Expert Reviews: Out with the old, in with the new

Now winter is over (good riddance!), it’s time to spring clean our beauty routines. Like our wardrobes, the beauty products that worked in the cooler months don’t always work so well in the warmer weather. So what better excuse to test out some new goodies? Find out what our team thought of these goodies…

John Frieda Precision Foam Salon Blends with Pearl Finish

bh’s Adele says:

“Recently, I’ve been letting my natural hair grow out, but with spring finally arriving, I thought I’d give my blonde locks a bit of attention. So I was really excited to try the John Frieda Precision Foam Colour in 8BP Medium Warm Pearl Blonde. I hadn't coloured my hair in a few years, and I was a bit nervous about doing it myself. Luckily, it was super easy to use - and actually pretty fun! Once you combine the colourant and developer, you squeeze the bottle and a rich, fluffy foam comes out. I preferred this to the cream dyes I’ve tried in the past, as it was not messy and you’re less likely to miss any spots (no streaky hair here!). I wanted to go a few shades lighter, so I kept it in for the maximum time. After I washed it out, I gave it a quick blow-dry and inspected my new colour. I was so happy with the results. My hair was significantly lighter, but still looked natural, and I had a natural pearl shine that looked liked I had just stepped out of the salon. Plus, the kit includes a conditioner, which meant my hair stayed lighter and softer for longer. I would 100 per cent use this again!”

Thursday Plantation Firming Oil

hh’s Anna says:

“If you're anything like me, then the phrase 'bikini season' is enough to strike fear. I've inherited the family thunder thighs, which is why I was keen to try Thursday Plantation's Firming Oil. I embrace my curves, but I’m not a fan of cellulite (who is, right?!), and I have some unsightly patches on the upper part of my leg and lower part of my butt that needed nixing before I step foot onto a beach. I've been using the oil for a few weeks now, and there are a few things worth noting. Firstly, it has a really subtle, pleasant scent and glides onto the skin smoothly without feeling heavy or sticky. The product is non-staining - I used it before bed each night and it didn’t transfer onto my PJs or sheets. In terms of results, my skin hasn't tightened as such but I have noticed a slight reduction in the appearance of cellulite, and I'm confident that with consistent use, this will continue to reduce, leaving me looking tighter and firmer. My favourite thing about this product is that it’s all-natural. It's made from grapefruit, rosemary and almond oil, and is free from nasty preservatives. I’m all about loving the skin you're in, but it certainly doesn't hurt to seek a little help here and there!”

Designer Brands Longwear Matte Lip Gloss

bh’s Carli says:

“Despite being classified a lip gloss, this lip product is anything but, and definitely lives up to its matte title. It does, however, apply just like a gloss, with the doe foot applicator and creamy, easy-to-apply formula. The product takes a few seconds to set, and once it does, the finish is a really nice, velvety matte pink that doesn't budge much. The colour is perfect for everyday wear, and has made this gloss my go-to for when I want to keep my lips looking more au naturale than bright and vibrant. I'll be honest in saying that it does make my lips feel a tiny bit dry, but it’s not too uncomfortable. I have layered a clear lip balm over the top, which makes it feel better, but if you also choose to do that, you will lose that matte finish.”

L’Oréal Professionel Vitamino Color A-OX 10-in-1

bh’s Katia says:

“Now that I’ve traded in my balayage for brunette locks, I’ve discovered a couple of things: a) darker hair loses its shine really quickly, and b) I can no longer get away with only visiting the salon whenever I feel like it. And since I heat-style most days and spend a lot of time in the sun, I’m really conscious about protecting my hair. After all, if I’m getting touch-ups (and splashing cash) every six weeks, I want that fresh-from-the-salon look and feel for as long as possible! Meet the new staple in my routine: L’Oréal Professionel Vitamino Color A-OX 10-in-1 spray. As well as preventing the dreaded colour-fade and breakage, it conditions, detangles, softens, smooths and hydrates hair. It’s a great alternative for masks (is anyone else way too impatient to use those?!). I spritz it all over towel-dried hair, then style as usual. A few hair flicks later and I’m good to go, all while knowing my hair doesn’t hate me!”

Have you tried any of the above products? What beauty buy are you currently on the hunt for?