The Unsung Heroes I Use Every Day
I couldn't do life without them.
A few weeks ago I wrote about the best things I added to my wardrobe in 2024, most of the picks based on what I’ve reached for again and again.
It got me thinking about what else I use, beyond clothes, all the time. And I realised there are things I own that I’ll use more than anything else — and some, every day.
Like the soft cotton robe I pull on every morning while making coffee. The hydrating under-eye cream that conceals dark circles. The yoga mat spray that doubles as a room freshener. The wine glasses that don’t smash no matter how many times I drop them. And the cleanser that makes taking off my makeup at the end of the day pure joy.
Here’s to all the things I use daily, but are rarely in the spotlight.
Skin & body care
Eve Lom cleanser. I started using this cleanser about seven or eight years ago and I became a woman hooked. I use it at night to remove any makeup and cleanse the skin and love the light exfoliation, not to mention the scent and little muslin cloth ritual.
Grown Alchemist eye balm. I picked this up from a TK Maxx when I was travelling and realised my usual stuff had run out. Turns out, it was one of my best buys — this is the only eye product I’ve used that made a visible difference to my fine lines. A little goes a long way too.
Avène facial spray and nourishing cream moisturiser. I’ve tried fancy, expensive moisturisers but I always return to French pharmacy brand Avène. It’s just the thing for my slightly dry and sensitive skin. I love using the spray before applying my serum to help it absorb better too.
Emma Lewisham serum*. A skin-loving blend of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Emma Lewisham skincare is all-natural and climate-positive too, which is very cool. I’ve used a similar one from Face Gym, which I also highly rate.
SPF 50, come rain or shine. La Roche-Posay is my usual go-to but I also like this one from Beauty Pie and this from Oh My Cream.
Sonsie multi moisture mask*. I use this as my nightly moisturiser and let me tell you, it’s worth the hype. A couple of nights a week, I add a drop of Tan-Luxe self-tan drops in light/medium, so I look less like a pale Victorian child forbidden to step outside the confines of their draughty home (my natural complexion in winter.)
Currentbody LED mask*. Another product that’s worth the hype. I use mine 3-5 times a week and have noticed a reduction in my dark circles and blemishes since I started using it. Use code ANGHARAD10 for 10% off.
Monastery matte body oil.* I love the lasting effects of body oil, but not the having to wait ages to get dressed whenever I use one. This one’s lightweight and absorbs really quickly, plus its scent of grapefruit, pink peppercorn and gingergrass is delicious.
ZIIP Halo*. A facial toning device that actually works — I use mine a few times a week on the days when I want a little lift and glow. I was new to these kinds of devices, but this is easy to use from the get-go. Code ANGHARAD will get you 10% off.
The Nue Co. Skin Filter. I don’t take many supplements but this one is always part of my morning routine. It has zinc and vitamins A and C and I’ve seen a visible difference in my skin tone and brightness since using it.
Makeup
Honestly, I don’t wear makeup very often. I work from home and there are days when the only people who see me (beyond my partner) are my fellow yogis at my daily class. And maybe the postie. They don’t care whether my under-eyes are concealed or not.
But there are days when I have an important call with a new client or I’m going out to socialise with people in the real world, and I’ll want to make a bit of an effort. On those days, I’ll wear:
Jones Road What The Foundation* (a very light foundation that’s hydrating, almost like a tinted moisturiser) or Merit the Minimalist.
Beauty Pie Under-Eye Genius. Reduces dark circles and moisturises the under-eye area. You can use concealer over the top of it but day-to-day, I find this is enough on its own.
Jones Road tinted powder in pink*. Keeps shine at bay and adds a touch of colour to my complexion.
Jones Road eyebrow pencil*. Very easy-to-use eyebrow pencil with hairlike fibres that give an overall natural look.
Merit mascara or Trinny London* if I want a more dramatic lash.
And on the lips: Jones Road lip pencil in rose*, Merit Signature Lip in Antibes or Cabo, Trinny London lipstick in Just Joyous* or, simply, Sonsie lip balm*.
Desk bits
Métier diary*. I’m a pen-and-paper person. My to-do list doesn’t happen unless it’s written down in ink, and this diary makes it all feel much chicer than an old stack of Post-its.
Yoga mat spray. If I remember, I’ll spray this on my mat before a class. It also makes a nice room spay and pick-me-up when I get writer’s block.
NEOM hand balm. The only thing that helps my winter-ravaged hands.
Clothes & accessories for pottering in
