I cannot believe we’ve been in the UK for six months already. It feels like the time flew by, which is crazy, since we’ve been indoors, pretty much doing the same thing every single day since we got here. The first year living somewhere new is always an adjustment and while I’m definitely comfortable here in London, it also doesn’t seem like we’ve really started living here yet.
Relocation mindfuck aside, the sun is shining and I’m finally making progress finishing up the last room in our flat left to decorate: the office/guest room. I’ve got a sofa bed, shoe cupboard and some new fans on the way (first summer without A/C in a looooooong time) — May is well underway.
In the meantime, I’ve been working through my beauty stash, although I must confess, I had to (HAD TO) scoop up the GWP from Liberty yesterday so the progress made is hard to detect right now. Oops. It was the only one I’ve seen lately with all products I would use. Worth it.
Here’s how April’s beauty empties ranked:
Repurchase:
Naturallogic LUNA Mask — I already have a new jar of this mask in my collection. It’s just so luxurious, really the definition of pampering. I mean, the main ingredients include red wine and cacao butter for god’s sake. The red wine provides enzymes and probiotics and there’s also raw honey in there which is antibacterial. I leave this on for an hour(!) once a week and it doesn’t dry down tight or flake off. Afterwards, my skin is so soft, dewy and glowing it’s worth scooping up this annual release before it’s gone for the year.
Farmacy Beauty Very Cherry Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm — Ugh, I wanted to eat this stuff every time I used it. This product marked my return to cleansing balms and it didn’t disappoint. Made with sunflower and moringa seed oils to dissolve skincare products and makeup, papaya extract to exfoliate and acerola cherry for vitamin C (and that insanely good smell) it quickly became a highlight of my nightly ritual. I love how easily it emulsifies and rinses away. If only this version was available in the UK.
Philip Kingsley Flaky Itchy Scalp Soothing Dry Shampoo — Dry shampoo is a staple of my routine, but my scalp has been seriously dry and itchy ever since we moved to the UK. My first product from this brand, I really enjoyed the cooling, soothing effects of the added aloe vera and menthyl lactate. It also made my hair look and feel more clean without leaving any visible residue on my very dark roots.
Rene Furterer Karité Nutri Intense Nourishing Shampoo — My love affair with French beauty is well documented on this blog. And French haircare products are taking over my routine. The accompanying shampoo to my favorite hair mask, this shampoo leaves my hair feeling so clean and soft, never stripped (even after washing twice). I use it once a week before the mask and it’s made such a difference in the health of my hair and scalp.
On the Fence:
Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 — I really like the idea of this product. It works well as a concealer and protects the delicate eye area. Can’t say I saw some serious anti-aging benefits, but I can confirm it always makes me look more awake. My gripe with it was that it creased pretty quickly after applying. I know I’m oily, so it just may be too heavy for me. I’m leaning towards trying another tube because it’s perfect for a minimal daytime routine.
Pass:
Dr. Barbara Sturm Anti-Pollution Drops — This is a lovely hydrating serum. It layers well with other products (including sunscreen), has no strong scent and provides a great boost of moisture and glow with fermented extracts and antioxidants. It just costs too damn much for what it is. You can get those benefits from a product half the price or less (a lot less).
See what else I’ve used up here.
1 Comment
I know what you mean about the last 6 months flying by! I feel the same. The Very Cherry cleansing balm looks and sounds so nice!