TOP 20 LOVE HITS
A COMPILATION OF ALL THE NEW AND UPDATED BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT’LL HELP GET ONE V-DAY READY, WHATEVER THE RELATIONSHIP STATUS
A compilation of all the beauty launches that’ll get you V-day ready
MAKEUP Clarins Fix’ Make-Up X Soledad
The French beauty giant ropes in the playful Parisian illustrator Soledad Bravi – better known by her first name – to put a Valentine’s Day spin on its invigorating rose water-scented setting spray: Each bottle features a scrawl of her signature female heroine holding a bottle with hearts emanating into the air.
Fenty Full Frontal Volume, Lift & Curl Mascara
With a unique “flat-to-fat” brush (one side is wide and bristly to pick up formula and pump up volume while the other is more comb-like to define and curl), the first mascara from the house of Riri lets one create a variety of literally eye-opening, flirty lash looks. Extra points for being water, sweat and smudge resistant.
Hourglass Confession Refillable Lipstick Duo
Specially for this V-day, the vegan cosmetics label pairs up two sophisticated, high-intensity shades – a tawny brick and a dusky pink – that reportedly won’t smudge or feather. Distinguishing this limited edition release: a heart icon on the sleek gold applicators loved for their precise control.
IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Love Is The Foundation Foundation Brush
What’s so V-day about this makeup tool with a mouthful of a name: It has a heart-shaped head packed with the brand’s award-winning bristles that promise an airbrushed finish; its pink handle is speckled with heart-shaped confetti; and it’s limited edition, sold exclusively at Sephora’s e-store.
Kat Von D Beauty XO Vinyl Lip Cream
Trust the badass tattoo artist to translate the colours of flowers as classic as dahlias and peonies into lip glosses with a thrilling, vinyl-like shine. Her first venture into gloss, each of the six shades spanning the mauve pink Carnation to crimson red Tulip is said to be ultra saturated, offers full coverage and is vegan to boot.
M.A.C Petal Power
Pre-launching at Sephora’s Westgate and online stores on Feb 13, this limited edition collection puts a playful, modern spin on the colours of the romantic cherry blossom season. The Plenty Of Pout Plumping Lip Gloss, for example, comes in three universally flattering sakura-inspired shades and contains ginger root complex that’s said to leave a cooling sensation while instantly plumping puckers for a bee-stung effect.
Marc Jacobs See-quins Glam Glitter Liquid Eyeshadow
In six sophisticated metal-inspired shades including copper, warm bronze and pale gold, this shimmer-loaded eye colour need not necessarily be as outre as its name suggests. Swipe a light wash across lids then blend to inject subtle sultriness in the day. (PS: It’s reportedly formulated not to crease or slide.)
Nars Afterglow
The name was first used on the lip balm offshoot of the brand’s cult, peachy pink Orgasm blush that was released last year. Now it refers to a whole new line that makes creating modern, head-turning looks easy. There’s a cheek palette with three satiny blushes and three gel-to-powder (read: smooth-as-second-skin) highlighters aptly dubbed Overlust. The eyeshadow kit has 12 glamorous, high-octane shades in various finishes, including a shimmery pale gold, matte peach and metallic fuchsia. And of course there are new tints of the comfy lip balm such as the cherry red Turbo and shimmery pink Deep Throat, each offering a sheer wash of colour and subtle shine.
Nudestix Magnetic Lip Plush Paints
In winsome shades like the terracota Tahiti Hottie and light rose Bahama Mama (yes, the names delight us too), this light yet velvety liquid lippie is said to be non-drying, has a blurring effect and is formulated to also be worn on the cheeks and eyes. Women on the go can use the brand’s “dot and blot” technique to lend that hint of colour for a fresh-faced, natural look or build it up for added glamour come date night.
Tom Ford Gloss Luxe
A brand new line that features 20 hyper saturated and lustrous lip glosses said to instantly plump up the look and sensuality of one’s puckers. Shades range from classic vampy red to pretty lilac to a bold yet sophisticated deep brown, while a trio of avocado, olive and jojoba oils ensures all-day comfort.
SKINCARE Chanel Sublimage La Creme Lumiere
As its name suggests, this newcomer to the brand’s luxurious, hyper sensorial Sublimage line reportedly boosts radiance significantly and instantly, thanks to anthyllis extract – known for its ability to control pigmentation – and the regenerative vanilla planifolia. Massage on a la how it’s done at the maison’s spa at The Ritz in Paris (adapted instructions are provided) and that glow of (self) love is said to be even more evident.
Dior Prestige Le Micro-Caviar De Rose
The latest equivalent of a lush bouquet of roses from the French beauty house (and far more useful): a concentrate packed with a whopping 22 micronutrients derived from the fruit and flower of Dior’s Rose de Graville bloom, known for its intense reparative qualities. Encapsulated into minute, membrane-free pearls (explains the caviar reference) to retain freshness and that melt easily when massaged into skin, it’s said to effectively diminish signs of fatigue and revive even the most damaged of complexions. The best part: It can also be used as a mask and around the eye contours to brighten peepers.