It’s fair to say that March saw its fair share of exciting new beauty. But out of the many new skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care launches, what did Team Escentual deem to be their favourites? Read on to discover our top new beauty obsessions…
1. The Ultra-Precise Eyeliner
Name: Chelsey, Communications & Campaigns Manager
Product Pick: Lancome Lash Idole Waterproof Brush Tip Eyeliner
Working in the beauty industry for over 15 years, I’ve seen my fair share of rubbish eyeliners. So, I was elated to discover that Lancome’s latest eyeliner has surpassed any negative perceptions.
It’s blacker than black – not dark navy or grey; it takes one stroke to get pigment, and the brush tip is PRECISE. I would 100% recommend this to anyone who struggles with liquid liners and cat flicks – now I’m patiently waiting for the brown version to come out. I’ll be an even happier bunny!
2. The Vegan Signature Scent
Name: Louisha, Merchandiser
Product Pick: Chloe Nomade Eau de Parfum Naturelle
As soon as I tried the new Chloe Nomade Naturelle, I fell in love. It starts with ethically sourced jasmine, but it’s quite a soft and elegant take on this sometimes heady fragrance note, before exploring a sweet, fruity and smooth date accord in the heart. Finally, creamy sandalwood is paired with sweet vanilla in the base for a fragrance that’s comforting and sophisticated all at once.
I also love the fact that this new fragrance is respectful of the environment; its box is made from 40% post-consumer recycled materials, while the glass bottle itself uses 15% PCR materials. The best bit? It’s completely vegan – suede-style braid, included!
3. The Skin-Loving Foundation
Name: Ceryn, Communications & Campaigns Editor
Product Pick: bareMinerals Original Liquid Mineral Foundation SPF20 in Neutral Ivory 06
bareMinerals loose mineral foundation is an icon and a must-have for many, but for me, there was always one thing I couldn’t get on board with – its texture. Despite being a smooth and creamy powder, I prefer liquid or creams on my dry skin. Well, that’s not an issue anymore – now, bareMinerals offer the Original Liquid Mineral Foundation. The epitome of a natural-looking base, the formula contains all the skin-loving benefits of its predecessor and gives skin a gorgeous dewy glow that exudes health. Neutral Ivory (06) is my everyday go-to shade!
4. The Glow-Boosting Face Cream
Name: Hannah, Junior Copywriter
Product Pick: Antipodes Diem Vitamin C Pigment-Correcting Water Cream
I am yet to find an Antipodes product that I don’t instantly fall in love with, and their new Vitamin C Cream is no exception! This has become my go-to pick-me-up every morning, or before I apply makeup if I’m going out in the evening. Its tiny shimmer particles give you that lit-from-within-glow without looking glittery or too obvious, and I’ve found I’m using less foundation (if any). It also doubles up as the perfect glowy primer before a big night out.
I have a few dark spots and I’ve definitely noticed that they look diffused after 3 weeks of using this moisturiser. My skin type is combination-oily, and this cream makes my skin glow without looking oily; my complexion feels less oily than normal too. My partner is obsessed with its orange scent (so now I can stop nagging him to moisturise)!
Antipodes Diem Vitamin C Pigment-Correcting Water Cream Review
5. The Anti-Ageing Serum
Name: Simona, Warehouse Operations Shift Manager
Product Pick: Lancome Renergie H.C.F Triple Serum
I love Lancome skincare and I’m always on the lookout for a new anti-ageing facial serum, so you can imagine how excited I was to try Lancome’s new Renergie H.C.F Triple Serum.
I love the design of the bottle; it looks really beautiful and sophisticated and it’s also really well made – the three components dispense equal amount of product per chamber, so you dont have to mix it yourself, and the texture feels amazing too.
I’ve been using this serum every morning and evening and, I must say, it makes my skin feel so good that I’m almost tricked into thinking I could skip the moisturiser. Once applied, my skin feels really hydrated, smooth and plumped up; it creates a gorgeous glow too. I could feel and notice the benefits after just a few days of using it, and I can’t wait to continue using it to see how it continues to improve my complexion by brightening, tightening and smoothing lines.
6. The Inspiring Aroma
Name: Jade, Merchandiser
Product Pick: ZARKOPERFUME The Lawyer Eau de Parfum
Zarko is a truly special, well crafted and innovative perfume brand that I think you will fall in love with once you read about the fragrances, the brand and the founder himself, Zarko Ahlmann Pavlov. Each of his fragrances are designed to allow you to escape into a world where anything is possible.
With this in mind, my favourite has to be The Lawyer. It was inspired by the idea of a dear friend who has the power to be a true friend in every aspect of life; is never afraid to take on a challenge and will always be by your side. I love the story behind this perfume and, whenever I spray it on my skin, it makes me feel confident and empowered.
The notes represent a noir blanc composition of dark and light. The light top citrus notes of bergamot, lemon and mandarin are balanced by the dark heart and base notes of sandalwood, musk, spices and dark chocolate. If you are looking for a standout scent that will turn heads, then this is the fragrance for you.
7. The Long-Lasting Fragrance
Name: Joel, Warehouse Operative
Product Pick: Montblanc Legend Red Eau de Parfum
I tried Montblanc Legend Red for the first time recently and I loved it; the fragrance itself has quite a vibrant, bright and fresh tone, before it explores more aromatic notes in the heart without being too overpowering, which I like. It’s different from the fragrances I’ve bought in the past. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was so long-lasting and I was also impressed with the quality and design of the bottle itself.
8. The Nourishing Hand Balm
Name: Kate, Communications & Campaigns Assistant
Product Pick: Clarins Hand and Nail Treatment Balm
It’s fair to say that Clarins’ hand cream is an icon, but I’m going to make a bold claim and say that I think their new Hand and Nail Treatment Balm will prove just as popular as the original. The thing that sets this apart from the cream is, you guessed it, its texture. It’s richer, thicker and undeniably more nourishing, thanks to its impressive 26% dose of organic shea butter.
The thing I love most about this protective hand balm is that it feels really rich when you first apply it, but it still works into your skin really quickly and easily to leave your hands feeling thoroughly hydrated. I personally love that it helps to strengthen nails and nourish your cuticles; I treat myself to a mini hand massage when I use it, focusing on the cuticles and nails as they’re more prone to damage.
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