Jessie’s Unconditional Loves: Make Up; Skincare Forevers

From my previous article about product overloads, featuring the Highstreet heaven Boots,

you’ll have probably already assumed that my second home is Boots – I SO nearly got to

wear a Boots uniform in a performance I did, where I was one of three ICONIC narrators, we

cosplayed being loose women panellists because we wore bright block coloured structured

suits, ready to discuss every topic that we have no experience upon! Alas, it was decided

that we didn’t need a costume change, so close, yet so far. Why did we perform as narrators

in Boots? That’s a story for another time.

However, I do believe one of my life missions, the reason I was put onto this wonderful

planet was to find the very best make up, and skincare finds- at the sacrifice of my dearly

beloved bank account. Do I have any qualifications in biochemical science or anything in the

relevant field? Of course not, I’m a theatre kid, sadly not a woman in stem; I know every

word in Hamilton not the periodic table, just to clarify any confusion. But I do have passion

and great interest into the marketing and huge concept of beauty products – I love to put

things to the test, either praising or humbling those apparent ‘life changing’ products, that

every brand launches every few months, most often with very questionable packaging.

Now, these brands LOVE to take advantage of those of us who choose to use beauty and

skincare products, it should be made unlawful to charge over £30 for any product, because

an alarmingly increasing amount of these brands price their products like its incorporated

dust from the moon. They put it in a colourful pot or tube, with some comic sans writing and

a ‘new’ ingredient and BAM, that’s £35 please. No explanation of how or why, and usually

each brand seems to mirror one another with product launches, obviously mostly down to

what’s trending and Tik Tok hot. Call me an apostle, because I’m on a mission- to search out what’s the best quality for the best price?

This journey, of course, is never-ending due to the beauty industry continuing to take billions

from us dear customers and shall continue to make and launch new products until the final

day the asteroid hits- however, here’s some of my holy grail products.

For preference, as everyone’s skin is very different, I’m talking from an acne prone

(especially hormonal), red, textured, sensitive, combination and oily t-zoned 23-year-olds

perspective. I also prefer a lower effort make up routine, not a fan of feeling like I have a

mask of chemicals on my face, and I don’t wear make up everyday – as I’m always far from

punctual, it really does depend on how much I’m rushing around. So I guess my make up

routine is low effort, comfortable and a nice enhancement on my features!

I’m going to make this into a little series, so fear not, this is only the beginning….

Ole Henrikson Pout Peptide Lip Treatment

Last year I bought my very first OH Pout Peptide Lip Treatment in Peach Glaze, I was a

changed woman. I came out the womb scrubbing Aquaphor or Carex on my lips, and its in

my will to be buried with my lips moisturised and glazed; it's very important to me, as I also

talk for England, it's crucial I take my lip health seriously- no slacking. So this beautifully, non-

sticky, treatment is worth every penny, you can get it in most beauty stores, Boots usually

have it on advantage offer for £13 from £18.

Why is it on the love list?

♥ SUPER SUPER nourishing

♥ Very long lasting, I reapply about 1-2 times a day, including eating/drinking

♥ Huge arrange of tints that taste divine

♥ Nicely apply over the top of lipstick and liner, as a gloss that’s also moisturising

♥ Isn’t a magnet for hair, so even on the blustery days your lips and hair can stay firmly

separate, same goes for gluing your lips together

♥ No dry or flaky lips, lips look hydrated as well as glossy

♥ Great handbag and pocket size (for when brands remember that women can have

pockets in clothing too)

The applicator, like most lip products, can get a little gunky and funky, especially

when they’re in the bottom of your bag or you reapply before wiping your mouth. It’s

a silicone angled applicator, which is standard, I just wish there was a way the lid

could kind of clean it and keep it in a good state. I mean I do wipe it with some tissue

every so often, so I’m nit picking but you know, we all have arrears to improve on.

Collection Glossy Butter Balm

Now, this is early days of me trying this product, but I think it could be a great dupe

for the OH peptide treatment, and its £3.99 AND you can grab one whilst doing your

big shop in Sainsburys. This is glossier than the peptide treatment, and slightly

glitterier, depending on the shade you choose. I currently own a rosy blush one called

‘Berry Nude’ and a sheen tint called ‘Pink Frosting’. Like the OH one, this also

includes peptides- which I think are the key to a great lip product.

Why is it on the love list?

♥ The price!!!!!

♥ SUPER moisturising

♥ Lips feel nourished and pretty

♥ Nice hints of colour and beautiful shine

♥ Perfect to pop one into every bag and draw you own, so your never without or

lost

♥ Long lasting I reapply about 2-3 times a day

♥ Even though its glossier, its still not sticky

♥ Vegan friendly

Tan-Luxe The Water Hydrating Self Tan Water

Sick of smelling like beef? Your bed sheets look like you’ve done a dirty protest?

Well, here’s the answer, and it’s the lowest effort you’ll ever get to self tanning as

well. Literally shake, spray either onto your hand in some body lotion, or spray

directly onto post-lotion skin. Can be bought at most beauty stores for around £34,

LookFantastic currently have it on for £27.20!

Why is it on the love list?

♥ A slight floral scent, no more butchers smell that you can smell across the

road

♥ No mitt or faff needed

♥ Bed sheets stay bed sheets and not tanning rags

♥ No streaks or accidental Donald Trump Halloween outfit

♥ Easy to take in an overnight or holiday bag

♥ Love the clear bottle so you can see exactly how much you have left

♥ Metal lip and spray, feels more hygienic and easily wipeable

♥ Its good to spritz on my face also

Nivea Oil in Lotion : Coconut Monoi Oil

For me showering is a full reset, mentally and physically, it’s a take your time and

slloooowwwwww down, whilst also feeling squeaky clean and hydrated after. I’m

quite particular on body lotions, I don’t love heavily fragranced products, very thick

and greasy creams or thin and matte feeling ones either. I’ve spent some good

money on trying different oils and lotions out, but lord, the trusty Nivea one is always

stocked in my cupboard and used every time – I go through about a bottle a month in

winter and every 2 months in summer, usually increase or lower the amount I use

each time compared to how dry my skin is feeling. Also, the price is bloody delightful, Superdrug currently has it for £3.40!

Why is it on the love list?

♥ Nice subtle creamy coconut scent

♥ Very quick absorption, no standing and fanning yourself for 24 hours after to

let it sink in, I’d say 2 mins maximum

♥ They do it in a cherry blossom and shea butter, and and a new rose one too,

but for me coconut and monoi oil is the GOAT for me

♥ Pump bottle, no mess and hygienic

♥ Lightweight feeling, yet sooo hydrating

♥ No stickiness

♥ Super nice to layer with a body oil, tan or other creams if you so wish – in

winter my go to is the lotion followed b y Aveeno body oil, perfection or the

winter blues

♥ So handy to get, they sell it at most supermarkets, beauty stores and online

♥ The price!!!

♥ Its great size for the price too, 400 ml

Written by, Jessie Bellamy