Our Latest Beauty Edit: Jan 23
Lottie
I have decided to try and improve my hair and came across an article in The Guardian that highly recommended this Living Proof Triple Bond Complex. It’s a once a week treatment that you put on and then activate by blow drying your hair. I tried it this week for the first time - so far there is no discernible difference but in fairness you are meant to use it over a number of weeks before any improvement is visible. Also, because I couldn’t really be bothered to read the instructions I only used two pumps which is what was recommended - which seemed extremely small to me (so I kind of just did one or two more pumps because honestly it felt like I hadn’t even put anything in my hair - my hair is extremely thick and long). Anyway, I’ve since read that for my length and thickness I should have used 6+ pumps. So yeah. Need to try again this week and do it properly. The bottle is tiny and it’s quite expensive so stay tuned and I’ll let you know whether it lives up to the hype. The second product I bought was the Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick in Dusty Pink Rose. The colour is perfect for me - not too pink, not too coral but somewhere perfectly in-between. The texture is lovely and creamy and it blends beautifully and kind of sinks in so that it doesn’t look like you’ve obviously put blush on. Also, 10 out of 10 for the packaging. The magnetic click of the lid is addictive. Last new purchase that I recommend is the IGK Good Behaviour Blowout Balm. From first use I was convinced with this product. It really does what it says on the tin. As mentioned my hair is thick, long and perhaps I forgot to say, frizzy. Like really frizzy and wavy. This balm really does give smooth straight hair. It’s a keeper. And in the interests of full transparency and honesty, there is another product I bought this month which I haven’t loved. The Kevin Murphy Shimmer.Me Blonde Repairing Shine Treatment for Blondes. It was a spontaneous purchase as I saw it at the hairdressers while I was waiting to buy my shampoo. From what I can tell this product is mainly a gimmick. You twirl the bottle before use and it goes from being translucent purple to all shimmery. But when I sprayed it on my hair it felt really sticky and took away any of the soft healthy-looking hair thing that I was aiming for (not ideal) and it was also perfumed which I didn’t love. I’m not sure what the products claims are, but I would say, on this one - save your cash. It looks pretty and has a catchy name, but that’s about it.
Claire
Coming out of the end of year festivities I felt like my skin needed some extra TLC. We had been skiing and I felt like it needed some replenishment from the sunshine and champagne of the slopes! I have started using this Sarah Chapman Intense Hydrating Booster under my usual moisturiser and SPF. If you have tired dry skin you are going to love it. It’s lightweight, oil-free and absorbs easily for a more balanced skin tone. Along the same lines, I have started to worry about pigmentation and this Esthederm Bronz Repair came highly recommended. Having olive skin I chose the ‘strong sun’ version which is designed for skin that rarely burns. The product blocks out harmful UV rays, prolongs your tan and helps to firm the skin. Lastly, I recently decided to give cream blush a go. I’ve always been a bronzer girl but after discovering the Rare Beauty Stay Vulnerable Melting Blush I am a convert. I use shade ‘Nearly Mauve’ and it blends in really easily for a great cheek bone!
Vicky
Post Christmas my lips were really suffering, so I was pleased to discover this amazing Lancôme L'Absolu Rouge Cream Lip Base in the airport. This super moisturising lip base gave me the hydration and protection I needed during the long flight home. It felt more lux than a balm and left my lips soft and dewy. I wore it alone, but it can be used under your favourite lipstick for extra wow and gloss. Like Lottie, I am also trying to take better care of my hair after reading a trichologist say you should treat your scalp with the same care that you treat your face. So I have ditched the supermarket brand shampoo and conditioner and have started using Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo and Scalp Conditioner. It is a natural hair care range from Sweden which claims to turn straw into gold. It is a delight to use - no gold as yet but watch this space! And last but not least, an oldie but a goodie - P20 suncream. This is the product I always stock up on for the family especially during holiday times. it’s fantastic and as it says on the bottle ‘seriously reliable suncare’. Easy to put on and non scented, we go through tonnes of the stuff and mostly everyone stays burn free.
fay
In my book, the new year calls for a fresh look and I find a make-up overhaul the easiest way to feel refreshed (certainly easier than the detox/fitness goals I always try to set...). I am a daily lipstick wearer but with the heat and eating/drinking it inevitably wears off quickly, so I am focusing my attention on the eyes for a longer-lasting enhancement that might detract from the less enhanced body after a season of excess! New in my make up bag is the Glossier Pro-Tip Eye Liner - I love a liquid liner and this easy-to-use pen is one is one of the best I have found for a delicate flick. I was also lucky enough to receive this Pat McGrath Celestial Odyssey Luxe Quad eyeshadow in my Christmas stocking and its been in daily use with flattering bronze tones that can be used with a light touch for day and deepened for a stronger night-time look.
