Grace Notes: 2019 Favourites
2019 has been a rewarding year for me in terms of beauty. I feel like I’ve finally come to terms with the fact that my skin inevitably goes through phases (to which I must adapt my skincare and makeup routines), slowed down on the amount of new products I swap in and out of use (an occupational hazard), and figured out which ingredients really hit the sweet spot for my skin. I’ve also accepted that I’m never going to be free of the odd breakout - especially when the hormones strike, but that’s okay, because I found a great concealer (see below!).
From skincare products that have been real gamechangers through to makeup staples that have taken up permanent residence in my makeup bag, these are my stand-out favourites from 2019.
Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant
A truly skin-changing product, with a cult of devoted followers, this exfoliating toner will improve your skin’s clarity, texture, and overall health significantly. If you’re struggling with blackheads, whiteheads, scarring, or under-the-skin congestion, definitely consider trying this. Two percent salicylic acid goes deeper into clogged pores than other acids (like glycolic or lactic) can and brings out all the gunk without drying out or irritating skin. I’ve also found that this gives me the smoothest, glowiest skin of my life.
Silke London Hair Wrap
Hair masks and overnight treatments can be the most efficacious step when it comes to addressing common hair concerns like dryness and frizz, but not everyone has the time or inclination to sleep with a head full of product. I for one, as a rule, never wash my hair in the morning so only have time for them on a quiet Friday or Saturday evening. Silk hair masks however, take all the hard work out of haircare. I brush my hair before bed, apply a little oil to the ends, and then twist it all up in this cap, tuck in the stragglers, and that’s it. Come morning, my hair is free from frizz and still as soft and silky as if I’d just brushed it. What’s more, in the long term, I’ve noticed my hair stays cleaner for longer, and doesn’t see half so many split ends as it used to.
Differin Gel
Retinol is everywhere these days, in every possible format, texture, and derivative you could imagine - and while fun names and Instagrammable packaging may tick your boxes, it is after all what’s inside that counts… Differin is only available with prescription in the UK, but visit America and you’ll find it stocked on the shelves of Walgreens and CVS amongst the toothpaste and dry shampoo. It contains a potent form of retinoid called adapalene, which prevents pores from clogging while reducing redness and inflammation. I had to wait at least six weeks for the good results to kick in, and I experienced everything from purging to dry skin and hypersensitivity in the meantime, but it was all worth it. Until my tube ran dry, I officially had the clearest skin I’ve had since my pre-teens.
Soap Brows
With searches for ‘brow lamination’ and ‘soapbrows’ on the rise, I’m confident that 2020 will be recorded in the history books as the year of the fluffy brow, and short of spending time and dollar in the salon, this product is the best thing you’ll find for achieving “the look”. Stalking @nikki_makeup’s Instagram Stories last year alerted me to the existence of this product and then suddenly it was everywhere. I’ll be the first to tell you that it totally lives up to hype and expectation. Its ingredient list is short and simple, filled with all the stuff you’d expect to find in a soap, except it’s not a soap - not in the traditional sense anyway. Soak the accompanying spoolie, swipe over the soap a few times, and then brush through your brows. It will lift them, shape them, and keep them in place all day long. Yes, you could just buy a bar of hand soap, but logistically and hygienically, this is then only option I’d consider.
Foreo Luna Mini 2
Like most beauty technology, Foreos are really tragically expensive, but they’re also real game changers and I 100% think they’re worth every penny (they’re also often on offer). If you didn’t know, you should be cleansing your skin for 2-3 minutes each time - no less (you might think you already do, but set a timer next time you wash your face and I’ll guarantee you’ll barely clock one minute). The Foreo forces you to cleanse for the full amount of time, all while delivering 8000 pulsations per minute to remove 99.5% of dirt, oil, and dead skin cells, and it’s the perfect shape for getting into all the nooks and crannies where congestants build up. If you’re concerned about bacteria or damage, don’t be. Unlike cleansing devices with nylon bristles Foreos are made with silicone, which is softer, gentler, and infinitely more hygienic.
Glossier Stretch Concealer
In my experience, 90% of concealers aren’t worth writing home about, so when I do find a good one, I’ll sing about it from the rooftops. I wish I’d tried Stretch Concealer sooner because it really is the best yet. It hits all the marks - high coverage but not thick, lasts all day but doesn’t cling to dry patches, masks redness and layers well on days when you need more coverage. And it feels really light. It’s the absolute best concealer I can recommend if you have blemishes or redness and want to spot-conceal rather than apply a base all over, and still want your skin to look like skin.
The Ordinary Marine Hyaluronics
How many Instagram features does a product need to get before it qualifies for a spot in the yearly favourites? Truthfully, I’ve lost count, but if you follow me on Instagram you’ll have heard me bang on about this on numerous occasions. It’s far superior to any hyaluronic acid serum I’ve ever tried - the texture is thin and viscous (like water) so doesn’t leave tacky residue behind or pill under other products, and the results are visible within a couple of days. This serum made me realise just how dehydrated my skin actually was - well before the warning signs kicked in - it’ll work wonders no matter what your skin type or concerns.
Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek Tint in Werk
If (like me) you have skin that has any kind of texture (dryness, blemishes etc), then cream blushers are essential - they look the most natural and won’t emphasise textural irregularity. I’ve used this cream blusher stick every day since a generous press send-out arrived on my desk to celebrate Milk Makeup’s UK launch last January. It’s easy to apply straight from the stick because the applicator is the perfect size for hitting the apples of the cheeks. Sometimes I diffuse the colour with a fluffy brush but it basically blends itself into skin and makes my cheeks look natural rosy - the pigment is fresh and sheer and gives the illusion of a healthy glow.
Bare Minerals Skin Longevity SPF30
Sunscreens are tricky to like (let alone fall in love with) because most are thick and chalky and don’t sit well under makeup, but they’re also the most crucial step in any routine (especially when you use as much retinol and acids as I do). Not only is this high SPF and excellent at protecting my skin (SPF really is the unsung hero of clearing scarring - my blemishes don’t linger as long as they used to), it never makes me break out, and the silky texture glides on effortlessly. It never feels chalky either, so makeup applies beautifully right on top of it.
Suva Hydra Liners
Somewhere between binge-watching Euphoria and having spent enough years working in the beauty industry (and therefore becoming completely desensitised to the concept of editorial makeup), I started to wear neon eyeliner to work. My product of choice is Suva’s Hydra Liners - basically pots of pressed pigment that you use a wet brush to paint on. Applied with the right brush (ZOEVA 315 Fine Liner), it’s as easy as eyeliner application is gonna get, and the pigment is impressively long-wearing (it stayed on when I got caught in a downpour on my way home from a recent night out).