10 Beauty Finds: May

The month of May is almost past but in that time here are some beauty finds that might have passed you by but that you really may very well want to know about. So here goes;

Think Ink! with the new Montblanc collection of men’s fragrances (but open to all), the first – and central – one of which, Black Meisterstück, is based around the iconic brand’s dedication to facilitating the written word: the juice itself is the colour of their black ink, the notes are a spicy wood blend of incense, musk, vetiver and patchouli, and the bottle – like all of them – is inspired by the brand’s own ink bottle. Also available is Patchouli Ink (with jasmine, musk, and vanilla), Extreme Leather (with smoked iris), and Vetiver Glacier (vetiver, cedarwood, and white musk). Shop here.

Revel in balmy days with Sisley’s new swank-tastic Phyto-Lip Balms which deliver just the perfect amount of sheen (in an option of nude known as Cloud, a pH reactive Pink Glow to naturally enhance your own lip colour, and a woody rose called Crush) while also delivering some serious lip nourishment. And it’s all housed in elegant and refillable gold zebra stripe cases which come with their own light pink velvet sleeves. Shop here.

Celebrate two British brands, both legends in their own lifetimes, with Neal’s Yard collaborating with Morris&Co. You’ll find the Neal’s Yard’s English lavender and calendula hand care range dressed up for a limited time in a classic 1882 William Morris Blackthorn print featuring violets, blossoms, yellow daisies and blackthorn branches. The hand wash, lotion, and cream in the collection are all certified organic and vegan and scented with natural botanicals. The overall message: respecting and protecting the wildflowers and herbs of the English countryside. Shop here.

Give thanks for the skincare meets primer meets SPF trend with the latest offering from Pai; their new British Summer Time Glow SPF30. Fans of their pearlescent glow drops will realise it’s like a perfectly blended – and still fully effective – mix of them with an SPF to deliver just the right amount of glowiness. Use as your last step of skincare, your every day sun protection, and as a great base for makeup, all in one simple step. This mineral sunscreen is certified COSMOS natural and vegan. Shop here.

Majorly upgrade your body care with Escentric Molecules. The perfume brand that’s always fragranced outside the box, has now extended its body range so as well as the body wash there is now a new body lotion – and, as you might, imagine, it’s one of the most lust-worthy versions you could find. They’re both available in the same five perfumed options as the main fragrances but a bit of summer escapism try EO3 with zingy notes of lime, ginger, and green peppercorn. Shop here.

Elevate your main sunscreen action with some royal and environmental treatment with Lancaster’s seasonal drop of its Protecting Body Milk SPF50 dedicated to supporting the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and its Mediterranean Program to take care of marine protected areas. Lancaster, with its Monegasque roots, has special eco-designed packaging for its much-loved milk (offering UVA, UVB and infrared protection) with a tube and smaller cap that uses 54 per cent less material and contains a minimum of 49 per cent recycled plastic. Shop here.

Go nuts for Irene Forte’s Pistachio Face Oil. Not only is it packed full of omega richness from its namesake nut but it’s also a powerhouse of phytomelatonin: a key ingredient focus at Irene Forte, this plant version of human melatonin – which is extracted from Italian alpine plants – seriously helps to rejuvenate and boost skin renewal and works as a powerful antioxidant too. It also absorbs quickly. A brilliant all-rounder for face care. Refill options available. Shop here.

Ditch the hairdryer (if you want to, that is) thanks to Oribe Hair Alchemy Heatless Styling Balm. This lightweight balm not only adds shine but can take air dried hair and give it a naturally tousled look that’s frizz free. But by all means use it with heat if you want to as it also helps to strengthen hair and reduce breakage. Plus, the swellegant yellow packaging adds a shot of glamour whether that’s in the bathroom or in your beach bag. Shop here.

Support the independents with Ipsum Australian Olives Spa Hammam Soap. This niche Aussie brand makes all its products in small batches to keep things fresh and uses local and traditional plants from Down Under. In this case, this body cleanser-come-gentle-exfoliator uses organic and biodynamically farmed olive fruit and oil rich which is rich in antioxidants and helps to support skin elasticity and tone. Plus, it feels luscious to use. Shop here.

Get seriously heady with the Giorgio Armani Privé Blanc Kogane eau du parfum. This white floral musk fragrance comes loaded with plenty of jasmine and is one of the most exquisite perfumes you could hope to find. It’s like an instant hit of classic style mixed with a dash of Marlene Dietrich knowing come-hitherness, a blend of joy and seduction. Expensive, yes, but oh so worth it. You could fall in love with yourself wearing this stuff. Shop here.

@edwinaingschambers