Our April Beauty Favourites
Here at Escentual, we’re always putting the latest new beauty, fragrance and skincare to the test – and that means we’re lucky enough to get to try out a huge range of products every single month! So, you know that anything that really stands out to us must be good.
Read on to find out all about our favourites this April…
1. The Water Spray For Hydrated Skin
Name: Ceryn, Communications & Campaigns Editor
I have a soft spot for hydrating face mists, so there was no question about it; Avene’s new Hydrance Hydrating Mist would be mine when it launched. I was even more convinced to buy it when I learnt it offers 24-hour hydration in only 3 seconds, thanks to added Avene thermal water and hyaluronic acid.
Ever since I’ve had it, I’ve used it daily – no money wasted here. It’s the second step in my skincare routine (after cleansing) morning and night, plus it has a place on my desk and in my handbag because you can spritz it over makeup. Whenever my skin feels tight or itchy, often due to my eczema, I reach for it, and my face instantly feels better.
2. The Skin-Saving Toner For Oily Complexions
Name: Jade, Merchandiser
My skin is oily and I have always suffered with breakouts around my chin and forehead area. I’ve tried lots of things in the past that haven’t helped to either limit the amount of breakouts I get, or to allow my skin to be free from breakouts all together.
But this month, I’ve been able to try Bioderma’s new lotion in the Sebium collection – and it has completely saved my skin! This lotion has been such a saviour that from now on, I’ll never be without this product. The toning lotion purifies skin and limits the development of blemishes; it uses agaric acid to tighten pores and salicylic acid to even out skin texture.
It has a triple effect action that moisturises and hydrates your skin for up to 8 hours, regulates sebum production and rebalances the skin’s PH level. Although the lotion isn’t fragrance-free, I love that it’s still suitable be used for sensitive skin. The scent smells fruity and fresh, and I love the way it leaves skin feeling really cleansed and refreshed.
3. The Glow-Revealing Anti-Ageing Face Cream
Name: Kate, Communications & Campaigns Assistant
As soon as I saw Clarins’ new moisturiser, I knew I’d love it. The Extra-Firming Energy Cream has a gorgeously rich yet soft texture and an apricot colour that somehow feels high-end but still playful.
But I must admit that the standout elements have to be (and of course, should be) the ingredients! For those of you who have been keeping up to date with my technology series, it should come as no surprise that this anti-ageing moisturiser features some pretty impressive tech – it’s one of the reasons why I had to pick it as my monthly favourite.
It features Clarins’ most exciting new ingredient blend, their
4. The Long-Lasting Leather Eau de Parfum
Name: Suresh, Business Analyst
When I think of a typical leather fragrance, I think of something heavy and heady that doesn’t always sit easily. But Salvatore Ferragamo Intense Leather couldn’t be more different. It’s so much fresher and mellower than other leather scents I’ve tried – and I love it.
It has an exciting contrast of fruity, herby, floral top and mid notes before you experience the leathery, earthy base. The longevity of this fragrance is amazing; it lasts all day and all night, and I even get hints of the scent the following morning. I think it could easily be worn all year round, or one you can rotate wearing throughout the year.
If I had to sum up this fragrance in five words, they would be; masculine, fresh, appealing, contrasted and sophisticated.
5. The Anti-Ageing Concentrate For Sensitive Skin
Name: Emily, Merchandiser
Since I turned 30, I’ve been looking for a retinol product to target fine lines which have developed, particularly on my forehead. However, I’ve always been weary to use retinol due to my sensitive skin.
When I first saw the bareMinerals Phyto-Retinol range, I was so excited to try it. My favourite has to be the 10% Phyto-Retinol Night Concentrate because it’s so lightweight but it’s still packed with kind-to-skin ingredients.
I love how fresh my complexion feels after application, lulling me into relaxation for the night. After just a few days I could see a real difference in my skin; it felt more hydrated and smoother but without any redness or sensitivity. My fine lines appear less visible and I’m so pleased with the overall appearance of my skin. If you’re looking for all the benefits of a retinol product without the worry of reactions, I highly recommend you give bareMinerals Phyto-Retinol a go!
6. The Science-Driven SPF 100
Name: Chelsey, Communications & Campaigns Manager
Hearing Dylan, Eucerin’s Medical Manager, talk about the Actinic Control MD Fluid SPF made me fall in love with it; and now I’ve tried it, I’m a huge advocate for it – the science and research behind it is very impressive.
This SPF 100 defence – which is technically unheard of in the UK – is broad-spectrum, highly reliable and essential to us, mainly skin cancer patients. Before this product, I wasn’t highly aware of Actinic keratosis; it’s the world’s most common precursor to non-melanoma skin cancer caused by the sun’s rays. Actinic keratosis is a rough, scaly patch on the skin. It’s usually found on the main areas exposed to the sun: the face, lips, ears and back of the hands, but this sun cream is proven to prevent actinic keratosis and non-melanoma skin cancer so it really does prioritise your skin’s health above all else.
7. The Lightweight Foundation For A Flawless Finish
Name: Caitlin, Communications & Campaigns Assistant
I’m not a fan of heavy-duty foundations, which is why I instantly fell in love with Elizabeth Arden’s new foundation! I love how it gives a natural yet perfected finish, which is easily buildable too. It’s so lightweight and blends into skin effortlessly; I love how smooth, even and radiant my skin looks without feeling heavy or cakey. It’s packed with hyaluronic acid and vitamins C and E, so it expertly blends skincare with makeup to look after your skin while still leaving a natural-looking, flawless finish.
And I have to tell you about the primer too – it’s a skin-quenching treat that leaves my complexion hydrated and glowy, and allows foundation to glide on like a dream. It’ll keep it locked in place, too. This is the ideal skincare duo if you’re after radiant and natural-looking coverage.
8. The Eye Cream For A Well-Rested Look
Name: Rhyssa, Merchandiser
bareMinerals’ new eye cream fits in perfectly with my skincare routine and comes with added benefits, thanks to innovative Phyto-retinol – it has the same benefits of retinol but without the associated sensitivity. I’ve always been one to wake up with puffy and dull-looking eyes, but using this in the evening has left me with brighter, puff-free eyes in the morning!
I love that it’s suitable for sensitive skin and that it’s made using vegan ingredients; plus, its soft, creamy texture feels really nice when you blend it into skin. It’s super soothing and melts perfectly, leaving my under-eyes feeling moisturised all day.
I’ve also found that my eye makeup applies smoother and the circles under my eyes are minimised. This is a go-to staple in my skincare routine!
9. The Eco-Conscious Deodorant
Name: Ben, Merchandiser
Over the last few months, I’ve tried to become more eco-conscious in my product choices. During that time, I’ve tried a few deodorant sticks, and I decided to give the Caudalie Vinofresh Natural Stick Deodorant a go as it’s made up of 98% natural ingredients.
First and foremost, I have to mention the scent! It has a powerful, invigorating, eucalyptus aroma that keeps me feeling clean and fresh all day long.
Caudalie are currently going through a revamp of their product range and I love their new image; this deodorant looks so good on my bathroom shelf, which is important in the era of the #shelfie!
Caudalie are also members of “1% for the Planet”, an organisation who give back at least 1% of annual sales to support environmental initiatives, so it feels good to know that a portion will be going to a good cause too!
10. The Award-Winning Face Mask
Name: Keavy, Communications & Campaigns Assistant
There’s no better feeling than discovering a new beauty brand that you love. I’m lucky because this happens all too often, but what is rare is loving every product from a brand. But this was the case for Antipodes. On top of making my skin feel healthy and nourished, their products smell delicious – plus, they also have sustainable values that means loving them is even easier.
I was hard-pushed to choose just one Antipodes product for my monthly favourite, but after a lot of trialing and far too many pamper sessions – work commitments, right?! – I picked the Aura Manuka Honey Mask.
I know I’m not alone in saying that I’m obsessed; it’s a cult-favourite that’s incredibly popular with influencers, and it has won multiple Harper’s Bazaar awards. A reputation that is well deserved too. The mask feels incredibly creamy as you apply it, and the honeyed smell is mouthwatering. I love how calm my skin feels after, as well as hydrated, bouncy and silky, which means my makeup also goes on like a dream!