AR Obsessions: Beauty & Grooming Favourites For July 2021

Launched just last month, the Medik8 Advanced Ultimate Protect has become a fast favourite. A rich moisturiser made with squalane and hyaluronic acid it hydrates and moisturises the skin while advanced UV filters provide sun protection. However the unique element in this moisturiser is the addition of total environmental protection in the form of photolyase, a DNA repair enzyme; carnosine, a peptide that aids in preventing ageing caused by glycation; marrubium vulgare extract, to protect against pollution; and blueberry seed oil, which acts as a shield against blue light. Plus, the formula is easy to apply and sinks into the skin quickly without leaving a white cast behind, making it suitable for all skin tones. 

Along with hand cream and body moisturiser, body oil is something we use like it’s going out of style during the winter months. The ideal way to nourish dry limbs, the Ingredients Body Oil has become a fast favourite; the combination of jojoba and baobab oils ensures its deeply moisturising while still being lightweight and rapidly absorbed, while a blend of orange, vanilla, and lavender essential oils makes for a calming ritual. As for the best way to apply it? Slather it on still-damp skin after showering for optimal absorption. 

Designed to be applied all over the eye area as opposed to just under the eyes, the Clarins Total Eye Lift has restored my faith in eye creams, being one of the only formulas that doesn’t sting or irritate my eyes. The lightweight emulsion-like formula contains a botanical blend of horse chestnut, albizia, guarana, cassia, and harungana, and while it’s too early to tell whether it’s making a difference in firming and tightening, it’s helped nourish and subtly brighten the skin around my eyes.

For those who don’t want to faff around with several serums, the Dermalist AllSerum Skin Perfector is the ideal go-to. A potent blend of peptides, vitamins C and B5, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, niacinamide, and squalane work to cover all bases, targeting common skin concerns like wrinkles and fine lines, dullness, dehydration, acne, and pigmentation. An easy step for glowing skin. 

A luxurious cleansing experience, the Minenssey Body Wash turns your shower into an invigorating ritual, with the scents of jasmine and honeysuckle enveloping your limbs. Good for use during the winter months, nourishing ingredients like macadamia nut and jojoba oils ensure your skin feels cleansed yet soft.  

We’re pretty big fans of Biossance here at AR, with their sustainably sourced sugarcane squalane often providing a welcome hit of moisture. The Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Dark Spot Serum is no expectation; made with kojic acid and vitamin C, it works to lighten discolouration and dark spots, while providing an overall brightening effect. Unlike many vitamin C serums that cause pilling, the creamy formula blends into skin seamlessly, sitting well under sunscreen and makeup. 

Not your high school lip balm. Far from the sticky glosses your hair would perpetually get stuck to everytime the wind blew, but also nowhere near the standard chapstick tubes you’d always lose before finishing. Dr Roebuck’s Darling Lip Therapy is a lightweight lip treatment, closer to an oil than a balm. Suitable for treating dry, peeling, or chapped lips, the blend of shea butter, macadamia and peppermint oils, and kakadu plum provides non-sticky moisture while protecting lips from the elements. 

A tried and true favourite, the Medik8 Crystal Retinal 10 is a much-loved formula. Using the vitamin A derivative retinaldehyde, it works faster than standard forms of retinol, resurfacing skin texture and minimising the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Despite its full strength nature, the addition of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and vitamin E prevent irritation and make the formula easy to incorporate into your skincare routine. Crystal Retinal also comes in strengths 1, 3, and 6, so you can work your way up.

As someone who is pretty lax about getting regular trims during any given year, the ongoing pandemic and on and off lockdowns have meant this particular form of haircare maintenance has been completely thrown out the window. Naturally, it’s taken a toll on my ends, so the Davroe Split Ends Therapy Balm has been a lifesaver (or at least hairsaver). Formulated with orange and white cypress, this moisturising balm works to reconstruct, seal, and prevent split ends. Used in the shower between shampooing and conditioning, it’s helped my ends look healthier and less akin to broom bristles.