Lush Gorgeous 45g (RRP £35.95)
£36 for a Lush product? What? I thought they were meant to be the affordable option! When did ethical get so expensive? When they released this Gorgeous little pot of moisturiser. “Light, careless and free!” is the tag line that Lush have gone with for this one and it seems so very apt; it is not promoted as an anti-aging product, so I’ve no wild claims to dispute, it is simply a delicate, deeply hydrating facial moisturiser that somehow leaves your skin aglow. Packed with “rejuvenating organic oils” Gorgeous won’t tackle any deep-seated craters, but it feels like it’s working to halt the formation of any more
The only negative I can find to this product is that I’m not keen on the scent, but it’s not offensively strident and seems to dissipate very quickly, so once you’ve finished working on your other ablutions you’ll hardly notice it’s there. And the price? Well, that’s probably something to do with the Neroli oil content, but you’ll find that a little of this product goes a long way and it ends up being pretty good value for money.
Clinique Chubby Stick 3g (RRP £14)
I really like this fat little lipstick. Promoted as a “moisturising lip colour balm” it’s a sort of two-in-one jobbie; it’s low-maintenance, long-lasting, comes in a variety of eight colours and is just one of those simple every-day products that can sit in your handbag and you won’t need to worry about it. Stuffed with mango and shea butters the Chubby Stick is super hydrating and a perfect summertime essential.
Nubar Nail Lacquers (RRP £8)
Snazzy nails are a must for every beachside babe and Nubar have come up with a fantastic range for the health-conscious fashionista. Free from formaldehyde, phthalate and toluene – chemicals which have been implicated in birth defects and cancer, among other health issues, but are still commonly used in many nail products – the latest colour range from Nubar is fab.
From eye-watering neons to pearly pastels, there is a shade for every taste. The lacquers are a great consistency, so easy to apply and chip-free for up to seven says, so perfect for a little summer time lounging.
St. Moriz Shade ‘n’ Shimmer Bronzing Powder (9.0g RRP £4.99)
Being ever so pale and pasty, fake tan is something that I struggle with, particularly on my face, but bronzing powder is something that I love and St. Moriz have come up with a great little compact for a tiny little price. Shade ‘n’ Shimmer bronzing powder has a fantastic non-streak formula and the ‘light’ pack works nicely on even my pallid little phizog.
The colour is very subtle with, as the name would imply, a little bit of shimmer. This may not appeal to all, but hey, it’s summer time, when else can you be one of the shiny happy people? And if you don’t go in for the full-on facial covering, it works brilliantly as a high-lighter. It’s also perfect to sling into your beach back for those necessary touch ups throughout the day.
Origins Gloomaway Grapefruit Body Mist (118ml RRP £18.40)
£18 seems quite a lot of money for a body mist, particularly one whose scent tends not to last that long, but I have to say that I love this. Origins have got light citrus zingy-ness down to a fine art and this lovely blend of grapefruit, orange, tangerine and field mint essential oil is a perfect example of their craft.
I’m a massive convert to the whole Gloomaway range because it really does do what it says on the tin – whatever my mood, I can rely on this scent to lighten it. And, for me, the fact that it doesn’t linger is a bonus; I hate a cloying scent that leaves a cloud behind you and love that a quick whiff of this can wake me up, freshen me up and clear my mind for a little while. This product is great for every occasion, but on a hot sultry beach it’s absolutely perfect.
Origins A Perfect World SPF 35 UV Face Protector with white tea (40ml RRP £19)
Next we have another Origins product. The rare silver tipped white tea leaf has been prized for centuries by the elite of China and viewed as an essential ingredient in the fabled elixir of life. Now, the lovely researchers at Origins have put it to the test and used it in a thoroughly modern elixir – this one doesn’t claim to offer immortality, but it does provide some essential antioxidant protection to the skin against pollution, sun and the visible signs of aging.
Light, non-greasy and sheer A Perfect World SPF 35 UV Face Protector can be used daily in combination with your usual moisturiser and foundation to strengthen skin’s natural defence system. Packed full of natural ingredients proven to defend against free radicals, prevent oxidation, correct existing UV damage and protect against future sun damage, this is a must have product for anyone looking for a radiant summer complexion. |
