The Luxe List

Up until a few years ago, I was an avid eyeshadow primer wearer. Each morning I’d tap it on prior to whichever shades I was going for, and I’m not sure if it’s that eyeshadows have gotten better, or if, perhaps, I’ve become a little lazier, but it’s not been a product I’ve really bothered with recently. So, when Harvey Nichols tucked a tube of Marc Jacobs Beauty Under(Cover) Eye Primer into my goodie bag, I figured now was definitely the time to revisit primers.

Part of the brand’s Coconut line, which is infused with coconut and velvet flower extracts to deliver a smooth, even canvas for makeup application. Tt’s a product which will work with every skin tone, and a little of the silky-smooth formula goes a long way. Dotted on to lids after I’ve applied my base and bronzer, it mattifies and smoothes skin, so it’s prepped for eye shadow.

Thanks to an innovative gel polymer make – up, bolstered with lilac stem cell, the primer helps looks last all day. It’s a must-have if you need your makeup to last for hours (and I mean, who doesn’t?!) and it keeps even the most detailed eyes looking fresh all day. I also feel like colours look richer when I use it – glitters seem glitzier and metallics keep their sheen.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Under(Cover) Perfecting Coconut Primer is priced at £20 and is available here (UK) and here (US)

If you’d have told me that possibly my favourite palette of 2018 would have involved camouflage, I probably would have laughed in your face. The last time I was into the print was circa 2001 (god I’m old) when Destiny’s Child’s Survivor was the soundtrack to many a school dance. Bobbi Brown obviously feels differently – and right in time for autumn there’s a new collection full of chic and moody earth tones, and I’m in love.

I was very kindly sent the Camo Luxe Eye & Cheek Palette, which holds six neutral shadows and an oversized highlighter, which is prettily swirled to look like camo. To be honest, the mix of shades couldn’t be better suited to me. I adore a great neutral palette, and this one is one of the best everyday palettes I’ve seen for a while – the left side holds a trio of matte taupes, whilst the right hand side has deeper tones, with a mix of textures. The centre holds a huge highlighter which swirls together gold and copper tones.

The mix of colours and textures in the palette feels wonderfully balanced, and the slightly olive tones of the palette are a new take on my much-loved neutrals. Using the greener shades also make my eyes look more green/hazel, so it’s a fun change for daily use.

On a daily basis, I don’t like to wear makeup which feels too heavy, so the matte shades are absolute perfection. The central taupe (Wheat) blended over the lid, with the lighter Bone buffed into inner corners and my brow bone gives eyes a touch of subtle definition, and I love a little of the deepest matte (Cool Grey) smudged in the lash line.

The right hand side of the palette is where I go to amp up my makeup for evening. My favourite shadow is the centre glitter one – Camo. With a buttery texture, it’s a shadow which can be used either as a gorgeous liner, or even, if you’re after a bit of drama, it can be packed onto the lid for the dreamiest of smokey eyes.

As you would expect from the brand, the shadows are a dream to work with. The shadows blend perfectly, and they stay put all day long too. I’m also really enjoying the highlighter in Warm Glow. Although it pulls a bit warm for me to use as a highlighter, it works well as a subtle shadow. On warmer and deeper skin tones though, it will look incredible.

Bobbi Brown Camo Luxe Eye & Cheek Palette is priced at £49.50 and is available here (UK) and here (US)

When it comes to sleep patterns, I’m normally pretty lucky. I get up early, I’m busy throughout the day, so by the time it’s ten, I’m usually pretty much ready for bed. I don’t drink coffee or juice after 4 either, just to make sure I’m not over-caffeinated by the time evening rolls around. So, when I can’t get a good nights’ sleep, it has a serious impact – I feel drowsy all day, drink too much coffee and generally feel pretty foul – it’s not pleasant. As you can imagine, I’m always on the lookout for ways to ensure the best night’s sleep possible.

Over the past year or so, Lush’s Sleepy Body Lotion has gained something of a cult status. Insomniacs have said it’s the only thing which can get them to nod off, and others have said it gets them asleep in under 15 minutes. Sounds dreamy. Since stress and thinking too much about work can keep me up longer than I would like, I was excited to give the lotion a go.

Packaged in Lush’s signature tubs (don’t forget to save your empties for the recycling scheme – you can earn a free face mask!), Sleepy is available in two sizes. I was very kindly sent the smaller of the two, and have already purchased the larger, because honestly, it’s just that good! A fusion of oatmeal and lavender, the fragrance is soft and quite home-y. It doesn’t feel as strongly herbal as using an essential oil, so it’s perfect if you’re looking to calm your thoughts and slow down a little. I love to apply a little to my arms and chest before heading to bed. On the nights where I’ve used Sleepy, I drop off to sleep much faster than usual, and I feel like I get to enjoy a deeper night’s sleep.

Lush Sleepy Lotion is priced from £8.75 and is available here

I’m not going to lie – I’m a lip gloss girl through and through. Yes, I experiment with stains, lipsticks and matte finishes, but hand me a pink gloss and I’m good to go. They’re easy to wear, match with any makeup I tend to wear, and they never leave my lips feeling dried out. So, when I was exploring the brand new Marc Jacobs Beauty counter in Harvey Nichols last week, I couldn’t resist grabbing one of the brands signature Enamored High-Shine Lip Lacquers, which come in a variety of 26 shades.

Described as a ‘soft pink nude’ by the brand, Moonglow is a shade I have been hunting high and low for. Subtle enough to be able to apply on the go and without a mirror, it’s a peachy-pink neutral which I’ve already gotten a whole lot of wear out of. The gloss itself is thick with a silky smooth texture – it’s not sticky or goopy, so I can wear it without my hair sticking in it. It’s got a delicately sweet, slightly minty fragrance which disappears on application. The wear-time is impressive too – I popped it on prior to heading out, and three hours, a coffee stop and an art exhibit later it was still there, slightly faded, but still looking beautifully sheen-y.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Enamored Hi-Shine Lip Lacquer Lip Gloss is priced at £22 and is available here (UK) and here (US)

Autumn, without a doubt, is my favourite month. I love the jewel-toned foliage, the bright light and cold winds, and all things pumpkin-spiced. It might be basic, but it’s true. The one thing I’m not keen on though, has to be the start of winter skin. I’m not a fan of wearing heavy makeup, and I hate when skin feels rough or looks dull. In an effort to keep as much of a glow as possible, I’ve been reaching for Rodial’s Vit C Brightening Cleanser each morning.

Part of the Vit C Brightening range, the cleanser is a gorgeously light jelly consistency, which has a light, slightly fruity scent. It melts into skin, and since there are no harsh foaming agents, it’s perfect for those who are a little more sensitive. Designed to brighten skin, and to slough dead skin, thank to the fruit AHAs in the formula, the cleanser is a perfect choice prior to applying makeup. I tend to use a pump or two in the mornings, washing off with a warm flannel. Skin feels cleansed, but not stripped after using, and there is a definite glow!

Rodial Vit C Brightening Cleanser is priced at £39 and is available here (UK) and here (US)