Grace Notes: October 2020
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.
Escentric Molecules 01*
I remember when I first started blogging in 2013 and this perfume was all the rage. Fast forward seven years and I can confirm that the magic of @escentric_molecules is real. WOWOWOWOW it smells like nothing to the wearer but EVERYTHING to those around. Sweet and complex and dirty (a la Byredo Gypsy Water/Glossier You) with no distinguishable notes or base, just straight up allure. 12/10 recommend if you want to get compliments everywhere you go (even the chippy, true story).
Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Dew Cream*
As a sucker for a cute or fun product name, I’ve learned that a good name doesn’t always equal a good product. Luckily, the latest moisturiser launch from Mario Badescu lives up to its name. The light, gel-textured formula is like a cooling drink of water for parched skin, packing in the moisture to quench the thirst of dehydrated skin and leave it looking fresh and glowy. I usually use separate day and night creams, but this is so good I’ve been applying it twice a day, every day.
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Hydration Serum*
The combination of glycerin and vitamin B5 (niacinamide) is a match made in heaven for dehydrated skin since it hydrates in both the short term and the long term. I’m always wary of trying a new hydration serum lest the formula be sticky and tacky (my pet hate), but this has a delightfully non-sticky formula that's light, airy, and melts upon contact with skin, with a soothing sensation and glowy finish to boot. Probably my favourite Drunk Elephant product so far.
Bobbi Brown Hydrating Face Tonic*
I actually can’t believe I haven’t featured this product in a favourites post sooner, since I use it so often, recommend it to almost all my clients, and have repurchased twice since first being sent a press sample last year. People who don’t believe in the power of toners are converted once they start using this - it’s perfect for layering underneath a hydrating serum and moisturiser for an extra layer of hydration (since those products are best applied to damp skin). I love it for giving my skin a quick refresh and reset since I typically remove my makeup and cleanse when I finish work but don’t do my full evening routine until just before I go to bed.
Dr Jart+ Cryo Rubber Mask with Hyaluronic Acid*
As you can see, there’s a theme for this month and that theme is hydration. My skin always starts to feel a little dryer and look a bit flat at this time of year, so upping the ante on hydration is the first step I take to maintaining healthy, glowy skin throughout the winter. As well as daily additions (like the above) I’ve been trying to get into the habit of using sheet masks more often, and not just when I’m doing a DIY facial. This is probably my favourite so far. It’s made with a thick, gel material which prevents moisture from evaporating from skin and instead traps it in pores. It feels soothing and refreshing on skin ( so is great for post-mask or peel), and best of all, it’s a two part face mask so is better suited to fit any face shape and not slide off once in situ.
MC Aesthetics Pro Facial Deluxe*
In the gap between lockdowns I was fortunate enough to be invited for a facial at MC Aesthetics - my first since February. My skin was in desperate need of some professional TLC and although I’ve given myself a lot of DIY facials throughout 2020, it reminded me how much more holistic the experience is when you let someone else do the hard work. This was not a ‘inhale the essential oils and enjoy the massage’ type of facial - although I do enjoy those - I wanted something more results-driven on this occasion and Mc Aesthetics specialises in more science-led and invasive treatments. The Pro Facial Deluxe was a welcome combination of deep cleansing, exfoliation, and hydration achieved via a series of hand-pieces including an ‘Aqua Peeling’ step (basically a mini HydraFacial where you can see the gunk being sucked out of your pores) and an ion-lifting tool which stimulates tissue and muscles. Exactly the reset my skin needed before lockdown two began.
