MIRACLE TREATMENT - CREAM
‘Miracle’ skincare is the category that, from our very first Beauty Bible 25 years ago, people implore us to whisper the winners to them long before the Awards are announced. We don’t, of course, but here are the top all-round treatments for you now! Don’t miss the other ‘Miracle’ products, in Night Treatments and Serums.
We set the testing bar super-high for these categories, asking testers to trial products on one side of their face over a period of a month or more, with their usual product the other side. They monitor differences in that time frame, and also compare their experience with the often extravagant promises made by the brands.
One reason our testers get such good results is, we believe, because they use the products diligently, as directed, until the end of the jar/tube whatever. Chopping and changing products (unless you experience sensitivity) won’t get the best results. So, please, stick with whatever you choose for a month at least, a couple of months preferably; that way your skin really should benefit.
Long comments here but we know you’ll be interested.
GOLD (JOINT) AWARD Kate Somerville Peptide K8® Power Cream
As testers emphasised in their reports, this peptide-rich cream is an all round age defence moisturiser with an advanced formula that works quickly. As well as being trialled in facialist Kate’s Hollywood clinic (this happens with all her products), this Power Cream is ‘clinically proven to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, to have a visibly smoothing effect and to improve moisturisation’. Peptides are what Kate calls her desert island ingredients, and this contains ‘Advanced Ceramide-infused Peptide’ and ‘Oligopeptide’ plus babassu and hemp seeds plus ‘Advanced Moisture Complex’. And yes, it’s pricey. We ask testers to trial products and review them irrespective of their cost but inevitably they do look it up. One commented that while she loved the product she couldn't justify spending that much on a face cream; another said it's worth investing as it really does make a positive difference - your call.
£132 for 30ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘10/10. My combination skin, which is starting to show signs of ageing, has never looked or felt better. Can’t believe it has made such a difference. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who has started to show signs of ageing. Straight after first use my skin felt lovely and very soft. After 28 days, there are improvements on every measure: brightness and clarity, softness, smoothness, plumpness, crêpeyness, fine lines, bigger wrinkles/grooves, and my make-up [foundation] went on more easily and lasted longer. No downsides and everyone I know has commented on this miracle cream’s effects on my skin. It really works’ • ‘This is one of very few products that lives up to its promise. In the initial 24 hours, there was a distinct improvement to the firmness and plumpness of my skin. It also felt smooth to the touch and served as a brilliant primer/base for my make-up. After 28 days, considerable improvement to the firmness and plumpness of my skin, making it visibly noticeable. Skin was also soft to the touch and make-up applied more evenly and glided on with less effort, and stayed in place for much longer. Given the lovely finish on my skin, there were some days when I was more confident about not applying any foundation/CC cream. Less crêpeyness where my skin is at its thinnest e.g. top of cheeks, around the eyes, and appearance of fine lines reduced. My husband did compliment me on my skin looking smoother and softer’ • ‘Full marks. Skin felt tight and clear from first use and I’ve seen improvement overall. I love this cream. I had a reaction at first but when I stopped using a serum before and just used this my skin was amazing. It also felt and looked younger with more elasticity’ • ‘I've had many compliments on my skin of late. I've been asked what foundation I've been wearing when I haven't been wearing any and this is probably due to the even tone of my skin since using. I've also been told my skin looks juicy and radiant. I really enjoyed using this; my skin feels comfortable without any tightness. The clarity and radiance improved as time went on and although my skin will never be 20 years younger it certainly looks more youthful. The sagging around the jowls has firmed and the redness around the chin calm and clear. Lines and wrinkles have softened and plumped out. Skin just looks juicy’ • ‘I did notice my skin texture had improved after one use, it was softer and clearer. After 28 days, my skin felt soft and smooth, the fine lines especially around my eyes and my mouth we less visible. There was a noticeable difference in my skin after a few weeks. I wouldn’t go as far as saying younger looking skin. I would say with long-term use, it would knock off a couple of years. I did notice that my skin felt firmer, particularly under the chin and neck. A great anti-ageing moisturiser. Although the product is expensive, it's worth investing in something like this as it really does make a positive difference.’
£132 for 30ml - click to buy
GOLD (JOINT) AWARD Beauty Pie Triple Hyaluronic Acid Miracle Cream
Another winner from the industry disruptor Beauty Pie, set up by the super knowledgeable Marcia Kilgore to bring products to customers at factory prices. No fancy packaging. No supermodel 'faces'. No costly advertising. You do need to 'subscribe' via a very reasonable membership package to Beauty Pie to get those fantastic prices. (Although there’s an option to order products without subscribing at the higher ‘retail’ prices.) With three different high tech versions of super moisturising hyaluronic acid to penetrate to different levels of skin, this is claimed to be exceptionally effective on dry, dehydrated and sensitive skin – although it’s suitable for all skin types. It’s ‘pumped up’ with wrinkle-filling and skin-firming ingredients, plus protective antioxidants from potentilla flower.
£60 for 50ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘10/10. I have sensitive, dry/combination skin with pigmentation. When I first used this, I saw results in 10-15 minutes: my "morning" face seemed less creased and wrinkles seemed smoother. After 28 days, skin is definitely clearer and my skin tone is more even so I imagine that the pigmentation is lighter than before I started the cream. It helped crêpeyness around my neck and eye area. I would use this and not buy any neck or eye creams in future. Same with fine lines in my cheeks and around my eyes. Much improved when used regularly. The bigger wrinkles on my forehead have improved due to greater smoothness and softness. I think my skin does look younger =smoother and softer’ • ‘This is a workhorse of a cream. Light and quick to absorb and it keeps my skin moisturised in the cold of autumn and winter when heavier creams won't. Skin improves more on use and it wont make your skin break out like much heavier creams will. Ths is the future of skin care. Light and highly effective. Love it! Lets hope its always in stock at Beauty Pie!’ • ‘An excellent moisturiser especially for dry skin. Really fantastic that plumps and hydrates the skin instantly. It promises dewiness, luminosity, elasticity and plumpness. And it did for me! Perfect base for SPF and make up. A great all rounder throughout the whole year’ • ‘My slightly dry, mature skin with sun damage and pigmentation just lapped this up - it felt so fresh and 'clean' after application. It is a light but slightly gloopy consistency, which is, absorbed well and probably more suited to dry/mature skin. Leaves my face feeling fresh, hydrated and very grateful :) My daughter noticed my skin was glowing more than usual. I'm not sure I believe any product will work 'miracles' when you are in your 50's but I did really like this product for hydrating my dry skin - it couldn't get enough! ’ • ‘I LOVED this moisturiser. My skin looks incredible when using it. I am a nurse on a cruise ship, so we work long days then socialise 'til late. I rarely get a full night's sleep. But this cream - wow! When I put it on my face instantly lights up. I look rested. I glow. My skin looks smooth and hydrated. Everyone tells me how good my skin is (although it is in good condition anyway to be fair). But when I wear this cream I feel I can face the day, and can look at myself in the mirror without feeling disappointed in how I look. My skin has been complimented frequently over the past two months. I do have a good skin care regime anyway, but I have had more compliments since using this. ‘
£60 for 50ml - click to buy
SILVER (JOINT) AWARD and BEST NATURAL Verdilab Anti-Wrinkle Rose Supreme Cream
From a science-led Swiss skincare company that proudly proclaims its products are 100% natural and clean, this is unambiguous about its target – wrinkles! The brand suggests this vegan, cruelty-free formula for use on skin that tends to dry out and has lost its elasticity over years. Use it day and night, around eyes as well, to accelerate cell renewal, and protect against damaging free radicals (from pollution, UV rays etc). As well as rose petals, the product contains ImmunatuRNA®, the brand’s unique Signature Complex – a powerhouse of ingredients in a delivery system that helps it penetrate the deeper layers of the dermis. Promises to ‘intensely smooth the skin and noticeably moisturise, improving the overall condition and appearance of your skin’. Verdilab – ‘green laboratory’ in other words – was founded by third generation medical doctor Victoria Neymann whose mission was to prove she could create 100% natural, ‘clean’ skincare, packed full of marine and plant actives and other ethically sourced ingredients, that was also super luxe and extremely effective. Again, this is an investment but one our testers thought was worthwhile if your budget can stretch to it, especially as it can be used for eyes and neck. Several emphasised that you only need a little and one pointed out that the 50ml pot could last up to six months, used carefully with a spatula.
£154 for 50ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘10/10. I'm so glad I did try this on just one side of my face because I don't think I could have fully appreciated the results it was giving otherwise! It is no exaggeration to say after using it on the first evening, I woke up to find I could see an improvement over the whole complexion, under eye included. After four days of use on my sensitive, combination skin with broken capillaries, I found the improvements were continuing, I asked my husband how I looked (no leading remarks to help him give the 'right' answer) and he said I looked fresher and that the dark circles under the eye looked lighter. The side of my face that I used the Verdilab on was lifted so much that the corner of my mouth became slightly upturned, my cheek looked fuller and pores looked less visible. My complexion looked even and healthy. There was no heavy, greasy layer to sit on my skin, my face looked almost matte within minutes of application. Rose products often flare up my skin sensitivity and eczema, especially under the eyes and across my neck, so I used this with apprehension and a degree of cynicism. After 28 days, my skin felt softer and smoother, and was visibly lifted, Skin looked far more radiant, skin tone evened out, fine lines and deeper wrinkles looked less apparent, helped by the plumping effect of the cream. I have a lot of broken capillaries and redness around my nose, which were clearly reduced. These are areas that usually only improve when covered up by full coverage concealers’ • ‘This was beautiful and very easy to apply, I only needed a small amount as it is very rich. It absorbed into my skin easily but I was able to still see the effect. I love anything rose-scented and this had the perfect amount of scent. After first application, my skin felt soft and looked plump and very smooth. It felt the same when I cleansed it later that night and felt noticeably soft in the morning after applying it at night. After 28 days, the texture of my skin definitely improved - it looked finer and had a lovely glow; some small areas of pigmentation had reduced in size and fine lines are softer’ • ‘After the first 24 hours I noticed my skin felt very deeply hydrated, very soft and looked smooth. After 28 days, my skin looked considerably brighter, smoother and plumper and felt very soft and smooth. There was a considerable reduction in fine lines and many had disappeared completely. My sunspots had completely cleared up. My mum noticed a reduction in fine lines on the tested side’ • ‘I really loved the consistency of this cream, it‘s thick and luxurious yet felt light to wear. It really got to work from first application. For me it’s an amazing cream that really works. It’s very light on the skin, absorbs quickly absorbs and doesn't feel at all heavy on the skin, while perfectly moisturising, nourishing and smoothing my fine lines. After a month of use, the face looks transformed. That’s a miracle’ • ‘It promises to accelerate cell renewal and intensely smooths the skin... Yes it does! I feel like the look of the skin on my face has improved, it is firmer and more glowy. The dark circles and wrinkles around my eyes have definitely improved, which I feel is the main cause of me looking older’ • ‘I love the fact that this cream has no “nasty” chemicals in it as it's one of my biggest concerns regarding any type of product that goes on your skin. This was made very clear in the instructions and on the packaging, which really caught my attention. I would swap my usual "normal" moisturiser for this product in a heartbeat.’
£154 for 50ml - click to buy
BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD ARgENTUM la potion infinie
This restorative day & night silver cream from an English apothecary brand is suitable for all skin types and ages, for use on face, neck and eye area. Ingredients are 99.2% natural origins so it ranks as a joint Best Natural Award winner. The brand was founded on the profound benefits of colloidal silver on skin, here used to improve fine lines, wrinkles acne and pigmentation. The silver hydrosol is combined with DNA HP, a natural marine based ingredient ethically extracted from salmon milt, for instant intense hydration plus caffeine to stimulate microcirculation. Most testers liked the citrussy scent, although one found it too much like ‘aftershave’, in her view. The brand has a spiritual theme and each jar contains one of 12 archetype cards; consumers are urged to use their intuition to draw energy from the imagery and symbolism. Sweet and funny really but one tester was unamused… Another luxury product but again our panel felt it was worth raiding piggy banks to buy.
£205 for 70ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘10/10. Amazing product. I have tried many moisturising creams over the years but this is by far the best I’ve ever used. My dry mature sometimes sensitive skin looked so much better after one application. Only a tiny amount is needed. Beautiful packaging and it is made from almost 100% natural ingredients. Skin texture and brightness was soon improved and fine lines diminished. It is an anti-aging, plumping, firming cream. After a week of using it on one side of my face my husband had noticed and said I needed to use it on both sides. After 28 days, the result was such a remarkable difference - firmer, younger looking skin. A dry flaky area soon improved and disappeared. Skin didn’t appear dull any more and it felt much smoother. Any redness has disappeared. Fine lines have almost disappeared. Bigger grooves and wrinkles have filled in and are much less noticeable. Brown spots are much fainter. I didn't need to use as much foundation and concealer. Overall my skin looks more youthful and feels better. Definitely a miracle treatment cream’ • ‘A friend said my skin looks wonderful after 28 days of using this on my mature skin, which is pretty normal with a tendency to dryness. It looked instantly better the next day - brighter and more hydrated. After 28 days, skin was clear and bright with definite improvement in softness, smoothness and plumpness, fine lines improvement and dark shadows reduced. Make-up goes on more easily and lasts better. It’s very expensive but would save money on salon facial treatments with results that are this impressive’ • ‘Miracle in a jar! After 28 days, skin looked brighter and fresher, fine lines around my eyes vastly reduced and cheeks felt smoother; plumpness vastly improved, slight reduction in crêpeyness. Great primer, make-up stayed on longer. I loved it!’ • ‘This product brings immediate results - my face instantly felt tighter, firmer, smoother and plumper. After 28 days, my skin is brighter, really smooth and plumper; it looks great. My face felt like it had been primed for daytime use and make-up went on really easily. There really is a tightening and firming sensation after using this product. Great product and my girlfriends noticed the fine lines on the outer corners of my eyes were reduced. Not sure about the “aftershave” smell’ • ‘This product had an unexpected effect. I found it to be a “miracle” cream not for its hydrating properties, but for how easy it made applying make-up and for enhancing the effect of make-up products. It seemed to achieve this by having a mattifying effect on the skin and helping makeup to sit well (I'm not sure whether this is a link to its claim to be a skin protector). Used with my usual make-up, I received compliments on my “look” and was asked whether I had changed my make-up in some way or was using new products. It was as though my usual make up products had been given a new lease of life.’
£205 for 70ml - click to buy
BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD PIXI Rose Ceramide Cream
This ultra-rich cream is infused with ceramides (skin lipids or fats that occur naturally in skin and form the all important skin barrier) and rose oil to deeply hydrate the skin for a healthier, more supple appearance and feel. As well as well-known, lab-made chemicals like dimethicone), the formula offers antioxidant-rich botanicals to help improve skin’s elasticity while protecting against environmental aggressors. Plus, probiotics to balance the skin microbiome (the good and bad bugs). Suitable for all skin types, it’s designed to be used daily after cleansing, toning and using a serum (or essence). The brand was founded 20 years ago by Petra Strand, a make-up artist and product developer, and started with a range of truly fab make-up, to which Petra added skincare. Not quite a Beauty Steal this but very moderately-priced. One tester, who loved it, reported a problem with the tube; we always advise contacting the brand if this sort of thing happens.
£24 for 50ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘10/10. This lightly fragranced cream is a revelation for my dry skin with pigmentation and occasional spots. I never would have looked at this brand, as the packaging is very girly so it looks like it’s for teens. I am using the cream on my whole face now and have already bought another. If I could give more than 10, I definitely would. In the first 24 hours, it was really noticeable on the side of my face I applied it – softer and smoother. After 28 days, the difference was huge on the tested side: skin soft, bright and hydrated, dark spots lightened a lot and tone much more even, and deep lines much softer – an overall “lifted” look. Friends and family noticed the visible change as skin looked healthier and younger. Crêpeyness was reduced especially on my neck. A lot of compliments! A friend thought I’d lost weight in my face, another thought I’d had “something done” and others have commented on my looking “different/younger”. Thank you for introducing me to it’ • ‘This is incredibly moisturising and so versatile!! I had initially struggled to use it, as it was a bit too rich, but now most certainly cannot live without! It is just perfect as a morning moisturiser. It keeps my skin looking plump and soft the whole day. It is the best match with my foundation/moisturiser and on top of that, as an overnight mask, it makes me look as if I ‘ve been having a full night sleep for the past year and I have got a toddler! After 30 days trial, I have noticed a visible reduction on my fine lines, my skin is much brighter and clear, much more smooth and plump. Just buy it!’ • ‘It is a lovely product that creates lasting softness, plumpness and a glow on my face. It is in a perfect size tube that dispenses a small amount of product, which glides onto my dry mature sensitive skin easily with a fine subtle fragrance of rose. At the end of the trial period there was an amazing improvement in brightness and smoothness. My mum noticed my face was glowing and asked what I was using’ • ‘I have used this every morning and it is a lovely moisturiser, creamy and easily absorbed, leaving skin brighter and more hydrated, more supple and healthier looking’ • ‘My mature, sometimes dry skin was immediately softer and smoother. After 28 days, it felt softer and looked smoother and definitely brighter, with less crêpeyness and age spots are reduced. Make-up goes on well on top of this product and stays well. A lovely smelling moisturiser for daily use under make-up.’
£24 for 50ml - click to buy
BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD Verdilab Extremely Nourishing Rose Radiance Cream Mask
Okay, so this is a bit like cosmetic Groundhog Day as the same science-led Swiss skincare company, Verdilab, also won a Silver Award in this category for their Anti-Wrinkle Rose Supreme Cream. (So you can read all about this 100% natural range there.) What’s more, this divinely rose-scented (there are zillions of rose petals in the formulas) and tinted Cream Mask also topped the leader board in one of the face masks categories – Face Mask Sleep In – which you can read about here. So, to explain: Verdilab submitted this product to be tested in two categories – Face Masks and also this category Miracle Treatments – by two totally different panels of testers. Both sets of testers loved it, and in fact this panel also mostly used it overnight – but every night as you would a night cream, rather than a twice a week mask. Here’s what they found.
£160 for 50ml - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘10/10 for this lovely treatment cream. I noticed a difference in the smoothness of my skin. I applied a light layer and left overnight. When I washed my face in the morning I felt that the softening and smoothing effect was still there after washing. I don't know if my skin looks younger, but it definitely looks better. A real treat’ • ‘A very luxurious, beautiful "miracle" treatment that actually makes my perimenopausal, slightly saggy face look really quite a lot better! I have used this generously every night as per the 'how to use' instructions and I probably have around half a jar remaining. I think the overall improvement to my skin has been amazing so would invest in more. I have had quite a few compliments about my skin since using this. My mum said my 52-year old skin looked more like a 30-something and my daughters commented it looks really glowy and nice. Nearly fell off my chair!’ • ‘The company claims that this mask tackles signs of tiredness and premature ageing, smooths wrinkles, brightens skin returning "a more rejuvenated and glowing complexion". It claims to nourish and regenerate skin, improve firmness and elasticity, reduce wrinkles, give skin a relaxed and well rested look and lead to a healthy glow and lightening of skin discolouration. I have to say that I am always sceptical of very high priced products, wondering if it’s a case of the emperor's new clothes. I am happy to report back that I have actually found that this is exactly what has happened to my skin’ • ‘Skin was bright smooth and soft. Looked more healthy and a huge improvement in clarity. Crêpeyness is much less noticeable. Fine lines much smoother and softer. My age spots were slightly lighter in colour. It promised to nourish and improve firmness and elasticity and give a rested and healthy glow. Much to my surprise it did. Really, really good - much much better than my usual night time products, which is a big ask against [top brands]. My skin is usually dry and tight in the morning, but now it is soft and smooth and has a much healthier appearance. It is hydrated and nourished. It feels like you just had a spa, it is so luxurious. It is wonderful to massage in and feels fantastic. Love it, will be looking at their other products. Very happy! ’ • ‘Comforting, calming, plumping. A hot chocolate for your face…’
£160 for 50ml - click to buy