‘A few of my favourite things’
Kazia Pelka shares her beauty secrets for the festive season
Nailing it
At the start of the festive season I’ll book in for a pedicure. It’s a moment away from the madness, and it makes me feel great. I keep up the good work at home by applying a glossy top coat to restore shine and adding a little oil around the cuticles, too, for smoothness. As for my fingernails, I do a DIY mani when I’m in a rush, swapping my usual hand cream for REN AHA Body Serum, £35, which has smoothing glycolic acid and knocks 10 years off the back of hands. I’ll then use a slick of OPI Nail Envy in Bubble Bath, £19.50, which dries in minutes with a French mani effect that I love.
All about the scents
It’s hard to carve out me-time but, come Christmas, we do all need pampering. I love to unwind by filling my bath with a few drops of essential oils like clary sage and festive frankincense, both of which are incredibly uplifting and grounding. Scented candles are a must, too. This Works Black Spice & Cedar, £25, and John Lewis & Partners Winter Spice, £18, are on rotation in my house during winter for the warming trail they leave. Plus, they fit with my motto: if your house smells gorgeous and you have lots of beautiful flowers, no one will notice the mess!
Refresh & revive
Going out with no time to do your make-up? My favourite trick is to blot skin with a thin sheet of tissue before spritzing with a facial mist like Caudalie Grape Water, from £6. It’s a great way to refresh without cleansing. I’ll then spray cotton buds with the water and use to remove any smudged mascara or liner, focusing on the outer corners of eyes. I also recommend tapping serum around the eyes and edges of lips before touching up make-up, to create a smooth canvas and prevent lipstick from bleeding.
Skin savers
Busy days and late nights can lead to a dull complexion, but I swear by my own winter rule of adding an extra layer to skincare. Already using a thick serum? Add a lighter one underneath that’s antioxidant rich. I stock up on night-time masks, too, to get skincare benefits while sleeping. Right now, my go to is This Works Sleep Power Recharge Mask, £32. It’s an easy way to keep skin glowing and nourished when time is limited over Christmas. And when I really need a reboot, I drink water with a scatter of Himalayan pink rock salt. It encourages the movement of fluid throughout the body towards the lymph nodes, which helps clear congestion, boost immunity and reduce puffy morning-after face – perfect after too much fizz!
Clutch essentials
My take-everywhere staple is Delilah Ultimate Shine Gloss in Modesty, £22. It adds low-key
glamour and lasts from day to evening. I’d also feel lost without my trusty Max Factor Pan Stik
Foundation, £7.99.
It’s too heavy as a base, but perfect as a concealer with its super creamy texture that gives great coverage. Scent is very important to me too, and my go-to is a woody, floral chypre like Guerlain Mitsouko, from £53, or Clinique
Aromatics Elixir, £22.50 – or both. It is Christmas after all!
My wish list
Under the tree, I am hoping for anything that will improve my wellbeing, be it meditation classes or Champagne! I’d also love to receive Ilapothecary Beat The Blues Room Spray, £28, and Good Vibe Reeds, £45. They are packed with essential oils to inspire, calm and uplift. They really do lift my mood whenever I feel low or hormonal. But above all, I wish for a relaxing time with my friends and family in front of an open fire.