A big part of what I do involves testing, trying and buying everything I can get my hands on that looks interesting or new. If it doesn’t suit my skintype I give it to one of my regular testers and get their feedback. This means that although I have dry skin I am still able to confidently recommend foundations for oily skin or moisturisers for mature skin for example. Today, however, I want to tell you about the products that I’ve used until they were empty and re bought again myself. When I use something down to the last dregs and leave it standing upside down to catch the last little bit, that’s a sure sign that it’s a winner. Here are ten makeup and skincare picks that I have loved and used in 2015. I’m aware that some of them are pricey so where possible I’ve suggested alternatives.
Urban Decay Naked 3
Surely I’m not the only person in the world who doesn’t suit brown eyeshadow? But as one browny beige palette after another hit the shelves I gave up all hope.That’s why I was ecstatic when Naked 3 was released. Pale pinks, dusky rose and deep plums feature in a variety of highly pigmented finishes from matte to shimmer. I use it almost every day. It’s as though Urban Decay had designed a palette specifically for me.
L’Occitane Cleansing Oil (€20)
Dry skin needs all the help it can get and I like to begin that right from the cleansing stage. Using harsh cleansers will strip your skin of natural oils and moisture right from the get go, so use oil and balm cleansers. Oils works really well to remove makeup gently. Yes even those fifty layers of mascara that went on over 12 hours ago. Shea butter in the formula makes it extra rich; my dry skin loves it. I’m almost finished with my current bottle and am planning to move onto Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Cleansing Oil next as I’ve had a few try outs with it and find it an excellent alternative. Any skin type can use cleansing oils, even oily skin so don’t worry if you’ve got this skintype. A cheaper alternative for a first cleanse is micellar water - Garnier make the best value micellar.
Elave Rejuvenating Cleansing Treatment €26.95
If you like to double cleanse, which I do, then you can use a stronger formula as you’re not rubbing it into your eyes, I have used this Elave cleanser almost exclusively since I got it. As a second cleanse, not only does the Elave clean your face thoroughly it also gently exfoliates with 12% glycolic acid and it works for all skin types. All you need to do is to rub it into your face for softer, smoother skin. Sometimes I leave it on while I’m in the shower to give it a few minutes to work even better.
Oskia Restoration Oil £60
I get through a lot of facial oil. They are the only things that stand between me and a face like a leather handbag. The best facial oils are usually a blend and don’t rely on a single ingredient and this Oskia offering certainly fits the bill with lots and lots of seed oils. It is packed full of nutrients to restore moisture, calm inflammation and soothe and rehydrate skin. I finished the bottle far too quickly and felt my heart sink as I had to tip out the last drops. I’m also going to recommend Botanics Oil which is a great option on a budget andI’ve gone through bottles of this one too .
REN Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial €38
If there is one skincare product I want you to buy it is this one. I recommend it to everyone I meet as my all time favourite because it works quickly, easily and gives you glowing, exfoliated skin in 60 seconds flat. Massage a teaspoon of this green gunk into dry skin then dampen your fingers and gently rub again to activate the Vitamin C. Leave it on for a minute and you’re done. You’ll see the benefits straight away.
KE´RASTASE V.I.P. Volume In Powder €14.50
When Kim Kardashian revealed that she only washes her hair once every five days, causing the Internet to go into meltdown, I thought so what? I wash my hair once or twice a week because it’s dry, there’s lots of it and I don’t have the time or energy to style it properly. I go to the hairdressers for regular blowdrys but I can never get the volume I want without a whole lot of damaging backcombing, This combination of dry shampoo and texture spray does away with damage and is an absolute winner. A cheaper option is still good old Batiste. Don’t try the XXL version for volume as it sets rock hard, the regular options are fine.
Rouge Edition Velvet Liquid Lipstick €12.50
Oh this was such a hard one to choose. I wear lots of different lipsticks in various shades and textures depending on my mood, but the one I’ve kept going back to is this beautiful liquid lipstick formula. Although it dries to a matte finish it doesn’t feel drying on the lips. If I need more moisture I plump for Clarins Joli Rouge lipsticks.
Charlotte Tilbury Light Wonder €42
This is the original foundation from Tilbury and with light to medium coverage it’s right up my street. It doesn’t feel or look heavy, the light reflecting particles help to even out tone and give a natural effect that isn’t drying. It won’t cover blemishes; that’s what your concealer is for, but if you have normal to dry skin this is a great foundation.
Lancome Hypnose Drama Waterproof €27.50
I’m sorry, I really am, but Lancome still make the best mascaras around. I like a mascara to act like a jet black full on lash thickener, yet so many of them don’t, Hypnose is available in lots of different wand shapes, including the swan shaped Grandiose but it’s this one I come back to every time. It doesn’t flake, it provides plenty of lash thickening and it’s a solid buy.
Tom Ford Venetian Bergamot
I’m a citrus lover and every single one of the perfumes that I return to will inevitably have some sort of citrus notes in there. Tom Ford make the most beautifully scented bergamot and mandarin scents and I wear them constantly. Another alternative that I love is the Jo Malone single note scents - I wore Grapefruit for years. The great thing about these kind of fragrances is that you can layer them with other perfumes and create your own little bespoke blend.
