Monthly Archives: March 2018

Over the last couple of weeks my ‘new in’ box has been spilling over, as everyone starts to roll out their new season launches. This is always my favourite time of year, as things start to hot up (literally and metaphorically) and we’re no longer just chatting about high coverage foundation and hard working body cream. We’ve got new makeup brands, seasonal collections, innovative technology and scents to perk us up when we need it most – as well as some shower gel that’s possibly the most advanced you’ll have ever experienced. I’ve picked out ten pieces that have got me excited and think you’ll be interested to discover too, all which provide a great way to transition into spring. Enjoy.

Erborian Glow Creme (£37.00)
This little pricey tube contains a beautiful opalescent and almost holographic lightweight cream that’s a combination of makeup and skincare. When used underneath or mixed with your foundation it helps to create a luminous base that’s naturally radiant, or when applied to bare skin it catches the light to ensure your complexion oozes health. It also offers a blurring effect alongside hydration, so although it won’t inject a tonne of goodness into your skin it’s a great little saviour for when you want to step away from the super heavy foundation.

Radox Scent Touch Shower Gel (£2.99)
I had a preview of these revolutionary shower gels towards the end of 2016, and for a bubbly body wash they’re really quite exciting. Infused with laundry detergent technology (you know, the stuff that keeps your bedsheets smelling fresh for days,) the idea is that the formula deposits tiny fragrance particles onto the skin that can be activated with touch throughout the day; it means that you can smell subtly delicious without even spritzing a perfume. The scents aren’t at all overwhelming (in fact, I’d go as far as saying only you will be able to sniff them when up seriously close,) but it’s a cool idea!

Primark Insta Girl Perfecting Stick (£1.00)
Part of a whole ‘Insta Girl’ range that I showcased on my Instagram here, this stick helps to glide over pores and minimise shine so that our selfies are even more perfected. It’s not anything new or revolutionary, but it’s good to see Primark start to diversify away from just lipsticks and accessories into something a little more interesting. Considering it’s only a quid, I wasn’t expecting much; the texture is quite nice and I’m sure if you’re a teen with perfect skin anyway then this will be right up your street when you’re stocking up on socks – but for me, I’m sticking with my existing primers!

Bioderma Sebum Global Cover (£15.00)
Although this isn’t suited to my personal needs so I haven’t been able to try it, it’s an interesting innovation from Bioderma that aims to treat and cover breakouts simultaneously. In the lid is a little pot of green makeup to help counteract redness, while the tube contains a lightweight but high coverage base to even out the overall look of the complexion. The formula contains AHA esters and salicylic acid to clear pores and smooth skin texture, enoloxone to soothe skin and reduce redness, as well as zinc gluconate to purify the epidermis and regulate shine – so theoretically any breakouts shouldn’t be exacerbated. This launches imminently so I can’t find a place to yet buy online, but the Bioderma has plenty of info if you’re interested in finding out more.

Infuse My Colour Shampoo (£13.95)
Seeing as a bright red bottle of this landed on my desk and I have brunette hair, I haven’t been able to try it – but it did peak my interest as colour reviving shampoos are normally super safe and super dull. I really like the branding and positioning of this, as a more modern and vibrant alternative, for those wanting to perk up their colour without resorting to a whole box of dye. The shampoo itself looks incredibly pigmented (bonus), is free from sulphates, silicones and parabens, plus it’s 100% vegan. With all those boxes ticked it stood out to me as something I wanted to go out and buy so I could try it for myself – and that doesn’t happen very often.

Nip & Fab Makeup Palette (£15.00)
The little sister of celebrity favourite Rodial, Nip & Fab have just announced the release of their debut makeup line – which includes colour palettes, lip gloss, foundation, colour correction and much more besides. A much more affordable option, thanks to the more ‘high street’ packaging, from what I can tell the formulas themselves are incredibly similar to Rodial (if not entirely the same.) The texture of this is super silky and it provides a good payoff, so considering you get six shades for £15.00 you can’t really go wrong. One to watch, but don’t fall over backwards to try it unless you’re already a big fan of Rodial makeup.

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation (£30.00)
Although this isn’t new, Lancome are celebrating an extension to their colour range now the best selling formula is available in 40 different tones. That’s a lot of foundation and a celebration of all ethnicities, which can only be applauded. (About time!) I’ve only tried this once and I did enjoy the finish it provided (high coverage and long lasting without weighing my skin down,) but I’ll have to report back on how I get on with it in the long term. I guess it’s a best seller for a reason and it definitely did provide me with a luxurious application experience (the glass bottle helps with that!)

Clinique BIY Pigment Drops (£25.00)
Customisation is the big trend of 2017, and Clinique are starting with a bang thanks to their BIY (Blend It Yourself) drops. The texture of this is incredibly runny and slightly oily, as well as being very pigmented, but the idea is that you mix a few drops with your usual moisturiser for a customisable and super natural finish. Available in thirteen shades, I really like this idea in theory – but for me it’s too much faff to be dealing with when I can just wack on some BB Cream. However, if you hate heavy coverage or struggle to get the perfect shade for your needs, this could be perfect for you. The price is reasonable too, considering how little you need for every application.

Neom Energy Burst Eau De Parfum (£49.00)
I’m such a huge fan of Neom, actually recommending it more to fragrance fans than Jo Malone or Diptyque (mainly because it’s cheaper and actually better in terms of scent pay off and longevity,) so I was really pleased to find out Neom were launching their debut fragrance. 100% natural, Energy Burst is a crisp and uplifting scent that blends fresh grapefruit with sparkling lemon and a hint of rosemary. In keeping with their brand ethos, the scent can be spritzed over the whole body to delivers a potent burst of energy ‘helping to revive the body and power your day.’ It’s incredibly vibrant and more of a quick spritz than long-lasting perfume, but I love it; it’s perfect for spring when you want to start embracing new fragrances, but is equally as amazing to leave on your desk for those moments when you need a metaphorical slap to wake you up.

Bobbi Brown Havana Brights Cheek Palette (£35.00)
I just love it when Bobbi Brown gets it right – and with this beautiful trio of cheek greatness they’ve made me a happy little beauty addict. A combination of blush, bronzer and highlighter make this the ultimate seasonal update for any makeup bag, while keeping the shades natural and universal. With a touch of shimmer and beautiful textures, you can’t go wrong if you feel the need to get spendy. The outer case is slightly off-brand for Bobbi too, featuring fluro pink that will definitely look good in your beach bag. Get it while you can though, because it’s limited edition.

Have you got your eye on any of these new bits and bobs from my top ten picks?

Continue reading →