Jo’s (Early Summer) Loves…
Where does the time go? Certainly, it’s the moment for an update on all the fabulousness that the Beauty Bible team has discovered, as we move into summer. And we’re starting with moi! I’ve certainly used the locked-down months to explore new online brands and give myself some mini-mail order treats – so I hope you enjoy my fab ‘finds’…
Neal’s Yard Remedies Beauty Sleep Shower Oil
One of my loveliest, most aromatic discoveries of the past few months: a new, sleep-beckoning shower oil, from Neal’s Yard Remedies. Certified organic, it smells a bit like wallowing in a herb garden – cool, tranquil, sense-soothing, with essential oils of clary sage, ylang ylang and my favourite patchouli – but I really like the way that the oil veils the skin, eliminating the need for extra moisturising afterwards. Just slip between the sheets, and zzzzzz!
£19.50 for 200ml – buy here
BareMinerals BarePro Performance Wear Powder Foundation
Oh, I am really, REALLY late to the mineral make-up party. Like a gazillion women, I was put off by handbag spillages in the dark ages of mineral make-up. Well, I’m eating humble pie here – and it’s all Anthea Turner’s fault. There I was, mindlessly scrolling through Instagram one Saturday night, and somehow – I know not how – I stumbled across her demo-ing her make-up routine. (Very nice woman, Anthea. We once did a YOU Magazine story together with Nicky Clarke, who – bless him – kept her waiting 90 minutes for the first appointment of his day. ‘I should have brought my crayon tin,’ the presenter smiled.)
But I digress: I was so impressed by the quickly concealing powers of the pressed powder foundation that I got straight online and ordered. I used the Foundation Finder on their site here to identify the perfect shade of this powder (Warm Natural 12, if you’re interested) – and sure enough, it was a perfect match. I used it on its own when spring was dragging on – applied via a big fluffy brush from (sorry!) Charlotte Tilbury – but now that summer’s here, I simply use it to slightly matte down my tinted moisturiser, which is quite radiant. But honestly: the quickest face-perfector I’ve ever found.
£29 – buy here
Dressed: the History of Fashion podcast
I have become a total podcast addict. I listen to cookery podcasts when cooking (The Splendid Table, Bon Appétit and Natoora’s Transform The Food System – which has had great interviews with Alice Waters and Dan Barber). Gardening podcasts when pottering in the greenhouse – the houseplant podcast On The Ledge is a fave). During the working day, I try never to miss an episode of Holly Tucker’s Conversations of Inspiration, a great inspirational business podcast. But when I’m out walking, before or after work, there is nothing I like more than to listen to Cassidy Zacary and April Calahan’s podcast, Dressed.
Now, you have to get past the fact they sound just a tad like Valley Girls; THESE TWO ARE SO, SO KNOWLEDGEABLE. They’re fashion researchers/academics and the calibre of the guests is incredible. Particular favourites are the interview with my old friend Hamish Bowles (which got me into the podcast in the first place), Norma Kamali (a long-term fashion hero of mine and author of a new book I’m keen to get my hands on, I Am Invincible), and an utterly fascinating exploration of Fashionable Filipinas (who knew they had their own Dior-standard couturier – and she was a woman…?) I attribute my rediscovered interest in clothes entirely to this podcast, and my life’s the richer for it.
Dressed podcast – find it on iTunes – here – or visit their website – here – for other ways to discover it
Zao Lip Ink
I have got through a LOT of lip ink during all the myriad Zoom calls of the last 15 months. I love lip ink because you can apply it at the start of a call, and two hours later, your lips still have a strong, stained colour. But it got me thinking: could there be a natural option out there, considering just HOW much I’ve ingested…? I was asked recently to write a story on sweat-proof summer make-up for Natural Health magazine, where I have a column, so I did some concerted searching and discovered there is ONE contender, with several lovely, rich colour options. (I like quite a dark lip, so I went for 440 Red Tango, which is actually a deep berry on the lips.) It blends well, feels moisturising (thanks to castor oil and soft carnauba wax) - and I love the fact it’s organically, COSMOS-certified. Going to buy another shade, too, actually – next time I need a treat for a job well done.
£18.95 – buy here
Rituel de Fille Inner Glow Crème Pigment (name transitioning to Inner Glow Cream Blush, NB)
A friend recommended this, knowing I like cream blushers but have trouble finding options that stay put well. (Where does it GO? One of life’s great mysteries.) Rituel de Fille is a sustainable beauty brand (you can find it on Naturismo as well as other, more mainstream sites), and it’s causing a big of a buzz in beauty circles. This is very buildable, perhaps a little more firm in texture than some cream blushers – but that’s also why it stays put, when blended. I chose Lovesick – a ‘dusky rose’ – which gives a pretty wash of colour when used lightly, or a real ‘Marie Antoinette’ blush, if layered on.
£24 – buy here
