Charlie Byrne is the editor in chief of BrandAlley’s fashion supplements in The Sunday Times (read now >>>). As a fashion writer for the The Times, Charlie writes and edits fashion, luxury and beauty features for print and digital. Charlie previously worked at British ELLE, is a visiting tutor to London’s Central Saint Martin’s college of art and design, and regularly contributes to Thejewelleryeditor.com. She lives in a bright blue house on a hill in South London, with a man, a grumpy puss, and an ever-lengthening sausage dog.
We’ve admired her fresh-faced glow for quite some time now, so we grabbed the chance to grill her and learn her secrets. Fortunately, she agreed!
So, here are Charlie’s top tips and beauty regime fave’s.
LET’S MAKE UP
OPI nail polish: Nail polish (as well as tea and vintage cheddar) is my vice. I have a whole sack of it under my bathroom sink, and I can never resist a new shade. OPI polish is a favourite – their long, slender brush makes precise application really easy. To recreate Dolce & Gabbana’s S/S 2014 show look, a candy floss pink hue is vital – you could even try adding a top coat of sheer shimmer, or subtle flecks of glitter.
Superfood glam lipbalm: I’ve been addicted to lip balm since I was in primary school, when I would stuff my school skirt pockets with the stuff and our clothes would come out of the tumble dryer tie-dyed with cherry Chapstick stains. Rodial’s super-food glam lipbalm is a more sophisticated choice, and will keep your lips soft for summer. Try as a base for lipstick – it keeps dense colour looking moist and fresh.
Clarins mascara: Summer translates to swimming, sweating and weddings. And for all three, you need a reliable waterproof mascara. This Be Long formula from Clarins adds length and curve to lashes, and is never far from my handbag.
Bobbi Brown foundation stick: This foundation stick has been in my makeup bag for eight years, give or take, and the new formula is even more natural looking. Apply it with a brush, and it seamlessly hides flaws and melts into the skin. There’s a rainbow of colours to suit all skin tones – I use Alabaster – and you can even use two shades to add contouring to cheekbones.
LOTIONS AND POTIONS
Decleor purifying night cream: Anyone with kids (whether human or the furry kind) and a busy job knows that a good night’s sleep is a rare thing. We need products that do an extra big of leg work for us while we’re snatching what precious shut-eye we can manage. I rely on Decleor’s purifying night cream to detox my skin and re-plump it for morning meetings where I don’t want to look lacklustre.
Elemis milk bath rose and jasmine: In order to get my seal of approval, bath products have to be capable of transporting you to a more exotic, relaxing landscape than that of the bathroom you really want to redecorate but can’t quite afford to. Close your eyes to a steamy tub of Elemis’ rose and jasmine milk bath, and you’ll feel like you’re in an oriental garden. Light an Elemis Starlight candle, and you will lose yourself completely. Just be prepared for the rude awakening when you open your eyes again.
Scotland Island Spa shea butter cream: Everyone needs a super-moisturising body butter to keep skin soft, especially when temperatures are soaring and we’re whipping our legs out. It only take two minutes to coat yourself in a juicy layer of this shea butter cream post-bath, and your skin will thank you for it. Rub in broad, strong circles on your thighs to help with water retention and cellulite.
Eve Lom rescue mask: Sometimes, you need to bring out the big guns. A hectic schedule, poor diet, and rubbish exercise ethic can lead to major skin stresses that no amount of water guzzling can cure. When it feels like you need a whole new face to feel beautiful again, turn to Eve Lom’s rescue mask. It tightens, brightens, and calms breakouts – you can even spot apply it and leave it on overnight for more dramatic skin healing results.
What are your beauty fave’s and what’s the one regime you’ll NEVER skip?
