I’ve always loved the promise September brings. Even on the first day back to school I would be delirious at the scent of my new pencil case, protractor, compass… (I still ended up being useless at geometry but that’s not the point). Anyway, beauty could take a cue from this ethos. September is a great time to get a new makeup bag (or at least clean the one you have with gusto) and fill it with fresh new basics – a lipstick, concealer, blush, brow gel and some mascara. There. You’re all set for the new term.
1. Glossier Stretch Balm Concealer £22, uk.glossier.com
2. Cle de Peau Beauté Cream Rouge Lip £44, harrods.com
3. Tata Harper Creme Blush £33.33, cultbeauty.co.uk
4. Jones Road The Brow Gel £23, libertylondon.com
5. Anastasia Beverly Hills Lash Sculpt Lengthening & Volumizing Mascara £26, anastasiabeverlyhills.co.uk
I can’t do without… a cleanser as reliable as your best old friend
As a beauty editor, I am aware of the pressure to talk about newness. It’s a pressure I try not to yield to, because time and again I am reminded that just because something is glorified for its newness doesn’t mean it’s good. And just because something has been around for a little while doesn’t mean it deserves to be forgotten.
I was on holiday in Italy over the summer and realised I had left my hi-tech cleanser at home. I panicked, then popped into the local chemist and spotted this CeraVe cleanser. It’s a brand I tend to recommend as the formulations are fantastic and prices even better. But still, I had momentarily forgotten: when you are constantly bombarded by the new, sometimes the old falls to the wayside.
Well, this gel cleanser, which has been available for a while, was a godsend. It says it is great for dry, rough, bumpy skin but I would say any skin – particularly if it is dry, dehydrated or even oily – would love this. It is infused with moisture-boosting ceramides and hyaluronic acid, and addresses blemishes without upsetting your skin barrier.
Quickly, my skin was clearer, smoother and despite spending too long in the sun, hydrated. Post-holiday, I spotted the new cleanser I’d left behind. I’m ignoring it for now and focusing on CeraVe. It’s not new but it’s damn good. CeraVe SA Smoothing Cleanser with Salicylic Acid, £11.20, boots.com
On my radar… summery, cheeky and herbal perfumes
Scent of the season The new body and bath collection from Oribe includes this divine soap in their signature scent and will keep you dreaming of summer. Oribe Cote d Azur Soap, £33, cultbeauty.co.uk
Bowling along Hermès is a serious player in the luxury space but this playful ginger, lychee and musk scent – topped off with a bowler hat – proves it has its fun side. Hermes Tutti Twilly d’Hermès Eau de Parfum, from £31, hermes.com
Herbal remedy The trend for scents inspired by vegetable and herb gardens rolls on. This basil, mint and eucalyptus candle from Boy Smells’ Farm to Candle range is one of the best yet. Boy Smells Herbaceous Candle, £53, spacenk.com
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