Let’s kick off the weekend by talking all things beauty. It’s been a while since I shared one of these monthly edits; a quick glance back at the products I’ve trialled or had on rotation the month previous. There’s not too much to report makeup-wise aside from a couple of lipsticks. So if you’re curious to know what my seven product makeup routine looks like, then you may want to check out this post
NECESSAIRE
Switching up the format a little bit, I wanted to start by focusing on a new – to me – brand, Necessaire, who have recently launched into Sephora (but you can also shop via their website here, too). I don’t think I’ve ever been so into the concept of a brand before. It’s a clean beauty brand; this means no parabens, sulphates, silicones, petrochemicals or synthetic fragrances. It’s unisex and ageless. Their packaging is sustainable, and let’s also appreciate that the branding is beautifully minimal.
I was sent four of their core products: the body lotion, body serum, body wash and deodorant. And what immediately struck me was that there’s a good selection of fragrance-free body care products. As someone who likes to add a perfume before leaving the door, or invest in a luxurious-smelling body wash, I loved this approach. Body lotions that don’t mask or battle the fragrance of your body wash or perfume. Perfect.
Great concept, but also, great products. The eucalyptus body wash is a sheer delight. I love the rich fragrance (especially apt living in Australia), and the bottle with twist and squeeze spout is easy to use. The body serum was what I was most intrigued about. A serum loaded with hydrating good stuff like hyaluronic acid, but for your body. Genius. I’ve found that this alone suffices most days to add a moisture boost to my legs, which really seem to have suffered from dehydration during the colder months. The body lotion is a nice follow up, and a little goes a long way.
The deodorant, which I also have in the eucalyptus scent is also lovely. I’ve been using natural deodorants for years now, and this has been nice to throw into the mix. The formula is on the creamier end of the spectrum, so unlike the other “bar” twist up ones I use, this one I find I have to work into my underarms after application so it doesn’t get on my clothes. It’s worth noting this isn’t an antiperspirant, and as with other natural deodorants, you’ll want to reapply if you’re having a particularly hectic day.
SKINCARE
Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask | I tend to find that the change is season is when my skin needs the most TLC. Additionally, the pregnancy hormones (which kept any spots at bay) seem to have finally worn off, so I’m battling a little bit of hormonal and diet-related acne right now. Nothing major, but something I want to get a lid on. This mask from Antipodes does a little bit of everything. The key ingredient is manuka honey; known for its ability to draw moisture and hydrate the skin. But what I love about this is in addition to giving your complexion a moisture hit, it also draws impurities to the surface, and calms any spots.
Bioeffect EGF Day Serum | My current go-to day serum, I absolutely love what this delivers for my complexion. I’ll admit, it’s been a constant battle to stop my skin looking tired – especially when I feel it. The pump produces the perfect amount of product for a single application, and the gel-like consistency sinks into the skin immediately. This uses a plant-based replica of EGF – epidermal growth factor – which is a protein that stimulates cell growth. It’s effective, too. I always notice a difference in the way my skin looks when I use this. It’s plumper, and it seems to fight the signs of ageing. Win, win.
Antipodes Kiwi Seed Oil Eye Cream | A little goes a long way with this eye cream; the formula is so incredibly lightweight, and it sinks into the under eye area nicely, creating the perfect base for concealer. It has ingredients like kiwi (with Vit C and Omega 3), and avocado oil (to boost collagen production). While I find this fantastic for keeping my under eye area hydrated all day, from an anti-aging perspective, I can’t say I’ve noticed any difference in fine lines as a result of using this. Overall though, you get a lot of bang for your buck, and if hydration is your main concern, then this is a great one to go for.
Drunk Elephant T.L.C Framboos Glycolic Night Serum | When it comes to “resurfacing” my skin, I tend to prefer chemical exfoliants over physical ones. In part, I think it’s because I’m paranoid about getting micro-tears on my face. So when this arrived in the mail, I knew it would be right up my alley. This has a blend of AHAs and BHAs which gently exfoliate the skin. I found the first few times I used this, I felt a slight tingling sensation on my face. A result of my complexion adjusting to the product, and as per the instructions, I took it slow and use this every second night. This has been working wonders, and I love how much brighter my skin is looking as a result.
Clinique Moisture Surge 72 Hour Auto-Replenishing Hydrator | I was lucky enough to attend the Australian launch of this moisturiser from Clinique, a few years back. I’ve said it before, but the Moisture Surge range is my absolute favourite from the brand (aside from their fab chubby sticks, and creamy lippies). The technology in this moisturiser has properties that will keep your skin hydrated for 72 hours from the moment that you apply it. That is like a triple dose of hydration – something my skin laps up. The gel formula is very cooling, and makes this a great option for the warmer months, too. I’ve almost finished my current pot, but this is what I’ve been reaching for as my day moisturiser.
Avene Hydrance Hydrating Sleeping Mask | Another skincare brand I absolutely love is Avene, in particular, their Hydrance range (the serum is next level good). Despite it being billed more as a “sleeping mask” I’ve been using it as my nightly moisturiser since I got it. And what I immediately noticed? It delivers intense hydration. My complexion feels plump and juicy in the morning, and has a slight tacky feel to it; almost like I’ve just applied a moisturising product. This contains lipids which restore the skin’s natural hydration barrier, in addition to being loaded with Avene’s signature ingredient; Avene Thermal Spring Water. Definitely up there as one of my favourite products I’ve tried so far in 2020.
FRAGRANCE
Jo Malone Osmanthus Blossom Cologne | I’ve been trying to make a little bit more of an effort to wear fragrance daily, with two bottles on current rotation. The first has been the “osmanthus blossom” cologne from Jo Malone. The brand has long been a favourite of mine for their beautiful, vibrant scents. This fragrance has top notes of petitgrain, cedrat and violet leaves; middle notes of Osmanthus blossom, orange flower and white peach; and base notes of cashmere wood, white musk and cedarwood.
Replica Fragrances Bubble Bath EDP | I absolutely adore the concept behind the Margiela Replica fragrances. Reminiscent of familiar scents, they smell like a memory, for lack of a better description. We don’t have a bath, so I’ve been replicating the feel of it by reaching for this sweet fragrance. It has notes of: soap bubbles accord, pink pepper pure jungle essence, bergamot, lavender flower neo jungle essence, rose superessence, jasmine absolute, patchouli, coconut neo jungle essence and white musks.
LIPS
Clarins Velvet Lip Perfector | The iconic Clarins Natural Lip Perfector has been completely reinvented in a velvety-matte formula. I love a good matte lip, but it’s often drying, so I was curious to see how the moisturising elements of the original lip perfector would be integrated into this new release. Assumptions about matte lip products aside, I was pleasantly surprised when I applied this. It doesn’t have that slightly sticky finish of the original formula. Instead, it has more of a powdery consistency, that adds a blurred and intense wash of colour to the lips. The key here is the shea butter – it makes this comfortable and non-drying to wear. I especially love the shade 01 Velvet Nude.
Clarins Joli Rouge Crayon | Finally, the other lip product I’ve been using over the past month has been this new addition to Clarins’ Joli Rouge line. It’s a two-in-one product; you can use it like a traditional lip liner (matched with one of the Joliets Rouge lipsticks), or, applied all over like a lipstick. I’ve been opting for the latter, and find it delivers a satin-matte finish, which feels rich and creamy. The crayon/stylo applicator makes it super easy to get a precise finish. I tend to alternate between my two favourite shades in the range; 705C Soft Berry and 757C Nude Brick.
