Cooking up skincare heaven by Belinda Morris

I love it when I discover a new brand (well, newish and new to me) that really piques my interest. Having been introduced to Beauty Kitchen, by its passionate and charming founders, just before Christmas, I have spent the last month or so scrutinizing some of its products – paying special attention to those that have a masculine appeal.

The Glasgow-based business was established in 2010 by Jo-Anne Chidley, whose aim was to create completely effective, totally natural, 100 per cent ethical, everyday products. That were also affordable – nothing in the broad range (so far) costs more than £20.

The latest line to be introduced is Seahorse Plankton – a natural, biologically-proven microalgae… that’s also sustainable. And it has loads of benefits – smoothes and soothes problem skin, stimulates its elasticity, reducing fine lines, hydrates and protects against environmental damage and ultimately prolongs skin’s youthful appearance. Sea kelp (harvested by Jo) and blue chamomile also contribute towards the anti-ageing effects.

The five-piece line-up all include a cocktail of ingredients that create a very pleasing scent – frankincense, immortelle and angelica. It’s fresh, invigorating and slightly exotic, but, in my view, totally unisex. The Everlasting Radiance Moisturiser (£19.99 – 60ml) absorbs easily and leaves skin feeling hydrated, nourished, but definitely not greasy. If your skin is particularly dry, a few drops of High Definition Facial Oil (£19.99 – 30ml) under the moisturizer gives extra protection. Used morning and night, the Everlasting Radiance Cleansing Gel (£14.99 – 100ml) is a really refreshing way to prep skin before a shave. It’s non-foaming, but don’t let that put you off – a lack of bubbles doesn’t mean it’s not doing its job!

And if you’re really up for something new, and maybe you want an even smoother, flawless look, you might try the Beauty boosting BB Cream (£14.99 – 30ml) which is lightly tinted to blur imperfections. It also stimulates collagen production – so a double whammy. The look is completely natural, the one product works on all skin tones and I promise that it doesn’t look like foundation.

Available from branches of Holland & Barrett.