In an industry where image is everything, skincare isn't just a routine—it's a necessity. But with a myriad of products promising miracles in a bottle, how do you know which ones actually deliver?
For those who are new to Skin Club, let me introduce you to our vision. This isn’t just another beauty initiative—it’s a curated group of inquisitive, dynamic women seeking the most innovative skincare solutions and wellness practices. From cutting-edge products to holistic rituals, Skin Club bridges the gap between personal care and professional insight, providing a trusted space for exploration and discovery.
About Skin Club
At SKIN CLUB, we're not your average beauty enthusiasts. Comprised of eight women from diverse backgrounds and within the publishing and creative industry, we're a unique collective with a singular mission: to provide you, our readers, with an unparalleled breakdown of skincare products based on real-life experiences.
Our members are a dynamic group of busy women, ranging from music industry managers to Editor-in-Chiefs of leading magazines, and even a teacher, photographer, and celebrity hair and makeup artist. Each one of us represents a different facet of the industry, bringing with us a spectrum of skin concerns and expertise.
For our second Skin Club session, we partnered with the legendary John Bell & Croyden—London's renowned health and beauty destination—to explore some of their most innovative skincare offerings. This time, our theme centred on Skincare Saviours, where we delved into products designed to nurture both the skin and the mind, aligning perfectly with the growing interest in psychodermatology.
Psychodermatology, the fascinating intersection of mental well-being and skin health, explores the intricate relationship between emotional well-being and visible skin issues like breakouts, dryness, or premature ageing.
In our fast-paced world, this connection feels especially relevant, as stress and anxiety can deeply affect both how we feel and how we look.
Our session began with a talk from Dina, the founder of Espérer, who explained the fundamentals of psychodermatology. This was followed by a guided workshop by Raembla, which included a transformative energy-healing exercise. Together, we delved into breathing techniques, such as the "coffee" breath—designed to increase focus and clarity—offering moments of calm and energy when needed most.
We included breathing exercises in our Skin Club session because, given our high-stress jobs that demand constant adrenaline, it's crucial to incorporate practices that counterbalance this pressure. Evidence shows that deep breathing exercises can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping to lower stress and cortisol levels, improve focus, and restore balance to both the body and mind, ultimately supporting healthier skin by reducing stress-induced flare-ups like breakouts and premature ageing.
We then shifted to the theme of Skincare Saviours, where we explored cutting-edge products alongside the emerging science of psychodermatology. By addressing the links between mental health and skin health, psychodermatology promotes radiant skin from within, harmonising the internal and external for holistic well-being.
Let's meet our panellists:
Emily: A powerhouse music industry manager with a hectic schedule touring the globe, is on a mission to improve skin texture—she seeks firmer, brighter, smoother skin, enhanced hydration, and, of course, a reduction in fine lines, among other things.
Im: An Editor-in-Chief of a renowned fashion magazine, expertly juggling a high-pressure job while embarking on a mission to control breakouts, minimise visible pores, strengthen her hair, and revitalise her energy levels.
Marcia: A celebrity hair artist for A-list clientele, juggling the demands of her profession while managing combination/normal skin and battling hyperpigmentation. She's also on a mission to improve her insomnia and concentration, likely affected by her frequent jet-setting across multiple time zones.
Jheanelle: Editor-in-Chief of Vingt Sept, amidst hectic deadlines and stress, she grapples with hormonal acne (after discontinuing contraception) and manages endometriosis. Her mission? Conquer cystic breakouts, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation, while leading the charge in the fashion world.
Claudine: A talented industry makeup artist, committed to maintaining her youthful radiance despite fine lines, melasma and sensitive skin. With a sensitivity to sunlight and some beauty product ingredients, she carefully manages her skincare routine to ensure her complexion remains flawless while working with celebrities.
Arabella: A modern-day muse, working as a boss fashion and art photographer she’s also a mother of one. Arabella's mission? To combat fine lines, boost skin hydration, and address hair loss and volume concerns—common issues for many women post-childbirth or when adopting a vegetarian/vegan lifestyle.
Karolina: A dynamic and active teacher with combination skin, determined to trade Botox for effective skincare products that complement her complexion. Karolina's goals include addressing deficiencies, combating hair loss and achieving longer tresses, as well as reducing fine lines and enhancing skin texture.
Cecilie: Editor-in-Chief of a fashion magazine and K-Beauty fan, grappling with normal/dry/ageing skin and early menopause symptoms—something increasingly observed in younger women. Cecilie's skincare goals include boosting hydration and tackling uneven texture to achieve a radiant complexion.
Here’s a closer look at the products we tried, with detailed feedback from our group to follow in the next update.
Espérer: Personalised Skincare Meets Psychodermatology
Espérer brought a personalised approach to skincare through their psychodermatology quiz, which matched each member of Skin Club with products tailored to both their skin type and emotional needs. This innovative concept resonated with the group, sparking discussions about how external beauty reflects internal balance. The products felt lightweight yet effective, offering immediate hydration and a sense of calm. For a more detailed breakdown of Espérer and psychodermatology benefits check out our article HERE.
Star products included the Clarifying Clay Mask, a soothing blend of therapeutic oils and natural clays like French Green Clay and Rose Clay, which work together to draw out impurities, unclog pores, and reduce inflammation. Also featured was the Antioxidant Face Cream, enriched with prickly pear, known for its anti-ageing properties and ability to enhance elasticity, alongside Vitamins A, C, E, and K. This moisturiser serves as both an anti-pollutant and a simplified skincare solution, perfect for those looking to streamline their routine or transition from stronger Retinol products.
Overall, feedback on the bespoke Espérer skincare range was positive, with standout praise for the luxurious scents, calming properties for breakouts, and hydration benefits, particularly from the Night Repair Face Oil and Hydrating Face Mist. Arabella and Cecilie noted minimal visible skin improvements, with Cecilie also mentioning that the strong scent of the Anti-Pollution Night Repair Oil wasn’t to her liking. Some challenges, such as the mist’s spritz mechanism mentioned by Claudine, were raised, but the products were praised for their spa-like experience, connection to mental health and integration into skincare routines. With thoughtful packaging and good value for money, Espérer is ideal for those seeking indulgence and subtle nourishment, though its strong scent profiles may not suit everyone.
Rating: 4.2
Curlsmith Scalp Stimulating Booster: Energising Haircare Innovation
Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp, and Curlsmith’s Scalp Stimulating Booster delivered a refreshing experience that many of us didn't know we needed.
The brand has quickly become a trusted name for curly and textured hair care, blending natural ingredients with cutting-edge science to create products that deliver real results. Known for their commitment to clean beauty, Curlsmith avoids sulfates, silicones, and parabens, instead focusing on nourishing, high-performance formulas that embrace the beauty of natural hair textures.
The Curlsmith Scalp Stimulating Booster is a perfect example of the brand's innovative approach. Designed to energise and revitalise the scalp, this lightweight, cooling serum offers an immediate refreshing sensation that quickly made it a favourite among those in the group. For anyone looking to support hair growth and maintain a healthy scalp, this booster serves as an effective, long-term solution, helping to create the ideal foundation for healthier, stronger hair.
Overall, the feedback on Curlsmith’s Scalp Stimulating Booster was mixed, with a wide range of experiences. Many users appreciated the product’s non-greasy finish after application and blow-drying, but others found it left their hair feeling greasy or flaky, with Emily notably stopping use due to scalp issues. Claudine enjoyed soothing her scalp with the product, praising its results for enhancing her hair’s curl, while others, like Karolina, found it effective for scalp soothing but didn’t notice significant improvements in hair strength or growth.
Packaging was a point of contention, as Cecilie mentioned that it didn’t inspire her to reach for the product, reflecting the importance of presentation in user experience. While some users didn’t experience visible improvements, Jheanelle had positive results, noting it added volume and worked well for styling curly hair. However, there was a consensus that the product could benefit from a stronger fragrance to enhance the experience.
Despite the varying results, the product was considered good value for money by most, particularly due to its soothing benefits, although it may not be a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone’s scalp or hair concerns.
Rating: 3.8
Bastille Parfums Travel Discovery Kit: Fragrance on the Go
For fragrance lovers, Bastille’s discovery kit offered a luxurious way to experience their bold, clean scents. Bastille Parfums has earned a reputation for crafting bold, clean fragrances that are both sophisticated and modern, using high-quality ingredients to deliver a refined yet accessible scent experience. With a minimalist sensibility, the brand’s scents offer a touch of elegance without being overpowering, making them ideal for those who appreciate contemporary perfumery.
The brand's Travel Discovery Kit was a perfect choice for our constantly travelling group, offering the luxury of fragrance in a compact, travel-friendly format. Designed for easy packing, these miniatures are ideal for hand luggage and short breaks, ensuring we always have a refined scent on hand. The fragrances themselves are energising yet subtle, with notes that range from fresh citrus to warm, woody undertones—providing a refreshing take on modern scent profiles. Whether you're headed to a weekend getaway or a business trip, this kit ensures you never have to compromise on fragrance.
The Bastille Perfume Discovery Set received glowing reviews, with many users appreciating the variety and versatility of the scents. Arabella was particularly impressed, rating the set 5 stars, and praised the opulent scents that lasted throughout the day, although she wasn’t enamoured with three of the options. Cecilie found the set to be a fantastic way to explore different fragrances and loved discovering her favourite, Pleine Lune, which she described as warm and soft. Karolina and Marcia gave the set 4 stars, acknowledging its appeal, though they didn’t have standout favourites.
Claudine was a fan of the variety, enjoying the option to switch up scents depending on her mood. She particularly liked Bataille, Un Deux Trois, and Paradis Nuit, with the latter being her favorite. Her positive experiences were shared by Emily, who loved all the scents and ultimately bought a larger bottle of Demain Promis. Jheanelle highlighted how practical the set was for travel, with the compact size making it perfect for business trips, and the longevity of each scent ensuring she only needed one or two bottles.
Overall, the set was well-received for its high-quality fragrances, versatility, and convenience, with many finding it an ideal choice for travel. The value for money was also widely praised, with most of the group feeling that the set was worth every penny.
Rating: 4.9
MAHSA Mouthwash with Charcoal and Ginger: A Refreshing Take on Oral Care
The MAHSA Mouthwash with Charcoal and Ginger offers a refreshing, elevated approach to oral care, making it a surprising standout of the session. Combining activated charcoal with ginger, this mouthwash delivers a unique, invigorating flavour while promising to freshen breath naturally—a perfect quick pick-me-up between meetings or after a long day. The powerful combination not only cleanses but also promotes overall oral health, leaving the mouth feeling fresh and revitalised.
Beyond its performance, the mouthwash’s sleek, modern packaging adds an element of luxury to any bathroom. Its elegant design transforms an everyday routine into a spa-like experience, instantly elevating the space from ordinary to the kind of refined sophistication you'd expect in a luxury hotel. With this product, it’s clear that oral care can be both indulgent and effective.
The MAHSA Charcoal and Ginger Mouthwash impressed everyone with its luxurious feel, great taste, and effective results, although there were some concerns over value for money.
Karolina, Jheanelle, Emily, and Claudine all rated the product 5 stars, highlighting its high quality, pleasant taste, and noticeable benefits such as cleaner teeth and reduced sensitivity. Emily even went so far as to say she was “obsessed” with it, purchasing a bottle after trying it. Jheanelle noted the beautiful packaging, making the product a treat to use, while Cecilie described it as an innovative and exciting mouthwash that elevated the everyday experience.
Arabella agreed, offering a perfect score and praising the product for its clean taste, effective results, and great value. Marcia, however, gave the mouthwash 4 stars, citing the packaging as lovely but the amount of product as insufficient for the price, which she felt was not sustainable long-term.
Overall, the product was widely praised for its high-end feel, quality ingredients, and the freshness it left in the mouth. The only area where feedback varied was in the value for money, with a few people from the group feeling that it could be more cost-effective.
Rating: 4.9
Dr Levy Intense Stem Cell Booster Cream: The Science of Rejuvenation
The Dr Levy Intense Stem Cell Booster Cream quickly became a unanimous favourite among the group, with everyone praising its transformative effects. This advanced cream uses cutting-edge stem cell technology to improve skin elasticity and radiance, making it a true game-changer in the world of skincare. Its silky texture and quick absorption made it ideal for layering under makeup, providing a smooth, hydrated base without feeling heavy or greasy.
What truly impressed everyone, however, was the deeply nourishing formula, which offered immediate benefits and showed promise for long-term results. Plant stem cells, known for their regenerative properties, help to boost the skin’s natural repair processes, promoting cell turnover and enhancing the skin's ability to heal and rejuvenate. This makes the cream not only a quick fix but also an investment in maintaining youthful, glowing skin. It’s the kind of product that delivers both instant and lasting benefits, which is why it quickly became a favourite for all.
The Dr. Levy Intense Stem Cell Booster Cream received mostly positive reviews, with users praising its high quality, effectiveness, and the visible improvements in skin tone and texture. Arabella rated it 5 stars, sharing that it replaced her usual day moisturiser, leaving her skin smoother, more balanced, and free from breakouts, despite her typically greasy combination skin. She also deemed it worth the price, rating the value 10/10. Cecilie and Claudine echoed similar sentiments, with Claudine highlighting its suitability for melasma, as it helped to reduce discolouration and felt light under makeup.
Emily, while giving the cream 4 stars, appreciated its hydrating properties and reduction in fine lines but noted the high price, which made her hesitant about repurchasing. Jheanelle and Karolina were equally enthusiastic, with Jheanelle recommending it for skin flare-ups due to its quick soothing effects and Karolina calling it “brilliant” for reviving tired skin. However, Karolina rated the value for money lower, at 5/10, suggesting it could be more affordable.
Marcia, also giving 4 stars, found the texture too thick for her liking, preferring a lighter feel in her moisturisers, which led to a slightly lower score for satisfaction and value for money.
Overall, the cream was praised for its hydrating, healing, and rejuvenating qualities, though the high price point and texture preferences were the main drawbacks.
Rating: 4.8
Dermanda Overnight Retinol Repair: A Night-Time Essential
Dermanda’s Overnight Retinol Repair quickly earned the title of the "retinol of the gods" among the group, and for good reason. This luxurious night-time treatment works tirelessly while you sleep to target fine lines, uneven skin tone, and signs of ageing, all while offering the benefits of retinol without the typical irritation often associated with the ingredient. Its gentle yet effective formula made it a standout for everyone, with many noting how their skin felt smoother, more even, and visibly rejuvenated upon waking.
What truly elevates this product, beyond its remarkable results, is its impeccable packaging and aesthetic. The sleek, sophisticated Midas-touch design adds a touch of opulence to any skincare routine, making it feel more like a high-end spa treatment than an everyday product. The calming, beautifully crafted bottle not only looks stunning on your vanity but also enhances the ritual of applying it before bed. Dermanda’s Overnight Retinol Repair is not just a skincare essential—it’s a luxurious experience, offering both immediate and long-term rejuvenation in a beautifully crafted package.
The Dermanda Overnight Retinol Repair received mostly positive feedback, with the ladies appreciating its gentle formulation and non-irritating nature, especially when compared to stronger retinol products. Karolina and Jheanelle were especially impressed with the texture and effectiveness, noting improvements in skin texture and hydration. Jheanelle particularly liked the luxurious packaging, thick serum, and how quickly it absorbed into the skin, even helping with dark circles.
Claudine also rated it highly, sharing that it helped reduce her melasma and left her skin soft and renewed. She highlighted that the product works well both day and night and sits comfortably under other skincare products. Cecilie appreciated its lightweight consistency and how well it absorbed, even using it on her sensitive neck skin without irritation.
Emily and Marcia gave 4 stars, with Emily praising the product for being gentler than tretinoin and smoothing her skin, though she felt it required a thicker moisturiser. Marcia, on the other hand, felt that the retinol effect wasn't as strong as expected, leading to a lower satisfaction rating. Arabella also rated it 4 stars, using it on her hands instead of her face, and saw improvements in skin tone and texture, but she felt it was a bit overpriced.
While the product generally received positive reviews for its effectiveness, texture, and hydration, the main criticisms centered around the high price and the lack of a noticeable retinol effect for some users.
Rating: 4.7
Universal Soul Company 3-in-1 Soul Mist: A Calming Multi-Tasker
The 3-in-1 Soul Mist from The Universal Soul Company quickly became a favourite among the group, particularly for those seeking a moment of calm amidst the hustle and bustle. This versatile mist, which doubles as a pillow spray and room refresher, infused our relaxation session with a serene, spa-like atmosphere that everyone appreciated. Even Arabella’s daughter chimed in, saying the mist had helped her sleep better, highlighting just how soothing and effective it truly is.
Its calming blend of scents not only created a peaceful environment but also helped the group unwind and de-stress, making it a standout for anyone in need of relaxation. A few members were so impressed that they’ve already added it to their bedtime routines, with some even continuing to purchase it for its ongoing benefits. Whether used to freshen the room or as a gentle pillow spray, this mist offers a simple yet powerful way to enhance your daily wind-down ritual, promoting a deeper sense of peace and relaxation.
The Universal Soul Company 3-in-1 Soul Mist garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback, particularly for its calming and relaxing effects. Arabella shared a heartfelt review, highlighting how the mist helped her daughter feel relaxed and even made it part of her bedtime routine. Arabella found the scent to be incredible and mentioned that it is especially calming for children, making it a must-have for parents. She rated it 5 stars across the board, appreciating the price, quality, and calming effects on her family.
Jheanelle also rated it 5 stars, noting how the mist helped set a relaxing mood before bedtime, particularly after a bath, and how it alleviated her insomnia. She described the scent as divine, and it helped her unwind after a long day.
Karolina rated it 5 stars overall but gave the value for money a 7, indicating that while she enjoyed the product, she felt the price might be a bit high. Cecilie gave it 4 stars, loving the delicious scent.
Claudine, Marcia and Emily did not receive the product so could not provide feedback.
Rating: 4.8
Seabody Beauty Supplement: Nourish from Within
The Seabody Beauty Supplement, winner of the John Bell & Croyden New Entry Product Award in 2023, quickly garnered attention for its promise to nourish skin from within. These marine-based supplements aim to enhance skin’s radiance and overall health, a concept that intrigued the group, especially those with a keen interest in wellness. The supplements sparked plenty of conversation about the future of ingestible beauty and how products like these can support skin vitality from the inside out.
While the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the supplement’s ability to promote a healthy, glowing complexion, a few did mention that the marine flavour—similar to cod liver oil—could be a bit off-putting. However, for those committed to healthier, more radiant skin, this is a sacrifice most are willing to make. The benefits of this supplement far outweigh the flavour, making it a standout for anyone serious about enhancing their beauty regimen from the inside out.
The Seabody Beauty Supplement received a variety of ratings, with some of the group noting its effectiveness for hair and skin benefits, while others were less impressed.
Marcia gave it a perfect 5-star review, highlighting the convenience of the one-pill dose and the noticeable improvements in hair growth and thickness. She felt the product worked quickly and provided good value for money.
Claudine also rated it 5 stars, though she noted that her skin's dryness remained unchanged. However, she observed a slight improvement in her melasma and appreciated the brand’s focus on combining internal nutrients with topical skincare. She suggested that longer usage might be needed to see more pronounced results.
On the other hand, Karolina and Jheanelle were less enthusiastic, both giving it 3 stars. Karolina disliked the “fishy” taste and gave lower ratings for value and overall quality, while Jheanelle mentioned she didn’t see any significant skin improvements, especially while dealing with a hormonal breakout. She also found the large pill size and fishy scent off-putting.
Emily had the most negative feedback, rating it 1 star and stating she saw no differences after finishing the whole batch.
Cecilie, while giving it 3 stars, expressed that she enjoyed taking the supplement due to the beneficial ingredients but felt the product was too expensive for its impact. Arabella also rated it 3 stars, believing longer use might be necessary for optimal results but mentioning that she didn’t experience the same improvements as with other supplements she’d used. Perhaps better results would be seen longer than two months of use.
Rating: 3.7
Final Thoughts
This session was all about balance—whether through psychodermatology, breathing techniques, or versatile skincare products. It was a holistic exploration of beauty that resonated with the group on multiple levels.
The standout product across the group is the Dr. Levy of Switzerland Stem Cell Cream, which received high praise for its ability to keep skin matte while still providing deep moisture. Arabella highlighted its role in improving skin tone and texture, while both Cecilie and Karolina appreciated its lightweight, effective formulation. Jheanelle and Emily also singled out the cream for its comprehensive benefits, making it a clear favourite for many.
In addition to the Dr. Levy cream, Espérer’s Cell Renewal Night Repair Oil was a favourite for Claudine, who enjoys using it as a nighttime treatment for deep hydration, and Emily, who found it paired well with the day cream for a healthy, hydrated complexion. Marcia’s star product was the Seabody Beauty Supplement, which she found effective for promoting hair growth and thickness. Overall, the Dr. Levy cream and Espérer’s products dominated the choices, with Seabody’s supplement also earning strong praise.
A big thank you to John Bell & Croyden for curating such a thoughtful and exciting selection of products.
Words by Jheanelle Feanny
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