I can’t quite believe that the second month of the year is already over. Spring is nearly upon us and I’m so excited to be trotting around – even if it is only to the local shop, with my pale legs on show and a face full of socially acceptable shimmer.
For now, though, I’ve been working my way through trying some great new launches and sell-out products to see what will make it into my makeup bag permanently.
February was a great month of trying new things, especially products to help look after and soothe the skin, and highlight natural beauty.
Algenist Triple Algae Eye Renewal Balm
I’ve always been a bit sceptical with eye creams and balms, as they seem a bit mythical. However, this eye cream has done a great job at combating the early signs of ageing around my eyes and always makes them look considerably less puffy.
Perhaps a steep price point if you’re unsure about investing in an eye cream, but is packed with a host of great ingredients that target dark circles, wrinkles and more. There is plenty in the pot, so mine will last me for a few months to come.
Temple Spa In the Beginning Deep Pore & Exfoliating Cleanser
Who can say no to a rich, balmy cleanser that melts onto the skin? This cleanser reminds me of the cult favourite from Bobbi Brown – which has now been discontinued. This is a cleanser-exfoliator hybrid that smells and feels like something you’d have applied during a spa facial.
I sometimes feel a bit clogged up after using a balm cleanser, but not with this one. Totally dreamy and want to smother it all over myself.
Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss in Romance Kiss
If you know me at all, you’ll know that I’m a Charlotte Tilbury fiend. When I heard about the release of the new Hyaluronic Happikiss lipstick balms, I was jumping for joy.
Every colour packs a considerably strong pigment punch for a lipstick hybrid, and offers a perfect amount of shine along with plumping. My favourite is Romance Kiss which is a perfect peachy rose tone, and suits my pale skin tone well. The only thing to note is that it’s seeming to run out pretty quickly, but perhaps that’s because I want to use it all the time!
Perl Cosmetics Pearl Powder Clay Mask & Illuminating Oil
This face mask is 100% natural and contains the ancient healing properties of pearl powder to illuminate and brighten dull skin. The mask comes with an oil which can be adjusted depending on skin type. Containing British kaolin clay and powerful botanicals, this is a brilliant mask for perking up skin that has dulled over winter.
Perl Cosmetics prides itself on keeping sustainability at the heart of the brand so every single part of the product from manufacturing to postal packaging is well thought out. I’ll be purchasing a refill pack from this small company.
Brushd. Toothpaste Tablets
Brushd. have set out on a mission to decrease the amount of plastic used in oral hygiene products. These toothpaste tabs will last a month (there are 62 in a jar) and they are deliciously fresh and minty. The tabs are specially formulated so that no compromise is made on oral health.
I found it a bit strange at first, using a toothpaste that doesn’t go straight onto my toothbrush and was dubious of how clean my teeth would actually be, but they are super duper. My teeth feel squeaky clean afterwards.
Good Molecules Pineapple Exfoliating Powder
I simply love exfoliators. Some people loathe them, so I may have an unpopular opinion here, but this exfoliating powder from Good Molecules is a must buy. The enzymes naturally found in pineapples help encourage gentle exfoliation both physically on the outer surface of the skin and on the molecular level. I already have another ready to go.
Bobbi Brown Metallic Eye Shadow in Burnt Sugar
I was on the lookout for the perfect golden-brown shimmery shadow for an easy, smokey eye. The pigment is really strong, and high in shimmer. Mixed with a lighter shadows across the brow bone, you can create a smokey eye with this gorgeous shadow in mere minutes.
Xlash Eyelash Serum
I’ve tried lots of lash serums over the years and have never had very much luck. I recently began using the eyelash serum from Xlash and have been really pleased with the results.
I have relatively long eyelashes, but who doesn’t want them even longer? After around a month, I noticed a considerable difference in volume and length. I’m not sure how long I’ll be able to continue using the product, as the price tag is a little hefty, although definitely worth it for those looking to grow their lashes.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Sky High Mascara in 01 Black
I heard of the craze about this mascara, of course I did. So, of course I had to order one and get on the bandwagon. I was so glad that I did. For under £10.00, this mascara gets 5 stars. However, don’t expect instantly volumised lashes. You will need to build your lashes up with a few layers until you achieve your desired result.
If you’ve got long lashes like me, but are looking for more volume than length, make sure to apply sparingly as it has a tendency to clump up. Definitely my new favourite drugstore mascara.
KLORIS Soothing No-Rinse CBD Hand Sanitiser
We’re all on the hand washing hype, and have plenty of bottles of hand sanitiser knocking around in our handbags. When I heard of KLORIS’ new hand sanitiser I was a bit sceptical about what could make the higher price point justifiable. But, I was left happily surprised.
This formula contains 60% alcohol to ensure effective sanitisation, but also has 1000mg of KLORIS premium CBD isolate, Aloe Vera and Bergamot to soothe hands and calm them from any irritation. A great buy to keep on show at home, as it looks pretty too.