makeup

First of all, let’s just talk about the packaging. It’s weighty, it’s chic, it’s a work of art. Since having it in my possession, I’ve insisted on keeping it out on display, showcasing it like the masterpiece ornament that it is. And as for the formula? It’s even better than I could have hoped. Consisting of two shades, one lighter and one darker, you’re free to customise the finish to your heart’s content. Which I am very much a fan of. I like my bronzer to be matte, which this is. I like to swipe it over my face and to look like I’ve just stepped off the dessert, looking slightly dishevelled but unmistakably sun-kissed. For all I care, my hair can be greasy, my brows can be a mess, but as long as I have a matte, powdery bronzer that makes my skin radiate health, I’m feeling like my best ...

Like most people, I am on a constant quest to get glowy skin. And while I’d love to level up the dewy finish with a trending skin tint, my combination skin type already emits lighthouse-worthy shine throughout the day, so I tend to steer clear of really luminous base products. Instead, I rely heavily on a healthy sweep of bronzer to produce that coveted lit-from-within glow. As a beauty journalist, I’ve always had one bronzer on my radar as a cult buy: the Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream (£43). Honestly, beauty editors and consumers alike go wild for the investment buy. In fact, John Lewis & Partners sold enough of this beloved bronzer to fill 17,000 Chanel 2.55 handbags in 2020 alone. That’s a lot of bronzer. I was alw...

It’s official: 2021 is the year that skin reigns supreme. With many of us having dialled up our skincare routines during lockdown, we’re emerging from restrictions ready to ditch our full-coverage foundations and show off our skin in all its natural glory. Of course, that doesn’t mean we’re waving goodbye to makeup entirely. This summer is all about embracing colour—from pastel eyeshadows to bright lipsticks, expect to see people taking to the streets in a riot of kaleidoscopic pigment. But as for our complexions? There’s a new product in town encouraging us to embrace a more pared-back approach to coverage—skin tints. And I’m into them. You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates O...

At last, summer has arrived and while the return of sunnier days usually has me ditching the contents of my makeup bag in favour of tinted moisturisers and lip balms, the easing of lockdown restrictions means that I’m actually raring to play with new products this season. In fact, after months spent mostly inside with nobody but my 1-year-old to dress up for, I’m more than ready to step outside my comfort zone and embrace a more colourful summer makeup look than ever before. After all, it’s exactly what all the cool girls are wearing right now. I’m not alone in this lust for brighter lipsticks and rainbow-slicked eyelids either. Four of the UK’s most beloved beauty brands—L’Oréal Paris, Maybelline,&nb...

Despite my job as a beauty writer, doing a full face of makeup has never been my strong suit. An intricate, trend-led hairstyle or a complex skincare routine, yes, but a YouTube-worthy makeup tutorial? My dexterity ends there it seems. This is why, initially, beauty guru Huda Kattan’s product line didn’t seem like it would be for the likes of me. The collection of full-coverage foundations, intensely matte lipsticks and jewel-coloured eye shadow palettes looked great online, but at first glance, I just couldn’t comprehend how to make these trending products work in real life. However, it’s no exaggeration to say that Huda Beauty now takes up a huge chunk of my makeup collection. From ingenious base products to essentials for eyes and lips, there ar...

When it comes to natural-looking, understated makeup, French girls know exactly what they’re doing. And considering the country’s centuries-old ties with cosmetics and makeup, it’s no wonder. While the rest of the world has spent the past ten years learning how to contour, create a cut-crease eye look and ‘bake’, French girls have stayed true to their roots, choosing to instead ignore the new norm and stick to the no-fuss, low-maintenance (but seriously chic) makeup looks they’ve always known and loved.  And frankly, we’re here for it. Forget full-coverage bases and eye shadow creations that take half an hour to execute, French girl makeup champions glowing skin with natural texture, a healthy-looking flush and just-bitten lips. You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are lo...

The last calendar year has changed a lot about our beauty practices. From co-signing more low-maintenance hair choices to adopting mask-friendly makeup and carrying out more at-home beauty treatments than ever before, we’ve amended every aspect of our hair, makeup, skincare, and nail routines to suit our socially distanced lives. And we don’t know about you, but after being robbed of Hot Girl Summer 2020, we’re feeling the urge to show out this solstice season. That’s why all summer 2021, we’ll be leaning into the most fitting trend that also happens to be so pretty: minimalist makeup. Now, minimalist makeup might not sound all that exciting, but it can be a lot more fun than its name suggests. Remember when Beyonce had us all sho...

Above, I briefly touched on the fact that my dark circles are a genetic trait, and for a huge number of fellow dark circle sufferers (constantly being told we look exhausted means that we do suffer), the case is the same. Thinner skin around the eyes and higher levels of pigmentation mean that unfortunately, some of us are simply born with dark circles and very little can be done about it. However, this isn’t to say that the appearance of dark circles can’t be worsened. In fact, those that don’t have a genetic predisposition to dark circles may, from time to time, suffer with them as a result of certain lifestyle choices. Miss Elizabeth Hawkes, consultant oculoplastic surgeon at Cadogan Clinic, says, “To help avoid dark circles, I advise you get enough sleep, stay hydrated, ...

As many of us continue to work from home, the reality is we’re seeing our own faces a lot more. Even if you’re a mostly camera-off kind of queen (I applaud you!), there are still so many instances where showing your face is a must. It’s not the worst thing, but when the motivation to apply makeup is at an all-time low it can feel like a personal attack to have to reveal our dull complexions and dark circles for all to see. Well, my friends, this might be a good time to practice a little self-compassion. This year has been insane and the fact that you’re still standing is an accomplishment on its own. But if you feel strongly about putting your best face forward, I hear you. These summer makeup launches will put a little pep in your step when...

Zara fans, get ready for a piece of news that’s about to make your year. The mega-stylish retailer, known for supplying the fashion community with affordable trend pieces that pack our wardrobes year-round, is entering the beauty game. In fact, today marks the launch of Zara Beauty, the retailer’s first official beauty collection. That’s right—in addition to loading up your cart with the most enviable sartorial styles for summer, from pleated miniskirts to halter tops, now you can also stock up on vibrant lip colours, eye shadows, makeup brushes, and even nail polish. The best part? It all falls right in line with the elevated quality and inclusive ethos we’ve come to love and expect from Zara. From the get-go, the thing that stands out most about this new...

Zara fans, get ready for a piece of news that’s about to make your year. The mega-stylish retailer, known for supplying the fashion community with affordable trend pieces that pack our wardrobes year-round, is entering the beauty game. In fact, today marks the launch of Zara Beauty, the retailer’s first official beauty collection. That’s right—in addition to loading up your cart with the most enviable sartorial styles for summer from pleated miniskirts to halter tops, now you can also stock up on vibrant lip colours, eye shadows, makeup brushes, and even nail polish. The best part? It all falls right in line with the elevated quality and inclusive ethos we’ve come to love and expect from Zara. From the get-go, the thing that stands out most about this new beauty offering is the shade ...