BEAUTY:IDEAS FOR THIS COLUMN sometimes come about in the strangest of ways. This week it was a colleague asking for advice on buying a gift "around the €50 mark" coupled with the fact that the calendar is (impossibly) telling me my birthday has come around again.
Serendipity! Knowing that certain people close to me may need some guidance and the above amount is a perfectly respectable sum to spend. Here are some suggestions; I might even end up getting one of them myself.
ON THE SCENT
Many of us waft along through life with an image of ourselves that is often far from the truth – just ask any member of my family. For instance, I believe the term "classic elegance with a cool edge" perfectly describes me – now what are you laughing at? That's the mood Balmain'snew Ambre Gris fragrance exudes when you wear it, so there. The presentation, with its multi-faceted cap atop a grey glass square-shouldered cube, is reminiscent of the brand's military style. Exotic ingredients such as immortelle and myrrh complement the eponymous ambergris. This distinctive scent will turn heads – the right ones hopefully. The 40ml size costs €50 from Brown Thomas.
ON THE NOSE
This ultra-slim powder compact is beyond chic, and with it's animal-print retro styling, it could be straight out of Betty Draper's handbag (if you're not watching Mad Men– the box set would be another great gift idea). Phyto Poudre Compacte from Sisley€69 (I'm pushing the budget on this one) boasts a sophisticated blend of hydrating and unifying ingredients that combine skincare with just enough cover to freshen make-up. Choose from a matt or iridescent finish.
ON THE CASE
While you might spend €50 on a make-up item, many would shy away from spending the same amount on a make-up bag. I'm taken with this cheery red patent number from über-posh brand Aspinal of London. Its bright colour will make it easy to find in the darkest bag interior, and the signal red is the iconic cosmetic shade. At €41, it's well under budget. While on its website, I spied the most divine carry-on bag in the world, so I'm going to include it in case there's a major windfall and the gift ante is significantly upped. I'm sure I would travel to fabulous destinations if only I had the Buffalo Cabin Bag (€860). Both are available from aspinaloflondon.com
ON THE BALL
Staying on the scent theme, this collection of candles is a match made in heaven. Farrow & Ballpaint is the bee's knees when it comes to classy interiors and a Jo Malonecandle gives 45 hours of gorgeous ambiance to your home. Five paint shades combine with a complementary fragrance – choose from scents suitable for eating, sleeping and living areas. I'm drawn to Oval Room Blue, probably because the thought of having an oval-shaped room is just so glamorous, and this Blue Agava Cacao scented candle would set the perfect tone. €55 from Jo Malone and Farrow Ball stockists.
