This month, fashion and beauty columnist, Nancy Buckland Kirk, has been scouring the high street and the internet to bring us her pick of the most desirable new beauty treats for Spring.
Last month felt like the longest January in living history. Now February is finally here, it’s not exactly time for Spring, but those glimpses of sunlight and fresh breezes are a gentle reminder of warmer climes to come. For those of us who adore beauty, it also means looking at what you have been using all winter with fresh eyes. While we are being more mindful, heavier winter foundations and beauty products can be easily stored when the cold snaps are finally over, at least until next winter. For me, a new month brings a new dawn and a chance to think about something fresher.
Of course, it’s hard to write about February without writing about Valentine’s Day. Those two words strike fear into so many of us. There are those who think it’s all about commercial selling points. It often makes single people feel left out, and those in unhappy relationships even more sidelined. On this, I love the advice of Spirit Junkie, Gabrielle Bernstein, who says we should all put more romance into our friendships, and more friendship into our romances. Food for thought, indeed.
With this in mind, I’ve been having a look around all the new releases, and these are the ones I have loved the most. Each and any of them are perfect gifts, and if that involves giving yourself a treat, maybe Gabby could also add to her advice that we should throw ourselves a little more romance and friendly kindness.
Ted Baker Illuminating Highlighting Powder (£32)
To be quite frank, I wasn’t quite sure what to think when I heard Ted had launched a new beauty range. They’ve already dipped their toes into fragrance, but beauty can be a difficult world to master. How have they done? Brilliantly! The collection has 59 pieces, so there is a lot of choice, but this is my favourite in terms not just of luxury packaging but brilliance within. It’s sumptuous without being heavy.
Gucci Sheer Lipstick in Hold Your Man (£34)
This is literally sheer decadence in a tube. The matte version is super-pigmented and perfect for those who love a statement lip, and the range is inspired by retro Hollywood glamour. I tend to go for something more neutral, and this is the pick of the bunch for me. Honestly, if anyone thought to hand this to me as a gift, they would win my heart forever.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm (£44)
The whole Pro-Collagen range is already a best seller and with good reason: it is effective and kind to the skin. I’m already sold on the moisturisers, whether for day or evening, and this balm is just gorgeous. It is great at really removing what’s left on your face at the end of the day, without stripping the skin, and the fragrance is subtle without being overpowering. For a real treat, the Facial Oil and Hydro-Mist are gorgeous and just the thing to put a step into Spring skin.
Beauty Pie Youth Complexion Overhaul Multi-Action Ampoules (£100, or £14.60 for members)
I have converted many friends to Beauty Pie now – and they love it! And no, I am not an influencer – it’s just my opinion. These super-charged beauties are like a month away for your skin – and mine needs it right now. I tend to use one every four days, and they contain all the key ingredients that will help boost your skin in time for a new season – retinoid, vitamin C, peptides and hyaluronic acid to name a few. If you want a real treat, a Beauty Pie membership bought as a gift gives you monthly access to the lower prices. Win-win!
Tom Ford Rose Prick Eau de Parfum 50ml (£218)
This is clearly at the real luxury end of fragrance, and with good reason. Clearly more feminine and fresh than Ford’s eponymous sensual scents, it’s super-pretty without being twee. There is nothing synthetic or overpowering here: it’s a sexily sweet bouquet – put it at the top of your gift list!
So that’s my new hit list. The likelihood of my husband reading it is slim to nothing, so for now, the treat is going to have to be on me. That’s fine by me. I never say never to flowers, but really, a vintage inspired Gucci lipstick lasts longer and is far more glamorous.
Happy Valentine’s Day to me, from me!
Stockists:
Ted Baker at leading Ted Baker stand-alone stores and www.tedbaker.com
Elemis at John Lewis www.johnlewis.com
Tom Ford at www.selfridges.com
About the author: Nancy Buckland Kirk is a writer with a keen interest in fashion and beauty and a career which has spanned modelling, teaching and spreading the word about leading beauty brands. She is also the woman the His & Hers team turn to when in need of some serious skincare, fashion or beauty inspiration! You may also enjoy: Nancy’s skincare highs and lows.
