As the sun finally begins to make an appearance, it’s the perfect time to reassess your skincare routine. Just as the seasons change, so do the needs of our skin. After months of cold weather, central heating and dull winter complexions, spring is the moment to refresh, renew and introduce products that hydrate, brighten and restore balance.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the pleasure of testing a selection of skincare products that promise everything from gentle exfoliation and deep hydration to targeting pigmentation and smoothing fine lines. Here are the standouts that deserve a place in your spring routine.
Laberau: A Beautifully Curated Skincare Ritual
I love when skincare arrives as a beautifully presented set; there’s something undeniably satisfying about elegant packaging waiting patiently on the shelf. The Laberau Collection arrived in striking red packaging, lined up like precious treasures. Inside the collection box were three products designed to work seamlessly together: the AHA Peel, the Day Formula and the Night Formula.
I began with the AHA Peel, applying it to clean, dry skin and leaving it on for ten minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water. It’s impressively gentle for an exfoliating peel, with no irritation at all — yet my skin still felt noticeably smoother afterwards. It can be used up to three times per week.
Following this, I applied two pumps of the Day Formula. It has a beautifully lightweight texture that absorbs quickly, making it ideal before makeup. In the evening, I switched to the Night Formula, which allows the skin to absorb hydration overnight. Both formulas contain hyaluronic acid, a skincare hero known for supporting collagen and elastin production while helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines.
The Inkey List: Gentle Retinol and Radiance Boosters
Although I’ve been experimenting with skincare for years, retinol is something I’ve approached cautiously. That’s why The Inkey List Starter Retinol Serum felt like the perfect introduction. This beginner-friendly formula uses a slow-release retinoid complex to gently boost cell turnover while leaving the skin smoother, more hydrated and glowing. I experienced no redness or irritation, making it ideal even for those with sensitive skin. It’s recommended to use retinol only in the evening, starting with two to three times per week. And of course, sunscreen the following day is essential.
Alongside this, I’ve been using the brand’s Exosome Glow Serum to tackle pigmentation. As someone who grew up in northern Sweden in the 1980s, a time when sunscreen was often forgotten in favour of tanning oils, I now have my fair share of dark spots. This serum helps brighten pigmentation while improving texture and boosting collagen production, leaving skin looking healthier and more radiant overall.
Gem & Tonic: A Cleanser That Nourishes as it Cleans
Cleansing can be surprisingly tricky. Some cleansers leave residue behind, while others strip the skin completely dry. The Gem & Tonic Nourishing Cream Cleanser strikes a perfect balance. It gently removes impurities while protecting and hydrating the skin.
Even better, it doubles as a nourishing mask; simply apply and leave on for three to five minutes for an extra boost. The formula includes quartz, papaya and liquorice to gently exfoliate, while moringa seed removes impurities. Peat extract then steps in to nourish and soothe the skin. For my complexion, it feels both calming and deeply cleansing.
Cantari London: Luxury Anti-Ageing Skincare
One of my absolute new favourites comes from Cantari London’s Peptide Wrinkle Cream, a product that feels luxurious from the moment you open it. The texture is silky and almost gel-like, gliding effortlessly onto the skin. The formula features six key ingredients designed to target fine lines and support skin renewal.
Syn-Ake peptide helps reduce wrinkles, Argireline works to relax facial muscles, and Snap-8 peptide softens expression lines. Snow mushroom extract retains moisture, date seed extract supports skin renewal, and vitamin E provides antioxidant protection. The fragrance is subtle and elegant, and a little goes a long way. After consistent use, my skin definitely feels smoother and well-hydrated.
Cellderma: Targeting Pigmentation and Uneven Tone
Pigmentation is something many of us struggle with, particularly as we age. The Cellderma Pigment Correct Serum is designed specifically to address discolouration while delivering hydration. Just four to five drops applied morning and night to affected areas can help brighten the skin.
The formula is vegan, cruelty-free and made with sustainably sourced ingredients. What makes this serum particularly interesting is a unique plant extract that targets both existing pigmentation and the formation of new dark spots. For those of us dealing with sun damage or hormonal pigmentation, this kind of targeted skincare can make a real difference.
Skin Sculpt: The Secret to Instant Radiance
Another product that surprised me, in the best way, was Skin Sculpt Illuminera. As someone approaching 45, juggling stress and hormonal changes, my skin occasionally looks dull and tired. Illuminera is designed to combat exactly that.
The serum has a subtle tint which instantly adds a beautiful glow to the complexion. On makeup-free days, it gives a fresh, healthy radiance, but it can also be applied over foundation to enhance luminosity. Beyond the glow, it works to reduce the appearance of lines, improve elasticity and support collagen production.
Bylaw Beauty: A Healing Moisturiser for Restorative Nights
Finally, the Bylaw Beauty Karma Cream has become a welcome addition to my evening routine. The texture is almost mousse-like, light and airy, yet surprisingly rich in hydration. Those with very dry skin may prefer daily use, but for my combination skin, I like to apply it at night and allow it to work while I sleep.
Its ingredients include hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, safflower oil and maranta arundinacea root powder, which is packed with essential minerals and vitamins. The cream helps soothe irritated skin, support healing, and deeply moisturise. I particularly enjoy using it during my Friday evening skincare ritual, allowing my skin to recover and reset over the weekend.
Spring Skincare Is All About Balance
Spring is the perfect time to refine your routine and focus on hydration, gentle exfoliation and restoring glow. Whether you’re tackling pigmentation, smoothing fine lines or simply looking to brighten tired winter skin, these products offer a thoughtful mix of innovation, nourishment and indulgence.
Most importantly, skincare should never feel like a chore. Take the time to slow down, enjoy the ritual and allow those moments of self-care to become part of your weekly routine. Your skin — and your mind — will thank you for it.
