The world of skincare can be confusing to say the least. The beauty counters are stacked with miracle creams and lotions, then there's the question of what suits which skin type and more often than not, product choice can come down to price.
And what about the smaller brands? While they might not be as well known, there are a number of names, new and old, that are worth tracking down.
From Japan's best-selling brand to UK-based start-ups making the most of local ingredients, here are 10 under-the-radar brands that want to make your skin look amazing:
Sunday Riley
Sunday Riley launched her US-based skincare brand in 2009. A firm believer in Native American botanical ingredients, Riley has spent years researching how they can be used to benefit the skin. From puffy eyes to rosacea, the products have been adapted to rescue problematic skin, boost radiance and hide fine lines. If you're new to the brand, this ceramic slip foaming cleanser suits all skin types - it's a great one to start with. From £35, available at <a href="http://uk.spacenk.com/WOMEN/SPUK101,en_GB,sc.html"target="_hplink">Space NK</a>
Cane + Austin
Launched by dermatologist Dr Austin, Cane + Austin uses glycolic acid derived from sugar cane to remove dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Sounds scary, but instead of having to visit a dermatologist for this treatment, the brand prides itself on its at-home, non invasive products. There are only five products in the range but the "miracle pads" have been in high-demand ever since they launched. From £30 at <a href="http://uk.spacenk.com/WOMEN/SPUK101,en_GB,sc.html"target="_hplink">Space NK</a>
Dr Jackson's
Numbers shouldn't matter, but it took Dr Jackson 19 years of research before he created his natural skincare range in 2008. (That's a lot of time, effort and hard work). Since then, his expert knowledge has led to the launch of three skincare products - the face oil is the most recent addition - which come in these rather cute, no-fuss bottles and a recyclable cotton bag (there's no plastic packaging). From £30, available at <a href="http://www.harveynichols.com/"target="_hplink">Harvey Nichols</a>
Seascape Island Apothecary
Seascape's USP? All its bath and body products are made using local ingredients in Jersey, from lavender and eucalyptus to beeswax and milk from Jersey cows. The best part? This UK skincare brand is sustainable and affordable. Try the soothing body butter made with Jersey beeswax, shea butter & rosehip seed oil. From £10, available at <a href="http://www.seascapeuk.com/"target="_hplink">Seascape</a>
African Botanics
Based in Los Angeles but inspired by the South African landscape, the African Botanics range features everything from oils to exfoliators. African Marula oil is a key ingredient for the brand. Rich in antioxidants, it reduces redness and helps to firm the skin. The Botanical Body Balm is also great for healing scars and stretchmarks. From £40, available at <a href="http://uk.spacenk.com/WOMEN/SPUK101,en_GB,sc.html"target="_hplink">Space NK</a>
Yu-Be
If you haven't heard of Yu-Be, you will soon. The cult beauty brand is the number one selling product in Japan and it has just landed in Boots stores in the UK. The hero product? The multi-tasking Moisturising Skin Cream is recommended to heal everything from sun burn to split cuticles, thanks to its blend of Glycerin, Vitamin E and Vitamin B2. £19.50, available at <a href="http://www.boots.com/"target="_hplink">Boots</a>
Zelens
Zelens skincare has been formulated using traditional Japanese herbal Kampo medicine by plastic surgeon Dr Marko Lens. There are three key products in the range - a cleanser, an anti-ageing cream and an eye serum - which contain active ingredients (peptides, antioxidants and plant extracts) to target dark circles, fine lines and maintain hydration. The star ingredient? Lens uses Camellia oil in the cleanser - chosen for its smoothing and softening properties. What more could your skin need? From £40, available at <a href="http://www.beautybay.com/zelens/"target="_hplink">Beauty Bay</a>
Suti
Holistic, soothing and beautifully scented just about sums up Suti's skincare range. The Organic Rose Facial Toner isn't just hydrating - its fragrance is uplifting and comforting too. And the moisturising balm? It's packed with vitamins and doubles up as a great lip balm. From £16, available at <a href="http://www.suti.co.uk/"target="_hplink">Suti</a>
Murad
If anti-ageing is your main skincare concern, Murad is the brand to look to. From wrinkle-busting moisturisers to cellulite treatments, the extensive range of products mean there's something for all skin dilemmas. This Exfoliating Cleanser uses jojoba beads for a gentle polish and cleanse, plus it's great for sensitive skin types. From £13, available at <a href="http://www.murad.co.uk/"target="_hplink">Murad</a>
Skyn Iceland
Skyn Iceland has got the solution to stressed skin - Icelandic glacial waters. Combined with other natural ingredients (Icelandic moss, Arctic cloudberry seed oil and butterfly bush to name a few), the brand has made the most of its clean, natural environment and packaged it up into a skincare range. Clever. From the Glacial Face Wash to Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels (Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan), Skyn has got radiance sorted. From £13, available at <a href="http://www.marksandspencer.com/b/42966030?ie=UTF8&intid=gnav_hp_img&pf_rd_r=117NSXRXRZ072NQ5FPEH&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=1794609031&pf_rd_p=292763207&pf_rd_s=global-top-3"target="_hplink">Marks & Spencer</a>
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