The Beauty Buzz

Are you bored of your beauty routine, but reluctant to splash out on a new product that might not live up to its hype? Or maybe you’re just looking to experiment with something new? Well, look no further than The Beauty Buzz, HCX’s brand spanking new blog, dedicated to giving you our honest opinions on the products on the market, and letting you in on our beauty secrets (you thought we were natural beauties?) So if you want to know the truth about what’s underneath the glossy wrapping, you don’t even have to step outside of your door. Her Campus is here to help you decide which products you need, and which ones you should put back on the shelf.

 

 

We all know the importance of exfoliation, but Soap and Glory’s Softening Thermal Scrub has the wow factor, and is a fantastic product for the cold weather. You can imagine that we were sceptical when we saw the claims of a self-heating scrub, but let’s get down to the science of it. It contains therminals, which heat up the liquid when you rub it (so high tech.) We didn’t believe it at first, (it heats up? in the shower?) but we have definitely been converted after using it. You won’t want to wash it off, and you’ll leave the shower feeling totally toasty. They recommend using a plum sized dollop on damp skin, but it’s so easy to get carried away as it feels really luxurious, especially on cold winter mornings. Also, it’s hard to resist a product with such gorgeous packaging! The retro theme is so chic, but it’s actually a really modern product. We’d recommend using body butter afterwards to keep your skin moisturised. Also, if you’re willing to share this pampering secret, it would make a great present and a twist on classic smellies. At £8.00 it’s such good value for money.

 

 

 

We keep hearing about Keratin treatments, Brazilian blow-dries and other ways of achieving perfectly smooth hair. So why does our hair still frizz the moment we step out of the door? Using the new Keratin Smooth range from TRESemme could change this, and at an affordable price too. Keratin is a key component of hair and nails, so if you’re hair is split and dry it probably needs a boost of it. That’s where TRESemme’s new range comes in. Out of the various shampoos and conditioners, the masque is the winning product. You’ll notice the difference after the first intensive treatment, and you will feel how much more smooth and manageable your hair has become. Your hair will thank you if you use it after a night out especially, as it will combat all the dryness from the cold weather, wind and rain. Be careful though, as using it excessively will make your hair greasy, and we still had to straighten our hair after using it (it’s not a miracle worker!) but it makes it visibly shinier and smoother. Head down to Superdrug as it’s half price at £5.99.

 

 

We know that a shimmer powder sounds like something you wore when you were twelve, but Bellapiere’s loose powdered eye shadows contain pure minerals that won’t harm your skin and come in vibrant metallic colours. With the stresses we put our skin through, from alcohol drying it out, to caking it in fake tan, you should try and use make-up that doesn’t contain chemicals, and this range is 100% hypoallergenic. What’s more, using loose powder as opposed to set eye shadows gives you more options for your make-up. It’s a bit messier, and you’ll need to buy a good brush but you can create some great smoky eye effects. Also, a favourite look of ours is using a damp brush as it makes the shadow creamier, and the colour just pops dramatically. One powder pot costs £12.99 which may seem expensive but they last forever. 

 

 

Benefit’s pore minimising balm is a product that every woman needs. It does so much more than just hiding your pores. Firstly, its velvety texture will leave your skin feeling so luxurious, almost like covering your skin in a soft, lightweight, blanket. Secondly, in minimizing your pores it makes you less prone to oiliness, and will help give a matte finish. It’s also much better for your skin than using powder, which has an adverse effect in clogging and ultimately causing spots. The downside is the price: at £23.50 it’s certainly not cheap (how many drinks could you get in Timepiece with that?) but if you want to add a product into your beauty routine that will subtly improve your complexion, this is the one for you.