Grace Notes: June 2019
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.
Mario Badescu Lip Balm
I’ve tried budget lip balms and high end lip balms, but as of this month this £6 one from Mario Badescu is my absolute favourite. It’s honestly one of the nicest formulas of lip balm I’ve ever tried - light, creamy, comfortable, and it keeps my lips soft and plump without needing to be copiously reapplied.
Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream
With 90% of my Instagram followers messaging me to rave about this moisturiser, I knew I was in good company with this pick in my luggage. Ceramides are an ingredient renowned for their ability to hydrate and strengthen skin so can literally benefit any and every skin type. My skin usually freaks out when I travel and spend time in a different climate, but thanks to this I didn’t experience the usual post-flight dehydration, and using this twice a day kept my skin supple and hydrated. Total gamechanger. Will 100% purchase a full size version.
Differin Gel
I’ve been using this retinoid religiously since purchasing it (although I have to point out that unless you have truly stubborn acne, this might not be for you) and I’m not sure how I’m going to live when it runs out. The queen of acne treatments in my (and most of the beauty community’s) opinion is only available on prescription here in the UK, but in America can be purchased over the counter so was a must-buy on my recent trip to New York. It’s seriously effective and makes light work of treating stubborn scarring and decongestion.
Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Foundation Stick
I was categorically not a foundation stick kinda gal until I discovered this one. It almost feels more like skincare than makeup and I was surprised by how weightless it feels. I dab it onto areas of redness and use my beautyblender to diffuse the pigment. It’s water-based so won’t clog pores or exacerbate breakouts, and you can wear it sheer or build it up to full coverage if desired. Best of all, I love the way that it evens my skin tones and reduces redness in areas that need it, but doesn’t leave my skin looking completely masked.
Playa Every Day Shampoo & Supernatural Conditioner
Aside from the scent, the best thing about this duo is that if you use them you don’t need to blow-dry your hair. I really have to be in the mood to blow-dry my hair, and I never am when I’m on holiday (it’s hot and I’d rather be out #doingthings) which is why I packed these for my trip. I’m not sure of the science behind the magic, but needless to say by some miracle, they cut down my haircare ritual and leave my hair looking as sleek, shiny, bouncy, and easy to manage as if I just emerged from the salon. No hairdryer required.
