1. Shades of grey
Join the “Greyvolution” and ditch the £200 highlights for your natural greys with a home glossing product like Josh Wood’s Icy Blonde Colour Gloss (£19, boots.com) to neutralise brassy tones and boost shine at home.
2. Nude nails
Denounce nail polish for a pot of CND’s Solar Oil (£8.50, amazon.co.uk) kept by your desk or bedside. The nourishing nail and cuticle oil that beauty editors swear by strengthens and hydrates, helping nails to grow strong and glossy.
3. DIY mani
A standing appointment at the nail salon will set you back £30 every three weeks, whereas Le Mini Macaron’s Maxi Rouge & Moi Deluxe Gel Manicure Set (£64.99, feelunique.com) and includes everything you need to apply a long-lasting gel mani time and again, complete with UV lamp.
4. Neutral eyes
Eyeshadow palettes are now considered overkill. Invest in one standalone neutral that can be dialled up or down such as Jones Road’s The Best Eyeshadow in Smokey Grey (£23, jonesroadbeauty.com), designed by minimalist makeup artist Bobbi Brown.
5. Fuzz-tastic
If you’re brave enough to join Gen Z’s #bodyhairdontcare movement, giving up shaving, waxing and lasering is one way of saving time and money.
6. Nontouring
Swap contouring for “nontouring”. The Kardashians might be back on screen but their sculpted make-up look is out of step with the times. Zara’s Manifesto Color Stick (£12.99, zara.com) is an easy to dab on cream stick in a choice of 11 shades that does lips, cheeks and eyes. Done.
7. Moisture boost
We’ve wised up to the fact that a skincare product for every facial crevice isn’t necessary. CeraVe’s Moisturising Cream, (£16, boots.com) suits every skin type and is recommended by most high-end dermatologists.
8. Stretch it out
It took three lockdowns but at last brands have cottoned on to what women really want from their undergarments: stretch and comfort. Toss your underwired bra for a seamless one like Skims Fits Everybody triangle stretch-woven bra, (£35, selfridges.com).
9. Tinted moisturisers
Foundation has been sidelined for tinted moisturisers with less coverage and more skin benefits. Working from home saw to that. Better still, a tinted facial SPF does a sterling job of protecting skin from ageing UV rays while boosting one’s complexion. Try Avene’s Very High Protection Mineral Fluid SPF50+ £18.50 (lookfantastic.com).
10. Natural balm
The lipstick effect is waning but a natural balm is a wise investment. Lanolips 101 Ointment Multipurpose Superbalm, £10.99 (lookfantastic.com) can moisturise lips and dry elbows, soothe nappy rash or insect bites – and has less known uses such as grooming eyebrows and lashes, potentially making mascara and brow gel redundant. Cost per wear, it’s a no brainer. Still want colour? Refer to Zara’s Manifesto stick, above.
