New Beauty Products I’m Loving | February 2018 Favourites

It’s been a wee while since I talked about makeup on the blog, and if you thought this might be because I’ve been going for a more natural look then you’d be WRONG. I still slap at least four layers of makeup on before heading to the shop for milk*, and am still making it my mission to find the absolute best products out there, in terms of both performance and value.

There have been a few makeup bits in the last month or so that have really stuck out to me – yep, including THE hyped mascara of the moment, Bad Gal Bang – so I thought I’d quickly round up why I’m loving them. Oh, and there are some honourable mentions to some skincare too.

*This is a joke… ish.

Benefit Bad Gal Bang Mascara* 

Let’s get the biggie out of the way first – Bad Gal Bang is the latest mascara release from Benefit, and definitely one of the most hyped-up products in a while. While I haven’t tried the original Bad Gal mascara, I am a big fan of Benefit’s They’re Real and so I was really excited to give this a try when it recently launched in Debenhams.

Promising a ‘gravity-defying’ formula that will take your lashes to a ‘bigger, badder dimension’, Bad Gal Bang is all about the volume. It has a plastic bristle brush – my fave! – and a longer-than-average length, making it perfect for defining each individual lash. And also perfect for poking yourself in the eye first time, if you’re anything like me…

Luckily, the pokey pain was 100% worth it, as for me Bad Gal Bang definitely delivers on its claims. After a couple of layers, my lashes are darker, longer, curlier and oh-so-defined.

I find that you do have to move quite quickly with this mascara – once it’s dried, that formula is locked in and so if you try to add too many layers then your lashes can start to clump together. I’d also say that if you prefer a fluttery, natural-looking lash then this new release probably isn’t for you. It’s quite intense from the get-go and yes, it can venture into ‘spider lash’ territory if you go in too heavy handed.

Howevs, if you love a dramatic eye and don’t mind investing in a heavy duty eye makeup remover (what DO Benefit put in their mascaras that make them so absolutely unbudgeable?) then I think you’ll find this definitely lives up to the hype. You can buy it in store or online at Debenhams here for £21.50.

Becca Under Eye Brightening Corrector

I recently picked up the BECCA Jet, Set, Glow! Prep & Prime Kit as I wanted to try the brand’s iconic primers (more on those to come in a future post). However, the mini Under Eye Brightening Corrector that comes in the set has really caught my attention.

This pink-toned, pearlescent cream is the perfect under-eye concealer, correcting any dark tones and adding a healthy ‘I’ve had my eight hours and then some bish’ glow. I’ve mainly been using this underneath my concealer, but it’s also lovely on those (rare) minimal makeup days for banishing dark circles and making me generally look more alive.

The full-sized product will set you back £24.00, which is a bit of an eye-waterer, but a little does go a long way and I do think this would be a game-change for anyone who suffers with dark under-eyes.

Pixi Glow Tonic

As it’s another cult brand I was itching to try, I asked for some Pixi products for Christmas – and the must-have Glow Tonic has not disappointed. This exfoliating toner is designed to remove dead skin cells, ultimately brightening your complexion.

Although it contains Glycolic Acid, I don’t find this at all drying or harsh (anyone remember the Nip + Fab Glycolic Fail of 2016?) Instead, the ginseng and aloe vera help this to feel nourishing and refreshing. I use this 2 -3 times a week, and LOOK HOW MUCH I STILL HAVE LEFT. Well worth the money, you can grab a 250ml bottle for £18.00 here.

NYX Intense Butter Glosses

It’s no secret that I adore  NYX lip products, from their amazing £3 lipliners to the so-good-they-must-be-cult-by-now? Lingerie Liquid Lipsticks. However, until recently I’d never tried any of their glossy lip offerings. Enter stage right the NYX Intense Butter Glosses.  Also available at Debenhams, these are high-shine, high-pigment glosses that give an opaque coverage.

I went for the shades Apple Crisp as I needed a new wearable red lip product, and Tres Leches because I physically can’t place a makeup order without ordering a nude lip. I’m super impressed with both, and for only £6 each, I definitely plan to build up my collection.

Crystal Clear Beach Glow Tan Drops*

Last but NOT least because oh my god you need these, are the Beach Glow Tan Drops from Crystal Clear. Facial tanners are something I’ve always been wary of, living in fear of going OTT and waking up with the permanent version of a foundation tide mark. These tanning drops, however, are simply mixed in with your usual nighttime moisturiser and so add a subtle, buildable glow.

The formula also contains coconut oil, so it feels kind to your skin and a nice contrast from that icky, pore-clogging feeling you can get when you fake tan your face. I find that two drops are all I need to wake up with a nice wash of colour in the morning, so the £29.99 bottle is also guaranteed to last you a long time. These little miracle workers can be picked up online here.

These are my current favourite makeup and skincare products, but what are yours? Let me know your recommendations in the comments!