Introducing the awesome April buys that we’ve been fighting over in the office because they’re so darn good
Any products in this article have been selected editorially however if you buy something we mention, we may earn commission
Hello sunshine! From fake tan to SPF to glow-getting skincare, the Get The Gloss office is piled high with sexy spring beauty and wellbeing buys this week that mark the arrival of lighter, brighter days. After extensive rummaging, we’ve curated the 16 Glossy Picks that most impressed us – and, word to the wise, if you’re planning to party over the Easter bank holiday, don’t miss the new hangover remedy that Isla can confirm definitely works. Shall we do this?
VICTORIA WOODHALL
GTG Editorial Director
Murad Retinal Resculpt Body Treatment, £79
“This smoothing body butter sold out recently on launch (it’s back now) with enticing claims to tone your skin like ‘workout in a jar’ in four weeks. It’s a treatment with actives, including firming retinal, rather than a regular body cream and that’s reflected in the price. To whip dry, flaky winter skin into shape, reduce the look of stretch marks and cellulite and even out skin tone, it’s a winner. It’s rich but not greasy and my legs feel softer and noticeably hydrated for hours after I’ve used it and the effects are cumulative.”
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llia Eye Stylus Shadow Stick, £32
“My ideal on-the-go makeup is in stick form: it’s space-saving, there’s no need for brushes, and application is idiot-proof. When these vegan eyeshadow sticks first came out a couple of years ago there was a breakage issue. Now the 20 shades, inspired by Renaissance paintings, have been reformulated and relaunched, and are perfect – long-wear and creaseproof. The matte Taupe Brown in the eye socket instantly opens up a hooded lid.”
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Sensilis Skin Rescue Barrier Repair Cream, £44
“I was so impressed with this Spanish skincare brand specialising in age-proofing skincare for sensitive or sensitised skin (70 per cent of us apparently) when I visited their labs in Barcelona – because their ‘no trial, no claim’ promise means each product comes with a stamp of efficacy. Highlights include SPFs with skincare benefits, Upgrade AR retinol night cream that even rosacea sufferers can use, and my favourite, this quenching skin barrier gel cream with ceramides and hylauronic acid and prebiotics. A great everyday dry skin moisturiser.”
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Vayu Living Pure Noir Kajal Eyeliner, £23
“Tightlining (using eyeliner on your waterline) is a great way to define eyes and make lashes look denser, but you want be sure you are using a really clean formula to avoid clogging or irritating your oil glands. This ayurvedic kajal is made to be non-irritating and even nourishing on the eyes with castor and almond oils. I’ve used it for a few weeks now and love its deep pigment and twist-up mechanism – no need to sharpen.”
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SARAH-JANE CORFIELD-SMITH
GTG Beauty Director
Sculpted By Aimee Brighten Up Energising Eye Cream, £26
“There are some absolute skincare gems (alongside the brilliant makeup) in the Sculpted By Aimee range and this new eye cream is one of them. Formulated in Korea (where some of the most advanced skincare comes from) it contains 2 per cent caffeine which is excellent for depuffing and firming fine lines. But the real masterpiece is the cryo tip applicator which feels wonderful on tired eyes and has been shaped perfectly to glide around the area, with pulling on delicate skin. As you would expect from a brand created by an MUA, makeup goes on like a dream over it.”
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Laneige Hydro UV Defense Ex Sunscreen SPF 50, £26
“Good news: skincare giants Laneige have brought their best-selling SPF to our shores. And it’s worth adding to your arsenal because not only does it have excellent broad-spectrum sun protection, but it’s infused with ionised mineral water which makes it super hydrating as well as the redness-reducing ingredient, centella asiatica. It feels silky smooth on the skin, leaves absolutely no residue and smells like suntan lotion, a scent which always make me happier.”
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Sure Whole Body Deo Cream, £5.25
“Meet the new head-to-toe deodorant range from Sure. There are three different products to choose from – cream, aerosol spray or deodorant stick – each designed to be used wherever you sweat and get a bit stinky; armpits, feet, under boobs, thighs etc. The formula is aluminium-free and comes in a rose or citrus scent, and is genius for the warmer weather.”
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The Inkey List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex, £20
“A lot of science has gone into this to bring the first affordable exosome product to market – and where Inkey leads you can bet everyone else will follow. You may have heard of in-clinic exosome treatments and this serum aims to bring similar results from the comfort of your bathroom. It works with your skin cells to make them operate more efficiently: upping collagen production to plump, increasing hydration levels to smooth as well as reducing inflammation. Glow incoming.”
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ISLA HUFFADINE
GTG Content Coordinator
“The iconic Hoola bronzer has a new member of its family – meet the Wave Bronzing Balm. This cream bronzer gives a gorgeous sun-kissed glow, melting into the skin for a natural, effortless finish. The buttery consistency is packed with jojoba oil, shea butter and avocado oil to nourish. With five shades to choose from, it offers a deeper, more bronzed look than the OG Hoola powder.”
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Bloma Recover Pack, £13.99 for 3 doses
“I’m partial to a night out, but not the dreaded hangover. Enter Bloma, my new go-to for easing the Sunday scaries. This three-capsule sachet is formulated for women, packed with ingredients to support liver detoxification, prevent nausea and balance hormones – think vitamin B6, B1, n-acetyl-l-cysteine and ginger. Take one capsule at night after drinking and two the next morning to ease any lingering hangover. I tried these last weekend and felt pretty smug waking up without a pounding headache. Everything in moderation though, so don’t expect a miracle if you’re gearing up for the biggest night of your life!”
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Bondi Sands Ultra Express Self Tanning Foam, £19.99
“As the resident fake tanner at GTG, I had to try the hottest new tan, touted as the fastest on the market. I can confirm this is the speediest tan I’ve ever used – it develops in just one hour, leaving a lovely bronzed glow (I left it on for a couple of hours for a deeper shade). Their new colourlock accelerator technology locks the mousse in, while the lightweight foam is fragrance-free and there was minimal transfer on my clothes. This is a game-changer for last-minute plans – just slap on a coat, wait an hour, rinse and you’ll look like you’ve just stepped off Bondi Beach.”
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“The dreaded UTI is something many women will experience at least once. Onoma is a cool new brand making UTI prevention easier with this soothing drink. Formulated with natural ingredients such as cranberry, d-mannose and fennel, it helps ease discomfort, flush out bacteria, balance pH levels and support overall urinary health. Simply mix two teaspoons with water for daily prevention or up to three times a day during a flare-up. It comes in a refreshing lemonade flavour, with an unflavoured option available too.”
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FLORENCE SCORDOULIS
GTG Contributing Editor
Laneige Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum, £19
“The brains behind the cult sleep lip mask have dropped a new everyday tinted balm: and I predict an online riot. The effect is a glassy, plumped pout without stickiness, thanks to the 95 per cent skincare-based formula of hydrating polypeptides, squalene and ceramides. With six neutral shades, my favourite is Peach Glaze (it tastes like icing) but the best part is the doughnut-shaped jelly applicator which hugs your lips with full, comforting coverage. Delicious.”
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Charlotte Tilbury Dark Spot Correcting Radiance Recovery Serum, £70
“You might not associate MUA-to-the-stars Charlotte Tilbury with skincare, but this multi-tasking correcting serum is a scene-stealer — and joins the ranks of her bestselling Magic Cream. An elixir of radiance-boosting vitamin C with a barrier shield, it claims to fade dark spots in six weeks. Plus, blemishes, redness, under-eye bags, hyperpigmentation and sun spots should all watch out. Summer glow, here we come.”
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Garnier Method for Curls No 2 Mask, £9.99
“If you’re looking for an affordable, minimal curly girl routine, I recommend Garnier’s new four-part ‘Method for Curls’ collection. It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and shea fatty acids for a long-lasting hydration hit that strengthens the hair’s inner structures. Start with the five-minute conditioning Pre-shampoo treatment, £7.99, before lathering on the soft Shampoo, £7.99 — then, my highlight is this Mask which doubles as an intensive conditioner or leave-in curl cream. Finish by scrunching in the curl-defining Spray, £9.99. The frizz-busting combo left my curls feeling softer and silkier.”
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Rodial Dragon’s Blood Water Serum, £130
“This serum is definitely a blow-out purchase, but trust me, a little goes a long way: it’s like a Hydrafacial in a bottle, instantly pepping up and plumping your skin with a healthy glow. The hero ingredient is sap from the Dragon’s Tree, which is packed with anti-inflammatory, moisture-locking properties; as well as ectoins for supporting the skin’s barrier and shielding against environmental stressors. Plus, I haven’t seen anything like the pinky-red liquid (which smells exquisite).”
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