New beauty to know

If there’s one thing we actually quite enjoyed about lockdown, it was the chance to devote time to new beauty regimes. We went from stressed-out, frazzled skin to glowing, soft and dewy – but with, regretfully, no other humans around to see it. Really devoting time to our beauty regimes is something we absolutely want to continue with so in the name of beauty (or science), if we ever needed an excuse, here’s our lowdown on the best new skincare, haircare and bodycare. You are welcome.

The skincare

Ever look at a list of ingredients in your moisturiser or serum and feel very confused? Five Dot Botanics take a radically different approach to skincare with only five ingredients in each product. Plant-based, vegan and made in the UK, founders Zaffrin and Brian O'Sullivan aim to demystify what you’re putting on your face, so you can pay as much attention to it as you would your food. And the products are really high-performing. The Pure Rewind mask features a restorative concoction of mineral rich rose-coloured clay and soothing lavender oil. The Deep Feed serum combines cold-pressed green coffee beans with chamomile oil. Ah, finally – a skincare brand where we can put away that dictionary app.

The lip balm

All this rekindling of social activities is leaving our voices – and lips – parched. Alongside the eye area, the most delicate skin on our face is the lips so they deserve a little attention. Enter Sister & Co.’s Lip Tonics. Nourishing and hydrating, it’s the buttery mix of coconut, avocado and almond oil, with shea butter that whips into a kissable formula that smooths and protects. Adding Bulgarian rose and sweet cardamom, it’s an intoxicating scent – but subtle enough that it’s not distracting. Plus, the brand is organic and 100% natural.

The hand lotion

All this sanitising and scrubbing is leaving our hands very withered indeed, and so we were delighted to find British perfumer Tom Daxon has launched an irresistible, satiny hand lotion. Known for his understated, unisex fine fragrances, his gloved hand moisturiser applies the same knowledge and obsession for ingredients – with the fragrance oils blended and formulated in Grasse. Lightweight and non-greasy, it’s a heady mix of cedarwood, iris and a subtle lime. Crafted with his mother, Dale Daxon Bowers, long-time creative director of Molton Brown, it’s a bit of a legendary partnership.

The body scrub

Combining many of our favourite things – reusing, sustainability, East London and cult-worthy beauty –  there’s a lot to love about MONTAMONTA. Formulated in small batches in their Haggerston lab, the products are a harmonious marriage between science and plants. Made using repurposed coffee grounds from East London cafes along with Epsom and sea salts, sage extract and a base of almond, sunflower and coconut oil, their body scrub is as nurturing as it is exfoliating – leaving skin silken smooth and nourished. Founder Montague Ashley-Craig is a trained chemist, working with some of the buzziest beauty brands before launching her own label – and her experience shows. We’re hooked.

The hair oil

We’ll be the first to admit we were very glad to get our hair cut. But perhaps what we’re even more grateful for is that lockdown made us obsessed with hair oils – and none more so than CHES Editions. Formulated with 100% natural, highest-grade pure and essential oils, it’s a nourishing veil for your hair that locks in moisture and pumps up shine. Crafted in the UK, the brand epitomises clean luxury and was inspired by artisanal perfumery. Edition 29 is a beguiling combination of patchouli, mandarin and jasmine. Our hair – and dressing table – has never looked so good.