I’m Adore’s New Beauty Writer & Here Are 9 Things I Bought in My First Staff Order

If you’re an employee at Adore Beauty, you have the monthly luxury of a generous 40 per cent discount on most products.

So, to say I was keen to place my first staff order would be an understatement.

(I'd already started assembling a list in my phone's notes app on my first day.)

For my whole first month at Adore, I daydreamed about opening one of those famous AB cardboard boxes.

And Jason Momoa, but mostly the AB box.

I couldn't wait for my first unboxing.

I even politely requested we memorialise it on film for the Adore Beauty YouTube channel.

OK, so what products does a beauty writer spend her own money on?

From new launches to old favourites, there were a few key things I really wanted to get in my first staff order.

And because I'm such a noice niece and cousin, I thought I’d spread the love and help my family out with their beauty routines, too.

Keep scrolling to see what made it into this month's staff order.

1. For My Aunty: A SkinCeuticals Retinol Treatment.

What: SkinCeuticals Retinol 0.5

Fast facts:

• Contains 0.5% pure retinol enhanced with the latest stabilisation and delivery technologies for optimal efficacy.

• It helps stimulate cell regeneration, build collagen and lessen the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Also helps with age spots and minimising the look of pores.

Learn more about what retinol does for skin in this YouTube video below.

Why I added it to cart:

My aunty was looking for a great retinol to replace her old one, as her main skin concern is age management.

Her skin is already pretty amazing as she avoids the sun... with the exception of this sunny selfie I forced her to pose for.

SkinCeuticals is one of our most popular cosmeceutical skincare brands, so I knew it was a good place to start.

And after watching this Retinol Benefits for Skin YouTube video, I chose the SkinCeuticals retinol range because my aunty can move up or down through the range depending on how her skin is feeling.

2. For My Aunty: Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum.

What: Murad Vita-C Glycolic Brightening Serum 30ml

Fast facts:

• This serum offers antioxidant support, and protects from free radicals, UVA/UVB rays, blue light and pollution. 

• Contains a highly-stable Vita-C Complex that brightens and protects skin, and glycolic acid to whisk away dead skin cells.

• Helps to stimulate collagen and elastin production to give you plump, juicy and healthy skin. 

• Brightens complexion, and addresses pigmentation and uneven skin tone.

Why I added it to cart:

My aunt's been using this serum for a few years as part of her daily AM skincare routine.

When I told her she could also grab this with my staff discount, she was all "shut up and take my money!"

She layers it under her sunscreen in the mornings and says it's made her skin look and feel plumper and more even.

3. For Me: Kérastase Elixir Ultime Beautifying Hair Oil.

What: Kérastase Elixir Ultime Beautifying Hair Oil

Fast facts:

• Protects and nourishes hair with added heat protection. 

• Adds shine, controls frizz and makes hair look and feel softer.

• Contains a blend of natural oils including marula, argan oil and camellia oil.

Why I added it to cart:

I love a good hair oil and so many people rave about this multipurpose one, including our Senior Editor Amy (you can read her Kérastase hair oil review here).

I’m also a huge scent person, so the amazing smell of this hair oil alone sold me.

I can happily report after only one use, I was left with the softest hair I've ever had in my life.

It also gave my hair a lovely shine! Big BIG fan.

4. For Me: essie expressie Nail Polish in Precious Cargo-go!

What: essie expressie Quick Dry Nail Polish Precious Cargo-go!

Fast facts: 

• A long-wearing nail polish with a fast-drying formula.

• Is formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, camphor, ethyl tosylamide, dibutyl phthalate, xylene and triphenyl phosphate-free.

• The product claims to have an angled brush for easy application with either hand (this piqued my interest!).

Why I added it to cart:

As far as nail colours go, I’m what some might call a basic B.

I don't tend to explore too far past neutral nail polish shades, but lately, I’ve been feeling a little experimental.

I was on the hunt for a nail polish with a pop of colour that could still work with my mostly monochrome and neutral tonal wardrobe.

I landed on this cool dusty khaki green, and I love it on my skin tone!

5. For Me: M.A.C Glow Play Blush in ‘That's Peachy’.

What: M.A.C COSMETICS Glow Play Blush

Fast facts:

• This M.A.C cream blush is a favourite among AB staffers!

• Offers a sheer-to-medium amount of pigment with a radiant finish that is neither too matte nor too dewy.

• A stay-true colour formula with a light, creamy texture.

Why I added it to cart:

I love peachy-toned blushes! They always add a beautiful warmth to the skin.

When I first spotted this cream blush on Amy's Instagram stories, I thought, "I need this immediately".

The colour pay-off is great. It imparts a gorgeous pigmented (but not too intense) peach on my cheeks, and I love how it looks on my skin. 

It reminds me of that sun-kissed glow you get when you’re traveling!

6. For Me: La Roche-Posay Sunscreen SPF 50+.

What: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 50+

Fast facts: 

• Offers broad spectrum SPF 50+ protection against UVA and UVB rays.

• Is fragrance-free and dermatologically-tested for sensitive skin.

• Has a lightweight texture and leaves an invisible finish.

Why I added it to cart:

Sun safety is so important (yes, even for people with olive skin tones like me).

I've been using this sunscreen for years, so it would've been silly not to re-stock.

The La Roche-Posay Anthelios sunscreen has a lightweight, runny consistency that makes skin look and feel hydrated and radiant.

Plus, it has 100 5-star reviews from AB customers who love it too.

The thin fluid texture absorbs into the skin, and doesn’t leave a white veil or dry greasy. I often wear this sunscreen under makeup.

Most importantly though, friends, wearing SPF alone isn't enough for full sun protection!

Make sure you're always seeking shade, wearing a hat, sunnies and protective clothing, and don't forget to reapply as directed and use sufficient sunscreen on all unprotected areas.

Also, and I know I don't have to tell you this, but just in case - always read the label.

7. For My Cousin: Clinique For Men Face Scrub.

What: Clinique For Men Face Scrub

Fast facts:

• Removes dead skin and oil build up, and helps to reduce ingrown hairs for those who shave.

• To be used before shaving - start slow and build up to daily use.

• This scrub contains rounded granules that don’t scratch the skin.

Why I added it to cart:

When my cousin asked me to recommend ONE skincare product he can use every day, I asked him to show me his current routine.

I gasped when I found out it consisted of a single moisturiser.

After reprimanding him for not wearing sunscreen, I gave him one of my spare sunscreen bottles (lucky I re-stocked!) and chose this facial scrub for him.

He has a beard and occasionally gets breakouts near his hairline, so the salicylic acid will be great for both of those things!

8. For My Aunty: Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm.

What:Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm

Fast facts: 

• Can be used as the first step in your cleansing routine to break down and dissolve makeup.

• Transforms into a silky oil, has a non-drying formula and is suitable for all skin types. 

• Has been a cult beauty product for decades!

Why I added it to cart:

My aunty has really dry skin and wanted a balmy cleanser to break down her makeup and sunscreen before going in with her CeraVe Hydrating Foaming Oil Cleanser 236ml (which I also got her onto, by the way).

She was really eager to try this iconic cult product.

Spoiler: She's loving it and gets the hype.

When she reported back, my aunty said she loved it as soon as she tried it. She particularly liked how it removed her mascara, which often gives her the most trouble.

9. For Mum: Estée Lauder Perfecting Primer The Mattifier.

What: Estée Lauder Perfecting Primer The Mattifier

Fast facts: 

• A mattifying primer with a velvety matte finish.

• Leaves a silky-smooth canvas for makeup application.

• Is oil and sulphate-free, and controls oil and reduces shine.

Why I added it to cart:

My mum’s skin is on the oilier side, and her makeup tends to slip around and become patchy as the day goes on.

She’s never worn a primer before, and was a little hesitant to add an extra step to her morning getting-ready routine.

I assured her this would be the perfect thing to help her foundation stay in place.

Mum also has larger pores, so I think the mattifying effect will make her skin look a little smoother once she lays down her base.

I'm currently waiting to hear her full report, so stay tuned.

And there you have it, my first ever Adore Beauty staff order!

This mix of cult classics and much-hyped products hit the spot, along with the free TimTam I may or may not have devoured in .478 seconds.

Apologies in advance to my family members and their bank accounts, because this is going to be a monthly thing!

Want to see what other AB staffers are buying in their staff order? Check out these articles below:

• 8 Products Our Beauty Editor Is Adding to Her Staff Order This Month

• I'm Adore Beauty's New Editor and Here Are 8 Products I'm Buying With My First Staff Order

• Eye Balm, Beard Balm & A Unisex Scent: 6 Things We're Buying in Our Staff Orders This Month