Zeena Shah on her favourite things
Every month in Red magazine, we ask one of our readers' best-loved tastemakers about their favourite things, from fashion finds and foodie gems, to holiday destinations and everything in between.
In the January 2025 issue, stylist, author and presenter Zeena Shah shares the things that bring her joy. From Liberty candles and chicken shawarma, to Merit lip oil and The Sun And Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur, discover the little things that she loves the most...
My favourite podcast is... Jessie Ware’s Is It Normal? The Pregnancy Podcast. I recently had my first baby and I found it so reassuring during my pregnancy. I love listening to a podcast while I’m walking the baby around the park or when I’m on my way to my studio in the morning.
The candle I love to light is... Liberty’s Stately Bouquet scented candle. It’s all the autumnal feels and has such a delicate, sophisticated scent that makes home feel like home.
Stately Bouquet Scented Candle
My signature lipstick is... Merit Tinted Lip Oil in Sangria. It’s so moisturising and gives just the right amount of colour and shine. It’s divine.
Shade Slick
My favourite independent shop is... Haeckels on Broadway Market, London. It’s a skincare brand that sells gorgeous products, and also has a space upstairs where you can book a treatment. It’s a real escape from busy London life.
The food I have a weakness for is... Mamma G Cookies. There’s a pop-up in Netil Market in East London and I am obsessed. The white chocolate matcha one is dangerously moreish.
When I send flowers, I call... I love Petalon. All the flowers are grown on its farm in Cornwall and it does some stunning seasonal bunches.
My favourite coffee shop is... Bad Manners. It’s a coffee shack in a churchyard in Hackney. I always grab a flat white there en route to the station.
On toast, I love to spread... Pip & Nut crunchy peanut butter; the organic one is my favourite. I also go for Bonne Maman apricot jam when I’m in France!
My favourite pair of shoes is... My denim Chanel ballerinas. I’ve had them for years; they’re timeless and I’ve worn them to death.
The shade I always paint my nails is... Something bright from Essie. It’s always something different; I have rainbow polka dots at the moment.
The book I keep on my bedside table is... The Sun And Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur. It’s such a beautiful collection of poetry. I gave a copy to all my bridesmaids when I got married.
The The Sun and Her Flowers by Rupi Kaur
My best holiday ever was... A trip to Mexico with my husband. We stopped in Isla Holbox for a few days and he proposed on the beach under a full moon. It was truly magical and I’ll never forget that moment.
My favourite hotel is... Heckfield Place. The decor, the food, the location and vibes are everything you want for a weekend in the countryside.
The one thing I can't stop buying for my home is... Scented candles – especially ones that come in beautiful vessels. I’m a maximalist and definitely have far too many to count.
The song that gets me on the dance floor is... 22 by Taylor Swift. Yes, I went to see her in concert and, yes, I know all the words!
My foolproof dinner party dish is... Chicken shawarma, flatbreads and salads. I love family-style dining and will always opt for dishes I can prepare in advance, and then warm up in the oven or add a delicious dressing.
The mantra I live by is... ‘Life’s too short not to live in colour.’ Colour has the power to boost your mood and give you a dose of dopamine simply if you embrace it. Try wearing colour and taking notice of how it makes you feel – I guarantee you’ll see an immediate boost in your mood.
Marbling: Projects, Design Ideas and Techniques for a More Colourful Life by Zeena Shah
Follow Zeena Shah on Instagram @heartzeena
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