DR SAM BUNTING

Dr Sam, a dermatologist and skincare specialist for two decades, runs a Harley Street clinic and launched her award-winning skincare range, Dr Sam’s, in 2018.

I don’t see skincare as being discretionary spending, I see it as essential to confidence and wellbeing.

If you have to cut corners, I’d urge people to skip buying a new lipstick and get a good SPF instead. And don’t waste money on a neck or cellulite cream — these things don’t work.

the pendulum is swinging back from the days when women got excited about buying lots of different active ingredients. We are now paring down our regimes

and focusing on the few actives that really work — the ones with the evidence to support them.

I’ve loved seeing the rise of azelaic acid this year, which used to be available only on prescription. It’s by far the most effective skin acid out there, helping with redness, acne and hyperpigmentation.

It’s in my dr Sam’s Flawless Brightly Serum (£44, drsambunting. and the ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% (£ 8.60, theordinary.com). I’m also a big fan of niacinamide — it’s an anti-inflammatory but also boosts your skin barrier.

As for make- up, there are some great, affordable Gen Z influencer brands around.

I like Refy’s Brow Sculpt (£16, refy beauty.com) and Sculpted By Aimee’s My Mascara Volume & Length (£ 17, boots. com). there’s no reason why older women shouldn’t try them out.