heyOne of my beauty resolutions is to experiment more with color. And so, at a recent Chanel event, I tried out the pink eyeshadow in the palette you see on this page. I literally dabbed my finger on the shadow and rubbed it onto my inner eyelid. It looked fantastic. This was a lovely surprise because I avoid eyeshadow – “who has time?” I grumble – but really, when it’s that easy, it doesn’t take any time.
1. Violet_Fr Yex Paint Liquid Eyeshadow + Liner £33, violettefr.com
2. Chanel Enchanted Night Eyeshadow and Blush Palette £71, channel.com
3. Augustinus Bader The Rich Eye Cream £160, cultbeauty.com
4. Christian Louboutin Les Yeux Noir Mascara £45, selfridges.com
5. Givenchy Beauty Le 9d Givenchy Eyeshadow £67, givenchibeauty.com
I can’t live without it… A hand cream that’s as good as a quality face moisturizer
Sometimes I unknowingly leave home without hand cream, making both me and my hands feel completely unhealthy. I’ve even been tempted to ask a stranger if I could borrow some hand cream (only if it was in a tube – hygiene and all that). Anyway, hand cream has long been an important part of my beauty ritual — and that of many black women, too. Culturally, dry, ashy hands have never been an option. So, I am always on the lookout for creams that offer something more. I was very intrigued by this product from Nécessaire, because it contained retinol and the difference it made to my hands – smoother, brighter – was impressive. Brands are creating body products with the same care and attention they use when creating products for the face. And this especially matters for the hands. As the hardest-working parts of our bodies, they actually need much more than just moisture. This dermatologist-tested hand cream contains AHAs and peptides as well as retinol, so it does all the things you’d expect from a hand cream, but it also helps fight age spots, creasing, and even That also tackles brittle cuticles. Generally, retinol should be used at night (due to sun sensitivity) and this product is an overnight treatment. However, I used it during the day as I was
So obsessed with results. If that’s you, just remember to layer up
SPF. Sorry, but worth it. Hand Retinol Kit £36, spacenk.com
On my radar…luxury body oil to fight dry winter skin
balancing act Scented with the brand’s famous, mood-boosting Chairosa 59 scent, this wash contains prebiotics and moisture-locking butters and oils to deeply moisturize and balance the skin. Sol de Janeiro Shower Oil Wash, £23, spacenk.com
under armor The mantle is rich in retinoids (reduces lines and hyper-pigmentation) and antioxidants (protects skin from environmental damage) to ensure your body looks as good as your face. Mental The Body Retinol, £49, mantleskin.com
soothing solution Great for anyone suffering from extremely dry, itchy skin in the winter, this blemish-free oil not only promises long-lasting hydration, it also contains malic acid to gently remove dead skin cells . Bioderm Atoderm 2-in-1 Dry Oil, £24, boots.com