Grace Notes: July 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.
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Water
Jule Von Hepp’s genius tanning products have changed how I’ll think about fake tan forever. They’re easy to use, slow to fade, turn my ghostly skin just the right stage of golden, and don’t stain my White Company bedsheets, This spray on formula is my favourite because it turns the chore of tanning into a fuss-free task that feels less of a drag and more of a ritual.
Bare Minerals Vital Power Moisturiser SPF30
Although I wear SPF all year round, in the summer I’m more particular about using a formula that works in addition to my daily moisturiser. Although this technically is a moisturiser, it’s definitely more of an SPF - I like to layer it on top of my day cream so I can get the best of both worlds. This lightweight formula provides factor 30 coverage, doesn’t clog my pores or irritate my skin, and still keeps my complexion looking glowy and fresh.
Suva Beauty Hydra FX Liner in Acid Trip
My product of the summer has to be the Suva Beauty Hydra FX Liners. I’ve been searching for super-pigmented, bright liners for years, but never found anything pigmented enough to fulfil my dreams until now. These are so intense and stay on all day (and night). Acid Trip is the most recent addition to my (now) five strong collection, It’s a warm, bright, not-quite-neon orange and I love it.
Beached Bronzer Serum
This serum - which is actually a liquid bronzer - singlehandedly put an end to my liquid bronzer fear. It appears super dark, but blends out to offer a subtle warmth and glow. Perfect as I no longer wear a full face of makeup on a daily basis, but muting my redness and scarring is still an important part of my morning routine. I mix one drop of this with liquid concealer on my beautyblender and dab it over my skin to keep things looking a little more even. While the results are by no means full coverage, I’ve found the perfect compromise between a bare face and wearing foundation.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Gel
I could minimise my makeup routine down to three must-haves - concealer, mascara, and brow gel. I’ve tried a few great brow gels in the past year, but I’m now quite certain I’ll never find one better than this one. If you’ve ever used the original Dipbrow Pomade you’ll know exactly how much pigment and definition the products gives. These days I prefer a gel for its slightly more subtle look and ability to brush up and keep brow hairs in place. Most brow gels do this exceptionally well, but don’t add as much colour and pigment as I’d like. This one does both - completely eradicating the need to use a pencil or powder under a gel.
