BEAUTY BITES : JUNE 2015
A stylish summer calls for an appropriately chic beauty lineup; products that take you from day to night with ease, can be tossed into a suitcase at a moments notice, and will withstand the heat of a blazing sun. From a glowing complexion to tousled locks, a beach to dinner scent and smudge-proof eye makeup, June's beauty favourites are all about meeting the season's requirements in the most luxe way possible.
ANJA RUBIK Original Eau de Parfum*
If you've ever been sceptical of celebrity fragrances, now's the time to change your mind [a decision that will be both effortless and pleasurable in this instance]. The result of a long-term labour of love from Polish model Anja Rubik, Original is clean and woody; a far-cry from the typical celebrity fragrances on the market [it's been deemed worthy of the hallowed beauty halls of Liberty]. Expect a flare of modernity combined with a classic take on sophisticated fragrance [you'd easily be forgiven for thinking this the legacy product of a 300-year old French fragrance house]. The notes are gloriously daring - bursts of pink pepper and fresh green tea - with the unexpected hint of lily balanced on a base of amber. Essentially a fresh, feminine fragrance, its woody masculine undertones afford it an androgynous air. The bottle itself is a bona fide thing of beauty - sheer glass rising to matte white [inspired by Anja's favourite Anthony Vaccarello dress], clean and chic, a testament to its contents. I'm so completely smitten with this fragrance that I haven't worn another since it landed upon my desk - utterly effortless, resilient and durable, it's the epitome of a head-turning scent.
ILLAMASQUA Precision Ink in Abyss
Ideal for adding glamour to a simple look if paired with a natural complexion and a bold red lip, a slick of black eyeliner is a summer essential, perfect for both day and night. Until now my life has proven an unrequited quest for the perfect liquid eyeliner; a product that applies easily, looks good, and lasts well. I can safely say that [with a fistful of dried up felt-tip pens and failed attempts at gel-liner behind me] I have finally found The One. And you know you've found The One when [despite your known eyeliner improficiency] you manage two perfect cat-eye flicks with first use. Yes, really. This is true eyeliner finesse. Expect a slick of jet black pigment with a slight glossy sheen that stays put and perfect from sunrise to sunset; and a wand with just the right combination of frigidity/flexibility to allow precision application without error - smoothly transitioning from a precision flick to a thicker line. See it in action here.
PERCY & REED Smoothed, Sealed, and Sensational No Oil Oil
Every now and then a magazine freebie throws up a gem, the kind of product you adore enough to purchase multiple copies of said magazine before eventually purchasing the full-size version [essentially, a PR's dream]. Granted, it's a rare phenomenon, but ELLE's recent offering of the above oil left me in a state of near shock as regards its prowess. Designed to be applied to wet hair to boost thickness, prevent frizz, and improve texture, [all whilst delivering a cocktail of nourishing vitamins], this oil is a rarity in that it ticks all of the afore-mentioned boxes. Most impressively it gives my hair a noticeable boost of thickness that lasts [even with brushing/styling] for days. Ideal for effortlessly styling a choppy bob, this weightless oil lends itself well to summer hair and doesn't infringe upon cleanliness [in texture it's more gel than oil and leaves no trace of residue or build-up whatsoever].
"If a June night could talk, it would probably boast it invented romance."
- Bernard Williams
CHANEL Stylo Fresh Effect Eyeshadow in Laurier Rose
In true Chanel spirit, this eyeshadow is at once chic, feminine, and practical. The phrase 'fresh effect' transcends simply the final result [a bright flash of colour and iridescence] and encapsulates also its application - it has an instantly refreshing and cooling effect upon the lids. The perfectly angled pen-tip and light creamy formula allow the pigment to glide on effortlessly, without the slightest pulling sensation, leaving a pure wash of pigment. When paired with a bronzed glow and a glossy nude lip, the bright and dazzling eye is one of the most elegant summer combinations, and this copper-pink shade serves to bring out the colour in blue and green eyes as well as emphasising a tan. It lasts well [but performs best over an eyeshadow primer], and also blends easily with both finger and brush, should an ombré effect feature upon your agenda.
shop the edit
MALIN + GOETZ Replenishing Face Serum*
Whatever the season, but most especially in summer, you can't go wrong with a good hydrating serum, and no more so than when the brand in question is renowned for combining science with luxury. Come June I swap my moisture rich creams for refreshing multi-purpose serums like the above; a lightweight cooling gel, which applies easily [just the tiniest amount is required] and absorbs swiftly, leaving skin feeling instantaneously hydrated [think : skin drink]. Infused with lavender, chamomile, and geranium [which afford it a pleasant botanical aroma] it soothes and refreshes a stressed complexion and provides a velvet-soft base, ideal for consequent makeup application.
THE BODY SHOP Highlighting Dome in Pink*
In recent weeks I've trialled all three of The Body Shop's newly released Highlighting Domes [there's a cool pearlescent illuminator shade, a creamy gold bronzer, and the above delicate coral blush]. In truth, I wasn't expecting to be anywhere near so impressed as I am with all three [having never extensively explored The Body Shop's makeup range - an error soon to be rectified], but most especially with the blush shade. I'm not much of a blush wearer, but I've relished applying and wearing this this month [I favour a brush over direct application]; it provides a perfect injection of subtle and natural colouring, without compromising upon the luminous glow I seek from my base makeup during the summer months. This shade in particular is wrought through with a delicate gold sheen [making it something of a highlighter/blush hybrid], and looks incredible when blended high over the cheekbones, providing a barely there hint of colour. The result is decidedly fresh and wholly summer perfect. I rarely urge to purchase, but at £8 this a budget buy and well worth every penny, so if you buy one thing this month...
What products constituted your favourites line-up this June?
