GRACE NOTES: NOVEMBER 2017
Working as a beauty writer practically requires me to turn up at work wearing as little product as possible – a blank canvas if you will – to be smothered and swatched in potions and pigments from 8 ‘till 5. As it's my job to swatch and sniff my way through the latest and greatest beauty launches, each month I debrief on the ones worth writing home about.
ZOEVA EYELINER IN OPULENCE
I’ve always liked ZOEVA’s butter-soft eyeliners, and the colour options are to die for. I finally worked up the courage to try the red after seeing it in action on Instagram. The hue is warm and metallic so it isn’t too jarring against my fair skin - in fact, paired with a blend of warm eyeshadows, it’s hard to go wrong.
AINSEL LIPSTICK IN MAROON TURTLENECK
This is hands-down the most wearable, comfortable, flexible lipstick formula I’ve tried all year. My favourite breed of lipstick is a super-pigmented stain that gives you the option to apply sheer or layer on, and Ainsel just gets it. What’s more, the bullet is smaller than average, which makes it easier to apply and harder to mess up the shape. I’m switching between three shades at the moment, but this is my most-worn - dark burgundy-red is my go-to autumn/winter colour every year, it looks good with everything.
TAN-LUXE SLEEP OIL
I’ve never really been able to pull of the faux-tanned face look before, it just careens quickly into Oompa Loompa territory, but it seems that technology has improved since my last experimentation. This sheer, hydrating serum absorbs quickly and gives a subtle, forgiving glow come morning that keeps my skin from looking orange.
EVOLVE BEAUTY SUPERFOOD SHINE SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER
I was recently introduced to Evolve, an indie beauty brand producing organic and natural products for skin, hair, and body. Their shampoo and conditioner are amongst the best I’ve tried this year, because they not only work wonders increasing shine, but are also super hydrating. They’ve made my thick, dry winter hair into the softest, sleekest princess hair of my dreams.
GALINÉE BODY MILK
I always thought that body products with lofty claims were bogus, but in a sea of the 6348279 body lotions/butters/creams/balms/milks that I get sent at the beginning of every winter this one rose to the top. Its bells and whistles formula is actually worth getting excited about - probiotics, prebiotics, and lactic acid which balances skin’s pH, and strengthens the moisture barrier and anti-bacterial defence. Give the formula a few minutes to absorb and it dries down, setting into skin to provide hydration that lasts all day.
