Dare to dazzle with Christmassy makeup
This OTT and yet refined look from Ashish AW20 is a delicious symbol of modern Christmassy makeup. It’s down to the clever juxtaposition of lashes, glitter and colour against a backdrop of natural lips and bare skin. So park the foundation. Use a primer that refines skin texture and gives good glow. For the eyes: a swash of gold across the lid, a swoosh of pink above it, then dip a thin-edged brush into purple and draw a line across without blending. And if faux lashes are a step too far, there’s always mascara.
1. KVD Vegan Beauty Dazzle Vegan Eyeshadow Sticks £19, debenhams.com 2. Erborian Pink Primer & Care £37, lookfantastic.com 3. Max Factor Lash Revival Long Lash Mascara £12.99, boots.com4. Pat McGrath Labs Celestial Divinity Palette £74, selfridges.com 5. Chantecaille Le Matte Stylo Lips £36, spacenk.com
I can’t do without… A serum that helps repair skin and fights free radicals
There has been a lot of discussion around the benefits of paring back our skincare. Skincare fanatics are using numerous products, which can be detrimental to the skin barrier and means we end up wasting so much. These are valid reasons for taking things down a notch. But while no one needs a 20-step regime, every skin has different requirements, so don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater. Instead, incorporate the key ingredients that every skin needs – like vitamin C. This antioxidant neutralises free radicals from UV rays and also aids the skin’s regeneration process. It is great for fine lines, rough texture, dullness, hyperpigmentation… But the formulation is key. I love Allies of Skin’s version. A huge percentage of Vitamin
C products on the market are unstable and formulated with water (which means less efficacy and, in some cases, can have an adverse effect). This serum not only uses a high percentage of pure vitamin C (20%), it is also waterless, which makes it incredibly powerful ( but not to the point of irritability). The slightly gooey texture – best suited for night or sans makeup – combats uneven skin brilliantly and you’ll start seeing a difference quickly. Don’t forget to layer sunscreen on top – yes, another product you shouldn’t forgo – otherwise all your good work will go to the dogs. Allies of Skin 20% Vitamin C Brighten + Firm Serum, £28, cultbeauty.com
On my radar… Joyous and intense – three luxury scents
Spring awakening It may be winter, but if you are yearning for spring, this scent of jasmine, tuberose and fresh greenery, will transport you there. Gucci Bloom Profumo Di Fiori, £54, selfridges.com
Special selection FAO beauty collectors. This chic limited-edition floral fragrance – with six pastel-coloured caps and one-off illustrated boxes to choose from – has your name written all over it. Byredo Lil Fleur, £170, byredo.com
Middle Eastern promise Rose, frankincense, musk, oud and honey are the core ingredients in this 18-strong French meets Middle Eastern perfume oil range.