Beauty favourites February 2016

Hello beauty lovers. If you’re new around these parts you may not be up to speed on this monthly post.

In a nutshell, for a girl who’ll go gaga over a new lipstick release, I have THE BEST job in the world. Each month, dozens of new beauty products land on my desk for possible trial, review and feature here.

I KNOW. Tough doesn’t come close.

For a product to make it on to this monthly beauty favourites post, it has to be pretty damn special – to me.

What I feature may not work for you but I hope I can point you in a new direction if you’re looking to change things up in the makeup, skincare and hair care department.

I try to feature a range of different price points, plus I try to include at least one product that’s natural and hasn’t been tested on animals.

I know each and every one of you have your own personal guidelines and budget restraints so, while I can’t be all things to all people with each product mentioned, I can offer a diverse mix in my top five each month.

In December, those 50 products – plus any others I’ve included in beauty advice posts here on Styling You – will be up for a spot in my Top 20 beauty products for 2016. Here’s a look at what made the cut in 2015.

The biggest test for me is if it’s something I’ve continued to use and buy. I’m also curious to hear from you about whether you’ve tried these products – or found a beauty product we all should know about.

Let’s get stuck in, shall we?

1. Cocoa Brown by Marissa Carter Night & Day Tan 2 in 1 $19.95: It’s no secret around these parts that I do love a salon spray tan. In between, it’s all about the gradual tan for me, so when this product crossed my desk I was super excited to try. Why? Because it works initially as an instant tan. Big tick because sometimes I’m not prepare. And then it continues to work as a gradual tan. Winning.

2. Dermalogica Charcoal Rescue mask $65: If you’re skin is still suffering of the excesses of the holiday season – or just because of the stresses of being back in work mode, then this is the treat it needs. Use up to four times a week to detox, brighten and make your skin glow. Sluggish skin is gone thanks to a Japanese charcoal as the hero ingredient with sulfur, phytic acid, lactic acid, and mandelic acid for brighter skin, Niacinamide to work on redness and Chilean Wild Mint to refine pores.

3. Rimmel London The Only One lipstick in Best of the Best $15.95: This is my new fave red lipstick. I’m in love with this lippy on a number of levels. Firstly, it’s an incredible hybrid lip colour in a lightweight formulation with high-impact colour, hydration and lasting power. Second, to celebrate the release, Rimmel London has teamed with Dress For Success and is donating one product to this incredible organisation – Styling You’s charity of choice – for every Facebook and Instagram share using the Lipstick Revolution website – www.theonly1.com.au

4. Face of Australia Glamazon contour kit $9.95: Remember this contouring post where I confessed to being far from a Kardashian in this cheek-sculpting department? Well, thankfully for us mere mortals, there continues to be releases of products that make it so damn easy to practise and practise until we get it right. This kit or palette from Face of Australia (which produces some of the best, cost-friendly “dupes” in makeup … dupes are basically inspired copies of more expensive brands) is The Business. It comes with instructions on the back as to how to use both the contour (darker) and highlighting colours (lighter) so you’ll have this nailed very quickly. (not tested on animals)

5. EcoCare organic face wipes in rose & chamomile $8.99: It’s no secret around here that I love my face wipes for the ultimate in lazy-girl beauty efforts. If you’re struggling with the whole night-time cleansing routine, place a packet of wipes on your bedside table and before switching off the light make it a habit to remove the day’s face. These are particularly delicious for a dry-skinned, mature personage such as myself. They got a big tick on the cleansing front too, wiping away otherwise stubborn mascara and eyeliner. The wipes themselves are made from sustainable and biodegradable organic cotton. (not tested on animals)

So, it’s over to you … have you tried anything new that we need to hear about? Spill in the comments.

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