…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.
Eyes, I love the subtle sparkle of Elf No Budge Shadow Stick (£6, elfcosmetics.co.uk). This product is durable and easy to apply with one swipe. I love the Rose Gold and Champagne Crystal shades but there’s everything from blue to bronze.
You may prefer to use eyeshadow powder. Then the refillable will work for you. Glossier Monochromes palettes (£19, glossier.com) are excellent and offer three finishes – matt, satin and metallic – of the same colour. This allows for layering and easy application, so you can easily transform from day look to glamorous evening look in just one swipe. There are 9 other shades available.
SisleyThis is my favorite brand of eyeliner. Phyto-Khol Star Waterproof Matte (£39, sisley-paris.com) to join the sparkling version. This has an excellent tip and produces great color. 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. It is very easy to apply mascara in intense black. The brow option has five colors and makes eyebrows look natural but accentuated.
Victoria Beckham BeautyThe new version is another win for the company. 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. There are two colors available, but I prefer Birthday Suit.
Glossing is also a topic of concern 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.
For some easy nail art that is stress-free, you can also 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.
@edwinaingschambers
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 StudiosThe hotel NoMad London truly is something to be proud of The Signature Face Treatment produces serious results.
This lymphatic drainage treatment took me only 90 minutes. I lost at most one 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. For two months, the banished bloat has been gone. For several weeks, I felt happier and more energy.
Ricari, a compression massage treatment that boosts circulation and releases stagnant energy, is known as a compressive massage therapy. The special treatment head can be used to massage your whole body starting at the toes. You are provided with full body stockings to use throughout.
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. It leaves you feeling absolutely fantastic.
From £165, ricaristudios.com