Beauty: Shimmer into the festive party season...
…with my pick of winter’s sophisticated new make-up launches
Gosh, it’s a fun prospect to be able to put the glad rags on again, get a little spruced up and actually go out this party season (in a responsible fashion, of course). That said, I’m dressing up a bit differently this year. Gone are any traditional undertones of Widow Twankey or glitter à gogo and instead some gentle shimmering and elegant finishing.
For eyes, I like the subtle dazzle of Elf No Budge Shadow Stick (£6, elfcosmetics.co.uk). It lasts well and is so easy to swipe on and blend with a fingertip. I love the Rose Gold and Champagne Crystal shades but there’s everything from blue to bronze.
If you prefer eyeshadow powder, then the new refillable Glossier Monochromes palettes (£19, glossier.com) are excellent and offer three finishes – matt, satin and metallic – of the same colour. It makes for easy layering and application so you can go from day to a more dazzling evening look with just one swipe. I love the Almond shade but there are nine other options.
Sisley has created my new favourite eyeliner: Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Matte (£39, sisley-paris.com) to join the sparkling version. It has a very fine tip, really does last, and delivers great colour. My favourite is the Matte Jungle green but there’s a black, grey, chestnut, peacock blue and tonka brown too.
Trinny London’s new Lash2Brow (£28, trinnylondon.com) mascara and coloured brow gel, combined in one double-ended tube, is both excellent and practical. The mascara (in intense black) is easy to build up and the brow option comes in five shades and leaves eyebrows looking emphasised but still natural.
Victoria Beckham Beauty has produced another winner with the new Cheeky Posh cream blush stick (£36, victoriabeckhambeauty.com), which delivers a natural but luscious finish (my favourite is Major, a gentle pink) Kopari Moisturising Lip Glossy (£12, koparibeauty.co.uk) is a marvellous mix of nourishing lip product with a high-gloss finish, so it really dresses up lips. It comes in a red and pink shade but I prefer the beigey-nude of Birthday Suit.
Also on the glossing front is Frank Body Glide ’n’ Go Body Oil Stick (£12.95, frankbody.com), which is a super-practical and easy way to give a glamorous finish to any bare limbs – simply swipe and go – and has a coconut aroma.
Lastly, for some stress-free nail art, try Nails Inc’s new Magnet Effect Nail Polish (£10, nailsinc.com). It comes with a magnet in the lid which you hover over a second coat of polish (I like the gold shade I’m In Charge) for ten seconds to produce a swirling effect – I think it looks like a gem of tiger’s eye.
SPA TREATMENT: HOW I BANISHED THE BLOAT
I’ve tried some great beauty treatments in my time but the arrival of Los Angeles-founded Ricari Studios at the hotel NoMad London is truly something to celebrate. The Signature Body Face Treatment produces serious results.
After just one 90-minute session of this lymphatic drainage treatment I dropped at least a dress size. In fact, a dress I’d bought without trying on and hadn’t been able to pull on over my shoulders suddenly slipped on easily. The banished bloat has stayed away for two months and counting. Plus I felt more energetic and slept better for several weeks.
Ricari is a compression massage therapy designed to release stagnant energy and boost circulation. A special treatment head is manipulated all over your body from the toes up (a full body stocking to wear throughout is provided).
It isn’t remotely painful; in fact it’s rather soothing. Then you’re zipped into a compression suit to further aid drainage and given a facial involving the same process and infrared laser. You leave feeling utterly fantastic.
From £165, ricaristudios.com
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