As part of my weekly column I choose five different beauty products to share with you every week, ranging from my favourite new skincare saviours, ultimate make-up must-haves, hair care heroes and body boosters, through to the freshest scents of the season. I get to test every single new beauty product before it hits the stores, so I truly appreciate the life-changing power of a great one. Here are the new releases that I’m most excited about this week.
Charlotte Tilbury
£23
Charlotte’s new mascara – currently with a waiting list of 45,000 people – is the answer for anyone wanting long, voluminous lashes. The specially designed wand creates lift without the need for eyelashes curlers, and gives great separation. Application is a breeze – the paddle brush pulls through lashes effortlessly from root to tip, grabbing each one individually so there is zero clumping. It layers really well too, meaning you can quickly achieve a dramatic 60s look.
Medik8
£45 for 30ml
Bakuchiol is part of a new guard of ingredients that have recently been popping up across the industry. The buzz is justified: this plant-based ingredient boosts collagen production much like retinoids, but without any of the irritating and inflammatory side effects. As such, it’s perfect for those who suffer from reactive or dry skin and can’t tolerate retinol. I’m a big fan of this formula which you can use both day and night for accelerated results. Plus it’s antibacterial, meaning it’s also suitable for people with oily, blemish-prone skin.
Tata Harper
£59
A post summer saviour, this wonderful silicone-free lightweight gel-cream moisturiser is ideal for skin that can’t bear any heaviness yet craves deep hydration. There are 19 high-performing botanical ingredients including orange peptides which support the skin barrier function while hyaluronic acid boosts water retention and lends surface plumpness. An AHA gently exfoliates away dead skin cells to reveal a brighter and smoother complexion.
Augustinus Bader
£180
Whilst many beauty brands receive a lot of hype, some are more worthy than others. I’ve been very steady in my support of Augustinus Bader – the skincare brand from the German scientist and researcher who is considered one of the world’s leading stem cell and biomedical pioneers. In fact, I’ve yet to try a product from this range I don’t like, including its newest launch, The Face Oil. Packed with the brand’s proprietary ingredient TFC8 (which boasts natural amino acids and skin-essential vitamins for repair and renewal), the oil also features a blend of nourishing heavy hitters including conditioning Babassu and Hazelnut and hydrating Argan oil. The result is a winning combination of supple skin, long-lasting radiance and protection against environmental aggressors.
Amanda Harrington
£28
I love a sun-kissed glow, but I always get mine from a bottle rather than the real thing. As a result, I consider myself a bit of an expert when it comes to sunless tanning. Every single product in this range by Amanda Harrington, London’s top tanner, is a total winner. The newly reformulated Perfect Body Ultimate Gradual Tan is the perfect transitional summer-to-autumn body glow enhancer: the 2% DHA in the formula delivers a very subtle golden base colour that never looks fake or patchy. Plus it’s buffered with skin conditioning avocado oil, Shea butter and vitamin E, which leaves your limbs silky smooth.
