Monthly favourites are back! If you’re overdue a pick-me-up, now’s your chance to treat yourself; because we don’t know about you, but something that never fails to put a smile on our face is beauty newness, and this month there’s lots of it! Our team have selected their favourite beauty products from May’s launches, and as we all get to see a lot of exciting new releases you can be sure this is a special line-up…
#1 The Time-Saving Brush Cleaner
Thanks to Real Techniques, cleaning my brushes is no longer a messy chore. The Cleansing Balm makes cleaning brushes so easy – it’s actually enjoyable! I have to admit, I’ve never been the best at keeping on top of cleaning my makeup brushes. I know how much dirt, bacteria and old makeup they can harbour and I know how bad it is for your skin, but that’s no longer the case.
A simple swirl around the balm and over the ridged pad, and all dirt and makeup build-up are washed away. The ridges ensure nothing is missed, leaving brushes soft, fluffy and thoroughly cleaned. My brush collection has never felt or looked better, and now that I clean them frequently they’re more hygienic, and they’ll last longer too. It’s also a mess-free alternative to using the traditional soap, water and hand method, which makes it a must for anyone lazy like me!
Discover the team’s top tips for cleaning your brushes
#2 The Soothing Spot Treatment
I have to admit that I’ve had a few breakouts lately, so I’ve been turning to Tisserand’s Rescue Stick to soothe my spots. This blemish treatment is one of my favourites – and I can’t wait to add Tisserand’s Tea Tree and Aloe Vera Relief Cream to my collection!
For me, the best thing about this Relief Cream is it’s a natural, vegan formula. Because it’s so natural, you can apply the gentle lotion as often as required, which is a saving grace when you’re suffering from flare-ups, breakouts or minor irritations.
Plus, I love the instantly-recognisable tea tree scent which runs throughout this range. Fresh, herbal and aromatic, the aroma instantly reminds me of tea tree oil’s antibacterial and cleansing properties, while it offers an additional pick-me-up for those mornings when I’m feeling a little sleepy.
#3 The Concealer That Doesn’t Crease
Shiseido Synchro Skin Correcting Gel Stick is what my under-eyes have been crying out for (literally!) I struggle with concealers, especially since I’ve been getting more fine lines and wrinkles under my eyes. I find that most concealers crack, making my under eye area look even worse than they do with no makeup on – so every time a new concealer is launched, I try it in the hope that it will solve my ongoing concealer issues.
It can be used for both concealing fine lines, dark circles and pigmentation in the eye area; but works perfectly for blemishes and spots too thanks to the three different advanced gels used in the formula. It’s really easy to blend, unlike some concealers that can look dull and flat on the face; this one gives an added boost of radiance due to the added silk protein and the Shiseido-exclusive correcting powders that bounce light to hide imperfections. That, coupled with it’s sleek and compact packaging, makes it my new every-day beauty staple and even if I’m not wearing any makeup, I’ll pop a little of this on with some lip balm to make me feel better!
#4 The Glowy Setting Powder
You may already have a favourite face powder, but I’m going to change your mind with Shiseido Synchro Skin. After giving all of the leading loose powders on the market a good go, I can hand on heart vouch that this is the softest, thinnest and most beautiful powder I have ever used. To my surprise, I much prefer the shade Radiant over Matte; its slight glistening finish creates a soft-focus effect in person, and on-screen. I’m never without it when I go live on Instagram for #BeautyBreak or #NightInWithEscentual.
#5 The High-End Highlighter
I’m a big Guerlain fan, so when I heard they were releasing their first-ever illuminator pen I had to give it a try. This Meteorites edition is all about adding a natural soft glow and making your features pop – which is basically everything I’m looking for in a highlighter! And did I mention it’s made with real Japanese pearl extract? So, you know that it doesn’t get much more premium than this…
The fuss-free cushioned tip, means it doubles as a makeup tool; blending and precise application are effortless. I apply the pink glistening gel over the top of my cheeks, brow bone, bridge of the nose and Cupid’s bow to add a soft and dewy glow that elevates my everyday makeup into that of a Victoria’s Secret Angel (I feel like one anyway!). And, of course, it’s infused with Meteorite’s familiar violet scent, which only adds to the luxe experience of using this highlighter pen.
#6 The Calming Cleanser
Eucerin should be a staple in everyone’s bathroom cabinet for anyone who suffers from sensitive and dry skin. For me, their newly re-launched Dermatoclean Hyaluron Cleansing Milk is a dream to cleanse with. Cleansing with a dry and sensitive skin type can be a real tough one to get right; cleansers have the tendency to leave my skin feeling red and sore. However, the milky texture and addition of plumping Hyaluronic Acid (a fabulous moisturising ingredient, we can all benefit from) in this cleanser make it a pleasure to use.
You may be thinking that, if it’s so caring to the skin, is it really going to handle removing my full coverage foundation and bright pink lipstick? Well, the answer is yes! The cleansing milk makes light work of a full face of makeup and ensures the skin feels nourished and calm after.
#7 The Italian Discovery Set
Acqua di Parma is well-known for their exquisite fragrances; with the Blu Mediterraneo collection, the mind is instantly whisked away to more exotic climates… If you’re looking for new body products to try – the La Double J Collection is absolutely delicious; a gorgeous confetti print designed by La Double J adorns the packaging, and the products offer something for everyone. A lotion, scrub, shower mousse in Fico di Amalfi, Mirto di Panarea and Arancia di Capri fragrances, with the latter also available in a Candle…
What I really love about this collaboration is that they included a Discovery Set of the best-selling Blu Med Fragrances in roll-on vials – which are absolutely sublime. If you’ve never tried these fragrances before but love fresh, citrus scents that pack a punch – you are going to fall in love with this. It gives you the opportunity to sample each of the scents, with the convenience of a roll-on; I say that because I find that this roll-on lasts much longer than spray fragrances, as they’re applied straight onto the skin, so in my opinion, they’re better value for money!
#8 The Vegan Lipstick
The moment I saw the Mineralist lipstick I fell in love. I’m always drawn to bright coloured lipsticks and I’m already a fan of bareMinerals, so I couldn’t wait to try these shades out for size. The range of colours and the clean ingredients certainly drew me in and I was not disappointed! The colour stays true all day while the hydrating formula nourishes and protects my lips. Not only is this lipstick good to you, but it’s also good to the environment thanks to its sustainably sourced ingredients. Picking just one favourite colour out of all 25 shades is a tough question, but it has to be Grace for my maximalist colour.
#9 The Must-Have Balm
Matte lipsticks are my go-to, but recently I’ve found a new obsession with liquid formulas since GIVENCHY released the Le Rose Perfecto Liquid Balm. After looking at the variety of shades, Woody Red stood out to me. It’s the perfect deep garnet brown shade and I am obsessed with it! It can be worn as a full, bold colour or as a barely-there tint on the lips.
Not only does it make your lips look great, but they also feel great when you take it off too. The balm soothes, repairs the lips with a blend of shea butter and cranberry oil that leaves them hydrated for eight hours. I can feel and see the plumping effects of the pink pepper extract and hyaluronic acid, which help to create the appearance of fuller lips.
#10 The Non-Drying Hand Sanitiser
With the country still in lockdown, everyone is more conscious than ever about hygiene, especially when it comes to their hands. With supermarkets and pharmacies selling out of hand sanitisers, La Roche-Posay have launched their own Hydroalcoholic Purifying Hand Gel to meet the demand.
The 100ml size is perfect for taking with me when I go out to do the weekly shop, and the fragrance-free formula means my hands don’t smell of chemicals either! With 65% ethanol, the hand gel is great at removing impurities such as pollution and dirt, and the moisturising ingredient glycerin ensures my hands don’t dry out like when using traditional soaps.
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Want more new? See our April Beauty Favourites picks here.
