I got a bit frightened by Day 24 of last month’s Instagram photo challenge. The photo of the day was “Inside your beauty cabinet”.
My first thought was, oh my that’s a singular on the beauty cabinet, isn’t it? I’ve actually got three four spaces in our tiny bathroom dedicated to products.
Oops.
You can see a selection here.
What I didn’t ‘fess up to was the basket and shelves near my desk that are always filled with product too.
Oops.
See, I take this job very *seriously*. My husband would say too seriously.
Before a product makes it here on to the blog, it spends some time in the basket on my work shelf. Each week, if it makes the cut, it gets welcomed into my bathroom and then worked into my skincare or beauty routine. Then, if it surprises me with either living up to its hype (or press release), it makes it here.
It’s a long, hard road for a beauty product in my house but here are some that made this month’s cut:
1. Olay Wet Cleansing Cloths (Sensitive Skin) $6.99. You already know how much I am a big a fan of face wipes. These ones are a happy addition to my favourites list. I always go for the sensitive formulation and these fit that bill and are fragrance free. Winning.
2. Rimmel London Scandaleyes Mascara $16.95. I’m a bit fickle when it comes to mascaras. It could be that rule about changing them every three months. This one had me at the bright orange casing and promise of big lashes. This lash-plumping and conditioning formula comes with a BIG brush. This might not suit everyone. You may prefer a smaller brush for more precise application. Just saying.
3. Estee Lauder Pure Color Gelée Powder EyeShadow in Cyber Teal $50. Ok, so yes this is a lot to pay for a single eye colour. I get that. It’s all about the rich pigment. And this formulation is made so good by a three-in-one liquid, powder and gel formulation. You can apply wet or dry for either a metallic flash or subtle shine. Your choice. And the colour? It’s a good step out of my nude eye comfort zone.
4. Ere Perez Amazing Arnica Concealer Duo $32. I’m a big fan of this natural cosmetic range. This product combines a natural concealer formulation with the healing and anti-inflammatory properties of arnica. And I tell you, my under eyes need all the anti-inflammatory help they can get. I’d love to blame motherhood but 16-plus years on, I think you’d be on to me.
5. Guinot Creme Nutrition Comfort $76. As I well and truly … ahhem … embrace my 40s, I call on my night moisturisers to do the practically impossible. You know, as in make me look 30 again. In lieu of that miracle, I ask that they be hydrating, soothing and help me to wake up the next morning looking vaguely fresh. This cream does that thanks to Vitamin E, shea butter and essential oils of thyme, rosemary and lavender.
6. Sukin Foaming Facial Cleanser $9.95. I don’t usually go for a foaming cleanser (too harsh on a non-spring chicken like me) but this one is non-drying, gentle and unbelievably calming thanks to German chamomile. Yep, apparently the Germans grow calmer chamomile. Sukin products don’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulphate, synthetic colours and a whole range of stuff you might not like on your skin. Price is right too.
7. Clarins Lotus Face Treatment Oil $49. There is something incredibly indulgent about including a face oil in my nightly skincare routine. This one won me over at first whiff with its rosewood and patchouli essential oils. I was calling on it to help restore vitality and radiance to my skin. And I certainly saw a difference each morning. Amazing – just a couple of drops, warmed into your hands and patted into your skin.
8. Clarisonic Deep Pore Cleansing Brush Head $34.94. The Clarisonic Mia made my top beauty product list for 2011 and I still use it every day. Cannot imagine my skincare routine without it. Like an electronic toothbrush you need to change the head on it every so often – when it’s time to change yours, do try this one. It’s designed to be really good at cleansing around the nose area – and it works.
Have you tried any of these products? Think any of them might make it into your beauty cabinet?
