Keep it real with a new take on contouring

Contouring involves applying darker and lighter shades of makeup to areas of the face (tops of the forehead, cheekbones, bridge of the nose and chin) to sculpt and define features. Popularised by the Kardashians, it has a reputation for giving you an OTT, social media-influencer face, one that strikes fear into the hearts of makeup minimalists. But there’s a better, more subtle option – contouring products that make skin look like skin (and not a mask) and a decent expert-led tutorial (check out charlottetilbury.com).

1. Merit Bronze Balm £26, meritbeauty.com
2. Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand £30, charlottetilbury.com
3. Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit £39, anastasiabeverlyhills.com
4. Victoria Beckham Beauty Contour Stylus £35, victoriabeckhambeauty.com
5. Fenty Beauty You Mist Setting Spray £28, fentybeauty.co.uk

I can’t do without… A deliciously creamy, silky and super-hydrating face treatment

If you are a regular reader of this column, you will know that I have an imaginary category in my head called ‘I’d drink it if I could…’ This Glazing Milk, essentially a creamy textured essence and hydrating powerhouse, has absolutely claimed and earned its spot. The brand is founded by Hailey Bieber (the model and, yes, Justin Bieber’s wife) and its Glazing Milk is hands down, right now, one of my very favourite products. If anyone still thinks that celebrity-founded brands are rubbish, this is the product to change your mind. It has beauty enthusiasts, editors – and pretty much anyone who has tried it – waxing lyrical about its qualities. And I agree that it is justified. The hydrating properties within the product are exceptional. It has ceramides, squalane and hyaluronic acid, which means it instantly floods the skin with moisture, helps to strengthen the skin’s barrier and leaves you with a plump, dewy, glazed finish. This is something that, let’s face it, we all want, regardless of age, skin type or tone. The finish you get means you don’t have to wear much makeup as your skin will look great without it. And, the formulation is ideal for sensitive skin, as it avoids potential irritants and artificial fragrances. And the texture! Oh the texture… It is so silky and creamy and sinks into the skin so beautifully that it’s a real pleasure to use. Can you tell how much I love it? Like I said, if I could, I’d drink it. Rhode Glazing Milk, £32, rhodeskin.com

On my radar… Rose-scented luxuries for Valentine’s Day

Radically rosy If you prefer the scent of rose when it veers left of centre, this rose meets vetiver and patchouli fragrance from Dries van Noten will be right up your street. Dries van Noten, Rosa Carnivora, £260, driesvannoten.com

Soft and smooth This nourishing rose body oil smells good enough to eschew your fragrance, but it also visibly reduces orange-peel skin. Clever. Irene Forte Rose Body Oil with Ximenynic Acid, £110, ireneforteskincare.co.uk

Candlelit romance When burned together, this iconic candle duo, Baies (Berries) and Roses, now in collectible glasses, emits a dreamy scent reminiscent of a wild garden peppered with roses. Diptyque Limited Edition Valentine’s Day candle duo, £120, diptyque.com