My five beauty favourites for the month of April – I’ve gone back to them again and again, enjoyed using them all and will be sad when they finally run out. Although if they’re anything like my Medik-8 R-Retinoate I could be waiting a long time, because I just can’t seem to get to the bottom of the bottle!
Which is probably quite fortunate considering its price.
Anyway, here goes with the April Hit List:
L’Oreal Glow Cherie Glow Enhancer Lotion
I’ve compared this before to Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter (see my in-depth review here) but in actual fact it’s much more like her Wonder Glow. Lighter, sheerer, with less in the way of a tint. Regardless, the L’Oreal version is an absolute bargain and brilliant for adding low-key dewy glow before applying foundation or concealer.
You can find it online here* – it’s £9.99.
Anne Semonin Gel Mask
This is a very essential-oily mask with quite a tingle. It’s refreshing, reviving and makes you feel as though your face has had a brisk run along a seashore. Which is a weird concept. It’s forty-five quid but the tube is large. Lovely luxury buy for lacklustre, dull skin – I discovered it postpartum after having my first baby and I’ve recently returned to it after something of a hiatus!
Find it at Anne Semonin here.
Lumene Oleo Rich Serum
Well, this is a surprise favourite – I mentioned the rich cream from this Lumene range a few weeks ago and didn’t think that anything else would be as notably excellent, but the serum is just marvellous. It’s more of a light moisturiser than a serum, in a way, because as well as mega-moisturising glycerin it’s packed with nourishing oils.
In fact, if you’ve always wanted to try a face oil but worry about greasiness, this would be a beautiful way of dipping your proverbial toe. Just apply after cleansing and before moisturiser. It’s online here*.
Skinceuticals Discoloration Defense Serum
I’ve been doing lots of stuff out in the garden and (in the UK at least) the sun has been, at times, blazing. As well as a high factor sunscreen I’ve also been upping my antioxidants and pulling out the skintone-brightening big guns. Skinceuticals make quite a few of these “big guns” and the Discoloration Defense Serum is one of the latest launches, promising to dramatically help with dark spots and unevenness of tone. I’ll keep you updated on the results – I use a few drops morning and night before my usual serum.
You can find it (and more detailed info) online here*.
Drunk Elephant WaterFacial Mask
I’ve been using this on my non-retinol nights (current skincare routine seems to be: go in strong with retinol one night, pump face full of moisture the next) and it’s lovely – light and gel-like but not at all sticky. I feel the difference in the morning, let me tell you! I also quite often layer it on over the Lumene serum above for double-whammy effect.
Find the WaterFacial Mask online here*.
All of the above and more are included in this month’s favourite video. Yes, there’s a video! You might be wondering why an earth I’ve taken the time to write it all out as well as filming it: I only exist to serve. And to respond positively and proactively to feedback. So those of you who can’t abide my face/voice/mannerisms can just read my words instead…
Thank you for the text! I’m a fast reader but a slow watcher – and with my husband sitting reading across the room, the silence of reading is appreciated.
The Lumene Oleo Rich Serum sounds very nice! I have an oily t-zone so sometimes face oils make me nervous. I think I can handle that one! You never disappoint with products that are new to me.
xoxo Amanda | theaestheticedge.com
Thanks Amanda!
Dear God I’ve just looked up that drunk elephant mask and it sounds dreamy! I’m new to the concept of a leave on mask though, how does that feel on the skin is it heavy? Could it be used in place of a night cream? Thanks for the post such a treat xx
Yes, use instead of night cream! Just cleanse and straight on with it. x
Thanks :-)
Hi Ruth
The loreal dewy thing, would it suit very oily spot prone 50yrold skin please, I would pop my colorstay foundation after, plus would you use it after/instead of a primer. Many thanks Jx
I’m not sure it would show through so much on a higher coverage foundation? You could use it over and yes would be fine, but there are perhaps more suitable things – if you are very oily then I’d be tempted by some sort of powder luminiser, like the Hourglass Ambient Light ones. They’ll help with the oil and add a beautiful luminosity! x
Many thanks for taking the time to reply. Take good care of yourself. J
I have the same routine: strong retinoid and then moisture, moisture, moisture. Works a charm.
Anne from Doctor Anne
: )
“And to respond positively and proactively to feedback. So those of you who can’t abide my face/voice/mannerisms can just read my words instead” . . . U can f*#k off and get product recommendations elsewhere!!!
Hahahahahaha, Carol! x
Hello! Love your posts! Would you mention please or recommend a good sun lotion for the face and body? Many thanks
Happy Sunday
One that does both? Or can they be separate? x
Great video and article. Where are your tshirt and necklace from? Thank you