BEAUTY EDITORS’ TOP PICKS – DECEMBER 2019

What we’re loving, coveting and “borrowing” from the Gritty Pretty beauty cupboard this month.

“I’m a big fan of body scrubs as I like the convenience of being able to save on time and keep my skin smooth by applying products during my morning shower. When I tested Bangn Body Smooth Skin Scrub, I was surprised by its light and fluid consistency given it contains kaolin clay (to purify skin). A quick look at the ingredients and with the first ingredient being water followed by kaolin, it soon made sense. A coffee scrub is always messy (let’s be honest) but I found the coffee granules were large enough that they felt they were manually removing dry skin while the watery consistency meant I had to really apply it in continuous circles all over. At $42, I found the packaging isn’t ideally suited to be stored in the shower but this scrub did deliver on what it promised, which is smooth skin.” – Eleanor Pendleton, Founder & Editor-in-Chief.

“As a Beauty Director, it’s my job to test the latest and greatest skin care products. (Tough gig, I know.) For the most part, this is a Very Good Thing and means that my skin is generally in pretty good shape. However, every now and again, I’ll try something that doesn’t agree with my skin, causing it to go red, itchy or break out. Enter La Clinica Essentials Hydrating & Healing Serum ($45). When my skin is angry, this ultra-lightweight, ultra-calming serum will sort it out. The hydrating formula is packed with all the good stuff: hyaluronic acid, zinc, ceramides and niacinamide. From now on, I’m going to keep a bottle of Essentials Hydrating & Healing Serum in my bathroom in case of emergencies.” – Erin Cook, Beauty Director.

I instantly loved this fragrance. Jo Malone Rose & Magnolia Cologne Spray isn’t as light as the florals I usually wear but that’s what I liked about it. Patchouli and the warm amber notes really kick it up a notch. Whilst it is a floral scent, it has a strong and punchy vibe. Being Jo Malone, of course the packaging is beautiful – it looks right at home on my dresser. I love the beautiful navy velvet rose attached to the top.” –  Erica Wildey, Business Development Manager.

“I think the AHC Perfecting Eye Cream for Face falls into the all-rounder category of beauty products. Firstly, the packaging is super slick – it looks good in the bathroom.  Next up, the product itself has a non-intrusive pleasant scent and goes on really easily. There’s no residue but it feels like it’s doing the job (which is what you need!).  I also think the price point and amount you get are strong – given that some prices on other brands are heading north at an alarming rate. It’s nice to get a product that delivers on a number of fronts without breaking the bank!” – Sue Hoffman, Brand Partnerships Manager.

“If you’re a fair-skinned lady like myself, summer time can often call for a little help in the glow department. That’s why, being the self-proclaimed tan connoisseur that I am, I was delighted when the La Beach Express Tanning Foam landed on my desk. This light-weight tanning foam has been my go-to recently. Not only is it a major timesaver, developing in only three hours, but it also offers a natural, streak-free tan that both looks beautiful and wears evenly. Bonus: the formula is 100% vegan and cruelty-free so you can remain guilt-free whilst getting ultra-bronzed. Needless to say, it has certainly become a staple in my self-tan wardrobe (yes, that is a thing!).” – Rose Garnett, Editorial Intern.

“Rationale Beautiful Skin Superfluid SPF50 is my everything. Equal parts foundation, sunscreen and skin care and we have ourselves a keeper. This little wonder from Rationale is super watery and weightless which doesn’t give much coverage, but just enough to roll from an ocean swim to negroni hour. It also left my skin super radiant and dewy. Plus, Australian SPF50! Always! The perfect companion for those long hot summer days when you need a little bit of luminosity and colour for your face.” – Amie Jones, Art Director.

Tell us, do you have a product you’ve been using and loving? What would you like to see us review next?