Welcome to a new feature on Living.Pretty.Happy, a monthly round-up of some of my skincare, haircare & makeup experiences for the month.
Encouraged by the brilliant Lauretta from Home and Horizon to do a round-up piece of the products I trial and either love or move quickly on from, I felt it was time to gather the most noteworthy products and give an honest review of my feelings on them.
I love nothing more than sharing great product finds with others, but (as my friends will tell you) I’m also brutally honest when something doesn’t work.
Please note: Some of the products featured will be press samples, others I’ve self-purchased, and some are gifts – I did have a big birthday recently! How I acquired them will be marked against each product for clarity. There are also affiliate links included here, meaning if you click a link and make a purchase based on my recommendation, I may be paid a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you but does help to contribute towards the running of this site. You can find out more here.
Before I go into my favourite finds for this month (because it was a successful month on the product front), I think it’s worth pointing out my skin & hair type, as well as my age…
With all that explained, here are 5 products I want to draw your attention to this month:
All products mentioned here (apart from Nioxin) are vegan-friendly and cruelty-free.
#01
Nioxin Instant Fullness Dry Cleanser
There’s no way I would cope without dry shampoo. I’ve tried plenty, across a spectrum of price-points and up until recently, Batiste is the only one I’ve rated. However, with prolonged use, it can leave my scalp dry & slightly itchy. So I started the search again and found Nioxin’s Instant Fullness Dry Cleanser.
Not only does it remove any oiliness between-washes, but it also (most significantly for me) creates volume and the illusion of density too! It’s also effortless to use. I spray on and brush through; no massaging or waiting required. I really couldn’t ask for more from a dry shampoo.
They say: NIOXIN Instant Fullness Dry Shampoo is a lightweight cleansing treatment that immediately adds volume and texture while absorbing excess oils and neutralising odour—powered by exclusive FUSION FIBRIL™ technology that works within seconds to build additional body and fullness.
I’ve experienced far less product build-up since using this dry cleanser, and it has a lovely ‘salon’ fragrance to it too. I did have an issue with my 1st can, which started to clog at the nozzle and broke. However, as I liked it so much, I tried again (and got a great deal on Amazon for it, too), and it’s been working well with no issue. I’m going to grab a travel-size version in my next shop.
Recommended for: Anyone with fine hair looking for an in-between washes boost. For thicker hair types, I’d still recommend Batiste.
#02
Typology Tinted Serum
I discovered this tinted serum (and brand, for that matter) whilst watching a Lisa Eldridge makeup tutorial on YouTube. As you might know, I’ve been embracing makeup-free days this past year or so, but I’ve been searching for something very light for the days where I do want to wear something. Seeing Lisa apply it, this product seemed to fit the bill, so I was delighted when my sister-in-law treated me to it for my birthday.
They say: Typology’s 99% naturally-derived tinted serums are enriched with vitamin C to restore radiance, squalane to nourish, and aloe vera to moisturise. They enrich the skin and provide coverage in one simple step. Free from nanoparticles and silicones, this serum won’t clog pores or cause blemishes to form.
When I want light, dewy coverage, Typology’s tinted serum has been brilliant. I apply it with my fingers post-facial oil and SPF; it sinks in effortlessly; just be sure to shake the bottle well before use. You can build up the coverage if you like, and I’ll often add a bit of under-eye concealer and cheek tint to complete the look.
Recommended for: Suitable for all skin types, I’d recommend this tinted serum to anyone wanting a naturally radiant look whilst caring for your skin. However, if you’re looking to cover blemishes or full-coverage makeup, you’ll need to use foundation. You can find out about my favourite foundation here.
Find out more about Typology’s tinted serum here
#03
ARK Skin Perfector Triple Action Exfoliator
Exfoliation is a twice-weekly staple of my skincare routine. I’m now on my second tube of ARK Skincare’s Skin Perfector Triple Action Exfoliator because it just does the job so well!
They say: A triple effect exfoliator with physical, fruit acid and enzymatic action. The hybrid oil-milk formulation with Abyssinian Oil diminishes skin imperfections and leaves skin feeling exceptionally smooth. Bamboo micro-particles gently slough dead skin and debris from the surface, creating a polished texture. AHAs from Bilberry, Sugar Cane, Sugar Maple, Orange and Lemon help diminish the look of acne scars and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Protease enzyme helps remove dead skin cells, reduce the look of pigmentation and prepare the skin’s surface for hydration.
Your age determines the way to use this product. As I’m in my 40’s I’m advised to apply it and then leave it on for a couple of minutes. The advice is also to remove it with a cloth soaked in hand-hot water. To be honest, I have to; the bamboo micro-particles do cling slightly, but only a gentle wipe is required. I have to say it does leave my skin feeling good. The positive difference it makes to my skin’s condition is noticeable; I always realise if I fall behind on using this.
Top tip: Apply in the shower to save you time; the steam will help open your pores too.
Recommended for: Anyone who wants super soft fresh-skin results for their money and effort!
#04
Marks & Spencer PURE Ultimate Cleanse Micellar Cleansing Oil
I rate Marks & Spencer’s skincare products in general, so I was intrigued to try a product from their relaunched PURE beauty line. But which to choose? I mainly needed a new pre-cleanser to lift away the top level of makeup before I went in for a deeper cleanse. Their Micellar Cleansing Oil seemed just right for this, and thankfully it didn’t disappoint. It also works well enough for me to use on its own, which is excellent on those evenings when I’m too tired to double-cleanse.
They say: Derived from 95% natural oils, PURE Ultimate Cleanse Micellar Cleansing Oil easily removes your makeup and cleanses and moisturises your skin, leaving it feeling nourished and smooth.
It’s straightforward to use. Apply 4-5 pumps of oil to your palms and rub to warm before massaging it onto dry skin. Next, add a small amount of water to emulsify, and then rinse. I also find it good post-exercise to remove any sweat and freshen up my skin.
Recommended for: anyone who wants an effective, simple and fast way to remove their makeup whilst nourishing their skin.
#05
Clarity Blend Aromatherapy Energy Boost Body Oil
I love a good body oil, especially when it’s 100% natural, which is precisely what Clarity Blend Aromatherapy’s body oil is!
After my morning shower, with all the chaos of preparing the kids for school and getting myself ready for work, an energy boost is just what I need. Not only does it smell incredibly uplifting, it also absorbs well, so I don’t need to wait long at all before getting dressed.
They say: This robust fusion of rosemary, sweet orange, and peppermint invigorates and revives, leaving your senses stimulated and your mind clear. A mood-boosting tonic for whatever the day brings!
Some body oils require you to leave your skin slightly damp before application which I find frustrating. You can apply this oil to the skin when dry, but you need to warm it up in your palms first.
I like to apply it all over, which does mean I use a lot of it (a good 2-3 pipettes); it would last longer if I were a bit more selective on the application.
Recommended for: Aromatherapy fans, natural skincare seekers and anyone who would benefit from a natural energising boost!
Coming up in June…
I’ve got a hand cream that’s fast becoming a daily staple, a hair oil that I’m trialling for better scalp condition and hair strength and a beauty bucket list product I’ve finally treated myself to. Was it worth the wait?
If you’ve got any product suggestions for me, let me know; not only is skincare part of my work, it’s very much my passion. So I’d love to hear of your favourite finds and recommendations too!
RELATED: How to Get Started With Skincare – A No-Nonsense Guide to Looking After Your Skin
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Well done Alex and so pleased you managed to get this together. I’ve bought one of the organic facial oils you mentioned in the past and was impressed with it. Looking forward to the other products you’re looking at for June! xx
The body oil sounds fun. I swear if this pandemic didn’t teach us anything else it definitely taught me to take care of my body enjoying this thing called self care Happy hump day
Absolutely, that’s some great learning to take away from this pandemic. Thanks for reading and sharing xxx
Thanks so much! And really happy to hear you liked the facial oil – it’s still my absolute favourite! xxx
Hi Alex! I have been working on a skin care routine, too. it took me until almost 60, but it truly makes a difference.
I’m so pleased to hear it Sandy! xxx