The beauty products that we've tried, tested and LOVED this week
It's our job to scout the best from the rest. Here, we reveal our top picks that landed on the beauty desk over the last seven days.
Grace Timothy, Contributing Beauty Editor
A soothing cleanser:
I always start my cleanse with a micellar water to gently remove my makeup before getting stuck in with a facial balm. This one is the perfect antidote to my winter-worn skin - it's helped calm the sensitivity triggered by the cold weather and stifling central heating. With Origins' clever mushroom-based range for sensitive skin, it soothes while it cleanses, making it a great morning cleanse option too, when your skin might be feeling a little tight.
Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins™ Mega-Mushroom Skin-Relief Micellar Cleanser, £27.50, <a href="http://www.origins.co.uk/"target="_new">Origins.co.uk<a>
A DIY gel polish:
Sally Hansen has released some super sparkly versions of the cult gel duos for Christmas - such a pretty way to wear a bit of glitz that will really last. It cures in natural light, so no need to venture to a salon and its UV lamp, just apply the top coat and you're done - up to 14 days of gorgeous colour. Thank you, Santa!
Sally Hansen Miracle Gel in Game of Chromes, £9.99, <a href="XXXX"target="_new">Boots.com<a>
A scented dry shampoo:
Batiste is such a classic - you'd be hard-pushed to find a beauty editor who doesn't have a can stashed in their drawer! They've just repackaged the cult dry shampoo, and I'm enjoying this particular scented number: Blush combines freesia, tuberose and lily for a fresh, pretty twist on the bestselling shampoo. FYI - short hair will get a real volume boost through the roots, and I love the matte finish you can create.
Batiste Dry Shampoo in Blush, £2.99, <a href="http://www.boots.com/"target="_new">Boots.com<a>
Dominique Temple, Senior Beauty Assistant
A 2 in 1 hand cream:
Not only does this hand cream moisturise it also acts as an antibacterial shield, protecting from winter colds and nasty bugs. I never like my hand creams to smell too perfumed but I love this subtle hint of aloe vera to keep my hands feeling fresh.
Lanolips Antibacterial Hand Cream, £8.99, <a href="http://www.feelunique.com/"target="_new">FeelUnique.com<a>
A feel good candle:
There's nothing like the glow and soothing scent of a candle when I’m feeling stressed or tired. And this is a very budget-friendly one! The new ‘Vaxthuset’ scent is super fresh with top notes of juniper berries and cypress, with hints of the & Other Stories greenhouse Atelier in Stockholm. My mood is instantly lifted and my house is left smelling clean. A great Christmas present for your best friend. And for you!
Vaxthuset Bougie Parfumee Candle, £17, <a href="http://www.stories.com/gb/"target="_new">Stories.com<a>
A radiance boosting mist:
I spray this glow-getter on cleansed skin morning and night and apply my skincare on top. This week so many people have asked if I'd had a facial! So…I’m spreading the word that this product is AMAZING and definitely worth investing in!
Carol Joy London Pure Collagen Spray, £100, <a href="http://www.caroljoylondon.com/"target="_new">CarolJoyLondon.com<a>
Rebecca Wright, Beauty Intern
A skin soother:
Occasionally out of the blue, my skin reacts to an old favourite product in my routine. To calm my sensitized skin I add a few drops of this oil to my skincare and then massage into my skin. The chamomile has reduced the sensitivity around my cheeks meaning I don’t have to worry about stinging skin or tightness.
Cover FX Custom Infusion Drops E + Chamomile, £40, <a href="http://www.harveynichols.com/"target="_new">HarveyNichols.com<a>
An amazing liner:
This liner is my new best friend. The flexible brush gives you great control and precision when creating a flick and the formula itself is the blackest shade out there – perfect for covering unsightly lash glue!
MAC Liquidlast Liner in Point Black, £16, <a href="http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/"target="_new">MacCosmetics.co.uk<a>
A cooling treatment:
When I wake up in the morning I have the worst puffy eyes, so this balm has been my new savior. I keep the twist-up stick on my bedside table, so that I can apply it around my eyelids as soon as I wake up. The coolest thing is that the balm constantly stays a cold temperature – it’s like magic!
Embryolisse Radiant Eye, £20.50, <a href="http://www.boots.com/"target="_new">Boots.com<a>
