Look at this, I said I’d like to do a “five favourite” post every two weeks and here I am, two odd weeks later doing another one, well done me! Jokes aside, if you missed the previous FF post, it was all about my (current) top shelf shower products, you can read it here. This week we’re still sort of in the same vein, chatting about beauty products

While lockdown has meant that I have significantly downsized my beauty stash (read: literally halved it), I still enjoy my products and have rediscovered some that I had forgotten about which is always fun. Incidentally, these 5 products actaully make up a very minimal, full face that’s perfect for day to day wear and will literally take you all of 7 minutes to apply.Vichy Mineral 89: First up is a serum that I received just over 3 weeks ago and have really been enjoying. Vichy Mineral 89 is a product that I’ve been wanting to try for an age and I’m so glad that I finally have. Its rare that something lives up the the very high expectations that I have in my head but this serum did, I am loving it! It’s packed with Hyaloronic acid (what you’re after if you have dehydrated skin like me) as well as Vichy’s well known thermal mineral water. These two main componants help to protect the skin barrier (dehydrated skin is often sensitive because of an impaired barrier) while also reinforcing it. It’s also wonderfully hydrating. It has a runny gel like consistency and applies beautifully ontop of the skin without feeling sticky, I’ve also found that a little goes a long way. After using it for a good 3 weeks now, I can say for certain that my skin definitely looks more plump and hydrated. I’ve also noticed that there are way less dry patches which I really suffer with during the Joburg winters. All in all, this is a solid yes from me.

Cetaphil Daily Hydrating Lotion: When it comes to moisturisers I prefer something that’s light, I really don’t like the feeling of something sitting on my skin. I was sent this facial lotion from Cetaphil a while ago and have been using it for a solid 2 months now. While it’s nothing earth shattering, it’s absolutely perfect for every day use and I have nothing bad to say about it. I love how lightweight it is (oily skin gals, you’ll love this!) and it sinks into the skin really quickly which is great as well. Don’t let the simplicity of it fool you though, my skin feels really hydrated throughout the day (this was also the case prior to me adding the Vichy serum) and when I do wear make up, it applies beautifully over it

Cinique Moisture Surge CC Cream: I don’t know about you but the last time I wore a full coverage foundation was pre-lockdown. These days I gravitate for more of a BB/CC/tinted moisturiser if I feel like I need a some coverage. My absolute go to at the moment is the Moisture Surge CC Cream from Clinique. It provides a degree of coverage while still colour correcting which is great as I have quite a bit of redness on any given day. It gives a lovely glowy (not oily) finish, leaving your skin looking really healthy and happy. It also has got a built in SPF but if I’m honest, I never really rely on those, I prefer to apply a seperate one.

Maybelline Brow Precise Pencil: My brows are blonde blonde blonde and although I tint them regularly, they tend to fade quite quickly and so more often than not I need a helping hand to make them look half decent. I’ve tried many products over the years and I think that I’ve come to the realisation that pencils are my preferred medium when it comes to brow products. This particular one from Maybelline is really great; it’s waxy enough to stick to your brow hairs but still glides over your brows making application quick and easy. I use the shade deep brown but I have experimented and have found that that the colour is pretty buildable which is great if you like your brows really dark. The spooly on the end is so helpful to have as well. I reckon I’ll definitlely be purchasing this one again!

Maybelline The Falsies Lash Lift Mascara: Mascara is possibly my favourite make up product. Probably due to the fact that, like my brows, my lashes are blonde. But I’m sure that we can all agree that a good lick of mascara makes the aboslute world of difference. My holy grail is still the Lancome Grandiose but it’s on the pricey side and so I always like to have a more affordable back up… and The Falsies Lash Lift from Maybelline is IT! Jet black pigment, no transfer, seperates the lashes beautifully and also available in a waterproof varient, what’s not to love?! Oh, let’s not forget the great price point. It has a double curved brush to lift and lengthen your lashes, giving that dramatic lash look that I think many of us enjoy. If you need a new masacara, I highly recommend this one.

I’d love to hear what skincare and beauty products you guys are loving at the moment, let me know in the comments.