Perk up your skin and pep up your make-up in one easy move with these hardworking ‘hybrids’
You can find my latest headliner skincare products online at www.you.co.uk. Now I’d like to shine the spotlight on some of those products that lie in between skincare and cosmetics – they’re a little bit of one and the other at the same time.
The first is HourglassThe new design Vanish Airbrush Primer (£50, hourglasscosmetics.co.uk). It’s like a translucent serum that you put on after your skincare routine but before your foundation. Now I’m not usually a big primer wearer. So often I feel they make me appear more ‘done’ – like a full-on, card-carrying Make-up Wearer – whereas I’m much more of a natural look, but better, kind of a gal. It’s just my personal preference. However, this is a primer that even people who aren’t usually fans can get on board with. This primer feels almost like it’s on your skin but delivers amazing results. It blurs lines, evens skin tone and can reduce the appearance pores. Foundation looks a lot better because of it. It is important to note that the results are natural and not artificial. Skin still feels hydrated at night.
It also enhances the appearance and glow of makeup.Real Techniques Finish Blend Extender (£9.99, boots.com). It is recommended that you apply with your own designated application form. Miracle Complexion Sponge (£5.99, boots.com), which you can deploy either wet or dry. The spray is packed full of vitamins – including radiance-boosting vitamin C – as well as electrolytes to improve hydration, all of which contribute to the promised facial glow. This spray is applied after I have done my makeup, just like the Hourglass primer. You can also spritz it on throughout the day if you feel you need a refresh, although I’ve found that a morning application is enough for me.
For a more radiant complexion and to get rid of any dullness try Biotherm Aqua-Gelée Face Self-Tanning Serum (£37.60, lookfantastic.com). It’s a clear formula, but still super easy to use: just pump a couple of drops, apply evenly and make sure you take it up to – but not on to – the hairline. Sweep any excess down your neck so you aren’t left with a tan line around your jaw. One use will give a bit of warmth but it’s easily buildable if you want more – just apply morning and evening to speed things up. It’s also a great unisex option and any man I know who has tried it has become a dedicated user.
CLEAN AND SEENEY
Meanwhile, to help create an inner glow – or at least some calm and contentment – I have really been enjoying using De Mamiel Anchor Bath Soak (£58, demamiel.com) of an evening. With a blend of Himalayan, Dead Sea and Epsom salts (a very fine texture rather than chunky salts, which don’t always dissolve) and fragranced with patchouli, jasmine and sambac, it creates a deeply relaxing combination that helps to unwind the mind and relax the muscles.
To add a bit of charm to your shower ritual I’d recommend Rose Utopia Oil for Milk Body Cleanser – Soak Sunday Rose Utopia Oil (£16, soaksunday.com). It’s much as the name suggests, with a lovely and light milky texture. In a product arena that so often focuses on zingy citrus aromas, this is wonderfully cheering and refreshing – a lovely way to wake up in the morning. The cleanser is a joy to use and has a luxury feel that’s far above its price tag.