I’ve just coined a new term: fancy basics. It sounds like an oxymoron, right? If it’s fancy how can it also be basic? And basics are never really fancy are they? Ah, but sometimes the two worlds collide, which in our current climate offers a teeny, but necessary, source of joy. Fancy basics is about taking the pedestrian – hand washing, nail filing, putting on deodorant – and making it a little bit special by elevating the products you use to do these mundane things. It’s a way to spoil yourself, or give a practical but joyous gift. Never has it been more key to find joy in the everyday. Which is why I’ve never been one to advocate saving your best for a special occasion (I will wear a nice dress to walk the dog because YOLO and all that). However, in these perilous days, I will go against my own advice. None of these products are a snip, so I would save Gabar’s Body Oil for a special occasion (you’ll also be doing good as a percentage of the sales goes towards humanitarian causes in Burma); and I’d not share Sisley’s Sun Care Stick (I’d pretend that was for hygiene reasons); and I’d only use the fancy handwash when I had fancy guests coming round (keep it to a minimum and it lasts for ages). Of course, I love a good ol’ basic, too: Nivea handcream is thoroughly functional. But, as Christian Louboutin once told me when I questioned the practicality of his shoes – and I quote this often – “If everything in life was about practicality, life would be hell.”
1. Gabar (Touch) Body Oil £55, gabarmyanmar.com
2. Chanel The Nail File £30, chanel.com
3. Susanne Kaufmann Roll-on Deodorant £25, spacenk.com
4. Byredo Mange de Tamil Nadu Lip Balm £45, byredo.com
5. Aesop Mouthwash £19, aesop.com
6. Le Labo Hand Pomade £24, selfridges.com
7. Hermès Les Mains Nail Enamel £45, hermes.com
8. Sisley Super Stick Tinted Suncare £88, sisleyparis.com
9. Diptyque Softening Hand Wash £52, diptyqueparis.com
10. Ouai Anti-Dandruff Shampoo £32, cultbeauty.com
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