In a new series, Marie Claire’s director of beauty and style writes about the self-care products, rituals, and habits that work for her, along with inspiration from the beauty industry. She reveals her go-to products and routine, from an energizing morning ritual to a restorative night routine that promotes both outer beauty and inner health. The series also explores the beauty industry’s latest trends, sustainable brands, and commitment to inclusivity.
1. Fischersund X 66°North Jöklalykt 30ml
Fischersund X 66° North York Lact 30ml
I am completely fascinated by 66°North’s second collaboration with Fischersund and the resulting fragrance ‘Jöklalykt’. A breath of fresh air mixed with recent rains, earthy vibes, damp earth and ancient trees, it extracts its essence from the eerie beauty of Iceland’s glaciers, bringing hidden earth and refreshing air. It captures the moment when they meet. I also have a special place in my heart for my first fragrance, Útilykt, which was inspired by the nature of Iceland. In it, I smell everything from the wind and the ocean to the smell of freshly cut grass and the dizzy smell of being outside.
2.M Face
I recently tried Emface, BTL Aesthetics’ revolutionary needle-free device that promises natural lift and improved skin texture. I came to M-Face because I wanted to avoid Botox and look cleaner. After four weekly sessions, my eyebrows visibly rose and my skin felt plumper and firmer. The combination of radiofrequency and electromagnetic stimulation targets facial muscles and skin without injections to subtly lift and reshape the face, as explained by renowned facialist Teresa Termey. The treatment, which uses high-intensity facial electrical stimulation (HIFES), was a completely new warm, pulsating sensation that was surprisingly comfortable and painless. The immediate results were smoother skin, especially around the forehead, and full results were expected within 12 weeks. Although Emface is not an affordable option with range prices starting at £2,000, it is a naturally effective and non-invasive alternative to traditional fillers, particularly for enhancing eyebrows and cheeks by stimulating collagen. It’s a worthwhile investment for anyone looking for a viable alternative. Elastin without the needle-like discomfort.
Prices start from £600 per session
3. Olveda Almighty Concentrate
Olveda Almighty Concentrate
It’s a complete game changer. It’s like my skincare routine has been given a major upgrade and given my all-time favorite, Olveda’s The Her Vital Her Sap, a run for its money. Vital Sap gives me the most glowing skin, which can be difficult considering I’m quite sensitive. But Omnipotent Concentrate may lead the lineup in my estimation, especially when you consider streamlining your routine. This all-in-one product serves the purpose of a vitamin C serum for morning brightness and retinol for evening rejuvenation. We also love that the brand’s approach blends bio-fermentation and plant cell culture to promote efficacy and eco-friendly beauty.
4. John Frieda Radiance Reset Treatment
I got sunbeam blonde hair and am obsessed with it. This trend promises to lift and emphasize blonde hair in a subtle way. Stopped by John Frieda on Aldford Street to get a balayage done first on my mid-lengths and all over my ends, then a deep treatment with the Radiance Reset Treatment (a spa-like facial, but for my hair). Moisturizes, improves the health and shine of each hair. – Basically, I hit the refresh button and my color shines brighter and my hair becomes gorgeous without me having to say anything. The treatment itself has three steps. We begin with a deep detox to remove build-up, then rebalance the scalp with a mask and a wonderful Indian massage, before moving on to some serious restorative work. The end result is extremely soft and shiny hair. Starting at £120 and a blow-dry, you can buy his four-pack at John Frieda Aldford Street or John Frieda’s Nicola Clark for £450.
Prices start from £120
(Image credit: Lisa Oxenham)
5. Others Mystic Zingaro 50ml
Other Mystic Zingaro 50ml, £90
In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, finding peace is more important than ever. With 41% of adults reporting high stress in 2021 and a quarter of people in the UK facing mental health issues, we need calming scents and sounds. The potential is worth noting. Ozers co-founder Kieran Doyle has harnessed this with his science-based fragrance (and app aimed at improving wellbeing). Scent, in particular, is a powerful tool because it is closely connected to the brain’s emotional center, the limbic system. Of the two new fragrances, my favorite is Mystic His Zingaro, which aims to induce a relaxed state. It resembles a forest of resin and trees, with a faint scent of incense in the background. What sets Ozers apart is our team of experts, including olfactory experts, neuroscientists, breathwork advocates, music producers, and philosophers. Their app combines the benefits of scent with sound, technology, and science to biomechanically restore balance.
6. Dior Inside the Dream
Dive into the heart of luxury fragrance creation with Inside the Dream, a fascinating behind-the-scenes documentary at Dior with Francis Kurkdjian, the mastermind behind the iconic J’adore scent. Drawing inspiration from the flower fields of Grasse and India, the film details the meticulous art of perfume making, right down to the final touches that define the character of Dior’s scents. Witness the spirit of collaboration in which visionaries like Charlize Theron and the creative talents of Dior come together to create fragrances that embody beauty and innovation. Directed by Matthew Menu, his 62-minute journey reveals the challenges, breakthroughs and pure passion behind the reinvention of a legendary scent. From Paris to Los Angeles, this is a year-long journey around the globe celebrating the creation of fragrances that are more than just scents. Fragrances are symbols of luxury, a tribute to craftsmanship and a testament to the relentless pursuit of perfection. Available to watch on Prime Video.
(Image credit: Dior Inside The Dream)
7. I Am Hormone Check Drop
Eyeam Hormone Check Drops, £29
This month, I discovered a fascinating wellness brand that blends traditional herbal knowledge with modern nutrition. Co-founded by Roxie Marrone and Margo Marrone, Her Eyeam stands out for its holistic approach to wellness, focusing on the integration of mind, body, and spirit through nature, science, ritual, and affirmations. The company’s Hormone Check Drops (£29) harness the properties of several powerful natural ingredients including milk thistle, agnus castus, chlorophyll, neem and melissa to help balance hormones and reduce stress overall. Targeted and formulated to address a variety of health concerns. , and emotional support. I love the philosophy behind her Eyeam. This philosophy focuses on transforming your life by changing your inner dialogue and practicing self-love, recognizing the interconnectedness of mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and promoting a more integrated approach to health. is advocated.