In partnership with Aesop
The onset of a new year is the perfect time to take stock of your skincare routine, or introduce fresh rituals into the fold. Personally, January is all about brightening and rehydrating my skin. The warmer weather often leaves me dull and pigmented, so I always turn my attention to simple but effective skincare that will improve radiance and clarity overall.
The ritual I’m partial to right now comes courtesy of Aesop, the Immaculate Facial Tonic and Lucent Facial Concentrate specifically. Both formulas are multi-tasking (skinimalism is my 2025 word de jour), packed with simple but proven ingredients to improve complexion health. And if you’ve tried Aesop, you’ll know it’s sensorially beautiful — if not, visit one of their conceptual boutiques and you’ll get what I mean.
If you’re looking for a fresh start, a simplified approach or just brighter skin, read up on my recommended duo below.
Step 1. Exfoliate and prepare the skin
Mild daily exfoliation is one of the easiest yet effective ways to brighten your skin. The Immaculate Face Tonic is unique in that it’s ultra gentle, but formulated with mucor miehei (an enzyme that comes from Japanese mushrooms) and phytic acid to dissolve the glue that holds dull surface cells together, revealing brighter, smoother skin underneath. Because of the resurfacing effect, the tonic also works to prep for the absorption of serums and moisturisers to come.
It’s deeply hydrating thanks to rose flower oil, niacinamide and saccharide isomerate (the latter being one of my favourite ingredients as it pulls water deep into the skin). The texture is bouncy and plumping for immediately fresher-looking skin. Use it on cleansed skin, morning and night.
Aesop Immaculate Facial Tonic
Step 2. A brightening treatment serum
Skin brightening is twofold, hence why exfoliation is best followed with a targeted treatment serum. The Lucent Facial Concentrate is currently in my rotation; it’s a light serum with vitamin C and B, so it improves skin clarity, evens out tone, strengthens the barrier and hydrates without feeling sticky. Some will know that vitamin C often doesn’t feel or smell the best, but thanks to ingredients like rose petal and sea salt, it’s sensorially a dream.
Aesop Lucent Facial Concentrate
Watch my tutorial, below
You can shop the Aesop Brilliant Performers Duo (including the Immaculent Facial Tonic and the Lucent Facial Concentrate) online or in boutiques.
