December Beauty Picks : 2014

This month has been all about being winter-ready. Which means a) battling the twin evils of icy wind + central heating, and b) being party perfect every weekend. Below my most used/loved/recommended of December...

Byredo La Tulipe Hand Cream* Part dry-skin saviour, part perfume in cream form - I can only sing the praises of this luxe offering from Swedish perfumer Byredo. As a hand cream it ticks all of the boxes; intensely moisturising, lightweight, non-greasy, and with an immediate softening effect upon even the most severely chapped skin. The fragrance itself is a delicate floral one, with warm and complex undertones, which lingers throughout the day. And as for that packaging, well need I say more?

Chanel Eyeshadow Quad in Tisse Mademoiselle 2014 has for me been the year of the eyeshadow, and culminated in the purchase of this dreamy quad from Chanel. In truth my lids have seen little else since I bought this. Four richly pigmented neutrals which showcase Chanel’s famously delicate and buttery formula. All of which are incredibly wearable and present an infinite array of colour combinations suited to both daytime and evening looks.

Aesop Resolute Hydrating Body Balm* One of the few products which I actually look forward to using post-shower (and given my dislike of standing shivering in the cold) that’s saying something. With its warm and uplifting scent this was a winner from day one. A feature reinforced by it’s ability to provide an intense boot of moisture and hydration without leaving a thick, tacky layer upon my skin - meaning I can dress immediately post-application. Win, win.

Bourjois Java Rice Loose Powder Gimicky packaging aside, this is PhotoShop in makeup form. Dust this light, finely milled powder over your foundation for an instantly perfecting effect. Imperfections are blurred, makeup set, shine kept at bay, and your skin will boast a noticeably fresh and healthy glow. A drugstore gem indeed. My only gripes with this product are the smell (I can’t quite put my finger on it but it’s not pleasant), and the packaging - it’s fiddly, and hard to use without making a mess.

Burt’s Bees’ Tinted Lip Balm in Hibiscus Now I may have gotten lazy with my lipstick choices, or I may just have found the Holy Grail of low-maintenance lip products. Given my obsession with this item, we’ll go with the latter. I’ve always adored Burt’s Bees’ lip care offerings - the formulas are silky and buttery, instantly hydrating without leaving a heavy, sticky residue. Paired with the delicate, warm coral of this particular balm you’ll find a winter lip ideal for everyday wear.

 What are your beauty picks this month?

G x

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*PR sample