Refinery29’s selection is purely editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items we love! As part of our business model we do work with affiliates; if you directly purchase something from a link on this article, we may earn a small amount of commission. Transparency is important to us at Refinery29, if you have any questions please reach out to us.
This isn’t new but in my honest opinion as a makeup obsessive, no liquid eyeliner pen compares. The tip is soft but sturdy so you can draw the most seamless flick in seconds. The best part is that the pigment doesn’t budge. It stays jet black for hours, unlike some others which can turn to a disappointing shade of grey.
If you’re looking to introduce salicylic acid (otherwise known as a BHA aka beta hydroxy acid) into your skincare routine for the first time, start with this. It’s a really gentle, non-sticky exfoliating serum which keeps breakouts at bay and tackles blackheads. I used this every other evening and alternated with a stronger acid (more in the next slide) on days when my spot-prone skin needed more of a boost.
La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo+ Ultra Concentrated Serum, $, available at FeelUnique
No one knows skincare acids like Alpha-H. The star ingredients in this exfoliating toner are salicylic acid and tea tree, which gives the product a slightly medicinal smell. Salicylic acid is kind to skin but exfoliates deep inside pores to prevent spots and blackheads, while tea tree is antibacterial. Used every other night, it helped keep my hormonal whiteheads under control and worked wonders to smooth out my skin texture, all without stinging like similar exfoliating toners I’ve tried. For me, applying products like these with a cotton pad can be a waste and I always end up with cotton fibres on my skin. Instead, I patted it on with my fingertips (you can follow with moisturiser) and I’m certain this yielded better results!
Alpha-H Clear Skin Tonic, $, available at Cult Beauty
I can’t get over how amazing this CBD body scrub smells, like lavender, sweet oranges and herbs. It revolutionised my shower time. A daily slather helped keep my body breakouts away thanks to the physical exfoliating beads and lactic acid, which also works well on keratosis pilaris (KP) or bumpy arm texture. I just wish the tube were bigger.
This Works Stress Check CBD Body Polish, $, available at Sainsbury’s
If you’re a fan of CeraVe’s Hydrating Cleanser, you’ll love this. The silky, creamy formula melts away face oil and grime without making skin feel tight or dry afterwards. It’s the ultimate gentle morning cleanser and I really liked the subtle frangipane scent.
Caudalie Vinoclean Cleansing Almond Milk, $, available at FeelUnique
Anti-frizz products can be hit and miss, often weighing hair down and making it feel greasy, but not this. It helped smooth down my frizzy roots and broken hairs and made my lengths smell so good. Top tip: use a hair mask in place of conditioner. I always do so after I’ve dyed my hair as it tends to need a bit more moisture and protection.
Pantene Hair Biology Mask De-frizz & Illuminate, $, available at Boots
I recently wrote a love letter to Gucci Beauty’s foundation but their mascara is just as excellent. The thin, malleable, plastic brush makes it easy to separate lashes so that they look naturally fluttery and the formula can be built up to add drama. The packaging is so chic that I can’t bear to throw it away, but it’s come to the end of its lifespan.
Gucci Beauty Mascara L’Obscur, $, available at Selfridges
Lately, I’m into anything that makes my mundane shower experience feel more like a spa and this gel-to-foam shower gel does exactly that. The lather is indulgently creamy and moisturises skin as it cleanses. It smells like a sunny holiday, too.
Rituals The Ritual of Jing Foaming Shower Gel, $, available at Boots
This foaming cleanser only just launched at Cult Beauty but I was lucky to get my hands on a tube in January and it’s already gone. Fulvic acid (in the form of tiny pieces of peat suspended in the gel) is the mainstay ingredient, soothing skin instantly and brightening over time. I used this as an evening cleanser (I always double cleanse) as it quickly cuts through heavy makeup and makes skin feel so clean. I’m convinced it has reduced my breakouts, too.
The Inkey List Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser, $, available at Cult Beauty
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
