Have you ever fallen for someone and thought they were the one for you, and that no one else would ever compare? I have. At least 5.5 times. Carrie Bradshaw did, once or twice (Team Aidan FTW). Why do we keep getting it so wrong? Perhaps we are making ill-informed decisions and need to re-think our ‘type’. The same goes for skincare, only it’s a little less complicated. One visit to the dermatologist and you’re sorted for life. No more faux pas based on poor compatibility. You’re a Leo who suffers from dryness and rosacea, or a Virgo with a red, sensitive demeanour. If you already know your skin type, congratulations. Read on for a skin personality assessment matched with the product of your ~dreams~.

Skin type: Dry

You are: Thirsty, but like, #TGIF thirsty. Does anybody else need to slam five shots of hyaluronic acid in here? You’re dry like the Sahara, and sometimes flaky, like that friend who always cancels at the last minute. To avoid looking older and more wrinkled than you actually are, pump your complexion full of ingredients that bind and seal moisture into your sad, shrivelled epidermis.
You want: Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, lactic acid
Your soulmate: Clarins Hydra-Essentiel Rich Cream

Skin type: Oily

You are: Suspicious of anything that contains oil. Sure, let’s not go frolicking in a bucket of fried chicken, but when it comes to your skin routine, you may want to consider fighting fire with fire. Soluble oil, particularly in the form of a cleanser, can actually be a good thing. Look to charcoal and clay to absorb your dermal spill and salicylic acid to unclog pores, but try to avoid harsh detergents that will strip your skin. It’s like giving a three-year-old a bottle of red cordial — it will only lead to over-excited sebaceous glands.
You want: Charcoal, kaolin clay, glycolic acid, niacinamide
Your soulmate: Shu Uemura Porefinist Anti-Shine Fresh Cleansing Oil

Skin type: Acne-prone

You are: Like a volcano on the edge of a nervous breakdown. When your skin is erupting, you’d rather wear a paper bag, or not go out at all. Be kind to yourself and your skin, and recognise that acne-prone isn’t strictly a skin type. Did you know that you could have dry, oily, and acne-prone skin all at once? Drying your skin out can actually do more harm than good. The key here is to keep it calm, unclogged, and free of bacteria. Once you’ve battled the breakout, get to work on speeding up skin renewal with a BHA or retinol, because scars and uneven texture are incredibly whatever.
You want: Charcoal, salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, hyaluronic acid, retinol
Your soulmate: Sunday Riley The Power Couple

Skin type: Sensitive

You are: A minimalist. An overload of products and ingredients will send your skin into overdrive. You’re generally fussy, hard to please, and easily inflamed, but it’s not all bad. Avoid harsh, skin-stripping detergents, and instead work at strengthening your epidermal barrier and keeping your skin balanced with a tightly curated selection of protective, calming, restorative products.
You want: Chamomile, panthenol, peptides, betagluton
Your soulmate: Ren Evercalm Gentle Cleansing Milk

Skin type: Combination

You are: Neither here nor there. Look, we get it — decisions are difficult, especially when it comes to deciding which skin type you want to be. So why not have both? Having combination skin isn’t really all it’s cracked up to be, but it’s not the worst, either. Look for potions that say “balance.” Alternatively, apply products for oily skin (see above) to the centre of your face and products for dry skin to the outer.
You want: Vitamin C, lactic acid, gels
Your soulmate: Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner

Skin type: Normal

You are: Boring. Kidding! Aren’t you lucky to be so “normal.” It’s the skin type equivalent of an oval shaped face — you’re a chameleon, you click with everyone, and you can pretty much do whatever you please. Use this blessing wisely. If you have a complexion that doesn’t react to hardcore products, why not try the full spectrum of beautifying madness? Up the ante with a brightening product that’ll take your skin squareness to the next level.
You want: Whatever you want, baby
Your soulmate: Eve Lom Advanced Brightening Serum

Words, Rose Howard.