theguardian– Right now, the beauty look du jour is leaning towards understatement and away from full-on makeup. But I’ve never really believed in trends. A more modern approach – see Dior’s AW21 smoky eyes meets barely there skin and lips – is much more interesting. This is a great way to combine minimalism with maximalism. Don’t be too concerned about keeping eyes pristine; the smudgier the better. You can achieve this easily. Just run a kohl liner across and around your eyes. To up the ante – we are coming up to party season after all – add a touch of metallic gold.
1. Violette_FR Yeux Paint in Scarabée d’Or £27, violettefr.com
2. Dior Rouge Dior Universal Lip Balm £32, dior.com
3. Sisley Phyto Kohl Star Mat £29, sisley-paris.co.uk
4. Jones Road The Best Pencil £20, jonesroadbeauty.com
5. Beauty Pie Everyday Great Skin Foundation from £12.76, beautypie.com
I can’t do without… An old favourite that makes skin look fabulous in seconds
I’ve always had a bit of a bugbear about the beauty industry’s obsession with the ‘new’. Invariably it cultivates a disdain for the ‘old’ – which is never a good thing, on any level. Hence I like to also feature products many may have forgotten about. Like this Sensual Skin Enhancer. Recently made waterproof, it has been kicking around for a few years, but I’ll be honest, when it first came out, I had no idea exactly what it was. Was it a foundation? A concealer? What exactly did Sensual Skin Enhancer mean? Turns out it is a multi-hyphenate that was way ahead of its time. It’s the lovechild of the polyamorous relationship between a foundation, concealer, contour palette and non-sparkly highlighter. And it is a beauty. The thick-ish creamy texture – comes in 16 shades and a tiny pot – is so intensely concentrated, I am convinced it will last a century. Dab on a few dots, simply blend across your face and you are left with a very natural, skin-like finish. Anyone who has struggled to find a base that evens out skin tone without masking the skin will love this. Anyone who wants skin to look healthy and reflect light will love this. Anyone who wants to look ‘done but not too done’ in seconds will love this. And for anyone who has sidelined this product in favour of something new, remember that new is not always better. Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer, £27, cultbeauty.co.uk
On my radar… Clever shampoo, super serum and a celeb nail bar
Curl power This clever oil-based shampoo is not oily at all. Instead, it gently cleanses curly and coily hair while locking in moisture and protecting it. Twist by Ouidad Gentle Oil Infused Shampoo, £13, asos.com
She’s nailed it Celebrity manicurist Pria Bhamra is one of the industry’s favourites – her clients include Serena Williams. She’s at Brown’s Fashion until 20 November. Book while you can. Nail Bar by Pria Bhamra, from £68, brownsfashion.com
In the clear If you suffer from dark spots or hyper-pigmentation, this fast-acting serum, which also includes glycolic acid to resurface the skin texture, is just the ticket. Murad Rapid Dark Spot Corrector Serum, £75, murad.co.uk
