Products the bd team tested (and loved) this week.
I tend to shy away from hair products as I have thick, normal to oily strands and fear that with too much product, my blow-dry wont last more then one to two days. Despite this, I thought I would give the Garnier balm a try as it promised humidity resistance and smoothness. I usually go through my hair with a straightening iron only, but as this is a blow-dry balm, I thought I would blow-dry my hair and only touch it up with the iron if I needed it. When using the balm, I noticed that my hair smelt nicer thanks to the fruity fragrance, felt so much softer and my blow-dry lasted longer too. The first time I used the balm I only applied it to my ends, but because the formula is so lightweight and not tacky in the slightest, I now apply it to my mid-lengths too. I hate when you can feel product in the hair, but this formula smoothes in and disappears leaving nothing behind but softness and shine. I have also noticed less frizz. - Liz
After re-introducing toner into my skincare routine On trial this week - January 20, I've been keen to track down products that are alcohol-free and are soothing rather than astringent. I'm currently using the Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal Extract Alcohol-Free Toner and am loving how gentle it is on my skin. During the cooler winter months, my face tends to get drier and the skin a bit tight; this alcohol-free toner is great at removing leftover make-up while soothing my skin at the same time. The toner includes whole flowers and extracts which float in the formula and add to the whole "herbal" feel of the product – Michelle
During my teens I had the absolute perfect foundation. Ever since it was discontinued, I have been on a constant quest to find a replacement that lived up to the original. After countless, countless attempts – I believe I have finally found my holy grail with Dr. LeWinn’s Skin Perfect Foundation. It gives great coverage without looking like my make-up has been caked on and is long-lasting so I don’t have to continue topping it up throughout the day. Not only does it perfectly cover a multitude of my skin sins (think wrinkles and uneven skin tone), but it has SPF15 and includes anti-ageing ingredients such as rose stem cells, matrixyl synthe’6, tourmaline and hyaluronic acid. After so many years of hunting, it’s also nice that my hallelujah” moment as come with a foundation that only costs $39.95! - Yelena
Mavala 50th Anniversary Colours
I am officially in love with Mavala's entire 50th Anniversary Collection, which has been created based on the original shades of Mavala Minis that were launched in 1962. If I had to play favourites, I would pick the Sapporo shade, not only because I always gravitate towards neutrals, but also because this one is particularly impressive. Unlike a lot of neutral shades, this one coats the nail in an opaque hue right from the first coat, so you don't get any of those pesky dirty nails showing through. I'm not sure you can see it in this photo, but the end result is a gorgeous sandy shade that makes hands look tanned and nails look manicured (even if they're not!) - Lucy
Changing the colour of my hair as often as I change my mind, you can imagine how excited I was when KEVIN.MURPHY’s new coloured hair-shadow arrived on my desk. With lollypop locks being the flavour of the month, I could not wait to sweeten my tresses with the fluorescent orange COLOR.BUG. Following the instructions, I prepared the ends of my hair with a serum and then uncapped the BUG. By wiping the hair-shadow over my hair, my ends grew colour immediately! Finishing off with a fine mist of hairspray locked in the colour and I was ready to head out that night. After meeting my friends for dinner, who could not get enough of my peachy ends, I am now seriously considering a more permanent version. – Jess
essence Rebels Cheek & Lip Pot
I am obsessed with peachy tones for the face, not only are they the perfect compliment to my blonde hair but they also brighten blue eyes and give a glow to complexions. The essence Rebels Cheek & Lip Pot comes in the perfect shade of peach - not too pink, not too orange. The glossy texture adds a lovely sheen, makes cheeks appear more youthful (due to creating a round apple-shaped appearance) and gives the perfect glisten to your skin. A great product to keep in your handbag for a quick pop of colour to your lips or cheeks. - Bree
