Lately, I have been enjoying the ease of gloss. They are no longer annoyingly sticky, they keep your lips hydrated for longer and you don’t need a mirror to apply. That said, nothing packs a punch like a bright lipstick. I was reminded of this recently when I was sleep deprived, grumpy and had seconds to join a Zoom in which I had to embody joy. I swiped on a bright-coloured lipstick. And voilà… It masked the fact I was desperate for a nap, it lit up my face and actually cheered me up. But remember, unlike lipgloss, you definitely need a mirror to apply.
1. Dior Addict Lipstick in Coral Bayadére £33, dior.com
2. Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick in Slaytina £18, feelunique.com
3. Sensai Contouring Lipstick £11 (holder) and £27 (lipstick, refillable and interchangeable), sensai-cosmetics.com
4. Kind Words Matte Lipstick in Bold £14, spacenk.com
5. Luxuriously Lucent Lipstick in Atomic Cherry £26, lisaeldridge.com
I can’t do without… a brilliant mascara
I’m stunned by the number of run-of-the-mill brands that never create something groundbreaking or even slightly exciting. But then why would they? Bog standard has a crazy ability to sell. Wunderkind makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench, on the other hand, isn’t interested in joining the status quo. Her work goes against the grain and challenges the ideas of who and what beauty should look like. And, unlike most, she has been successful with it. Even her personal look – she famously sports bleached eyebrows, brightly hued hair and thick spider-like lashes – is unorthodox, hence the likes of Tom Ford, Byredo and Burberry have all sought her stardust for the kudos it brings to their brands. Now, she is sprinkling that magic into Industrial, her own beauty line. Which, as one would expect, is brilliant. There is a 14-shade, multi-coloured eyeshadow palette with such deep, rich pigments it’ll probably last an eternity. For those wanting a lip plump sans injectables, her lip serum does exactly that. Seeking a brow product to keep brows in place all day? Check out the Brow Laminator. Her triple hyaluronic serum launches imminently, but for now, my fave product is the mascara. The conditioning formulation is super nourishing, the colour is unapologetically inky black and it will give you the thick spider lashes of your dreams. Rubberlash Latex Lift Mascara, £35, isamaya.co.uk
On my radar… three bergamot-infused fragrances
Best of both Dries van Noten has added some new scents to his fragrance launch. This unusual bergamot and vanilla concoction is both zesty and sensual. Dries van Noten Sur Ma Peau Eaux De Toilette, £150, selfridges.com
French dressing In Paris? Visit Perfumer H. It’s a great way to enter the unusual world of perfumer Lyn Harris. Otherwise just try her lavender, tonka and clove-infused bergamot scent. Bergamot Eau de Parfum, £400, perfumerh.com
Prada perfection Miuccia Prada is famous for toying with contrasts in her fashion line. The ethos is no different in fragrance: bergamot, sandalwood and cardamom. Prada Infusion d’Ylang Eau de Parfum, £115, prada.com
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