The Luxe List

When it comes to habits, over the past year or so, I’ve been basically religious about applying body lotions in the morning and evening. It was something I used to be pretty inconsistent with, but over the months, I’ve really noticed a positive difference. As with everything, I’ve found that I need a richer texture for areas like my legs, so when I came across the Pure Lakes brand, I could wait to give them a go!

Designed for sensitive skin which needs a little extra TLC, the brand was founded back in 2006, and has always been based out of the Lake District. With plant-based formulas and eco-friendly thinking behind it, the products are as planet friendly as they are indulgent – so there’s no need to feel guilty when you enjoy a bit of self care.

The Shea Body Butter is one of the brand’s most indulgent products. Scented with the essential oils of Mimosa and Pettigrain, you can use the butter from neck to toes, so it’s perfect for enjoying after an evening shower. I’ve been loving using the butter on my legs, and it’s the best thing to use post-shaving! As it warms with body heat, it softens into the skin, leaving skin feeling super soft and smelling heavenly!

Pure Lakes Mimosa & Petitgrain Shea Body Butter is priced at £16 and is available here.

When I say I don’t need another eyeshadow, it’s not an understatement. I have literal drawers-full of palettes which I try my best to rotate through, but despite my horde, I’ve been on the lookout for the perfect subtle pink shade for months. Something pretty, but not over-the-top, a little sheeny without feeling too full-on, so, when I caught sight of Charlotte Tilbury’s Charlotte’s Jewel Pot in Pillow Talk, I couldn’t resist.

Packaged in the prettiest little pot, complete with faceted lid, the shadow sits somewhere between a pressed pigment and a cream shadow. There’s a generous amount of product, and considering I only use a small swipe per application, I can see this featuring in my daily makeup picks for a while to come! Applied to clean lids with my finger, the shadow gives a perfect veil of shimmering pink, which brings warmth to the eyes, rather than looking irritated (always my fear when playing with pinks).

The finish is perfectly subtle and lasts all day long without creasing or separating. I love how cooling the formula feels to apply, and it’s full of great-for-skin ingredients including Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Argan Oil, Macadamia and Rosehip Oils. Despite the fact I bought it for day-to-day use, it’s easy to build the shadow up to create a more dramatic effect, which is so much fun to wear, especially now that we’re starting to be allowed back out and about in the evenings!

Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte’s Jewel Pot in Pillow Talk is priced at £24 and is available here (UK) and here (US)

It’s right about now that I start wanted to Spring Clean my entire life. Drawers and cupboards are getting gutted as we speak, and I’m asking myself if everything I own ‘sparks joy’. I love the feeling of completing a serious clear out, and the same way I’ve popped winter sweaters to the back of the cupboard, I’ve refreshed my skincare regime. I’ve popped my richest, heaviest creams in my night box, and I’ve been reaching for lighter formulas for day use.

Right in time for this seasonal refresh is TempleSpa’s newest release – Truffle De-Light Hydra-gel Moisturiser. A lighter version of the brand’s iconic Skin Truffle moisturiser, the hydra-gel formula delivers hydration and nourishment to skin, without ever feelings heavy or overwhelming. Perfect as the temperatures start to rise, the formula is beautifully lightweight, yet still delivers a perfect amount of glow. With an ingredients list which features truffle, rose quartz and Happybelle-PE™ which helps to brighten dull, lacklustre skin, the Truffle De-Light feels like the perfect spring and summer moisturiser. You only need a single press per application, and the gel leaves skin feeling perfectly cooled, smooth and perfected. TempleSpa call it a drink for the skin, and I couldn’t agree more!

TempleSpa Truffle De-Light is priced at £90 and is available here.

When it comes to Spring and Summer beauty choices, less is most definitely more. I can’t think of anything worse than wearing heavy formulas as the temperatures increase, and I think it looks bizarre to see full faces of makeup in bright daylight. Instead, I love formulas which are almost invisible, leaving you looking like the very best version of yourself, and that’s where Fenty Beauty’s Eaze Drops come in.

Packaged in an easy to use, squeezy bottle, you only need a tiny amount of the Eaze Drops to look your very best. Designed to blur skin, with a natural yet perfected finish, I’ve found myself reaching for the drops every time I’ve got a Zoom scheduled. Applied with fingers over moisturiser, I love the fact you can build a little extra coverage where you need it, but it never feels like it’s too much. Finished off with a sweep of bronzer, the Eaze Drops stay in place all day long, and they really do leave skin looking its best. Available in 25 shades, there’s one there for most skin skintones, and it’s a perfect choice if you’re looking to update your makeup bag for the season.

Fenty Beauty Eaze Drops are priced at £25 and are available here (UK) and here (US)

This week has certainly been a great one – on Monday, for the first time since Boxing Day, non-essential retail, as well as hospitality was allowed to re-open, and to say I was excited was a serious understatement. There was only one option for my first port of call – Edinburgh’s Harvey Nichols. I hadn’t been in since before Christmas, so I couldn’t wait to see all their gorgeous Spring-Summer 21 collections.

The store’s second floor plays host to Premium Fashion, and I could spend days mooching around and looking through all the rails. With brands like Stella McCartney, Moncler and MaxMara, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re after something that’s bang on trend, or if you’d rather invest in a classic, there’s so much to choose from, and up on the third floor, I fell absolutely in love with the brand People’s Republic of Cashmere. A selection of real wardrobe staples, the understated sweaters are now top of my wish list.

It’s not just about the clothes though, the Forth Floor has its own Pad Lifestyle pop up, along with swish bar, and gorgeous Restaurant and Brasserie (top tip – head for supper around sundown to enjoy some of Edinburgh’s best views). On the ground floor, you’ll find a swoon worthy Gucci concession, as well as a selection of the most lustworthy bags you can imagine. Whether you’re after a Celine, Saint Laurent or even a Loewe.

Obviously I spend most of my time oohing over the new beauty bits every time I pop in. As a welcome back gift, I was very kindly gifted a voucher to spend in-store, so couldn’t resist a trip to the La Mer counter. Their original moisturiser has been a long-time favourite for me, and I’ve been eyeing up their Skin Tint all spring, so it was such a treat to be able to pick up a tube.

If you feel like you’re in need of a bit of a post-lockdown refresh, then the store’s Personal Shopping team are offering 1:1 complimentary stylist appointments to anyone who downloads the Harvey Nichols Rewards app in the first two weeks of opening (subject to availability).  It’s a genius idea, and if you don’t already have the app, you should! You get fun gifts every quarter, as well as amazing perks like free coffees, early sale access and even complimentary tailoring!