SAVVY SKINCARE
Avène Hydrance Aqua Gel, £15.70
French pharmacy brand Avène is a staple for sensitive skin types, and its latest moisturiser is no exception. Loaded with 75% thermal spring water, it’s a drink for parched complexions, while the unique CohedermTM complex restores elasticity and smoothness. The best bit? The gel-cream formula means no stickiness and no residue, so you can wear make-up on top without any piling. It can also be used as an overnight mask – just be sure to use a thick layer.
Available at Escentual.com
Caudalie Vinopure Purifying Gel Cleanser, £16
This calls on the cleaning and purifying properties of salicylic acid, with a comforting gel texture that doesn’t strip the skin. Use it in circular motions and focus on pores, blackheads and bump areas for noticeable effects.
Available at Caudalie.com
Decléor Antidote Serum, £48
A refined texture and proven actives make this new multi-tasking serum a must for those wanting to strengthen their skin’s barrier. Laced with essential oils and hyaluronic acid, it also prevents daily grime and pollution from penetrating too deeply, ensuring plumper, smoother skin over time. Use it post-cleanse but pre-moisturiser to really reap the benefits.
Available at Lookfantastic.com
Elf Cosmetics SuperHydrate Moisturiser, £5.33
If you’re in the market for a new moisturiser but are on a budget, try Elf’s new jelly cream. It uses vitamins B3 and E, and squalane (a plant-derived oil) to give a hefty dose of hydration, while boosting elasticity too. Non-greasy, it sinks in fast and feels really cooling on the skin, giving a bouncy, plump effect we love.
Available at Boots.com
The Inkey List Ceramide Treatment, £14.99
Ceramides are one of the most important ingredients for boosting collagen, hydration and diffusing fine lines. Little wonder high-street brand The Inkey List has included it in its latest overnight treatment. Working to retain moisture in your skin cells, you leave it on overnight (no need to wash off) and are guaranteed to wake up to smoother, healthier-looking skin.
Available at CultBeauty.co.uk
HIGHLIGHTING HERO
Patrick Ta Highlighting Mist, £28
It used to be that only A-listers had access to MUA Patrick Ta’s beauty line, but it’s finally made its way across the pond – and we’re not disappointed. Our favourite has to be this cult mist that takes the faff out of applying highlighter strategically from a palette. It comes out pretty iridescent at first, but soon dries down to a glossy sheen that’s so pretty on the cheeks, temples, collarbones and décolletage – and just anywhere you want to illuminate. Sounds simple, but remember to give it a good shake so it doesn’t come out in one shimmery pile.
Available at Cultbeauty.co.uk
NOURISHING OILS TO LOVE
Distillery Purify Facial Oil, £22
The perfect facial oil is lightweight, hydrating and easy to use – just like this one from Avon’s new brand Distillery. Jojoba oils, vitamin E and cloudberry extract all work together to brighten skin and give it a healthy glow. Mix a few drops in with your base for extra luminosity, or in with your moisturiser for an extra hit of nourishment.
Available at Avon.uk.com
Lumene Nordic C Arctic Berry Oil-Cocktail, £29.90
Another hero for oil lovers. Nordic brand Lumene has relaunched its original version with a bi-phase formula that sinks down deep into the skin for optimum hydration. It’s also full of vitamins A, E and C and omega fatty acids to give skin that juicy, plumpness we all crave. Because it’s quite runny, it doesn’t sit as well under make-up; instead, pat it into skin before bed, letting it work its magic overnight.
Available at Lookfantastic.com
Nuxe Melting Honey Body Oil Balm, £22.50
Brimming with skin-softening honey in a cosseting oil formula, this delivers all the silkiness you’d expect from a luxury body balm. It promises long-lasting hydration while also soothing redness and irritation – dry, flaky shins and arms don’t stand a chance. The softly sweet smell is also highly addictive.
Available at Johnlewis.com
Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Lip & Cheek Oils, £31
Autumn brings a new wave of top-tier lip formulas, led by Rodin Olio Lusso’s blendable oils. Super sheer, they give just enough pigment to keep things polished and make a statement. Loaded with essential oils, they feel hydrating on the skin, while the doe-foot applicator makes on-the-go application seamless – wash over your cheeks too, for a healthy flush.
Available at Net-a-porter.com
BEAUTIFUL BASES
Kevyn Aucoin Foundation Balm, £42
One of the best bases we’ve tried this year, Kevyn Aucoin’s foundation balm really lives up to the hype. It claims to be matte and full-coverage, but it’s got a skin-like quality we love – not to mention the semi-matte, velvety glow it leaves behind. Some reviews say it can be powdery, but ignore them –use the brush it comes with and you’ll get a seamless finish that looks dewy and lasts for hours. The only downside? It’s currently available in 20 shades, so we’re hoping to see an expansion in the near future.
Available at Lookfantastic.com
Shiseido Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Foundation
This is so much more than just a foundation. ActiveForce Technology ensures the formula adheres to your skin and lasts longer. Put simply: the more you sweat, the longer your foundation and concealer will last. As for the finish, it dries down matte, but utilises ‘smart’ powders, which work with your skin’s oil to diffuse light for a natural glow. A whopping 73 shades means you’ll find your exact match. Impressive, indeed.
Available this October.
COVETABLE FRAGRANCES
By Kilian Rolling In Love EDP, £200
Unlike some brands, By Kilian scents really go the distance. Its latest Rolling In Love EDP has been created with creamy almond milk and musk notes for something sweet and heady, but never sickly. So much more than a floral, it has a boho vibe we love. We’ve also had people stop and ask exactly what it is – true story.
Available at Johnlewis.com
Twilly d’Hermès Eau Poivrée, £48
We’ve totally bought into Hermès’s new peppery – yet girly – fragrance. It’s a beautiful blend of rose, patchouli and woods, but the elegant, powdery dry-down is what we love. You’ll be sniffing your wrists all day long.
Available at Johnlewis.com
LUXE INDULGENCES
Juliette Has A Gun Not A Shower Gel, €25
One of the best brands for niche, covetable fragrances, Juliette Has A Gun has expanded into bodycare, using its iconic Not A Perfume scent throughout. For those unfamiliar, it’s a clean, minimalist smell that leaves you feeling fresh and cosy. Our favourite from the range has to be this luxe shower gel – it’s a treat, but worth it if you take your bodycare and fragrance seriously.
Available at Juliettehasagun.com
Eym Natural Candles, £39
One of the first brands to create 100% natural candles, Eym uses soy wax, cotton wicks and essential oils. Available in six scents, the candles look and feel ultra-chic, making a great addition to any home or desk. Fresh headspace in candle form.
Available at Eymnaturals.com
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