Beauty Editors’ Top Picks: April 2020

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

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“Since going into lockdown, my skin has seen better days – as soon as one breakout disappears, another one pops up in its place. However, the Sportsgirl Holiclay Mask ($8.97) has really helped. It contains all of the good stuff (kaolin clay, salicylic acid, vitamin C) for the fraction of the cost of other brands. I either use it as a spot treatment or slather it on problem areas.” – Erin Cook, Beauty Director

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“This has got to be the best tinted moisturiser I’ve ever used. Sheer to medium coverage for a no-makeup makeup look, this Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser ($72) covers pigmentation and unwanted spots with a simple one-two swipe. Hydrating for the skin and with a lovely radiant finish, it has fast become my new go-to. Whether I’m working from home or chilling on the weekends, if I’ve got this on my face I know I can go anywhere at the drop of a hat and feel dewy and confident.” – Eliza Hynd, Head of Partnerships

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“While some were busy stocking up on toilet paper this month, I was stocking up on lipstick! Hermès is now doing lipstick – yes, you read that right. The new Rouge Hermès lip range has brought some colour into my life in lockdown; reminding me that an injection of colour is the perfect mood booster. So, what exactly do I adore about these luxury lippies? Well… from the colour block packaging and the heavy magnet (is it possible for a ‘click’ to be sexy?) to the formula’s added mulberry extract and custom scent produced by Hermès in-house perfume Christine Nagel, this collection has got it all. Staggering the release of 24 shades so that we get a new set of three every season, there are currently two matte and five satin finishes available for purchase. My favourite shades, you ask? Orange Boîte and Corail Fou. And no, I’m not sharing these with anyone! Available to shop here (*adds entire collection to cart).” – Eleanor Pendleton, Founder & Editor-In-Chief

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“Since I’m not physically going out to a nice dinner or hitting the dance floor with my friends, I’m at least going to smell like I am – and this is the perfect fragrance for the job. With opening notes of coffee and vanilla, the YSL Black Opium EDP (50mL, $168) is rich and, dare I say, sexy. The warmth of the scent is great for this transitional season and it lasts all day long. The finishing notes of orange blossom and patchouli round out the fragrance and cement the scent as being feminine with a slight moody edge (kind of like myself). Bonus? This bottle of heaven not only smells divine but also looks ultra-glamorous on your nightstand. Win, win!” – Rose Garnett, Beauty Assistant

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“Caviar anti-ageing products for your hair? Yes please! Upon beginning my journey with these luxe hair care products from Alterna, I was instantly impressed by how healthy, manageable and easy-to-style my hair felt. Despite using a little too much at the start (I discovered very quickly that less is more), the Smoothing Anti-Frizz Shampoo and Conditioner ($50 each) performed exactly as they said they would. Read: no more frizz. Having thick, frizz-prone hair means good products are hard to come by but the Smoothing Anti-Frizz Nourishing Oil ($50) was also a winner and has quickly become a staple in my haircare wardrobe.” – Sue Hoffman, Brand Partnerships Manager

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“This French miracle water is a cult-classic for a reason. A toner, moisturiser and exfoliator all in one, the Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 ($96) is the product I never knew I needed until I had it. While the smell may offend some (think salt and vinegar chips), the results meant it didn’t deter me. I simply cannot bear to be without it now. Any product that has been deemed ‘Jesus in a bottle’ is a keeper, non?” – Amie Jones, Art Director

Have you got a product that you’d like the Gritty Pretty team to review next month? Leave it in the comments below.