Spring and summer are arguably the seasons when we pay the most attention to our skin – perhaps because they’re also the time we’re itching to swap full-coverage foundation for a lighter, skin-friendly CC cream and let our natural glow do the talking. Even men are more exposed; there’s no hiding beneath scarves and beanies anymore. And, naturally, because the beauty industry works harder than ten Kris Jenners combined, there’s a whole wave of new launches arriving this season.

We’ve picked out our favourites: products from brands we return to time and again for their quality, reliability and well-formulated approach to skincare and beauty. These are the products that earn a place on your bathroom shelf and will be used until the last drop. Better still, they’re largely unisex – because good skincare and body care , despite what marketing departments may suggest, is for everyone.

1. No7 Prime Forever range

No7 launches always have more to the story than a simple product release, and this year, its Primer Forever may be the most touching, emotive and empowering launch in a while. Earlier in April, the brand released Prime Forever, a range that’s all about skin preservation rather than prevention or repair.

A study of 22,000 people found that our thirties are the pivotal decade – the point at which skincare priorities shift from general maintenance to early signs of ageing, with visible ageing accelerating by up to 50% during this period. More importantly, using spatial transcriptomics technology developed with the University of Manchester, No7 scientists have shown that invisible cellular damage happens years before it ever shows up on the surface.

And so Primer Forever is born. The hero of the range is the serum, built around a patent-pending Antioxidant Peptide blend and clinically proven to reduce oxidative stress by seven times. Then there’s the SPF50 Five Star UVA primer (sun exposure accounts for up to 80% of premature skin ageing, so this is a must-have cast member), a 100-hour moisturiser, a cleanser that melts from gel to oil to milk, and reusable silicone eye patches. The products are great but – importantly – we can totally get behind No7’s mission. Learn more here.

2. AKT body oil and body scrub – new scents

AKT London has the cult following most beauty brands would kill for because it somehow made deodorant feel chic – think luxury fragrance energy, but for your armpits, while also being natural and plastic-free. Add in the “created by sweaty West End performers who needed something that actually worked” backstory, and people (including us) are completely sold.

It’s a very tasteful brand, and the scents are lovely. This spring, AKT decided to treat its audience and transport three of its most popular deodorant scents into body care with the introduction of The Foaming Body Scrub (£44) and The Everyday Encore Body Oil (£38), landing in:

• SC.03 EXT. The Onsen – a serene blend of lavandin, earthy vetiver and bright yuzu

• SC.04 EXT. Halcyon Summers – sun-soaked notes of mint, pomelo and fresh tomato vine

• SC.05 EXT. Columbia Road – a warm floral mix of violet, amber and addictive tonka

It’s worth reading the descriptions of each scent on the website – like the brand itself, they’re highly evocative. With Father’s Day coming up, this could make a thoughtful gift (if your dad is a cool one, that is!). Discover more here.

3. Erborian Ginseng Micro Shot Serums

If we’ve brought the salon home in the past, now it’s time to bring the clinic home, too. Micro-needling is the Queen Elizabeth II of skin treatments, but it is invasive and spendy. So why not conduct a slightly craftier version at home?

Erborian’s new Ginseng Micro Shot Serum is a resurfacing treatment to improve skin texture, firmness and overall radiance. Inspired by micro-needling techniques, it uses tiny plant-based micro-spicules that gently stimulate the skin’s surface and create temporary micro-channels, which let your skin absorb better the ingredients (ginseng extract, in this case), while encouraging natural skin renewal.

It causes the slight tingling and prickly sensation that micro-needling famously does, but at much lower levels. Erborian launched two different strengths, one for the newbies, and one for the pros whose face is no stranger to a perforating mowing lawn and some burning laser beams (JK – it’s really not that intensive!).

4. Skin Rocks The Strong Serum

Talking about intensive, the only thing stronger than this new toner from Skin Rocks is a double expresso and a Red Bull mixed together (do not try it at home, please). Because all the best things in life and skincare come in threes, Skin Rocks just launched The Strong Serum, the newest family member to join The Control Acid (for acne-prone skin) and the Gentle Acid (for sensitive skin or skin prone to rosacea). Skin that can be repeatedly slathered in acids and creams without ever crying for help deserves its own product too.

So, if your skin has graduated into the Level 3 of acids (don’t quote us on these levels), this new toner is for you. It’s formulated with AHA, BHAs and PHAs, which may sound like someone guffawing, but are actually chemical exfoliants that mean business. This toner really packs a punch. One thing to note: make sure to use a cotton pad (not your fingers) when applying it. And happy trip! Find out more here.

MIAMO Skincare UK launch

If it goes into the goodie bag of Cate Blanchett and Rachel Zegler, we’re interested. MIAMO is the new Italian skincare brand launching in the UK, and it’s already making the rounds at London’s most iconic cultural evenings, including The London Standard Theatre Awards dinner, when the brand was first introduced and gifted ahead of its launch in mid-April.

It may be new to the UK market but it’s been around the Italian block since 2012. It was co-founded by pharmacists Dr Elena Aceto di Capriglia and her daughter Dr Camilla D’Antonio, and centres on a protocol-based approach to skincare.

Coinciding with the launch, Miamo unveiled a selection of new product innovations, including a very interesting Superdose Vit C serum with freeze-dry technology to preserve the potency and stability of Vitamin C and other active ingredients. Browse away – there’s lots to explore.

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