Last week, I visited the ‘Summer Exhibition’ at the Royal Academy (well, Autumn Exhibition thanks to lockdown delays). Held every year without fail since 1769, it’s probably the event I look forward to the most, where aspiring and established artists submit their work and the whole building is lit up in a kaleidoscope of colour, with walls covered in weird and wonderful artworks. It reminds me of why I love makeup – and the infinite possibilities that the beautiful palette of colours presents.
I’m a longtime fan of Huda Beauty’s Matte & Metal Melted Shadows (£22) whose French Lace and Diamond duo comprises a vivid lilac matte hue, combined with a shimmering amethyst counterpart. Wear both for a dazzling party look, or a small dab of lilac at the inner corners of the eyes for a subtle daytime statement. And when it comes to a flash of colour on the nails, you can’t go wrong with Barry M Gelly High Shine Nail Paints (£3.99 each). In shades like Sour Candy (bright turquoise) and Acai Smoothie (a punchy purple) they’re a great way to brighten up those weatherbeaten winter mitts.
On another note, we’re now at that time of year where we can have a brief pause and give our skin and spirits some much needed TLC with the help of a face mask, while curling up with a good book. (I’m currently reading Farewell Leicester Square by Betty Miller, a 1941 novel about a British-Jewish film director who “marries out”.) When it comes to masks that work hard for their money, there’s one overnight mask that I’ve come to rely upon to revive a dull, tired complexion. Whind’s Kasbah Moonlight Overnight Recovery Mask (£65) imbues skin with a pillowy softness from the get-go, the perfect antidote to moisture-zapping central heating and harsh winter elements. Dealing with oily skin and breakouts? Then you’ll love Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay Pore-Tight Facial Mask, which raises the standards for typical clay masks that normally leave skin feeling like the Sahara Desert. It exfoliates dead skin cells with watermelon enzymes and blueberry seed powder and contains a good glug of hydrating hyaluronic acid — so skin is detoxed yet but not parched in the process. And when it comes to hair masks, my fellow Curly Sues can rejoice, for I’ve discovered one which hydrates our waves, coils and spirals to perfection. Waterman’s Masque Me (£25) is brimming with nourishing antioxidants, argan oil and pro vitamin B5 – and delivers a decent hit of hydration which has left my dry and frizz-prone hair soft and shiny (but which still has a spring in its step).
And finally, I’ve fallen in love. With a perfume. (What else?) There are some scents that are too beautiful to put into words, but 001 from Bon Parfumeur (£35) needs shouting about. With sharp sweetness of orange blossom, fresh zesty bergamot and light soapy notes of petit grain. It’s a cheery, chirpy and beautiful scent – and, like the Summer Exhibition, just what the doctor ordered for these dark winter days.
