Working for magazines ignited a passion for all things beauty, going to press events for new beauty launches and collaborations meant that I was educated on skincare routines, make-up techniques and general health issues. Being able to trial everything from new face creams, to eyeshadow pallettes, to fragrances and lip colours is a beauty junkie’s dream. My bathroom cabinet is filled with delights from brands who I never knew existed before working in the industry.
I often get asked what my favourites and must-haves are when it comes to make-up and skincare. Whilst I was pregnant and nursing I tried to use very natural and organic products but now 8 months after giving birth, I have a new edit of beauty recommendations that have worked for me and my post natal issues…
Medik8 C Tetra serum
As part of my pre-wedding beauty regime I got introduced to Medik8. I was concerned about pigmentation and how dry my skin was. Basically I’ve always been a sun worshipper, never using high enough protection and never bothering with a hat. Error! My skin is now paying for it. After giving birth and the start of numerous sleepless nights, my skin became drier and my pigmentation worsened so I am constantly looking for hero beauty products for damage control . Step forward Medik8 C Tetra serum. Packed with antioxidants, it helps to stimulate collagen production which in turn repairs sun damaged skin and pigmentation. It is lightweight in formula and when I apply it directly from the pipette I swear I feel my skin thirstily soaking it all in. Worn under daily moisturiser, it makes my skin feel hydrated for the rest of the day and makes my complexion smoother and brighter. I use it every morning.
Zelens face cream
When I hit the 30’s I noticed a change in my skin. It didn’t quite bounce back like it used to and the fine lines began to increase and get deeper. It was about this time that I got introduced to Zelens. Using specially selected ingredients and using innovative and advanced skincare technology, their skincare range offers a powerful anti ageing regime. I started using their 3t Complex Essential Anti-Aging Cream and instantly noticed how luxurious the cream was on application and how hydrated my skin felt, not just for a couple of hours, but all day. Anything that makes my face feel smoother and look younger is a winner in my skincare regime.
The Ordinary Retinol
This brand is very new to me, I’ve just been introduced to it and so far I’m impressed. Not only do you get to-the-point instructions on the bottle but these products are very very competitive in price (under £5!!!!!). Marketed as communicating with integrity and bringing to market effective, more familiar technologies at honourable prices, The Ordinary introduces effective treatments in its true form yet with a very sensible price tag. The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% in Squalane is a moderate strength highly-stable, water-free solution of 0.5% Pure Retinol form of vitamin A. I apply this every other evening to get my skin used to retinol. It encourages cell turnover which in turn aids pigmentation and softens fine lines. There are varying dosages available so I would recommend following their guide depending on your skin type. So far, I’ve noticed that my skin looks more revitalised in the morning, and I’ll take anything that makes me look like I’ve had more sleep than I’ve had!
Sisley Black Rose Cream Mask
Since having a baby I’ve definitely become a little lazy with my skincare routine, always looking for a quick fix and using products that are easy to use. So for me a face mask, especially one that I don’t have to wash off, is my absolute beauty essential. In my opinion, Sisley’s Black Rose Cream Mask is the ultimate hero product. After cleansing my face at the end of the day I layer this luxuriously rich mask on my face and let it soak in and work its magic. Rich in anti-ageing ingredients, it awakens my skin and restores hydration and luminosity. Plus I love the delicate floral scent. I use it twice a week, and would use it more if it didn’t ever run out.
Laura Mercier Artist Eye Palette
I started using Laura Mercier 10 years ago and haven’t looked back since. Launched in 1996, the cosmetics range is made to accentuate natural beauty and to celebrate the classic look. The eye palettes especially are so beautiful – compiled of cool and warm shades to help create simple daytime looks as well as more dramatic evening eyes. I use the lighter shades in the day with mascara and then move further along the palette for shadowing and shading for a smokier evening look.
Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder
For my wedding I used Bobbi Brown. I got married in South Africa so the lovely ladies at Bobbi Brown UK sourced one of their experts from Cape Town to do my make-up for the big day. I love Bobbi Brown and use their concealer, bronzer and mascara most days. For my wedding day, the make up artist introduced me to their Highlighting Powder in Bronze Glow, which worked to give my skin a long lasting shimmer whilst defining the cheekbones. It comes in a light-reflective powder so perfect for an al fresco wedding.
bareMinerals foundation
I’ve always been a fan of the tan and have been a big sun worshipper over the years – hence the nickname Magda…
but getting older means I now have to be a little more protective of my skin (why didn’t I listen to my mother’s warnings!). To get that daily tanned look, I have been dedicated to Bare Minerals Original Mineral foundation. It gives the best overall coverage for my skin tone, and the best bronze shade (nothing like Magda above!) I wear Medium tan which gives a great natural sun-kissed complexion. I find liquid foundation goes in to creases and fine lines, whereas this mineral powder is weightless yet still provides full coverage. It has an inbuilt SPF and the minerals infuse your skin with natural goodness. I rarely leave the house without it on.
YSL Volupte Shine
Winter is the worst for chapped lips – I am constantly applying Paw Paw ointment (see below). Because of this, I am really picky when it comes to lip colours. It has to be a dual purpose lipstick – one that provides great colour as well as being hydrating. Bring on YSL Volupte Shine – it glides on like a balm whilst providing rich colour that lasts, it’s enriched with 6 sensorial oils that locks in moisture to lips. I use Coral in Craze.
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Concealer
Who doesn’t suffer from under eye bags? Mine have got increasingly worse this year for obvious reasons which means I have tried many different concealers, and sunglasses, in the hope of hiding them. Luckily I found that Bobbi Brown’s serum concealer in Honey works wonders. Its silk serum texture goes on weightlessly whilst still covering imperfections but without gathering in creases. It boosts moisture levels so eyes don’t get dry throughout the day and it brilliantly camouflages pigmentation. I apply this before my bareMinerals foundation.
Lucas’ Paw Paw Ointment
I do not leave the house without this miracle in a tube. Not only can it be used for rashes, cuts and burns (great addition to a nappy bag) but for me it acts as the best lip balm I have ever used. For general lip care or as a base to a lip colour it will keep your lips looking luscious. I even smother my face in it on flights to protect skin from that nasty dehydrating aeroplane air.
Coconut oil
Everyone’s gone coconutty, as have I, so it deserves a spot on my Beauty Edit. I use coconut in all its forms – not only do I cook with it, but I also bathe in it – literally. Add it to your bath or smother skin in the shower, it naturally hydrates the skin leaving it silky smooth. I use it as a hair mask, often sleeping overnight with my hair soaked in it (much to husband’s delight) – the vitamins and natural fatty acids work to nourish the scalp and add nutrients to your hair. There are many great brands available and I head to my nearest health shop to stock up. I also use it on my baby in the form of Kokoso Baby – it gently softens his skin and works for preventing nappy rash too.
Better You Magnesium Flakes
I had heard that adding magnesium salt was great for aches and pains, so if you’re a fitness fanatic or suffer from body ailments then this could be a great wellness beauty addition. I started using it after my emergency C Section and so after the wound was healed, I soaked in 2-3 baths a week with 2 cupfuls of Magnesium flakes added and have really felt the benefits. I have always suffered from muscle aches and bad circulation and have noticed that this has improved, and not only that but my skin has become much softer too.
