April was one of those months that was pretty heavy on trialling out new beauty products. Towards the end of the month I also decided to rejig my daily makeup essentials. I find this a great way to recycle through my products, and it keeps things feeling fresh; even if I’m not buying any new makeup.
In addition to these products, I also trialled a handful of Mecca’s new April releases. I did a little round up of my five favourites HERE.
Unlike March, I really felt inspired to start putting makeup on. Almost daily. My signature makeup look is winged eyeliner, so this was something I found myself applying most days, in addition to a little concealer, and a ultra volumising mascara. Aside from that, I wanted to use products which really treated my complexion and body; essentially trying to replicate a spa experience at home.
The Makeup Edit
Huda Beauty Smokey Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette
As soon as I popped this back in my everyday make up stash, I immediately wondered why I’m retired it. I love the colour story; it’s primarily warmer toned, with the exception of a dazzling silver glitter. The shadows themselves are richly pigmented, and blend with ease. I tend to use the apricot-caramel shade in the crease or all over the lid, and one of the lighter shimmery glitter hues in the inner corner. Generally I’ll diffuse some of the shimmer by dipping back into the crease shade so it’s more wearable for day to day. If I want more dimension or am going sans eyeliner, I’ll use the black or dark brown to add some definition to my lash line. Safe to say it’s got me thinking I’d like to invest in a second Huda Beauty Eyeshadow Palette…
Benefit Gimme Brow
This is a repurchase I’ve had sitting in my drawer for a while now. I’d been opting to use a pencil/stylo eyebrow product, but recently wanted to dial this back for a subtler look. Benefit are known for their brow products, and I’m sure I don’t have to tell you just how good this is. Adds colour, and gives my brows a bit of lift. I love that my brows aren’t stuck to my forehead, and still have some movement to them.
Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara
This Marc Jacobs Mascara won’t be new to you; I mentioned it a couple months back, and while it’s not my perfect mascara (it smudges on my brow bone), I love the impact it has. It gives me ultra full, voluminous lashes, and adds a bit of extra length too. I’ve been using it daily, particularly when going sans eyeliner to really play up my eyes.
Tom Ford Eye Defining Pen
Now this is a blast from the past. Around four years ago (perhaps more), this was the only eyeliner beauty gurus seemed to be talking about. And boy is it an investment. I found this in my stash and decided to use it up, and have come to really appreciate it for what it is. Previously, I only used the softer, paintbrush-like end. This time around, I’ve been using the small, stiff nib to map out the winged liner, while using the softer, larger end to fill in the gaps. While I still think it’s horrendously expensive, I am considering a repurchase of this once it’s all used up. I know. A total 180 on my previous stance. Maybelline do a similar liner which is just as effective, and a fraction of the cost.
Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector
Last but not least for makeup, I have been living for this under eye brightening corrector from Becca. I got this as a sample at a recent Sephora event. Normally, I’m not one for correctors. It feels like an unnecessary extra step. But, the exhaustion that comes with having an infant is real. While I don’t have under-eye bags, I do have a lot of extra sallowness. This has been incredible at brightening up under the eyes. It’s a super thick, sticky consistency. A little goes a long way. The finish has a blue undertone which pulls very cool, so concealer is a must on top.
The Skincare, Bath & Body Edit
Clarins Tonic Body Treatment Oil + Relax Bath & Shower Concentrate
If I could narrow it down to two products which gave me that “spa”-like experience, it’d have to be the Tonic Oil and Relax Shower Concentrate from Clarins. These both have such calming yet invigorating scents. I initially started using the Tonic Body Treatment Oil during my pregnancy. My skin was very dry, so nourishing products – oils or thick creams – were a godsend. This was such a treat on those days where I had tired muscles. I’d massage this into my skin and rinse it off with a warm shower. Since having the baby, it’s been my go to when I want to unwind.
The Clarins Relax Bath & Shower Concentrate is essentially a bougie shower gel. But I love that it makes me feel like I’m at a spa. It’s very luxurious, and is one of those products I reserve for those particularly difficult mornings.
Biossance Squalane + Phyto-retinol Serum
I’m on bottle number two of this incredible squalane based serum from Biossane. Biossance was one of my favourite skincare brand discoveries of 2019. Not being able to use retinol throughout my pregnancy, I was on the hunt for an alternative, and this is it. It’s packed with naturally-derived ingredients, and can be used both morning and night. The ‘retinol”-like ingredient is bakuchiol, which is less irritating than traditional retinol serums, but just as effective.
Clarins Instant Eye Make-Up Remover
You may have noticed that I’ve been on a bit of an eye make-up remover binge of late. Every month I’ve been trying something new, in the hopes of coming across the perfect one. The ones I’ve tried so far have been good, but there was always something extra I felt was missing. Well, I think my search ends here. This is a bi-phase make-up remover; it mixes an oil with a traditional micellar water. And it is super effective. I love how gentle it feels, it’s not irritating on the eyes (perhaps as I’m using less product), and works a treat at removing layers of mascara.
Klorane Dry Shampoo
Despite spending more time on my skincare and makeup this month, the one thing I really neglected was my hair. I’ve stretched out the number of days between washes (a must as it’s almost impossible to have a long enough shower with an infant), so need all the help I can get so my locks look fresher for longer. I’ve mentioned before that I’m a big fan of Klorane, and I really love their aerosol Dry Shampoo. It doesn’t leave a white cast in my roots like other brands, and it is the kind of product that you can build up, rather than have too much grit from the get go.
