Mellow yellow: it’s easier to wear than you’d think
I owe yellow eyeshadow an apology. For years I’ve, eye-roll in tow, singled out yellow eyeshadow to symbolise duff, ridiculous bits of makeup that beauty people try to sell as “wearable”. This look (Richard Quinn AW20) debunks my theory and is easily achieved. Use a wash of watercolour pink over the lids, cheeks and lips; draw on a winged eye in black, and line half of your lash line in bright yellow. Although I don’t envisage full-on yellow eyeshadow becoming a classic, this modern take proves it’s not what you wear, but how you wear it.
1.Stila Lip and Eye Paint £21, stila.co.uk2.YSL Couture Colour Leather Clutch £100, yslbeauty.co.uk3.Ruby Hammer Precision Eyeliner £18, harveynichols.com4.Nars Single Eyeshadow in Douro £17, narscosmetics. co. uk5. Illamasqua
Beyond Face Blush and Highlighter Palette £45, illamasqua.com
I can’t do without… A glycolic acid treatment with no irritation
Alpha-H Liquid Gold Midnight Reboot SerumFor those of you yet to discover Alpha-H, you are missing a trick. Their formulas are some of the best on the market. Years ago, they launched their cult Liquid Gold, a pioneering glycolic acid liquid exfoliator, when everyone else was still destroying skin barriers with granitelike face scrubs. The latest addition to the Liquid Gold family is this hard working, overnight, creamy ( but light) serum that combines glycolic acid and retinol with no downtime and no irritation. Traditionally those age-defying powerhouses do not make great bedfellows, so this is a bit of a beauty breakthrough. It uses 14% glycolic to accelerate the removal of dead skin cells – for glowing skin, quickly – and granactive retinoid to give you the kind of plumper, smoother skin texture and tone you would normally only achieve with heavy duty prescription retinol (and lots of irritation). Anyone can use it – even those with sensitive skin – but mature skins will especially benefit from this. When you see the results you will be tempted to go overboard and combine with other acids and use excessively. Don’t. This may not have the irritant factor one expects with retinoids, but it is still highly active, so for now use alone, use every other night
to begin with and apply sunscreen in the morning. Oh, and get familiar with the rest of the Alpha-H clan. £70
On my radar: a trio of sumptuous scented candles
Famous friends Libertine, a smoky, woody scent from a new brand inspired by quirky, strong personalities, has already gathered a fashionable following. August & Piers candles, £59, augustpiers.com
Spice of life The scent of this candle – a combination of bitter orange, cinnamon, clove and nutmeg – has been described as like steaming-hot mulled wine. Glorious. Cire Trudon Gloria Candle, £85, harrods.com
Message of hope Bella Freud’s latest candle feels apt for the end of 2020. It incorporates patchouli, clary sage and pink pepper, said to be healing.
Bella Freud Peace and Love candle, £95, libertylondon.com
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