When it comes to new beauty, we’ll be the first to admit that we get to try a lot. As a result, you know that anything that makes it into our Monthly Favourites series must be good!
This June, we’ve been lucky enough to try everything from the latest fragrance launches to the most exciting new skincare releases. So, read on to find out what made it to the top of our lists this month…
1. The Star Of Our #SunPoverty Campaign
Name: Chelsey, Communications & Campaigns Manager
One sunscreen bought = 1 donated to children who need it most – what’s not to love? #SunPoverty is my passion project; my small idea to improve sun safety has blossomed into something beautiful that I couldn’t be prouder of.
We all worked on this product as one big team for two years to ensure children are safer and education is clearer. My favourite aspects of this campaign are Seren, The Sun Hero (our comic written by Kate and Caitlin) and the bottle; as you can see from my picture, you can clip it anywhere and take it everywhere with you!
2. The Face Mask For Sensitive Skin
Name: Eleni, Merchandiser
I have very sensitive dry skin, so I’ve always found it really difficult to find repairing masks that are suitable for my complexion. Until now! Decleor’s Cica-Botanic Mask is the perfect formula for dry skin in need of hydration – and it’s also been tested on sensitive skin. Since its launch, I’ve been using it twice a week, and it works wonders on my complexion. I can really feel how soft, smooth and hydrated my skin is. As an added bonus, the eucalyptus essential oil scent helps to calm the mind! For me, this creamy mask is the perfect product for a summer pamper night.
3. The Perfect Summer Scent
Name: Richard, Merchandising Manager
Parfums de Marly is fast becoming my favourite brand. When I first smelled Greenley, I instantly loved it. The bottle follows in the same design as the unisex bottles of the brand; however, this one is the second to feature tinted glass, allowing you to see how much fragrance there is in the bottle.
The fragrance itself is my perfect summer scent; if I could design and create a fragrance for summer, this is exactly what it would be. It’s the perfect concoction of green notes, fruit and wood, resulting in an aroma that I can wear from dawn to dusk. As soon as I spray Greenley, I can picture myself wandering through a lush green forest with a cheeky cocktail in hand – the fruity notes hold true before drying down to leave an oaky, musky embrace.
4. The Streak-Free Self Tan
Name: Darcey, Junior Copywriter
This year, I have really missed having that vacation glow! But thankfully, Clarins have eased my holiday blues with their Self Tanning Instant Gel; I’m obsessed with its subtle streak-free tan. The lightweight, non-tinted formula makes tanning easy (no more orange bed sheets) while it still provides instant hydration to my skin. One of the things I love most is the fact that its blend of fig extract and aloe vera leaves skin moisturised without feeling greasy, unlike some other tanning products I’ve tried.
Clarins have really created summer in a bottle with this cooling gel; it has a beautiful summer aroma too!
5. The Uplifting Citrus Scent
Name: Jade, Merchandiser
Miller Harris is my go-to, but I had especially high expectations when it came to Reverie de Bergamote because I love a citrus fragrance. The perfume opens with a burst of juicy citrus fruits, which is really uplifting. But what I love most about Reverie de Bergamote is that there’s an aromatic edge to this fragrance, thanks to the addition of basil and rosemary, which gives it an unexpected herby-woody side too. There are also floral notes (lavender and geranium) and woody notes in the base – this ticks a lot of boxes for me!
It was definitely one of those “oh wow!” moments when I finally got to test it. I think it’s perfect for summer!
6. The Super Smart Serum
Name: Keavy, Communications & Campaigns Assistant
I adore everything from Dermalogica, so when I saw that they had released a new serum, I had to try it – and, of course, I love it! This serum is top of the class; smarter than most of the serums sitting on my shelf combined, this formula addresses your skin’s needs before you know them yourself – crazy, right? The serum does this using Smart Response Technology, which targets your concerns before they appear using 4 core actives that tackle dehydration, inflammation, dullness and lack of elasticity – all of which I need help with – so this serum has entered my life just in the nick of time.
As soon as I used this serum, I could tell it was premium by how quickly it absorbed; plus, the silky formula left my skin feeling really healthy after. Personally, I found that this serum seemed to penetrate a lot deeper in terms of hydration, too – there was a marked improvement in my skin’s plumpness, texture and radiance! In short, the serum is streets apart from other serums and I think it’s worth the higher price tag attached. Definitely one for after pay day, though!
7. The Utterly Seductive Scent
Name: Caitlin, Communications & Campaigns Assistant
Wow – where to start with this fragrance? It’s utterly sexy, seductive and addictive. It was love at first spritz as the collision of honeyed pear, alluring vanilla and irresistible tonka bean immediately caught my attention. La Belle Intense has a toasted warmth that reminds me of roasted almonds and delicious vanilla ice cream melting over sweet baked pears. I can’t wait to wear it on my next date night for when I want to feel extra glamorous.
And I’m obsessed with the bottle! If you’re a JPG fan like me, you’ll recognise the ultra-sensual female silhouette, which is now dressed in a deep passionate red. Plus, a necklace of golden roses sits at the neck, while the bottle is held in the iconic JPG can in a golden and mint green shade. Another thing I love? Welsh Drag Queen, Tayce, was one of the faces of this campaign.
Jean Paul Gaultier La Belle Le Parfum Eau de Parfum Intense Review
8. The Eco-Friendly Shampoo Bar
Name: Monika, Supply Chain Planner
As soon as I heard about Klorane’s new shampoo bar, I knew I had to try it. And now I have, I’ve fallen in love. To start with, I love the fact that it’s a more eco-friendly version of their iconic shampoo – not only is it vegan, but it also boasts a biodegradable formula.
Klorane’s mango shampoo bar is perfect if – like me – you’re looking to deeply hydrate your hair, and it’s all thanks to its ultra-nourishing ingredients (in particular, the addition of rich and conditioning mango butter.) Thanks to this mango ingredient, the bar smells amazing too; sweet, tropical and uplifting.
Plus, I’ve been really enjoying the bar format; it reminds me of using soap bars when I was younger. In fact, even my little one has also been enjoying using this shampoo bar as a different way to wash his hair. It’s great if you’re a parent too as I’ve found that this lathers really easily and makes bath-time fun.
9. The Anti-Frizz Leave-In Spray
Name: Kate, Communications & Campaigns Assistant
My hair is naturally dry, frizzy and wavy (or curly depending on the way I dry it!) And I will admit that I’ve tried a lot of hair care products throughout my life in an attempt to give my hair the hydration it so desperately craves. So, whenever I see a new launch designed for dry hair types, I know I need to try it – and it’s fair to say that Sachajuan’s latest leave-in conditioner has left me impressed.
In just a few quick spritzes, the mist helps to reduce frizz, repair hair and detangle tresses for soft, shiny and manageable locks. I definitely saw a visible improvement when it came to my frizz-prone hair, all without my hair feeling heavy or looking greasy. Plus, I love the fuss-free no-rinse spray format; it’s really quick and easy to apply, but the results look like you’ve spent a lot of time on your hair. Which is exactly what I look for when it comes to hair care!
