The Luxe List

When it comes to makeup, I’ve always bulk-bought lip products. From balms to glosses, I’ve always got at least three of them within reach at any one time, and even though 99% of them sit squarely in the pink-beige categories, I can talk about the differences in shades, textures and benefits at length. I’m also an absolute sucker for packaging, so when I saw the newest lip balm release from Estee Lauder, I couldn’t resist. I mean, it’s beyond chic, and it makes me feel seriously bouji every time I whip it out my make up bag.

Designed to hydrate and smooth lips, as well as give them a dose of personalised colour, Estee Lauder’s Pure Color Envy Lip Balm is the perfect midpoint between lip balm and lip stick. Obviously, it’s packaged like a lipstick, with a dreamy pink case, complete with satisfying snap when you play with the lid. The formula inside is what I’d call a summer balm – hydrating but lightweight enough to disappear. It never feels heavy or sticky. Instead it glides on like silk, and it gives lips a personalised colour thanks to pH magic. On me, it’s a rosy blush, which is pretty for a casual day look. It lasts for a good couple of hours, and thanks to it’s chic packaging, I don’t mind bringing it out for reapplications.

Estee Lauder Pure Color Envy Color Replenish Lip Balm is priced at £25 and is available here (UK) and here (US)

We’re creeping up on the end of June, which means that (whether it looks and feels like it or not) we’re in peak summer, and to celebrate Rodin have released their Goddess Aurora Collection. Filled with products which are going to have you looking and feeling great all season long, this is a limited edition collection that you’re not going to want to miss!

Decorated with whimsical images from illustrious illustrator Donald Robertson, the collection comprises five key products – a body oil, luminizer, illuminating power, two lipsticks and a kabuki brush. Pretty much all you need to add to a tan for ultimate summer glamour!

For me, I think the stand out product from the collection has to be the Luxury Body Oil. It’s a treat at £65, but honestly, I can’t think of another product which comes close. Scented with Bergamot and Mimosa, it’s a trig-phase formula which just need s to be shaken before use. If, like me, your skin dries out if you even think of sunbathing, the oil contains Jojoba Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Apricot Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, Calendula Flower Oil, Sunflower Oil, Argan Oil, Rosehip Oil, and Arnica Montana Flower Extract all of which nourish and hydrate skin so it looks and feels its best.

I’m not going to lie – bright lipsticks terrify me, but Rodin’s in Winks and Arancia Adore are just too gorgeous not to try. Both would look absolutely stunning with bare, tanned, freckled skin coupled with a slick of mascara – I think you could even pat a little of the formula on cheeks to act as a beautiful flush of colour too!

Doesn’t the Illuminating Powder look divine?! Not only am I just obsessed with the golden sheen, but the face pressed into the formula is just adorable. It’s got a gel-powder formula which can be built up, and it’s free from talc, so you’re not going to have to deal with flashback in your holiday photos.

Last up is the Illuminating Liquid – designed to give skin a healthy glow, the formula can be patted into the face’s high points for a bit of sheen. It’s multipurpose, as you can also mix a drop of the formula with your foundation or body oil if you’re looking for an all-over glow.

If you’re in the mood to feel like a summer goddess, the e

When Fenty Beauty launched originally, one of the most talked about products (aside from those 40 foundation shades) was the Gloss Bomb Universal. An unapologetically shiny gloss, which veered away from the matte lip trend, I was really sad when the universal shade just a touch brown for my colouring. Personally, I love a subtly pink lip, especially when it’s a gloss.

So, when I found out that the glosses were going to be released in a couple of new shades – Diamond Milk, a white-toned pearl gloss, which acts as a highlight for the lips, as well as Fu$$y, which is described as a romantic pink, I couldn’t resist picking one up. Since I’m a sucker for a pink lip, I opted for Fu$$y, and I’m so pleased I did.

Packaged in the brand’s signature slick, five sided packaging, the Gloss Bomb is everything you want in a lipgloss. A stunning, warm-toned pink, Fu$$y is perfect if you’re looking for a product to bring a little light to the face, whilst still feeling effortless. The formula of the gloss feels almost cushion-y to wear. It’s rich and silky without feeling sticky or goopy, and it feels moisturising to wear.

I’m obsessed with the oversized doe foot applicator, which makes application an absolute breeze, and the scent is subtle and peachy. The Gloss Bomb also wears incredibly well – I’ve easily been getting 2-3 hours out of each application, and when I gloss looks and feels this good, I don’t mind reapplying!

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Fu$$y is priced at £16 and is available here (UK) and here (US)

I know I’ve been banging on about haircare recently, but it’s what I’ve been focused on, so I thought I’d share a seriously bargain little product I’ve been loving for the past year or so – Hask Argan Oil Repairing Hair Shine Oil.

I can’t remember why I picked up the brown vial, but I’m so glad I did. Filled to the brim with a syrupy golden oil, which is alcohol free – every second night or so, I use about a third to half of a vial, and completely smother my hair, which completely sucks the goodness up overnight. Then, in the morning, I wash my hair as normal and the results are seriously impressive. Hair feels stronger, shinier, and, weirdly, heavier. I love it as an easy TLC option, and I love the price even more!

HASK Argan Oil Repairing Hair Shine Oil is priced at £2.49 a vial and is available here (UK) and here (US)