BEAUTY BITES : NOVEMBER 2015

This month's standout products are far from exceptionally profound additions to my beauty routine; instead they've assimilated themselves with a quiet subtlety that has rendered them the sorts of staples that go almost unnoticed, despite their efficiency. Meet the five hero products you didn't know you needed...

TOM FORD Nail Lacquer in *African Violet**

Tom Ford’s lipsticks have long been synonymous with Hollywood glamour, and his nail polish range makes for an equally irresistible counterpart. Whilst African Violet is far from the warm nudes and sheer pinks I usually reach for, I’ve been wearing the vibrant pink-purple hue non-stop all month. Far from being garish, the shade presents a surprisingly wearable and chic take on a bright, and the formula boasts an impressive resilience

CHARLOTTE TILBURY The Classic Eye Powder Pencil*

The perfect eyeliner for adding subtle definition to the lash line, this soft, powdery formula is surprisingly pigmented and long-lasting, and doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes. What's more is the black-brown shade is an ideal hue for enhancing the lash line without looking harsh. I’ve taken to wearing it on a daily basis - smudging a perfectly sharpened tip right into the base of the lashes of the outer half of my eye, which serves to widen and elongate. For a dramatic, evening look, a bold line softened out into a smokey eye adds a sensual smokiness - extend a precision flick upwards and outwards for added allure.

NEOSTRATA Smooth Surface Daily Peel Pads*

These pads harness the exfoliating power of glycolic acid to increase cell turnover and clarify the pores, resulting in clearer, brighter skin with an even tone and smooth texture. The pH is specially formulated for optimal absorption and results in a gentler alternative to popular acid toners. Without a doubt the most effective form of chemical exfoliation I have ever used, with daily use, these dramatically reduced the appearance of my blemish marks within a couple of weeks [so much so that I am really regretting not taking before and after pictures]

SHU UEMURA Art of Hair Essence Absolue

Soft, sleek, and shiny are my current hair goals, and this nourishing oil has been my go-to post-shower treatment all month long. There is something incredibly opulent about super-glossy hair, and when the winter climate depletes natural lustre, moisture is paramount to keeping hair polished when battling winter-induced frizz. I massage this liquid gold into my mid-lengths and ends before blow-drying. Inspired by a centuries old recipe, the cocktail of camellia and grapefruit oils and cyclopentasiloxane [a powerful smoother] adds high-definition shine and an incredible softness.

WELL PEOPLE Bio Brightener Stick*

These days highlighters come in many and varied forms; from creams to powders, liquids, and solids, some deliver a pearlescent finish, whilst others are heavy on the glitter, and many serve to inject warmth and colour alongside the requisite bright luminosity. As a self-confessed highlighter obsessive I’ve accumulated more than my fair share of the above over recent years, but until recently had yet to find a highlighter that delivered a truly natural finish with subtle sculpting capabilities. Taking its cue from the fresh, bare-faced beauty that defines current trends, this creamy illuminating stick creates a lit-from-within glow that instantly defines cheekbones [think of it as contouring without a bronzer]. The lightweight, satin formula gives skin a soft-focus, radiant sheen. What’s more is the all-natural range [currently retailing via Cult Beauty] is the brainchild of a formers Nars creative consultant and a cosmetic dermatologist - so more than delivers on the skincare front - in this case, skin-soothing aloe vera.