Here at Escentual, we put all of the best new beauty launches to the test as they pour through the door; makeup is swatched, perfumes are spritzed and, yes, even shampoos are trialled by the team. So, you know that anything that makes it into our ‘Beauty Favourites’ edit must be good.
Keep reading to find out which new beauty releases have captured our hearts this February…
1. The Cooling Eye Treatment
Name: Kate, Communications & Campaigns Assistant
Product Pick: Clarins Total Eye Hydrate Mask-Balm
I’ll be honest, my eyes often feel a little tired and worn out by the end of the day – probably because I’m sat in front of a screen for most of it! So, as soon as I heard about the ultra-cooling Clarins Total Eye Hydrate Mask-Balm (an update on the fan-favourite Hydra-Essentiel eye mask), I knew I’d love it. To start, it targets my key eye contour concern (dark circles), while locking in hydration for ultimate comfort. But the thing I love the most about Total Eye Hydrate is that it’s more than just an eye cream; it can be used as a ten minute mask to really refresh and revive tired eyes in ten minutes.
2. The Striking Signature Scent
Name: Eleni, Merchandiser
Product Pick: Valentino Uomo Born In Roma Coral Fantasy Eau de Toilette
I’m a huge fan of the Valentino Born In Roma collection and the punk feeling that creates with the iconic Valentino rockstud. Naturally, I was really looking forward to the new Coral Fantasy collection, especially when I found out that it’s inspired by the sun setting over the city of Rome.
I love both the Donna and the Uomo versions, but my favourite has to be Uomo Born in Roma Coral Fantasy. What I love the most is its elegant contrast of smoky, fresh and sweet notes – it ticks all the boxes!
When I really want to mix things up, I first spray the Uomo version and after five minutes, I lightly spray the Donna Coral Fantasy on top. The layering creates a rich, smoky yet fruity combination that feels exactly like the sun setting in Rome.
3. The Multitasking Face Mask
Name: Ceryn, Communications & Campaigns Editor
Product Pick: Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask
I love the classic Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream, so I had to try the new heavy-duty mask version. Plus, the cold weather has wreaked havoc with my dry skin lately, so it’s launched at a perfect time. The formula is super nourishing, thanks to ingredients 10.5% squalane and glacial glycoprotein, which give it a thick balm consistency that melts beautifully into the skin. You can use the mask a few ways, including as a 15-minute tissue-off facial, but my favourite thing to do is leave it on overnight. Whenever I do, my skin looks plump and glowy, and feels really comfortable afterwards – my makeup goes on wonderfully, too.
4. The Anti-Blemish Serum
Name: Jade, Merchandiser
Product Pick: Eucerin DermoPurifyer Triple Effect Serum
I can finally say that I have found the perfect serum for my skin! I suffer from blemishes but also the marks that they leave on my skin – although I’ll hold my hands up and admit that I’m partly to blame as I always end up picking my spots. Up until now, I’ve struggled with finding a product that helps with both blemishes and marks – but that was before Eucerin launched their new DermoPurifyer Triple Effect Serum. It’s the perfect all-rounder product for oily skin types as it helps to reduce blemishes and prevent new ones from appearing, all while targeting post-acne marks. Eucerin have also created the DermoPurifyer Protective Fluid SPF30 to use at the end of your skincare routine. It has a majority of the same benefits but also protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays – the perfect combination!
5. The Sumptuously Sweet Scent
Name: Darcey, Junior Copywriter
Product Pick: Marc Jacobs Daisy Love Eau So Sweet Eau de Toilette
My first ever fragrance was the OG Marc Jacobs Daisy EDT so, of course, I had to try the new Daisy Love Eau So Sweet Eau de Toilette. Fresh, sweet and musky, Eau So Sweet is a playful take on the original Love scent with the addition of sweet raspberries, sharp bergamot and creamy jasmine milk. Although the gourmand EDT sounds young and ‘sweet’, the musky woodiness in the base leaves behind an elegant sophistication that anyone can love.
If you’re a fan of Marc Jacobs fragrances, you’ll want to add this sheer pink Daisy bottle to your bouquet of scents. P.S. it would make the perfect Mother’s Day gift for any mother who isn’t a fan of traditional flowers and chocolate.
6. The Honey-Infused Balm
Name: Keavy, Communications & Campaigns Assistant
Product Pick: GUERLAIN Abeille Royale Intense Repair Youth Oil-In-Balm
It’s no secret that I’m absolutely obsessed with the GUERLAIN Abeille Royale collection, and who wouldn’t be? Every skincare formula is infused with the benefits and the smell of GUERLAIN’s exclusive Black Bee Ouessant honey. So, unsurprisingly, my favourite new beauty release from February is the new Abeille Royale Intense Repair Youth Oil-In-Balm; I’m in love!
As soon as I popped off the golden lid of this delicious balm and felt its luxurious texture, I was totally sold. The formula has an indulgent creaminess that you wouldn’t expect from a balm, and it feels so light and nourishing on the skin; its formula is made to plump, add radiance and repair your skin barrier, which I put down to the unique Cicawax Complex and combination of nutrient-rich honey sourced from biodiverse environments. At first, I thought, the Oil-In-Balm is on the pricey side, but once I used it and felt the benefits of a decade of research into honey technology, I understood why.
