I’ve been getting more questions about my skincare regime lately (I blame the daily IG story selfies, which are all done with #nofilter hehe), so I thought I would do a monthly recap blog post and a video explaining what I have used up and my honest review on the product. I’m also going to do a BIG blog post detailing my current skincare regime soon….so stay tuned. Are you ready to snoop inside my beauty cabinet? Read on!
Ok….so this blog post is a LONG one! If you would rather see me explain the skincare products below on video, check this out. I sadly realized after that I have some lipstick on my teeth, but whatever, I’m still posting it :). If you prefer to read….check it out below!
Goldwell Dualsenses Blonde & Highlights Duo Anti-Yellow Tint Shampoo + Conditioner
I color my hair and have been a longtime user of the Goldwell Dualsenses Blonde & Highlights Duo Anti-Yellow Tint Shampoo + Conditioner. This shampoo and conditioner is purple and helps maintain your color in between uses by reducing brassiness, increasing luminosity, and slows the fading of your hair color. I was due to get my hair colored at the beginning of May and as you will see in the video embedded above, I am definitely showing some roots, but I credit this shampoo and conditioner for making my hair the best it can be during this time.
Here is the UK link: https://amzn.to/3dwPqKX
Here is the USA link for the Shampoo: https://amzn.to/2SNTGhi and the Conditioner: https://amzn.to/2LgB6dA
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid
I purchased the Sunday Riley Good Genes when I was back in the United States for Christmas and just finished it this month. I really like this lactic acid treatment. It’s an AHA exfoliant that is gentle and works to improve radiance and texture. It also helps to reduce pigmentation.
While you can use this product AM or PM, I use it at night only because I found that my makeup pilled when I tried to use it as a daytime serum. When I use it at night, I put on a hydrating moisturizer after it has soaked in. It’s not irritating at all to my skin, but I am dry and not sensitive, so FYI. Lactic acid works on the surface of the skin and I saw the radiance and texture improvements pretty quickly once I started to use this product consistently.
Throughout the week, I swap different PM skincare treatments (e.g. lactic acid, retinol) based on what my skin needs. I do not mix acids – it’s important that you be careful about layering acids or different skincare ingredients. I recommend following Caroline Hirons for tips on how to layer your skincare. I’ve learned so much from following her content!
Here is the link to purchase the product in the USA: https://shopstyle.it/l/bhbMS.
For my UK readers, the UK law does not allow this product to be sold in its US formulation. It’s such a bummer! The UK formulation is a mix of lactic and glycolic acid. I’m very up for trying it in the future and I will report back on how I like it: https://shopstyle.it/l/bhbMJ.
Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré
I’ve been using the Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré as part of my face moisturizer rotation for ages now. This product is an interesting one. It came to “fame” because makeup artists embraced the product for its multitasking capabilities. You can no joke use it as a moisturizer, a primer, and a make-up remover. I know…how can all of those things be possible in one product!?
I just use it as a moisturizer. I like to purchase it in the travel size tube and it is my go-to product for my shorter travels. While this works really well for me, I need to disclose that it’s a shea butter-based moisturizer and it also has mineral oil in it, which can clog pores. At 37, I do not break out much anymore, except for the occasional hormonal breakout, so this has not been an issue for my skin.
If you want to check it out, here is the USA link: https://shopstyle.it/l/bhbOD. Here is the UK link: https://shopstyle.it/l/bhbOJ.
Darphin Hydraskin Light Gel Cream Moisturizer
I love Darphin and just discovered the Hydraskin Light Gel Cream Moisturizer recently through a free sample with purchase. While I was skeptical about the idea of a ‘gel creme,’ after using the product for a while, I am now hooked. There’s a lovely cooling effect when you put this cream on and it hydrates my dry skin perfectly. It also layers nicely with my existing skincare and makeup regime.
Darphin now markets this cream as its number one moisturizer and I can see why after using it. I’m not as familiar with the key ingredient Salicornia Herbacea, but after some research, I learned that it is an extract that contains things like betaine, amino acids, and minerals which can strengthen the skin barrier, increase skin recovery and provide deep moisturization effect.
The product website also lists Kiwi and Butterfly Lavender as key ingredients. Kiwi is said to revive and firm skin with vitamins C and E. Kiwi’s amino acids treat UV damage, and the antioxidants in the fruit also claim to neutralize the free radicals. Vitamin E is said to boost collagen production and moisturizes the skin. While I could not find out much about “butterfly lavender,” lavender as a skincare ingredient is said to have antibacterial properties and help to reduce swelling.
If you’re curious to check out this product, here is the UK link: https://shopstyle.it/l/bhbM6 and USA link: https://shopstyle.it/l/bhbNd.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye
Before COVID-19, I popped into House of Fraser to buy a bottle of my foundation, the Estee Lauder DoubleWear. They happened to have a free gift with purchase, so naturally I jumped at the chance! As the sales associate went to fill out the bag, some bits were missing so she asked if I would mind a few extra mini pots of Advanced Night Repair Eye? Uh, YES PLEASE!
I’ve been a longtime fan of Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair range. My under eyes are definitely an area of concern, so I was excited to try the eye cream because the product claims are rather impressive. It says this eye treatment will fight the visible impact of lack of sleep, UV, pollution, even blue light. The product also claims to improve signs of eye aging, such as dark circles, puffiness, lines, dryness. The product also claims to be very hydrating with hyaluronic acid.
My review? I liked it! I had never thought of using an evening eye cream, but it was a welcome addition to my routine. I did also try to use it during the day, but the gel creme texture is not the best under makeup. There’s a reason why it is as marketed as night cream. I did not see an improvement in my under-eye circles, but let’s be real, so many eye creams say they will improve dark under-eye circles and all of the research I have read says no cream will. If you’ve found otherwise, let me know!
If you want to check out Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Eye, here is the USA link: https://shopstyle.it/l/bhbON and the UK link: https://shopstyle.it/l/bhbOP
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray
Another more recent cult favorite is the Urban Decay All Nighter long-lasting makeup setting spray. I always buy the travel size of these, as then I can pack them for my travels in a flash. I might need to revisit that decision now that I am not traveling so much!
I had never thought that I needed a makeup setting spray. To be honest, I just thought it was a frivolous purchase. Boy was I wrong! As someone who goes from early morning to late in the evening with my makeup, the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray keeps makeup looking gorgeous and prevents melting, fading and settling into fine lines.
There are also some great hacks you can play with, such as using this setting spray after you put on your foundation and then again after you finish the rest of your makeup. I do this when I am speaking on stage at a conference for more professional makeup. Some people also swear by using it on their makeup brushes, but I have not tried this.
For more information on the Urban Decay All Nighter setting spray, here is the UK link: https://shopstyle.it/l/bhbOX and here is the USA link: https://shopstyle.it/l/bhbQy.
L’oreal Million Lashes Mascara Waterproof
This product was not a winner for me. I had bought this mascara when I was in a pinch and was rather disappointed by it. It’s such a shame, as I usually LOVE L’Oreal mascara. I’ve used so many different L’Oreal mascaras in the past, but this variation was not the one. I have naturally long eyelashes, but I found that this mascara did not do anything to perk them up sadly.
I’m not going to link it, as I would not recommend purchasing it.
Clinique High Impact Mascara
I purchased a travel mini of the Clinique High Impact Mascara at the airport during a trip when I realized that I had forgotten mascara. D’oh! However, the purchase ended up being a happy accident because it reminded me how great this mascara is! I used to use this a lot when I was in university and it’s still fantastic. It really plumps and lengths my lashes in a natural yet notable way. I also like how it is not clumpy and easy to apply. The mini also lasts for ages! I’ll definitely be re-purchasing.
For more information on the Clinique High Impact Mascara, visit the UK link: https://shopstyle.it/l/bhbO9 and the USA link: https://shopstyle.it/l/bhbPb
Final Thoughts
Wooooow….this blog post is so long! I hope you found it valuable. I would LOVE to hear your feedback on this format with a blog post and a dedicated video explaining the products.
Please also share your favorite products below – I love trying new beauty products and am always looking for great new gems to try. In particular, I would love your recommendations for a good retinol, a good vitamin C serum, and any other face serums you love and are good for dry skin!
xoxo Jessica
*This blog post contains affiliate links, which give me a small commission for any items you purchase. Affiliate links do not cost you anything. It takes a long time to create this content, but if you prefer to not use my links, you can simply search the product names for yourself :).