We Review: New favourites

ECOYA Cedarwood & Leather Madison Jar candle

bh’s Sophie says:

“If you’re looking for a candle with a sophisticated scent that’s not too overpowering, you have to try the ECOYA Cedarwood & Leather Madison Jar candle. I usually like to burn lighter, more feminine scents in my home, so I was surprised at how much I loved this candle. It’s the kind of candle you would bring out when you’re having your friends over for dinner or a few drinks. Very cool and modern – without being too heavy. The fragrance has a hint of vetiver and bergamot with a mix of leather, clove and cedar, which lingered in my home for hours after I blew the candle out. I’d say that this scent would appeal to both men and women, so this is a great one if you live with your partner!”

Ultraceuticals Ultra A Skin Perfecting Serum – Mild

bh’s Michelle says:

“If there’s one thing that practically every dermatologist agrees on, it’s that Vitamin A is one of the most effective ways of fighting the signs of ageing. It plumps up and refines the skin’s texture, and makes fine line look less obvious. Clearly, I’m keen to get in on this wonder ingredient.

And yet… I’ve never found a Vitamin A product that my reactive skin could tolerate (redness, flakiness and irritation are all common side effects). So I was really keen to try Ultraceuticals’ news Ultra A Skin Perfecting Serum – Mild, which is formulated to deliver the benefits of A, with less of the irritation. The brand was founded by renowned dermatologist Dr Geoffrey Heber, so it has plenty of cred with me.

The morning after my first night-time application, I awoke to skin that looked pink and glowy – a promising start. It’s important to pace yourself with Vitamin A, rather than jumping in too hard and fast, so I waited the recommended two days before applying it again (always at night as A can increase UV sensitivity). After a few more applications on alternate days, my skin started to become a bit red and irritated, so I scaled it back to once every three days.

After six weeks, I’m still using it at three-day intervals. It’s clear that for me, Vitamin A is a marathon, not a sprint but I’m already seeing the benefits in more refined skin texture and improved clarity. I’ll be persevering with this mild formulation and hope that eventually, I can step it up to the regular version of the serum.”

Barry M Showgirl Extra Volumising Mascara

bh’s Kristy says:

“Even when I’m not wearing makeup, I always apply loads and loads of mascara. So I’m always looking to add a new mascara to my kit and I was stoked to come across this Barry M Showgirl Extra Volumising Mascara. I was instantly attracted to the packaging - I love anything rose gold - so I knew it was going to look gorgeous amongst my other makeup products. It’s quite inky, so it blackened my lashes like a tint would do. It also made them look much bigger and bolder after applying two to three coats. The barrel of the mascara is quite huge, so I imagine it’s going to last for quite a few months.”

Urbane Mess Pliable Putty

bh’s Adrian (Kristy’s partner) says:

“I got my partner to try this one as it was suited to his short, masculine style hair. He was quite happy to give it the Urbane Mess Pliable Putty a go as he’s recently been cutting his hair a lot shorter so he needs a hair product to keep it in place without making it look greasy. He used an amount a bit bigger than a pea and massaged it between his fingers to warm it up so it was easy to apply. His hair stayed in place all day but didn’t look oily or feel too stiff. He’ll keep on using it unti”

What are your fave new beauty products? How many beauty products do you buy a month?