Beauty buys

Finding space

THE JO LOVES 2020 ADVENT CALENDAR >> For obvious reasons (especially in the north), winter is often known as the ‘dark season’. This can imply that it’s dreary and heavy - and of course, at times it is - but darkness can mean many other things too. Now, more than ever, we are being asked to find stillness. We are called to look inward, to make closer contact with ourselves, to face our fears and to remember what’s really important. And winter brings with it energy that supports this perfectly. Here are some alternative and nourishing ways to embrace the dark this winter: GET CREATIVE >> Writing is such a wonderful pastime, and a beautiful practice that can support self-discovery and expression. Journaling reflections at the end of each day works well, as does developing an early morning writing practice. Check out Julia Cameron’s work on ‘Morning Pages’ - it will change your world. GET QUIET >> I’ve spoken often of the benefit of sinking into quiet practice. Only when we get OK with listening to ourselves can we stand any chance of listening to others and the world around us. Meditation is one way to explore this - and because there are many different forms, there really is a practice for everyone. Check out the meditations on my Calm Down, Wake Up podcast, or try some of the brilliant free content on Insight Timer and Calm. Reading is also a beautiful quiet practice (and a good way to escape from others at home) - so winter is a great time to hunker down and work your way through your reading pile. GET TO NATURE >> Yes, autumn is beautiful and we all long for spring, but winter is majestic. Walking out in nature with a soft yet curious lens is so soothing. Seeking out tree bones, searching for signs of life defying the odds, spotting birds and other wildlife making their nests and burrows. It really is a time to connect with simplicity and gratitude. GET TO BED EARLY >> Sleep! Most of us don’t get enough in quantity, and more importantly in quality. Let’s face it, there’s not much to miss out on this winter, so why not catch up on years of lost sleep with early nights, lie-ins or lazy starts - and maybe even the odd nap here and there. GO DEEP >> Many of the practices above will invite you to step into your inner world. A world of feelings and senses and spirit. Build in some space to be with, and also nurture what shows up, and consider partnering with a coach to explore this, or sharing with a friend for support. Stay safe and I’ll see you on the other side!

The finest wreath you’ll buy this Christmas. The iconic Jo Loves Advent Calendar returns for 2020 in a beautiful circular design - the perfect decorative accessory as well as a collection of deluxe desirables to see you through the festive season. Miniatures include the Christmas Tree Room Spray as well as all your favourite Jo Loves body lotions, candles and fragrances. £300.

How to embrace the dark season...

thewhitecompany.com

Make a wish, open a window

Add a touch of sparkle to your December mornings with our pick of the best beauty advent calendars for 2020

LUSH ADVENT CALENDAR >> Lush is delivering the goods once again, just in time for the most wonderful season of all. Inspired by a magical nighttime garden, the limited edition advent calendar is as colourful as ever, beautifully presented in a handmade case made from 100% reusable materials. It contains 24 vegan products to use every day and night in the lead up to the big day. This year’s calendar includes six retro products from Lush Christmas past and three new products for Lush Christmas future. The lushest early Christmas gift of all. £185. uk.lush.com

<< MINI MANI MONTH 2020 Treat yourself to a ‘Mini Mani Month’ this December as Ciaté London introduces its 2020 festive advent calendar. The brand’s new Plant Pots formulation takes centre stage this year, created with up to 80% natural origin ingredients and infused with strengthening biotin, nourishing bamboo and hydrating bakuchiol extracts. It’s safe to say, this stuff is seriously good for your nails - plus, with 22 minis and one full size polish as well as a lip oil up for grabs in gorgeous, glossy colours, this is the perfect place to start when it comes to getting your festive glam on. £59. ciatelondon.com

FENWICK BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDAR 2020 >> Delightful things come in dainty drawers - so this year’s Fenwick Beauty Advent Calendar says, and we couldn’t agree more. Packing in everything you need to prep, prime and preen in time for the festive season, this year’s sparkling calendar features big name brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, MAC, NEOM and more. £150. fenwick.co.uk 12 DAYS TO SKIN PERFECTION ADVENT CALENDAR >> Wake up on Christmas Day with flawless skin, thanks to QMS Medicosmetics’ luxe 2020 advent calendar. Twelve exciting discoveries will bring twelve days of undiluted joy to a deserving recipient this festive season. Each day will deliver perfectly beautiful, healthy skin in the form of cleanser, day and night cream, exfoliant, tonic, lip serum, eye serum, hand cream and more. £240. qmsmedicosmetics.com << ACQUA DI PARMA ADVENT CALENDAR Acqua di Parma is lighting up the holiday season with its refined 2020 advent calendar. Presented in the unmistakable Acqua di Parma box, it opens up to become a bright Italian home, packed full of seasonal surprises, day after day. Expect to find some of the brand’s most cherished formulas and fragrances, including the Magnolia Nobile Hair Mist, Rosa Nobile Body Cream, Notte di Stelle Candle and much, much more. A must-have, early Christmas gift as a treat to self, or for someone special. £400. harrods.com

<< A FRAGRANT HOLIDAY COUNTDOWN Penhaligon’s has been delivering delightful gifts since 1870; flooding the streets with festive cheer and tradition - and of course, some rather splendid treats to set the noses twitching. The quintessentially British brand is back this Christmas with a holiday countdown collection of 24 remarkably fragrant delights. Behind every door you’ll find exquisitely scented gifts for yourself or a loved one. £375.

penhaligons.com

<< MOLTON BROWN ADVENT CALENDAR Celebrate the countdown to Christmas in style with Molton Brown’s luxury advent calendar. It’s all about the glam this year, with a stunning selection inspired by the Roaring Twenties. Finished with an elegant holographic foil, this striking new calendar is filled with intriguing new fragrances, bathing classics and much, much more. Time to shimmer into the festive season. £175. moltonbrown.co.uk

A festive glam guide

Nick Hutchinson, Lead Artist at Charlotte Tilbury, Fenwick Newcastle, guides us through his top tips and hero products for the sparkly season...

Working in the beauty and cosmetic industry for almost 10 years, I know how important it is to feel the best version of yourself. I have worked for some of the most amazing brands that the beauty world has to offer and have had the privilege of working backstage at London Fashion Week with some of the top talent. As you can imagine, I have tried a lot of products along the way; so I wanted to share with you some of my go-to products for glam ‘on-the-go’ as well as some of my skincare heroes. First up, we have Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream; and believe me when I say, it truly is magic. It’s your everyday moisturiser combined with your makeup primer. It cushions your skin for a hydrated, plumperlooking complexion. It’s perfect for all skin types and can’t be missed backstage. Feeling good is important, and one simple way we can do that is with a perfect fragrance. My favourite scent is Yves Saint Laurent Caban Eau de Parfum - a wonderfully woody fragrance with spicy notes of pink pepper and black pepper oil. It is a unisex scent that lasts all day - I get so many compliments. A single spritz gives you that instant feeling of being ready to take on the day. Now for the fun part, the makeup. With the festive season coming up, even though we’re not entirely sure how we’re going to be celebrating this year, it’s still important to look and feel great. Charlotte Tilbury’s Bejewelled Eyes To Hypnotise palette is your best friend - particularly during party season when we’re all looking for that added sparkle. The palette has four looks, all jewelinspired, so you can glow with wider, brighter looking, superstar eyes from day to night. The palette is split into three sections for easy-to-follow application with a mixture of matt and shimmery shades that suit every skin tone.

You can find step-by-step application videos on the Charlotte Tilbury website, or you can visit the team in store this December for a festive Tilbury transformation.