Four products that made it from my desk to my bathroom shelf, and none of them are leaving.

Quick answer: My editor’s pick is the Dr.SQ Active A Retinal Serum, a gentle vitamin A for beginners, the Xali Bright and Tight Under Eye Cream, the Biossance Squalane + Hyaluronic Toning Mist and the JSHealth Advanced Magnesium+ Powder in peach. Shop all four below, from highest to lowest price, all in AUD.

Key takeaways

• New to vitamin A? A low-strength retinal like Dr.SQ Active A is a gentle place to start.
• An under eye cream with niacinamide, vitamin C and peptides brightens tired eyes before concealer.
• A squalane and hyaluronic mist hydrates skin and sets makeup in one spritz.
• Magnesium powder turns your evening wind-down into a ritual.

1. The serum I can’t stop talking about

Dr.SQ, Active A Retinal 0.25% Vitamin A Serum, $139 AUD: my favourite thing on the shelf. A gentle retinal with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, made for vitamin A beginners and sensitive skin by cosmetic physician Dr Saba Qutub. Pair it with the REGENOX Advanced Peptide Repair Cream.

2. Eight hours of sleep, in a tube

Xali, Bright and Tight Under Eye Cream, $75 AUD: the cult lash serum brand has had a glow-up and I’m in love with the new packaging. Niacinamide, vitamin C, bakuchiol and peptides with a cooling applicator.

3. The mist for the 3pm slump

Biossance, Squalane + Hyaluronic Toning Mist, approx $49 AUD (€28): plant-derived squalane and two forms of hyaluronic acid in the finest mist. Tone, set your makeup or rescue your face at 3pm. It lives in my handbag now.

4. The evening wind-down

JSHealth Vitamins, Advanced Magnesium+ Powder, peach, $34.99 AUD: my new evening ritual. Three forms of magnesium and a peach flavour that feels like a treat. Also comes in Raspberry Lemonade.

The final word

Four products, no filler. If you only try one, make it the Active A.

FAQs

What is a good vitamin A serum for beginners?

Start low and gentle. Dr.SQ Active A is a 0.25% retinal with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, made for vitamin A beginners and sensitive skin.

What is the difference between retinal and retinol?

Both are forms of vitamin A. Retinal is one step closer to the form your skin actually uses, so it can work at a lower strength than retinol.

Can you use a toning mist over makeup?

Yes. A fine mist like the Biossance Squalane + Hyaluronic Toning Mist hydrates skin and helps set makeup.

How do you take magnesium powder?

Stir it into water, usually in the evening. Always follow the directions on the pack.

Where can I buy these products in Australia?

Dr.SQ, Xali and JSHealth sell online in AUD. Biossance is available through Cult Beauty, which ships to Australia. Every product above links straight to where you can buy it.

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