I try out a lot of products. Below are some recent discoveries that are (mostly) new to the market, and that are quickly becoming serious contenders for the Favorites category.
(1) L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Lip Gloss (pictured in Blushing Ambition)
When I first tried this highly pigmented lip gloss, I did a double take – because it doesn’t just “dry” to a matte finish…it actually goes on matte. And somehow isn’t drying at all – I’ve been wearing the color you see all morning and it’s still right where I put it – and my lips feel completely soft and moisturized. Weird. I like it.
(2) James Read Sleep Tan: Face
Half-treatment, half-self-tanner, this lightweight product is infused with hyaluronic acid (for anti-aging) and cucumber (for its anti-inflammatory properties), as well as self-tanning ingredients, so you wake up moisturized and glowy. And for some reason, it doesn’t stain your sheets (it really doesn’t). I don’t get it, but whatever; I like it.
(3) L’Oreal Age Perfect Facial Oil
Oh, I LOVE this. Because I love face oils generally – not a day goes by that I don’t apply one, either in the morning or at night (usually both), and this one combines the emollient properties of essential oils with SPF 30. (It’s also only fifteen bucks.) YESSSS.
(4) Belief Cleansing Herb Water
I’ve been into the products from this Korean line inspired by 19th-century apothecary techniques for awhile – especially the Anti-Hangover Soothing Mask, an overnight gel mask that’s nice even without the addition of a few tequila shots – and now I’m all about the cleansing herb water.
Remember Sea Breeze, that toner you used when you were thirteen and oily, and it was advertised as “will make your face tingle with freshness!” but what it actually did was burn? This is not that. It’s a light, fresh-feeling makeup remover/toner that you swipe over your face before cleansing (or, I suppose, instead of cleansing if you don’t wear much makeup). A little redundant, sure, since I definitely used for-real facial cleanser afterwards, but it made my skin feel somehow softer and…yes…cleaner. Or maybe I just liked the ritual of it. Either way, it’s lovely.
AW. This Swarovski crystal-bedazzled version isn’t available for purchase, but the non-sparkly version of their Rosy Lips balm is very nearly as cute (and if you’re tastes run a little simpler, Vaseline just released their lip therapy in a cool, retro tin case.
Products provided for editorial consideration.