Makeup routine looking a little tired? Spring is the perfect time to give it a revamp. Beauty Pulse London blogger and cosmetics expert Natalie Clue shares her must have products that will rejuvenate you in time for the warmer months.
We are well and truly into Spring. The temperature is rising (albeit with a sprinkling of rain – good old Blighty!), the sun is making a welcome appearance and we have two bank holidays to look forward to this month – hurrah!
Why not use these days off work to review your beauty routine after the chill of the winter months? Here are my picks of current beauty heroes that will get me ready for the season ahead.
Spring skin saviours
Reinvigorate and awaken the skin with by giving it a little TLC during your May bank holiday. During the winter, the skin may have become prone to dryness and dehydration due to exposure to central heating and the crisp winter winds so replenish the moisture with a high performing serum such as the award winning Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex II, by Estee Lauder (from £48).
This bestselling serum works like nothing else to re-plump skin. Alongside its winning formula of moisturising hyaluronic acid and reparative antioxidants, it contains ingredients that help skin cells to purge themselves of toxins too!
The secret of algae
Exfoliation is often a step that is overlooked in many a skincare routine but nothing will give the skin a good ‘spring clean’, than an efficacious exfoliator. Why not make a commitment to making regular exfoliation a part of your skin care routine – your skin will thank you for it – I promise.
This year I have discovered the amazing skin care brand Algenist (available at Space NK and on QVC). Algenist is a clinical skincare brand delivering anti-aging innovation from Microalgae, one of the oldest and most nutrient-rich algae in the world.
Rooted in biotechnology expertise from the heart of the industry in San Francisco, research discovered that Microalgae secrets a compound that not only allows it to survive, but thrive and regenerate in spite of exposure to the harshest of environments.
Scientists harnessed this compound and exposed it to rigorous testing and identified the key compound that helped to protect and regenerate the microalgae cell. This compound is Alguronic Acid. Patented for topical application it is found in all Algenist skincare products.
This brand delivers hi-tech, no nonsense skincare and I have been extolling the wonders of the Triple-Action Micropolish and Peel (£58.50/60ml). The microdermabrasion peel resurfaces skin with a 10% acid duo (Alguronic Acid + Glycolic Acid), a 10% fruit enzyme complex and micro-crystals to immediately improve skin texture – but surprisingly without any irritation. As well exfoliating, the advanced formula corrects skin imperfections such as hyperpigmentation and age spots for smoother, more radiant skin.
The importance of UV protection
Come rain or shine – protecting the skin from harmful UV rays is vital. Women of all skin tones need to wear sun protection. Even if the sun isn’t shining intensely, make the application of an SPF a daily occurrence. My current top choice moisturiser that boasts a generous SPF level is Rodial’s Glamtox Day SPF15. This amazing product combines micro-injected hyaluronic spheres and myrrh extract to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and expression fine lines with essential hydration ingredients and vitamins for younger looking skin.
Out with the old and in with new
Sometimes your makeup bag needs a makeover and spring is the perfect time to add new products to the mix.
I swear by primer. No longer restricted to the professional makeup artist, a good primer provides the perfect surface for your foundation to adhere to. As the temperatures begin to soar so does the shine on the face and using a primer can also help to keep this at bay.
My shine beating primer of choice is Avon’s Magix Face Perfector (£10.50). The light gel-powder formulation gives a flawless, matt finish, soothing over pores and fine lines. The products holds make up in place from dawn till dusk – and at a purse friendly price you can give it a whirl without breaking the bank.
With my super smooth primed face, the foundation I’m in love with at the moment is the Elizabeth Arden’s brand new offering – the Flawless Finish Perfectly Nude Makeup SPF 15 collection (£28), which comes in 20 shades suitable for all skin tones.
Hydro-pigment colour technology, vitamins and antioxidants protect and perfect, so skin looks beautifully even-toned and flawless. It applies like a dream and provides an even coverage. The oil free formula is perfect for the oncoming summer months and it is suitable for sensitive skin. The packaging is also gorgeous and makes the daily application of one’s base a little more luxurious.
So there you have it, my beauty must haves that will help make the transition into spring a breeze. Bring on the sunshine!
Find out more about Beauty Pulse London and follow Natalie Clue @beautypulse_ldn for more hair and beauty tips.
