[unpaid/sample/purchase/affiliate/ad] I’ve tried to focus on things that I’ve either discovered or used most this year and it doesn’t boil down to very many things/ That’s the trouble with favourites – you tend to use them to the exclusion of everything else. I love a good lip balm – it’s something I use at least once a day and before I go to bed and the absolute star of the year is Biossance Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm. However, honorable mentions to Sisley (which I cannot give up even though it’s a horribly expensive habit) and to Victoria Health Fulvic Nail Cream (yes, you read that right!) which can be used for either/or and I think could well be the next ‘make-up artist secret’ product to revamp cat-walk weary models when things are back to normal.
You can tell how often I’ve used this by the lid which is definitely showing signs of wear! The formula creates a fine veil over the lips which has the benefit of making it last ages (this is still my sample pot from months ago). When I first reviewed it I didn’t realise that the ceramide + hyaluronic is the magic ingredient combination – I thought it was solely the squalane. I learned from Elizabeth Arden that ceramides and hyaluronic are a match made in heaven. Squalane is a lipid that we produce ourselves (annoyingly it declines as life goes on) and therefore is beautifully skin compatible. I have never noticed any plumping effect – and nor can I determine any rose fragrance – but nonetheless it’s a high performing balm that keeps my lips smooth, soft, moisturised and flake free and that’s pretty much all I’m looking for. Compared to many higher end balms, I think it’s very reasonable at £16 HERE, non-affiliate HERE.
You can tell these have been knocking about in pockets and handbags for a while, but I am on my third Gucci Rene Pink Lipstick since testing it out for FT How To Spend It. I know I’ve featured it here before (and across all my social channels) and hate to bang the same drum over and over but I can’t make up a new favourite when this is what I wear nine times out of ten. It’s juicy, beautifully balmy and a vivid red (it’s more red than pink) that just perks up my face (and it needs it!). Wearing it now, in fact. I have zero relationship with Gucci (owned by Coty and getting a sample for the FT was an experience I’ll never repeat because it was horrible) so other than the dead one at the end, the others are bought – and will continue to be so. It’s so often the case that if you have a bad experience with the brand it puts you off the products for ever but this is just so ‘my’ lipstick, that I can’t get my credit card out quick enough when it comes to needing another!
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This was taken in early December in a very chilly Covent Garden when we could have a coffee sitting down outside. But, it kind of sums up my feeling about this colour – it makes me smile. Of COURSE it’s not in the sale, but you can find Rene Pink HERE for £34 (I know – and it goes quickly too) non-affiliate HERE. Gucci describes it as a soft glow of colour and I think that’s about right – it’s not full saturation, is very moisturising so your lips look comfortable and smooth and pretty.
A shout out also for Glossier Gloss in red which, although a much more simple affair with standard ingredients Vitamin E and jojoba, is joy in a tube when all you need is a lightly tinted shine. It’s very well loved in beauty circles (last time I saw Caroline the first thing she said was ‘is that Glossier red?’) for good reason – cheap, cheery and an easy wear for every skin tone. If you normally steer clear of reds, it’s a good starting place. It’s £11 HERE, non affiliate HERE. I think this is probably my fourth or fifth tube and invariably, if I’m not wearing Rene Pink, I’m wearing this.
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All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
4 comments
The Fulvic Acid Nail Cream fell into my basket when I was getting your little green cloud at Victoria Health a few weeks ago, and I love it. Not sure I fancy it on my lips though – it’s a bit too Tea Tree smelling for that, for me.
Hope you had a good Christmas!
Yes, I hear you but anecdotally people are having great results – I’ve mixed up a little of it into balm and that is a nice result but not used it longer term.
Hi Jane, how does the Biossance Squalane + Rose Vegan Lip Balm compare to the Nuxe one in the little glass jar? I’m desperate to find a more purse friendly version than the Sisley balm but I’m slightly nervous our the Rose. I’m allergic to the By Terry balm for this reason so not sure if to skip Biossance and try Nuxe
It’s a while since I’ve used the Nuxe one to be honest but like you, I am allergic to various balms (and lipsticks) but have no problems with Biossance. I am okay with By Terry as well. Perhaps wait and see if it comes up on offer before investing.