PHOTOGRAPHS: MOLLY SJ LOWE, IMAXTREE, SCHOHAJA, JASON LLOYD-EVANS, LUCKY IF SHARP
BE AU T Y BA Z A A R
Fittingly, given the
political climate,
many of this year’s
new releases are
geared towards
boosting the mood
Treat Tinc ture Daily
PM Serum, £130 Decree
Modern
Hairspray, £22
Hair by Sam
McKnight
Mutiny Lip
Balm, £19
Medik8
FRAN SUMMERS
NORA ATTAL
Forest
Therapy Bath
& Shower
Oil, £49
Aromatherapy
Associates
Altitude Bath
Soak, £42
de Mamiel
specialist Dr Anita Sturnham launched Decree, an uncomplicated
but effective range of 10 products including the Treat Tincture Daily
PM Serum, which has sold out twice since its release in Harvey
Nichols and on Cult Beauty. Dr Sam Bunting has expanded her
Flawless line from a single cleanser to a six-strong collection, and the
clinical brand Medik8, which has its headquarters in Hertfordshire,
is leading the way in demystifying skincare with its simple CSA
philosophy – a belief that the key to better skin is a routine including
vitamin C, SPF and vitamin A. The UK is also home to a number of
world-class facialists, including Nichola Joss, Vaishaly Patel and the
Duchess of Sussex’s favourite practitioner, Sarah Chapman.
British brands have always excelled in aromatherapy and, fit-
tingly, given the political climate, many of this year’s new releases
are geared towards boosting the mood. The acupuncturist and
holistic facialist Annee de Mamiel, who is known for her seasonal
oil blends, has just launched Altitude Bath Soak, stress-relieving,
skin-nourishing salts produced using the
same essence found in her cult Altitude Oil.
Elsewhere, Espa, which produces its ranges
in Somerset, is unveiling its Positivity
Blend, a ‘portable pick-me-up’ to be used as
a pulse-point oil or in the bath after a partic-
ularly troubled day, while This Works’ new
Love Sleep range is designed to aid both
rest and intimacy in the bedroom. Finally,
on the fragrance front, Jo Malone London
- British in origin, though now under the
owner ship of Estée Lauder – will this month
roll out Lavenderland, a limited-edition set
of perfumes and a pillow mist inspired by
the freshness of English lavender.
O f c o u r s e , n o n e o f t h i s m e a n s w e w i l l s u d d e n l y h a v e t o a b j u r e o l d
favourites from beyond our own shores. Harvey Nichols’ director of
beauty and concessions Jo Osborne is confident that, as a luxury
retailer with strong global relationships, the department store will
continue sourcing the cosmetics we love. ‘Brands have been working
on various solutions to tackle Brexit-related issues for some time
and our suppliers have plans in place for importing to the UK,’ she
says. ‘We want to ensure our customers’ demands are being met,
regardless of borders.’ Nor should we suddenly expect an influx of
unregulated products from international markets, as Dr Emma
Meredith, the director-general of the Cosmetic, Toiletry and
Perfumery Association, explains. ‘The proposed UK cosmetics law,
prepared in anticipation of our leaving the EU without a deal, is
closely aligned to the EU framework, which has been in place for
over 40 years,’ she says. ‘It will also mirror the current banned and
restricted ingredients lists, and the bans on animal testing.’
Consistency therefore remains a watchword for the cosmetics
i n d u s t r y a s w e m o v e i n t o a n e r a o f p o l i t i c a l u n c e r t a i n t y, w i t h q u a l i t y
and ethics staying at the heart of our most cherished brands,
whether they originate from Britain or further afield. It seems that
in tumultuous times, solace can always be found in beauty.
FRAN SUMMERS
BlitzTrance
Lipstick in
Skin Flixx, £35
Pat McGrath
Labs
http://www.harpersbazaar.com/uk April 2020 | HARPER’S BAZAAR | 215