The ones that got away

What is it that persuades a woman to commit herself to a skincare routine long term? According to some cosmetics companies, convincing us to devote ourselves to one cream is as hard as trying to get certain Hollywood starlets to stay with the same man for a month. Why? They reckon it is because we’re so easily seduced by the latest anti-ageing promises that come along. With make-up, you can instantly see the effects – whether a mascara gives you a thick curtain of lashes, say, or a foundation makes your skin glow; with a moisturiser, you have to take it on trust that, when you hit your seventies, the protective antioxidants will have succeeded in conserving your twentysomething bloom.

I know I can be something of a “skincare slut”, the term a PR friend of mine uses to describe those who, like me, switch products frequently. Sometimes, no matter how much you like what you’re using, you can’t help but be persuaded that you may reap even greater benefits from a new product. But, of course, it may be no better – and, let’s face it, you may have to wait 10 or 20 years to see the real effect of your skincare choices.

Here are just a few of the things I’ve stopped using purely out of fickleness: Estée Lauder Idealist Skin Refinisher, a serum that erases open pores in one velvety swoop; Eve Lom Rescue Mask, with its comforting oatiness and instant pimple-soothing action; Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream, for effective, nononsense moisturising; and Vaishaly Cleansing Balm, which is rich in wonderfully potent essential oils that both help you to relax and bring back rosiness.

I think it’s about time I revisited my product back catalogue. Maybe, when you remember those divine unctions you loved but left, you will, too.

Green-eyed goddess

The Becca dual Line + Illuminate Pencil in Fiji looks great against a tan. There’s a dark olive, for piercing definition along the lash line or inner rim, and a mossier green, which gives a flattering Bambi effect when smudged over the lid and below the eye.

£16; www.beccacosmetics.com

System overload

More of a self-indulgent ritual in a box than a cleanser, Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing System consists of a buttery balm to which rosehip granules can be added to buff away dead skin cells.

£39; www.victoriahealth.com

Hide and seek

Lancôme’s robust, leathery Cuir de Lancôme Eau de Parfum is strangely moreish. Could it be because it reminds you of a really expensive handbag?

£65, from Harrods

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