From the new Clive Christian fragrances to my working from home gear, here's what I'm testing during lockdown
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Some people carry stress in their shoulders, others their stomach. I happen to carry it in my brow area too, so I have been looking for something to iron out the stress and crepeyness at the same time.
I trust this for a few reasons: the Japanese tool has been a tried and tested beauty gadget and has been incorporated in facials and skincare routines for years. Plus, it’s made by one of the world’s leading make-up artists and product formulators, Jillian Dempsey, who I’ve spent some time with when in LA.
She used this on Julia Roberts pre-Golden Globes, and Jennifer Aniston and Naomi Watts are also devotees of the ritual. This gold bar relieves tension and relaxes facial muscles, plus offers lymphatic drainage – especially useful for eliminating pasta-cheeks during the lockdown and a good pick-me-up for in-between injectable appointments.
You should use it for about 10 minutes at a time – but at the moment, that’s do-able.
Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar, £185 – buy here
Two limited-edition scents by the renowned perfumery, Clive Christian, have just launched in time for spring. The top notes of 1872 Mandarin are brimming with an orangey scent – think more the air surrounding Italian orange groves and Aperol spritzes rather than syrupy Fanta. The other 148 ingredients take you on a fragrant journey with violet, musk and juniper to give this sparkling scent a sophisto edge.
The X Neroli is slightly sweeter, floral and musky with a chypre edge and immerses the wearer in a good eight hours of wear on the skin.
1872 Mandarin, £285 – buy here
In the words of Elton John, I’m still standing – which mainly applies to my home workspace set-up. I use a Vari desk, from £275, as it helps me to think on my feet.
I did go through a phase of using a Pilates ball – great for posture – but felt a little unsteady. However, the Vari desk is proven to take the pain from straining your neck and back during the daily grind and is said to increase productivity by 45%, ease blood sugar spikes as much as 43% – oh, and burn 50 calories per hour.
I team it with the Philips EnergyUp Light, £150, to further improve energy levels and mood from the blue light that mimics a sunny day but without the UV rays.
Check out more Culture Whisper brilliant #WFH buys here
Philips EnergyUp Light, £150 – buy here
London-based Nausheen Qureshi, a passionate skincare specialist and biochemist, is the brains behind the Elequra beauty range.
I am currently loving the brand's Eye Architecture Cream, £48. Its powerful peptides and retinyl palmitate conquer crepiness, while tamarind seed extract is a powerful hydrator that helps to plump the skin.
In independent clinical tests, 100% of users had a 34% reduction in fine lines and wrinkles in 28 days. It’s lovely to use (not too rich or light, and suitable for sensitive types, and you actually see the results with your own (renewed) eyes.
Eye Architecture Cream, £48 – buy here
I know that saving the environment has been pushed further down our priority list of late, but if there was ever a time to switch to a natural deo, it’s now (ahem, in isolation) to see if it works for you. Don't forget: it can take about 12 days for your body to adjust a natural product.
Wild Deodorants come in parts, the aluminium casing that lasts a lifetime, and the no-nasty refills that arrive for you to slot it. Then you twist up to use. It’s lightweight, stylish and eco-friendly and comes in Orange Zest, Coconut Dreams, Rose Blush, Mint Fresh and Bergamot Rituals (my favourite). For more natural deo inspiration: click here.
Wild Deodorant, from £12 – buy here
Don't miss:
How you can support the beauty brands that are giving back, whether it's raising money for the crisis or donating to our wonderful NHS - we celebrate them right here.
Culture Whisper's lockdown diary of London events – from brilliant wellness sessions to flower arranging – all can be scheduled from the comfort of your couch.
And the new Jo Malone x Zara budget-friendly candles – they will help to spark a little joy into your day.
Stay safe.
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