1. Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream in Medium
I’ve been testing some “drugstore” BB creams over the past couple of months but the problem is that the minute I tried this one, I didn’t want to use any of the others! I’ll go into a more in-depth review when I do the full post but for now let me say that it has a light texture with medium coverage and an easy-to-blend formula. The finish is satiny and far less greasy than the Garnier equivalent.
2. Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
I received a sample of this from a friend in the industry and was so happy with how it made my skin feel, that when it ran out I went and bought a full-size bottle for nearly R700! It is extremely rare for me to spend anywhere near that amount of money on a single skincare product but I did it for two reasons: 1. It works! and 2. The bottle is enormous (75g) and you only use half a teaspoon at a time so it lasts ages (plus I don’t use it every day as I prefer to mix chemical and physical exfoliants in my routine). Daily Microfoliant is a rice-based powder formula that activates upon contact with water (you rub it into a paste in your hands and then massage over your face), releasing exfoliating enzymes and salicylic acid to leave my skin looking bright and feeling super smooth instantly.
3. Essie Silken Cord
A perennial favourite of mine but in particular a colour that I’ve had on my toes for the past month. It’s the perfect pinky-toned red that is extremely wearable and bright without being shocking. It’s classic and sophisticated and pretty – everything you could want from a nail polish!
4. MAC Paint Pot in Groundwork
I’ve had this forever and wasn’t sure about the colour at first but started playing around with it again recently and am loving how it looks when I’ve got a bit more of a tan. Paint Pots are cream eyeshadows that can be used as a base or on their own, and won’t crease on the eyelid. This colour is a matte, mid-toned neutral brown that is especially good at adding subtle definition to the eye in a very natural way. It looks quite dark in the pot but I blend it out quite a lot so that it almost looks like I’m not wearing anything on my eyes and I love the effect – simple and easy.
5. Benefit Dallas powder blush
I can’t remember when I bought this but I know that it was a LONG time ago – it’s even in the old packaging! It is a pinky-brown colour that can double up as a bronzer so it’s a great multi-tasker and looks so flattering on the cheeks. I’m so used to wearing bright coral and pink blushes that I often forget I even have this, but on days where I do wear it (often paired with Groundwork on my eyes) I’m always surprised by how much I like the subtlety of the colour. Benefit products unfortunately aren’t available in South Africa anymore (why, Benefit, WHY?!) but lots of brands do good pinky-brown blushes. Nyx powder blush in Dusty Rose (R100 from Clicks) comes to mind, and while not a dupe exactly, it offers a similar effect.