As a teen, I bought into the (misguided) allure of caking my face in layers of foundation, my lashes in thick coats of black mascara and my cheeks in the brightest blusher I could find. I recall someone telling me that as one gets older, wearing so much makeup becomes less appealing because, ironically, it makes you look older. I remember inwardly rolling my eyes. But now I know. Don’t get me wrong, I am not eschewing makeup. But sometimes a lot less is more. And super chic. Nothing says this like a luxe red lipstick on an otherwise bare face.
1. Chanel Rouge Allure Velvet in Charnel £35, chanel.com
2. Fenty Beauty Icon Semi Matte in Kissin’ Kutie £18, boots.com
3. Gucci Beauty Rouge À Lèvres Matte in Valeria Rose £36, selfridges.com
4. Byredo Emotions Collection in Transported £40, byredo.com
5. Pat McGrath Love Collection Satin Allure in Crimson Ecstasy £26, patmcgrath.com
I can’t do without… Another celebrity line. But this one has style as well as substance
Another celebrity launching a beauty line? ‘Please, God, make it stop!’ I hear you cry. However, to label Humanrace, by the artist, producer and musician Pharrell Williams, a ‘celebrity brand’ would be doing it a disservice. When Williams launched Humanrace in 2020, initially only available Stateside, it sold out. And for good reason. It had legitimacy and authenticity. Williams has always been a proponent of a good skincare routine and created this brand with his longtime dermatologist Dr Elena Jones. Also, despite teetering on the edge of 50, he has the skin of a 12-year-old. Thankfully, though, you won’t hear him harping on about ‘anti-ageing’. The key principle of the brand is skin health, which we should all aim for. I’m a big fan of the Humanrace rice-powder cleanser. You add a drop of water to the powder that then foams. It’s gentle, effective at cleansing, but also exfoliating. That’s thanks to the fine rice particles, as well as brightening and dead-skin-removing acids. Nevertheless, skin is left balanced, not stripped. Other highlights? It lasts an age – you only need a small coin-size per cleanse – and it’s refillable, as is the entire range. He tells me that good skincare is really nothing more than ‘figuring out your goal, creating a routine to achieve it and then sticking to it’. If his own skin is anything to go by, I’ll take that. Humanrace Rice Powder Cleanser, £33, selfridges.com
On my radar… Divine scents to relax, inspire and pamper
Shower power Tired of the drudgery of cleaning the bath after a relaxing soak? This geranium rose, lavender, pepper and cedarwood oil is just as good in the shower. Verdant Alchemy Ascent Bath and Shower Oil, £42, verdantalchemy.co.uk
Under a spell This latest candle launch from the fashion designer Bella Freud nods to the summer, but don’t wait until then to enjoy the citrus, jasmine, patchouli and musk scent. It’s divine. Bella Freud Hot Spell Candle, £65, bellafreud.com
Going nuts Pistachio isn’t what you might think of for a perfume, but unconventional is what DS & Durga does best. With notes of vanilla, almond and cardamom, this green gourmand perfume is almost good enough to eat. DS & Durga Pistachio, £148, libertylondon.com
