Before looking forward to more new launches for the year ahead, I’d like to throw a little love in the direction of some of the stars of 2014. Rather than present you with exhaustive lists, I’ve decided on the more higgledy piggledy approach of simply jotting down what really made my toes curl in delight last year…
SKINCARE //
Perricone MD’s Photo Plasma is the single product I relied on last year that I’d now seriously struggle to be without. An excellent SPF that slides on to provide a good make-up base and never makes skin appear chalky, I’ve cracked a new pot open with each I’ve finished. (Though, if you’re reading Mr. Perricone, please reconsider the jar packaging).
I was also totally thrilled by Clinique’s Custom Smart Serum, which softens and nourishes without overwhelming my skin. To cleanse, I repeatedly opted for the combination of Nude’s Perfect Cleanse Nourishing Oil followed by Espa’s Nourishing Cleansing Balm. Together they leave skin clean without damaging the barrier.
To treat skin, I’ve remained devoted to Institut Esthederm’s Eye Patches and Chantecaille Detox Clay Mask. For lips, By Terry Baume de Rose is still an awful lot better than any of its rivals and was my go-to lip balm throughout the year.
The new skincare range that stood out in its entirety was Su-Man’s stellar collection. So devoted to her Rehydrating Toner am I that I now always have two in the house to pat on my skin when it feels dry.
For my body, I’ve used a fair few tubes of Mama Mio’s Double Buff Exfoliant and chased it either with Moroccan Oil Body Souffle or Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis Overnight Treatment/Espa Detoxifying Body Oil. Feet are treated to Margaret Dabbs Intensive Treatment Foot Oil. and, if I can find time, cuticles rubbed with a little Dadi Oil. Jurlique’s Rose Hand Cream is another stalwart and remains my bedside favourite.
MAKE-UP //
Three new stand out brands here: Troy Surratt, Eve Lom and Zelens. Troy formulates mostly in Japan, bringing high performance formulas in brilliant colours (his lipsticks and eyeshadows are second to none. This year he’s launching foundations – I expect great things).
Both Eve Lom and Zelens have tackled skincare make-up in different ways. Lom has only made base products, infusing them with hydrating and anti-inflammatory ingredients. Zelens has ventured into colour products, making lip glosses infused with hyaluronic acid and blushers containing baobab to plump.
Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Lipsticks, Clinique’s Chubby Stick Cheek Colour Balms and By Terry’s additions to their Densiliss range were also winners here, but otherwise my old favourites still remain: Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, Tom Ford Cocoa Mirage and Nars Orgasm most notably.
WELLBEING //
I set a lot of stock in the benefits of caring for the body via wellbeing aids. A hot bath in anything by Aromatherapy Associates or Kneipp, tap of H Gillerman’s aromatherapy oils when stressed and a roll of This Works In Transit Muscle Therapy on stiff muscles all make me feel, and look, much better.
New to the fray this year is PurEssential. A range that’s hugely popular in France, the muscle rollerball and room sprays have really impressed me.
I remain a dedicated pill popper, taking Udo’s Choice Omega Capsules daily and staunchly defend Elle McPherson’s expensive, but instantly reviving, Super Elixir.
Those of you who often read my posts may have noticed that while I am happy to put effort, time and products into skincare, I am conversely low maintenance when it comes to my hair.
A wash (with Liz Earle, Tigi’s Urban Antidotes or Kerastase) followed by an oil (this year it’s been by O’Right or Bumble & Bumble) before roughly drying and applying another blob of oil or liberal spray of Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray or Bumble & Bumble City Swept and I’m good to go.
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