The Beauty Director’s Edit: June 2020

TRYING | A lockdown body quick-fix

Staying at home has been a rollercoaster ride, both emotionally and physically – and nothing is feeling it more than my isolation body. Calories consumed: 3.5 zillion. Steps taken: around 25. Quarantine and all that it brings has not been kind to my body.

It's in desperate need of a lift, and super-quick. Surgery is entirely out of the question, so I'm looking to Heist to solve the problem (no pressure guys).

The London-based hosiery innovators have changed the way we think about shapewear: gone are the restrictive granny girdles and corsetry constraints of past, now it's more about creating a streamlined silhouette with comfort on the agenda.

I ordered their iconic Outer Body in black; it arrived in a lovely box with tissue and immediately felt different. I was going to wait until restrictions were lifted and wear it under a black dress for confidence. However, it's so comfortable and stylish I'm wearing it under floaty summer dresses or teamed with an 80s-esque blazer as outerwear.

It's apparently down to the hi-tech, breathable, second-skin fabrics, HeroPanels that hold you in where you need it – resulting in a hefty 5cm reduction in my waist. So, if you're feeling a little 'soft' then stockpile the Heist; it will make emerging from the Covid cocoon just that little bit smoother.

Heist Studios, The Outer Body, £95

​TESTING | Swedish spa cures, body care and scented candles

An old Swedish tradition, every year in springtime birch leaves are used to cure and clean the body. There must be something in it – statistics lead us to believe they are among the happiest and healthiest people on the planet.

Indulge in the art of detoxifying – but without resorting to collecting twigs from a far-flung forest. Björk & Berries is a brand that hails from Sweden and provides lovely eco, vegan rituals to cleanse and nourish.

Try The Birch Ritual: it includes Birch Body Scrub, £29, that leaves skin super-soft. Bath Salt from the Garden, £31, has a lovely woody/herbal aroma that makes for a fragrant steam session when soaking in the tub. And the Body Serum, £44, is a super-moisturising oil that's rich in omega-3, 6 and 9 and leaves you with the perfect Scandi glow. All that's needed now is a sauna installation.

Light up one of Byredo's Woods Candles, £59 (inspired by walks through a Swedish woodland), and cleanse with L:A BRUKET No. 094 Hand & Body Wash, £25.50, and maybe you will also become a happy statistic.

​VETTING: A body serum that banishes dry skin without being greasy

Body products tend to swing one of two ways: either too rich and oily and take an age to sink in, or so light they barely register on dry skin.

However, Bioeffect Body Intensive Serum, £80, is altogether different. It features a cell-stimulating epidermal growth factor, and targets fine lines and dry skin to leave you glowing and nourished but non-greasy, which means you can apply, dress and hit the yoga mat – with no slipping and sliding around.

​SALUTING | All the brilliant beauty brands giving back during the crisis

We might not be fighting the virus on the front line – but it doesn't mean we can't help out in other ways. Back in April the Culture Whisper staffers and I published a list of our favourite brands that are supporting the Covid-19 cause, donating care packages, resources, manpower and products to where they're needed most.

Here is another I would like to give a virtual high-five to (and stockpile as they're so darn lovely.)

Buly 1803 Savon Superfin Special soap, £13.50, is described as 'the ultimate weapon in the war against Covid-19. The frontline hygiene product in times of a pandemic. All profits will be donated to charities.' The soap is pH-neutral, beautifully scented and much cheaper than their existing ranges too.

SUPPLEMENTING | Bespoke wellness solutions for you

The wellness supplement sector is a particularly confusing space; all those shelves laden with pills, tinctures and concoctions can feel a bit Alice in Wonderland; Eat me, drink me… and then goodness knows what…

Similarly, you stockpile on the back of celebrity endorsements, or a BF's recommendaion, and then they gather dust in your cabinet.

This is where The Nue Co comes into its own. You take part in an online health consultation, they analyse and create a perfect package for you (with experts on hand to tweak if needed). There are plenty of solutions for general health bugbears (lack of energy, bloating, tiredness, bad skin, plus more).

I've been on a tailored routine for over a month now and feeling more energised and less reliant on over-the-counter digestive remedies, which can only be a good thing. These things take time to work - so I need to stick with it for the optimum result.

Take your very own health quiz here: supplements start at £20.

The Nue Co. Bio-Hack Supplement Programme, £150

P.S...

For more healthy tips, check out our ultimate guide to giving your fridge a refresh: click here

Stay safe,

Sarah Joan Ross

Culture Whisper
Beauty Director