I don’t subscribe to any subscription boxes, it’s not like I don’t have enough make-up! But I do think they can be good for testing new brands and launches, plus who doesn’t love miniature products? I especially like all the collaboration boxes. This approach makes lots of sense and it must be so much fun to choose what gets included; I know British Beauty Blogger’s boxes with Latest In Beauty are hugely popular (heads-up: there are more coming next year).
Goodbye summer, hello autumn, with your not-very-appealing promise of cloud-heavy days and luminosity-free skin. I feel a bit cheated that August was such a damp squib; I’ve not felt nearly enough grass between my toes, or rays on my face. But the good news is that there are a number of new products on standby that can fake some semblance of a post-summer glow. Read on for the lowdown…
DECLEOR AURABSOLU INTENSE GLOW AWAKENING CREAM
This year’s big skincare trend seems to be all about remedying tired-all-the-time skin; aka the biggest beauty concern that emerged in Decleor‘s survey of 19,000 women. Blame our 24/7 lifestyles – computer radicals, work stress and overall exhaustion caused by burning the candle at both ends included – for the the dip in skin hydration that apparently happens around lunchtime.
Decleor’s excellent Intense Glow Awakening Cream (above) aims to combat those stresses with jasmine absolute, the most concentrated (ergo most expensive) form of jasmine which is known for its restorative, antioxidant properties. The essential oil component ‘drip feeds’ into the skin over the course of the day, meaning that skin should stay rested-looking and aglow right up until night-time. Another claim: it’s good for all skin types including sensitive, oily and rosacea sufferers, and all ages from 16-65. Impressive claims but does it work? I’ve been using it daily since early July (along with the Aromessence Neroli Hydrating Oil Serum) and I love it. The texture of the cream is beautiful – non greasy, light and a little goes a long way. And yes, it does seem to keep the 4pm fatigue-face at bay. Buy it HERE.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY MINI MIRACLE EYE WAND Charlotte Tilbury’s Mini Miracle Eye Wand(above) is one of those nifty duo products that saves time and space and can’t help garnering descriptions like ‘hero product’. “The whole world is tired – even my baby son has baggy eyes!” wailed Tilbury at her press demo. The dual-purpose clicky brush ‘pen’ has an eye cream on one end and a tinted light reflector on the other. Containing super-hydrating hyaluronic acid, the cream is for lifting, plumping and de-puffing tired eyes, while the light reflector comes in four shades to illumnate and conceal. I haven’t tried this properly as I don’t have my shade, but I love the concept. Buy it HERE.
BY TERRY LIGHT EXPERT CLICK BRUSH
Another feat of design wizardry, By Terry’sLight Expert Click Brush (above and below) works on so many levels. It’s the updated version of the famous Light-Expert Perfecting Foundation Brush, but so different is it, that we’re implored to see it as a whole new product. First, the brush is a round, short-bristled kabuki, not a flat brush as its predecessor. The reason for that is the second brilliant thing; you click the base once and out pumps four precise dots of foundation. Dot them on each cheek, nose, forehead and chin, then blend in circular movements with the brush. The result is perfect, natural coverage with an illuminating finish. Easy (if slightly bulky) to transport, you can also use this for post-work touch-ups; it goes on top of faded makeup without cakey buildup. There is one other terrific thing about this – it dismantles. So you can take it apart to clean the brush head and check how much product is left. Buy it HERE.
CHANEL POUDRE UNIVERSELLE IN BEIGE LUMIERE
Arriving on September 18th is a new limited edition radiance-boosting shade of Chanel’s ultra-fine loose powder that evens complexion. I have been using this a lot, with a big fat Chanel brush. You only need a bit, and it’s a little messy but great for setting makeup without killing it dead.
CLICK TO SHOP THE POST BELOW…
WORDS AND IMAGES: Navaz Batliwalla/Disneyrollergirl/
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I’m a recent convert to Decleor and its deliciously hydrating face balms.
These various oily balms are made from natural essential oils that target different needs and skin concerns. The Decleor Aromessence Neroli Night Balm (£32.50 HERE) is my current favourite, with neroli the hero ingredient designed to hydrate and revitalise tired-looking skin. You use the plastic applicator to take out a teeny less-than-pea-sized amount to warm between your palms and then press into cleansed skin before bed.
I’m a complete aromatherapy freak so this is great for me. Besides the benefits of neroli (for softening and hydrating), you also have basil (to purify and heal) and camomile (to prevent the appearance of dark spots). This isn’t meant as an everyday balm but more for when you feel your skin needs a pep-up. That said, I’ve been using it every day because I love it so much – oops.
There’s also the Decleor Aroma Sun Expert After-sun Balm (£31.50 HERE) for days when I’ve been frying myself in the sun. I know that’s a no-no, but it doesn’t happen often and I do use sun protection. This ‘high repair after sun balm’ contains geranium and frankincense essential oils and does the job of calming and repairing sun-exposed skin, while also claiming to maintain a long-lasting tan (sadly I haven’t got enough of a tan to tell if this bit it true). Because you use such a small amount, it doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy or cloggy.
I’m new to Decleor but have always admired from afar. While these are beauty samples, I don’t think the prices are bad for the quality of this brand and there are deals to be had if you know where to look (psst, HERE!). I’ve also been trialling a Decleor face moisturiser that launches next month but I’ll save that for another post. Watch this space…
WORDS AND IMAGE: Disneyrollergirl/Navaz Batliwalla
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