Emma Lewisham The Evening Ritual Trio
Emma Lewisham’s skincare range, founded on the principles of good science and eco-consciousness, is as elegant as the woman herself. This limited edition set of products is a great introduction to some of the brand’s star offerings, or can be thought of as pared down, only-what-you-need travel pack. (The minis can also all be refilled if your recipient falls in love and decides to buy the full sizes). The Skin Reset Eye Cream is plush and velvety rather than oily or creamy, sinking in immediately instead of travelling right on into your eye; a downside of so many supposedly excellent eye products. It’s lovely to use at night and doesn’t upset the often sensitive orbital skin. The Supernatural Sleeping Mask should be thought of as a supercharged moisturiser. Avoiding the temptation to apply it in a thick layer like a mask, one simply applies like a normal night cream. Then the potent plant extracts get to work overnight. A great choice for those evenings a multi-step routine can’t be faced, but the results of said routine would be appreciated. Finally, the Illuminating Oil Face Cleanser smells divine, lightly floral and herbal, and more importantly properly removes SPF and makeup, and doesn’t sting eyes or make them filmy after use. Let’s just say that if Santa needs their own gifting moment after all this shopping, a bottle of this cleanser would not go astray.
Rae Morris Travel Set Deluxe
Every so often in life a product comes along that is so damn clever you think, ‘how has no one ever thought of this before’? Enter makeup maestro Rae Morris and her signature line of magnetic Jishaku brushes. It’s a genius concept, and as with everything Rae does, brilliantly executed. Have your brushes standing up smartly on her matte black plate to keep them tidy, easily accessible and hygienically apart, or even hang them upside down post-cleaning so they dry while retaining their shape. (Makeup nerds will appreciate that this avoids letting water collect in the brushes’ ferrules, which may affect their longevity.) The range really is the simplest yet cleverest idea in beauty for aeons. In particular, The Travel Set is a thing of functional beauty. The magnetic frame measures just 9cm x 9cm, and within are seven brushes, each a maximum of 8cm long. Their Lilliputian size is no gimmick – for those of us who are decidedly non-experts, the shorter handles allow for maximum control. If you want to go all out, the deluxe version of the set also comes with Rae’s favourite Radiance brush, perfect for foundation, bronzer and general complexion blending. Both versions of the set pack up in a reversible vegan leather case to keep everything contained when on the move. It’s such a pleasure that something so tiny packs a serious punch. Each brush was designed by Rae and handmade by Japanese brushmakers who have been in business for almost 200 years. They feature the softest, lightest, most carefully shaped brush heads this beauty editor has ever come across. That’s even leaving aside the fact that they’re made up of vegan fibres, which are notoriously difficult to shape as well as animal hairs, which taper naturally. This collection is an investment, to be sure, but one that will last a lifetime.
Chanel L’Huile Jasmin Body Oil
Chanel for Christmas… it just has a ring to it, doesn’t it? Now, it has to be said that if you know you are buying for a fragrance classicist, this year’s No. 5 coffret is particularly enchanting. (The heady, aldehydic, powdery notes of the 50ml eau de parfum are echoed in a 100ml body oil, housed in a matching flacon. The pair is both aesthetically lovely and represents excellent value.) However, No. 5, iconic as she is, is not for everyone, and another beautiful, though more unexpected fragrance option from the house is the L’Huile Jasmin Body Oil. Housed in an imposing 250ml streamlined glass bottle, it’s a pleasing objet before it’s even opened. Once it is, though, the treat truly reveals itself. The oil easily glides over the skin, and leaves it with both a nourished gleam, as well as a subtle though distinctive scent. The fragrance – in the form of real jasmine extracted from the famous Chanel flower fields in Grasse – is comforting, but with a fresh green element. It’s jasmine as we know it at the very start of spring, when blooming florals and sunny skies are just around the corner. An exceptional indulgence, in every way.
