Looking for a moisturiser that really works, a spa treatment that really is bliss, or somewhere really special to stay? Before you part with your hard earned cash, cast your eye over my Little Black Book. Its full of my personal recommendations and only the best make the grade!
This wonderfully modern mix of amber & violet is perfectly suited to the seasons obsession with minimalism & simplicity, and cleverly abstracts the idea of wearing obvious notes. Absolue Pour le Matin will suit women who want to smell alluring but retain their individuality.
Price; £115
Only the most fresh faced, dewy skinned amongst us actually look good without make-up. Foundation is a godsend for evening out skintone & brightening complexions, but I must confess that applying a full face of foundation properly- that is with professional brushes & lots of natural light- is a rare occurence due to time limitations and a small boy that needs to be dropped at school on time. Which is why I love this new foundation from Clinique so much. It gives amazing, subtle coverage, can be swept over your entire face just using your fingers in a matter of seconds, and even contains an spf15 to protect your skin from the sun. I honestly don’t know if I will ever bother to use a brush again as this gives just as good an effect and doesn’t involve faffing about cleaning brushes afterwards. Brilliant.
Price; £20
The change of season can wreak havoc on sensitive skin, resulting in dry flaky patches that just won’t shift. Firstly, you need to start using a gentle exfoliator at least twice a week, then try warming a small amount of Bio Oil in your palm and massaging it in to your face in circular, upward motions. Several facialists have told me that the best way to break down & loosen clogged pores is by massaging the area firmly and regularly with your fingertips, and it does really seem to help. Remember to be gentle around the eye area though! Bio Oil is light enough to be absorbed overnight and leaves your skin soft & supple. And it won’t leave your bank balance reeling from shock either!
Price: £8.99
Bobbi Brown is one of the few major cosmetic brands that recognises and embraces the need for different shades of make-up for darker skin tones, and her autumn offering entitled Black Velvet is a triumph. Not only are the colours great- rich smoky metallics sit alongside dramatic tones of berry & chocolate- the quality of the products is fantastic too. Lipsticks are nourishing as well as dramatic, the eye shadows stay in place and the eyeliner doesn’t leave you with Panda eyes 2 hours later! Obviously you can still wear the colours if you have a paler skin tone, but be prepared to make a statement. These luscious tones are for the bold & the beautiful! Perfect for the Christmas party season…..
Price: £15.50
Unlike our European counterparts, us Brits do tend to go abroad looking a bit of a sight. A general lack of sunlight and warmth means that we are flummoxed by the prospect of baring all on a two week break, and so the tatty, tired holiday outfits are dragged out of the back of the wardrobe for yet another year. Tallulah & Hope are here to save us from our sins this summer however, with their newly launched range of chic, grown up kaftans, pareos and beach wraps. This gorgeous but understated long silk kaftan will cover a multitude of sins whilst making you look undeniably glamorous, and is equally suited to wafting around the pool or dancing barefoot on the beach at sunset. Accessorise with big tortoiseshell 70′s style sunglasses and coral nail varnish.
Price: £220
