Whether it be the timeless hue of a scarlet lipstick, the elucent packaging of a new beauty product, or even a treatment that helps alleviate redness, the below offerings have something for everyone to enjoy this festive season – as recently proven by the BD team.
Here's what they had to say.
EDITOR'S PICK: Sisley Paris Phyto-Gloss in Star - Aja
What it is: A unique lip gloss that plumps lips and envelopes them in a beautiful shine.
My experience: This season I was looking for a Christmassy lip colour that would get me in the festive spirit but I didn't want to commit to a heavy or matte option – so this Sisley Paris Phyto-Gloss ticks all the boxes for me. It has the most perfect non-sticky formula that hydrates and protects lips, with a combo of three oils for a shaping effect. If you're also looking for a festive lip option, the colour Star is just the perfect Christmas red with a mirror shine finish.
Jurlique Herbal Recovery Signature Eye Cream - Eleni
What it is: A refreshingly lightweight serum that helps to minimise puffy and dark undereye issues.
My experience: I need to steer clear of heavy under eye products as it usually results in unsightly milia. This jurlique Herbal Recovery Signature Eye Cream is a super light, cool and refreshing serum that is gentle and hydrating. This Australian made eye serum is hard working, helping to tackle the usual under eye enemies, puffiness, dark circles and fine lines and wrinkles. I was intrigued to learn that it not only helps to treat these issues, but also works to protect and nourish the delicate skin around my eyes. It also contains yarrow extract, which is a natural extract that helps to protect the breakdown of collagen around the eye area, helping to prolong the look of smoother younger skin. This cute little bottle dispenses a perfect pea size amount that I then dispensed onto my other ring finger and worked/pat it into my delicate under eye areas. This little red bottle or eye magic is my favourite addition to my skincare routine!
NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette - Phoenix - Tiarne
What it is: A pro-level palette with 16 high-performance eyeshadows.
My experience: Over the past few months I’ve been looking for a colourful palette to use for the upcoming festivities and this one ticked all the boxes! I found all of the shades highly pigmented with great payoff that lasted all day long, with no signs of fading or fallout in sight. Each colour blended beautifully and the velvety smooth application was really simple. I received so many compliments when I used this palette for a recent Christmas party – everyone wanted to know the brand and where they could buy one for themselves! Super pleased this beautiful little palette landed on my desk.
Clarins Eau Dynamisante - Tamara
What it is: A body fragrance with skincare benefits.
My experience: This is the first time that I have ever heard of a body fragrance that also has skincare benefits (aromatherapy and phytotherapy). The Clarins Eau Dynamistante comes in a deep red glass bottle with the trademark white Clarins lid.The fragrance is almost neutral and is based around citrus fruit, patchouli, petit grain, rosemary and white thyme to give you a refreshing feeling once sprayed onto the body. It can be used anywhere on the body and contains botanical extracts to nourish the skin and brighten the surface of the skin.
Natio Lip Colour - Crimson - Rhianna
What it is: Natio Lip Stick in the shade Crimson.
My experience: When it comes to the festive season, I love rocking a bold red lip! With that being said, I don’t wear just any red lipstick – it has to be comfortable on the lips, long lasting and the right shade of red. The Natio Lip Colour in the shade Crimson ticks all of the boxes for my Christmas Day lipstick of choice. The formula is lightweight and comfortable on the lips, it wears well and doesn’t splinter and it’s a beautiful rich shade of red. Once applied, it feels really hydrating on your lips and feels more like wearing a lip balm as opposed to a heavy lipstick. The lipstick also smells like vanilla cake batter (how delicious?!).
John Frieda Radiant Red® Red Boosting Shampoo & Conditioner - Lily
What it is: A shampoo and conditioner that replenishes red tones and improves hair condition with every use.
My experience: Products specifically curated for redheads is definitely a niche market with very few accessibly priced grocery and chemist options available. This shampoo and conditioner by John Frieda is very affordable when compared to similar quality salon brands and has quickly become a new staple in my hair care routine. I am a natural redhead but also dye my hair to achieve the desired deep red tones. Usually my hair lightens very quickly however after using these products for the last three weeks I’ve noticed less fade and an overall brightness to my red locks. I will continue to use this product!
Mavala Switzerland Festive Tree Coffrets - Deborah
What it is: Limited-edition tree coffrets filled with nail polishes for Christmas.
My experience: This is the ultimate trio of nail polish colours for the festive season! The colours: 4 Abu Dhabi is a bone white, 140 Magic Circus is a clear based polish with a super fun burst of red, green, gold and silver glitter, and 986 Versatile Red is the perfect shade of party red that could easily be worn any time of the year. The Abu Dhabi, being a white nail polish would usually worry me in terms of coverage, but Mavala’s nail polish formula goes on so smoothly and gave full coverage in two coats, there wasn’t a bumpy brush streak in sight. I used the Magic Circus on top of the Abu Dhabi, and Mavala really gets the polish to glitter ratio right! The brush picks up the perfect brushful of glitter to spread evenly across the nail so that it isn’t patchy. All in all, my nails could not be more ready for Christmas!
