I understand completely if you want to scroll past this in your inbox today — a beauty newsletter seems very trivial in light of the war in Ukraine. If you’d like, you can join me in donating to the Red Cross, UNICEF, and UNCHR to support humanitarian efforts on the ground there. I’ve seen several viral posts reminding and reassuring people that life has to go on regardless of what is happening in the world, and you can care about many things at once, but it still feels strange to write about beauty. Nevertheless, if you’d like to read about it, here it is.
I have not been thinking about beauty products at ALL lately. I moved house (yes, again, hopefully that’s the last time I will have to do so for a long time) and then got engaged (!!??!!) — actually, I was thinking about beauty products at that time because I was completely surprised by the proposal and my nails were in shite. In all the photos I took that evening, you can see I am deliriously happy but also strategically trying to hide my fingernails. (They’re done now. No need to fear.)
So, what better way to get back into the swing of things than with Ye Olde Empties Poste? I took these photos ages ago so I’m going to have to really dig deep for my opinions on the products in question.
Skingredients Skin Shield SPF50+
You’re going to have to excuse me because these first two products came up in my 2021 roundup and I’m going to be repeating myself (AGAIN). Look, you know the drill — I love this SPF. It gives me everything I want in a daily sunscreen. I’ve already started a new one (with the reusable packaging!) and it’s still great. Hup.
Pestle & Mortar Vitamin C 2-Phase Serum
Another 2021 favourite! This was a really nice companion to the Skingredients Skin Shield and left my skin looking so fresh and glowy. I’m using a Skinceuticals Vitamin C now, but I’d definitely return to this in the future.
Glossier Super Pure Serum
I mentioned this serum in my Glossier masterpost, placing it in the ‘grand’ category — I take that distinction back. I have heard that niacinamide can be an irritating ingredient for some people, but I’ve never had a problem with it in other products. After a few weeks of using this, I started getting really dry, red, textured patches on my cheekbones that would last for days. At first, I couldn’t figure out what was causing them and hoped to God it wasn’t my Skinceuticals retinol (that would be a pricey mistake). I stopped using products with active ingredients and, upon slowly reintroducing them, discovered the culprit was Super Pure. Naturally, I did not finish it, and can’t say I recommend it.
Waxperts Wonder Pads
Okay! You might remember a few newsletters ago I was asking what I should do about my aversion to shaving. It irritates the skin on my legs no end, and I always get tons of bumps and ingrowns. These salicylic acid pads helped (I also used them on my chest/back/anywhere on my body where bumpies were present) but I would rather not have the problem at all. Several of you recommended laser hair removal, and back in January I booked a consultation to see what the damage would be. As it turns out, the hair on my legs is fine enough that it would only take a session or two to sort it. By the time you read this, I’ll have had my first — I’ll probably write about it once I have a better idea of the results. I dream of no irritated follicles, ever again!
Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes
I both loved and hated this mascara. It’s designed to look like a paddle brush, so one side has long plastic bristles while the other is completely flat. When you first open it and it’s more liquid-y, the brush is a nightmare to use — the flat side deposits way too much mascara, which gets everywhere. However, as it dried up a little, the “paddle brush” side was genuinely great and my lashes looked amazing. Saying that, it’s most definitely not beginner-friendly and too finicky for my liking. What happened to simply applying a mascara without first having to whisper a silent prayer and turn the brush exactly 46.8 degrees? I beg of you.
Oribe Moisture and Control Deep Treatment Masque
This was recommended to me for curly hair — it says it’s for curl types 2-4, but I think it’d be better suited to the 3s and 4s. I am a 2B at most and I found this a little too heavy for my thick hair. I can see how it would provide tons of moisture for those with drier, curlier hair, but it just made mine look limp. I love the Oribe scent, though!
Penneys x Andrew Fitzsimons Fresh Dry Shampoo
Here’s the thing about me and dry shampoo: I really like the chalky stuff. I do. It’s the only thing that actually makes my hair feel refreshed. Still, I can appreciate something like this, which I’d say is more “second day hair needs a little lift” than “I really should be washing my hair today.” It smells great, it’s close to invisible, and it can deal with minor oiliness. This Penneys range is now discontinued, but Andrew Fitzsimons has just launched a new one with Boots that I’m dying to try. The packaging and campaign imagery is so cool, and he undoubtedly knows his stuff.
Bumble and bumble Surf Spray
I mentioned this in my 2021 roundup as a gamechanger for my new shaggy layered haircut. I did indeed purchase the bigger bottle as soon as this ran out. Maybe I’m a fool for getting hooked on fancy salt spray, but it works for me!
Revlon Uniq One Hair Treatment
I’ve also talked about this once or twice, but it’s my favourite detangling spray. My hair works itself into knots if I even so much as turn my head, and my scalp is so sensitive that brushing HURTS. This eases the whole process. I will never be without it.
Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint
I really am just milling through the balms these days. This was grand — I didn’t find it to be as moisturising as the Fresh or Laneige ones, but the pink tint it gives is nice. I have already moved on to another, the Jouer Essential Lip Enhancer, which I prefer.
NARS Soft Velvet Pressed Powder
There is something extra-satisfying about completely panning a powder compact (although this one just crumbled away of its own accord once I started reaching the sides of the pan). This was a perfectly serviceable setting powder — there was nothing to differentiate it from its peers or indeed cheaper products, so I wouldn’t go for it again. Listeners of The Glow Up podcast may recall I separate my powders into Handbag Powders (okay to be bashed around in my bag) and House Powders (kept safely in a drawer) and this was firmly a Handbag Powder. She served her time and now she must rest.
Thank you for reading Vanity Project! It’s silly and frivolous but I enjoy writing it. I hope it brought you a little joy today!