I’ve Tried Hundreds Of Moisturisers – This Is The One Which Has Saved Me From Spending On Facials

Come winter, my skin refuses to play ball. The chill of the cold weather combined with sporadic blasts of central heating (not to mention the office air con) turns my skin dry and dull. For someone with sensitive skin, it’s a tricky time to switch up my skincare routine. Anything too rich causes breakouts around my mouth and chin, anything super light usually comes up short of the mark when it comes to hydration - I need something moisturising enough to keep those three stubborn lines across my forehead at bay.

For a long time I couldn't do right for doing wrong, that is until I hit on 'the one'. A new cream landed on the beauty desk and I took it home to try. I committed to applying Sisley's Sensitive Skin Soothing Care every single morning after cleansing and before my SPF. Three months later and I'm a convert. It makes my skin look plush, bouncy and moisturised for hours on end, all without feeling heavy or greasy.

Disclaimer: I have to point out that it is expensive. At £165, wildly so. But if you're into skincare, have the same winter skin bugbears as me and you aren't averse to splurging on stellar beauty buys, in my humble opinion, this is worth the spend.

Would I typically spend the equivalent of a full facial on a single moisturiser? No, absolutely not. But - and I'm not getting hyperbolic here - my skin looks fresh from a facial each time I apply it. If, like me, you're all about radiance, redness reduction and minimising the look of fine lines, you're going to want to read on...

What does The Sisley Sensitive Skin Soothing Care Moisturiser do?

Sisley Paris long ago established itself as one of the brands of choice among the beauty elite - IT girls like Alexa Chung and Emily Ratajkowski are said to be fans. And for good reason - its products aren’t only luxurious - they’re scientifically-backed and they work. As Sisley products go, The Sisley Sensitive Skin Soothing Care looks pretty basic. The unassuming white tube doesn't scream 'luxury wonder cream', not like the amethyst purple gleam of a pot of Sisley's Black Rose Cream. But the real magic lies in its formula. Potent ingredients like golden seaweed extract and Japanese lily turf temper your skin's reactivity to aggressors like temperature fluctuations and pollution. In doing so, they minimise redness and uneven texture. Then there's plum kernel and rapeseed oil, both of which soften, condition and hydrate your skin. Used together, these ingredients help to strengthen your skin's barrier with consistent use, meaning that not only will your skin feel great in the first instant - see post-facial glow mentioned above - but your skin's health and sensitivity will improve in the long run too. Talk about a moisturiser with benefits. Three months into using this cream - derms usually advise using new products for a minimum of three months before rating the results - and I can attest to them. My skin is more even in tone, smoother in texture and much less reactive to the winter elements.

Shop: Sisley Sensitive Skin Soothing Care Moisturiser

How to use Sisley Sensitive Skin Soothing Care

'I’ve been using the Sisley Sensitive Skin Soothing Care moisturiser as part of my morning routine after cleansing and before applying SPF. I smooth a small amount across my skin (and across my often neglected neck and chest area) and let it sink in before applying sun protection and foundation - it sits so evenly under make-up that I now forgo my primer.'

How we tested it

'I’ve been a fan of Sisley for several years now and you had best believe that when a new launch lands in our post room I’m making a grab for it. I’ve been testing the Sisley Sensitive Skin Soothing Care moisturiser for the past three months, long before it was available for purchase. I always resolve to test skincare for at least this amount of time so I can be sure of its effects - three months is the minimum that terms advise when testing a new skincare product.'

Our verdict

Rachael Martin, beauty editor:

'After applying religiously each morning, I can attest to the improvement in my skin at around the three week mark. Not only did it feel and - crucially - look softer and more soothed, but there was the first glimmer of that ever elusive glow, too. And with consistent use my skin's radiance has only increased. Now, when I smooth it over my skin, I can really appreciate the newfound tone and texture of my it - where I'd previously have had blemishes and redness, my T-zone is clearer and brighter. Those lines on my forehead? Much softer. And the bounce and plumpness around the apples of my cheeks? Well, this is the kind of result I'd only ever experienced post facial until now. Which is exactly why I reason that this expensive cream is worth the money. If a single facial in (ever expensive) London costs the same amount (or more) then it makes sense for me to invest in a bottle of Sisley's finest. Three months later and I'm on the same bottle I started with - I've still got a fair few pumps left and I'm generous in my application. If you're after those joy inducing, 'Wow, your skin looks beautiful,' compliments, then I'd absolutely recommend.'

Rachael Martin is Grazia’s beauty editor where she covers all things beauty, health and wellness.