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?
Comments 19
You are one lucky ducky getting to try all those new things and letting Us know if they are good or not ,i may need new products for my skin since it’s being rashy and so sensitive so i will remember these products in case,especially the clarins lotus oil ,might help my wrong side of 40 face ….
I love that you take it seriously though, it’s good to know you aren’t just hyping any product. I’ve bought two things previously from your recommendations & have been pleased by them!
Author
Oh, that’s great to know Natalie. I’m also conscious that something that might work for me might not be ideal for someone else.
I’m going to try that Sukin cleanser, always like some calmness in my life 🙂
Author
hee hee … me too … maybe I should drink it?
I really want to try one of the Gelee’s by Estee Lauder. I ordered the palette and waiting on my order as we speak !
Author
Oh, brilliant – let me know what you think!
Hi Nikki,
I love the Sukin products – their rosehip oil is fabulous. I have the Scandaleyes too and I do find the brush WAY too big – I just can’t seem to get it on the little lashes properly (but it was on sale!)
lg xx
Author
Oh, I’m glad it just wasn’t me! And Sukin rosehip oil is FABULOUS!!
thanks, I will try the wipes, I haven’t really used them too much but I am thinking these would be a good addition to my cabinet for when I am too tired to think about anything let alone taking off my make-up
xo
Author
That is exactly why there is always room for a pack in my beauty cabinet Sarah … I’m good and lazy like that 😉
I get incredibly overwhelmed by the barrage of beauty products that are constantly being launched. It is lovely to have someone I trust make sense of it all. I do use the Clarins oil (I’m a Clarins fan from way back – Clarins, Dermalogica and Cetaphil are about it for me!) and I rub a little into the backs of my hands each night as well. Whatever helps!? x
Author
Oh, thanks Maxabella – and you sound like you’ve got it down pat. I’m a big fan of remembering my poor hands at night too!
Yummm the Clarins Lotus Oil sounds amazing. I definitely need some kind of night time routine so far I have relied on genetics for my 40 something face but I know that ain’t going to work forever!!!!
Author
Genetics and sunscreen have helped me Caz but it’s these little add-ons now that keep my skin hydrated and plump where nature’s not really helping anymore 😉
I am crazy about Clarins Lotus oil. It has been a favourite for years. My husband loves it too. If I offer him a facial with it, he dives on the couch immediately with his eyes closed, a smile on his face, patiently waiting. Rachel x
Author
Oh Rachel that’s too funny! Love it when men get seduced by the pamper bug!
Hey Nikki, what are the drawers that you are storing your make up in (in the instagram pic) – that looks like something I need in my bathroom! 🙂 …but don’t tell my hubs lol!
Author
Hi Louisa – I won’t tell at all! It’s from The Makeup Box Shop http://www.themakeupboxshop.com/