Eight beauty-editor-approved buys – including the new Glossier perfume and a posh make-up brush
I’VE fully embraced spring this month – winter dragged on for far too long, so as soon as the clocks went back, my heavy knits and chunky boots got packed away.
Even when the weather isn’t playing ball, Glossier You Fleur, £70 for 50ml EDP, has helped keep my spring spirit alive.
Glossier You Fleur, £70 for 50ml EDP
It has a saltiness that immediately transports you to the beach, with fruity apricot and the comforting, warm woody, cashmere notes of the original Glossier You – I’ve been wearing it daily, and can still smell it on my clothes in the laundry basket!
I’m a big believer in a pick-and-mix beauty routine – every brand has products it does really well, and others that are a bit of a flop, so I wouldn’t recommend a multi-step routine from the same brand before, but the latest launch from Irish brand Sculpted By Aimee has turned that on its head.
Sculpted By Aimee Brighten Up Energising Eye Cream, £26
There’s not a single dud in the three-product strong Glow Collection – Sculpted By Aimee Energising Eye Cream, £26, has a cooling metal applicator that has been a godsend for my hayfever-riddled eyes and a super-lightweight consistency that feels instantly soothing on delicate undereye skin.
Sculpted By Aimee LiquidGlo Brightening Essence, £24
Sculpted By Aimee LiquidGlo Brightening Essence, £24, is packed with my favourite skincare ingredient – niacinamide, which is an all-rounder that helps balance oil production, calm inflammation and reduce texture – in a water-like formula that’s virtually weightless on skin and doesn’t leave behind any sticky residue, so you can layer it with pretty much anything.
Sculpted By Aimee Hydrabright Illuminating Serum, £30
Finally, the star of the show, Sculpted By Aimee Hydrabright Illuminating Serum, £30, is the only vitamin C serum I’ve ever managed to use consistently.
I often find they’re greasy, and pretty much every one I’ve tried has caused my skin to break out, but it’s been a month and my skin is looking better than ever – the only thing it’s added is more glow!
The Inkey List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex, £20
I’ve also been using The Inkey List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex, £20, morning and night since it launched at the start of the month.
Founders Mark Curry and Colette Laxton told me it’s the jack of all trades (and master of them too!) so will improve pretty much every skin concern, and make the rest of the products in my routine also work harder.
I’m no scientist, so I can’t confirm if that’s true, but given the current state of my skin, I’m inclined to agree with them.
Again, glow is a major focus, but as someone who usually runs from the word given my oily, spot-prone complexion, I’m happy to report the serum feels like silk without any sign of oiliness.
Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF50+ Superlight Mineral Skinscreen, £38
SPF is always the last step in my morning routine – if you’re not already wearing it daily, let the recent sunny weather persuade you otherwise – and Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF50+ Superlight Mineral Skinscreen, £38, has unexpectedly become my go-to.
I say unexpectedly, as it’s made from mineral sunscreen filters, which I thought I hated (they’re often thick and oily) but this new gen is super-fluid, and absorbs almost instantly, so it doesn’t interfere with my make-up.
Supergoop! Protec(Tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF50, £40
For days when I’m not wearing a full face of glam, I’ve been using Supergoop! Protec(Tint) Daily SPF Tint SPF50, £40, in place of foundation, thanks to the buildable coverage.
It blends easily, so it’s not at all patchy which can be a problem with some skin tints – plus, it has a slightly thicker, more hydrating consistency that leaves my skin feeling moisturised all day.
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Brush Collection, from £30
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Brush Collection, from £30, is the launch that has wowed me the most this month – inspired by calligraphy tools, the walnut handles are shaped to fit perfectly in your hand, and the bristles are densely packed to pick up pigment, while feeling feather-soft.
To get the best value for money, I’d buy the double-ended versions first, but a word of warning: once you’ve bought one, you’re going to want more, so it might be worth buying the Custom Brush Set, which is fully customisable – you have to pick at least three of the nine-strong collection to save 10%. Who doesn’t love a discount?!
How To Save Money On Beauty Buys
IF your purse is feeling tighter than ever before and you're looking to save cash on your make-up routine, have you ever thought of trying out beauty dupes?
Here are five of the best recommended beauty buys that are almost identical to the posh versions, but at a fraction of the price.
FACE BASE If you can’t afford Charlotte Tilbury‘s £52 Magic Cream, why not try a dupe that costs just £5.49 from Superdrug?
TONE IT UP If Drunk Elephant’s £62 Protini Cream is out of your price range, you’ll need to check out the new dupe in Home Bargains.
TINTING IT With Fenty’s game-changer skin tint costing £29, a popular supermarket’s affordable alternative might just be the thing for you.
GET COVERED At £29 for a Tarte concealer, the new Primark dupe is much more affordable at just £3.50.
SPRAY YAY For those wanting to smell fresh without the price tag, Aldi’s new Prada and Chloe perfume dupes cost a fraction of the price.