After an unusually long summer of sun, our skin is often left feeling dry, unloved and crying out for some intensive moisture to restore it to its former glory. Not only is this an essential step in order to soothe our sun-kissed skin and replenish its elasticity, but also, most vitally, to nurture and eek-out that all-important summer glow that we have worked so hard on over the past few months!

With a mind-boggling array of products out there on the market it is almost impossible to know where to begin, but here at H&H we have hand-picked our top six contenders that will leave your skin feeling gorgeous, glowing and youthful:

Sisley, Black Rose Precious Facial Oil, 25ml, £136
Skincare brand royalty, Sisley, have recently formulated a magical facial oil that is designed specifically to hydrate dry or dehydrated skin lacking in vitality. It’s a silky smooth dry oil that prepares and nourishes the skin, as well as tackling the signs of ageing, and it is a winner with us. Easy to apply, it sinks into the skin without a trace of shine and leaves it feeling supple, wholly revitalised and restored. Worth every penny? Definitely!

By Terry Cellularose Baume d’eau, 30g, £68
A fresh and deeply moisturising balm that combines the hydrating properties of an intense cream with the softness of a hydra-quenching gel, this product will be a secret weapon in your post-summer routine. Its has a delicate “rose scent”and “aqua-fluffy texture”that will revive even the thirstiest of skins, whilst containing active ingredients that are designed to specifically reduce the signs of fatigue in order to stimulate your natural glow. Perfect.

Clarins After Sun Replenishing Moisture Care for Face and Decollete, 50ml, £26
An old friend, but one that doesn’t fail. Clarins’iconic aftersun has long been a favourite and this version, specially formulated for the face, has that same wonderful smell of summer holidays, lightweight formula, and brilliant ability to both moisture and extend the life of your tan. You can go on using it long into the autumn months and it also sits beautifully beneath make-up.

Clinque Moisture Surge Intensive Skin Fortifying Hydrator, 50ml, £32
Another intensive moisturiser; this one is again designed for dry and delicate skin and is best for those in need of maximum hydration. Despite being described as a ‘gel’, it is more of a luxurious cream, which applied morning and night leaves skin feeling velvety soft.

Mio Future Proof active firming body butter, 240ml, £35
One of our favourite brands has come up trumps once again with their deliciously rich ‘Future Proof active firming body butter’. The name alone says it all and its magical ingredients carefully put back into your skin all the lost nutrients that the sun has reaped, leaving it strong, healthy and completely hydrated. A miraculous product that is so luscious you will not be able to resist slathering it all over you. Totally addictive!

This Works No Wrinkles Extreme Moisturiser, 48ml, £45
This one takes a more scientific approach with an ‘intelligent’formula that contains Moringa oil, Retinol and various amino acids that are designed to smooth the skin, reduce fine lines, and give long lasting hydration. We were tempted by the promise of no wrinkles and it certainly left the skin feeling soft, moisturised and clear.

words by Julia Page