Grace Notes: April 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.
Kitsch Ice Roller
Ice rolling has become a staple in my morning routine now that I’m well into the swing of working from home. I like to do it after I’ve showered and washed my face, and before I apply my serums and moisturiser etc. The time spent checking my schedule, writing my to-do list, and answering emails is the perfect amount of time to roll this over my face and neck, and press it around my eyes before it looses its iciness. In lieu of a barista-made coffee, it’s my favourite kind of wake-up call.
Aurelia The Probiotic Concentrate
I really buy into the hype around probiotics and prebiotics in skincare because I’ve seen first-hand the difference they can make. This is the antidote to my nights on adapalene so I use it 3-4 times a week. It helps to prevent the usual side effects of the retinoid (increased sensitivity, redness, dry skin) by strengthening the skin’s moisture barrier. I normally struggle to keep my skin in good condition when I’m using prescription retinol, but since I started using this as well I’ve not experienced the slightest irritation.
Milk Vegan Milk Moisturiser
Another brilliant product that I would recommend adding to your routine if you’re using retinol. I typically favour light gel-cream textures in a moisturiser. This has a very traditional thick, creamy texture which I would normally avoid but it feels light on skin, doesn’t leave a greasy film, and hasn’t broken me out once. If you’re going through a dry spell and need to up the ante when it comes to overnight hydration, I can’t recommend this enough.
PSA Skin The Most: Hydration Serum
Hydration serums are just getting better and better. A case in point, The Most, a hyaluronic acid-based serum from brilliant new skincare brand PSA Skin (a sister brand to Allies of Skin). As well as HA, the formula contains bisbolol, allantoin, and kombucha, so it’s incredibly soothing. While any skin type or concern will benefit from a serum like this, it would be a partocularly good choice for sensitive skins or those experiencing flare-ups or a bad reaction.
