New In Skincare
January was the month of fresh starts, it’s when we aimed to stick to those new year’s resolutions, we swore we would keep in 2022! Such as working out more, eating a balanced diet and doing our day and night skincare routines, How is that going by the way? It is also when we saw a flurry of new skincare launches (it’s like the brands can tell that we are on the new year, new me vibe) and so our quest to try the latest and greatest in skincare begun. Luckily for you guys, I have tried the majority of newness, so you don’t have to! And I have selected my favourite new skincare launches, that really do deliver on their promise of fresh, healthy glowing skin.
MAC HYPER REAL SKIN CANVAS BALM TM MOISTURIZING CREAM
When Mac Cosmetics announced the launch of their skincare line, I’m sure many were thinking but wait, isn’t Mac a makeup brand, why are they launching skincare? But that’s the whole point! As a makeup artist, I have always highlighted the importance of great skin prep when it comes to makeup application and that is exactly what this range is all about.
MAC HYPER REAL FRESH CANVAS CLEANSING OIL
The Hyper Real range is a high-performance skincare line, that works to improve your skin instantly and over time, so that you can get flawless and long-lasting results from your makeup. There are three products in the range that I absolutely love, the fresh canvas cleansing oil, the skin balancing hydration serum and the skincanvas balm moisturising cream.
MAC HYPER REAL SERUMIZER TM SKIN BALANCING HYDRATION SERUM
They all feature some of my favourite skincare ingredients such as Niacinamide which is excellent to help refine texture and smooth the skin, Hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and plump and ceramides which are fantastic to help support and restore the skins barrier. They all work beautifully under makeup, with no pilling and the result is healthy looking skin, which means this range is absolutely approved by me.
REN ESSENCE
Did you know that your skincare works better when applied onto damp skin? That is why I love using an essence as part of my skincare routine after cleansing. Essences are great because they flood the skin with hydration and moisture, and they also help to make the active ingredients in your skincare far more effective. The new Ren perfect canvas smooth, prep, and plump essence works to quench the thirst of parched and dehydrated skin and it also contains a trio of probiotic bio-ferments and antioxidants to help protect and strengthen the skins barrier. You can use this essence day and night and I like to apply it with my hands on to freshly cleansed skin.
BYOMA BRIGHTENING TONER
If your skin is looking dull and lacking radiance, then the new BYOMA brightening toner is a great addition to your routine. I’m sure I’m not the only one whose skin has been affected by the cold weather recently. One way to combat dull skin is with regular exfoliation, it’s a great way to remove the build-up of dead skin cells that can sit on the outer layer of your skin to reveal smoother, brighter skin. This BYOMA brightening facial toner helps to clear pores, control oiliness for a more balanced and radiant complexion and the formula works with key barrier lipids in the skin to help repair and restore. It is super gentle and contains two of my favourite exfoliating acids mandelic and lactic acid to help cell renewal and fight signs of pigmentation and dark spots. I have thoroughly enjoyed using this and the glow you get after is incredible!
GARNIER VITAMIN C EYE CREAM
If you follow me on Instagram (you should be and if you aren’t, why aren’t you?) then you would know all about my love affair with this eye cream. Many people don’t believe in the use of a separate eye cream as they don’t see any real benefit, but I do, and I think they make a huge difference. The skin around your eyes is much thinner than the skin on your face and much more delicate and so it needs targeted products, created specifically to treat the delicate eye area. I like to use the analogy of body cream; you wouldn’t typically use the same moisturiser you use for your body for your face (it’s too rich) so it’s the same thought process with the eye area. I love that you get an instant brightened look with this eye cream as it is powered by 4% vitamin C, Niacinamide, caffeine and Banana powder that reduces the appearance of dark circles. As soon as I apply this to my under eyes, I look less tired and as if I’ve had 10 years sleep and it works really well under my corrector and concealer to even out discolouration under the eyes. Head to my Instagram page to my ‘how to look less’ tutorial to see it in action.
OLE HENRIKSEN HYDRA BARRIER NOURISHING OIL
You either belong to one of two teams, yes to facial oils or nay to facial oils, I am definitely team yes! If the idea of putting an oil on your face makes you think of break outs and clogged pores, think again, there are so many fantastic formulas available, that are light weight and help to nourish the skin. Like this one, the Ole Henriksen strength hydrabarrier nourishing face oil is a restorative face oil that locks in moisture. I like to use this at the end of my routine and the ceramides from the pure Scandinavian berry oils are fantastic to support barrier function and help to strengthen the skin, which is exactly what the skin needs during this cold weather.
MEDIK8 H.E.O MASK
As I am writing this, I have slathered on a generous helping of the Medik8 H.E.O mask. If you want a double dose of hydration, then this mask is for you! It is a two-step system that works overnight to intensely moisturise the skin. Step one is a cool and refreshing gel consistency that literally sinks in immediately and does a great job of quenching thirsty skin and then step two is a cream mask that is full of ceramides to help nourish and protect the skin against environmental aggressors. You don’t have to wash this mask off as your skin literally absorbs all the goodness and it’s a great treat twice a week to give it that much needed pick me up.
L’Oréal REVITALIFT CLINICAL VITAMIN C SPF 50+ DAILY ANTI-UV FLUID
Sun protection is so important, and I never go a day without it! I love trying new formulas to see how they perform on their own and under makeup, especially being a black woman, I sometimes feel formulas are not made with my skin tone in mind. A new discovery that I have really been enjoying is the new L’Oréal Revitalift clinical vitamin C 50+ Anti UV Fluid. This blends into my skin beautifully and also gives my skin a smooth velvety finish that works really well under makeup. It has advanced UV Protection to prevent signs of ageing such as dark spots, fine lines, and uneven skin tone and added antioxidants like vitamin C and E to help protect the skin against environmental stressors.
