I tried M&S' new affordable skincare line before it launched - here's my verdict
My top-rated products from M&S' new affordable skincare range
M&S is an underrated beauty shopping destination where you can discover some of the best products on the market.
Home to the likes of Murad, Philip Kingsley and Clinique, it's now expanded further and launched own-brand affordable skincare line, Fresh Elements.
Developed in-house by M&S’ team of expert technologists across more than three years, it has been created to streamline your skincare routine, cut down on complicated steps and remain budget-friendly, with every product under £15.
Better yet, when you spend £30 across clothing, home and beauty, you'll be able to get M&S' Summer Beauty Bag for just £25 - it's worth £155 and features full-size and mini products from Clinique, Aveda, Nails Inc and more.
Browse M&S' Fresh Elements range
There's three ranges within this new collection; glow, clarify and hydrate, which aim to address to the most common skin issues.
I got my hands on Fresh Elements before it launched and have spent the last few weeks testing products to see if they're worth adding to your basket. Available to buy now, here are my top-rated picks.
The best products from M&S Fresh Elements
Jelly fresh Skin-Perfecting Jelly Cleanser
This lightweight cleanser has a jelly texture that lathers when massaged onto damp skin. It immediately left my skin feeling softer and smoother, and is gentle enough to be used day and night. The formula is rich in three key blemish-busting ingredients: mandelic acid, white willow bark and witch hazel, which combined can help minimise pores, increase cell turnover and gently exfoliate.
🛍️ Product reviewed: Jelly fresh Skin-Perfecting Jelly Cleanser
⏰ Tested for: Three weeks
⭐ Rating: 4/5
💸 Reasons to buy: It's a lovely gentle, lightweight and skin-softening cleanser that doesn't leave your face feeling dry or tight
✋ Reasons to avoid: It's not rich enough to remove make-up, so is best used first thing in the morning or as a second cleanse in the evening
Shop it now: Jelly fresh Skin-Perfecting Jelly Cleanser | £9.50
No Biggie Deep-Cleansing Clay Mask
I loved using this kaolin clay mask once a week when my skin was feeling congested. It's a thick, creamy texture that applies easily with just your fingers and takes just 10 minutes to get to work on absorbing excess oil and reducing blackheads. Once washed off, my skin looked brighter, smoother and less oily.
🛍️ Product reviewed: No Biggie Deep-Cleansing Clay Mask
⏰ Tested for: Three weeks
⭐ Rating: 5/5
💸 Reasons to buy: It's a speedy treatment that delivers instant results of glowy, smooth and less congested skin
✋ Reasons to avoid: It's heavily fragranced which can be a common trigger for sensitive skin
Shop it now: No Biggie Deep-Cleansing Clay Mask | £9.50
High life Hydrating Daily Serum
This is a creamy serum that sinks into skin and leaves it hydrated and smooth. Ideal if you're keen to tackle dehydration, it didn't increase oil production on my T-zone and can be used day and night. I especially loved how well it balanced out dry areas on my cheeks with oiliness on my forehead and nose.
🛍️ Product reviewed: High life Hydrating Daily Serum
⏰ Tested for: Three weeks
⭐ Rating: 4/5
💸 Reasons to buy: It's a fuss-free, easy to use and fast-absorbing serum that everyone can benefit from
✋ Reasons to avoid: Like other products in the range, it's heavily fragranced which can be overpowering
Shop it now: High life Hydrating Daily Serum | £15
Light It Up Protecting Day Cream SPF25
This brightening day cream is lovely and lightweight, rich enough to soothe areas of dryness but not so rich it feels greasy. Thanks to a cocktail of vitamin C and E, after a few weeks of use, my skin looked more radiant.
🛍️ Product reviewed: Light It Up Protecting Day Cream SPF25
⏰ Tested for: Three weeks
⭐ Rating: 4/5
💸 Reasons to buy: It's lightweight and brightening with a gentle creamy texture that's ideal for combination skin
✋ Reasons to avoid: If you have very oily or very dry skin, this moisturiser probably won't work for you
Shop it now: Light It Up Protecting Day Cream SPF25 | £12.50
Soak Star Overnight Moisture Cream
Rich and balmy, this night cream is perfect for dry skin. It's rich but not heavy and ideal for treating a damaged skincare barrier, which can result from over exfoliating. Each morning I woke up with silky soft skin that felt hydrated and soothed.
🛍️ Product reviewed: Soak Star Overnight Moisture Cream
⏰ Tested for: Three weeks
⭐ Rating: 4/5
💸 Reasons to buy: It's creamy, luxurious and instantly nourishing for dry skin
✋ Reasons to avoid: Given its rich texture, this would not be suitable for oily skin
Shop it now: Soak Star Overnight Moisture Cream | £12.50
Watch: Best budget beauty buys for £10 or under
