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For beauty writers, the end of the month is an opportunity to reflect on the launches we loved and the products we finished. For me, March was characterised by highs, like starting a new role with POPSUGAR Australia (yes, hello!) and lows: like battles with rain, mould, mould induced skin reactions, and my first bout of COVID. But, like any beauty obsessive worth his or her salt, new skincare, fragrance or makeup discoveries always lift my spirits. Here are the beauty products that brightened my month in March.
The Day Serum: Tbh Rebound Serum, $68.00
March was when my usually calm skin went nuts – the silver lining was I discovered two incredible serums. the first was the freshly launched Rebound Serum ($68.00). Created in collaboration with beauty guru and cosmetic chemist Hannah English tbh’s Rebound serum is designed to help sensitised skin bounce back. Rebound contains niacinamide, panthenol, ceramides, Centella Asiatica and copper-tripeptide. It’s a “complete” serum that provides antioxidant protection, collagen stimulation and deep hydration. I cannot imagine life without it and will be repurchasing.
The Night Serum: Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Complexion Calming Gel, $105.00
I am a huge fan and long-time user of Skinceuticals CE Ferulic Serum ($233.00). But early March, my skin was angry and itchy, and I’d developed a delightful rash around my mouth (I’m blaming an allergic reaction to the mould that hit Sydney). Rustling around my beauty cupboard for a replacement, I found Phyto Corrective Complexion Calming Gel. “Calming” was what I was looking for, and with cucumber, thyme and olive leaf extract the ingredients list read like a green juice. I was intrigued and popped the green, liquid gel straight on. Cooling and soothing, Phyto Corrective gel immediately dialled down the heat on my skin – and quickly dispatched with my rash. I discovered Phyto contains anti-microbial as well as anti-inflammatory ingredients, helpful for those with acne, rosacea and, as it turns out, rashes. Phyto has a thicker formula than tbh’s Rebound so I use Phyto corrective at night for no reason other than I don’t want to choose between the two.
The Peach Pick-Me-Up: MCoBeauty Highlight and Glow Beauty Wand in “Peach Glow” ($32.00)
I’ll confess, I’ve been sleeping on MCoBeauty for some time, despite walking past it every time I do my Woolies shop. In March, MCo products came into my life in a BIG WAY, and I’ve fallen head over heels. Next, I’ll get to their skincare category, but first, a love song for their Peach Glow blush. TikTok has proclaimed The Highlight & Glow wands a perfect dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Beauty Light Wands ($60.00), almost double the price. Having swatched the Tilbury products, I found them a little too tinfoil for my taste (I prefer her Hollywood Flawless Filter ($65.00) for a no-shimmer glass, crystal or dolphin-skin glow). While Peach Glow looks metallic on the hand, it blends out into a creamy, perfect peach. The liquid formula doesn’t mess with your base products and has brightened up my COVID ravaged complexion.
The Blockbuster Beauty Bundle: NUDESTIX Euphoric Nude Festival Face Palette Set, ($121.00)
Another brand I’m ashamed to have slept on? NUDESTIX. I was sent their limited edition Euphoric Nude Festival Face Palette ($121.00) earlier in the month. The set comes with four eye crayons, a lip crayon, a lip gloss and a highlighter — all unabashedly Y2K and “Euphoria” inspired. The eye crayons are on par with my OG eyeshadow sticks By Terry Ombre Blackstars ($56.00) – with a more extensive shade range. However, the surprise winner for me was the collection, Lip Glace, in the limited edition shade LaBadi, a sheer rose gold with a holographic violet reflect. NUDESTIX’S Plumping Lip Glaces ($43.00) combines peptides, Cocoa, Shea, Avocado and MuruMuru butter and Vitamines A&E – and of course, a dash of peppermint oil to plump your pout. The glossy finish gives major dimension while the pale purple shimmer throughout creates an optical illusion of a fuller lip — with a very cool holographic finish. Sold individually the items total $292.00 so this pack is an absolute bargain.
My First Mineral Sunscreen (That I’ll Actually Wear): MCoBeauty Mineral Mattifying Sunscreen, ($35.00)
True story: I have never met a mineral sunscreen I liked. They frequently make my makeup or other skincare products pill (the sunscreen that removed a face full of Rationale skincare will remain nameless), while those that don’t leave a white cast are tinted too peach for my very fair skin. I had low expectations when I tried MCoBeauty’s Mineral Mattifying Sunscreen, and it took the product a little while to gain my trust. But this cement coloured beauty edged out all of my favourite chemical sunscreens, entering my life when my sensitised skin needed it.
My Heartbreaking Holy-Grail: Augustinus Bader, The Cream ($390.00)
Being a beauty writer is all gifts and giggles until you fall in love with a product that costs more than a week’s rent. I was lucky enough to be gifted some of Augustinus Bader’s products and fell head over heels for their iconic The Cream. The Cream has a silky, sumptuous texture that deeply hydrates and comforts without feeling heavy or greasy. Often, I opt for barrier style creams, simply because I know any lotion consistency won’t quench my dry, dehydrated complexions’ insatiable thirst. Not so with The Cream. There is a reason this lotion has become as highly regarded as heritage brands like La Mer and Sisley. It’s one of a kind. Consider my heartbroken.
The Super Quick Office Eye: Kosas 10-Second Gel Watercolour Eyeshadows, ($22.00)
Kosas’ new ten-second watercolour eye gels are easy-breezy wet look shadows that give shine without “shimmer.” I was totally inspired by Demi Singleton’s watercolour beauty look at the Oscars, so these arrived at the perfect time. Unlike some liquid eyeshadows I’ve tried, the Kosas gel watercolour has a flexible finish that doesn’t add “crunch” or texture to the lids. My most used shade is “Heat”, a surprisingly cool-toned rose gold perfect for a wash of colour on office days.
The Sunscreen-Primer Hybrid: Naked Sundays, SPF50 Clear Glow Radiant Sun Serum, ($49.95)
A recent launch from Naked Sundays, the Clear Glow Radiant Sun Serum, is a clear SPF. I would describe this product as a primer – it smooths and perfects while providing very high SPF protection. I have a wheelhouse of beloved sunscreens, but my only complaint is that fuller coverage, event foundations don’t tend to play well with cream sunscreens that form a film. Naked Sundays Clear Glow is the perfect base for favourites like Lisa Eldridge’s The Foundation (roughly $76.94AU pending exchange rate) and Nars’ new Light Reflecting Foundation ($73.00) – which you can find reviewed here.
My Smoky Eye Wardrobe: Victoria Beckham, Satin Eye Kajal Wardrobe, ($272.77 or $35.00 individually)
Spending $272.77 on seven eyeshadows might seem like lunacy, but we are living in the era of the Julia Fox smoky eye, and sometimes, only the best will do. Victoria Beckham’s eyeliners do not disappoint. They are creamy and emollient like a true kajal but set to a budge-proof finish making them perfect for lining the tight-lining (etching pigment into your upper lashline to provide subtle definition) and waterline work. The coloured liners like ‘Bordeaux’, ‘Bronze’ and ‘Navy Noir’ provide excellent cream shadow bases, while neutrals in ‘Black,’ ‘Cocoa’, and ‘Ash’ are in my daily rotation.
