There’s lots of exciting new skincare launches for spring, but no one needs all of it. Here are the five standout star buys we reckon are worth the investment, from cleanser to skin protector, from €20.

Main featured image: Rodarte SS22.

THE TREATMENT MASK

Cultured Biomecare is a new skincare range just landed in Ireland. What’s interesting is that it’s founded by Rob Calcraft, who co-founded REN skincare back in 2000. Though so-called “clean” beauty is now ubiquitous, back then REN was ahead of its time with its focus on ingredients; I remember how fresh and different it was when it first hit shelves, and the Rose Otto bath oil quickly became a huge hit, and rightly so. This time round, Calcraft’s Cultured Biomecare is big on active ingredients such as pre- and pro-biotics, ferments and microalgae extracts, all with the aim of supporting your skin barrier and optimising your skin’s functions. I like that it’s entirely vegan, cruelty-free and fragrance-free, plus the company is a certified BCorp, meaning it is dedicated to best practice at every level. There’s a Cleansing Balm and a multiactive serum, but my pick is the Biome One Mask, a gentle exfoliating formula to brighten the skin. You can leave it on while you work from home, or watch TV, there’s no uncomfortable tightness or stinging, and it feels like a great skin refresh. It’s ideal for giving dull, tired skin a lift – think of it as your weekly skin spring-clean. €59; or try it out with a 15ml size, €20. At Planet Beauty, Brown Thomas Dundrum; www.brownthomas.com. 

THE CLEANSER

New Zealand’s finest, Trilogy, has had a revamp, with more sustainable and reduced plastic packaging. My pick is the Rosehip Cream Cleanser (€19.95), in its smart red tube – it’s as lovely as anything by Dr Hauschka. Thre’s lots of sweet almond oil in there along with evening primrose and jojoba oils plus a garden-full of leaf, plant and seed extracts, including carrot. It smells absolutely beautiful and is a very gentle and nourishing way to clean your face (though I’d definitely emulsify with water and remove with a soft cloth rather than “tissue off” as the tube suggests, for a better clean). The cleanser features in Trilogy’s Rosehip Dewy Skin Trio, together with a mini Hydrating Mist and their hero Certified Organic Rosehip Oil (another lovely natural treat for mature skin). At Nourish, health stores and pharmacies nationwide. 

THE SKIN PROTECTORS

Shiseido’s new Essential Energy range includes this Hydrating Day Cream SPF20 (€59, at Arnotts and pharmacies nationwide), which is a handy one-stop cream for both moisturising and protecting skin, with a luxurious texture. The new packaging reduces over 80 per cent of plastic waste and it’s refillable. There’s a version without SPF also. Another new daytime one-stop solution is Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift & Firm Day Cream SPF15 (€85, at www.Boots.ie) – it smells really beautiful, like a pot of rose geraniums, and the texture is so light and fluffy. It’s a pleasure to apply. 

THE ANTIOXIDANT

I’ve never tried Paula’s Choice before, the skincare range devised by sceptical skin expert Paula Begoun. My choice from the comprehensive collection is C15 Super Booster, a stable source of vitamin C plus (plant-derived) ferulic acid and vitamin E, both effective antioxidants to both brighten and protect the skin. “One of the benefits of vitamin C is that it increases the effectiveness of sunscreen and gives the skin better protection from UV rays,” says Begoun. Use a few drops on cleansed skin and before your SPF. I usually use SkinCeuticals’ antioxidants, but am impressed by this one, and find it brightens and refreshes skin fast and effectively. €56 (but currently on sale at €49.95 at www.cloud10beauty.com). Use within three months of opening for best results. www.paulaschoice-eu.com