I’ve been elbow-deep in beauty products this week, which is just how I like it, let’s be honest. When I’m not reviewing the latest launches, I find myself watching hours of makeup and skincare videos on YouTube and social media and think it’s wonderful that even though I’ve been a beauty editor for over two decades, every day is a school day and I learn something new.
This week, for example, I was taken to school by Jamie Genevieve, the founder of Vieve, with her base-bronzing video on TikTok. Now, if you wear makeup, there’s a chance you apply it on autopilot and in an order that’s so familiar, that you don’t even think about it. For me, it’s foundation, concealer and then the colour goes on; bronzer, eyeshadow, blusher, lipstick, mascara… With the base-bronzing technique, you apply your bronzer first (on top of skincare and SPF of course) and then concealer around it.
Well, I tried it once and it’s turned my makeup application world upside down. Why have I not done this before? Also, how much foundation and concealer have I been using that I didn’t need? The overall impact is a much fresher finish, a lot less makeup and it’s how I’ll be doing my face, which you can watch here, for the foreseeable.
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Speaking of the hours I spend watching YouTube, my latest must-watch is my friend Sam Chapman’s channel. She is the most incredible makeup artist, whose channel is packed with informative and accessible tutorials, and she has uploaded a series of videos recreating the makeup look from films. Her video on Alex Forrest’s makeup in Fatal Attraction appeals to my beauty and film enthusiasm and the way Sam breaks down the shift in makeup as Alex unravels and the story unfolds is brilliant. If you like films and want to see the way the makeup is a part of the storytelling then you’ll love these videos, which also include Clarice Starling from Silence of the Lambs and Stifler’s mum from American Pie.
When I’m not watching beauty-related content, I’m a sucker for recipes and food videos. One of my favourite accounts belongs to my friend Emily English who has helped me add a bit of razzle-dazzle to meal times. Her Waldorf Salad recipe is fantastic for lunches when I’m working from home or get home late and want to rustle up something tasty and filling in super-quick time. And yes, I’m of that generation where I can’t think about a Waldorf Salad without thinking about Basil Fawlty.
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I’m taking part in an exciting photoshoot next week and have been asked by the picture director to bring some white tops. While I have plenty of white tops I panicked that I didn’t have the white top so a frenzied online shop ensued. I found this Sienna Miller x Marks & Spencer top in the sale, sent the link to my friend Lindsey Kelk asking her opinion and subsequently bought it. (Lindsey is my favourite enabler).
‘It’s not very me though?’ I wondered to her via WhatsApp. ‘I used to have something similar and I wore it to death if that helps,’ she replied. It did, I bought it immediately and with next-day delivery because I am too impatient to wait. When it arrived, I tried it on and sent the picture to Lindsey immediately, ‘Lindsey, I think we can both agree, this is my new personality’. She is based in LA but is visiting in November and I’ve ordered another one for her to pick up when she’s here. This is our version of ‘I’m going shopping with friends’.
Heaven as always. Virtual chat over morning coffee. Top looks great :)
Glowing ✨ Love this!