Love (or not) at first sight #1

My lockdown spending combined with my job as a lifestyle contributor inspired this ‘love at first sight’ series, rounding up new products I’ve been trying out. Focusing on current trends in beauty, working as a collaborator with an online publisher has really expanded my appreciation for everything beauty related. When it comes to products, I can often determine the brand and product simply based on packaging colour and shape. A skill I’m particularly proud of that my husband doesn’t seem to have quite the same enthusiasm for.

This series will highlight some of my most recent beauty purchases along with a first impression and the expected results (or what inspired me to purchase). If you can rely on me for anything, it’s that I’m somewhat frivolous when it comes to beauty purchases but I’m always keen to admit when something doesn’t quite work for me. Of course, as these products are still relatively new, I also don’t think it’s fair to give them a damning review without proper usage (there may be one product in this list, however, that I’ll never repurchase).

Briogeo Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro-exfoliating Shampoo

I would be lying if I said I didn’t panic-text my family at least once a month claiming my hair is drastically thinning. A silly thing, I’ve always been hyper-focused on my hair (this includes spending an entire weekend of uni, locked up in my room crying about over-bleached hair after a visit to the salon, and deciding after a particularly bad breakup to chop all of my hair off and dye it black). As I’ve gotten older (and since moving to London where the water is particularly harsh) I’ve learned that less is more, focusing on hair health and quality products instead. In fact, last year I decided to take a one-year break from colouring, bleaching and cutting my hair (which has been further extended thanks to COVID-19). While I know cutting is crucial in hair health, I just wanted to take a break – and guess what, I don’t hate my hair currently (but I do have a cut booked in for next month). I’m loving the length (as a previous lob enthusiast) and my hair feels healthier than ever. Plus, thanks to the `London sunshine, I’ve managed to get a few natural highlights. Not one to stray from my hair routine, I initally ordered this Briogeo Scalp Revival Shampoo for J (as he has a dry scalp). He was so enthusiastic after his first use that I had to try it for myself.

Why I purchased: “Encouraging healthy re-growth, Scalp Revival Charcoal + Coconut Oil Micro Exfoliating Shampoo balances the scalp. Unclogging pores, removing dead skin cells and stripping of excess oils, regular use of this refining shampoo soothes and treats to create the ultimate healthy base.”

My initial thoughts: this shampoo is so great. Along with smelling like a mint chocolate girl guide cookie, this shampoo leaves your scalp feeling totally renewed. The inclusion of charcoal removes toxins and build-up from the scalp, making a noticeable difference in hair patterns and styling. The vegetable-derived micro-exfoliators also feel so good when massaged into the scalp, and the peppermint oil leaves a slight tingling sensation. While I won’t be using this product with every wash, it feels like a proper treat when I do – it’s almost like I can feel my scalp saying ‘thank you’. What’s even better, Briogeo products are cruelty-free and vegan.

Hada Labo Super Hydrator Lotion

I’ve recently been doing a ton of research around Japanese and Korean skincare and beauty. Maybe out of boredom, but mostly out of anxiety over recently crossing off year 30 of my lifeand welcoming 31, skincare research has been my new hobby. It’s impossible to learn about Japanese skincare without coming across Hada Labo, Japan’s number one skincare line. Focused primarily on youthful skin, I’ve learned a ton and wanted to include this lotion I’ve purchased is from the Hada Labo red line (meaning it includes retinoids and focuses on anti-aging alongside plumping and moisturising).

Why I purchased: “This anti-aging lotion – super hydrator is an easily absorbed, rejuvenating facial lotion with four types of hyaluronic acid, collagen and retinol. The unique formulation helps to hydrate dry and dehydrated skin, and reduce fine line and wrinkles.”

My initial thoughts: ok, so I’ve literally had this for less than a week, but so far, I’m really impressed. While I wouldn’t call the texture of this product a ‘lotion’ due to it’s watery consistency, I have been using it akin to a toner. After applying it post-cleansing (and pre-moisturiser) both morning and night, I am noticing a significant difference in terms of hydration. My skin looks glowy and bouncy with no signs of stress. As for the anti-aging promises? I think I need more time. Another great thing about this product is that it’s fragrance free! While I’m not necessarily bothered when it comes to scented products, I know a lot of people struggle to find skincare that works without the added scent. Another bonus? It’s less than £20 and available on Amazon!

Etude House Dear Darling Water Tint

As someone who prefers a low-key approach to makeup, I’ve always felt a bit strange finishing up an everyday look with a bold, matte lipstick. In fact, even when I’ve researched and tested nude lip colours, I’ve yet to find a lipstick that doesn’t make me feel overdressed (and over-prepped). While lipstick is one of my favourite beauty items, when I’m getting ready for a day at work or a weekend lunch, I find myself reaching for my all-time favourite lip stain: Benefit Benetint (I’ve literally been wearing this since my uni days!). In my recent months of research one Korean brand kept popping up: Etude House water tint. Curious about the name, I had to try it out.

Why I purchased: “A moist, fruity water tint with the feeling of refreshing fruits bursting. The tint color will make you look more lively and energetic. Also includes moisturising pomegranate and grapefruit extracts to hydrate your lips with a water texture that dries quickly and stays on without feeling sticky.”

My initial thoughts: I LOVE these. I purchased the three-pack with orange, cherry and strawberry themes, and I love every single one. While I don’t know about the “refreshing feeling of fruits bursting,” I definitely agree these tints (in all three colours) look incredibly flattering and natural. Plus, they dry quickly leaving your lips with a slight moisturised feeling. If you, like me, are seeking a natural tint that is affordable and long-lasting, you need to check out Etude House Dear Darling Water Tint. If you want to make your look ultra natural, apply the tint then simply dab/buff with your finger for an almost-blurred effect.

Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint SPF 40

I have a feeling my opinion on this product is going to be a controversial one. After weeks of watching YouTube reviews, I decided to splurge on the Ilia Super Serum Skin Tint with SPF 40. On the hunt for a new SPF face product that doubles as skincare, I was certain I had met my ideal match. Unfortunately, I just don’t think we’re as compatible as I had dreamed we’d be. With an almost five-star rating, I thought I’d love this new serum addition to my routine, but I just don’t think it’s going to work out.

Why I purchased: “A clean, light-coverage, tinted mineral SPF 40 serum that boosts skincare benefits. This first-of-its-kind formula fuses skincare, makeup, and sun protection into one easy step: a weightless serum that leaves your skin looking like skin. Boasts SPF 40 coverage with non-nano zinc oxide, safely shielding skin from UVA, UVB, UVC, blue light and infrared rays.”

My initial thoughts: I wanted so badly to love this product. I thought the combination of hyaluronic acids, squalane and SPF was absolutely brilliant. However, my initial application left my skin feeling smelly, sticky and heavy. I’ll admit I’m not a fan of foundation and heavy face creams (and 100% subscribe to the Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser fan club), so this serum felt truly shocking after applying. After using it a number of times, I started to notice patches of dry, sensitive skin and bumps forming on my cheeks and forehead. While I recognise not all products work the same for everyone, I couldn’t believe how my skin reacted to this serum after reading so many positive reviews. Because I hate to waste, I’ve still been using this product briefly, lathering a couple of drops on my cleansed skin before going for my morning run (knowing I’ll only be wearing it for an hour before showering and cleansing again). I definitely won’t be repurchasing but I’m not writing off Ilia as a whole because I really love their clean-beauty approach to everyday essentials.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Anyone who knows me knows how much I love a good lip balm. If you’ve ever been in my flat, you won’t be surprised to find a balm (or two) in every room. While I appreciate even the simplest of formulas (and you’ll be hard-pressed to find me without my Carmex pot close by), I couldn’t avoid the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. What might go down as one of the most-reviewed, most-loved beauty products out there, I needed to try the Sleeping Mask for myself.

Why I purchased: “Lip Sleeping Mask has a softening balm texture that closely adheres to lips for quick absorption. Enriched with vitamin C and antioxidants, Berry Mix Complex™ offers a nutritiously sweet and fragrant blend of raspberry, strawberry, cranberry, and blueberry extracts to indulge the senses. Exclusive Moisture Wrap™ technology boasts hyaluronic acid and minerals to form a protective film over the lips to lock in moisture and active ingredients.”

My initial thoughts: Is this something I couldn’t live without? No. I think I’d sleep just as easily with my usual Nivea balm, but there’s something impossibly luxurious about the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask. Plus, the product does exactly what it says: melting away dead skin cells and waking up with refreshed and deliciously-plumped lips. The extra dose of hyaluronic acid means you wake up with lips that feel smooth and rejuvenated. I highly recommend this product if you’re looking for something indulgent to treat yourself to.