Admittedly, I'm no longer 21, 22, or 24 . . . you get the point, which means I'm not exactly target age-group for Millie Bobby Brown's beauty line, Florence by Mills [1]. Still, that doesn't mean I wasn't excited to try it. Between its delightful purple packaging and its megatalented founder (who starred in one of my favourite sci-fi thrillers), I was excited to see what the collection had in store.
The Stranger Things [2] actress recently launched the collection in Boots stores, and with the buzz on Instagram, I decided to test-drive each of its 14 products. I consulted dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali [2], M.D., as to what makes up each of the line's many skincare products. First, it's great for beauty beginners and mavens alike: Florence by Mills products are potent with moisturising ingredients, which Bhanusali says should be one of your main goals when you're first getting into skin care. If you're a pro, you'll be surprised to find out that, according to Bhanusali, this range is even more suited for you. When it comes to the line's makeup, there is something in the collection for everyone, as well. You'll find cream blushes and concealers that are both user-friendly and easy to use while on the go.
Ahead, our team break down their favourite products from the collection. Read on to learn more.
Florence by Mills On Your Mark Dot & Line Dual-Ended Liquid Eyeliner
The Florence by Mills On Your Mark Dot & Line Dual-Ended Liquid Eyeliner [3] (£15) is perfect for beginners. The dual-ended applicator features a ball point tip, perfect if you're just starting to experiment with graphic liner [4].
Florence by Mills Clean Magic Face Wash
The fresh, melon-scented Florence By Mills Clean Magic Face Wash [5] (£12) felt more like a moisturiser than it did a cleanser. As I splashed more water onto my skin, the cream melted into a milk that barely foamed up, but swept away the budge-proof eyeliner, liquid foundation, and brow gel I had on my face. Afterwards, I noticed my skin was silky soft, and not stripped of moisture.
Florence by Mills Look Alive Eye Balm
My biggest qualm about my under eye area is puffiness, and that is exactly what the Florence By Mills Look Alive Eye Balm [6] (£16) is designed for. According to Bhanusali, the gel-cream contains "a lot of good ingredients," like moisturising glycerin, Vitamin E, and sesame oil, firming caffeine. While after a week of use, it didn't significantly de-puff, it did leave my under-eyes feeling soothed (thanks to its cooling tip) and moisturised.
It's worth noting that the product contains citric acid, which can cause slight irritation too some around the eyes. Bhanusali cautions that users with sensitive skin be wary of potentially experiencing irritation.
Florence by Mills Swimming Under the Eyes Gel Pads
The Florence by Mills Swimming Under the Eye Gel Pads [7] (£34) is both a powerful de-puffer and the stuff of Instagram dreams. "These gel pads tend to both vaso-constrict (push fluid out of the area, especially when a cool temperature) and also deliver ingredients," said Bhanusali. "This one has lots of calming ingredients and looks like would be a good option to [reduce puffiness]."
I picked up two of the whale-shaped gel pads and laid them onto the areas beneath my eyes. (I had to position the whales' heads on top of the bridge of my nose to get the shape as close to my undereyes as possible.) It felt cooling against my skin when I had it on, and ultimately left it feeling moisturised (and a little sticky from the excess serum).
The best part is that they were both adorable and budge-proof (adhering to my skin without slipping and sliding). It's perfect for a taking masking selfie.
Florence by Mills Cheek Me Later Cream Blush
If you're a fan of the "backseat face beat" (you know, when you apply your makeup in the back of a car), you'll love the Florence by Mills Cheek My Later [8] (£14). A few dabs of this cream blush buffs into skin to give it a pop of colour, without leaving any stickiness on your cheeks. My go-to for my medium skin with red undertones is the Zen Z shade, which is a brownish-mauve.
Florence by Mills See You Never Concealer
Florence By Mills See You Never Concealer [9] (£16) is a lightweight, but buildable, liquid concealer that dries down to have a silky, skin-like finish. It dispenses through a nifty metal tip that is identical to the one on the Look Alive Eye Balm. One layer of the stuff erased the redness around my nose, while three hid the slight darkness I have under my eyes.
Florence by Mills Mind Glowing Peel Off Mask
You can practically feel the charcoal working in the Florence by Mills Mind Glowing Peel Off Mask [10] (£20). It feels super cool and calming when applied, and it features charcoal powder, witch hazel, and lavender oil to detoxify the skin and provide a deep cleanse.
Florence by Mills Glow Yeah Lip Oil
Florence by Mills Glow Yeah Lip Oil [11] (£14) contains moisturising ingredients like jojoba seed oil and shea butter to leave lips soft and with an ever-so-slight shine. I have been using the lip oil when my lips feel dry and before I lay down a matte lipstick to ensure it wears comfortably.