Beauty Loot: The Stuff that’s so Good, it’s Almost too Good to Be True

Ever have a moment where something is so good that the world just stops turning, even just for a second? Like savoring that first lick of unbelievably refreshing, tastes-like-it-was-freshly-picked strawberry gelato on a hot summer afternoon. Or like relishing that special moment you sink into a plush, overstuffed chair in an equally sumptuous and enveloping robe, presumably and preferably in a luxurious and divinely scented spa.

These otherworldly experiences are what part of makes life so damn good — don’t we all live for the small joys? These p’tit plaisirs can also be chalked up to swiping on that absolutely perfect shade of lipstick or discovering a total game/ complexion changing serum. For all the thrill and joy seeking beauty junkies out there, this one’s for you.

MAKEUP

For the most impactful and pleasurable pop of colour, glide on Etsée Lauder’s new-for-fall Pure Color Envy Matte Lipstick in their so-chic-right-now fiery tangerine shade, Volatile. The lightweight yet super rich shade saturates with color, while the creamy yet matte texture looks fresh and feels beautifully comfortable on lips. The little something extra is its sleek and magnetized packaging — the navy and gold bullet automatically clicks perfectly into place and looks as gorgeous as your modern, bright pout.

A luxury in formulation thanks to its ability to glide on lids gorgeously and boast impressive staying power, NARS’ new (and surely soon to be cult classic) Velvet Shadow Stick in the sumptuous shade Glénan, is a flattering-on-everyone luxe must. Its super subtle shimmer intensifies eyes and can be used to define the lashline with an understated flick, or scribbled on lids for a more dramatic effect.

To further luxuriate eyes, reach for Givenchy’s new Mr. Black Top Coat Mascara. This innovative top coat is applied to lashes after a few lashings of (the preferably lash-perfecting Givenchy Noir Couture 4 in 1 Mascara) and creates a gorgeously glossy, bright and defined look. The doe-footed applicator makes for an easy and quick slick that instantly enhances and sexifies lashes.

HAIR

Finding the perfect shampoo that gives you a good, deep clean yet supremely moisturizes strands and smells divine can leave a girl feeling a little like Goldilocks: this one’s too harsh! That one’s too heavy! This one’s too… whatever. But perfection in the form of a shampoo is not a beauty myth: it does exist, and it’s the revolutionary Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil Shampoo. Formulated with onsen inspired ferment, known in Japan for their purifying virtues, this supremely luxurious shampoo weightlessly yet thoroughly cleans with its airy texture and leaves hair with a heavenly scent. Your mane is left lighter, softer and cleaner than you ever knew possible.

Ever wish you could just snap your fingers and make your hair grow stronger and healthier? Sounds too good to be true, right? Thank the hair gods (and geniuses at Kérastase PARIS’ headquarters) because this is now a reality with Kérastase’s Initialiste serum. Using the goof-proof precision eye dropper, 2-4 drops directly applied to the scalp after shampooing is all it takes for this super serum to strengthen strands and visibly enhance the hair by making it more vibrant and healthy.

Treat tresses to the ultimate care après-wash with Kérastase PARIS Double Sérum Thérapiste. The dual-pump format dispenses the perfect amount of product; one side houses a repairing cream, the other, a binding serum. Universally beneficial and beautiful for both thick and thin hair (what a revelation!) all types are delicately moisturized and ends are left sealed, resistant to breakage. Another bonus for all heads of hair? Its thermo-protecting fibres that save strands from heat damage. The soft, flowing results are the ultimate token of luxuriously lovely hair.

FACE

SkinCeuticals has generously graced our faces with their saving grace of serums: for daytime, nothing beats having the luxury of turning back the hands of time on your delicate face and neck. This is achieved with their Beauty Editor-obsessed C E Ferulic serum. This revolutionary antioxidant not only provides advanced environmental protection against damaging free radicals, but neutralizes existing damage, too. Instantly absorbed, this serum can’t be washed or rubbed off and works on firming and replenishing skin for a whopping 72 hours.

Ah, fresh air. Unfortunately, living in a big, buzzy city doesn’t provide very much of that (thanks, Gardiner and DVP). Reverse the clogging, aging effects of pollution with Bliss’ Triple Oxygen Radiant Protection Energizing Serum. Providing a generous dose of Vitamin C to brighten and even tone, a skin-shielding complex to enhance the complexion’s moisture barrier and three oxygen boosters to instantly energize and revitalize. Skin is left healthy, refreshed and protected. Bonus: the lightweight formula can be dabbed on to cheekbones after foundation for an added touch of radiance.

For nighttime repair, their Resveratrol B E boasts a maximum concentration of resveratrol and Vitamin E to improve radiance and elasticity. It’s silky, gel-like texture feel gorgeous to apply — and don’t forget to smooth this serum over delicate neck and décolletage skin; it shows signs of aging as quickly as the face and is often overlooked — and wake up with a strikingly glowy, firm complexion.

There’s nothing quite like the silky, sumptuous texture of a light, fluid oil. Estée Lauder’s Resilience Lift Restorative Radient Oil boasts this divine texture, and a laundry list of skin benefits, too. Formulated with a fatigue-fighting blend of nutrient-rich phyto-lipids, this fast-absorbing oil instantly leaves the complexion smooth, cushioned and comfortable. Building up the moisture barrier over time, skin becomes more resilient and beautiful and boasts a healthy, youthful glow.

BODY

A good, deep scrub not only feel amazing, but can induce incredibly skin-softening results, too. Dermalogica’s Exfoliating Body Scrub does both, beautifully, with its “stimulating Papaya Enzymes, Rice Bran, and pulverized Olive, Fig and Date seeds” spiked formula. The natural enzyme combined with the physical exfoliators makes for the softest result ever, and is a true pleasure to use: the formula lightly foams and is formulated with the delightfully scented Lavender, Orange, Sandalwood, Rosemary and Patchouli essential oils.

A nice, long soak in a tub is a luxury in itself, so when indulging, go all out, naturally. Treat your tub time to an extra dose of body and soul benefits with Fresh’s Sugar and Lychee Bath Cubes. The instant-classic sweet citrus scent is based on Fresh’s best-selling Sugar Lychee fragrance, which sparkles with delicate grapefruit, lemon, lime, juicy lychee, and mango and is a major treat in itself. Even better is the real brown sugar-enriched formula, which was used in folk medicine historically to treat cuts and promote healing and bicarbonate of soda, which creates bubbles that gently lift away dull, dry skin. Also releasing a cocktail of nourishing oils, skin is surrounded by an incredibly moisturizing elixir that is truly pure luxury.

A little nail love in itself can be a bit of a luxury; it’s the small things that count. Do fingers the finest way with Dior’s Crème Abricot Fortifying Cream For Nails. Its beautiful, vintage looking pill box-like exterior instantly ups the glam factor, making you feel extra pampered, and the interior is just as good. The salve’s “Cult-favorite Magic Multi-tasker” (that has been a raging success since the 60s!) creamy texture feels like a dream to massage into the nail bed base, and encourages nail growth, improves nail strength, and conditions cuticles. Posh and gorgeous!