5 Discoveries From The Past 12 Months
Every week there are new launches throughout the beauty community, from new foundations that promise a different feel and finish on the skin, to cutting-edge skincare to deliver the best results yet. This, combined with all of the amazing products that are already available on the market, means that there are always new and exciting things to experiment with and new favourites to be found. Over the past 12 months there have been a number of stand out product, both new launches and existing, but there are 5 in particular that have really made their marks on my daily routines. From fragrance to skincare and makeup, plenty of things have been played with but these are the ones that changed my routine and continue to feature months later.
Zarko Perfumes Molecule 234.38
This fragrance is unlike any other than I have ever tried. It is truly unique, not only due to its molecule formula that adapts to each individual's skin, but the scent that the molecules are encapsulated in. It's definitely a unisex scent, with it warm, sensual notes. However, this is not to say it is a heavy scent, it's fresh, light and suitable for all-year-round wear. It is beautiful alone however if you want to add a twist to your current favourite fragrance then this is the perfect way to achieve that.
Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfection Mask
If you want to invest in just one mask then this is it. The advanced formula works to brighten, soften and hydrate skin whilst improving the appearance of dull skin almost instantly. The formula is unexpected, it's whipped texture leaves it feeling comfortable on the skin as it cools and get to work. It doesn't set and after 10 minutes or so it is easy to remove with a warm, damp flannel. Behind it leaves your skin looking brighter and feeling much softer but also hydrated. Any areas of rough skin feel improved and healing spots look less aggressive and notably smaller. A little goes a long way and tackles a myriad of issues you may be facing.
The Ordinary Salicylic Acid
The Ordinary has had a real moment over the past 12 months and burst onto the beauty scene with a number of strong launches. One in particular is their Salicylic Acid Solution. Without a doubt the best spot treatment I have ever tried, this lightweight serum works to reduce the size, redness and pain of spots instantly. A small drop is plenty to start it getting to work, applied in the evening, by the morning there is a noticable different. Spots and marks aren't instatnly gone but they certainly heal much faster than without it's use. It also works well on blackheads, with a drop massaged into my nose area every evening I have seen a notable difference in the size and severity of the blackheads in this area for the first time in years. It's affordable and can be picked up for less than the price of a cup of coffee at a number of online retailers. It dries out spots without drying out the rest of your skin and is worth every penny of it's affordable price tag. If nothing else it's worth having in your arsenal just in case a pesky spot rears it's head.
Nars Velvet Matte Stick Foundation
Nothing about this foundation should appeal to me, yet it's easily the best I tried in 2017. For a matte stick foundation the formula is incredibly lightweight and melts into the skin as though it was never even there - in the best possible way. Your skin still be seen through the foundation and it doesn't mask your features but it does have a good medium/buildable coverage to lessen the appearance of spots, marks and dark circles. Skin is left looking radiant but not greasy or oily, with the formula working well alongside the natural oils in your skin throughout the day. If you need a little more coverage in specific areas this can be easily build up in the necessary areas without a heavy or "cakey" finish, and at the end of the day you can pop on a little more exactly where you need it before you head out for dinner. It has 20 shades in the collection and could also be used to contour/highlight if you picked up a few shades darker or lighter than your skin tone.
Marc Jacobs Matte Highliners
These multi-purpose gel eye liners are game-changing when it comes to eye makeup. The gel formula means they glide onto the eyelid and can be blended to achieve a softer look but within 30 seconds the set and do not budge all day. Seriously, all day. The intense pigmentation is exactly what you want from a liner, whether it's the neutral brown tones or bolder peacock-blue. Their fine nib is perfect for tight lining whilst the built-in sharpener means you can always maintain accuracy when applying. Whether you're using them for a little more definition along the lash line or are applying all over the lid and blending out for a bolder look, these are easy to apply, last all day and do not compromise on pigment. At the end of the day a little oil-based makeup remover will lift them away with ease.
These products have altered my daily routines, have pulled me away from long-time favourites and firmly taken their places. They're the no-brainer recommendations and then ones that I am sad to see run out.