New In This Week: Ten Tempting Beauty Treats With Interesting Benefits You'll Love

Life seems to have gotten away with me in the last few weeks, so I haven't done one of these posts in a while, but with the stash overflowing with new treats to share I thought it was about time. The beauty world is struggling to light my fire at the moment, with so many brands just churning out the same old stuff time and time again (there's only so much face cream and mascara you can get excited about,) so occasionally a bit of distance helps to identify what's actually exciting and what's a bit overhyped. Sometimes it's the little things or quirky ideas that get my juices flowing, or occasionally just a really great product that makes life a little easier; either way, I've shortlisted ten tempting treats that I think you'll love to read about - all of which have interesting stories behind them or unique ingredients that make them a bit special. To me, that's what the beauty industry is all about. Enjoy!

Batiste Root Concealer (£12.99)
One of the brands that got me through my twenties, Batiste will always have a firm place in my heart. They're so affordable and so fun, while still offering the helping hand we all need when we slept in too late to wash our hair. This springtime they've expanded their hair range to include a root concealer which, although nothing new, does offer a more lighthearted and accessibly way for us to cover up those tell-tale roots. Available in a multitude of colours, I've found that this is great for concealing the odd grey but really it's meant for re-growth rather than full-on grey hair cover-up; the pigment isn't strong enough for me personally, but it's a great way to blend in your roots if you haven't had a chance to get to the hairdresser. The only downside is the price! A bit steep for a budget brand. 

Lipstick Queen Mornin' Sunshine Lipstick (£22.00)
How did I forget about Lipstick Queen? For so long they were my go-to lipstick brand and offered every shade and concentration I desired, but they've fallen off my radar in the last couple of years. When this Mornin' Sunshine lipstick landed on my desk it was the perfect excuse to get back on board: the clever yellow bullet changes to a bespoke coral shade when applied to your lips, providing a natural colour result that's perfect for the summer season. The addition of mango and shea butter ensure this is super comfortable and hydrating too.

B Nourished Cooling & Soothing Mask (£8.99)  
Developed specifically for those who are menopausal and suffer with hot flushes, this face mask comforts, calms and clarifies skin that is stressed, blotchy and irritated. The lightweight and refreshing formula gives provides an instant cooling sensation, great if you've been out in the sun too long or simply have redness appearing on your cheeks. Possibly even a solution for rosacea, this is so much more than a menopausal counterpart - plus you can't go wrong at that price point. (Superdrug's own brand skincare is always worth a look and provides results that are far superior of their cost; never turn your nose up at own branded stuff!)

Essence Shine Shine Shine Lipgloss (£2.00)
Affordable makeup is so prevalent right now it's hard for many brands to get cut-through, but Essence always makes me stop and browse whenever I'm stocking up on essentials in Wilko's. This super shiny lipgloss not only looks great, but thanks to the richness of the texture it helps to provide an incredible 'wet look' finish that makes your pout appear even more pouty. It's not stupidly sticky either, while the colour range is hugely expansive (around twenty shades.) Considering it's only £2.00, you can't say no to a tube or two. 

Orly Breathable Nail Polish (£12.00)  
I've been really struggling with my hands over the past few weeks (more on that in a future post,) but this innovative polish from Orly has really been helping. Their Breathable Colour features Argan Oil, Pro-vitamin B5 and Vitamin C to help improve hydration, stimulate nail growth and help heal damaged nails, alongside their 'Advanced Oxygen Technology' which essentially allows air to get to the nail even through the polish. An all-in-one formula, it contains the benefits of a treatment, base coat, colour and topcoat all in one application - so minimal faffing and maximum result. I personally love the colour result (a true to bottle shade in only one coat,) while the polish itself lasts up to four days without chipping; this has helped to keep my nails in check when they were at their weakest, while simultaneously enabling them to grow stronger and longer. An absolute winner.

Maria Nila Head & Hair Heal Shampoo (From £7.99) 
It's hugely frustrating that you can't get this ace Swedish brand anywhere in the UK other than Sally's, but it's worth the additional trip if you're up for it. I already love the Colour Refresh, Volume Shampoo and a number of the styling products, but this 'Head & Hair Heal' range takes their brand to a new level. Anti-inflammatory thanks to the inclusion of Piroctone Olamine and natural Aloe Vera (which helps to treat dandruff and scalp problems,) this shampoo also helps to stimulate hair growth via Vitamin E, Apigenin and Peptides, as well as preventing further hair loss via Oleanolic Acid. The result is a shampoo that's suitable for sensitive scalps (including those with psorasis, eczema or dandruff) and will actually help hair to grow effectively too. Our hair is such an important part of who we are, I can imagine that this could be potentially life changing for those that suffer with thinning hair due to skin conditions. Maria Nila, PLEASE make this available on the high street! 

L’Occitane Almonde Refining Concentrate (£45.00) 
One of my favourite scents is marzipan, so it's no surprise I adore the L'Occitane Almonde range. (Tip: if you hate that scent, you'll hate this too.) They've managed to capture the firming and softening properties of almond (who knew!) within an caffeine enriched formula, which aims to not only hydrate and nourish the skin - but sculpt, tone and firm simultaneously. It's such a deliciously rich formula that you'll no doubt want to keep it for indulgent moments, but it's great in small doses to help with limbs ahead of swimsuit season when you want to look your best. L'Occitane claim this helps reduce the appearance of cellulite, but in my opinion it's too precious to waste on your arse.

Alpha H Liquid Rose Gold (£37.50)
Seventeen years after its debut, the global best seller gets an update with the addition of aromatic botanical, antioxidants and minerals. Liquid Rose Gold includes Rose, Sacred Lotus and Orchid Petal, which boost the effectiveness of the classic formula which is well known to work brilliantly when used before bed. (Together these new ingredients provide anti-inflammatory properties, work to minimise oxidative stress, delicately refine the skin’s texture and improve the appearance of fine lines.) If you've never used Liquid Gold, then it's a liquid formula that's wiped onto skin as an overnight treatment using a cotton pad; it helps to slough away dullness and reveal beautiful skin beneath, which is why it's become such an iconic skincare saviour. If you love the original then make sure you get your hands on this before it's gone for good.

House Of Intuition Violet Water (£12.50)
Apparently the ultimate LA destination for tarot, astrology, aura readings, chakra balancing and crystal healing, the House of Intuition has launched a range of products so you can take home the 'spirit' of the brand wherever you are. The concept allows us all to harness the healing power of herbs, crystals and essential oils to revive the body and soul, but this Violet Water utilises the protective power of flower waters - believed to help cleanse unwanted energy. It smells like palma violets on acid, so you're either going to love it or hate it. It may sound a bit far fetched, but I really love this idea and it gives me hope that a little purple bottle can give my soul a boost! You can either use a few drops in the bath, as a perfume, or apparently use it mixed with water to wash the floor to cleanse stagnant energy in your home. (That bit was too far eh?!)

Bobbi Brown Eye Gloss (£19.50)
An eye gloss you say? Yep, Bobbi Brown really went there. A huge trend on the catwalk, eye glosses are definitely an acquired taste and certainly aren't suited to all - but they do provide a really easy and effective way to create a super fresh and modern look. Not as sticky or glossy as a lipgloss, these can be applied and massaged into lids using the foam applicator; the result is a subtle sheen that's best paired with a dewy complexion and minimal mascara. Although I praise the brand for pushing boundaries, it's a step too far for me (and an expensive one at that.) If you really fancy it, just use your actual lipgloss. Or pick this up to use on your lips instead!

What have you got your eye on from my top ten current beauty picks? 

 Features PR samples unless otherwise stated. To read my full disclaimer, click here.