Freddie's favourites
A Former Beauty Trend Editor’s Top 7 “Can’t-Live-Without” Products
Much like in fashion, beauty trends come and go. Believe me, I know! But with those shifts comes the painful realisation that those half-used moisturisers, discarded serums and barely-touched palet…
Much like in fashion, beauty trends come and go. Believe me, I know! But with those shifts comes the painful realisation that those half-used moisturisers, discarded serums and barely-touched palettes (for which we took out a second mortgage) no longer hit the mark.
To help avoid this disappointment, I’m here to share the products that have had me in a chokehold since day one. Many have resided in my beauty cabinet (and handbag) for years, and continue to serve me valiantly every single day - despite the vast competition they’ve come up against during my time scouring some of the world’s biggest beauty trade shows.
First up is Erborian’s Super BB Full Coverage BB Cream. A shining example of skin-first makeup, this hybrid formula delivers all the hydrating, brightening and refining benefits of a powerhouse serum alongside the flawless coverage of a lightweight foundation. Thanks to hero ingredients ginseng and , it both conceals and visibly reduces blemishes, enlarged pores, redness and dark spots to give you an even, glowing complexion. Plus, it provides all-important 20 protection. Although technically marketed for acne-prone skin types, I find it works perfectly for my combination skin all year round. It’s a product that demands compliments and has now officially replaced my ‘traditional’ foundation.
My next fail-safe product is Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow PHA + Pore-Tight Toner. As well as smelling delicious, this alcohol-free toner deeply hydrates while reducing enlarged pores and blackheads. The formula is inspired by the Korean Aqua Peel Facial, so it utilises a gentle blend of a naturally-derived BHA (beta hydroxy acid) and a PHA (polyhydroxy acid) to clarify deep within your pores while refining your skin’s surface for maximum effect. It’s suitable for daily use and ideal for prepping your skin for makeup application.
When it comes to my daily SPF (and yes, you should be wearing an SPF every single day), my first choice is Ultra Violette®’s Queen Screen™ SPF 50+ Luminising Skinscreen™. As well as providing SPF 50+ protection against rays, UVB rays and blue light pollution, this subtly-scented formula marks a complete U-turn from the age-old problem of SPFs that caused our foundation to cake or melt off our faces. Instead, Queen Screen™ is specifically formulated to work as both an SPF and a glow-inducing primer for makeup. It feels lightweight and nourishing, but not at all greasy. Since trying it, I refuse to be without it!
Here’s one that I’ve been gatekeeping for far too long… Pearl Beauty’s At Last Mascara. I genuinely can’t think of a single mascara I’ve ever used (and there have been way too many) that has come close to this one. It’s truly unmatched in both its application and longevity. No clumps, great separation and, most importantly for this busy mum, the durable formula never smudges or flakes. And it’s all because this tubing mascara uses polymers to wrap each individual lash in “tubes”, rather than painting them with traditional pigment. The result is superior definition and easy removal with just warm water! It’s also available in brown if you prefer a softer lash look. You’re welcome.
In my humble opinion, Tan Luxe is (and has always been) the holy grail of self-tanning products, and the Super Glow Hyaluronic Self-Tan Serum is the ultimate proof of this. Another champion in the skin-first category, it delivers a bronzed-but-never-orange glow while its exclusive complex and superfood ingredients reduce the look of pigmentation and shield against signs of dehydration and ageing. It’s fast-absorbing, so can be used morning or night and, miraculously, it never seems to go patchy despite how aimlessly my sleep-deprived self slathers it on. Even more appealing, I can vouch that it won’t stain your pillows if you decide to use it overnight.
Unlike many of its fellow viral beauty products, this one is actually worth the hype. A signature product of powerhouse K-Beauty brand Laneige, the Lip Sleeping Mask is the perfect embodiment of the skinification of once-basic lip balms. Delivering an entirely new level of benefits, this overnight treatment boosts moisture levels and improves lip firmness in just eight hours while also protecting against the drying and ageing effects of the elements. The biggest highlight? The huge array of delicious and immensely nostalgic scents. My personal go-to is Sweet Candy.
Finally, it’s a relatively new but treasured addition to my daily routine; the Diptyque Refillable Solid Perfume in Eau Rose. As well as being eco-conscious thanks to its refillable format, this ultra-thoughtful product is inspired by the traditional technique of enfleurage; a process used to capture heat-sensitive flower scents. The idea is that you apply the alcohol-free wax to your pulse points with warm fingers to both accentuate and prolong each delicate note within this heavenly fragrance. This has been a godsend for me while travelling, removing my constant fear of smashed perfume bottles in my suitcase.
*This post is not sponsored, and none of the links are affiliate links. All products and opinions are entirely my own.
