vanity notes #7
Whats working, what fell flat and what's keeping my face in place in July.
This instalment has come around quickly, but there’s lots of newness to go through! The heatwave fried and drained my skin to a prune-like existence and I spent every evening trying to get it back to its former glory (with some success, I might add). Here are the recent, the decent and snippets from the world of beauty.
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BASK sunscreen - I wrote about this in my heatwave survival post, it’s very very good. It says on the back you need to “shake it like a polaroid picture” and they aren’t wrong. The blue lotion bottle does need this to work. The yellow invisible spray doesn’t so much. Brilliant protection too.
Sweed Beauty - If like me you pulled half your lashes out rubbing your eyes thanks to hayfever, I strongly recommend this stuff to get them back. No nasties, lovely formula and easy to do. I keep it by my toothbrush.
NB - they’ve brought out hair serum on a roller ball which is a far superior way to apply it, no?
Diptyque’s Lilyphea perfume - Gosh, this is special. I was invited into their Notting Hill shop so squeezed it into a day of meetings - so glad I made the time! The store is beautiful and trying out the different scents was very fun. I got to pick a perfume and went for the Lilyphea (lily pad). Bit different for me but its fresh and botanical without being too much or floral.
Medicube Collagen Masks - I bought these during Prime as they were reduced significantly. Have to say, given the results I’d happily pay full price. I kept them in the fridge and whacked them on in the evenings. They’d be a brilliant post-holiday option when you want to inject some life into tanned skin. I’ve already repurchased because I went through 3 in a week.
Medik8’s Daily Cleansing Gel - This arrived a couple of days ago and went straight on my face. I consider anything from Medik8 to be top notch and have high hopes for this - especially for commuters as it’s formulated to help your skin barrier against pollutants without stripping the skin.
Loopha Body Cream - Not all body creams were born equal! I am on a body brushing, de-fluffing and nurturing mission at the moment and will try anything to keep my skin hydrated and supple. I was given a bottle of this and so far, so very good. It’s got “saccharide isomerate” in it (nope, not a clue either) and from doing some further reading this does seem to be it’s secret. My skin is looking good and seems to be better for hairs coming through rather than turning into in-growers (my worst enemy).
Prada’s Highlighting Powder (Cream) - I was treated to quite a few Prada beauty samples and this was the thing that stuck out for me. It’s remarkable; I got the champagne and the pink shades and they give a brilliant glow. Perfect for those “undone but polished” days. Also recommend the banana lip balm. It’s basic… but so am I.
Some very exciting news I’ve been waiting for, Violet Grey has launched in the UK. What is Violet Grey, you ask? Well, it’s actually pretty cool and does have a legitimate USP (unique selling point). Founded in LA (Melrose Avenue) sometime, Cassandra Grey curates the store by assembling a panel of trusted dermatologists, make up artists and plastic surgeons.
Think of it as holding the “Michelin starred” beauty products. As examples, it is heavily responsible for the growth of Crown Affair, Sofie Pavitt and Augustinus Bader in the US. To see what’s hot, check out their Just Approved section. Here are a couple of (exclusive to them) things I think worth your dosh…
Tronche’s Scar Concentrate - Plastic surgeon approved, happy customer proven (me) this stuff works. It’s a kiwi brand, founded by a woman tired of beauty products flaring up her endometriosis. Very good.
Eighth Day Tonic - Founded by dermatologic surgeon Dr. Antony Nakhla and is inspired by over 10,000 surgical patients and the innate healing and regenerative powers of human skin. The formulas are “bioidentical” meaning they use ingredients that are identical to the molecules already found in your skin. This tonic is unreal if you want a proper resurfacer. It’s patented.
Bob Beaute’s Brow Gel - VG are this brand’s only retail placement (outside of their own website) Norwegian influencer Gine Margrethe created it, it’s good all round but the brow gel is exceptional.
Proud friend alert; I went to the Cotswolds to see Laura Butler-Madden’s Grove England store. My, how far she has come. Its hardly a surprise; the two fragrances are delightful - a relief because when a friend starts a new venture I fret over what to do if I don’t like it. Not an issue here.
She launched the brand with Anenome, which is delicious. The candle is approved by all in my household (a rare occurrence) and the hand cream is a wondrous product. Then came Snowdrop which I wear a lot and am always asked about it.
Should you find yourself in the Cotswolds this summer go and pay Laura a visit, if not you can still shop the brand online here. Here is a pic of 7 month old Honey, Laura’s Maltese Terrier waiting like the good girl she is when we got to the house. Made me miss my previous dog, Lopez.
Back in March, Tria Laser got in touch and offered me one of their newest laser hair removal devices. I wasn’t sure whether to accept as I’ve been gifted devices before and they’re valuable; I’ve ended up feeling very guilty about taking brands up on it if I don’t use them. Even when I have the best of intentions.
You see, this isn’t my first rodeo with laser hair removal. I bought one device in a Black Friday sale and found it clunky and pretty ineffective. The second was gifted to me and as much as it was working, it took too long to get the result I wanted. Ultimately, I have a short attention span, even shorter patience and I can’t think of a new habit that’s ever lasted more than three weeks. So I did some deeper reading on the Tria…
… and immediately said yes. Why? Well, if their website isn’t enough to sell you on it, the Reddit chats will convince you. The only FDA approved device for clinical grade results at home and x4 more powerful than other devices you’ve heard about. Plus, you only need to do every weeks - rather than x3 a week+ with the last one I tested.
I should also mention I am a wimp when it comes to beauty. Ask my Botox doctor who refuses to see me at the beginning of my cycle (my pain threshold disappears and I nearly took an eye out). So when the device arrived I started cautiously on my legs on a Level 3 (out of 5).
Reader, there was no discomfort. Not an iota. To the extent I thought the device wasn’t turned on. And so my confidence grew, I’m now even using it on my moustache. There is the occasional pin prick when on the highest level, but its absolutely manageable. I’ve been using it for 3 months now (legs for 3 months, 2 months everywhere else) and I’d say I am nearly done. Hair growth has massively reduced; virtually non existent under my arms and bikini line which is a JOY. It’s easy to use, one of my favourite features is that it’s wireless as it’s my first that hasn’t required cables…
The device is £549 (10% off with my code ANNAH) so it’s a considered purchase. Given you only need to use it every two weeks I would get a group together and share it. Mine is being rotated among various friends and I suspect the women in my family will be next in the queue. And given how quickly I saw results, if you start soon you’d be well on your way to hairless for your holiday.
I feel like I have a lot on the go, there has been a real surge in product gifting and I get overexcited and open the lot. Half way into the month I took a breath and double checked what was due to expire - and finished the below up.
Champo Hair Mask - If you follow me on Instagram you’ll have seen me rave about this. Struggled not to share as I had a pre-launch sample for ages. It’s for fine hair that breaks easily and (in my case) puts the lipids (the fatty, strong bits) back into your hair. I love it. Far cheaper than the in-salon treatments I was considering too.
Naturabisse Diamond Lift Mask - Words cannot describe how impressed I am with this stuff. I am SO sad it’s finished; I went through it very quickly because I was using it on my mates to get them to see the before/after. It is remarkable on the cheeks and jowl area - genuinely lifts it. If you are a bride this summer you need this.
Merit’s Great Skin Serum - Unsurprisingly finished this during the heatwave as it’s great for hot weather. It’s a light, watery texture (a bit annoying as you do feel like you waste a lot on application) that tones, evens and sort of photoshops your skin. If I’m WFH but have meetings I’ll wear this.
Koba Foot Cream - When Traci Landy asked for a photo of a non-style product I loved for a Substack piece I laughed at the photo I sent with it, below. This is my 5th tube and it’s fantastic stuff.
The scar concentrate looks interesting. I am laying here in a fresh leg cast, having had plates and pins post leg break. I have been told I will have a large scar on the outside of my leg. Pricey but if it works then totally worth it!
I’m so afraid of doing my own laser hair removal. You are brave Hahha.