Expert reviews: Revive and revamp

There’s no denying it: winter has left us all feeling a bit blasé about beauty. It’s been too easy just to slob around indoors, binge on Netflix, and work the same tired beauty look over and over. 

But now the time has come to revive and revamp. We’re throwing off that stifling winter beauty blanket and going after a new look. To help us on our mission, we found four fancy new skincare and make-up products. But did the goodies live up to our great expectations? Read on to find out…

NeoStrata Skin Active Intensive Eye Therapy

bh’s Marie says…

I don't generally use anti-ageing products, but I couldn’t resist trialling the NeoStrata Skin Active Intensive Eye Therapy. I like that it’s not scented, so I wasn’t overwhelmed by fumes when applying it to the eye area. In the first two weeks, it required once-daily application, then twice a day thereafter. I applied it in the evening as part of my nightly routine. The bottle has a pump, which is great because it dispenses the perfect amount every time. I then pat the cream around my eyes till it disappears.  After five weeks, I have already seen and felt changes. I have less puffiness and fewer smaller lines around my eyes. My skin also feels softer and firmer. I really think I have younger-looking eyes! 

Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Night Cream

bh’s Alicia says…

I have been using the Elizabeth Arden Flawless Future Powered by Ceramide Night Cream for the last two weeks and it is definitely something I’ll continue using as a part of my skin care routine. The formula contains ceramide, which I have found leaves my skin feeling and looking smooth and revitalised when I wake up in the morning. The cream itself has a nice smell and is not too thick, so a little goes a long way. 

Designer Brands Contour Kit

bh’s Sam says…

Firstly, thank you Designer Brands for creating a palette with a contouring, highlighting AND illuminating shade. Anything that means less products at my make-up station automatically gets bonus points! I usually use creamy products for my contouring and highlighting, so using powder was strange at first. The shades are all quite subtle, which meant I could apply my foundation first and then just use the palette to add definition here and there. The highlighting and contouring shades are quite matte, while the illuminating shade has a nice shimmer to it. I loved using the illuminator on the outer corners of my eyes - it really made them shine! All three shades suited my skin tone quite well: I just made sure I applied the contouring shade with a light hand and slowly built the colour up so I didn't go overboard. If you're after dramatic contouring and highlighting, this isn't the palette for you, but it’s great for everyday looks! Oh, and it comes with a handy step-by-step guide for those who are new to the contouring game.

Revlon Ultra HD™ Lip Lacquer

bh’s Beth says…

The first thing I noticed about this lip lacquer was the packaging – in particular, the glitzy diamanté on the top of the wand. Talk about glam! I was a little bit apprehensive about trying it as I haven’t worn a high-shine lip gloss in a while. I can’t resist a new lip product, though, so I chose two wintery, berry tones (‘Carnelian’ and ‘Garnet’). I found the wand a bit tricky to use initially, but practice makes perfect! The product has a very strong colour payoff (I’d say it’s about 80 per cent opaque), and is also seriously shiny – a look I fell in love with! I did need to reapply it a few times throughout the day, but this could be blamed on my constant snacking (guilty). Overall, while I still favour a less glossy look for day, I can definitely see myself whipping this bad boy out for a party!
 

Which of these products would you most like to try and why?