RECENTLY, I was hit with an icebreaker question: “What’s the last thing in your Notes app?”
While being put on the spot like that would usually make me squirm, it turns out I had good reason not to.
When I opened the app to check, I thought it would be something mundane like a packing list, but instead found an ongoing list of beauty brands I want to shop when I go to the US later this year.
There are only five or so on there – luckily, there aren’t many brands that aren’t available in the UK any more – and it just got one shorter with the launch of Prequel at Space NK this month.
Best new skincare brand
The no-nonsense, hardworking brand created by dermatologist Dr Samantha Ellis is designed to be safe for a plethora of common skin concerns, including and rosacea.
This clever cleanser removes all traces of make-up in one step Credit: Prequel
Prequel Gleanser, £20
Prequel Gleanser, £20 , is the brand’s bestseller, and I can see why.
The formula contains 50% glycerin, which makes it incredibly hydrating, and has a rich, gooey texture that melts away make-up and leaves my skin feeling clean, but not dry.
Keep congestion at bay with this chemical exfoliant Credit: Prequel
Prequel MultiAcid Milk Peel, £25
I’m also a huge fan of Prequel MultiAcid Milk Peel, £25 , which contains a mix of exfoliating acids and enzymes that leave skin soft and smooth.
It’s been helping to keep my skin breakout-free in the sweaty .
Plus, like many of the brand’s products, the bottle is huge, so I’ve been using it on my body, too.
Best new bodycare brand
Speaking of bodycare, it’s no secret I’m struggling to stick to my New Year’s resolution of moisturising daily – the is leaving me sticky at the best of times, never mind adding in body lotion.
That said, No7 is making the job easier with its Good Intent bodycare line.
No7’s new mist hydrates limbs without leaving a greasy residue behind Credit: QQ
No7 Good Intent Skin Sip Milky Body Moisture Mist, £14.95
Teaming No7 Good Intent Dew Bank Oil To Bubble Body Cleanser, £12.95 – a rich body wash with nourishing squalane, glycerin and panthenol – with the genius No7 Good Intent Skin Sip Milky Body Moisture Mist, £14.95 , which contains a near-identical list of active ingredients but is virtually weightless, is keeping my legs scale-free without the hassle of a traditional moisturiser.
This pebble shaped hand cream looks and feels far more luxurious than the price tag Credit: No7
No7 Good Intent Pocket Pebble Nourishing Hand Cream, £9.95
I can’t talk about the range without mentioning No7 Good Intent Pocket Pebble Nourishing Hand Cream, £9.95 , which is the cutest hand cream I’ve ever seen on the high street.
The non-greasy formula is worth the £10 spend, as are No7 Good Intent Blemish Buff Hydrocolloid Blemish Patches, £7.95 for 32 , which just hit shelves.
These novel patches look cute and help spots heal fasterCredit: No7
No7 Good Intent Blemish Buff Hydrocolloid Blemish Patches, £7.95 for 32
The ultra-thin patches contain salicylic acid and cica to draw impurities out of blemishes and soothe the area – plus they’re shaped like clouds, iced matcha lattes, stars and milk cartons.
Best new concealer
When it comes to make-up, Clarins Skin Illusion All-In-One Concealer, £29 , is the first concealer I’ve used in a long time that actually makes my skin look better, rather than leaving a heavy finish that exacerbates the problem.
This concealer works just as well on under-eye shadows and blemishesCredit: Clarins
Clarins Skin Illusion All-In-One Concealer, £29
I’m putting it down to the hydrating glycerin, oat extract, vitamin E and caffeine – ideal for targeting dark circles and puffy undereyes.
The luminous matte finish gives it staying power without being drying or cakey.
It’s also easy to layer and blend, so I can use just a small amount under my eyes to conceal shadows, and add more on blemishes.
Best new blush
Kosas Impressionist Multistick Cream Cheek + Lip Colour, £32 , has made its way into my make-up bag, too, as it’s the perfect size to actually work on lips and cheeks – many multisticks are either too big or too small to do both jobs.
This multitasking stick delivers on it’s claims, and then some Credit: Kosas
Kosas Impressionist Multistick Cream Cheek + Lip Colour, £32
It’s creamy, long-wearing and layers well, which makes application foolproof.
Plus, it’s comfortable to wear on lips all day – I can’t pick a single fault with it.
Best new lipstick
For something with more shine, Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Lip Oil Stick, £23 , won me over from the first use.
The latest launch form Selena Gomez’s beauty brand is the perfect summer lip product Credit: Rare Beauty
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Lip Oil Stick, £23
It’s got the hydration of a balm, the shine of a gloss without any gloopiness, and it deposits the perfect amount of colour that sits between a tint and a lipstick.
It immediately looks effortless, and I’m not sure what more you could want.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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