Time for a mid-week beauty chat, I think. I’ve really tapered things back of late, as my key focus for 2022 is to let my skin shine. It’s surprising even to me, but I think I can count the number of days I’ve worn any kind of “base” this year on my two hands. Good skincare has really been my #1. So, let’s dive in, and chat through the new products I’ve had on regular rotation since December.
MAKEUP
Merit Flush Balm Cheek Blush in ‘Terracotta’ | Merit Beauty has been on my hit list to try for some time now. And so I took my chances and placed an order for a couple of (in-stock) products during the Black Friday sales. One of the products I was most drawn to was the blushes; a balm-like cream. My first choice of colour wasn’t available, but I was happy to add the shade ‘Terracotta’ to my cart. A warm, brown toned blush with an orange pull to it. On first impressions, I really didn’t like it. It leaves a tacky residue on the cheeks, and blends away to nothingness. You can either apply this directly to the cheeks – which I find requires you to really have to build it up for colour pay off; or you can dip your brush into the product before blending out onto your skin. The latter is definitely a more effective way to deposit the product, and the balmy texture makes it very easy to work with. The appearance is natural, flawless even, as the balm becomes one with the skin. While I don’t love the tacky finish, I’ll forgive it as it’s often comes hand in hand with using cream formulas; my preferred.
Merit Highlighting Balm in ‘Cava’ | I was sorely, and I mean sorely disappointed when I first applied this. My hope was that it would be an alternative to the Glossier Haloscope, a product I’ve long been a fan of. And in many ways, it is similar. It has that balmy texture which remains on the skin, leaving it feeling ever-so-slightly tacky. Being a balm, it almost becomes one with the complexion – visually – giving the high points of the face where it’s been applied a luminous glow. That lit from within look that appears naturally juicy and dewy. It has an almost wet-like appearance, with micro dazzling flecks of mica throughout. It’s billed as a “champagne gold”, but that’s not reflected by its visual appearance in the tube or when swatched on the skin. It’s more of a cool-toned silvery pink hue, though doesn’t translate that way on the face. I’m still on the fence about this one. I love how glossy it looks, but I can’t get past the glittery appearance when peering at my reflection up close.
Hermes Rosy Lip Enhancer in ’49 Rose Tan’ | Call me influenced. After seeing a few people I follow absolutely rave about the Lip Enhancers from Hermes – a luxury tinted lip balm – I was tempted enough to splurge on one for myself. At the beauty counter, I’d toyed with the idea of buying the lipstick instead, but the pragmatist in me knew I’d be more likely to reach for this if it were a nourishing balm-type product. The packaging is beautiful. Luxurious, heavy in the hand, and the enamel exterior feels expensive. I’m also really drawn to the beautiful colour combinations. A beauty interpretation of liquorice allsorts. As for the actual balm itself. It glides on smoothly; it’s not too soft nor too waxy, leaving a slippy feeling when rubbing the lips together. I like that it’s tinted in a not too obvious way, though depending on how much you apply, it can easily bleed over the natural lip line. It’s nice, yes, but I think there are plenty of less expensive products out there which will give you the same look (without your bank account taking such a hit). I also can’t quite tell if I’m making a point to use it up purely because of the price tag. At any rate, not one I’ll repurchase, but it’s been fun to try out. If you have the budget and are in the market for a luxury lip balm, then these are worth a second look for sure.
SKINCARE
Dr Lewinns Ultra R4 Lift & Firm Serum | I’ve been using this as one of the hydrating elements of my skincare routine. It’s a lightweight serum, which quickly absorbs into the skin. The key ingredients are Matrixyl® 3000, an anti-ageing peptide that works to rebuild skin firmness and elasticity. Along with hyaluronic acid for nourishment and skin hydration. I’ve not been sleeping the best lately, and one of my concerns has been how that might show up through my skin. I can’t say if it’s entirely down to this serum, but my complexion has remained radiant and felt plump and juicy.
Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum | This is such an intriguing product. Part serum, part oil, it has a rich and slippy texture when worked into the skin. Each capsule, containing just the right amount of product to apply (AM or PM). And for what it’s worth, the capsules naturally biodegrade in water. Vitamin C is a core ingredient in my skincare regiment for its brightening properties – and for that alone I’ve enjoyed using this. I do sometimes find it can be a little rich or heavy on my complexion, so will forgo moisturiser to compensate on the evenings I use it in my routine. It also contains some other great skincare powerhouse ingredients like Ceramides to protect the skin from moisture loss, and avocado, sunflower and olive oils to nourish and replenish the skin.
TULA Skincare So Polished Exfoliating Sugar Scrub | If I had to choose, I’ll always pick a chemical over a physical exfoliant. So I surprised even myself when I popped this into the vanity to try on rotation. Overall, I really quite like it. The scent is delightful; reminiscent of a tropical sweet. And I’ve grown to become accustomed to the texture. Having some moisture on your face is key, as the sugar granules can feel a little coarse at first, but they quickly soften and become more gentle as you polish the product into your skin. Leaves my skin feeling clean but not stripped of oils, and adds a brightness to my complexion.
TULA Skincare Rose Glow & Get It | The other product I’ve been using from TULA Skincare is the Rose Glow & Get It. This is an under-eye balm, which has both a brightening and cooling effect. Perfect for an Australian summer, right? I’ve really held back on eye creams since spring. As important as I appreciate that they are for hydrating the delicate area around the eyes, most will give me milia. So I approached this with some trepidation. I’m happy to report that it’s actually the perfect “hybrid” product for me. While I don’t particularly love the cooling effect (it can be a little tingly), it feels nourishing enough for my skin type. The balm does leave a slight white cast when applied so does need to be blended out, you may also notice some light-reflecting particles. Both to me signal the magic behind why this product has such a brightening effect on the skin. Overall, I really like it.
FRAGRANCE
Jo Malone Rose Blush Cologne | I love the description of this perfume; the charm of blushing pink rose petals. Whimsical, soft and delicate are words that instantly come to mind. To me, this is an intensely floral fragrance, with a powdery finish. The sweetness of the lychee definitely comes through, along with the white musk notes. The fragrance includes a top note of basil, however this isn’t something my nose has been able to detect any of the times I’ve worn it.
Jo Malone Rose & Magnolia Cologne | This limited edition fragrance is described as a sensual floral with mysterious character. Where the Rose Blush Cologne feels intensely floral and sweet, heavy with the scent of rose, this has a spiciness to it. Despite having notes of patchouli and warm amber, there’s a freshness to this, which I didn’t expect. A beautiful option for Spring/Summer.
HAIRCARE
Klorane Shampoo & Conditioner with Organic Cupuacu | I think I’ve finally found it… my holy grail haircare products. A bit of a surprise, as I was sure nothing could truly top my beloved Aveda Smooth Infusion. But, I’ve been exploring alternative options over the past year, and this has been the first thing I’ve used which has well and truly tamed any frizziness in my hair. I’d say that this is down to how nourishing cupuacu butter is; providing up to 1.5 times more moisture and hydration than shea butter (a beauty fan fave). I’ll alternate between using the conditioner and hair mask, but find both leave my hair feeling silky, and give me really good results when heat styling. For reference, my hair is thick and relatively dry. I don’t find these products too intense at all. However if you have fine hair, you may find they’re on the richer side of the spectrum. Safe to say this is a guaranteed repurchase when I run out.
