I had this month to go all the way and ordered, tried, put on and examined a plethora of beauty products, moisturizers, body washes, lipsticks, liners among others. I was interested in the one that would provide actual results, not just a glamorous advertising campaign, but the actual hydration, the feeling of comfort on the delicate skin, the soft glowing skin, no split lips, and no smeary makeup.
Four of the products were distinguished after days (or sometimes weeks) of use under various conditions, morning and evening programs, after the shower, dry and moist climates. These were the things I kept picking up, time and again.
1. Cicaplast B5 Spray Soothing Repairing Concentrate
La Roche-Posay
$25
I began applying this spray immediately after taking a shower, in the morning following a wash on my face, and at night time before going to sleep. I would spray this sparingly over my neck and face on the days when my skin was tight or irritated, either because it was cold outside or the air in the house was dry, or because I was over-exfoliated.
Why it won:
- Its formula that contained madecassoside, Vitamin B5 (panthenol), glycerin, and thermal spring water were seen to visually relax the skin and to restore the skin barrier.
- Several minutes after application, the skin would be relaxed, soft and less irritated and some relief was felt, particularly in sensitive or reactive skin.
- Its scent is free, does not leave greasy residue and it absorbs easily making it suitable to be used under makeup or as a spray where the skin is greasy and requires de-greasing.
2. The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Hydrating Body Wash
.webp)
Naturium
$17
I used this body wash on the days when I took a shower particularly when my skin was dry, rough or dull. I applied it with a loofah to some days, and with mere hands to other days, and at other times allowed it to lie a minute then run under, to get additional nourishment.
Why it won:
- The oil to gel texture was luxurious, it changed to a smooth lather and was a cleansing agent without depriving the skin of moisture.
- When rinsed, skin was soft, nourished and had a healthy glow, not tight or dry like a large number of regular body washes.
- Its glycerin-enriched formula combined with plant-based squalane and oils high in linoleic acids assisted in sustaining the skin barrier, which would work best in case you are prone to being dry or sensitive.
3. Continuum Lip Liner
MAKE Beauty
$21
Next up, makeup. I would use this lip liner every day: first of all, to outline the shape of my lips, and to fill in the whole area of the lips at times to create a fuller lip effect and to soften sometimes and blend it in the area before applying some sheer balm or a lipstick.
Why it won:
- The liner moved on smooth and creamy, and very rich and pigmented, without tugging, drying or cracking.
- Due to its easy application and bright color, I hardly ever had to use the lipstick separately, with the liner alone, I had several hours of a full-lip appearance.
4. Lip Ciggy Hydrating Lipstick Balm
Sephora
$26
I used this balm-lipstick on such a day, days when I wanted to look a little more natural and effortless, whether I went out on some errands, or needed to work at home or work out and even on evenings when I no longer wanted to have heavy make-up and yet I wanted my lips to be soft and look polished.
Why it won:
- It provided a sheer, buildable coat, not so much as to add any unnatural tone to my natural lip color, but just enough to make it look good on me every day.
- The feel is moisturizing and pleasant, lips were always moist and soft, without being dry or cracked, even after the hours of wearing.
How I Tested These Products
To be fair, I tried each product during 2-3 weeks in different real-life conditions:
1. To use in skincare / body wash: To use after hot showers, during cool weather, before and after exercise, during dry indoor heating, to simulate the various stressors of skin.
2. In the case of lip products: During various regimes, on full makeup days, bare face days, and in various weather conditions (dry, and wet days) to experiment on wear, comfort, and wearability.
3. Regularity was important: I did not try them once. I applied them daily to determine whether the results would stand the test of time.
