropical forest. It’s deeply cleansing, highly refreshing and crammed with wheatgrass, avocado, kale and a pro-biotic to help balance the skin’s microbiome. I use this first thing in the morning to wake up my face and again at night to remove traces of make up. Designed for all skin types and highly addictive.

2. RÉVIVE MOISTURIZING RENEWAL EYE CREAM

Perfect for both sexes due to the matte finish, this powerful eye cream increases skin cell renewal with its exclusive restorative eye complex. Inspired by the technology Dr Brown used to heal burns victims, after a few weeks eyes appear brighter and more awake with fewer wrinkles. The bonus is the ‘blurring effect’ – great for men as it’s invisible, also good for anyone wearing under eye concealer on top as it acts like a primer. 

3. ANTIPODES RESURRECT FACIAL TONER

New Zealand-based award-winning brand Antipodes have a cult following due to its 100% natural, high percentage organic ingredients. Products that work and care for the planet? Sold! This refreshing toner comes in spray form, spritz before your moisturiser or to hydrate throughout the day. It clarifies, closes pores and smells incredible. Tip: decant some into a travel size bottle so you always have it with you, handy for long haul flights, post workout and hot summer days.

4. SISLEY PARIS ECOLOGICAL COMPOUND

I’m completely obsessed with this anti-ageing luxury lotion. It glides on like silk and absorbs quickly, making it ideal for makeup prep. Men love the sheer texture and ‘fresh linen’ scent. I know when my bf is wearing this because his skin smells amazing! The formula leaves no residue and is highly hydrating. Day or night, this product can be used alone or as an under-layer. Expect rested and radiant results.

5. RODIAL COLLAGEN BOOSTER DROPS

These tiny drops pack a big punch. After only three days of use I noticed my skin was tighter and smoother. Two weeks later, I was in awe. My boyfriend trialled the product simultaneously and was equally impressed. The collagen-rich protein boosts elasticity, plumps skin and prevents wrinkles forming. Skin is visibly tighter and more youthful, as though you’ve just returned from a vacation.

6. CLINIQUE ID

I didn’t think it could get any better than Clinique Dramatically Different Hydrating Jelly, but the beauty goliath’s new ID range is a game-changer. You can now personalise your skincare to your exact needs. With 15 combinations, you can choose your base moisturiser (dry, oily, combo) add the colour cartridge such as orange for fatigue or blue for open pores, start pumping to activate and voilà, you have your very own bespoke treatment. Genius! 

7. SISLEY PARIS SUNLEŸA G.E. SPF 30

Yes, it’s on the pricey side, but as with all Sisley products there’s a reason. It’s not just suncream, it’s an advanced anti-ageing day cream with sun protection built in. I use this myself when the first hint of sun appears and on location shoots its indispensable, lasting all day so that I don’t have to worry about over-exposure. It always get a positive reaction from male models who are surprised by the supermodel finish on the skin. Added bonus? Smells like a summer breeze.

8. BOY DE CHANEL LIP BALM

Newly launched Boy De Chanel balm has finally nailed it in the lip department. Until now, most lip balms for men left that obvious trace of product, a little too shiny or sticky. With its slick black packaging and matte finish, I have a feeling this will become a cult favourite. Even my boyfriend, who never wears lip balm, is impressed. On men it’s an invisible layer of protection from the elements, hydrating but with zero shine. On women it works well as a balm and lipstick primer.

9. CLINIQUE CITY BLOCK PURIFYING CHARCOAL CLAY MASK & SCRUB

I’m a sucker for anything clay-based and this product does exactly what it says, sucks out the dirt. The time-saving, multi-tasking mask will purify and polish, eliminate pollutants and leave you with squeaky-clean smooth skin. Essential if you live in the city, great for preventing spots and blackheads from polluted air. Plus the blue hue gets bonus points for making you look like an extra from Braveheart.

10. KONJAC FACIAL PUFF SPONGE WITH BAMBOO CHARCOAL

The original and still the best, award-winning Konjac sponges are made by hand in South Korea using premium grade vegetable fibre from the Konjac plant. I started using these twelve years ago and have used them every single day and night since as part of my cleansing routine. They gently exfoliate and deep clean, a great tool to use when taking off a face mask. Keep one at home and take the mini version when travelling. Tip: hanging them over the tap or in the mesh bag to dry will keep them free of bacteria. Eco-friendly and vegan, one sponge lasts for a month or two, saving the planet and your wallet at the same time. Check out the range, there’s one for every skin type.