6 new beauty editor approved buys – including Dior’s new lip balm and a £13 hydrating cleanser

I’M pretty sure I’ve found the best-value facial in London, and it just so happens to be from one of my favourite beauty brands.

The facial in question? Wildsmith’s Radical Botany Facial, £140 for an hour (or £70 for 30 minutes).

Tucked away in the turrets of London’s Liberty department store, when you walk through the double door’s of the specially designed Wildsmith Treehouse, you’re transported to the countryside, with projections of trees on the walls and a birdsong lullaby to soundtrack the treatment.

Wildsmith

Wildsmith’s Radical Botany Facial is the best-value facial in London[/caption]

At face value, the price seems steep, but it is redeemable against purchases of Wildsmith products on the day of yout treatment – so you’re effectively getting it free.

Trust me, you’re going to want to stock up, given how good your skin will feel after the treatment.

Despite it being fully redeemable, they don’t cut corners – the bed is wider than most used for treatments (about the size of a single mattress), so you can completely relax, and it’s heated too, making it ultra-cosy.

Wildsmith

The price of Wildsmith’s Radical Botany Facial at Liberty London is fully redeemable against products[/caption]

The facial is far more than just a sales pitch for the products – wellness is the aim.

It starts with a foot massage, before your legs are gently stretched one by one, making my spine instantly feel longer, followed by a massage-heavy facial that dissolved the tension in my brow and jaw, as well as a scalp massage and a hand and arm massage that had me walking on air.

If you’re not yet convinced, a 90-minute version of the same treatment at Wildsmith’s home in luxe hotel Heckfield Place will set you back £300 –  and that isn’t redeemable on products!

Best new skin launches

Wildsmith

Wildsmith’s latest serum was created to hydrate skin without feeling heavy[/caption]

Wildsmith Skin Radiance Light Serum, £85

I discovered the new Wildsmith Skin Radiance Light Serum, £85, while I was there and have used it every day since.

It feels like silk on the skin, and is packed with my favourite ingredient, niacinamide, which helps to reduce inflammation, redness and uneven skin texture, while balancing oil production and reducing breakouts.

It also contains brightening antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 to hydrate skin and boost radiance.

Made specifically for humid climates, it’s not heavy or greasy, which is perfect for oily skin like mine.

I’m a huge fan of high-low beauty – pairing expensive products with affordable ones to get the best routine for my money.

The Inkey List

Inkey’s new one-step cleanser removes every scrap of make-up[/caption]

The Inkey List Hydrating Cream-To-Milk Cleanser, £13

As serums tend to have the highest potency of active ingredients, I generally spend most of my budget on them, so I’ve been pairing the Wildsmith one with The Inkey List Hydrating Cream-To-Milk Cleanser, £13, which also launched last month.

As the name suggests, it starts as a lightweight cream, which feels soothing and hydrating yet melts away every trace of make-up, before transforming into  a milk-like consistency on contact with water, so there’s no residue left behind.

It’s hard to find a cleanser that gets rid of everything in one step without turning into an oil or balm, but this does it all.

Best new hair launches

I have a similar attitude when it comes to haircare, preferring to spend money on high-tech tools and products that make a visible difference, such as Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray, £27, which has changed the game for me.

Living Proof

This genius hairspray can be applied to wet hair before styling[/caption]

Living Proof Style Lab Flex Hairspray, £27

My hair doesn’t really hold a curl, but this clever hairspray contains heat protection, so can be applied to wet hair before styling –  and voilà, my curls now stay put for days!

Loxx

Claw clips are a must-have in summer to keep hair off your neck and face[/caption]

Loxx Triple Flower Clip in Lemon Drop, £18

Similarly, Loxx Triple Flower Clip in Lemon Drop, £18, has been a godsend during the hot weather.

I’ve struggled to find a claw clip that can hold my waist-length hair, but this extra-long, arched design, created by celebrity hairstylist Chad Maxwell, keeps every strand up without tugging at my scalp or leaving a dent in my hair.

Best new make-up launches

Make-up-wise, the last month has been about adding colour to my face, as I’m ghostly pale and exhausted – I can’t decide if the hot-weather induced sleepless nights are to blame, or my inability to refuse an impromptu pub visit in the sunshine!

Charlotte Tilbury

Thanks to its shimmery formula, this blush stick adds a radiant glow[/caption]

Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick, £30

I find blush wakes up my complexion better than bronzer (although I’ll turn to that come August), and Charlotte Tilbury Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick, £30, has a subtle shimmer that instantly makes me look healthier, without being too glittery or exaggerating the texture on my cheeks.

I love that I can draw it straight on to my face, and blend it out with my fingers – no other tools necessary!

Dior

Dior’s new Lip Glow Butter brings all the nostalgic 00s vibes[/caption]

Dior Addict Lip Glow Butter,  £33

Finally, Dior Addict Lip Glow Butter,  £33, made it into my bag on cute factor alone, thanks to its adorable monogram charm.

The formula feels somewhere between a lip balm and a lip butter, and leaves my dry lips hydrated – I’ve had more compliments when wearing the Black Cherry shade than I can count on both hands!