Straight from the bathroom, a random selection of cleansers, makeup removers, lip balms, mascaras, etc. which I’ve been using and would definitely recommend if you’re looking to add a few newcomers to your bathroom cabinet this spring.
Here goes!
LEFT TO RIGHT:
PHYTOMER Eau Micellaire – all sorts of mascaras and eyeliners haven’t fazed this eye makeup remover – yet!
CLARINS (NEW) Garden Escape Lip Balm (reviewed HERE) – basically, hydration meets spring shades in a slim, chic applicator. (These don’t last as long as a lipstick but they’re highly addictive and the Rosewood shade (far right) is going to have a permanent home in my handbag this summer, it’s a fab neutral). Here’s what they look like:
T.LECLERC’s Multiplicateur Mascara (shade: brun) – I seem to be having a bit of a love affair with T. LeClerc at the moment which is one of the (brilliant) brands that made it into MyShowcase.com’s beauty edit.
This particular Multiplicateur mascara is available in both brown and black at Tleclerc.co.uk. A bit of a keeper, this one, it plumps up lashes with a thickening effect, doesn’t smudge and I can’t really fault it in any way. If you always wear black mascara, try switching to brown for a while, it’s great for a more natural look and it’s much fresher than a ‘black crow black’ on lazy day weekends.
001 SKINCARE’s Exfoliating and Conditioning Cleanser – Maybe it’s the natural Lactic Acid (exfoliator) and L-Carnitine (cell regenerating amino acid)…maybe it’s the fennel, hops, mistletoe and aloe extracts…but this slightly foaming cleanser is a real “brightener”.
It’s a wake up call for skin that’s had it with long, grey winters and sun deprivation. And maybe it’s magic…BUT it seems to last forever, I know this 100ml amber glass bottle is going to make it through the summer. Suitable for all skin types, and daily use, the formula is sothingly anti-inflammatory and it’s not a cream, it’s more of a clear gel. If you’re up for trying a new cleanser, I think award-winning London brand 001 Skincare has pretty much nailed it with this gently exfoliating cleanser (if you hate grainy exfoliators, this is the answer to your prayers). Leaves my skin super-silky. £23/100ml at 001 SKINCARE London.
MICHELINE ARCIER Douceur Wash – I’m smitten with this! Legendary aromatherapist Micheline Arcier trained a lot of the aromatherapists who’ve launched their own ranges today and I can’t believe I’ve never tried her Douceur Wash before. It’s super – capital “S” – gentle, super-light, super-calming chamomile, tangerine and lavender gel face (and body) wash (the scent is extremely subtle). I’m taking this away with me this summer. Suitable for use during pregnancy, avoid the eye area (use an eye makeup remover first).
Douceur Wash £10/100ml at Michelinearcier.com
Look out for a full Micheline Arcier brand review very soon – her body, bath (check out the Harmonie blend!) and facial oils are sublime and she does an incredible Lavender Facial Oil. Three main ranges, formulated for Sensitive, Dry or Combination Skin.
MAC’s Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set brush-on eyebrow gel (5 shades, mine’s Bold Brunette) £13.50. Got mine at House of Fraser
And last but not least, the two eye pencils…the slim one is the new Eye of Horus Eyebrow Pencil (automatic/non-sharpening). I have to say the jury’s still out on this item, I’m finding it a bit too hard in texture but I love the superfine tip. You want a formula that stays on and doesn’t smudge but applies easily – a bit like the perfect lipstick dilemma – soft, hydrating but doesn’t disappear after a mouthful of buttered toast. Eye of Horus do a natural mascara and it’s a real winner, so if you haven’t seen this Aussie brand before, they are available in the UK at Beautybay.com.
Finishing up with URBAN DECAY’s Glide On Eye Pencil in Whiskey, hic, the shades available are numerous, gorgeous and they all glide on and stay on (sounding rather like that ever elusive perfect lipstick again?!)
£15.50. Creamy, long-lasting, waterproof and award-winning and you can smudge them – quickly! – before they “set”.
