As we look to facing society and the world, in real life as opposed to via Zoom, a red lip is a chic, uplifting and bold way to re-enter. (I am still on my quest to get us all wearing lipstick again.) Of course, after months of going makeup free, you might wonder how one suddenly starts going all out. The key is minimal but strong. As per this look from the Balmain Spring 21 show, you don’t need shouty makeup to announce your comeback. Leave your lips to do the talking…
1. Lisa Eldridge True Velvet Lip Colour in Velvet Ribbon £26, lisaeldridge.com
2. Kevyn Aucoin Unforgettable Lipstick in Confidential £24, spacenk.com
3. Glossier Generation G in Zip £14, glossier.com
4. UOMA Badass Icon Matte Lipstick in Sade £18, uomabeauty.co.uk
5. Tom Ford Lip Color in Scarlet Rouge £44, tomfordbeauty.co.uk
I can’t do without… A wonderful resurfacing serum to give you get up and glow
I recently wrote about another Drunk Elephant product in this column: Baby Facial, a brightening resurfacing treatment. Now I’m talking about another resurfacing product from the same brand. You might wonder why, because both products have acids in the formulation – these nibble away at dead skin – and both products resurface skin texture so it looks brighter and smoother (And who doesn’t want that?). The difference is this. Baby Facial is a once, tops twice, a week treatment that you plop on for 20 minutes and then rinse off. Essentially, it’s a home facial, which in recent months has been a very good thing indeed. Today’s product is a serum – no rinsing required – which you can use daily. Something I have been doing with great delight ever since it landed on my desk. The texture is super light and is absorbed beautifully, without leaving a greasy residue or the tingling you expect when using products with acids in them. It increases hydration, minimises fine lines, plumps skin (thanks to amino acids and peptides) and it also brightens and resurfaces skin (evidence of lactic acid at work). Within days my skin was significantly less dull and smoother. Use with a good vitamin C serum (and sunscreen) and expect to glow your way out of lockdown.
Drunk Elephant Protini Powerpeptide Resurf Serum, £69, cultbeauty.co.uk
On my radar… Candles, masks and soaks to relieve stress
Berry bright Spending more time at home has only increased my obsession with candles. My latest, comforting discovery pays homage to a Finnish bilberry jam. Boujee Bougies Queen Jam Candle, £55, bougee bougies.com
Bad but good It targets Gen Z and is fronted by an influencer, but actually this range – standouts include cleansers, masks and moisturiser – is great for anyone with stressed out skin. Bad Habit Detox Mask, £24, uk.morphe.com
Soothe your soul The Japanese ritual of forest bathing is the inspiration for this divine blend of Epsom salts, cedar, rosemary and eucalyptus, designed to calm body and mind. Skin & Tonic Slow Down Bath Soak, £17, skinand toniclondon.com
Follow Funmi on Twitter @FunmiFetto
