A concealer is a necessity in any makeup arsenal, brightening and evening out the skin. Sometimes, however, even a good concealer needs a little help, like the days when I am more tired than usual and a heavier discoloration peaks out around my eyes. This is where a corrector comes in (Lisa Eldridge has recently launched a clever line of concealers that also correct; Givenchy, Jones Road and MAC have worthy candidates, too). It neutralises any discolorations, so when you add your concealer the brightness and evenness will be taken up a notch.

1. Jones Road The Neutralising Pencil £24, libertylondon.com
2. Lisa Eldridge Pinpoint Concealer Correcting Pencil £27, lisaeldridge.com
3. Make Up By Mario F5 Concealer Brush £32, sephora.co.uk
4. Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Concealer £29.50, esteelauder.com
5. Ilia Concealer True Skin Serum £24, spacenk.com

I can’t do without… A gel cleanser that works hard, brightens skin – and isn’t drying

I’ve heard certain skincare ‘experts’ and people who don’t take the act of face washing very seriously, argue that a cleanser is not that important – that we shouldn’t be spending very much on it because it only sits on our faces for mere seconds before being washed down the sink. While I’d struggle to justify a cleanser that falls into three figures (because, seriously, no), I would absolutely argue that cleansers are key to how the rest of our skincare behaves and therefore what our skin looks like. And so, it’s essential to pay attention to our cleansers – any ol’ thing really won’t do. What is wonderful is when you get a great cleanser that (yes) cleanses, but also has added benefits – think brightening, declogging pores, smoothing skin textures – and does not cost the earth. Just like this brilliant one from Naturium. It includes acids and enzymes to break down the dead cells our skin accumulates over time. Our skin’s ability to shed these cells – which cause dullness – decreases as we age, so every little helps. The formula also includes vitamin C to brighten dark spots and pigmentation. The gel texture, which I love, is not only refreshing, but unlike gel cleansers of old, it removes makeup and impurities without drying the skin. And all for £20. Even the ‘experts’ and people who don’t take face washing seriously can’t argue with that.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Cleanser, £20, spacenk.com

On my radar… Liquid exfoliators for a smoother complexion

Clear the way Battling blemishes and blackheads? Use this 2% salicylic liquid exfoliator after cleansing and before moisturising for renewed skin. Facetheory Resurfa BHA Exfoliating Serum, £18, facetheory.com

Brighten up Alpha H was at the forefront of bringing liquid exfoliators into our skincare routines. Its latest iteration has the added benefit of vitamin C to brighten while refining the skin. Alpha H Liquid Gold + Vitamin C, £50.99, uk.alpha-h.com

Smooth talker Ignore any painful images of shedding skin – this ‘peel’ is actually a brilliant, gentle, milky exfoliator that refines your skin texture (and it’s pain-free). Origins Youthopia Liquid Exfoliating Apple Face Peel, £39, origins.co.uk