Did I mention I have this thing for sensible knitwear? I’m very particular – I like crew necks and V necks in a traditional cut with minimal details. I don’t like it when the ribbing is too narrow or the waistband too deep. And I like classic colours – red, burgundy, camel, navy, grey. (more…)
Goodbye summer, hello autumn, with your not-very-appealing promise of cloud-heavy days and luminosity-free skin. I feel a bit cheated that August was such a damp squib; I’ve not felt nearly enough grass between my toes, or rays on my face. But the good news is that there are a number of new products on standby that can fake some semblance of a post-summer glow. Read on for the lowdown…
DECLEOR AURABSOLU INTENSE GLOW AWAKENING CREAM
This year’s big skincare trend seems to be all about remedying tired-all-the-time skin; aka the biggest beauty concern that emerged in Decleor‘s survey of 19,000 women. Blame our 24/7 lifestyles – computer radicals, work stress and overall exhaustion caused by burning the candle at both ends included – for the the dip in skin hydration that apparently happens around lunchtime.
Decleor’s excellent Intense Glow Awakening Cream (above) aims to combat those stresses with jasmine absolute, the most concentrated (ergo most expensive) form of jasmine which is known for its restorative, antioxidant properties. The essential oil component ‘drip feeds’ into the skin over the course of the day, meaning that skin should stay rested-looking and aglow right up until night-time. Another claim: it’s good for all skin types including sensitive, oily and rosacea sufferers, and all ages from 16-65. Impressive claims but does it work? I’ve been using it daily since early July (along with the Aromessence Neroli Hydrating Oil Serum) and I love it. The texture of the cream is beautiful – non greasy, light and a little goes a long way. And yes, it does seem to keep the 4pm fatigue-face at bay. Buy it HERE.
CHARLOTTE TILBURY MINI MIRACLE EYE WAND
Charlotte Tilbury’s Mini Miracle Eye Wand (above) is one of those nifty duo products that saves time and space and can’t help garnering descriptions like ‘hero product’. “The whole world is tired – even my baby son has baggy eyes!” wailed Tilbury at her press demo. The dual-purpose clicky brush ‘pen’ has an eye cream on one end and a tinted light reflector on the other. Containing super-hydrating hyaluronic acid, the cream is for lifting, plumping and de-puffing tired eyes, while the light reflector comes in four shades to illumnate and conceal. I haven’t tried this properly as I don’t have my shade, but I love the concept. Buy it HERE.
BY TERRY LIGHT EXPERT CLICK BRUSH
Another feat of design wizardry, By Terry’s Light Expert Click Brush (above and below) works on so many levels. It’s the updated version of the famous Light-Expert Perfecting Foundation Brush, but so different is it, that we’re implored to see it as a whole new product. First, the brush is a round, short-bristled kabuki, not a flat brush as its predecessor. The reason for that is the second brilliant thing; you click the base once and out pumps four precise dots of foundation. Dot them on each cheek, nose, forehead and chin, then blend in circular movements with the brush. The result is perfect, natural coverage with an illuminating finish. Easy (if slightly bulky) to transport, you can also use this for post-work touch-ups; it goes on top of faded makeup without cakey buildup. There is one other terrific thing about this – it dismantles. So you can take it apart to clean the brush head and check how much product is left. Buy it HERE.
CHANEL POUDRE UNIVERSELLE IN BEIGE LUMIERE
Arriving on September 18th is a new limited edition radiance-boosting shade of Chanel’s ultra-fine loose powder that evens complexion. I have been using this a lot, with a big fat Chanel brush. You only need a bit, and it’s a little messy but great for setting makeup without killing it dead.
CLICK TO SHOP THE POST BELOW…
WORDS AND IMAGES: Navaz Batliwalla/Disneyrollergirl/
NOTE: Some posts use affiliate links and PR samples. Please read my cookies policy here
CLICK HERE to get Disneyrollergirl blog posts straight to your inbox once a week
CLICK HERE to buy my book The New Garconne: How to be a Modern Gentlewoman
Here’s the latest weekly DRG STYLE INDEX ranking, a round-up of the brands currently buzzing on my radar…
1. GLOSSIER GOES GLOBAL
Did Christmas just come early? Yes, if you’re one of the gazillions feeling the #FOMO of Glossier’s much-coveted beauty products. Glossier’s Balm Dotcom all-purpose salve just arrived at Net-a-Porter, so you can order a 3-pack and get it shipped to anywhere that NAP ships to. Buy it here….
2. ERDEM’S HOME-TAIL STORE
Shall we all just move to Mayfair and be done with it? The latest British luxury designer to set up shop in or around Mount Street is Erdem, whose first store has just debuted at 70 South Audley Street, W1. As is the current retail vogue, it has a ‘home-tail’ feel, with perfectly placed lamps, plants, furniture and of course, an expertly-selected edit of books to complement the romantic floral frocks and brocade coats. Style Bubble has the low-down…
3. HERMES UNVEILS ITS MENSWEAR MANIFESTE SITE
For what’s considered the most storied and traditional of luxury brands, Hermès has certainly been killing it on the digital front lately. While the Hermès X Apple Watch hoo-ha hogged the news this week, Hermès also launched a new men’s editorial and e-com site. Called ‘MANifeste’, it’s witty, interactive and beautifully executed.
4. PAUL SMITH REINVENTED?
Are we in for a big Paul Smith-shaped surprise when we see the SS16 womenswear collection at LFW next Sunday? This article in i-D hints that things on the womenswear design front are being stepped up a notch…
5 OTHER SHOP X FINERY
If you like physical shopping as much as (or more than) shopping online, you might like to know that OTHER Shop is now stocking an edit of Finery in its Kingly Street store. The highlights for me are this structured pleat skirt (above), the brilliant leather skirt and the high neck tees. The prices are crazy good, especially if you like your office-wear with a bit of a twist… Read more at OTHER Shop or shop here.
WORDS: Navaz Batliwalla/Disneyrollergirl
Like it or not, autumn has almost arrived and the only good thing about that is the prospect of Fashion Week-ready newness. So let’s be postitive. I was in Selfridges yesterday and headed straight to Miu Miu which is the best it’s ever been this season. I can definitely get down with all its pleated, kilty skirt shapes, from this OTT green python number to the more sedate, wool boucle tweed skirt – accompanied by Isabel Marant’s sensible red cable knit.
Thick, textured knitwear is always a yes in my books, so I’m seriously warming to Carven’s check sweater and these supersized cashmere socks from Barrie. Meanwhile, 3.1 Phillip Lim’s tufty grey sweater has the go-anywhere factor that I love, as do Vetements‘ oddball jeans.
On the jewellery front, I’ve just discovered Charlotte Chesnais, whose rings and bracelets are original but wearable…
SHOP THE POST BELOW
WORDS: Navaz Batliwalla/isneyrollergirl
IMAGE: Bruce Weber
