Why I Made The Top 50
After years of testing products, speaking with leading experts and watching trends come and go, these are the formulas I genuinely rate — the ones that deliver, earn a place in your routine and stand the test of time.
I've organised them by decade as a helpful starting point, but most can be used at any age. Think of it as an invitation to refine, upgrade and enjoy your skincare routine a little more.
This is an affiliate edit — when you shop via these links, you're supporting Beauticate at no extra cost to you.
— Sigourney x
Teens & Tweens
These are the best years of your skin's life from a collagen perspective — enjoy them. This is the time to begin good habits: daily cleansing, non-negotiable sunscreen and a few targeted treatments if breakouts show up.
1. A Lightweight Moisturiser
shop from brandGO-TO
GO-TO Skincare Very Lightweight Moisturiser
$55
This gel cream gives a lovely matte finish and zero residue — an absolute dreamboat of a moisturiser for people who hate wearing moisturiser.
2. An Affordable Sunscreen
shop from brandLa Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+
$38.95
This cult sunscreen for all ages is light and easy to wear, which is key when you use it every day. Purse-friendly, too.
3. A Clarifying Cleanser
shop from brandCeraVe
CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser
$24.99
This spot-seeking oil-buster contains ceramides, niacinamide, salicylic acid and purifying clay to help deeply clean and minimise future breakouts.
4. Blemish Patches
shop from brandThe Breakout Hack
The Breakout Hack Patch It Up – Everyday Pimple Patches
$19.95
A game-changer for breakouts. These contain Ascorbic Acid, Salicylic Acid, Tea Tree Oil and Niacinamide to nix breakouts fast.
5. A Skin-Sloughing Exfoliant
shop from brandPaula's Choice
Paula's Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
$54
Swipe on this award-winning lotion any time your skin is feeling too oily or clogged up to prevent breakouts and brighten.
6. A Glow Serum
shop from brandGlow Recipe
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops
$35
Who doesn't want luminosity? This skincare-makeup hybrid delivers in spades and is a firm favourite among anyone chasing that lit-from-within finish.
7. A Drying Lotion
shop from brandMario Badescu
Mario Badescu Drying Lotion
$31
I can't count the number of times this little pink lotion has saved my bacon. Often it dries pimples out overnight.
8. A Clay Mask
shop from brandKiehl's
Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Clay Mask
$73
For those days when a breakout is imminent, apply this detoxifying mask to problem areas to draw out oil and bacteria.
9. A Non-Oily Oil
shop from brandGo-To
Go-To Skincare Face Hero
$45
This somehow balances oily skin, quenches dry skin, and doubles as a beautiful primer for makeup. Go-To's products are en pointe.
10. A Cleansing Tool
shop from brandForeo
Foreo Luna 3 for Combination Skin
$302.29
Tools take your cleansing to the next level and will help minimise blackheads and breakouts.
Twenties
Your twenties are about learning what your skin loves and protecting it before you ever think you need to. Daily sunscreen (yes, I know I harp on), thorough cleansing and antioxidants to protect and prevent premature ageing.
11. The 'Clean' Sunscreen
shop from brandUltra Violette
Ultra Violette Clean Screen
$49
Some people worry about chemicals in their sunscreen. This one is delightfully low-tox and still nice to wear.
12. The Lazy-Girl's Cleanser
shop from brandBioderma
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water Makeup Remover
$22.99
For those nights when you can barely be bothered to remove your makeup, keep this bottle and some reusable pads stashed on your night stand.
13. The Sun Protecting CC Cream
shop from brandIt Cosmetics
It Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream
$82
Another cult product that delivers a flawless complexion with SPF 50+ and skincare properties.
14. The Cult Vitamin C
shop from brandSkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum
$249
I still use this daily and I notice when I don't. It truly does deliver bright, glowing skin in a bottle. You should use this at every age.
15. The Do-Everything Cream
shop from brandEmbryolisse
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
$48
The ultimate makeup artist's moisturiser — it primes perfectly for foundation and can also be used as a masque or cleanser.
16. Cleansing Pads
shop from brandThe Inkey List
The Inkey List Double Sided Cleansing Pads
$20
If you wear a lot of makeup these are a genius and sustainable way to remove it, along with sunscreen.
17. The Date Night Mask
shop from brandKora Organics
Kora Organics Turmeric Brightening & Exfoliating Mask
$29
This deliciously peppermint-scented yellow concoction uses rosehip seeds, turmeric and papaya enzymes to brighten and energize dull or sleepy skin.
18. The Dolphin Skin Hyaluronic
shop from brandPCA Skin
PCA Skin Hyaluronic Acid Boosting Serum
$240
This clinical strength elixir works on surface hydration while also quenching more deeply with varying sized hyaluronic acid spheres, niacinamide and ceramides leaving your skin porpoise-plumped.
19. The Do-Everything Balm
shop from brandLanolips
Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm
$18.95
Almost every handbag of mine contains a tube of this superstar. Soothe parched pouts, hydrate cuticles, heal abrasions, tame brows and flyaways and soothe rashes with this pure lanolin balm.
20. The Brightening Eye Cream
shop from brandOle Henriksen
Ole Henriksen Banana Bright+ Eye Crème
$64
Another skincare/makeup hybrid, this yellow-tinted creamy concoction instantly sparks up tired, dehydrated eyes and helps disguise dark circles.
Thirties
This is the decade to start addressing the first signs of ageing while maintaining everything you've built. Introduce targeted products — retinols, preventative LED — and double down on hydration and sun protection.
21. The Express LED Mask
shop from brandQure
Qure Rejuvalite LED Mask
$499
This mask is customisable so you can use different light wavelengths for different areas of the face — I zone blue light for my hormonal chin breakouts and red anti-aging for the rest of the face. Plus it's only 3 minutes a day.
22. Ease Into Retinal
shop from brandMedik8
Medik8 Crystal Retinal 6
$135
The Crystal retinal (a form of vitamin A) line is perfect for first-time users of retinal and this is the middle step for non-sensitive skins. It resurfaces, fades acne scars and fine lines.
23. A Clever Cleansing Oil
shop from brandKiehl's
Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
$76
This decadent oil melts makeup and strips away sunscreen residue, transforming into a silky milk on rinsing and taking everything with it. Cue clean skin.
24. The DIY Daily Peel
shop from brandDr Dennis Gross
Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel
$36 – $264
Single-use pads — step 1 has five AHA/BHAs to boost radiance, target pores and diminish fine lines while step 2 neutralises and hydrates.
25. A Very Wearable Sunscreen
shop from brandSkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals Ultra Defense Facial Sunscreen SPF 50
$69
This is one of the most comfortable sunscreens you'll find — light, fragrance-free and beautiful under makeup.
26. The Hydrating Microneedling Device
shop from brandQure
Qure Micro-Infusion System with Hydra Soothing Serum
This at-home needling device was a total game-changer for my skin. You stamp the serum into skin to deliver it to the lower layers.
27. The Brightening Elixir
shop from brandSK-II
SK-II Facial Treatment Essence
$139
A cult product for good reason, this water contains over 90% of the brand's famous Pitera — a natural bio-ingredient containing over 50 micro-nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids and organic acids to brighten, smooth and hydrate.
28. The Barrier Repairer
shop from brandAvène
Avène Cicalfate+ Restorative Protective Cream
$39.99
A godsend for when the skin's natural moisture barrier is impaired — this soothing, nourishing cream contains the brand's signature thermal water that leaves a protective film to preserve moisture.
29. The Neck and Déc LED
shop from brandQure
Qure Neck & Décolletage LED Light Therapy Device
$499
Once you're into a routine with your face LED, add a neck and déc to your treatment plan. Now is the time to start to prevent aging in this area. This one is affordable and has a handy clip on so you can wear it around the house.
30. A Top Rated Niacinamide
shop from brandSKIN1004
SKIN1004 Niacinamide 10% Boosting Shot Ampoule
$17.95
If niacinamide isn't already in your routine, consider this your sign. This Korean-made ampoule delivers a skin-smoothing 10% niacinamide hit, paired with tranexamic acid to help minimise pores and diffuse redness. It leaves skin looking clearer, calmer and quietly more luminous.
Forties
Collagen production slows, pigmentation and fine lines become more visible — but the right products make a real difference. This is where high-tech treatments, peptides and targeted serums earn their keep.
31. The Hydrating Cleanser
shop from brandCeraVe
CeraVe Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser
$24.99
This cleanser is gloriously quenching yet satisfyingly effective at whisking away dirt, makeup and sunscreen. And it's beautifully priced, too.
32. The Pigment Preventing SPF
shop from brandMesoestetic
Mesoestetic Mesoprotech Melan 130 Pigment Control
$76.50
So many derms and doctors I've interviewed have recommended this as a sunscreen that not only protects but helps prevent new pigment forming. Great for people with melasma and recurring pigmentation.
33. The Glycolic Exfoliant
shop from brandAlpha-H
Alpha-H Liquid Gold
$76.95
Swipe off the dead skin cells that lead to breakouts and dullness and wipe on radiance with this potent exfoliating lotion — it contains 5% Glycolic Acid and liquorice extract.
34. The Pigment Knockout
shop from brandAspect
Aspect Pigment Punch
$155
This powerful serum contains L-Ascorbic Acid, a derivative of hydroquinone, Niacinamide and Lactic acid to seek and destroy pesky pigment and dark spots.
35. The Serious Night Cream
shop from brandRationale
Rationale #6 The Night Cream
$110
If you're looking for a full suite of products from one brand, I'm a huge fan of the whole Rationale Essential Six. This night cream features their exclusive complex of Vitamin A (Retinol and Retinal) to tackle fine lines in a gorgeous hydrating formula.
36. The Dermastamping Serum
shop from brandQure
Qure EGF Serum
Step up your at-home microneedling game with this Epidermal Growth Factor Serum. I do this before any big event and at least once a month.
37. The Big Guns LED Mask
shop from brandSan Lueur
San Lueur Advanced LED Light Therapy Mask
$795
A step up — this is the gold standard of masks with more lights and strength than most on the market, plus it has red for rejuvenation and blue light for breakouts. I use this when I have 10 – 20 minutes spare.
38. Dry Skin Saviour
shop from brandWeleda
Weleda Skin Food
$29.95
One for moisture-sapping climates or dry skin moments — this gloriously scented balm is 100% certified natural with Sunflower Seed Oil and Lanolin. It doesn't hurt that it's beautifully priced, too.
39. The Collagen Conserver
shop from brandDermalogica
Dermalogica Pro-Collagen Banking Serum
$152
Futureproof your skin with a protective blend of Collagen Amino Acids, Carnosine Dipeptide, and Antioxidants. I noticed a significant change in my hydration levels when I used this for a few weeks.
40. The Nightly Elixir
shop from brandEstée Lauder
Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex
$139
This iconic serum targets fine lines, wrinkles, dullness and uneven tone in one pump. A nightstand staple for good reason.
Fifties & Beyond
Skincare meets self-care. Rich moisturisers, luxe oils and targeted treatments do the heavy lifting — slower, richer and entirely on your own terms.
41. The Cult Cream
shop from brandAugustinus Bader
Augustinus Bader The Rich Cream
$153 – $859
Find out what all the fuss is about. This supremely luxurious hydrator employs Argan, Avocado and Evening Primrose Oils rich in omega-6 fatty acids, alongside the brand's patented TFC8 technology that supports skin's own renewal processes. Perfect for cold, dry climates.
42. A Hydrating SPF
shop from brandUltra Violette
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Sunscreen
$52
A skin-quenching SPF with glycerin and vitamin C-pumped kakadu plum. It's a joy to wear, which means you WILL wear it.
43. The Ritualistic Cream Cleanser
shop from brandEve Lom
Eve Lom Cleanser
$46 – $224
A new age take on the old-school cold cream cleanser, use this gorgeously sensual balm with a warm muslin and inhale clove, eucalyptus and camomile oils.
44. The Classic All-Rounder Balm
shop from brandElizabeth Arden
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream
$37
From soothing sore lips, to hydrating chapped hands and feet, Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream is the cure for all manner of beauty sins. Also useful for keeping brushed-up, groomed brows in place; dotted along the cheek and brow bones for a fresh, radiant highlight.
45. The Melanin Regulating Toner
shop from brandBiologique Recherche
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50
$260
Do believe the hype. Known as a 'facial in a bottle', this blend of glycolic and lactic acid brings about gentle exfoliation which gently lightens dark spots, brightens the skin and reveals lost radiance.
46. The Spa-Scented Mist
shop from brandCaudalie
Caudalie Beauty Elixir
$93
This all-natural, sublimely fragranced mist is adored by those-in-the-know worldwide for its tightening yet hydrating properties. Perfect for setting makeup, and refreshing or hydrating through the day. Ideal for travel.
47. The Repair-All Cream
shop from brandLa Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+
$42.95
For any age or skin type that is sensitised, sensitive or damaged, this balm is loaded with hydrating and repairing ingredients to soothe troubled skin and reduce redness. Great post-procedure or after a burn.
48. The Triple Strength Hydrator
shop from brandSkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2
$215
Another superior moisturiser that has a loyal following — it slips onto the skin like a balm and melts in like a dream thanks to the cocktail of fatty acids, ceramides, and natural cholesterol.
49. The Luxe Lifting Serum
shop from brandLa Prairie
La Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift
$1,175
If you have the budget, La Prairie products are the crème de la crème when it comes to pairing innovation and luxury and this product is one of their best. Caviar extracts are combined with skin-boosting biomolecules, lipids, peptides, amino acids, and minerals into a silky, lightweight serum that lifts.
50. The Rolls Royce of Moisturisers
shop from brandLa Mer
Crème de la Mer
$189 – $955
It's still one of the world's most luxurious creams with the signature Miracle Broth, to improve skin barrier function and accelerate cell regeneration.
Great skincare isn't about doing more — it's about understanding what works for you and returning to it consistently. Use this edit as a reference point: dip in when you're ready to upgrade, reassess, or simply remind yourself of the essentials that make the biggest difference.
This is a living collection and it will continue to evolve. Thank you for being here.
— Sigourney
