Blush, apparently, is “back”. For me, it never went away. The healthy flush it adds never gets old. A lot, however, has changed over the years. Shades, once limited to fairer skins, now run the gamut from pale pinks to deep plums. There is also a plethora of textures and finishes – powders (great for oilier skins), creams and gels (glorious on mature skins or for dewiness), shimmer (doubles as a highlighter) and for a natural day finish, semi-sheer glosses are magic. As is the staying power of today’s blushers. Hence you don’t need much. So go easy.
I can’t do without…A hard-working cleansing balm that impresses with a light touch
Yes, I am well aware that I covered cleansing balms not so long ago… However, if I had known about this one – from the fastest- growing skincare brand in the US – it would have absolutely made the cut (that said, ‘11 of the best Cleansing Balms’ doesn’t quite have the same ring, so probably just as well). Like other balms, it contains skin-loving ingredients – in this case vitamin E, clove leaf oil, eucalyptus oil, jojoba oil and avocado oil. What makes this balm different is the lightness – like a semi-skimmed to your full fat. The texture reminds me of coconut oil when it is not quite rock solid but not completely melted either, just somewhere in between. But this balm takes makeup off a damn sight quicker and more efficiently. On contact with skin, it melts; on adding water, it turns milky and, as you massage it into your skin, it lifts the grime out and off, without stripping. I have found less of a need to follow it with a daily exfoliator or toner than I do with other cleansing balms. And the creams and serums I apply afterwards are absorbed so much better. So, if you are one of those who find cleansing balms too dense or heavy, this is for you. If you have oily skin, this is for you. If you have dry skin, this is for you. If you have mature skin, this is for you. If you have skin… I trust I’ve made my point. Versed Day Dissolving Cleansing Balm, £13.75, boots.com
On my radar… Three rich and smoothing body moisturisers
In the pink This hyaluronic rich cream – the watermelon scent is very light – not only moisturises, it also includes AHAs to exfoliate and smooth. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Pink Dream Body Cream, £25, cultbeauty.co.uk
Spread it on thick In Nigerian culture, shea butter has been the body moisturiser of choice for centuries. But not all are equal. This, however, by Brits of African heritage, is excellent. It’s vegan and ethically sourced. Liha Gold Shea Butter, £25, lihabeauty.com
Oil industry Multitasking products are great, but only when they function brilliantly at all levels – like this body oil which you can also use in the bath, as a hair and scalp treatment and for all-over moisture. Lixirskin Universal Oil, £39, libertylondon.com
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