This article was written for Annabel & Grace, which is now part of Rest Less.
We decided to not only tell you about our choices but to also ask some of our contributors for their top beauty products that they discovered in 2019.
As we get older it is more difficult to find beauty and cosmetic products that work on older skin which may be dehydrated, sun-damaged and have lost some of its skin tone. Gone are the days when we could wash our face with soap and water and then slap on any old make-up. We now need to take more care. Happily cosmetic and skincare brands are acknowledging our age group and their spending power and are producing products that perform well on our skin.
These are our individual top picks.
ANNABEL:
I regularly write about skincare and make-up products that I have discovered however the following four are products that I only found this year and have earned a regular place in my bathroom cabinet or make-up bag.
Dr. Sam’s Flawless Moisturiser:
A great range which I only recently discovered from Dr. Sam Bunting. I love Dr. Sam’s Flawless Moisturiser as it keeps my skin moist all day. It suits all skin-types.
It layers beautifully with serums and sunscreen. If I wear foundation over the top it stays put. It is non-comedogenic (does not clog your pores) and is fragrance-free.
L’Oreal Colour rich Plump and Shine lipstick
The colour I love is called Nectarine and it even tastes orangey. Works for every skin tone and on those days when I am just wearing moisturiser, blusher, mascara, and a bit of lippie this is the perfect one as the colour makes my face light up.
It is enriched with menthol, a natural plumping agent for lips, and has a hydrating formula that leaves lips feeling conditioned.
Mishel Eye Brow Balm
In November I was invited to go on This Morning as an over 60 model. The make-up artists at ITV work on all skin-types and ages so not just young models. Consequently they are full of tips and tricks. On this fashion section they were using Trinny London products as Trinny was the host however when Trinny, herself, came over and asked my make-up artist, Michelle, if she could use her brow balm I realised it must be good. Trinny raves about it.
Michelle has her own small range of make-up and I tried a few of the products including the most perfect Lip gloss in Skinny Dip which is semi-sheer.
However I am permanently on the hunt for a brow balm that covers my grey hairs and also creates a few extra hairs. My hunt is now over as the Mishel Brow Balm is perfect. It not only covers up all those grey hairs but it stays put all day even with my fringe constantly brushing against it. I use Brunette for my mid-brown eyebrows.
Glossier Cream Blush
I love this blush from Glossier which they call Cloud Paint. It comes in a tube and you only need the tiniest of amounts on your cheeks. But and this is the thing, it is the two colours, Dusk and Beam, that I love. They are both like a nude but a little darker than my skin colour. Beam just lifts my cheeks without being too pink and possibly clown like. During the day I never wear foundation and this cream blush blends right in and looks so natural. For evening I might use Dusk which is a little darker and then pop a bit of Sheer Shimmer from Trinny London on top.
GRACE:
Garden of Wisdom Prickly Pear Oil
I received this product as a Christmas gift and have started using it at night. It is loved by Nigella Lawson apparently. It has the richest source of vitamin E and contains super antioxidants which protect skin against ageing due to damaging radicals. Also good for hair and nails but I have only used it on my face so far. One drop each night is all it takes.
BUMBLE:
Hada Labo Lotion no. 1
HADA LABO is Japan’s No.1 skincare line and was one of the major brand launches of 2019 here in the UK. Hada Labo translates as ’Skin Lab’, and is a technologically advanced Japanese skin care line with the primary ingredient of hyaluronic acid. The brand were the first to bring hyaluronic acid into skincare, and the rest is history.
I love hyaluronic acid, as in my opinion, IT is the no. 1 ingredient to target ageing and skin hydration.
There are 2 ranges available:
White range (packaging) for 35 years and under.
Red range for 35 years plus.
I particularly like the ‘Anti-aging Super Hydrator Lotion 150ml’ (red packaging). Incredibly reasonably priced for the quality of ingredients at £16.95. Apply to face, neck, décolleté. It can even be used throughout the day over make-up.
MARVELLOUS-MOTHER-IN-LAW
Look Fabulous Forever Skincare
About three months ago I ran out of my usual serum and, coincidentally, an email popped into my inbox from Look Fabulous Forever with an offer on their three skincare products.
I quite easily managed to convince myself that it would be sensible to buy all three, Hydration Hold Serum, Smooth the Day face cream and Deeply Dreamy night cream and, boy, am I glad I did!
I can’t praise their products highly enough. My skin has really felt, and shows, the benefit (a little less of the usual combo of winter skin and prune when I look into a mirror).
The serum is not at all greasy and my skin feels hydrated and plumped, and layers brilliantly with the Smooth the Day face cream (don’t you love the soothing name!) and is, in its turn, the perfect base for foundation. The night cream has vitamin E and hyaluronic acid, both nourishing and moisturing, and feels gorgeous. All the products are fragrance free which I love. Think I’ve just talked myself into buying all three again!
BACKPACKING GRANNY:
Sisley Phyto Eye Twist
My eyes change colour according to what colour eyeshadow I use! I am devoted to Sisley Phyto Eye Twist. They are the consistency of lipsticks and are absolutely marvellous for a two minute eye make up. Over the years I have had to learn to make up very quickly, but also being a child of the 60’s I am ashamed to say that I do veer towards ‘Dusty Springfield eyes’.
Fill in hollow of the eye and upper and lower eye line, mascara and you are done!
I use No. 3 and No. 4. A smudgy green and smudgy grey . Both invaluable for my colouring. They also have a stunning blue for anyone with blue eyes.
SASSY:
Trinny London Miracle Blur
My favourite beauty product of 2019 has to be Trinny London’s Miracle Blur. I use it around my eyes and lips and it smooths away my wrinkles. It truly is a miracle cream.
I love Trinny London’s make-up range as they are all so easy to transport with their click together pots. The colours are light but can be built up for deeper colour. They also give my skin a glow and do not dry it out. Perfect for older skin.
Watch out for our review, coming soon, of the new Prai Skincare range ~ Platinum Firm & Lift. We love their neck cream so are so happy to be asked to review this new range.