The BEAUTYDIRECTORY team road-tests new and noteworthy products hitting stores this February.
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Cleanser - Jess
What it is: an extremely hydrating cleanser that thoroughly cleans the skin without drying it out.
My experience: This cleanser is incredible. I’ve always found cleansers a bit meh, as long as they left my skin clean I assumed their job was done. Not only does this cleanser leave my skin clean, it leaves it feeling hydrated without leaving any kind of film on my skin. As someone with very dry skin,this cleanser is exactly the piece i was missing in my skincare routine. Another win from Dermalogica!
Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance - Steph
What it is: A moisturiser designed to support and strengthen the skin’s natural resilience and barrier recovery while reducing dryness.
My experience: I’m a long time fan of Dermalogica products and this one was no exception. While it does come armed with a scientific explanation for its formulation this product simply put is a great, intensive moisturiser – perfect for dry and dehydrated skin. The tube style packaging is great as I find this more sanitary than tubs and you can control how much product you’re using. A little goes a long way and for an intensive lotion this is surprisingly light as it blends really silkily into the skin. When I apply at night I wake in the morning to find my skin really soft and plump looking. After applying in the morning I notice how instantly refreshed, hydrated and dewy this makes my complexion. I can’t wait to keep using this product to really care for and maintain my skin.
Weleda KIDS 2in1 Shampoo & Body Wash Mighty Mint - Rachel
What it is: A mild and gentle two-in-one cleansing and care for delicate skin and hair, especially developed with kids, for kids.
My experience: This two-in-one shampoo & body wash is my son’s current favourite! He’s four and goes through phases of hating and then loving shampoo, and I was so happy (and surprised) by his excitement to use this! He instantly loved the packaging with the little polar bear and the tube is easy enough for him to squeeze and do it all on his own. The minty smell is not overpowering at all and instead gives the bath experience a really fresh feel! I love that it is plant-based with organic sesame oil and vitamin E, which leaves my little one skin’s super soft and smooth, whilst giving me the piece of mind knowing there are no nasty chemicals going on his delicate skin. A really great product all round!
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Progressive Renewal Treatment - Tiarne
What it is: A unique system of four progressively stronger formulas.
My experience: I’ve been using this treatment for two weeks now and am very pleased with the results. While I have only used the Phase 1 ampoule and have almost completed Phase 2, I’ve definitely noticed a difference in the texture of my skin. It appears more even toned and radiant, and it feels soft, supple and nourished. The treatments are very light on the skin, which is great as I’m quite prone to breakouts. I haven’t experienced any adverse reactions either – probably because the formulas becomes progressively stronger with each treatment for adaptation purposes. I usually apply a small amount to cleansed skin just before bedtime, and when I wake up I feel and look fresher than ever. I’m really looking forward to continuing this treatment so I can see what else it has to offer.
ghd Glide - Molly
What it is: A hot brush that tames and smoothes dry hair quickly and effortlessly, making it perfect for second day styling.
My experience: The new GHD Glide is just the styling tool I’ve been looking for! It’s so much quicker to use than a regular hair straightener – all I have to do is brush it through my hair in sections once to achieve immediate results. I have naturally frizzy, curly hair and this hot brush is a great way to reach the top strands that I usually have difficulty grabbing with a hot iron. Most of the time, the top half of my head is left frizzy – so this brush is a godsend! It’s also quick to heat up, easy to use and lightweight enough to take on-the-go. My hair is left smooth, soft and frizz-free. Absolutely perfect for giving a bit of life to hair in between washes.
Benefit Chloe's Brow Wardrobe - Em
What it is: This custom palette contains Benefit brow products hand-picked by beauty influencer Chloe Morello. The kit includes her personal tips and tricks for creating three looks; easy, everyday brows, clean and defined brows, or polished and sophisticated brows.
My experience: I’m obsessed with this brow kit! It comes in a beautiful pink box and includes Chloe’s five brow must-haves; Fool Proof Powder, a My Brow Pencil, a Brow Blender tool, a mini size Ka-BROW and a High Brow Glow. Chloe’s tips say that the secret to the perfect brow is layering the products to create different looks. I’m not the most experienced when it comes to brow styling so I was eager to try this out. I found that using a mixture of the Fool Proof Powder, the Brow Blender tool and the My Brow Pencil gave me the perfect everyday look. I’m so impressed with these Benefit products and the brow tips from Chloe! I will definitely be using these Benefit brow products in my daily routine.
Trilogy Age-Proof Multi-Defence Moisturiser SPF15 - Rachel
What it is: A richly textured, high-performance moisturiser that nourishes and softens skin while helping smooth fine lines and contains SPF 15.
My experience: This is such a lovely moisturiser that is perfect for me and my working-mum life. With the synergistic blend of FDA approved UVA and UVB ingredients, as well as the natural super-ingredient PEPHA®-AGE, I can comfortably leave (rush!) out of the house knowing that this moisturiser is helping to protect my skin from the harsh summer rays, as well as supporting my skin’s natural barrier of defense against artificial blue light damage - exactly what I need! I’m pleasantly surprised by how hydrated and supple this makes my skin feel, which even lasts throughout the day and keeps my makeup looking dewy and fresh. I also really enjoy the rich texture, which my skin drinks right up, and the lovely botanical scent is one I’m particularly drawn to. Safe to say this moisturiser is one that I’ll be constantly reaching for, especially with all its skincare benefits!
Sisley Paris Sisleÿa L’Intégral Anti-Àge Anti Wrinkle Concentrated Serum - Georgie
What it is: This new supreme anti-ageing serum turns back the clock to reboot the essential mechanisms found in young skin. It reawakens collagen production at its very source and regenerates the extra-cellular matrix to combat the signs of ageing better than ever before, leaving skin smoother, youthful and radiant.
My experience: Sisley skincare is really up there with some of the most satisfying and enjoyable to use. The texture of the brand’s creamy products is as close to silk as you can get from a liquid. Firstly, this serum has a lovely scent that is a signature of Sisley products. The texture is definitely creamier than most serums but this doesn’t affection the speed of absorption - essential in a serum.
I definitely notice an extra glow and bounce in my skin when I use this product. It helps the face and neck feel plump and, my favourite part, smooths fine lines around the eyes and mouth. The price point is very high so I would imagine consumers are purchasing this as a bit of a treat to themselves. But with advance technology working on collagen production, combined with the overall luxury feel and scent of the product, I’d say it’s worth it.
Ella Baché Hydra Cationic Skin Elixir - Tam
What it is: Ella Bache Hydra Cationic Skin Elixir is a multi purpose daily hydrating treatment elixir that combines a hydration boost whilst also helping to plump and smooth the skin’s surface and blur fine lines.
My experience: This luxurious skin elixir is light and velvety and is extremely soft and nourishing on the skin. It has a fresh and calming fragrance that wasn’t overpowering and left my skin feeling hydrated and smooth. I have quite dry skin and even with the light texture of this product, my skin felt amazing. It contains cationic emulsifiers that bind the protein to the keratin on the outer layer of the skin which helps to plump and smooth the surface – so I am really looking forward to seeing results after continuous use.
ECOYA Winter Escapes Caramelised Walnut & Amber Limited Edition - Sam
What it is: ECOYA Winter Escapes Caramelised Walnut & Amber Limited Edition Madison Jar is a natural soy wax candle in an elegant glass jar.
My experience: This beautiful limited edition candle by ECOYA includes seasonal ingredients like warm amber. Sweetened walnut, jasmine, cedarwood and cinnamon. The scent is warm and inviting with the perfect combination of spicy, oriental and sensual fragrance the forms the perfect wintery combination. I fell in love with this scent at first sniff and this will most definitely be my scent of the upcoming winter season - ECOYA never disappoints!
Circa Home Vanilla Bean and Allspice 60g Miniature Candle - Issy
What it is: Handcrafted in Australia, Circa Home Vanilla Bean & Allspice Classic Candle is made from natural ingredients and made with soy wax and lead-free cotton wicks.
My experience: This candle brings a warmth to the room through the powerful scent of vanilla and allspice ingredients. The scent fills the room quickly which continues to linger even when not burning.
Circa Home Blood Orange Hand Wash 450ml - Caitlin
What it is: A Blood Orange scented hand wash from popular brand Circa Home. it is scented with the fragrance notes of Lemon, Blood Orange, and Grapefruit; and comes in a transparent 450ml pump bottle.
My experience: This hand soap is luxurious and smells amazing. It lathers easily in the hand and feels nice and thick and even after use, it left my hands smelling fragrant and fresh. The scent is a combination of fragrances but I could really smell the Blood Orange and Grapefruit which makes it sweet and delicious - perfect to be used anywhere in the house!
