The Best New Beauty Buys For February
WARM, COSY FRAGRANCE:
Love, Don't Be Shy Extreme, By Kilian, £225
This A-list approved fragrance originally launched in 2017, but has since had a more intense update for Valentine's Day. The perfect balance of warmth and sweetness, it combines marshmallow, vanilla, orange blossom and neroli essence for a smell that's completely unique. It's potent, too, and you'll find it lasts well into the day after you've applied it. Expect plenty of compliments from this one.
Available at Selfridges.com
MAKE-UP ESSENTIALS:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Freeze, £24
There are endless brow products promising the ‘laminated effect,’ but this is easily one of the best. Unlike other gels, it’s malleable and easy to apply without any stickiness. Simply dab a spoolie into it, before running the formula through your brow in upward strokes. You’ll notice a difference immediately – not just to wayward hairs but to the overall appearance of your brows. Expect a glossy finish that’s groomed and on-trend. Either apply it to clean brows, or on top of other product for extra definition.
Available at CultBeauty.com
MAKETHEMAKE Vitamin E Bouncy Bronze Gel, £14
Whether you’re after a new bronzer or just want to perk up dull skin, this lightweight gel is guaranteed to please. Its satin texture melts into the skin, while lending a cooling effect that’s equally satisfying, too. You only need a small amount to see a warming, radiant glow – just apply it with your fingers or buff it in with a rounded brush for even results. Added vitamin E and niacinamide mean skin gets a hit of hydration as well.
Available at SkinCity.com
By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Concealer, £35
By Terry’s new concealer really lives up to the hype. With hyaluronic acid and chestnut seed extract, it de-puffs, hydrates and brightens, just like an eye serum. As for the coverage, it’s lightweight, smooth and dewy, working to conceal imperfections without ever suffocating the skin. It’s a dream to apply too, with a creamy texture that lasts – you won’t need to top it up come 4pm.
Available at ByTerry.com
Too Cool For School Twisty Tail Mascara, £29
This clever mascara has a bendable brush that means you can create your perfect angle and reach every strand for lashes that look naturally full. It has small fibres that latch on for extra density and volume, while the in-built serum provides some moisture so that lashes never become brittle or prone to falling out. A must-try for 2021.
Available at Amazon.com
Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation, £67
This is expensive, but worth it if you’re serious about your base. Delivering sheer-to-medium coverage, it’s dewy and still looks like your skin after its applied. The hydrating oils keep a radiant glow going all day, while the mineral pigments reflect the light, so pores seem noticeably smaller and smoother. No wonder it’s already a make-up artist staple.
Available at Revolve.com
LIP LAUNCHES TO LOVE:
Chanel Rouge Allure Laque, £31
Chanel have created the impossible with these new lip launches. They combine a plumping shine and expensive-looking gloss that lasts, but dry down fast, so they stay budge-proof all day long. We love the antioxidant oils inside which maintain hydration and a smooth, velvety finish that's second to none. As for the pigment, they're rich and intense but sheer enough to be built upon - the options are endless, with shades that suit all.
Available at Chanel.com
Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Lip Balms, £25
We’re all after a low-maintenance alternative to lipstick these days. Cue Charlotte Tilbury’s new balms which are full of moisture, and some with a glossy – not sticky – dry down that really goes the distance. Offering the pigment of a lipstick, but without the drying effect, the colour payoff is impressive, as is the flattering shade range. You’ll want every colour.
Available at CharlotteTilbury.com
BATHTIME & BODYCARE:
100 Acres Peppermint & Fennel Bath Salts, £6 (were £16)
Feeling run down or low on energy? A scoop of these potent salts will help unwind knotted minds and muscles, thanks to an effective blend of peppermint and fennel. They’re great if you have a cold, or are feeling stuffy, thanks to their decongesting aroma, which aids better breathing and deeper relaxation, too.
Available at LibertyLondon.com
VAAY CBD Bath Bombs, £15.90
Up the ante with these CBD-laced bath bombs. Designed to soften skin and ease weary limbs, they transform your tub into a relaxing oasis of butter and oils that coat the skin with moisture. The lavender scent is a huge bonus, too, lingering on the skin long after you’ve stepped out of the bath to keep your mind relaxed and calm. A great present for yourself, or a loved one.
Available at Vaay.com
Elemis Warm-Up Massage Balm, £39
Not got a bathtub? You can still reap the muscle soothing benefits by using a good balm. Cue Elemis’ newest launch, which uses fatty acids and vitamin E to strengthen the skin, while menthol gives a warm, tingly feel as you massage it in. Use your fingers to rub this into the skin deeply, from your ankles up, focusing on achy, tired joints. Your limbs will feel instantly lighter, while your senses will be boosted, too.
Available at LookFantastic.com
La Roche-Posay Lipikar Baume AM + PM, £15
This gentle lotion quickly soothes skin and delivers instant hydration. If you suffer with intense itchiness, dryness or any form of flare-ups, make this your go-to. It has a special formula that rebuilds your skin’s microbiome, working to strengthen and smooth for a softer, healthier-looking appearance. Use it on your face and body, but beware, a little goes a long way, so do so sparingly. Great for those with eczema-prone skin, or anyone with rosacea, too.
Available at Laroche-Posay.co.uk
GENTLE SKINCARE:
Aime The Simple Cleanser, £29
We’ve spotted this slick cleanser cropping up everywhere recently, and it’s worthy of the hype. Non-foaming, it doesn’t ever strip your skin of its natural oils. Instead, it uses pre- and probiotics to hydrate and maintain your skin’s optimum health. The white willow bark gently tones and exfoliates, too, so you can expect a brighter, smoother complexion with regular use. Sensitive skin types will also love that it’s fragrance-free, so you won’t get any flare-ups or irritation. Extra brownie points for the sustainable packaging, too.
Available at LibertyLondon.com
Paula’s Choice CBD Skin Transformative Treatment Milk, £43
Whether you’re suffering with breakouts, irritation or heightened sensitivity, this new treatment milk is here to help. It uses CBD, gentle oils and centella asiatica to bring down inflammation at speed, while also hydrating and boosting the overall appearance of your skin’s clarity. It protects against daily aggressors like pollution, too, and can be used like a serum – just make sure you always follow up with an SPF. The best bit? It acts like a primer, leaving behind a soft, smooth surface which make-up adheres to brilliantly – a great all-rounder.
Available at PaulasChoice.co.uk
TOOLS & ACCESSORIES:
Amika Blowout Babe Thermal Brush, £113.03
Blow-dry tools have come a long way lately. Not only are they better at distributing heat and minimising damage, advanced technology means they can now create bounce and volume with minimal fuss. Amika’s clever thermal brush is proof. With a ceramic barrel, it glides through the hair snag-free, creating soft curls in seconds, while the swivel cord allows you to manoeuvre the tool effortlessly. Great for those who like their hair to look ‘done’ with a sleek, glossy finish.
Available at Amazon.com
Brushd. Tongue Scraper, £4
Brushd. was created to help eliminate plastic from oral hygiene products. With the knowledge that most brushes and floss sticks continue to contribute to waste, they wanted to create a range that was kind to the environment and totally recyclable. There’s plenty to love here – from toothpaste tablets to biodegradable floss – but this tongue scraper is our go-to. It’s great for getting rid of bacteria, and as it’s made from stainless steel, it’s impossible for dirt or germs to harbour (providing you rinse it with water after every use). Essential for anyone looking to up theiroral health.
Available at WearthLondon.com
Cult Beauty Dual-Sided Face Cloths, £15
These sustainable cloths will make a great addition to any skincare regime. Double-sided, the muslin side offers a natural exfoliation, gently removing surface dirt and grime, while the other, soft microfibre side works to softly condition the skin and remove all traces of make-up. They’re large, too, covering a large surface area for optimum results. Soak it in warm water and use it gently in circular motions. Just be sure to wash them after every use to keep them in good condition.
Avaiable at CultBeauty.com
Joy Adenuga Hey Guys Make-Up Brush, £18
Looking for a new does-it-all make-up brush? This buffing tool was created by make-up artist, Joy Adenuga, and it’s incredibly versatile. With a small head and densely packed bristles, you can use it to buff and blend all formulas – creams, powders and liquids – for seamless results. The flat top makes it a great option for getting to those hard-to-reach areas and concealing imperfections or any mistakes.
Available at ByJoyAdenuga
SOFTENING & STRENGTHENING HAIRCARE:
Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Strengthening Treatment Oil, £28
This strengthening treatment oil is a great way to take your hair maintenance to the next level during lockdown 3.0. Loved by the pros, it’s silicone-free (so it won’t weigh your hair down), full of shine-boosting oils and also antioxidants, which help protect it from heat styling. Apply it before washing your hair, allowing it to sit for 10 minutes or longer if you feel it’s needed. You’ll notice the softening effect immediately, making it a great remedy for bleach-weakened or frazzled strands in need of some resuscitation.
Available at CultBeauty.com
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