Having been a beauty editor for almost 10 years (and now a beauty blogger), I’m well aware of which cult beauty products my peers can’t live without. Often, when we are travelling (as a beauty editor/blogger you’re ALWAYS travelling – mostly from CT to JHB or vice versa for the day) we discuss our favourite old and new products – comparing likes and dislikes.
These six products always make the ‘must-have’ list. They are not skintype specific, live up to their claims and quite honestly, are just brilliant.
Here’s why:
Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask, R1295
All the beauty editors have been raving about this overnight mask. You apply a thick layer onto your skin and go to sleep. Come morning, you wake up to skin that’s hydrated, plumped and radiant. I use it when my skin is in need to a quick boost and I’m too lazy to do the whole exfoliate, serum, treat routine. I slap it onto clean skin, go sleep and wake up with gorgeous refreshed skin. It’s one of my absolute favourite mask’s and worth ever cent!
Bioderma Sensibio H20 Cleansing Water, R159.95
I couldn’t imagine my beauty routine without this cleansing water. In essence, it’s a make-up remover that effectively wipes away all dirt, grime and eye make-up (even waterproof mascara) without drying the skin. It really gentle and soothing and because it’s fragrance free, is suitable for even very sensitive skin types.
Arden Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant, R185
Everybody knows this iconic beauty balm. Use it to soothe dry lips, cuticles, stings, dry skin, nappy rash – gosh, you can even use it to shine your shoes if you run out of polish. A tube lasts forever. Nuff said!
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex, R585 for a 30ml bottle.
Another ‘iconic’ beauty product that’s stood the test of time. I’ve been using Advanced Night Repair on and off (I have to try other products as well!) for close on 9 years now. I’m always amazed at how quickly it transforms my skin (usually after about 5 days I can see a real difference). I have combination skin and tend to get dry patches at the top of my cheeks, while my t-zone can become quite oily. This serum balances out my skin beautifully. I love that it’s lightweight, non oily and is instantly absorbed – you can even apply it to your skin as a booster during the day over make-up. My skin always looks more radiant, hydrated and healthy when I use it. Every beauty editor I know is a fan.
Dermalogica Age Smart Age Reversal Eye Complex, R660
Us Beauty editors know that when a product contains Retinol (or any Vitamin A derivative) it’s going to produce results. Retinol is one of THE most effective anti-aging ingredients because it speeds up cell renewal, improves skin elasticity, lightens pigmentation and slows down collagen degradation.
This eye cream not only contains retinol, it also has other ingredients that pack a powerful anti-aging punch – peptides, Vitamins and anti-oxidants. It fights all signs of aging from fine lines and wrinkles to hyperpigmentation and dark circles and puffiness. I really like it’s smooth and rich texture and the fact that it has no colour or fragrance – something important to remember when choosing an eye cream. If you have rosacea, eczema or suffer with sensitivity, give any products with Retinol a miss as they could cause irritation.
Clarins Beauty Flash Balm, R395 for a 50ml
Another product I’ve been using on and off for 10 years now is my beloved Beauty Flash balm. This luxuriously thick and creamy apricot coloured balm wakes up tired skin and leaves it s looking fresh and dewy. I use it one of two ways; either as a mask to brighten and tighten my skin, or as skin booster in the mornings. I apply it after my serum and find it acts as a brilliant primer, ensuring my make-up lasts the whole day without sliding off. I also find that it keeps my oily T-Zone under control. It’s a fantastic product to use after a long flight to quench thirsty skin and give it a moisture boost. One caution though – use it sparingly as overuse can cause the product to pill.
Best of all, one lucky reader will win a hamper with all six products valued at R3280. Leave a comment below and tell me which is your favourite product of the six, or which you most want to try. I’ll choose the comment I like the most. Competition closes at 10am on the 20 July and I’ll announce the winner shortly thereafter.
