Gold makeup is either dismissed as “party season” or relegated to something created for extroverts. I’d argue that gold is a classic; a neutral even. OK, maybe that’s pushing it. Still, as with most makeup, it’s how you wear it that really counts. The eyeshadow across the eyes in this Fendi haute couture look is wonderfully unapologetic, but if it’s too intimidating go for a bronzy gold. Keep lips understated. Once you apply foundation, subtly brush on highlighter. And then as you progress through the night – or day – take off any excess oil with blotting papers; you want to glow not shine.
1. Guerlain Meteorites Light-Revealing Pearls of Powder £46, guerlain.com
2. Lano Bronze Gold 101 £13, cultbeauty.co.uk
3. Fenty Invisimatte Blotting Paper £13, boots.com
4. Lisa Eldridge The Foundation £44, lisaeldridge.com
5. Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow £28, spacenk.com
I can’t do without… A practical book on beauty and skincare for darker skin tones
When it comes to inclusivity, a lot has changed in the beauty industry. Most brands offer a foundation range that goes beyond caramel. More haircare brands are targeting Afro hair textures and the concept of a nude lip is no longer limited to the shade of a rich tea biscuit. Skincare for darker skin, however, still needs addressing. ‘But skin is skin,’ they say – a complete fallacy. Numerous skincare issues (eczema, acne, hyperpigmentation, dehydration, etc) manifest themselves very differently on darker skin tones. Most skincare products are not formulated with Black skin in mind. Most skincare practitioners have no idea how to treat darker skin. Hence this book, by respected aesthetician Dija Ayodele, is necessary. Seeing the anxiety faced by people of colour who struggle to access skincare products and treatments inspired Ayodele to create the award-winning Black Skin Directory; a resource of skincare professionals with expertise in darker skin tones. She goes a step further with her book, covering everything from social and historical insights on Black skin to practical tips. I highly recommend it; not just for people with Black skin but also as a wake-up call for the gatekeepers of the skincare industry who are yet to evolve their product development processes. Black Skin by Dija Ayodele, £20, waterstones.com
On my radar… Star-studded nail varnish, scent and conditioner
New direction Harry Styles has launched a beauty line – his aim is to push the boundaries of traditional beauty. And the nail varnishes are pretty good. Pleasing Nail Polish (£16 each or £50 per set), pleasing.com
Good to grow We had the cream, the body oil and now Augustinus Bader has brought out a haircare range clinically proven to increase hair growth. Augustinus Bader Leave-In Hair Treatment, £38, augustinusbader.com
A drop of Guinness When Daphne Guinness launched her eponymous scent in 2009, the concoction inspired by the smell of old churches and tuberose was an instant hit with insiders. Now it’s back but limited. Get it while you can. Daphne, £110, doverstreetmarket.com
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