There’s nothing I love more than a little self-pampering (actually ‘a little’ is most definitely an understatement!). Unwinding with a glass of red and a warm bubble bath, whilst sporting my Hannibal Lecter-esque facemask is definitely my idea of heaven. Throw on a rom-com and my Friday night is sorted (Notting Hill or the Holiday anyone?!). Upon reflection, whilst isolation has at times not been the easiest, it has definitely provided me with an abundance of time to indulge in copious beauty routines and experiment with far too many products!
What’s funny though, is that I always find myself reverting back to products I’ve gravitated towards for years – they really are my ride or dies! Narrowing down my list of favourites was certainly no easy feat, but below are my top 10 essentials I cannot live without. Covering everything from skin-care to fragrances to make-up and hair-care, there is a little something for everyone on this list!
1. Lucas’ Pawpaw Ointment:
I seriously have one or more of these ointments in every single handbag I own. It’s the only lip balm that leaves my lips feeling soft and nourished, and looks fab over a lip-liner or tinted balm. I also incorporate this into my evening skin-care routine, and never go to bed without putting this on!
2. NARS Precision Lip Liner:
I go through lip-liners like there is no tomorrow (partly because I happen to lose them more frequently than intended!), and I always revert back to my NARS precision lip liner! It’s highly pigmented and long lasting – my go-to is the shade Lerins for a natural, rosy finish.
3. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream:
Kiehl’s has got to be one of my favourite skin-care brands, and their Ultra Facial Cream leaves my skin hydrated without feeling too greasy! This also works perfectly as a primer before applying make-up.
4. Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler:
I cannot tell you the amount of compliments I’ve been getting on my lashes lately, and they’re all due to this baby! As a long-time eyelash curler devotee, I’ve tried multiple over the years, and let me tell you – this one is by far the best. Recently all I’ve been doing is curling my lashes and wearing some tinted moisturiser before heading out, creating the perfect dewy yet natural look. It really is all about the lashes!
5. Chloé by Chloé Perfume:
Anything by Chloé I adore, and their signature Chloé by Chloé fragrance is an eternal fave! The scent is romantic and sensual, with hints rose and peony, and underlying tones of cedarwood. The bottle is also the epitome of modern elegance.
6. Trilogy Rose-Hip Oil:
I’ve always been a lover of natural oils and remedies, and rose-hip oil provides a plethora of benefits from skin rejuvenation to anti-aging. I love mixing a few drops in my moisturiser and lathering over my face and body!
7. Lancôme Hand Cream:
I love Lancôme and this cherry-blossom hand cream is just divine! It’s delicate and feminine without being overly perfumed (I feel like I’m in Japanese floral garden every time I apply this – so that’s always a plus).
8 Sally Hansen Nail Lacquer:
One of my New Years Resolutions was to start painting my own nails and forgo the salon (deep, I know), and I can honestly say that thanks to Sally Hansen’s nail lacquer I haven’t looked back! My nails don’t chip for a week, and my fave neutral shades are Little Peony and Sheer Nirvana.
9. Evo The Great Hydrator Moisture Mask:
This mask really is a godsend! The only one I’ve been using consistently for years – it always leaves my hair feeling incredibly smooth and tones down frizz. What’s all the more amazing is that you only need to leave it in wet hair for five minutes to see results, which leaves more time for the important things in life like drinking wine and eating cheese.
10. Sand & Sky Pink Clay Smoothing Body Sand:
This is my fave exfoliator and it leaves my skin feeling silky-smooth and nourished! I use it a few times each week in the shower and come out with an instant glow.
