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Top Three: These are the products Australian scientist and skinfluencer Hannah English can’t live without

WORDS BY CAIT EMMA BURKE

Because who doesn’t love a good product recommendation.

I’m a notoriously nosy person when it comes to products. I want to know whether you double cleanse at night, and if so which cleansers you use. I want to know if there’s some special hair contraption or pair of tweezers that have (hyperbole warranted) changed your life. I want to know what curl definer you use and which lip balm you swear by.

But my interest in products doesn’t just pertain to the world of beauty – I’m always eager to hear about an air fryer that someone loves so much they’ve convinced their entire extended family to get one, or a laptop stand that’s corrected their posture and improved their quality of life by at least 25 per cent.

In short, I j’adore products. This is why I’ve asked some of our favourite Australian beauty and skincare influencers for their top three products, AKA the products they simply cannot live without. The scope is broad – it can genuinely be any three products, as long as they’re the three they value the most.

First up is scientist and skinfluencer Hannah English, one of my personal favourite Instagram creators for the way she makes the science-y complexities of skincare so accessible and easy to understand. These are her top three.

Product one: Press Beauty Swipies Reusable Makeup Removing Towels

 

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A post shared by Hannah English (@ms_hannah_e)

How did you first discover this product?

For the past 5 years, I’ve been diehard for a washcloth when I cleanse my face at night. There’s no better feeling than gently but properly cleaning your skin, and getting rid of every last trace of oil, sweat, dirt, and makeup. If you wear makeup. I got to try them for my job – I’m pretty lucky to be sent products to try, and these were an instant hit. I have a four pack so I can use a fresh one every night and put them in the laundry during the week.

What is it/what does it do and why do you love it?

Swipies are a set of four extremely plush, stain-resistant, reusable makeup cleansing towels. I love how soft they are – no chance of accidentally exfoliating more than I meant to. I love that they’re black, so they won’t get stained by makeup. I love the way the fibres grab soooo much more dirt and makeup than I could ever rinse away with just a cleanser and my hands. Truly life-changing and skin-clearing, if you ask me.

Where can we find it and who would you recommend it to?

You can find them at Press Beauty’s website and I’d recommend them to anyone that wears makeup or sunscreen (which should be everyone), especially if they experience congested pores.

Product two: Niod Superoxide Dismutase Saccharide Mist

 

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A post shared by Hannah English (@ms_hannah_e)

How did you first discover this product?

I’ve been a fan of Deciem, the skincare brand, since before they launched The Ordinary. I used to sit in the uni library and just read the copy on their website – it’s heavily scientific but lucky for me I have a science background and have no trouble with it. Most of the time. So when they brought the mist out I was on a student budget, but I lusted for it so much. The hero ingredient (superoxide dismutase) is a version of an enzyme we have in our bodies, and its job is to neutralise the free radicals we’re always hearing about. These are essentially unstable molecules that float around in the air (even in your house) looking for other molecules to react with, which can be destabilising. Especially if the molecule it finds to react with say, your DNA.

What is it/what does it do and why do you love it?

In English, it protects and calms your skin. Misting before moisturiser is also a great way to get it to spread better (so you can use less!) and avoid pilling. It helps me a lot with redness and sensitivity, and I’ve finished more than I can count.

Where can we find it and who would you recommend it to? 

If you have sensitive skin, it’s for you. It has no perfume, so it can feel clinical (in a good way), and you can find it at deciem.com, at Myer stores, or online at Lookfantastic and Adore Beauty.

Product three: Sunsense Moisturising Face SPF50+

 

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A post shared by Hannah English (@ms_hannah_e)

How did you first discover this product?

I love sunscreens, and it was really hard to pick just one. I love testing them, I love reminding people to wear them, and I love love love an accessibly priced option. I attended the Skin Health Institute’s Healthy Skin Awards in 2019 (my friend Lisa of Call Time on Melanoma was a recipient). I got chatting to the comms team from Sunsense – naturally I asked which sunscreens were their favourites, and Moisturising Face (the blue one) came up. I had to have it.

What is it/what does it do and why do you love it?

It’s a moisturising sunscreen, best suited to normal, dry and dehydrated skin types. It’s a thin lotion that gives your skin moisture and a healthy glow, but best of all it contains antioxidants! When the sun is out here doing its UV radiation thing, it contributes to free radical generation in our skin. Yep, the same free radicals we discussed earlier. And Moisturising Face contains Vitamin B3 and Vitamin E, to help offset this issue. I am here for a sunscreen with added skin benefits because trust me, I’ve reviewed over 30 this year and they don’t all do that.

Where can we find it and who would you recommend it to?

Pharmacies Australia-wide, Chemist Warehouse and it’s perfect for someone with dry or dehydrated skin that wants a glow from their sunscreen with added skincare benefits, and also doesn’t want to spend a fortune on it.

@ms_hannah_e

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