Well, this is going to be a bit different from last year! Spending so much time at home, I have obviously not been travelling as much as normal and have barely gone out, so no super glam outfit or accessory purchases this year. So here goes!
- Skincare
Favourite new find:
I have probably spent more money on skincare, haircare and makeup this year than I ever have done before. Come May, my hubby was quite taken-aback that I was still bothering with putting on makeup.
Occasionally buying the odd bit of skincare and makeup is a real treat and something to look forward to and indulge in. A little piece of luxury and comfort in this crazy world we’ve found ourselves in.
I’m a big fan of Skinceuticals, it’s particularly good if you have mature or problem skin. This really gives a moisture boost which is something I’m always looking for and I will always choose a serum over a moisturiser.
2. Haircare
I have had Philip Kingsley’s Elasticizer in my arsenal for quite some time but with more time on my hands I have started to regularly use it as a hair treatment (leaving it in my damp hair for around 30 mins to an hour before washing it off). I’ve been trying to get in the habit of doing a hair mask once a week and it has made a huge difference to it’s condition.
Another favourite this year in haircare (and a game-changer for me) has been this anti-frizz cream. In the past I have always washed my hair in the evening and then slept on it (on a silk pillowcase) in order for it not to look coarse and dry. This product means that my hair immediately looks smooth after drying it and makes my hair look so much healthier.
I originally bought this small size from Net-a-Porter but have since bought the full-size version. Not cheap but a little goes a long way.
3. Makeup
It’s so easy to get in a rut with makeup and stick with what you know. This is particularly true as you get older. It’s so important to switch things up as your skin changes and to keep your mind open to new products and techniques.
Spending so much time at home has given me time to indulge in watching makeup tutorials and to be inspired to try different products.
My favourites this year have been:
I absolutely adore this product. It’s a balm that can be used as a blush or lip tint. I use it as a blush and love it so much I also ordered it in colour no 9 and am going to buy it in bronze. No 2 is definitely my favourite so far, it’s very subtle and is not highly pigmented but I love the feel of it on my skin as it’s so moisturising and is great for a skin pick-me-up if your skin feels tight towards the end of the day. Probably wouldn’t be great for more oily skin though.
Another new find and favourite is the Chanel Les Beiges illuminating powder in Sunset:
I also tried the cream version of this but hate the smell of it (my youngest quite rightly said I smelt “like an old granny”).
The powder has been a great find for me as for some reason my neck has always been extremely pale in comparison to my face and body so I only use it on my neck. The only downside is that it only comes in two shades. For some reason as well, it says on the Chanel website that it’s a limited edition; I’m hoping that the case is the limited edition and not the product but I may buy another one just in case.
4. New Discovery
That I can tint my own lashes!
I have actually been known for travelling quite far in order to get a decent lash tint and now I can do it myself. In the photo above I have no eye makeup on (apart from concealer and brows). I have curled my lashes with an eyelash curler by Kevin Aucoin (I highly rate this one as I have very long lashes which get caught in other ones).
I naturally have dark lashes but for some reason they are quite blonde at the roots and tips so dying them makes a big difference and means that I hardly ever feel the need to wear mascara.
I will caveat this by saying that if you do feel the need to attempt this yourself; do be careful. Read the instructions, watch some tutorials and get yourself some Vaseline to protect your skin from the dye. I use these:
5. Interiors purchase
This has got be my collection of Bordallo Pinheiro. It brings me joy every time I use it and reminds me of beautiful Portugal.
If I had to choose a particular favourite I’d be hard-pushed. I really love to mix and match them.
Also in my interiors favourites I can’t not mention fresh flowers. I can’t believe what a difference they have made to me this year. I have loved having the time to arrange them myself and bringing a bit of outside, inside has made a world of difference to me mentally.
It will definitely be something that I will continue to indulge in from now on.
6. Online Shop
This year, it is actually an interiors shop!
They have a lot of my favourites: Les Ottomans, Missoni home, Bordallo Pinheiro and Jonathan Adler, to name a few.
7. Local Independent (but also now online):
My heart goes out to everyone trying to keep afloat with these lovely independent shops and restaurants at the moment! This is one of my local favourites; ideally I love to go in person as the lady that owns it is so good at remembering her clients and the styles they love. It’s always great to have a fashion catch-up and I love her choice of brands and edit. (It’s also a great place to find things that have sold out elsewhere.)
7. TV Series
Probably somewhat predictable but it has to be The Queen’s Gambit:
If you haven’t seen it and are letting the fact that it’s about chess put you off; don’t. It’s so much more than that: a tale of loss, overcoming addiction, the importance of friendship and so much more; all bundled up in supreme style. From the female lead down to the lighting it’s simply impeccable.
8. Book
Definitely not for the faint-hearted but certainly makes you think afterwards about the importance of showing kindness and tolerance to strangers.
9. Fashion Purchase
It has to be my Etro cardigan. This is now on sale here but still an investment piece. So, so beautiful and unique.
10. New Accessory
It has to be my hexagonal hoops from Missoma:
They’re so simple but not your average hoop and are so light they can be worn everyday. To be honest I love all their hoops but these ones I probably wear the most.
11. Place to stay
There’s not much competition here as I haven’t traveled much this year but this was such an unforgettable place to stay; I can’t recommend it enough. The stunning Bibury Farm Barns. Definitely a place I’d like to revisit; it’s that good.
13. Place to Visit
The incredible Sezincote House and garden (yes, I still haven’t done my post on this but will do it next). It’s an absolute gem.
So, that’s it for 2020. Can’t believe this year is over! It’s certainly been testing (excuse the pun) and eye-opening in so many ways.
Best wishes and stay safe.
X
emmawri 