Is waiting for the postman to deliver your new beauty order a highlight of your week? Perfect – our monthly favourites edit was made to inspire you.
Even though COVID has meant many new launches have been pushed back, February has been an extremely exciting month! We’ve witnessed and tested two of the biggest mascara launches in 2021, we’ve put the lastest tech-inspired foundation to the test, and of course, we’ve got the lowdown on the newest fragrance from fashion extraordinaires, Jimmy Choo. Discover more below…
1. The Radiance-Boosting Foundation
When I heard that Shiseido was adding another foundation to their Synchro Skin range, I was very excited. As I’m a big fan of their Self Refreshing Foundation that launched last year, so I couldn’t wait to try the new Radiant Lifting formula. I was not disappointed! As someone with skin that tends to be quite oily by the end of the day, I’ve always struggled to find a glowy foundation that lasts for any considerable amount of time on my skin.
For me, the Synchro Skin range manages to balance long-lasting wear with a healthy, hydrated finish. The new Radiant Lifting formula maintains the durability of the original. Still, it turns the lumination up a notch, resulting in the gorgeous glow I never thought I could have that lasts all day. The perfect remedy for my currently rather dull winter skin!
2. The Blurring Primer
Primer is a step I find myself frequently missing out on when I’m in a rush to get my makeup done because I never saw a major difference to warrant those extra few minutes in the morning. But, now I realise it’s because I haven’t found one that I really love; I’ve recently added the Synchro Skin Blurring Primer as the first step in makeup. The difference I’ve seen to the finish of my base is incredible – I look so airbrushed all the time!
When you apply the water-based formula, it feels like silk has been draped across your skin (it feels that soft!), and then the finish is basically like you’re always walking around on iPhone portrait mode ON, which is as dreamy as you think, believe me: soft-focus, flawless and all your imperfections blurred.
3. The Catch Every Lash Mascara
The rumours are true, mascaras are the new lipstick, and Lancome’s Idole Mascara frames my face in a whole other way. As you can see from my above before and after image, this mascara finds lashes have fanned and defined my lashes without making them look clumpy or overdone. It’s blacker than black formula works perfectly with its fat headed comb brush (it has 250 different bristle sizes and 360 micro-bristles) that coats and defines every lash in sight, even the ones you didn’t know existed.
4. The Citrusy Premium Hand Wash
A luxury hand wash is not a product I would usually invest in. But! The current pandemic has completely changed my mindset, and I would highly recommend investing in this Sachajuan Hand Wash for your bathroom or kitchen.
This has to be one of the most luxurious hand washes I have ever used, and I am obsessed with anything citrus, so that helps too. Other than this gentle hand wash being vegan and cruelty-free, it also cleanses and hydrates the skin whilst leaving the hands feeling smooth, refreshed and revived. It is infused with natural actives, including guar beans which helps the hand wash to emulsify and thoroughly cleanse the skin, whilst glycerin and earth silk technology will leave your hands to feel super soft.
5. The Sweet Floral Fragrance
February marks my first anniversary at Escentual. I’ve learnt a lot in this time – and just one of the things I’ve learnt is that I’m a sucker for sweet fragrances and gorgeous bottles, and any perfume with peach and vanilla notes – so as soon as I heard about Jimmy Choo I Want Choo, I knew I’d be hooked.
The scent is gorgeous; it’s sweet, playful and fun with its elegant blend of sparkling mandarin juice and velvety peach before it reveals a feminine floral heart. And trust me, the cosy – yet still sensual – base of vanilla and benzoin lingers perfectly on the skin.
Of course, I have to admit that the glitzy red box and the chic silhouette bottle also play a part in my new obsession with this fragrance! All in all, I definitely see why this Eau de Parfum is named ‘I Want Choo!’
6. The Next Cult Mascara
Benefit has a killer mascara line-up. It’s so good you could think: how could they ever top the last? Well, they have. This month, they’re Real! Magnet launched a lengthening mascara that promises 40% longer lashes thanks to nifty zig zag bristles and (wait for it) a magnetically changed brush core that pulls the magnetic, mineral-rich formula up and out. The proof is in the picture with this; my lashes look fake (in the best way), and the formula never clumps or smudges – finally!
7. The Heat-Styling Hair Saviour
Like many of us right now, my hair is in desperate need of a trip to the hairdressers. My roots are growing through, my colour is fading, and my ends are looking a little dry, so I want to make sure I can provide my locks with as much TLC as I can before salons open again – and that’s where the Sachajuan Thermal Protection Spray comes in!
It creates an invisible shield around the hair to protect it from heat damage when you’re styling it, and the anti-frizz technology leaves tresses feeling soft, smooth and silky. I love the shine this fine mist gives my hair, and it even locks in moisture to prevent colour-fading – it ticks all of my hair care needs in one handy spray!
What I love most about this hair protection spray is how weightless it feels after you spray it. The feather-light mist doesn’t leave hair feeling damp – as with some heat protection sprays I’ve tried to do – and the aroma instantly transports the senses to the salon.
8. The New Niche Scent
As most people are aware, I’m a big fan of Serge Lutens fragrances. I cannot describe my excitement at the announcement of new fragrances. The variety of scents that have been released over the years are a true wonder and testament to their genius! If you’re a fan of any of their fragrances, you won’t be disappointed by their latest offering; this blood-red juice hides a spicy take on the Jasmine flower that blossoms into your soul and leaves a lasting impression that will make you constantly go back for more.
