Thought I'd pull together a few products I've been loving lately. Nothing complicated, just the things that keep finding their way back into the bathroom, the makeup bag, and the getting-ready pile.
There is something nicely honest about the products you use without thinking too hard. A body balm either makes dry skin happy or it doesn't. A cleanser either gets the day off without leaving your face tight, or it quietly gets replaced. Makeup either makes the morning easier, or it gathers dust.
Aesop Rejuvenate Body Balm
Aesop Rejuvenate Intensive Body Balm is so good for dry skin. It's rich without feeling like you've coated yourself in something heavy, and as with all Aesop products, the smell is half the pleasure. Warm, herbal, grown-up, and very easy to become attached to.
This is the kind of body product that feels especially lovely after a shower, when skin is still a little damp and can actually make use of the richness. If your skin is very dry, look for this sort of mix: glycerin or other humectants, plus emollients and oils that leave skin more comfortable for hours.
- Best for: dry skin, evening showers, and anyone who likes body care to smell beautiful.
- Use it when: you have time to let a richer balm settle before getting dressed.
- Skip it if: fragrance tends to bother your skin.
Oskia Renaissance Mask
Oskia Renaissance Mask is one of those skincare products that feels like a treat the moment you put it on. It has that smooth, plush texture and the same kind of pretty, spa-ish scent that makes you want to leave it on longer than the instructions say. Please don't. Follow the instructions.
It is a brightening, resurfacing sort of mask, so treat it as an occasional polish rather than something your skin has to earn. If your routine already has acids, retinoids, or strong vitamin C, don't stack everything into the same night. Skin that looks calm tomorrow is better than skin that feels heroic tonight.
- Patch test first if your skin is reactive.
- Avoid stacking a resurfacing mask with retinoids or exfoliating leave-ons the same night.
- Follow with a plain moisturizer, not three more exciting products.
Boots Botanics cleansers
Boots Botanics cleansing products are still a brilliant bargain. The eye makeup remover is the standout: gentle, reliable, and exactly the sort of product that proves cleansing does not need to be glamorous to be good.
If you wear mascara, liner, SPF, or a longer-wear base, a dedicated remover makes life easier. Let it do the work instead of scrubbing your eyes, then follow with a gentle cleanser if you need it. A face that feels soft after rinsing is the goal. Squeaky clean is usually a warning.
Makeup, a few faves
Urban Decay eye shadow still has the best everyday argument: the shades are natural enough to use constantly. Naked 2 is the sort of palette where the quiet colours do the most work. A soft crease shade, a little shimmer, and a deeper colour pressed along the lash line will get you much further than a drawer full of shadows you only admire.
Smashbox primer is also still a proper makeup-bag staple. It feels silky on the skin and gives foundation a smoother base, especially when texture or longevity is the thing annoying you. Primer is not compulsory, but when it works, you notice.
Lancôme mascara, MAC foundation, and Shanghai Suzy lipstick complete the set. Shanghai Suzy is especially sweet if you like a lipstick-only brand with a good colour range and a more affordable price. Miss Amy is the sort of shade that makes lipstick feel easy rather than dressed up.
- Urban Decay: soft, wearable shadows that actually get used.
- Smashbox: a silky base when foundation needs help.
- Lancôme and MAC: classics for mascara and foundation.
- Shanghai Suzy: affordable lipstick with cheerful colour payoff.
