The trick with bronzers is to go easy
Many people treat bronzers like a faux tan product. Which is why the skin of those who use them may have a strange tinge that resembles the love child of an extreme case of jaundice and burnt toast. So if you remember nothing else about bronzers, remember this: go easy. The purpose of a bronzer is to warm up your skin so it has a healthy glow – one of Pfeffer Sal’s facials in the run up would help things along – so apply with a light hand. Anything other than a gentle dusting is overkill.
1. Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream £46, chanel.com
2. Tom Ford Soleil Glow Bronzer £55, tomford.com
3. Nars Bronzing Powder £32.50, narscosmetics.co.uk
4. Guerlain Terracotta Flower Blossom £46, guerlain.com
5. Pat McGrath Skin Fetish Divine Bronzer £40, selfridges.com
I can’t do without… An exquisite Irish scent
When you think of the origins of amazing fragrances, you immediately think France. Understandable. France has a long perfumery history and the most well regarded ‘noses’ – the genius perfumers – are French. But that is evolving and our mindset should shift accordingly, because beautiful fragrance brands are everywhere. In Ireland, for instance. Cloon Kleen, an artisan fragrance brand based in Galway, was founded by Margaret Mangan and Julian Checkley more than 20 years ago. They met working in film production, so their scents are inspired by storytelling. I stumbled upon the brand a decade ago and fell in love with La Bealtaine. A mix of bergamot, mandarin, jasmine and rose, it is a rich romantic scent with a dash of pink pepper and cedarwood. I found it grownup and sexy, but also comforting. And then I misplaced the bottle, couldn’t find where the brand was from and begrudgingly moved on. I recently rediscovered it – the brand is now more easily available – and unlike many scents I loved years ago, which fell foul of my changing tastes, La Bealtaine stands the test of time. It’s as sensual as ever. Some brands have an odd ‘dry down’ – not this. It smells exquisite when you put it on – and just as exquisite hours later. Which is a sign of true perfumery craftsmanship. Right there in Ireland. Cloon Keen, La Bealtaine, £130, cloonkeen.com
On my radar… Shower oil, hair mist and cleanser for summer
Splash out Kathy Phillips, founder of This Works, and Beauty Pie have launched a mood-boosting range of bath and shower oils. They are sublime. Beauty Pie x Kathy Phillips Bath and Shower Oils, £25, beautypie.com
Mist again If you have the hair type that wants something to give it coveted beach waves and protect it from damaging sun rays, this new mist has you covered. Hair By Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray UV Protecting Mist, £26, spacenk.com
Cleanser to go This science-backed cleanser from travel brand Aman is a treat for mature skins. It removes makeup, refines texture and improves the skin’s moisture retention. Aman Clarifying Milk Cleanser, £85, aman.com
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