The Ultimate Glam Survival Guide
Here, I’ll be sharing my absolute ride-or-die favourites, the products that never let me down, the ones I’ve tried, tested, and truly fallen in love with. These are the beauty products that help you look and feel your very best, whether you’re heading out for date night, a big event, or just want that “I woke up like this” kind of glow.
- My Estée Lauder Obsession
- Falling in Love, One Product at a Time
- Mini Gifts That Turned Into Big Obsessions
- Medik8 Retinol: The Nighttime Game Changer
- The Future of Skincare: Shark CryoGlow LED Light Therapy Mask
- Makeup Must-Haves: From Base to Glow
- The Perfect Concealer
- Adding Colour and Glow
- Lips, Locks, and a Little Extra Glow
My Estée Lauder Obsession
Firstly I’m going to start off with a brand I’ve completely fallen head over heels for — Estée Lauder. I’m officially that girl who’s on first-name terms with Rose at the Estée Lauder counter in Boots, Speke.
My love for the brand started with one of the most iconic products in skincare history: Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex Serum (£65.00 – £117). I’ve been using it for just over a year, and it’s one of the products I just couldn’t live without now.
Every evening, I put a few silky drops on my face, and it’s like an instant drink for your skin. The texture is featherlight — almost like liquid silk — but somehow gives the deepest hydration you could imagine. By morning, my skin looks fresher, plumper, and more alive. It gives that “eight hours of sleep and two litres of water” glow… even if I’ve had neither.
Falling in Love, One Product at a Time
Recently, thanks to a few irresistible gift-with-purchase offers (because who doesn’t love a freebie?!), I decided to explore more of the Estée Lauder range. And honestly, I’m in love!
My mornings now start with the Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Balm (£36.80) — yes, it’s technically part of their night line, but it’s too good to only use before bed. The texture is just gorgeous — it starts as a buttery balm and transforms into a silky oil as you massage it in. It melts away everything — makeup, SPF, the day’s stress — in seconds.
My favourite part? I soak a facecloth in hot water (as hot as I can comfortably bear), press it gently over my face, and let the steam do its thing. The balm turns into a milky texture and rinses off, leaving my skin baby-soft, clean, and nourished — no residue, no tightness, just a lovely glow.
Then comes the perfect hydration product: DayWear Multi-Protection Anti-Oxidant 24H-Moisture Creme (£55.00). Oh. My. God. This cream is honestly like you have just been for a facial. I would definitely recommend if you are looking to try something new.
I’ve always loved thick, hydrating moisturisers, but so many daytime ones are too light or leave that weird tacky feel. I even used to use my night cream during the day just for the hydrating feel— until I found this little baby. It gives me that rich, dewy finish without being greasy, and my makeup sits beautifully over it.
The scent is so fresh and clean, and the finish is that perfect healthy glow — not shiny, just luminous. It’s one of those products that makes your skin look alive before you’ve even put a drop of makeup on.
Mini Gifts That Turned Into Big Obsessions
The last time I repurchased my serum, I got a mini gift set which I took on a couple of long-haul flights I have recently been on, and they were absolute lifesavers.
Normally, the plane air leaves my skin feeling like sandpaper, but thanks to those Estée Lauder minis, my skin stayed soft, hydrated, and glowy even at 30,000 feet. Needless to say, I’ve now bought the full-sized versions.
Medik8 Retinol: The Nighttime Game Changer
Let’s talk retinol. It has a bit of a scary rep, right? We’ve all heard the horror stories — flaking, peeling, redness. But Medik8 has completely changed the game.
Their retinol is gentle but powerful, and it’s honestly the reason my skin looks smoother, brighter, and more even-toned than it did a year ago. You start on a lower level and work your way up to the higher number. I use it a few nights a week (prices start at around £30 and go up to about £85 depending on size and strength). I always follow with my Estée Lauder moisturiser, and the difference is unreal.
Fine lines have softened, texture has improved, and so many people have said how much nicer my skin has started to look.
What makes Medik8 stand out is their slow-release system — it delivers all the benefits of retinol without the irritation. It’s that perfect blend of science and luxury that just quietly transforms your skin at home.
The Future of Skincare: Shark CryoGlow LED Light Therapy Mask
Okay, this next one is for my fellow skincare gadget lovers (or anyone thinking about a Christmas gift that is a little bit extra special).
The Shark CryoGlow LED Light Therapy Mask is basically the future of skincare. It’s sleek, futuristic, and honestly makes me feel like I’m starring in a sci-fi movie while doing my evening routine — but the results are next level. It’s currently on offer on Look Fantastic, Boots and on Shark’s own website.
It combines LED light therapy with cryo-cooling technology. The LED helps boost collagen and calm inflammation, while the cooling effect instantly soothes and refreshes your skin.
I love using it after a long day or post-workout when my skin feels a bit flushed or tired. It reduces redness, minimises pores, and leaves my skin firm, calm, and radiant. It’s become my go-to self-care ritual.
Makeup Must-Haves: From Base to Glow
[IMAGE: YSL Touche Éclat Blur Primer bottle] [IMAGE: NARS Prisme Libre tinted moisturizer]
Now, let’s move on to my must-have makeup products!
Every great look starts with a great base, and my current obsession is YSL Touche Éclat Blur Primer (£27.00). Honestly, it’s the primer of primers. The texture is like silk, and the tiny gold flecks make it feel so luxurious. I apply it with my fingertips, pressing it gently into my T-zone and cheeks, and instantly my skin looks smoother and more even.
It blurs pores, softens texture, and gives that perfect finish that makes foundation glide on like a dream. It’s one of those products that doesn’t just prep your skin — it transforms it.
Now, one question I always get in my Instagram Q&As is: “What foundation do you use?”
My go-to for everyday wear is NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturiser (£31.00) in St. Tropez. It’s super lightweight but gives that gorgeous sheer, buildable coverage with a natural finish. It’s enriched with French Polynesian Kopara (so hydrating!) and a vitamin C derivative to brighten and even skin tone over time. Plus, it’s got SPF 30 — which is perfect if you are using retinol.
It’s oil-free but leaves your skin looking healthy and luminous. Perfect for that “no-makeup makeup” which has a natural vibe.
The Perfect Concealer
When it comes to concealer, I’ve finally found my holy grail, Givenchy Prisme Libre Concealer (£37.00). I’ve tried so many and they either crease or dry out my under-eyes, but this one is just perfect!
It gives amazing coverage without settling into lines, keeps you looking bright and fresh all day, and just melts beautifully into the skin. I actually keep a few shades — one for concealing, one for contouring, and one for brightening. If you’re unsure which to get, pop into Flannels and ask at the Givenchy counter — they’re fab at helping you find your match.
Adding Colour and Glow
Now, for that healthy, flushed glow — it’s all about Charlotte Tilbury Cheek to Chic in Pillow Talk (£35.00). The shade is iconic for a reason, it’s that perfect rosy nude that flatters everyone no matter your age or skin tone. I swirl my brush around the outer ring, then dab the centre shade onto the apples of my cheeks — gives an instant lift, instant glow.
Then, to finish things off, my secret weapon: Dior Backstage Glow Stick (£37.00). This is quite a new product to hit the market, but I’m obsessed.
It gives that lit-from-within sheen — not glittery at all, just glossy, hydrated, and fresh. I swipe it across my cheekbones, the bridge of my nose, and even my eyelids and blend with my fingertips. It lasts all day and night.
Lips, Locks, and a Little Extra Glow
If you’ve ever asked me what lip liner I use — it’s Doll Beauty, always. And I’ve got a discount code for you: DBJADEAINSWORTH
They’re all under £10, so I suggest grabbing a few. My go-to daytime shades are Boy Bye and Boss Lady. For night, I mix it up with Diva 4 Eva, Prinsass, and Killin It — which, by the way, is a perfect dupe for Clinique’s discontinued Choc Chip.
To lock everything in place, I swear by Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray (£23.60 at LookFantastic). It keeps your makeup flawless for up to 16 hours — waterproof, smudge-proof, transfer-proof. Basically, once it’s on, it’s on.
And because glowing skin doesn’t stop at your face, my final obsession is Sol De Janeiro GlowMotions Body Oil (£22.50, LookFantastic). It comes in two shades (I go for the darker one) and gives your skin the most beautiful bronzed shimmer.
[IMAGE: Sol De Janeiro GlowMotions Body Oil product display]
It’s that “holiday in a bottle” kind of glow — every time I wear it, someone asks what’s on my skin. It smells divine, lasts forever, and makes your arms, legs, and décolletage look airbrushed and radiant.
That’s it from me this time, I hope you’ve found a few new products to fall in love with — whether you’re refreshing your skincare, adding to your makeup bag, or just want to treat yourself to something new.
