We’re in the penultimate month of 2017. I’ll just give you a
minute to let that sink in.
I can’t quite believe that I’m already compiling a list of
November’s most covetable beauty buys. It got me wondering, what is ‘November’
synonymous with in the beauty industry? What glamorous party makeup is to
December and pastel hues are to April, November is that tricky in-between month,
wedged between Halloween and Christmas.
With the emergence of winter weather and a plethora of ‘miracle’
products on the market, it’s arguably a ‘beauty self-care’ month – in other words time
to tackle annoying issues such as frizz and dry skin. As useful as such
products are, however, I can’t quite imagine that an excellent face cream has
quite the same impact as the instant gratification of a bold lipstick. With
this in mind here is my November beauty wishlist. Who says December has a
monopoly on all the fun?
Following suit with the glamourous mood of A/W17 (ballgowns
at Balenciaga, embellishment at Dolce and Gabbana and those bedazzled Saint Laurent boots), Fenty Beauty has gone all out
with this dazzling palette. Rihanna described the Galaxy range as "glitter on glitter on glitter" and this shimmery collection of 14 shades does not
disappoint with everything you need to create out-of-this-world looks (sorry, I
couldn’t resist). Second only to my desire to finally own Naked Heat, this is
surely one of the prettiest palettes to drop for quite some time.
Winter is here and, right on cue, my usually oily skin is a
victim of the chill and has become noticeably drier. Enter this tissue mask
from Garnier that claims to "diffuse the equivalent level of hydrating serum as per one week's use of day care." It’s a super hit of hydration, with pomegranate
extract, hyaluronic acid and plant serum, that works its magic in just 15
minutes. I’m yet to try a sheet or tissue mask (late to the pamper party, I
know) but I’m so intrigued by the recent shift from gloopy peel-off masks to
more convenient, targeted ones.
Netflix. Spotify. Apple Music. Subscription services are big
business – and not just in entertainment. Brands such as Beauty Pie, which
offers members discounted products at factory cost, and beauty box services are
slowly becoming the new norm. Monthly service Birchbox has collaborated with Vogue for its November box resulting in packaging as stylish as you’d expect and five personalised products to match from
the likes of Benefit and Bumble and Bumble. And speaking of Vogue, I’m eagerly
awaiting November 10th so I can get my hands on a copy of Edward
Enninful’s inaugural issue at the head of the glossy.
When L’Oreal collaborated with Balmain, the result was likely
to reflect Parisian elegance. Sleek and luxurious, while it may be more costly
than a standard L’Oreal lipstick, this collection of 12 bold shades promises
rich colour with a moisturising matte finish. The standout shade for A/W is
definitely ‘Domination’, a deep red with an attitude that certainly matches its
name.
The best things come in small packages, right? Well so is
the case with this compact kit of six popular Benefit favourites. While they
might be miniature in size, the variety of products is the real winner here –
from Gimme Brow to POREfessional primer: face, lips, brows, eyes and cheeks are all
catered to in this set. Even better? The reduced price means that the cost equates
to just under £4.20 per product. In the words of Tom Haverford: Treat. Yo.
Self.
‘Pre-shampoo’ seems to be the new beauty buzzword. Who wants
the basic routine of shampoo followed by conditioner when you can add a touch
of luxury and some hardworking products into the mix? Admittedly, part of me
does wonder why, if a brand’s shampoo is as good as it claims, we need to add
yet another costly product into our routine, but having said that I am a sucker
for novelty new products, especially ones that promise to regenerate strands
from root to tip and leave hair softer, smoother and thicker.
What beauty buys are you coveting this month?
NG <3
