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As I’m writing this, the sun is pouring in through the window and I’m sitting at my desk in a T-shirt, seriously considering whether or not to fake tan for the weekend.
Do I have special plans? No, but that’s how optimistic I am about warmer weather.
I haven’t touched a bottle since party season - in my mind, there’s little point when the only skin on show has been my hands.
Instead, I’ve been opting for bronzing drops on my face and neck to add a hint of colour that washes off at the end of the day.
Everyone I know has been desperately signing up to “back in stock” emails for Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, but I’ve been putting two new options to the test – and I’m obsessed with both.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Hue Drops, £33, is slightly thicker than the Drunk Elephant formula and much more glowy – but not glittery – which has been great for counteracting my dull winter skin.
Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF50 Super Glow Bronzing Drops is a little less shimmery, but still gives a bronzed, sun-kissed finish, with the added bonus of sun protection, so I’m sure they’ll be perfect come summer.
They’re designed to be mixed with or applied on top of sunscreen, as no matter how tanned you want to be, you’re unlikely to apply enough of the bronzing drops to get adequate sun protection.
If you’re not a fan of instant bronzer and like something that lasts longer, new Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Island Glow Easy Tanning Drops are potentially the best drops I’ve tried.
I’ve been using them once a week, and a couple of drops are enough to leave my face looking gorgeously glowy and tanned.
Make-up-wise, I’ve been a fan of Kosas Revealer Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer since it launched in the UK last year, and it’s just added 11 new shades to the range, bringing it up to a total of 39.
If you’ve not yet tried it, now is the time.
It’s silicone-free, which means it won't pill, and it contains a skin-loving combination of caffeine, hyaluronic acid, panthenol and peptides to nourish skin well after you've cleansed it away.
I recently spotted another beauty journalist wearing ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick and had to try it for myself.
The finish is superb – it’s matte, but not too matte, plus it’s buildable, so you can tailor the coverage depending on where you need it most, and it blends easily while hiding any redness and pigmentation.
Finally, I’d like to mention L’Oréal Paris, which is really going the extra mile when it comes to making brilliant, affordable products.
Its latest skincare range is built around niacinamide, which just so happens to be my favourite active ingredient.
L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot UV Fluid SPF50+ With Niacinamide has become my go-to daily SPF.
It’s moisturising, without being greasy or oily, and doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes.
Plus, it’s less than half the price of the SPF I was using before!
I’ve also been trialling L’Oréal Paris Bright Reveal Dark Spot Exfoliant Peel 25% AHA + BHA + PHA And Niacinamide weekly for a few months now, and I’ve already bought another bottle for when I run out.
It’s definitely helping reduce my acne scars without causing dryness, which can happen with acid peels.
Lastly, the brand’s newest mascara, L’Oréal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara has been my go-to since the start of the year.
It delivers length and volume, and doesn’t smudge on to my oily skin, which is rare for a non-waterproof formula.
I’m thrilled I can finally talk about it – and urge you to try it!
