vanity notes #5
Let's talk creatine, neck creams, my Sephora haul and a way to get US brands from the UK.
Gosh, this month is flying by. I’m always nervous to say I am “busy” as an old boss said to me that being busy isn’t a sign of being efficient which has always stuck with me… rightly or wrongly. But let’s just say there aren’t many spare hours in the day. I have pretty much dropped Instagram content entirely (especially since the new business one is live, meaning I now have three to manage). Writing about skincare is a welcome break from CSS feeds, product descriptions and contract negotiations - so let’s go!
Not going to lie, there’s a lot to get through this month. This time of year is quite launch heavy for skincare and make up which is super fun in my field of work…
irene forte phytomelatonin serum - As much as I do love being bronzed, my skin needed some love after my holiday. The sun isn’t very kind to my face. I stupidly popped for breakfast without SPF on and after one morning stroll the pigmentation was back. I worked with Irene Forte back in January (on their magnificent hibiscus serum) so when this serum slid into my DMs I was very keen to try as it tackles brown spots but also keeps up my anti-wrinkle attempts (so it’s a one stop shop). I’ve been using it for a fortnight and just like every thing I’ve tried from them, it does what it claims.
the elevator neck cream by trinny - If you are lucky enough not to need to worry about your neck and decolletage, damn you. For the rest of us, summer sends us into a frenzy. I finished up a UBeauty one (v good) and am probably half way through this now. I rate it - things do seem tauter, particularly the skin under my chin. I’d definitely buy this again.
murad body retinal - I am also in a mad rush to get my legs “public ready” and this body cream is exceptional. As it is pricey i am only using it on my extra wobbly bits (inner arms, thighs and tops of knees) and it does seem to be tightening things up. Things are decidedly less dimply around there. PS - For UK users the link will take you to a current discount I’ve found… takes the edge off.
aveda texture hair spray - I had my hair cut and coloured recently and Michael (who has cut my hair for 10+ years) recommended this to me. He knows his stuff and more importantly he knows my hair (flat, fine and needs serious help with volume). This stuff holds a beachy wave/curl all day without it going salty/dry. I love it! Why does my hair only like premium products, FFS.
On my US trip I did a big Sephora visit. I knew what I wanted; benzoyl peroxide (acne treatment), some Sofie Pavitt and some Skinfix. Thank God I planned this out as otherwise it would’ve been a spending disaster. There was so much goodness in there. Here are my findings so far (haven’t tried everything I bought yet)…
westman atelier bronzing creme - Do I need a new bronzer? No, the VB tan line liquid is going strong. But I can’t avoid a Westman launch. I love this brand and I loved the liquid bronzer she brought out last year. This is a cream powder version - making it easier to apply (as you have more control of where it goes). It’s very good, I like the reddy tone of the second colour (I have Soleil 2) as that’s how I tan naturally. Very much recommend.
sofie pavitt mandelic clearing liquid - Firstly, I have found a UK stockist. REPEAT, I HAVE FOUND A UK STOCKIST (click the link, I’ve set it to divert for UK people**). Secondly, this product is superb at sorting out hormonal breakouts quickly. Anna Newton was not wrong about this brand.
summer fridays lip balm, toasted marshmallow - Firstly, this is lovely. I love SF balms (I have about 5 hidden in various places) and they are excellent. I would put this one at the top (alongside the mint one). Secondly, the Sephora attendant told me this was a “world exclusive” and it wasn’t, lol, you can buy it in the UK here.
** I tested the website the selling Sofie Pavitt in the UK and bought some Cyklar Body Wash, which arrived this morning. So far, so good! Cannot find a trace of this retailer on social media but Reddit and retail reviews are excellent!? I should add it also has Crown Affair, Prequel, Eadem and Sweet Chemistry!
As a final thing for this section, Beauty Pie have launched a physical store into Liberty. I had hoped my desk would clear enough to pop down to the launch but spreadsheets had me in handcuffs. If you are brand curious this is a great way to experience the product in person.
I have heard they have a secret stash of the almighty neck line erasing spray (for those décolletagily challenged) and the brilliant triple hyaluronic serum - an absolute essential for me if I want my skin to keep going while I insist it looks sunkissed throughout the hotter months. Worth the trip.
Before I go through products I want to update you on my at home lasering because the Tria is very good. As I’ve mentioned, I’ve had two machines in the past and it took so long to work that I lost momentum half way through. The Tria is so, so much stronger and (relatively) painless - I’ve even got brave and started using it on my face. Yes, it’s expensive but if you are in the market for one, I’d confidently say this one is the best. I am thrilled. ANNAH get’s you 10% off.
medik 8 liquid peptide serum - Holy moly this stuff works. It’s marketing claims were profound; fine lines reduced in 10 minutes. Naturally I scoffed, but then I remembered this was Medik8 talking. The reserved, quietly brilliant brand that rarely made a squeak as their sales just happened. So I tried it and fucking hell it works. It’s not cheap but it’s worth it. But let’s discuss what I’ve replaced it with because, wow
new medik8 6 in 1 serum - When I see something littered all over Instagram it puts me off. Silly really, as some super credible voices have raved about the new Exo-PDRN Medik8 Serum. Just look at the before and afters (the science and independent labs behind the brand are what, IMO make it stand out). I think this is an outstanding price for the quality of the formula - I haven’t found a brand thats been able to work some of the ingredients into a bottle for less than £149. Very, very good. If you are in the market for a great all-rounder for anti aging, pigmentation etc this is a very good option.
lemme creatine gummies - Just finished my 3rd or 4th tub of these and immediately opened my next one. I thought Creatine was for gym bros but turns out it’s really good for hormonal brain fog. I am an enormous fan. I love the Lemme brand; don’t discount it for being Kardashian run. I found them through their GLP-1 ones which are hard to get from the UK, but the new metabolism ones are very good if you are looking to curb cravings too.
naturabisse diamond retinol mask - Devastated to have finished this. It was a gift from the brand and it is incredible. If you are getting married (or attending a wedding where you want to look fantastic) then buy this. I wish it had been around for my wedding. Yes, it’s expensive but it’s probably the best overnight (at-home) treatment I’ve ever had, and that’s quite a statement.
kat burki scalp treatment - I have never knowingly needed a scalp treatment before so this was new territory but I used a hotel shampoo that didn’t agree with me on holiday and wow, that’s a thing! My head was red, itchy, spotty - disgusting! Two nights rubbing this stuff on my head completely got rid of it. I wish I’d taken a before and after because it was remarkable!
olaplex hair mask - Right, I liked this but there is a knack to it. You can’t slather it right to the roots as it’s a b*gger to get out of your hair. For the first few times I used it I’d be so confused because my hair looks great (sort of that “just been to the hairdresser” fresh look) but my scalp felt heavy. So only put it on the mid and ends of your hair. Otherwise, it’s v good.
violette blusher, shade louise - Wasn’t so much a “finish up” as a “knocked it off my shelf, smashed it and cried” situtation but I think it’s telling that I immediately ordered another without flinching. A brilliant on-the-go natural blushed that blends easily - the inbuilt brush is a great design perk too!
I’m quite fussy with my blushers/bronzers - here are the ones that have made the cut.
koba foot cream - I think it’s an age thing (for me) but I am now very into hand and foot cream and I am very particular about it. My favourite one for feet, Koba, turns 4 (which is probably about as long as I’ve been using it). Trust me, it’s a really good product. I’ve just opened another tube, which reminded me to post about it, again. It looks unassuming but it isn’t. I’ve had so many DMs about it - all with the same thought; “I don’t get how a foot cream can be so great.” Any way, Happy Birthday to all at the brand. Me and my feet are very grateful. ANNAHART20 for 20% off.
Creatine gummies caught my attention................!
The “Right” on Olaplex - I LOVE when your British is showing. It makes me feel like I’m getting beauty tips with from husband, which is both a dream and nightmare of mine
Medik8 has been haunting me long enough - it’s high time I try. Thank you for your service 🫡