The Best New Beauty Buys For February
SAVVY SKINCARE:
Biossance Squalane Oil, £27
Promising effective results without compromising the environment, Biossance is completely recyclable, cruelty-free and uses 100% plant-based ingredients. Our favourite from the range is this does-it-all oil which can be used on the body, the face and even as a soothing shave oil. Formulated with squalane, just a few drops massaged into the skin will encourage a speedier cell turnover, boost elasticity and add extra moisture. It’s lightweight too, so works well when blended with foundation for a dewy finish.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler + Hyaluronic Acid Serum, £16.66 (was £24.99)
One of these serums sells every minute in the US, and finally, we can get our hands on it here, too. Loved by make-up artists and skincare specialists alike, the formula is loaded with two types of hyaluronic acid for maximum hydration. Use both morning and night before your moisturiser and you’ll soon see the benefit. In fact, a test on 53 women found that after just two weeks of use, wrinkles were blurred by 47%, while 60% saw a reduction in fine lines over six weeks.
Available at Boots.com
SkinCeuticals Glycolic Renewal Cleanser, £30
Like all SkinCeuticals products, this latest cleanser comes with some impressive stats, with 75% of testers saying complexions and pores looked smoother after just one week’s use. Containing one of the highest percentages of glycolic acid (8%), this gel cleanser gently penetrates to remove oil, dirt and debris, and unclog pores for a brighter, more even complexion. Don’t let the potency put you off – it’s surprisingly gentle thanks to the soothing addition of glycerine and aloe leaf extract.
Available at SkinCeuticals.co.uk
Jordan Samuel Skin Hydrate Facial Serum, £26
Launched by skin therapist Jordan Samuel Pacitti, this new serum uses botanicals and humectants for long-lasting hydration while soothing irritation and redness. It’s only been out a week, but has already earned consistently high reviews, with people dubbing it one of the best no-nonsense hydrators on the market. Extra points for the non-sticky formula that absorbs almost instantly and sits well underneath make-up, too.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
BEST IN BODY:
St Tropez Purity Vitamins Bronzing Water Mist, £31
If you love St Tropez, you’ll love this new mist formulation. Easier to apply than ever, it’s brimming with skin-nourishing vitamins to keep limbs hydrated, while delivering a believable vacation-like glow over four to eight hours. There’s no tell-tale scent either, so you never have to worry about that biscuit smell.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Moisturising Body Balm, £13
Body moisturisers don’t get much better than this – soothing and hydrating, it reduces itchiness, gets rid of dry skin and helps to rebalance the skin’s microbiome while strengthening barrier function. In short, it does a bit of everything at an affordable price point. Niacinamide, glycerine and shea butter all work together to provide instant relief to anyone suffering from tight, irritated skin. It’s also gone through rigorous dermatological testing, so it’s suitable for even the most sensitive of skin types – including babies from three months.
Available at Boots.com
MUST-HAVE TOOLS:
Fenty Beauty Portable Touch-Up Brush, £19
With a handy, retractable design, this brush is great for on-the-go when time is at a premium. It’s been created to work with powders, but we’ve tried it with other formulas and it works just as well. A great all-rounder.
Available at Boots.com
L’Oréal Professionnel Steampod 3.0, £235
Steam straighteners are nothing new, but L’Oréal’s recently upgraded 3.0 pod is more impressive than others we’ve tried. Not only is it 78% kinder to your hair (compared to regular straighteners) it promises sleek results twice as fast with minimal breakage. Compact, the steam pod itself is built into the plates and doesn’t need constant topping up, so you don’t have to refill halfway through styling. Expect silky, lustrous effects with minimal snagging.
Available at LookFantastic.com
The White Company Rose Quartz Facial Roller, £30
When rolled gently across the face, The White Company's new facial roller visibly improves uneven tone and tired-looking skin. It’s specifically designed to de-puff and increase circulation. The results are temporary but impressive nonetheless. Pop in the fridge before use for an extra cooling treat.
Available at TheWhiteCompany.com
MAKE-UP MARVELS:
Hourglass Vanish Airbrush Concealer, £32
Available in 22 shades, this creamy, blendable concealer comes with impressive coverage, concealing everything from scarring to spots and uneven tone. It’s quite a thick formula, so remember to just use a little and sparingly, tapping it on with your finger to warm the product for an even blend. Don’t be afraid to use it all over your face too – it works well to provide an even base on days you want to skip foundation.
Available at Net-A-Porter.com
Iconic London Sheer Blush, £18
One of our favourite launches of the year so far, these sheer blushers have a gel-like consistency that melts into the skin for a dewy finish. Providing a healthy flush of colour, they’re easy to build up and mix together if you’re after something bolder. Sweep them on lids and lips for something different, too.
Available at HarveyNichols.com
Maybelline The Falsies Instant Lash Lift, £9.99
Dubbed as a ‘lash lift in a tube’ this new mascara adds definition, curl and volume, while the wavy brush reaches every single lash for a full effect. Polymers and flexible film formers act like glue to stretch and lift for full impact and a long-lasting result – you won’t find any smudging here. Plus, at just £9.99, you can’t go wrong.
Available at Boots.com
Rodial Skin Lift Foundation, £45
With a smooth, glide-on formula, this leaves skin feeling fresh and looking radiant all day long. Formulated with light-reflective pigments, it gives a beautiful glow and melts into skin, leaving behind an airbrushed finish that doesn’t feel heavy or cakey. A little goes a long way too, so you really get your money’s worth.
Available at Selfridges.com
HANDY HAIRCARE:
John Frieda Hydrate & Recharge Deep Soak Masque For Dry, Lifeless Hair, £6.99
Using monoi oils and keratin, this mask nourishes your hair, whether it’s damaged from colour-treatments, or generally dry and brittle. Apply it to damp strands and leave for 10 to 15 minutes before you rinse. It’ll leave your hair feeling smoother, softer and in better health.
Available at Boots.com
NICHE NEW BRAND TO KNOW:
Versed Day Dissolve Cleansing Balm, £16.50
Fuss-free and housed in low-waste packaging, Versed is one of the latest skincare brands to have on your radar. Cruelty-free and vegan, we love this cosseting cleansing balm that uses vitamin E and clove leaf oil to gently melt away make-up and impurities. The thicker texture also encourages you to give your face a good, deep massage, which in turn, promotes a healthy glow, while significantly boosting your lymphatic drainage.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.