Our May Beauty Favourites
Just when we thought our beauty routines couldn’t get any better, they did. May saw some incredible new products launch; the team were spoilt for choice. After copious amounts of shopping and testing, the results for the team’s top pics of the month are in…
1. The Cream-to-Powder Blush
Name: Keavy, Communications & Campaigns Assistant
I’ve found my dream cream blush, and it only took me 25 years! The Lancome’s Blush Stick is out of this world creamy, but the good kind of creamy; it’s easy and seamless to blend out. The stick blush is an excellent transition into spring makeup as it has a light feel, long-lasting finish and gives a healthy flushed look.
I adore the texture as it’s a bit different from what I’m used to when using a cream blush. The formula is a cream-to-powder texture that reminds me of running my fingertips across crushed velvet. When you first start to blend, it’s soft and smooth, and as you move back and forth, the finish turns to powder – so dreamy! My favourite shade out of the three has to be Ambitious Pink (worn above) because it’s the closest match to my natural skin when it’s flushed, so I find it looks more natural.
My tip for anyone who wants to get the most out of this blush (who wouldn’t, right?) is to apply this on your eyelids and blot on the lips for a soft, romantic look that will make your partner swoon for sure. I also like to apply my blush to my cheekbones and across the bridge of my nose, too!
2. The Stretch Mark Saviour
Name: Monika, Supply Chain Planner
I will soon be welcoming my second baby. I am so ready for this exciting time in my life and am entirely OK with the body changes that come with pregnancy – it’s so beautiful. That said, my body is working overtime right now, helping my little one grow, so I think it’s essential to care for it. I’ve been using this stretch mark cream daily, head to toe, to give my skin a little TLC. I love its fresh smell and that it works into skin quickly so I can get dressed right away. It also contains 96% natural ingredients, and it comes in a big size, so I don’t have to remember to buy more – a big bonus with a baby brain!
3. The Irresistible Fragrance
Name: Rhyssa, Merchandiser
I’ve always been a lover of Givenchy fragrance lines, so it’s no surprise that the Givenchy Irresistible Eau de Toilette Spray has become one of my favourites! This fragrance is freshly crisp, energising and radiant with hints of rose, woods, fruity, and musky notes. Its lingering scent is uplifting and delicate, exactly what I look for in an Eau de Toilette. If you’re a fan of Givenchy fragrances like I am, you won’t be disappointed!
4. The Skin Pick-Me-Up
Name: Caitlin, Communications & Campaigns Assistant
If there’s anything I look for when it comes to skincare, it’s something that will make my skin feel glowy and radiant. That’s what this mask does! It’s a cross between a scrub and a peel, giving your skin a gentle exfoliation to buff away dead cells, trapped dirt and any nasties for a renewed and revitalised finish. My skin feels refreshed and soft after using it, thanks to its trio of plant-based alpha hydroxy acids, which refine and peel the skin. It’s got a lovely smooth creamy texture, while the uplifting zesty citrus scent is an added pampering treat! It acts as a pick-me-up for your skin and your senses! What’s more, it’s 96% natural and vegan too.
5. The Glow Booster
Name: Jade, Merchandiser
I am a sucker for a tan. But I will never use fake tan products due to the streaky application and strong scent. I used the Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster for Body for years and was so excited to find out they were releasing a new reformulation. Clarins combined the very best of science and plants to reimagine Clarins iconic self-tanning range with plant-enriched formulas that respect the planet and care for your skin. This tanning product is so easy to use. You add 4-6 drops into your daily moisturiser and top up every few days. Clarins has made an easy, fool-proof tanning process, plus there’s no extra steps to your body skincare routine.
The oil contains aloe vera and organic fig to make sure your skin is feeling moisturised and hydrated. Alongside this product, I would also highly recommend using the Radiance-Plus Glow Booster for Face. You will not find a better tanning duo.
6. The Mega Moisture Mask
Name: Chelsey, Communications & Campaigns Manager
Slippery, melty and an all-around treat, my dry skin soaked in this Melting Masque from the first go! After trying it a few times, I love how its buttery rich texture melts when it comes into contact with your body heat. Unlike some moisture masks, this one feels like it delivers long term and instant benefits, as my skin feels much smoother after using it consistently twice a week.
7. The Holiday in a Bottle
Name: Ben, Merchandiser
When I think of Acqua di Parma, I think of quintessential Italian luxury. This new iteration of the classic Blu Med Bergamotto di Calabria certainly embodies that! It’s fascinating how they have created a fragrance using age-old extraction techniques, filtering the bergamot juices through natural sea sponges in a hand-finished porcelain bottle – but have somehow managed to retain its contemporary appeal. The fragrance is bursting with juicy citrus fruits on the first spritz. However, as it settles, it reveals gorgeous floral notes (don’t panic, men, it is still very much unisex!), and then creamy vetiver and cedarwood in the dry down – a beautiful, sparkling, yet soft and warm scent.
To me, it’s a holiday in a bottle; imagine being sat in a bar, sipping a mimosa on a summer’s evening, watching the sunset on the Amalfi Coast. That’s La Spugnatura. Hand on heart – favourite Acqua di Parma fragrance ever (which panics me a bit because it’s super Limited Edition!).
Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo Bergamotto di Calabria La Spugnatura Eau de Toilette Review
8. The Everyday Moisturiser
Name: Richard, Merchandiser Manager
Clarins Men products have been a staple in my life for the last ten or so years. When I heard about this new product, I could not wait to try it. The tube is a twist top, which turns into a pump, allowing complete control of the amount of gel that comes out. The gel feels cooling when applied to the face; it’s non-sticky and non-oily. It goes a long way, so 2-3 pumps are all that’s needed, and it applies quickly to the face. This moisturiser is perfect for anyone looking to combat ageing and a dull complexion.
9. The Addictive Perfume
Name: Eleni, Merchandiser
I am a big fan of niche fragrances. When Initio launched on our website, I got obsessed with all their fragrances. However, the one that I can’t live without is Psychedelic Love. It’s a mixture of powdery, creamy and floral facets that create an intoxicating and addictive combination. For me, this fragrance has a balanced composition that delicately incarnates sensuality. If these weren’t enough, it has the most elegant yet powerful bottle; it’s heavy and silky matte in a very dark plum tone. Psychedelic Love is a fragrance with a harmonious composition that will drive you into addiction.
10. The Brightening Eye Gel
Name: Alan, Digital Director
Ah, the eye cream. The most ‘advanced’ part of my quite basic skincare routine. I’m on a never-ending quest to answer the question, what application method works best? A question that I strive to find an answer for. Which fingers to use, how many fingers? Is tapping best, or should I only rub/massage. Perhaps a mix of both, who knows.
But, I feel I’ve taken a massive step closer with this eye gel from Clarins. Removing the fingers from the first stage (they still sneak into the routine at the end after I’ve accidentally applied too much gel). This gels inbuilt applicator works a dream (once I’d stopped trying to give my eyes a deep tissue massage with it). Eventually, I learned to start by lightly squeezing the tube, which brings out just enough gel, and then I glide the applicator with its silver rollerballs from the inner eye to the outside.
After a couple of cooling glides, away I tap. Again, I start from the inside and work to the edge of the face. Gentle taps, for about 10 secs each eye, done. If I’d been too exuberant with squeezing the tube, I’d then finish with massaging any excess with my ring fingers.
I’ve definitely noticed a difference with my eyes; my dark circles have become less prominent after a week of use, even with my horrendous diet and alarming coffee intake.
11. The Elegant Eau de Parfum
Name: Ashleigh, Merchandiser
Since being introduced to Bvlgari fragrances, I have held a permanent obsession with the brand. The scents are always divine whilst being long-lasting. As per the brand reputation, Splendida Patchouli Tentation did not disappoint. It has a heavenly scent that is fresh yet warm whilst portraying a form of elegance. The scent remains noticeable for the whole day without being overpowering. This is a super versatile fragrance, making it perfect for all seasons and occasions. My new favourite fragrance!
12. The Attention-Grabbing Aroma
Name: Kate, Communications & Campaigns Assistant
When I first tried the new Ghost, Orb of Night, it instantly grabbed my attention; it’s a lot darker, moodier and sexier than some of the other Ghost fragrances I’ve tried, and I’m personally all for it.
The new Ghost is quite powerful and bold at first, but within minutes it settles on the skin to create a more sensual tone that I love. Bright, juicy fruits and nutty almonds dance in the top before the ultra-white floral heart blossoms to give the fragrance a pretty sweetness. But it’s the base notes that I love most about this scent – and if you have a sweet tooth like me, I think you’ll love them too; golden caramel is drizzled over soft sandalwood, sensual white musk and ambergris for a seductive tone that lingers on the skin for hours on end.
And of course, I can’t help but appreciate the bronzed crescent moon bottle!