The Beauty Edit by A Stylish Story. It is a concept set on effortlessly guiding its readers through the beauty and flawlessly providing editorial content and insider tips for every season. Anna Blachut’s beauty blog and Instagram are filled with endless inspiring content for those who love makeup, cosmetics, and skincare.
Getting summer ready was my main focus for this month. This meant that I was particularly interested in getting a clear complexion and toning up my body in time for the sunshine.
Here are some of my top fave face, body and hair product discoveries of the month…
The best beauty buys to get ready for summer 2021:
FOR THE FACE:
First up is the SkinCeuticals’sC E Ferulic Serum. It is their award-winning Vitamin C Serum that provides advanced environmental protection for brighter, more radiant skin. I love it because in addition to antioxidant protective benefits, this formula improves signs of aging and photodamage to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while firming and brightening your complexion. What is more, this powerful formula helps neutralize free radicals induced by UVA/UVB, infrared radiation (IRA) and ozone pollution (O3).
FOR THE BODY:
Then we have Eveline Cosmetics which was established in 1983 and is one of the major cosmetic producers in Poland. I was recommended by my fabulous friend and fellow blogger Bella Zofia.
I ordered them from Notio.ch, an online beauty website in Switzerland. I tested out the bestseller called the Eveline Slim Exteme 4D serum and the Eveline Slim Extreme 4D Clinic Super Concentrate Anti Cellulite Cooling Formula.
The super concentrate contains Glycolic acid evens and smoothes the structure of the epidermis, and ConturShock Treatment supports the process of burning subcutaneous fat, giving an effect similar to lymphatic drainage. It also contains a combination of guarana and caffeine. Whilst the Slim Extreme 4D Serum promises to eliminate the local excess of fatty tissue. It has a heating effect which is slightly unpleasant but makes me aware of my problem areas and in turn I am making more of a conscious effort to train and tone up those areas. In terms of application it’s fairly straightforward: Once a day in the morning massage with circular movements into the problematic areas of the body.
FOR THE HAIR
I have been getting lots of nice compliments on my hair recently and wanted to share my haircare update. I have been using the Moroccanoil Moisture Repair Shampoo. It smells great and is infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil, keratin proteins, and fatty acids. It is a super moisturizing shampoo helps strengthen broken strands and dead ends. I also recently started using Garnier’s BANANA AND SHEA INTENSIVE HAIR TREATMENT Ultimate Blends Hair Food. It smells so delicious that it even has a label warning you not to eat it! If you are a fan of tropical fruits and pina colada’s this is a must. It deeply hydrates and repairs, leaving dry hair soft and healthy hair. Enriched with banana, shea butter and coconut oil, the 98% natural origin formula is free of parabens, silicones and artificial colourants. They also have a Papaya range which I really like as well. Definitely recommend trying them. I’ve been using the mask twice a week and sometimes I combine it with pure coconut oil to really hydrate my hair. Another trick I’ve been testing out since I saw the huge viral trend on TikTok is applying castor oil to the roots and leaving it over night. It’s a bit of pain to get out but I definitely see an improvement in the texture of my tresses.
As spring is sweeping and the seasons change, I wanted to share with you my favorite beauty products from this month.
These are a few of my spring beauty must-haves…
First and foremost, as the sun comes out and the weather warms up, one thing that inevitably needs to be updated is ones skincare. For me, I have been particularly vigilant when it comes to cleansing recently. Especially as fresh, healthy skin is the ultimate foundation and having a great beauty base to build on makes other makeup steps so much easier. With quarantine and the global pandemic, skincare routines have seen a renewed level of enthusiasm and have truly taken on an extra level of importance.
How to get flawless skin fast?
The Double Cleanse
Good skin is the foundation for feeling confident and beautiful. So I wanted to share with you my current skincare cleansers that ensure I remove every spec of makeup from my face before I go to bed each night.
The importance of cleansing is something which came to my attention when I was in my mid 20s and did a skin analysis which showed that I was not cleansing my skin thoroughly enough and therefore there was a build up of makeup still on my skin. I was so shocked by this revelation that I immediately looked at how to remove my makeup correctly. I had always prided myself on the fact that without fault,
I always removed my makeup before bed, having heard that not doing so caused premature aging. So I made sure to double down on my cleansing efforts from that moment forth, which is when I started double cleansing.
On a daily basis I do a double cleanse, which is as simple as it sounds: cleansing the face twice. Usually the first cleanser is an oil-based cleanser. Then this is followed up by a water-based one. However, it’s possible to double cleanse with two regular cleansers if oils aren’t right for you. The important thing is to find the right products that suit your skin.
My current double cleanse partners in crime are both from Clarins.
First I use the ClarinsHydrating Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Alpine herbs and aloe vera extracts. It is a great product for dry to normal to dry skin and also this cleanser smells really good. It is enriched with the gentle complex from Domaine Clarins (organic yellow gentian and organic lemon balm), as well as an organic aloe vera extract. It cleanses, gently removes make-up, and softens the skin.
Then I use the Clarins Gentle Renewing Cleansing Mousse as the second part of my double cleanse routine. This is really great cleanser for all skin types, it is enriched with the gentle complex from Domaine Clarins (organic yellow gentian and organic lemon balm), as well as tamarind pulp acids, which contain AHA. It gently cleanses and brightens the skin. It revives dull complexions for an instant renewed effect.
Another cleanser which I opt for when I have worn more makeup than usual is the Soy Face Cleanser by Fresh Beauty. It smells divine with delicate notes of refreshing cucumber. The formula gently and effectively lifts away all my make up leaving my super sensitive skin soothed and toned.
For days when I really need some TLC, I’ll follow up my double cleanse with a face mask. At the moment I have been using the Rose Face Mask by Fresh Beauty. A true hydration boost, this gel-textured Rose Face Mask instantly cools, soothes and hydrates parched pores. What is more, the strawberry-hued gel is actually jam-packed with real rose petals and pure rose water to soothe and tone while cucumber extract and aloe vera gel provides an immediate cooling and calming effect that also aids soothing. I absolutely love it for my special “SPA” at home nights.
All About that Base
Other skin-perfecting products that I have discovered this month include M. Asam MAGIC FINISH Make-up Mousse and NARS All Day Luminous Weightless Foundation.
The M. Asam MAGIC FINISH Make-up Mousse is crazy cool as it is literally an all in 1. Super easy to use and the texture is really quite weightless. The magical aspect of it is that it actually adapts to any skin tone. Instantly concealing any redness, pigmentation and smoothing The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can also wave bye-bye to your dear dark circles as it doubles up as a concealer too. It really is a magical 4-in-1 product that can be uses as a: primer, make-up, powder & concealer. Indeed, the M. Asam MAGIC FINISH Make-up Mousse is the No. 1 make-up in Germany at the moment and it’s hard not to see why.
This said, I was delighted to discover the NARS foundation this month too. A makeup brand that needs no introduction, NARS is an absolute beauty cult classic. Makeup junkies who love NARS are even referred to as NARSissists (brilliant marketing). This foundation give me a full yet natural-looking coverage with unexpectedly weightless, 16-hour wear. I get so many compliments about my skin every time I wear it. I do think it helps that this particular foundation has a perfect 4-to-1 ratio, when it comes to gold and green pigments that negate redness and combat dullness. This really helps to create a bright, even finish. Indeed the compliments I got often when wearing this foundation where about how luminous my complexion was.
Cheek to Cheek
I tend to enhance my foundation with a touch of cream highlighter. I am loving the MAGIC FINISH Diamond Glow Serum from M. Asam. It smells super rich and yummy and the texture is perfectly buildable. The iridescent pearl finish is universally flattering as well. It is another magical product that also acts as a 4-in-1 Highlighter Serum with diamond peptide complex, radiance boost technology, silky care formula and offers extra moisture to your skin. This particular formula is enriched with retinol & vitamin E, almond and apricot oil as well as soothing aloe vera and magnolia extract.
In springtime especially you want to get your glow on. I tend to gravitate toward stronger pinks in springtime. My favorite at the moment is the Clarins Glow-the-Go stick in 01 Glowy Pink. It’s a multi-task stick that functions both as a highlighter and a blush.
PRO TIP:
When it comes to enhancing your skin with highlighter you should apply it anywhere that naturally catches the light: cheekbones, bridge of nose, inner eyes, Cupid’s bow and brow bone. This will bring forth your best features and compliment you bone structure naturally.
A Modern Love Affair
Quite possibly the most-coveted eyeshadow palette yet, Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance features 14, highly-pigmented powders in a rainbow of pinks, taupes and berries. Indeed it was the most sold beauty palette in the world in 2019.
I have been eyeing it up for months now and I discovered it at the Anastasia Beverly Hills beauty Pop Up corner at The Ritz in Geneva when I went for their ABH Signature Brows experience this month. The Renaissance Palette is just perfect for travelling. I brought it with me to Zermatt where I played with the different effects you can create using the different matte and shimmery shades. I’m a total fan and find myself reaching for this palette every time I want to get that soft glam makeup look.
Lash but not Least
I had a wonderful experience in early March when I tuned in to the global launch of Benefit Cosmetic’s They’re Real! Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara launch. Their global launch of the product was super cool and had a whole program including an interactive website, a live show as well as key speakers including the internationally renowned beauty bloggers. The product itself is great and I really see a difference when it comes to building up my lashes. This is because of the innovative Extender Brush that actually has a magnetically charged core which pulls the Magnetic Mineral Enriched Formula up to the tips of lashes when you apply it. Indeed the l Benefit brush is custom-designed in a way that ZigZags the bristles which are strategically positioned to fan out, separate & define lashes. And what better way to look wide awake and ready for the season change than with brilliantly long lashes?
The glacial cold and snow outside combined with the third national lockdown in Switzerland is all the more reason to focus on your self-care routine. With Christmas over, I wanted to share with you my favorite monthly beauty goodies…
First up is Fullord’s “Carré de Soie” perfume. It is such a luxurious and expensive smell that I was hooked the second I smelt it. I almost wanted to keep it a secret and not share this scent with you – it’s just that good! It is my current obsession and I love it so much. It is an exclusive scent that was developed by the Firmenich Fragrance House for Fullord. Captivating and with a slight powdery note to it, I cannot tell you how pleased I am every time I spritz it on. It stays all day, so the longevity is excellent. Overall one of my favorite beauty buys.
Next is actually a brand I discovered at Harvey Nichols in my University years. It is a Danish skincare brand called Ole Henriksen. As you know Scandinavian women are pretty much flawless with or without makeup so I really trust this whole nation when it comes to cosmetics (trust me, I lived with two stunning Norwegian girls when I was a student and my gosh their skin was just flawless). Almost 8 years ago now I tried the Truth Serum. It is to this day the most divinely delicious smelling serums I have tried. Indeed this is one of the brand’s strong points: they strive to create a sensory experience with each of their products. So I was thrilled when Sephora launched Ole Henriksen in Switzerland. I was gifted the most wonderful skincare set including their 3 bestsellers:
C-Rush™ Brightening Gel Crème. This cream is exactly what you need during the winter cold. It has the coolest gel-cream texture. Pick me up packed with vitamin C. It smells insanely fresh and luxurious. You really feel like you are giving your skin some much-needed TLC.
Glow2OH™ Dark Spot Toner. This tonner is packed with powerful AHAs (glycolic and lactic acids) and reduces fine lines and dark spots.
PHAT Glow Facial™. This is the perfect product for your self-care Sundays. It is Ole Henriksen’s first one-step at-home facial filled with PHAs. Anti-aging, it instantly exfoliates and illuminates your skin. What’s more, the texture is very cool. A pink terracotta cream which when applied and massaged into your skin turns white.
Next, I want to share with you my favorite nail care product. With the cold weather and all the hand sanitizer I have been using, my hands and nails are pretty dry. So I have been doing a nail cure with Essie’s Help Me Grow. It is a 5-day nail strengthening polish which is great if you want to give your natural nails a fighting chance to grow. I already see huge improvements within the two weeks of using it and would strongly recommend it for anyone who’s looking to do a nail detox.
Now on to some fun and glitter! I am a huge fan of Too Faced. Their packaging is always on point and every year they launch the best Limited Edition Christmas Collections. This said, my current favorite palette is actually a classic and Switzerland Sephora Bestseller. It is the Too Faced Born This Way palette and it was actually a Christmas gift. I was so happy when I got it, I love Too Faced as I find the eyeshadow quality and pigment payoff so amazing. This particular palette is truly versatile yet totally wearable. It has a range of neutral shades each time featuring a sparkling and matte version. I have already been able to create some super fun looks with this Too Faced palette. On New Year’s Eve, I did a holographic glitter-eye and I also created the most sumptuous copper cat-eye which lasted all day. It’s great for all skin tones and even comes with a helpful makeup tutorial depending on your complexion. Overall it is just is such a great palette to have, especially for on-the-go as it’s super practical and portable.
Last but not least I want to share my favorite lipsticks. Revlon’s new Super Lustrous Glass Shine Lipsticks. They launched in late 2020 and I received three gorgeous shades. The texture of them is superb, the finish is super shiny “glass-like” and the colors are gorgeous. I love the formulation as they are very moisturizing lipsticks made with hyaluronic acid, aloe, and rose quartz. This is great as they protect against chapped lips in the cold months. They also smell super delicious. My absolute favorite shade is Sparkling Honey, a soft, golden nude shade.
