7 quick fix products for skin in need of saving

We’ve all been terrorised by an unexpected pimple or two in our time, so why not get ahead of the bacteria-laden curve and zap the zit while it’s still under the skin’s surface? This two-part zit-killing system utilises an exfoliating and skin-soothing sanitary wipe and a pimple patch with microdart technology to keep unwanted breakouts at bay. Simply wipe the affected area with a CLEANA swab and slap on a KILLA patch for a minimum of two hours to see a reduction in the appearance of any early-stage pimples. 

$39 at RY

Sensitive skin is a life-long battle for some, but when you have the right products on hand, you can avoid the drama of skin reactivity with ease. This defensive cream utilises ingredients that help to mimic the body's natural biological functions, allowing the skin to protect itself against external aggressors by reinforcing the natural barrier function. We’re talking skin strengtheners such as tetrapeptide, antioxidant-rich vitamin E and carnosine, plus soothing red sage polyphenols that help to minimise hyper-reactivity too. 

$18.99 at Chemist Warehouse

Why carry around a powder compact and blotting papers when you could have a handy anti-oily skin kit on hand at all times? That must have been Selena Gomez’s exact thought when she tasked Rare Beauty with creating this innovative two-in-one compact that incorporates a blurring powder puff and 100 sheets of oil-absorbing blotting papers. Genius and adorable. 

$45 at Sephora

Another favourite of Selly G’s are these unbelievably affordable eye masks (just $6 a set at Sephora) that, funnily enough, her little sister put her on to. Hey, if they’re good enough to grace the under-eyes of Gomez and “get rid of any inflammation” in as little as five minutes, they’re good enough for us plebeians. 

$6 at Sephora

Dealing with large pores and blackheads prior to an event? These lifesaving pore strips make short work of any eyesores that might be currently making your life less than pleasant. With a dual-action formula that helps to minimise excess oil and refine pores, these strips take as little as six hours (but we recommend wearing one overnight for maximum results) to take effect, pulling out unwanted impurities, dirt and bacteria, while tightening the skin and minimising the appearance of pores to prevent any future build-up and blackheads. 

$33 at Sephora

When you’re feeling drab, dull and tired, the last thing you want to have to deal with is a complexion that broadcasts your current state of being to the world around you. That’s why we love this overnight mask that’s packed full of exfoliating AHAs, skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and hydrating watermelon extract. Simply apply to skin before bed and snooze away your skin woes to wake up to a bright, youthful-looking glow. Seriously, this is beauty sleep bottled. 

$64 at MECCA

We don’t know about you, but there is nothing more irritating in our books than a particularly dry set of lips. Red, raw and cracked are not descriptors we ever want to leave our lips, let alone to explain their current state. That’s why we like to keep a tub of this skin-soothing and hydrating lip salve on-hand at all times. With a formula that utilises nourishing rose flower oil for a promise of  24-hour hydration, you’d be remiss not to add this one to at least a few of your handbags. 

$34 at Sephora