'I'm a beauty editor. Here are the exact products I would buy from 8 top skincare brands.'

If there's one thing I'm very not keen on doing as a beauty editor, it's trying products that I just *know* will make my skin break out. Also, picking my favourite beauty babies. I hate picking favourites.

But then I pitched this article and wrote this intriguing headline and now you're here... waiting to read it... and I just... I guess I can't not do it now? 

Can I not do it?

Alright, ALRIGHT. I'll do it.

Watch: Speaking of me putting stuff on my face, here's a clip of all the products I used for my in-flight skincare routine. Post continues below.

Well. Since we're here and I love making my job even harder, why don't we take it a step further and I'll choose one product I'd buy from each cult skincare brand??

Now, before we get into it - just remember that everyone's skin is different. What might work for my mug, might not work for your cute face, etc. etc. 

Okay. Let's get on with it!

La Roche-Posay.

La Roche-Posay Redermic Retinol B3 Serum, $71.95.

Oh, man. This is already hard. WHY DID I AGREE TO WRITE THIS. 

I have so many faves from La Roche-Posay! They make the best stuff. All the way from France. And we all know the French know a thing or two about skincare. (And tasty pastries). (And wine! God, the wine).

But if I absolutely *had* to choose/had a reader nudge me in the ribs... then I'd say the retinol. It's truly the MVP, in my opinion.

It's bloody good. Especially if you struggle with vitamin A and would rather not make your entire face flake off. As a sensitive Sally myself, retinol can be tricky - even when I play by the rules. But Redermic Retinol B3 is a sweet, gentle lamb. 

On my face, I've found that it smooths my skin, reduces dark spots, redness and breakouts, and just makes everything look clear and healthy.

At $71.95, it's spendy. Not the spendiest of retinols, but still spendy. But! If you hit up Chemist Warehouse, you can usually get it for, like, $10 cheaper.

CeraVe.

CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, $38.99.

Image: ActiveSkin/Mamamia

As someone with a thirsty face, my moisturisers and I are great mates. I've tried MANY, and have found that as long as they contain certain moisture-boosting ingredients - ceramides, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide - you can't really go wrong. 

But this. This one is different. 

I know, I know. But the way I love this face cream is... not normal. I started using it in October last year, just after it launched (alongside a ridiculously good vitamin C serum, might I add) and my skin is miles smoother every time I put it on my face. Has made retinol consistency very easy.

Look, I'm already onto my second tub. 

And the texture! It has this beautiful demi-matte finish that feels all silky and lovely and not the slightest bit sticky like most overnight creams. An actual velvety dream.

Thick, but confusingly lightweight, it instantly absorbs and will one hundred thousand per cent make you wake up with smooth, happy and comfy skin. Love!

SkinCeuticals.

SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum, $233.

Image: ActiveSkin/Mamamia

HA. OBVIOUSLY! Imagine if I chose something else?! I was almost not even going to include this one, because I just assumed we all know that SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic Serum is the absolute GOAT.

In fact, I remember when I first tried this serum. I was a junior beauty writer, and after hearing about it everywhere, I desperately waited for it to appear in the beauty cupboard. And it... never did. Because beauty editors don't leave this stuff in the beauty cupboard. 'Twould be a very silly thing to do.

Then one day, it landed on my desk... and I just about inhaled it. My skin never looked better. 

I immediately went to re-purchase it and saw the price. And wept. And then purchased it anyway.

Because it's just soooo good, you guys. It really is. Have you tried it? My skin always looks infinitely better when it's part of my routine. 

If you struggle with breakouts or dullness and have some money to spend, use this. Sure, it smells like off Christmas ham, but it's filled with antioxidants like vitamins C, E, and ferulic acid for brighter, more even skin.

Expensive as hell, but worth it IMHO.

The Ordinary.

The Ordinary Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%, $10.

Image: ActiveSkin/Mamamia

Surprised? Not really? Just looking for the exit? (It's third on your left). Out of all the extremely impressive formulations at insanely affordable prices, picking my favourite product from The Ordinary was a most difficult task. 

But, you and I made a promise - so. This is my pick: Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%.

As with most products from The Ordinary, the name makes you feel like you'd need a fancy white lab coat to work out what it does - but, it's basically a really great multi-tasker that will do a lot of great things to your overall complexion.

Formulated with a high concentration (10 per cent) of niacinamide (vitamin B3), and one per cent zinc, this serum primarily works to reduce blemishes and congestion, while improving the texture of your skin. 

I like to concentrate on applying it around my chin and nose area because this is where I experience the most action on the blackhead/clogged pores/hormonal pimple front. It works wonders.

So, if you suffer from breakouts or want something to target your pores and smooth your skin's texture, this is your guy.

Sunday Riley.

Sunday Riley Good Genes, $128.

Image: Mecca/Mamamia

Okay, I don't want to exaggerate, but this has single-handedly transformed my skin. I'm not even joking. I'm using it in the lead-up to my wedding and have already bought a backup bottle because I don't want to be caught out without it. 

Look, Good Genes is a cult product for a very good reason - and I'm annoyed at myself that it took me this long to use it.

The hero ingredient is lactic acid - an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that works fabulously on sensitive skin, or those who are just starting out with acids. While acids can sound scary and confusing, this is one of the most gentle types of acids you can find. Won't make your skin red, flaky, shiny or sensitive. Promise. 

It gently exfoliates your skin, while giving it a side of hydration. I swear my skin has never been more glowy and bright. 

The only catch? This guy is super, eye-wateringly spendy. Not as crazy as CE Ferulic, but still Not Ideal. The good thing is that it's available in a few different sizes, so you could start with the 15ml if you want to have a play (it's $72) before making a serious commitment.

Avene.

Avène Gentle Milk Cleanser, $35.99.

Image: Chemist Warehouse/Mamamia

What's that? Another French beauty brand that ticks all the boxes?? 

Avene is one of those skincare brands you can always depend on. When you walk past it in the chemist, it's almost impossible not to throw a couple of things in your basket. 

It has so many great products that I'd very much like to choose them all and call it a day - but, alas, here we are.

My pick of the bunch? While I have several Avène Thermal Spring Water kicking around at one time, I'm going to have to choose the Gentle Milk Cleanser.

It's a winner for all skin types and feels so delightful and creamy on the skin. It’s perfect to use morning and evening (nothing worse than a complicated routine) and leaves skin feeling so soft and happy.

I also love that you can use it around your eyes to take off mascara and such without feeling like it could make them fall out.

Honestly, my favourite cream cleanser getting around.

Paula's Choice.

Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, $45.

Image: Paula's Choice/Mamamia

Paula, ya bloody legend. Cheers for making this! 

If you know anything about Paula's Choice, then you're probably familiar with this product. It's one of their best-sellers that many people have kicking around their beauty cupboard.

I like it because I find it stupidly effective. It does some remarkably nice things to my pores (takes all the gross s**t out of them) and does it all without luring me in with some fancy colourful packaging. It looks as exciting as last week's leftover chicken, but the stuff inside absolutely works - which is what's most important anyway. 

It brightens, hydrates and makes my skin look heaps healthier. So, if you're looking to dip your freshly manicured toes into the Paula's Choice game, you can't go past this one.

Laniege.

Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, $48.

Image: Sephora/Mamamia

While we all know that I FROTH over the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask (see: every round-up I've written, ever), you might be surprised to learn that one of my absolute faves is this overnight face mask.

It's like a big ol' punch of hydration, and my dry skin is here for it. Applied at night, come morning, everything feels plump, hydrated and fresh.

I always forget to apply it, so I keep it beside my bed and use it a few times a week to pep up my skin.

Alright, I need to sit down for a bit.

Okay so have we tried any of these products before? Have some you'd like to add? We wanna know! Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Feature image: Mamamia; Supplied.