When you work in magazines, one of the perks is that you get to try a plethora of beauty products – ranging from the supermarket brands through to the über fancy. Here, the Capsule team tell you the products they keep going back to.
Emma & the rosacea moisturiser that changed her life, a jazzy serum and a brightening eye cream
Atopis Radiant Balance Cream ($69)
I have had rosacea for about 16 years and have become totally used to the fact that anything, ever, can make my cheeks flush – and stay flushed – for hours on end. In order to avoid a rosacea flush, you have to avoid the triggers – which are alcohol, warm temperatures, any exercise, spicy food. That is NO WAY TO LIVE. Luckily, we were sent *gifted alert* the relatively new Atopis Radiant Balance Cream and I have now used three tubes of it and have recently bought more. I want you to understand I am not using hyperbole when I tell you that this moisturiser has changed my life. I no longer get rosacea, ever. Again, I am not exaggerating. I could go from doing a work out to having a hot bath to then chowing down on a spicy meal and finish it off with a rosé and my cheeks remain calm. In my old life? The heat from my rosy-ass cheeks would have melted my face off. This is the real deal.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler 1.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid Anti-Wrinkle Serum 30ml ($35)
As a fun hobby, I read obsessively about skincare but can never afford any of the products mentioned by any of the fancy people. HOWEVER, skincare queen Dr Shereene Idriss mentioned this L’Oréal product and it was finally within my price range. It is legit – super hydrating and makes my skin look glowy as all get-out.
Antipodes Manuka Honey Skin Brightening Eye Cream 30ml ($65)
I have long felt that a lot of skincare is just a licence to print money and, in fact, is just total *whispers* nonsense, which is why I didn’t start using an eye cream until six months ago. I’ll say it – this Antipodes eye cream is a great product and now I use it twice a day. I don’t think that anything other than a holiday can make my under eyes brighter but they are noticeably more hydrated since I started using this and, also, it smells extremely good.
Kelly and the weird French foundation stick, super serum and oh look, a French fragrance
Guerlain Terracotta Foundation Stick, 11g, RRP $79.99
I had never even heard of this brand when I picked up this nifty little foundation stick off a table at my old workplace – an unwanted gifted product from one of my former magazine’s beauty editors.
But, as fate would have it, I’d run out of my foundation that day and had an event to go to that night and figured anything would do to slap on my face so I wouldn’t look like a tired red-faced hag.
And thank GOD I did, because this is one of the best foundations I’ve ever used.
I’m not usually a full-face of makeup girl unless I’m going to an event or something, so this stick is perfect. I give it a light swipe across my red cheeks and nose and a tiny bit on my forehead and blend out for light, but good coverage that stays on all day and looks totally natural.
And a bonus, it’s the perfect packaging for popping in your bag or your travel kit.
Dermalogica Biolumin-c Serum, 30ml RRP $162.00
As you get older you really do realise that skincare – good skincare – is where it’s at, and it’s actually worth investing in. I swear by serums for a few reasons – they really get in there for intense results quick, they’re a great base for makeup and the act of slathering on a beautifully luxe serum as part of your morning and night routines is calming AF.
Dermalogica’s Biolumin-c serum is a vitamin C explosion for your skin, helping to firm and tighten from the inside out, plus with the added benefit of helping with fine lines and wrinkles (ah, yes please). I’m at the bottom of the bottle now, and it’s most definitely on my must purchase again list.
Maison Louis Marie – No.04 Bois de Balincourt Eau de Parfum, 50ml, RRP $118
I’m a huge fragrance person – as longtime readers of Capsule might know thanks to our scented candle rankings – and I take perfume pretty seriously. This fragrance from French house is deliciously earthy, sophisticated and romantic, with notes of cedarwood and sandalwood. It’s the first perfume I’ve had that gives me a burst of happiness in the morning when I put it on, and I look forward to wearing it every day.
Alice and her beauty obsession, choices that feel right and a secret to a good night’s sleep
GO-TO – Everything in their range, but as a favourite, let’s go with Exfoliating Swipeys, RRP$51
First of all, I’m sorry for always harping on about this brand by Zoe Foster, but it’s honestly one of my favourite things ever. The products are great, the whole experience is light and fun (everything on the packaging/website is hilarious and a delight) and, most importantly to me, this stuff is super natural with no scary chemicals.
My two favourites are the Go-To Face Hero oil, which I must have bought more than a half-dozen of by now, and the Exfoliating Swipeys. These are so easy to use – you literally swipe one of the lotion soaked pads over your face a couple of times a week, leave for a while, then wash off and go to bed. I’ve paid for every product of theirs I’ve ever tried – I just rave about them, because I think they’re great.
Two Birds Beauty – Replenish & Repair Bio-Retinol Serum, RRP$79
I was first drawn to Two Birds by the ethos of the brand: it’s conscious skincare that’s kind to people, animals and the planet, plus they’re truly inclusive – their marketing images are perfection.
Plus, what’s in this serum bottle is actually great stuff – it helps to reduce pigmentation, irritation, redness, fine line and wrinkles aaaand helps to give the skin a smoother texture. I’m down to my last drops and I’ll definitely be buying another bottle.
A’kin – Relaxing Lavender Body Wash (500ml), RRP$29.99
When life gets stressful (AKA living through 2020/2021) and I know I might find it tricky to drop straight off to sleep, I take a shower and reach for this body wash. A’kin makes beautiful products from entirely natural Australian botanicals – and, unlike some natural products, they still manage to make them smell AMAZING.
This lavender wash is SO nice and has just the right amount of scent in it to make you feel all cosy, sleepy and ready for bed. It also passes the kid-test of making excellent bath bubbles. I recently got to the bottom of my first bottle and have already picked up another – I got mine from Huckleberry’s but you can find your local stockist here.
