Sarah Loves... Spring 2016

By popular demand, we're reviving the section where we share our 'personal picks', to run alongside those we love collectively... Sarah kicks off with her late spring choices... Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara

It took me some time to even try this because I never do smokey eye makeup so this sounded a bit OTT. I have quite long thick lashes anyway (though growing slightly more sparse as the years go by) and I hesitated at the idea of adding ‘volume and high drama in a single stroke’. But, having always used Bobbi'ss Longwear mascara, I’m now a pretty well daily devotee of this more va-va-voom product. The genius bit is that it doesn't make lashes at all clumpy or flake free: just longer, blacker (it’s only available in black) and more defined. Bit of a time-saver too, since you probably won’t need eyeliner or indeed any other eye make up. Definitely try it for evenings – and then be brave one morning and see what happens. PS You do need lashings of eye make up remover to get it off properly.

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara/£23 at www.johnlewis.com

Elemental Herbology Neroli & Rose Damask Body Wash

This is the wash that goes on – and on and on – giving. I just love this heavenly smelling, gentle, pampering (hate the word but it does just that), all-natural shower gel, which comes in a huge pump dispenser that never seems to run out. It contains organic aloe vera, one of my favourite skin soothing and moisturising plants, plus orange flower water and magnolia extract, with evening primrose and the wonderfully-named ubuntu ximenia oil (a new one on me). Please – just spoil yourself.

Elemental Herbology Neroli & Rose Damask Body Wash/£19 for 490 ml at www.elementalherbology.com

Clarins Rouge Eclat Satin Finish Age Defying Lipstick

I love a new bright lippy for summer and clever Clarins have a delicious range to choose from – all pretty long-lasting but without that heavy matte look you sometimes get. They’re full of plant-based waxes and oils plus vitamin E to hydrate and protect through the summer. And shade-wise, 08 Coral Pink does it for me – yummy against a tan.

Clarins Rouge Eclat Satin Finish Age Defying Lipstick/£20 in 15 shades at www.boots.com

ESPA Purifying Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner

Natural haircare has improved beyond measure in the last few years. If you prefer more natural products, you really don’t have to compromise on performance nowadays. I’m so impressed with this recent ESPA offering, which leaves my very thick, coloured, quite long hair just the way I want – silky but manageable, and with plenty of volume. Plus it’s delicious to use. The shampoo features honey, to encourage hair to hold on to moisture, plus jojoba and olive oils. The conditioner combines a bevy of ingredients to gloss up tresses, including protein-rich soy, wheat and corn extracts to mimic the natural amino acids in hair, ProVitamin B5, plus more jojoba, olive and coconut oils. Good, big pump dispensers too.

Espa Purifying Shampoo and Nourishing Conditioner/each £20 for 295 ml at www.johnlewis.com

The Organic Pharmacy Rose Diamond Face Cream

Okay, take a very – very! - deep breath and think diamonds. I gulped when I saw the price of The Organic Pharmacy Rose Diamond Face Cream but I can promise that when your skin needs a real treat, this works. And yes, it contains diamond powder, alongside Persian Rose, and a bevy of skin-loving botanicals. Margo Marrone, the chemist and homeopath who founded TOP, promises that it will plump and firm skin, add a dazzling glow and indeed ‘transform your skin in an instant’. And so it does (as you would expect at the price)…