The Ordinary: Hydrators and Oils
My The Ordinary series is back with a closer look at the hydrators and oils on offer. If you are interested in my overall impressions of the brand, retinoids and vitamins or direct acids, just click away. Since my last post, Estee Lauder has invested in Deci..
The New Neutral: Tan. Or Is It Cognac?
I have this theory that there is always one leading neutral colour in fashion. Often, it’s beige. Recently, I think it’s been – at least in certain circles – a shade not traditionally considered a neutral: very pale blush pink. At the moment, I’m feeling tha..
A Day in London
It’s such a cliche, but I really do like London. I like that it’s big, diverse and free and then there’s of course the conditioning by books, movies and music that makes it feel familiar and full of meaning. It’s also a relief that I can – literally – unders..
Vilhelm Parfumerie Morning Chess
For years, I’ve complained about the backwardness of the perfume industry. The mainstream was – and still is – full of identikit scents, sexist marketing, stereotypes and flankers. Niche brands tend to do better on these fronts, but have their own issues: in..
3 Lunch/Dinner Ideas for When You’re Alone
Because I tend to be quite extroverted in the company of others, people are often surprised that I like to be alone. In fact I desperately need to be alone, to recharge and recover, and I love it. I’m not necessarily very good at it, though, as I shed all tr..
Excellent Moisturisers: Going High, Going Low
Remember when skincare used to be all about creams? These days are gone. Now, we focus on serums and oils and layering and the good old moisturising cream has been humbled. Most people still need a day cream, however (it’s easier to get by with an oil or bal..
On Tyranny by Timothy Snyder
This post could equally well have appeared under the “solutions” section: so many people I’ve spoken to in recent months – even years – feel frustrated with the current political situation, but powerless to do anything about it or just confused. This book by..
Getting Soft on French Style
My views in French style* have historically been rather strong. It’s not that I don’t find the aesthetic appealing – I do, I think it looks cool and we certainly need an alternative to the super-polished NYC approach, not to mention the Kardashian take on st..
Serge Lutens Sarrasins: Night Jasmine
I’ve been in a perfume slump for a while. Not that I don’t wear any, I do (most days), but it’s usually old favourites – pretty predictable and boring stuff from Chanel, Tom Ford and Jo Malone. I also haven’t been buying much recently: a bottle a month is ve..
Travel Essential: Gillette Venus Snap
I’ve been thinking about how to make sure I can blog more than once a week during this crazy time until the end of the year.* One thing I’ve realised is that as my Instagram has developed, my blogposts have grown longer and longer: I tend to use up my “small..