Expert Trial Team: top buys this week

By now, your epic summer holiday probably feels like a distant memory (New Year’s Eve was ages ago, right?), so we think you should treat yourself to a little pick-me-up of the beauty kind.

These buys will help to squash those post-holiday blues and get you looking and feeling damn fine – you can thank us later!
 

bh’s Astrid loves Al’chemy Macadamia & Wheat Protein Treatment Conditioner and Al’chemy Lavender & Anthyllis 24 Hours Intensive Moisture Leave-in Conditioner

My hair and summer couldn’t disagree more if they tried. Seriously. No matter what I do, I always have dull, dry, brittle, snap-happy strands in the hotter months, and I don’t even colour or heat style my hair (that much)! I was excited to try the Al’chemy Macadamia & Wheat Protein Treatment Conditioner because I’ve heard so many promising stories about its effect on damaged hair like mine. And guess what? It turns out the rumours are true. It instantly started repairing my neglected, sun-damaged locks by replenishing the moisture I’d so successfully sucked out of it. For me, one of the major drawcards is that this treatment is free from sulphates, parabens and other nasty chemicals, so I know I’m giving my hair the best chance for revival with amazing natural ingredients. Ten points to Al’chemy!

Top tip: To give your hair and scalp an extra hit of hydration, apply the Al’chemy Lavender & Anthyllis 24 Hours Intensive Moisture Leave-in Conditioner.

bh’s Beth loves Jurlique Calendula Redness Rescue Calming Mist, Restorative Treatment Serum and Soothing Moisturising Cream

My cheeks (and to a lesser extent, my chin) have been red and patchy-looking for as long as I can remember. Although I don't mind a bit of a natural flush, this redness is a pain when I want to rock a red lippie. After trialling Jurlique's calendula-infused skin care collection, I've noticed a real difference in my skin tone. The Calming Mist is soothing and the perfect base for the restorative serum, which glides on like a dream. The Soothing Moisturising Cream is really hydrating without too being greasy. Overall, my cheeks and chin are definitely softer and less irritated-looking. Although it takes more effort to use all three products (usually I just moisturise straight after cleansing), it's worth it. Plus, the trio smells amazing, making my morning skin care routine just that touch more luxurious!
 

bh’s Rosie loves Physiogel Calming Relief Lotion

All those sensitive-skinned ladies out there will agree that finding the perfect body lotion is no easy feat. Well, when the Physiogel Calming Relief Lotion landed on my desk in all its relieving, soothing and moisturising glory, I knew I was onto something special. This lotion has quite a light and thin texture, so it’s super easy to apply and absorbs in seconds flat. It has a cooling sensation, which tells me that it’s busy calming and relieving my usually irritated and reactive skin. Its subtle fragrance is really pleasant and disappears after a little while. The lotion also does a great job of keeping my skin feeling nourished and soft for hours on end.
 

bh’s Michelle loves Sudocrem Healing Cream

Until 18 months ago, I didn’t even know Sudocrem Healing Cream existed. Fast forward through one baby, a few bouts of nappy rash and some hormonal pimples, and it’s now a staple in my home. This cream is my little miracle worker.I first used it on my newborn’s nappy rash, and it fixed it up within a day. Since then, whenever my son has a rash or comes home from daycare with a blemish on his skin, I just apply some of this white cream and wham!, it clears up. Because it’s a barrier cream, it’s great for keeping skin clean while soothing abrasions, rashes, sunburn and even eczema (although I admit I haven’t had to use it for that reason). I’ve also discovered that it helps to reduce the appearance of the odd pimple. Who knew?!
 

bh’s Carli loves Max Factor Masterpiece Transform Mascara

When I looked at the size of this tube, I thought the shape of the wand would be huge. But when I opened it, I found just a regular ol' wand with teeny bristles. Teeny bristles that seemed too small to do much for my lashes, but they actually worked wonders to enhance them. It turns out that the bristles are specially designed to boost volume. I found that two coats of this formula was enough to add just the right amount of length and volume to my fair lashes. I usually apply one coat, then move on to my brows before coming back to do the second layer.

Which of these top beauty buys do you want to try? Are you also suffering from post-holiday blues?

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE...