This British skincare brand has been a beauty editor favourite for over 30 years—here are the very best buys

There's more to this label than the iconic cleanser

a group of liz earle products
(Image credit: Matilda Stanley)

When you think of Liz Earle, I can guarantee that you’ll think of the hot cloth cleanser, and while it’s a classic for a reason, there is far more to this skincare brand than the face washes—and trust me, every product feels just as luxurious to use.

The brand was created on the Isle of Wight back in 1995 by journalist and botanical beauty expert Liz Earle and skincare guru Kim Buckland, after the pair struggled to find products to suit their skincare needs. It's become a staple in wash bags ever since, largely thanks to the fact that it has stuck to its original values, which prioritise natural, clean and hard-working ingredients. But as well as doing good for your complexion, Liz Earle products do good for the planet too; everything is cruelty-free and responsibly sourced with a mission to be as environmentally-friendly as possible.

And the products really do work, and feel like a treat to use. The pared-back pastel packaging looks lovely on countertops, and as a beauty editor, I can confirm that the formulas are packed full of hero ingredients, even though many of the products come in at under £25—making them more accessible than other luxury labels.

a picture of matilda with a bottle of liz earle serum

I used the cleanser followed by the serum and my skin looked fresh and dewy.

(Image credit: Matilda Stanley)

There are plenty of options to choose from, but don’t worry if you’re unsure of where to start as I have tried and tested the best of the best. Whether you’re looking to fight off wrinkles, banish blemishes or simply wanting to perk up your skin, you’ll find what you’re looking for in this gorgeous British brand.

1. Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Pack

a hand holding liz earle cleanser

(Image credit: Matilda Stanley)

a packshot of liz earle hot cloth cleanser

(Image credit: Liz Earle)

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser Starter Pack

Reasons to buy

+
Deep cleans
+
Gentle on skin
+
Multi-tasking

Reasons to avoid

-
The starter pack comes with just one cloth

Universally loved by industry experts and A-listers, this hot-cloth cleanser is one of those cult beauty products that everybody raves about—in fact, one is sold every 15 seconds worldwide.

You’ll get a bottle of cleanser as well as a soft muslin face cloth in the starter pack, and they are the ultimate deep cleaning duo. To use, massage a grape-sized amount of the cocoa butter and chamomile-infused cream over dry skin, and then hold the cloth under a warm tap for a few seconds. Wring out any excess water, before laying the cloth over your face and then gently swiping it over to remove the product and any dirt and grime. The cloth can be washed and reused again and again, and the soft, textured cotton works like a gentle exfoliator to buff away dead skin. It feels like a much deeper clean than my usual cream cleanser and the hot cloth experience is a treat during the colder months.

2. Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion

a hand holding liz earle soothing eye treatment

(Image credit: Matilda Stanley)

a packshot of Liz Earle soothing eye lotion

(Image credit: Liz Earle)

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion

Reasons to buy

+
Really gentle on delicate skin
+
Removes stubborn mascara

Reasons to avoid

-
A little pricy compared some other eye makeup removers

This multi-tasking liquid can be loaded up on a cotton pad to gently soothe and revitalise tired and puffy eyes or to gently remove the last traces of mascara or eyeliner post-cleanse. It is super gentle and contains natural ingredients like witch hazel and chamomile. It does feel cooling and fresh on sleepy eyes and there was zero sting on my finer skin, so it's great for perking up sleep-deprived peepers without too much effort.

3. Liz Earle Energise & Glow Body Lotion

a packshot of liz earle body lotion

(Image credit: Liz Earle)

Liz Earle Energise & Glow Body Lotion

Reasons to buy

+
Lovely scent
+
Quick absorbing
+
Softens and smoothes well

Reasons to avoid

-
The texture is quite runny so can be a little messy

I am strict with my facial routine, but when it comes to my arms and legs, I can be lazy. When I do feel like my limbs could do with some TLC, though, this energising body cream is the one I will reach for. The velvety cream is infused with prickly pear to tackle any roughness on the surface of the skin while seabuckthorn nourishes and softens. The runny texture could be messy if you squeeze the tube a little too hard, but the fine formula means it's quick to absorb and takes away any scaliness from my legs in just a minute. The delicate floral scent is lovely too.

4. Liz Earle Skin Repair Hydrating Serum

a hand holding the liz earle serum

(Image credit: Matilda Stanley)

a packshot of liz earle skin repair serum

(Image credit: Liz Earle)

4. Liz Earle Skin Repair Hydrating Serum

Reasons to buy

+
Very hydrating
+
Pipette applicator avoids any product waste
+
Leaves skin looking glowy

Reasons to avoid

-
Quite pricy compared to other day serums I've used

I used a serum daily, so I had high expectations for this one. Although it felt tacky for the first minute, it absorbed well without any stickiness. The deeply hydrating formula contains snow mushroom extract, which is a moisturising alternative to hyaluronic acid and after just a couple of days of use, I found that my winter skin looked and felt soft and supple again.

5. Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.20 EDP

packshot of liz earle fragrance

(Image credit: Liz Earle)

Liz Earle Botanical Essence No.20 EDP

Reasons to buy

+
Long lasting scent
+
Light and refreshing

Reasons to avoid

-
Quite pricy for a 50ml bottle

As the name might suggest, this "Botanical Essence" perfume is packed full of gorgeous petal-powered and fruity aromas. The top notes of rose water and mandarin make it fresh and invigorating at first spritz, but the base notes of sandalwood and vanilla stop it from feeling overly floral or heavy, and give it a spicier finish. It's a lovely perfume for both day and night and I was impressed with the staying power. The pink bottle looks great on my shelf too.

6. Liz Earle Smooth & Glow Exfoliating Tonic

a hand holding liz earle smooth and glow tonic

(Image credit: Matilda Stanley)

packshot of smooth ands glow toner

(Image credit: Liz Earle)

Liz Earle Smooth & Glow Exfoliating Tonic

Reasons to buy

+
Gentle on skin
+
Instantly brightened dull skin
+
Good size bottle

Reasons to avoid

-
I found that a lot of liquid comes out with each pour of the bottle

Rather than harsh chemicals, this exfoliating tonic uses prickly pear to gently buff away dull and dead skin to help reboot and balance out uneven skin tone. It’s also packed full of antioxidants and vitamins to keep skin hydrated and protected, so you can exfoliate minus any irritation.

I added a couple of drops onto a cotton pad and wiped over my face before my night cream and I liked how bright and clear my skin looked right away. The twist-up-and-pour top let out a little more product than I needed, but it was easy and quick to use, and the bigger bottle will last ages.

7. Liz Earle Skin Repair Hydrating Night Cream

a packshot of liz earle night cream

(Image credit: Liz Earle)

Liz Earle Skin Repair Hydrating Night Cream

Reasons to buy

+
Gentle on sensitive skin
+
Absorbs fast
+
Left cheeks feeling soft

Reasons to avoid

-
The lavender aroma might be a little strong for some

I loved the lavender and rose fragrance of this whipped night cream. Some might find it a little strong for bedtime, but to me, it felt like a calming treat to help me switch off at the end of a busy day. It's packed full of avocado oil and hyaluronic acid which makes it particularly great for anybody struggling with parched skin.

8. Liz Earle Superskin Eye Cream

a hand holding liz earle eye cream

(Image credit: Matilda Stanley)

a packshot of liz earle eye cream

(Image credit: Liz Earle)

Liz Earle Superskin Eye Cream

Reasons to buy

+
Lovely buttery texture
+
Fast-absorbing

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive for a small pot

As a perpetually tired mum of two, any eye cream that promises to brighten under eyes is always welcomed with open arms. This eye product has a buttery feel that’s slightly thicker than other creams I've used, and it felt sumptuous when massaged onto skin. It's filled with plant oils as well as green tea to de-puff and soothe and left my eyes looking refreshed and glowy. Its like a power-nap in a little glass jar!

9. Liz Earle Hydrating Cream Face Mask

a packshot of liz earle face mask

(Image credit: Liz Earle)

Liz Earle Hydrating Cream Face Mask

Reasons to buy

+
Quickly nourishes dry patches of skin
+
You'll get a few applications from one tube

Reasons to avoid

-
Took a couple of minutes to rinse away fully

During the cold months, I try to use a nourishing mask at least once a week to keep roughness at bay, and this creamy treatment worked wonders to battle my dry skin in just ten minutes. The combination of apricot oil, shea butter and fatty acids replenish the skin barrier, lack in moisture and restore fullness and bounce. A grape-sized amount was enough to cover my face and it felt fresh and cooling on my skin while it worked its magic.

Matilda Stanley
Freelance Writer

Matilda Stanley is a freelance style editor with over fifteen years of experience in the industry, covering all things fashion, beauty and interiors. She writes and styles for both print and online and will happily report on everything from the latest catwalk trends to bargain skincare buys.