Beauty Talk with VOGUE

As Beauty Features Director at VOGUE, Philipp Wehsack knows the industry like no other. With his keen sense for trends and years of expertise in the beauty business, he is not only a journalist, but also an insider and trendsetter. The 35-year-old regularly tests products that are not even on the shelves yet and experiences treatments in the most renowned international practices that are normally reserved for an exclusive VIP clientele. And yet, despite all the variety and experimentation, Philipp has remained true to a few essentials for years - selected skincare essentials that accompany him through every season and work reliably. Would you like to know which formulas last in his Topshelf and are always reordered? We wanted to know that too...

“When I’m not sitting in a hairdresser’s chair somewhere in West Hollywood, you’re pretty sure to find me doing Pilates or walking my dog Blini along the Isar river. Blini is a Bolonka Zwetna - that’s Russian and means something like colorful lapdog.”

PHILIPP WEHSACK, VOGUE

Two in One

I'm a big fan of double cleansing - for me it's the most effective way to thoroughly remove make-up, SPF and dirt. But when you're on the go, sometimes it just has to be quicker. That's exactly why I love the Oil to Foam Cleanser from Dermalogica. It combines oil and foam cleansing in a single step: first the oil dissolves make-up impurities, then the texture transforms into a gentle foam on contact with water, which thoroughly clarifies the skin - without drying it out. The result is clean, fresh skin - and yes, the formula is perfect for sensitive skin. This uncomplicated cleanser is my hero, especially when traveling. It saves time and space in my luggage and still provides exactly the care my skin needs. A real must-have in my toiletry bag!

The tool that does it all

At the Duftstars Jury 2025, I spoke to Anne Zimmermann, Managing Director at Niche Beauty, about the Lyma Laser. It is currently the most effective laser tool for home use. Her enthusiasm made me curious, which is why I started lasering myself shortly afterwards. Admittedly not every evening - although this is recommended at the beginning (a session for the face easily lasts 15 minutes...), but apparently often enough to achieve an effect. I love that it's completely painless to use - and suitable for all skin types. The innovative low-level laser therapy allows the laser to reach the deepest layer of the dermis, visibly transforming my skin's appearance in just a few weeks. The fact that a device with such impressive results can even be used outside of a dermatology practice is truly revolutionary for me. My pigmentation spots are almost gone. Even my dermatologist Dr. Anne Gürtler from LVATE in Munich was immediately impressed by the effect. Incidentally, you can also test the laser there and get advice. I can really only warmly recommend this tool!

International Hero

Part of my job is to ask celebrities about their beauty secrets - but my favorite part is talking to colleagues from all over the world at international press events. For me, they are the real experts who have tested everything. One product that is mentioned again and again is the Resurfacing Compound from U Beauty. The mix of antioxidants, vitamins C and E, retinol and acids visibly smoothes the skin's surface - pores? Virtually invisible. Thanks to special encapsulation, the ingredients work specifically where they are needed without irritating the skin. For me, the all-in-one booster replaces exfoliation, toner, serum, moisturizer and retinol in the evening - perfect, because I honestly don't have time for 10 steps in my everyday life.

Sweat-tested in L.A.

Thanks to my job, I'm often lucky enough to test products before they even come onto the market. I was particularly excited when the PR team at Augustinus Bader secretly sent me the first lab sample of "The Sunscreen" in November. I had to keep quiet - and shortly afterwards I put the cream to the acid test of the Californian sun while on vacation in Los Angeles. My conclusion: reliable protection, zero whitening, no stickiness, no residue on white T-shirt collars (a problem I usually have all the time). For my rather dry combination skin, it replaces the day cream and works perfectly as a make-up base. Those little rolls that sometimes form during application? Not a thing. For me: a 12 out of 10.

Morning Glory

I never leave the house in the morning without sun protection and a good vitamin C serum. After all, the majority of skin ageing is not genetic, but is caused by external influences such as UV radiation and environmental stress. The combination of SPF and vitamin C is therefore an absolute must for me - because the antioxidant neutralizes free radicals and has been proven to protect the skin from oxidative stress. But: not all vitamin C is the same. Many products smell metallic, are sticky or have too low a dosage. This serum contains 20 percent - a real power dose - plus vitamin E for additional moisture and a plant-based "bio-botox" effect that is supposed to smooth expression lines. I can't say whether the latter works - my forehead hardly moves anyway thanks to classic Botox. But the glow? Unbeatable.