Beauty Director's Buys: Your recovery plan
Time to hit the reset button and transition back to work and life with ease
HIT RESET
That 'September feeling' is starting to engulf us. And while we grown-ups might not be heading back to school to start a new year in academia, there is still a definite feeling to find all things new.
So maybe it's time to replace the joggers, switch up your make-up, and hit the reset button for a happy (and easy) transition back to work and a normal-ish existence.
As we adjust to life beyond the mask, it gives us time to wear something a little more dazzling on our lips, wear a touch more make-up and wash our hair more than once per week. Of course, hand sanitiser will be firmly back on the agenda – so find your new formula below. While we also might be thinking of easing the bloat, and something nice for our work environment too – products that are much better than new pens and pencils.
Here are the little things that will make a big difference to the transition.
Stay safe.
1. Stockpile the hand sanitiser | Bioderma Biphase Lipo Alcoolique
I'm still going to be obsessive about sanitising my hands. There's a great list of our recommended products here – but my current favourite is the latest from Bioderma.
The Biphase Lipo Alcoolique combines an alcohol-based version with a cream oil in one on-the-go spray. It's the first cosmetic virucide, you shake to wake the formula, and the alcohol phase eliminates viruses, while the secondary hydration phase with 10% oils counteracts the drying effects – so you're left with hydrated hands.
Bioderma Biphase Lipo Alcoolique, £8 – buy here
2. The return of lipstick | Dior Rouge Graphist Lipstick Pencil
With less mask-wearing, I have been road-testing the new array of lip colours. Ironically, even as a beauty director, I had forgotten what a pop of matte orange, red or fuchsia could do to brighten up a flagging face.
Dior's Rouge Graphist, £28, is an easy-to-use pencil that defines and highlights lips with a creamy matt formula. It's an excellent product to transition you back into the real world when you might be lacking the inclination or pro-make-up skills to do a full-on liner and lipstick, and the long-wear, sophisticated formula stays put and feels comfortable too.
Dior Rouge Graphist Lipstick Pencil, £28 – buy here
3. The most comfortable shapewear | Heist
For many, the weighing scales are all over the place and this, combined with WFH no-bra wearing, means I'm turning to modern shapewear brand Heist for underwear that cares.
The brand's pieces really do smooth the way, not just streamlining any excess flesh, lumps, and bumps, but they're comfortable too and can be worn with ease all day long.
The Sheer Body, £66 – buy here
4. Kick-start a health regime | Plenish Cleanse
I'm a fan of a proper juice plan. Easiest is Plenish, as I can add it to my Ocado order and the regime is not only easy to follow but doesn't make me quake with hunger pangs or leave me 'hangry'.
Of course, we all know that long-term health goals should be on the agenda for improving your gut, hair, skin, and weight, but this quick fix helps me reset quickly and get me on the right path.
Plenish 1 Day Juice Cleanse, £59 – buy here
5. Office Essentials | Aromatherapy Associates Relaxing Fragrance Collection
When it comes to going back to work, I will take in newly framed pictures of the children, dogs, and loved ones for my desk, so I still feel at home.
Add an essential oil diffuser with my favourite smells. I love Aromatherapy Associates little pebble-like Home Fragrancer version. It's small, discreet, can sit on your desk and waft pleasant smells to relax or reinvigorate – whatever your workload du jour requires – and, unlike candles, will not spark the fire alarm.
Aromatherapy Associates Relaxing Fragrance Collection, £62.90 – buy here