Elle McNamara Shares Her Beauty Dozen
For Make-Up Removal…
There's a reason why Emma Hardie’s Moringa Cleansing Balm has reached cult status – it’s the best in the business! I'm a sucker for a balm cleanse (to get rid of make-up/SPF) and the texture of this one is what does it for me. Not silky or slippery like some other balms, yet not too rich or gloopy – it removes all make-up with ease. The moringa scent is delicate and not overpowering, plus it leaves my skin supple and soft with no irritation – even when my skin is feeling at its most sensitised.
For An Overnight Facial…
If you're willing to invest in high quality skincare with advanced technology and noticeable results - Allies of Skin is your point of call. A fairly niche brand with a concise but perfectly formed range, the Bright Future Overnight Facial reigns supreme for me. It's my fail-safe night-time treatment when I want to look extra perky the next day. A blend of AHA acids and retinol, this product isn't for the faint-hearted. I use it sparingly and wake up with a forehead that really gleams.
For A Glowing Complexion…
I make it no secret that I no longer wear foundation, and I know I'm not alone in my approach to base make-up. I look for sheer formulations and Chanel really have nailed it with their Les Beiges Water Tint. It’s a 75% water-based formula with droplets of pigment that give the skin a flush of colour and even out tone without caking or covering any freckles and spots too heavily. I am obsessed.
For Full, Feathery Brows…
It's safe to say I'm starting to forget who I was before Soap Brows. I was on a shoot with Nikki Make-up back in 2016 when she fluffed my brows to perfection, I asked: ‘How did you get them so full?’ ‘It's soap,’ she replied! It's literally a bar of dried soap accompanied with a spoolie (a little mascara wand-style brush) that gives my brows a more defined, full and feathery look. Think Brooke Shields Blue Lagoon vibes, for just £12.
For Sensitive Skin…
I'm never without a face mist and La Roche Posay’s Toleriane Ultra 8 Mist is the one I've been reaching for all summer. Infused with their signature soothing Thermal Spring Water, it also uses hydrating agents such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine to calm skin that’s prone to inflammation. It also provides a refreshing hit of moisture that protects your skins barrier and keeps you glowing all day.
For A Hit Of Radiance…
Augustinus Bader is a brand that really just seemed to pop up overnight and land into the hands of the likes of VB and Kris Jenner. And yes, it’s totally worth the hype. Moisturisers for me had taken a little bit of a back seat before I tried The Rich Cream. The skincare science geek in me had developed a love affair with highly-potent fast-absorbing serums, while moisturisers were losing their appeal. As soon as I tried The Rich Cream, I knew it was a game changer for me – it leaves an incredible dewiness that will have people asking: ‘How did you get so glowy?’ and I've openly attributed it to this product. At £205 it's definitely on the pricey side, but if you haven't got the time or patience for a seven-step skincare routine but still want to achieve plump, radiant skin...add to your cart and thank me later.
For Every Time I Travel…
I'm big on my sheet masks and for some reason I always gravitate back to these ones from Patchology. I love their simplicity. They get to work within five minutes, leave my skin supple and hydrated (perfect post-peel or if you've been exposed to the sun) and they're also very lightweight for travelling so are the perfect post-flight pick-me-up for when you land.
For Soft, Shiny Hair…
I'd seen and heard so much hype around Coco + Eve’s Super Nourishing Hair Masque before testing it, I was almost convinced it was going to be all smoke and mirrors – how wrong I was. I can tell whether a hair mask is going to give results from the moment I wash it out. My hair type is thick and bleached/damaged so I need a mask that delivers results fast, and this one is my go-to. It's quite a large tub too, and I like that you can scrape every last drop as opposed to squeezing the life out of a plastic tube.
Coco and Eve's Super Nourishing Coconut and Fig Hair Mask, £34.90
For A Touch Of Luxury…
Now, it's important to note I do get Byredo’s Body Wash gifted to me, but this is something I would splash out on as a 'treat yourself' moment if I wasn't in this position. I genuinely never saw myself getting so excited about a shower routine as I do about the Byredo range (their soaps are also on another level). The washes literally leave the bottle and meet your skin like velvet, while the scent not only fills up your bathroom, but stays on your skin for hours – it actually doubles up as a perfume for me. If you take your body care as seriously as I do and are in the mood for a splurge, I urge you to take the leap with this for some bougie, bathroom frivolity.
For A Second Cleanse…
Not only is The Ordinary’s Squalane Cleanser affordable, it is one of the best I've tried since I've been blogging. Squalane is something our skin produces of its own accord as it's a naturally-occurring component to our skin's moisture barrier. In simpler terms, it's a hydrating hero. For those reasons it's the perfect cleanse for skin types on the drier side, or even those with sensitive skin, as it’s non-irritating, too. It has a lotion texture to it – unlike any other cleanser I've used – and I think that's what makes it so special. Soap-free but formulated with make-up removing agents to leave skin clean, but never stripped. You can use it as your first cleanse, but my preference would be second or morning cleanse.
For Smelling Like Heaven…
No doubt I'm a dedicated advocate/consumer of Jo Malone London, however none of their colognes have wowed me quite like this White Moss & Snowdrop one. The bottle itself is a work of art with a gleaming iridescence that I love. As for the scent, it is summed up perfectly by its name. Its delicate snowdrop petals give a touch of femininity (no sickly sweetness here) complimented to perfection by cool spice and earthy white moss. I love it so much I spray my bed linen and clothes with it, too.
For A Natural Highlight…
Becca’s Liquid Shimmering Skin Perfector in Pearl has been my ride or die highlighter for years (way before I started Bambi Does Beauty) and still reigns supreme. I'm very low key with my make-up looks as I focus mostly on my skin, but this product has stood the test of time in my kit when other highlighters haven’t. Why I love it? Zero glitter. So many highlighters (even expensive ones) have glittery pigments in that just make the whole look so unnatural. The liquid shimmering skin perfector is more of 'sheen' of light that takes my skin to a level that skincare never could. The pearl shade is my favourite as it quickly melts into the skin for a translucent finish that requires no blending.
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