Sarah Halliwell talks beauty jewels and autumn highlights…
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We’re steering away from throwaway beauty. As with fashion, we want to invest in less but better; to choose one beautifully crafted piece, rather than have things that won’t last beyond the season. Like a piece of jewellery, that you cherish and pass down. As The Business of Fashion reports, “luxury lines are positioning cosmetics as high art or keepsakes that are meant to be collected.” When it comes to enduring beauty, refillable lipsticks are the obvious choice. I’ve had a La Perla one for a while, but find it comes apart each time I open it – if you’re going to keep something for a long time, it has to work well. French brands, such as La Bouche Rouge and Hermès, are particularly brilliant at devising luxurious and durable lipsticks we want to display, use and keep. And Chanel’s new Le 31 Rouge lipsticks certainly spark longing. Talk about a heart of glass: the faceted case of glass and metal (no plastic) is inspired by the legendary mirrored staircase in Coco Chanel’s rue Cambon apartment. The colour bullets click in magnetically (and stay put): my choice is Rouge Fetiche, a luminous red. Buy one and keep for life, a beauty heirloom.
Similarly, Clarins’ Precious skincare is presented in tactile golden cases that you refill. Sisley’s gingko-shaped gua sha tool looks like a piece of sculpture or jewellery. Everyday essentials can be desirable, too: one friend longs for the Bonne Brosse hairbrush, the prettiest French ceramic brush that cries out for a glass-topped dressing table. Beautiful and useful. Like a precious watch or treasured ring, these are things that spark a moment of pleasure on a dull day and are made to last. Perhaps one day this glass treasure and its vibrant red will remind my daughter of me.
DAILY STAPLES
Pharmacy skincare is better than ever. A few we rate at the moment: Neutrogena’s Retinol Boost range (above), which takes the guesswork out of using retinol. We also love Aveeno’s simple, no-nonsense hair and body care. New skincare from Dr Pawpaw is vegan, multipurpose and starts at €6; try the SPF50 day cream (€20, at McCauleys). NeoStrata’s Triple Firming Neck Cream (€79.95) cares for this neglected area. And for rosacea, try Rosalique 3-in-1 Anti-Redness SPF50 (€33.95), to protect and treat while reducing redness.
HOME SCENTS
Cloon Keen’s limited edition Noble Péire candle duo is a stylish gift idea, and will make your home smell wonderful this season. Noble Fir is simply the best winter candle you can buy, while Noble Myrrh is a spicy, sensuous beauty. €65; www.cloonkeen.com.
BEAUTY KNOW-HOW
The Yuka app is an independent tool (not sponsored by brands) to provide information about what you’re eating and putting on your skin – simply scan barcodes on food and cosmetics with your phone. A handy way to learn more about skincare ingredients.
FRENCH FANCIES
For an excellent “tubing” mascara (polymer formulas that seal each lash) and pretty lip/cheek creams, try Mathilde Lacombe’s Aime make-up. www.aime.com.
BEYOND PARTY SEASON
Lorraine Keane’s collaboration with the pharmacists behind the Beauti Edit range has resulted in her own tan formulation, Decadence by Beauti Edit. Decadence is the only tan approved by the Institute of Dermatologists for use on the face (even for those with acne). It smells lovely and hydrates effectively. Don’t save it for a party – for a boosting winter glow, wear it every day. €40; www.beautiedit.com.
