Our 2019 Favourites
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2019 brought us a royal baby, the end of Game of Thrones and eyebrow lamination. We saw the natural beauty movement explode, and a vegan sausage roll take over the internet; what on earth will happen next year?
Here at Escentual, we’re lucky to be at the forefront of innovation. We’ve witnessed the trends (sustainable skincare and niche perfume, to name but a few) firsthand; so as we reflect on last year’s beauty launches, here are the products that made the biggest impact on us – we call them our ‘Escentuals’.
#1 The Breakthrough SPF
Clarins Mineral Sun Care Compact for Face SPF30
I used to have a love/hate relationship with SPF; then I got introduced to Clarins’ SPF30 Mineral Compact, and it’s been monogamous ever since. Not only is it a mineral formula (no nasties included), it’s tinted, and it makes the best makeup base too. There’s so much to be fond of with this compact, it’s fuss-free, effortless to apply, and it makes my skin look glowy, even on an off day. Clarins have made me enjoy using SPF again – I can’t fault the packaging or the protection it gives.
#2 The High-End Foundation
GUERLAIN L’Essentiel Natural Glow Foundation SPF20
L’Essentiel is my 2019 beauty favourite; it’s also everyone else’s favourite on me – I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve had on it! People tell me how healthy and glowy my skin looks, which is everything I want in a base. It also feels so lightweight, wears nicely throughout the day. That’s not even the best part, though; the formula contains 97% naturally-derived ingredients, which, if you’re conscious about what you put on your skin like me will be music to your ears.
#3 The Trending Body Balm
Nuxe Reve de Miel Melting Honey Body Oil Balm
Since the moment the Reve de Miel Melting Honey Body Oil Balm appeared on my desk in September I haven’t looked back. I popped the lid off, and I was instantly hit with waves of delicious sweet honey, mimosa and creamy vanilla. And, it’s safe to say, from that point I was totally sold!
What’s the formula like? Well, the creamy balm leaves my skin feeling nourished from head-to-toe with a gorgeous sheen, which I love. I have to say it’s my all-time favourite new release for 2019. I’ve even pushed my beloved Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse to the back of my skincare shelf to make room for this little star.
Find out more about Nuxe’s Reve de Miel range here.
#4 The New Baby Essential
I have been using the Skin Freshener on my little boy since he was born (August last year) and it is now one of the essential parts of our daily routine. We use it after a nappy change, to style his hair or just to refresh his skin throughout the day. It is always in my baby bag when we are out and about. The formula makes his skin nice and smooth, refreshed and brings up the lovely baby smell which makes me want to cuddle him even more!
#5 The New & Noteworthy Niche
Van Cleef & Arpels Collection Extraordinaire Santal Blanc Eau de Parfum
I discovered this sophisticated yet comforting scent back in the summer and I have to say, I’m absolutely devastated that I’ve just finished the bottle I bought (I’m hoping that another bottle is going to magically appear under the tree this Christmas!). Santal Blanc will now forever be in my perfume collection. I love it for its unique blend of creamy fig milk, violet and sandalwood which settles into a base of tonka bean and musks. It’s classy and grown-up, yet perfect for everyday wear.
Love niche? Discover more of our favourites in this dedicated edit of best niche fragrances.
#6 The Under-The-Radar Fragrance
Montblanc Explorer Eau de Parfum Spray
Explorer took me by surprise this year, in fact, it’s the first Montblanc fragrance I’ve ever smelt and now I want to try more. I first got handed a blotter with Explorer on, and straight away I thought it was Aventus Creed. If you haven’t tried either, they both have a fresh, leathery aroma that smells super expensive. Obviously, I liked it enough to try it on my skin, and the aroma was even better, the longevity was an extra bonus. I knew I had to have it. And just like that, it’s become my signature scent of 2019.
Our Fragrance Expert, Thomas lets you in on more detail in his Montblanc Explorer review.
#7 The Well-Awaited Release
Acqua di Parma Vaniglia Eau de Parfum
I waited all year for Vaniglia to arrive; it’s fast overtaken Pura, Club and Colonia as my new favourite Acqua di Parma fragrance. Vaniglia has everything I love about fragrance. It’s deep, long-lasting, and slightly mysterious; who knew vanilla and white florals would make me feel so masculine?
Over to You!
What have you loved this year? Share your favourite skincare, makeup and fragrances with #MyEscentual over on Instagram and Twitter.