As much as we love testing out and talking about exciting new beauty releases, there’s only one drawback – and that’s trying to choose just one favourite release for the month; trust us, it’s tougher than it sounds. We’ve risen to the challenge, though, to compile a list of our absolute favourite new beauty from January. Keep reading to find out what fragrance, hair care, skincare and makeup launches excited Team Escentual the most this month…
1. The Dreamy Lip Serum
Name: Ceryn, Communications & Campaigns Editor
Product Pick: DIOR Addict Lip Maximiser Serum
Why do I love the Lip Maximiser Serum? The question is, who wouldn’t? Its texture is otherworldly. It applies to the lips like a white cream but melts in like a balm, leaving behind a glossy (but not sticky) sheen. The smell is also divine: warm, creamy and ever so slightly almondy. And the results? Incredible! Enough to make anyone with dry lips run to buy it; it contains mallow flower and hyaluronic extract, which keep lips feeling intensely hydrated for 24 hours.
2. The Protective Hair Mist
Name: Darcey, Junior Copywriter
Product Pick: L’Occitane Gentle & Balance Anti-Pollution Mist for All Hair Types
If you suffer from dull or dry hair, you have to try the L’Occitane Anti-Pollution Mist! Crafted using 97% natural origin ingredients, including a unique blend of five essential botanical oils, the Anti-Pollution Mist works to create a protective veil over your hair for up to 24 hours. It helps to maintain the natural balance of the scalp, preserve the moisture levels of your hair and fight off pollution and pollen in one quick and easy spritz.
But I have to admit that one of my favourite things about the spray has to be its long-lasting scent! Each morning, I’m transported to Mediterranean fields brimming with fresh herbs, citrus trees and blooming florals, and I get to travel there again and again throughout the day with each natural hair movement.
3. The Sensual Signature
Name: Eleni, Merchandiser
Product Pick: Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb Ruby Orchid Eau de Parfum Spray
The latest addition to the Flowerbomb range, Ruby Orchid, is a deeply alluring fragrance that’s influenced by the art of burlesque dancing – and it’s fair to say that I’ve fallen head over heels for it. This new Viktor & Rolf creation is a floral fragrance with creamy ruby orchid at the heart, a vine peach accord at the top and sensual vanilla bean at the base. Thanks to these three notes, it’s the perfect signature scent to make you feel confident and sophisticated but also glamorous!
4. The Makeup-Perfecting Powder
Name: Chelsey, Communications & Campaigns Manager
Product Pick: GIVENCHY Prisme Libre Pressed Powder in Satin Blanc
I’m always on the lookout for makeup that can 1) add longevity 2) enhance without masking my skin and 3) look beautiful – I’m a sucker for chic packaging. GIVENCHY’s latest Prisme Libre Powder ticks all of these boxes and more. Similar to the iconic Prisme Libre loose powder, but in a pressed compact, the butter-like texture of Satin Blanc is incredible at stopping my concealer creasing and enhancing my contour – plus, it’s mask-proof! I always pop a layer all over as the finishing step in my makeup routine to make sure everything is locked in place.
5. The Bold Matte Lipstick
Name: Keavy, Communications & Campaigns Assistant
Product Pick: Lancome L’Absolu Rouge Drama Ink Long-Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick – 196 French Touch
Matte lipsticks have a reputation for fading quickly, being uncomfortably dry and transferring, but Lancome L’Absolu Rouge Ink Liquid Lipstick is none of those things; it’s bold, super long-lasting and even has a doe-foot applicator to precisely outline your lip shape.
The shade that speaks to me most out of the selection of deep and bright reds and pinks is shade 196 French Touch. I’m impressed that just one stroke is enough to leave a bold lick of deep Parisian red on my lips. I tend to favour deeper tones when it comes to choosing lip colours, and this sophisticated red shade creates a chic French-girl aura – ooh la la, I love this lipstick!
6. The Nourishing Balm
Name: Jade, Merchandiser
Product Pick: Clarins Calm-Essentiel Repairing Soothing Balm
My favourite new beauty launch from January has to be the Clarins Calm-Essentiel Balm. Why? To start with, I love the way that it calms and comforts my skin when it’s feeling a little worse for wear, using over 95% natural ingredients to soothe, repair and nourish. But I also love the fact that it can be used on both the face and body; it means I don’t have to worry about stocking up on multiple products (and yes, paying for multiple products too). Instead, this balm does it all, working to soothe and repair weakened skin from head to toe while relieving discomfort. Oh, and it even helps protect against the harmful effects of pollution, which gives me a bit of peace of mind living in the city.
7. The Weightless Primer
Name: Hannah, Junior Copywriter
Product Pick: Benefit The POREfessional Lite Primer
I was expecting big things from the newest Benefit primer launch and it’s fair to say that the POREfessional Lite Primer has exceeded my expectations! The silky smooth primer feels totally weightless on my skin thanks to its incredible 73% water-based formula, which takes away unwanted shine without being too matte. I wear it with and without makeup and, as it’s non-comedogenic, I don’t have to worry about my pores being blocked – instead, they’re just temporarily blurred. As one final bonus, I’ve found that foundation lasts around 8 hours on my oily skin when using this primer as a base – usually it slips and slides all over the place!
8. The Sweet White Floral Fragrance
Name: Kate, Communications & Campaigns Assistant
Product Pick: HUGO BOSS BOSS The Scent For Her Le Parfum Spray
BOSS The Scent For Her Le Parfum is the type of fragrance that’s somehow sweet and playful but seductive and mysterious all at the same time, so I’m not surprised that it’s caught my attention. It starts off with a kick of pink peppercorn, which creates a feeling of energy and excitement from the get-go with its subtle, almost fruity spice. The white floral orange blossom heart is sweet and sensual but not overpoweringly so, which I personally love as I can find some white floral fragrances too strong, before the akigalawood and earthy vetiver base settles into the skin for a soft and quietly sensual tone. And I have to admit that I love the jewel-inspired bottle; I’ve had it perched on my desk for the last few days, and I love the way it catches the light as the sun floods the room.
