A most beautiful time of year
Three style connoisseurs reveal their secrets to surviving the festive season
Freddie Harrel FASHION INFLUENCER AND CREATOR OF STYLE BLOG FREDDIEHARREL.COM
SKIN SOS
I definitely get that dull winter skin you read about. The solution is all about making time for simple at-home treatments. Glamglow’s Flashmud Brightening Treatment is ideal for a quick fix, or I like to try a sheet mask – Korean ones are great once or twice a week. I then apply No7’s Restore & Renew Serum – nothing beats it for an instant shot of radiance. I bulk-buy Pukka’s Turmeric Gold tea – it’s packed with antioxidants, so I like to think it’s helping my skin; if not, it’s just a really energising, healthy drink!
PARTY FACE
I’m obsessed with No7’s Lift & Luminate Foundation and it works especially well in winter, as it gives skin that even, juicy finish that everyone craves. I also swear by Black Up Strobing Primer – it really makes dark skin pop because of its incredible pigment. I always do my lips for a night out and a red feels just right at this time of year. I switch between MAC’S Ruby Woo and Sleek’s Matte Me lip gloss in Vino Tinto. Along with lashings of No7’s Lash Impact Mascara, a spritz of YSL Le Parisien and a nice big headscarf from Mango or Zara, which I love to wrap all my hair up in, that’s my winter party look down.
GIFTING
It’s my husband who’s great at decorating the house and buying presents, but I do receive lots of lovely products and nice things to try, most of which get saved in a special drawer and re-gifted to friends. For myself, I’ll be buying a metallic minidress, because if you can’t wear one at Christmas... And a pair of high-waisted trousers to elongate my body. I love Zara, H&M and & Other Stories, which all come into their own at this time of year.
KEEPING CALM
Things get hectic for me at Christmas – the digital world never sleeps and the festive season is full of opportunities for my blog – so I try to meditate using the Calm app. If I have downtime in the evening it’s well spent giving myself a massage with Aveda Stress Fix Body Creme; that, combined with Aveda’s Balancing Body Mist spritzed round the room, is incredibly effective. I also find Diptyque’s Jasmine-scented candle very soothing, so I keep a few dotted around the house.