The BD team recently road-tested all the new and noteworthy products that hit stores this April.
Here's what they had to say.
Editor's pick: Mavala Switzerland Upside Down Crayon - Aja
What it is: An eye pencil with an extra soft texture for easy gliding.
My experience: This range of eye liner kohls from Mavala Switzerland are ultra-comfortable and allow an easy application on the inside of the lash line, as well as outside the eye. Formulated with ceramides to moisturise and protect, and a high concentration of pigments, these eye liners are unlike anything you’ve tried before!
Nutrimetics Apricot Sugar Scrub - Eleni
What it is: Body scrub packed with sugar grains to buff away dead skin, along with mango and shea butter it helps to provide renewed and glowing skin.
My experience: Nutrimetics Apricot Scrub is a super sweet smelling body scrub. I tend to neglect my body when it comes to skincare and moisturising. With the current situation and extra home time, I figured this product would be of good use. I found that using it before a shower was the way to get best results. Use on dry skin to gently rub and exfoliate your skin. I found this was perfect to use before shaving and have noticed it helped to reduce my ingrown hairs, as well as increase blood flow and help to make my legs look more even and glowy. I used it all over my body and then rinsed it off in the shower. I followed this with a body moisturiser and smelt heavenly and felt super smooth after that. This product is definitely an essential for taking your body skincare to the next level!
Max Factor False Lash Effect Primer and Mascara - Tiarne
What it is: A primer and mascara that guarantee darker lashes and brighter eyes.
My experience: I’ve never actually used a primer under my mascara before, so I was very excited about giving this one a go. The primer is super easy to apply and has a really handy, convenient sized brush. I have found that when using it, I can get away with using just one coat, rather than the several that I usually go for. And on the few occasions that I’ve wanted to add a few extra coats of mascara for a more intense look, this primer seems to stop the usual clumping. As for the mascara, I can’t fault it either. It gives me a nice, full lash look, without having to apply falsies. The colour stays put all day and night, without smudging or getting in my eyes (which has been a problem in the past). Thank you Max Factor!
Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Fluid Powder Foundation SPF 20 - Tam
What it is: A first-ever liquid-to-powder foundation from Bobbi Brown that self-sets into a comfortable, light coverage.
My experience: This foundation is quite sheer on the skin and is a light to mid coverage. It feels like a matte tinted moisturiser, it applies like a foundation and sets into a powdery finish that looks really natural. Best of all, it doesn’t sink into my fine lines like powder normally does. The formula is SPF 20 which helps to protect the skin which is fantastic for everyday wear. It is also free of parabens and phthalates so it won’t damage the skin.
Synergie Skin Minerals SkinPressive - Sam
What it is: Synergie Minerals SkinPressive is a pressed powder foundation with natural coverage and complete environmental defence.
My experience: I have been using this convenient pressed powder foundation compact on a daily basis to keep me looking healthy and human for my many virtual meetings. I’ve been using the shade buttermilk which is a light and natural looking beige that blends seamlessly with my paler (thanks Corona!) skin although the product is available in six beautiful shades. I particularly love the pure liquorice extract additive for calming redness, sensitivity and helping to address uneven skin tone. This product will be a makeup bag staple for me moving forward.
Glasshouse Fragrances Lost in Amalfi - Sea Mist Hand Sanitiser - Rachel
What it is: Glasshouse Fragrances Lost in Amalfi, Sea Mist Hand Sanitiser is a hand sanitiser specially formulated to kill germs.
My experience: Glasshouse has done it again, adding that little bit of luxury to my home. Not only does this sanitiser contain over 65% alcohol to make it antibacterial, it is scented with the same Sea Mist, Lavender, Freesia and Lime as the Lost in Amalfi candle. It stands in a lovely 250ml glass bottle, fitted with a silver cap and plastic pump so that it is easy to use and the formula contains aloe leaf which really helped to keep my hands nourished instead of drying them out like some sanitisers tend to do.
HASK Keratin Protein 5-In-1 Leave-In Spray - Caitlin
What it is: A lightweight 5-in-1 formula enriched with hydrolysed keratin to coat and seal the hair, leaving it hydrated, smooth, frizz-free and protected from thermal damage.
My experience: Now more than ever is a perfect time to do a lot of self-care. This leave in spray has 5 benefits which smooths and controls the frizz, provides thermal protection, hydrates and softens, detangles which prevents breakage (especially when I am a blonde) and boosts shine. What I do love is that it is super lightweight so I can spray it on my hair when it’s dry during the day to give it a bit of love and doesn’t cause my hair to go oily. The product smells divine with a raspberry scent which does give me a bit of a ‘pick me up’. Over time it has certainly conditioned my hair and already in a few weeks it has helped strengthen my ends.
MOR Dance The Quickstep Marshmallow Petite Duo - Sam
What it is: MOR Mother's Day 2020 - DANCE THE QUICKSTEP Marshmallow Petite Duo is a gift set part of the Exotic Tea Dance Mother's Day 2020 Collection. It includes: Marshmallow Hand & Nail Cream 50mL Marshmallow Soapette 60g.
My experience: If you’ve never experienced MOR’s classic marshmallow range then you have not lived! This timeless classic scent has been incorporated into an adorable gift pack for Mother’s Day complete with a ribbon and bow. The Marshmallow Hand & Nail Cream has been a desk drawer, handbag, glove box and beauty cabinet staple of mine for many years and I adore the sugary musk scent every time I use it. This pack will not only bring a bit of joy this Mother’s Day but also help maintain healthy hands during the current pandemic.
Arbonne Super Calm Vegan Cleansing Milk With Agastache Blend - Deborah
What it is: Arbonne Super Calm Vegan Cleansing Milk With Agastache Blend is a milky, non-foaming cleanser.
My experience: My skin is on the sensitive side, so I was excited to try Arbonne’s new Super Calm Vegan Milk Cleanser. The cleanser comes in an easy to dispense pump bottle, and the product has a smooth syrupy texture. Once I applied it to my face, the product lathered well, and gave my skin a fresh tingling feeling. Once I rinsed, my skin was immediately softer and more supple, but it didn’t feel stripped of its natural oils. The cleanser has a very neutral scent and left my skin the perfect canvas for post-shower skincare. I followed with Super Calm Skin Relief Serum and then Super Calm Soothing Hydrator, which left my skin feeling even softer without a heavy greasy feel. Overall the perfect calming skin routine before bed.
Main image source: Bobbi Brown.
