My ultimate travel trousers.

2 I love a body oil, but I absolutely do not want to feel like I’ve been basted in one. This is the opposite. It’s a beautifully fine, silky formula that sinks in almost immediately, leaving my skin soft, nourished and with that subtle sheen that makes bare arms and legs look so much better.

The formula blends five oils, including coconut, jojoba and sunflower, with Pro-Vitamin D3 to help support and soothe the skin, but the other reason I keep reaching for it is the scent. It’s this gorgeous mix of jasmine, lavender and sandalwood that smells expensive and enveloping without being overpowering.

Glow, minus the grease.

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3 Sézane’s new collection is SO good. The brand has shifted things up a gear this season: stronger shapes, more interesting proportions and pieces that feel a little more directional, but are still completely wearable. This jacket was an immediate favourite. The chocolate brown grained leather is beautiful, but it’s the shape that really got me: slightly oversized with dropped armholes, a high collar and a subtle cinch at the hem that gives it that perfect blouson silhouette. Chocolate brown is also such a good alternative to black for autumn. I’d wear this with jeans, tailored trousers, layered over a shirt or knit, basically everything. It’s an investment, but exactly the kind of jacket that makes the simplest outfit work.

I predict a sell-out.

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4 This is basically my end-of-summer uniform right now. I love a cream shirt with classic black trousers, and the frog-style closures and crossover collar make this feel much more interesting than your standard button-down. The fabric is fluid rather than crisp, while the visible seams through the front give it just enough structure. It’s a fresh take on a very classic silhouette, which is exactly what I’m always drawn to. I’m wearing it here with simple black trousers and heeled ballerinas, and frankly I could happily repeat this entire outfit well into autumn.

A very good update on a classic

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5 This is a brilliant take on a rugby shirt, patchworked from four different combinations of stripes with a relaxed, slightly dropped-shoulder shape. It has that slightly tomboyish, borrowed-from-the-boys feel I always love, but done in a way that feels fresh rather than overly preppy. It’s made from incredibly soft Geelong lambswool using Scottish-spun yarn and, rather wonderfully, each piece is knitted separately before being hand-linked and finished. I love pieces where you can really see the thought and craftsmanship that’s gone into them, and this is one of those. It’s currently on pre-order and very much worth getting ahead of.

Pre-order before everyone clocks it.

There’s plenty of skincare too, a little bit of hair, including the hair serum I started using and somehow managed to finish, and even a tiny bit of make-up. Although, judging by the ratio of body lotion to make-up, you can probably tell exactly how I’ve been spending my summer.

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I always think empties are so much more interesting than newness because by the time I’ve completely finished something, I really know how I feel about it. No first impressions, no excitement because something has just landed on my desk. I’ve actually lived with it, used it consistently and, in some cases, scraped out every last bit.

So, as always, the empty bottle is the review. Watch the video for everything I finished over the past two months, what I genuinely loved, what I’d buy again, what surprised me and what I’m perfectly happy to say goodbye to.

Shop all empties here

And please leave me your questions in the comments. Ask me anything about the products in the video, tell me what you want a deeper review on, or just send me your general beauty questions. I’m going to pick a selection and answer them properly in an upcoming Ask Alex post, Stack or Note.

So consider the comments officially open for questions

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Exclusive for Ask Alex readers: Buy any Brow Gel Set and you’ll receive a complimentary lip liner, plus use code SUB30 for 30% off your order.

The brow gel I actually use.

2 Everyone has been obsessed with the perfect crew neck for the past few seasons, but I’m calling it now: the V-neck long-sleeved tee is about to have its moment. This one gets the proportions exactly right with its boxy fit, dropped shoulders and soft jersey fabric. It’s one of those understated basics that makes everything from tailored trousers to vintage denim look that little bit cooler.

The next basic everyone will want

3 One of the newest additions to my bodycare routine, and one I think is worth knowing about. I’m a firm believer that the skin below your neck deserves the same level of care as your face, and this serum does exactly that. It combines 5% AHAs to gently lift away dead skin cells with hyaluronic acid and prickly pear extract to replenish hydration, so skin feels smoother, softer and looks more even. I’ve been using it a few evenings a week and the difference in skin texture has been noticeable.

The new body launch on my radar.

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4 Finding summer trousers that feel relaxed but still look smart isn’t as easy as it sounds. The jacquard gives the fabric a bit more substance and makes them feel dressier, while the wide-leg shape keeps them light and floaty. They’re exactly what I’ll wear for dinner on holiday and a warm evening in the city when jeans feel like too much.

My answer to summer evening dressing

5 I’m always on the lookout for accessories that make the simplest outfits feel more interesting, and these do exactly that. They’re essentially jewellery for your feet. The brown leather means they’ll work with almost everything you already own, while the coloured stones add just the right amount of personality. They’re the sandals you’ll end up packing for every holiday because they seem to go with everything.

Already in my suitcase

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A tiny holiday around your neck

2 By the time summer is in full swing, my skin is usually asking for more than hydration. Heat, SPF, travel and long days outdoors can leave it looking a little tired. This is the moisturiser I’d reach for when I want my skin to look smoother, fresher and properly well-rested again. It combines peptides, niacinamide and gentle resurfacing ingredients in a lightweight cream that leaves skin looking refined and incredibly healthy without feeling heavy, even in warm weather.

The Cream That’s Getting Me Through Summer

3 If there’s one thing I’m always looking for, it’s trousers that feel as comfortable as pyjamas but look polished enough for dinner. These do exactly that. The matte satin has a beautiful drape with just enough lustre to catch the light without looking shiny, and the straight-leg cut makes them incredibly easy to wear. Add the fact they have pockets, and they’re the sort of piece you’ll reach for on repeat, whether you’re dressing them up with heels or keeping things effortless with sandals and a simple top.

These are so good

4 Summer mascara has one job: survive the heat, humidity, the occasional swim and that inevitable afternoon nap on a sun lounger. This is the one I’m packing. It gives beautifully defined, fluttery lashes without clumps or smudges, and still comes off effortlessly with warm water at the end of the day. Exactly the kind of low-maintenance beauty I want on holiday. Available in black and brown.

My Holiday Mascara Has Officially Been Decided

5 A great summer bag does all the heavy lifting, and this one manages to be both fun and incredibly chic. Handwoven in Kenya from locally harvested sisal and finished with leather trims, it celebrates exceptional craftsmanship while the bold stripes add just the right amount of personality. It elevates simple linen, denim or a black dress and is perfectly sized for the essentials, including the two things I never leave home without: sunscreen and my phone.

Meet your vacation bag

For some people, it’s bright coral or nothing. Others have been wearing the same shade of OPI Bubble Bath since 2007 and see no reason to change now. Then there are the white-pedicure loyalists, who emerge every June as predictably as Wimbledon strawberries.

Personally, I’m fascinated by what happens to beauty trends when they reach our feet. The lipstick trend of the season? Most people won’t wear it. The trending haircut? Same.

But the minute sandal weather arrives, suddenly we’re all asking the same question: What colour are we putting on our toes?

And for this week’s post, I decided to go straight the experts. I’ve teamed up with DryBy, one of London’s most trusted nail destinations, to find out exactly what clients are requesting right now, what colours are flying off the shelves, and which shades the professionals think will define Summer 2026. Here DryBy Founder Krisztina van der Boom settles the great pedicure debate once and for all.

What is the single most requested pedicure shade at DryBy right now?

Classic cherry red remains our most requested pedicure shade. It’s timeless, flattering on almost everyone and works just as well in the city as it does on holiday. While trends come and go, red remains the colour clients return to year after year.

Which colour do you think looks the most expensive?

The most expensive-looking feet are healthy, soft, well-maintained feet. Colour is secondary. That said, a perfectly executed cherry red or a soft, elegant French pedicure always looks luxurious because they’re timeless.

Which shade surprises people when they try it for the first time?

A soft see-through coconut white. Many clients worry it will look plain, but when done well it can make the feet look fresh, clean and beautifully polished, particularly during the summer months.

Image Credit: DryBy

What colour do you think will define Summer 2026?

Chocolate brown. It’s sophisticated, fashion-forward and surprisingly wearable. It feels modern and works beautifully with the rich tan leathers and suede textures we’re seeing across fashion.

Image credit: Manucurist

Are bright pedicures making a comeback or are clients still leaning towards clean-girl neutrals?

We’re seeing both. Clean-girl neutrals, French pedicures and sheer pinks remain incredibly popular, but we’re also seeing a return of confident holiday colours such as bright red, coral and orange shades. Clients seem to be embracing whichever aesthetic feels most like them.

What’s the biggest pedicure mistake people make?

Treating pedicures as a seasonal beauty treatment rather than an ongoing part of personal care. Healthy nails and skin require regular maintenance. We also often see people cutting toenails too short or rounding the corners, which can increase the risk of ingrown toenails. The foundation of a beautiful pedicure is healthy, well-maintained feet and soft, polished skin.

Which colour works on absolutely everyone?

Cherry red. It transcends age, skin tone, season and fashion trends. It’s one of the few shades that consistently works for everyone.

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What pedicure shade do nail professionals secretly love but clients rarely ask for?

Milk chocolate brown. Nail professionals appreciate its sophistication and versatility, yet clients often overlook it. It can look incredibly chic.

What sandal trends are influencing pedicure choices this year?

We’re seeing lots of pared-back open-toe leather sandals, refined thong sandals, suede finishes and understated hardware. These styles tend to pair beautifully with classic reds, French pedicures and rich neutrals rather than statement nail looks.

If someone came in tomorrow and said, “I want my feet to look chic, expensive and fashion-forward”, what would you put on them?

We’d focus on the condition of the feet first. The most luxurious pedicure starts with healthy skin, beautifully maintained nails and correct shaping.Fashion-forward is actually less important in pedicures than it is in manicures. A colour can be beautiful in fashion but unflattering on the feet. Pistachio, for example, is a gorgeous fashion colour of the moment, but on the feet it can look unflattering. Once the feet are looking their best, we’d enhance them with timeless shades that suit almost everyone: a soft French pedicure (barely-there white tips, not Tippex), a classic cherry red or a rich chocolate brown, depending on personal style. In pedicures the goal isn’t to chase a trend it’s to choose a colour that enhances healthy, beautifully maintained feet.

Which celebrity or fashion aesthetic is influencing pedicure choices most right now?

Less a specific celebrity and more the wider wellbeing movement. The women we see most regularly are increasingly interested in longevity, wellbeing and looking after themselves holistically. They’re investing in everything from sleep and nutrition to strength training and skincare, and that same philosophy is extending to their feet.

As a result, we’re seeing less focus on trend-led colours and more focus on healthy nails, beautifully maintained skin and regular foot care. The finish itself is becoming more personal. Some clients choose gel, others prefer traditional polish, and some opt for no colour at all, finishing with a strengthening treatment or active serum. The common thread is care.

In many ways, the modern pedicure has become part of a broader wellbeing routine rather than simply a beauty treatment. The luxury today isn’t really the colour, it’s the maintenance.

What colour are you personally wearing this summer?

A barely-there micro French. It’s timeless and clean.

Image Credit: DryBy

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The funny thing is that these videos often reveal patterns I hadn’t even noticed myself. Apparently I’m more loyal to certain categories than I think. Apparently I finish some things at alarming speed. And apparently there are products I keep coming back to, even when hundreds of others pass across my desk.

As always, this isn’t a neat snapshot of the past two months. The nature of my job means products are constantly entering and leaving rotation. Some are tested, some are revisited, snd some are rediscovered. But every empty here tells you something about what genuinely worked its way into my routine.

I never know what this edit is going to say about me until I sit down to film it. That’s probably why I enjoy it so much.

Anyway, enjoy the latest instalment. I suspect there might be one or two surprises in this batch.

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This is the moment where I want clothes that work hard without looking like they’re trying too hard: loose trousers, oversized shirts, flat sandals and pieces that somehow still look polished even when my brain has melted by 2pm.

The good news is Zara is currently in a very strong summer phase. Less random trend chaos, more genuinely wearable pieces that make surviving 33 degrees in London feel slightly more elegant. These are the items currently carrying my summer wardrobe and helping me look like I thrive in the sweltering heat, even when I categorically do not.

1 These are exactly the kind of trousers I want to wear in a heatwave. Crisp white cotton, a really elegant wide-leg shape and just enough structure through the pleats to make them feel polished rather than floppy. They have that effortless ‘expensive summer in Europe’ energy Zara occasionally gets very right, and I already know they’ll work with oversized shirts, simple tanks and flat leather sandals.

The kind of trousers fashion people wear on holiday

2 This leans into the whole boho mood that’s everywhere right now, but in a way that still feels easy and wearable rather than full festival costume. I love that it has the ease of throwing on a T-shirt, but the embroidery and soft linen blend make it feel far more considered and elevated. It works with white trousers, the matching shorts or with swimwear on holiday.

The throw-on top that looks styled

3 I always keep a lightweight scarf in my bag in summer because I’m constantly moving between heat outside and freezing air conditioning inside. Flights, restaurants, trains, offices… it’s become one of those things I never travel without. This striped linen-blend one feels especially chic, and instantly makes even the simplest outfit look more pulled together at the same time.

Air conditioning survival kit

4 This is exactly the kind of basic Zara does brilliantly. The double sleeve detail gives a simple white T-shirt that slightly more styled, layered feel without any actual effort involved, which is ideal in hot weather when the last thing I want is a complicated outfit. I’d wear this with my ubiquitous loose trousers, light denim or linen bermudas all summer long and probably end up buying a second one once I realise how often I’m reaching for it.

The T-shirt doing more

5 I am forever looking for shirts that feel polished enough for meetings and dinners, but still relaxed enough to throw over swimwear in summer. This red striped one has that perfect slightly oversized menswear feel, but the contrast cuffs stop it looking too corporate or predictable. Exactly the sort of piece that makes even very simple outfits feel styled with almost no effort.

The shirt making everything look polished

6 I’m very into bags that make simple summer outfits look more elevated, and this braided leather shoulder bag does exactly that. The woven texture gives it that understated Bottega-adjacent feel, while still being practical enough for everyday life. I also really like the drawstring interior detail so the bag doesn’t feel completely open, which makes it feel much more functional for travelling around the city all day.

Bottega energy, Zara pricing

7 This exact shade of blue is becoming the colour of summer, and I keep seeing it everywhere in the best possible way. These flat leather sandals feel fresh, easy and genuinely comfortable enough to wear all day, which immediately makes them more appealing to me than anything overly trend-driven. I already know they’ll work with every simple summer outfit I own.

The colour making every outfit fresher

8 I love gingham in summer because it makes an outfit feel more playful and slightly nostalgic, but these wide-leg trousers still feel very wearable. The loose shape keeps them cool in the heat, while the print gives simple tanks and white shirts a bit more personality. Exactly what I want on holiday or during an urban heatwave when I still want to look vaguely stylish without putting in too much effort.

The statement summer trouser

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This won’t stay around long

2 I’ve slept on silk pillowcases and used silk scrunchies for years because they genuinely make a difference. Less friction means less frizz, less tugging on skin, fewer sleep creases and far less stress on hair overnight. This Slip set is also incredibly chic, and exactly the kind of beauty luxury I think is actually worth it.

Beauty sleep, upgraded

3 This is why I keep gravitating towards Elce pieces. They understand how to make wardrobe staples feel interesting again without making them difficult to wear. The oversized shape, textured stripe and contrast details give this shirt that effortless mix of ease and polish that works with absolutely everything.

Already imagining the outfits

4 The kind of accessory that changes the entire feel of an outfit in seconds. The soft bone leather, wraparound ties and gold detailing give even the simplest summer look more shape, personality and polish. Particularly good with oversized shirting, linen tailoring or an easy slip dress on holiday.

Summer styling solved

5 OneSkin is one of the more interesting longevity-led skincare brands out there right now, and this lip SPF is genuinely excellent. Lip SPF is still something most people overlook, but this makes it easy because it feels like a proper nourishing lip balm first: comfortable, hydrating and easy to reapply throughout the day. The tint is also incredibly flattering, just enough colour to make lips look fresher and healthier.

Your lips will thank you

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So this isn’t a big reset, it’s an edit. Five new additions that have slipped into my routine over the past few weeks and stayed there. Not necessarily because they’re new, but because they work for where I am right now.

It’s that shift into fresher textures, easy layering, and formulas that do more without needing more. Nothing complicated, just a routine that feels like it makes sense for now.

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Found at last

2. If you don’t know Aroma-Zone yet, allow me to put you on. It’s huge in France, adored by people who know their skincare, and still oddly under the radar here. This hyaluronic acid serum is £6.50 and genuinely brilliant: deeply hydrating, instantly plumping and the quickest way to make tired skin look fresher. The formulas have real integrity, the prices are almost offensive, and this is where I’d start.

French secret weapon

3. I’m always looking for the perfect neutral summer sandal, and these feel like a very strong contender. Minimal, elegant and finished in chic lizard-effect leather, they have that rare ability to work with everything: linen trousers, jeans, slip skirts, holiday dresses, all of it. The kitten heel gives just enough lift without becoming a commitment. Exactly the kind of shoe that earns its keep all season.

Summer sandals sorted

4. I’m often asked for the best everyday SPF, and this is one I rate highly. It feels like proper skincare that happens to be SPF50: invisible, glowy, non-greasy and the sort of formula you actually want to wear every single morning. No white cast, no pilling, no fighting with makeup, and you can reapply it over makeup without ruining everything underneath. Just protected, fresher-looking skin with added brightening and hydration.

SPF you’ll use

5. The kind of jacket that makes a simple outfit look considered in seconds. This checked bubble-hem style has that perfect mix of polished and relaxed, with the funnel neck giving it a slightly cooler edge. Throw it on with jeans, white trousers or over a knit on chilly spring mornings and suddenly you look like you tried. An easy wardrobe win.

Jacket of the week

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There’s something about finishing body products that always feels wildly grown-up to me. Like paying taxes on time or having a fruit bowl. It suggests a level of consistency and self-respect that I’m not sure is reflected in every other area of my life, but I’m thrilled it’s showing up in the bathroom. And unlike skincare, which I will do under almost any circumstances, bodycare still feels like a choice. So the fact that there were so many empties in that category feels, frankly, like excellent character development.

This edit also confirmed something I think I’ve known for a while now: What I keep finishing, over and over, are the things that support. The products that make my skin feel better, my body feel looked after, and life feel just that little bit more pulled together. The beauty equivalent of people who reply quickly and bring you a charger.

And honestly, that feels like a fairly good metaphor for where I am generally.

The other thing empties always reveal is who I really am as a person, not who I imagine myself to be. I’m not, it turns out, someone who flits elegantly from one new obsession to the next. I am someone who finds something she likes and then uses it with near-religious devotion until it is physically impossible to get another drop out. Sometimes even beyond that point, if scissors are involved. There is always at least one product in these posts that has been cut open, folded in half, or handled with the intensity of someone trying to retrieve state secrets. Waste not, etc.

I also think this batch reflects the season quite well. End of winter, start of spring, that slightly confused in-between stretch where you still want comfort and nourishment, but you’re also beginning to crave freshness and lightness.

So yes, a slightly overdue empties post, but maybe all the better for it. A lot of skincare, a surprising amount of bodycare, a few faithfuls, a few quiet heroes, and the usual reminder that the products worth talking about are very often the ones that simply keep showing up for you.

If you watch the empties video, you’ll see exactly what made the cut. And if that feels too much like a commitment, everything is very conveniently linked below.

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The full empties lineup

Meet your new jeans

2 If you think you don’t like gourmand fragrances, this is the one that might change your mind. It has that cherry Bakewell warmth, a little boozy, slightly nutty, but never overly sweet. The florals keep it grown-up, the balsams add depth, and it settles into something incredibly comforting on the skin. Decadent, but with restraint

The grown-up gourmand

3 A modern ballet flat done properly. The higher vamp gives more coverage across the foot, so they feel more directional and less saccharine, while the soft, unstructured leather brings that effortless, broken-in ease from day one. They mould to your foot, work with everything from tailoring to denim, and strike the perfect balance between polished and undone.

The modern flat

4 I love the Stockholm. I have it in suede and reach for it constantly, it’s one of those bags that just works. This new canvas and leather version feels like the perfect spring update, lighter, fresher, but still incredibly polished. Spacious, practical, and genuinely chic, it moves effortlessly from work to weekend without missing a beat.

The spring update

5 At 51, I’m just as invested in anti-ageing for my hair as I am for my skin. Hair evolves, it has less bounce, less shine, a bit more dryness, so I treat it accordingly. This is the overnight step I never skip. It works while I sleep, so I wake up with softer, glossier, more manageable hair that feels fuller. It’s consistent care with visible payoff.

Hair ageing, handled

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My lip wardrobe is essentially different variations of a neutral lip. Same family, different personalities. Sometimes it’s a softly sculpted peach, sometimes a glossy rose, sometimes a blurred pinky nude with a little depth. Texture and tone are what make the difference.

I’ve realised over the years that a good lip combo is a bit like great tailoring: it subtly shapes everything. The liner adds structure, the lipstick brings tone, and the lip tint or balm gives life.

Below are the four combinations I’m reaching for right now. They’re easy, flattering and very much in that polished-but-not-trying-too-hard category.

Watch the video to see how each one looks on the lips because the finish makes all the difference.

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To create your own bespoke lipstick with code8 - visit this link

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2 If you haven’t clocked Modern Chemistry yet, you should. Boots has quietly built a proper inside-outside-in wellness line and this cleansing balm is the star of the skincare lineup. The Sea Buckthorn Oil Restore Cleansing Balm melts everything, including stubborn waterproof mascara, then turns into a soft milk that rinses clean with zero greasy film. With 3% sea buckthorn oil, 1% vitamin E and a botanical adaptogen blend, it cushions the barrier while leaving skin genuinely glowier, not just squeaky.

Cleanse like a pro

3 Consider this my official campaign to resurrect the bootcut. These mid-rise slim bootcut jeans are fitted through the leg, then gently kick out just enough to balance hips and magically lengthen everything below the waist. The slight stretch keeps them comfortable but they still hold their shape, which is crucial if we’re doing 2000s redux in 2026. Sharp with a blazer, brilliant with a heel, and very good with a pointed flat.

Join the bootcut revival

4 This is the sort of mist that actually does something. The ultra-fine spray disappears on contact but thanks to hyaluronic acid and glycerin you get that immediate bounce and fresh-skin glow without disturbing makeup. Over time, palmitoyl peptides help nudge elasticity in the right direction, while chamomile and lavender take the edge off redness, which makes it brilliant for stressed, overworked complexions. I keep it on my desk for the 3pm slump and use it as a setting spray when I want skin to look lit from within, not lacquered.

Hydrate on repeat

5 This is my idea of a proper grown-up bag. Crafted from black leather that is genuinely buttery soft, it has that quiet, architectural feel that nods to Phoebe Philo, especially with the extended straps sitting elegantly at either side. The hidden magnetic closure keeps it streamlined, while the internal zip pocket sorts the chaos. Wear it over the shoulder for work or tuck the straps in and carry it as a maxi clutch after hours. Chic, sleek, and endlessly useful.

Carry it everywhere

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Full product details here

Instant outfit maker

2 Luminous Silk didn’t need improving, but I’m glad they did it properly. The finish is still that weightless, skin-but-better glow I’ve trusted for years, but the updated formula wears longer and looks even more like real skin. I love the addition of niacinamide and glycerin because it now treats my complexion while I’m wearing it. The expanded shade range also makes finding a true match easier than ever.

Still iconic, just quietly refined

3 These suede boat shoes are one of those finds that turn into an everyday essential. I have them in tan and blue and wore them daily in Miami last week, walking miles without a single regret. They’re easy, unfussy and somehow make everything look more pulled together without trying. Low in stock right now, but if they come back, don’t hesitate. Perfect spring shoes when trainers feel too casual and loafers feel too serious.

The spring shoe you’ll live in

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4 I already own this jacket in black and added the ocean blue because it elevates absolutely everything. The pankou closure gives it a quiet edge that makes it feel special without being precious. Cut in breathable linen, it’s the layer I reach for when I want to look considered but effortless. A true wardrobe anchor, not a trend.

Effortless polish without trying too hard

5 How about a lightweight, protective morning oil? A gorgeous fast-absorbing feel, powered with high-level antioxidants and an advanced Vitamin C complex to protect skin from daily free radical damage. It gives me glow, resilience and long-term results without ever feeling heavy or sitting on the skin. If your skin feels thirsty and you care about ageing well, this is the one.

The daily AM oil

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Image Credit: Chanel

This round surprised me, mostly because it’s heavily skincare. I always assume makeup will dominate, yet every time it’s the quietly hardworking skincare that makes it to the finish line. Cleansers that get used morning and night, serums that get layered on repeat and moisturisers that keep my skin behaving itself.

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Emptying a product is the best form of endorsement I know. I can like many things, but finishing something means it earned its place in my routine when my skin was tired, when I was travelling, when I could not be bothered to experiment. These are the products that survived my laziness.

What always jumps out is how non-viral most of my empties are. No dramatic miracle claims, no instant transformation promises. Instead it’s barrier-supporting formulas, calming hydrators, solid serums and treatment products that quietly keep inflammation, dehydration and irritation in check. This is very much grown-up skincare behaviour and I stand by it.

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I’m also always struck by how rarely I fully empty something that does too much. Overly aggressive actives, overly fragranced formulas - they tend to linger half-used. The empties, on the other hand, are the ones that fitted seamlessly into my life.

Doing these empties diaries keeps me honest. It’s a reminder that results come from repetition, not novelty. That skin does not care how new something is, only whether it’s appropriate and well-formulated. And that my skin prefers consistency over chaos.

If you are trying to build a routine that actually works, pay attention to what you finish, not just what you buy. The bottles you throw away tell a far more accurate story than the ones still waiting their turn.

Explore my Empties here

This year has been a big one. Big conversations about skin, ageing, confidence and curiosity. Big honesty. Big learning moments for me too. Ask Alex has always been about cutting through noise, marketing fluff and unrealistic promises, and doing it together. It has become a place where we can be informed, sceptical, open minded and a little bit playful all at once. That is entirely down to the community around it.

I am deeply grateful to every single subscriber, whether you joined on day one or just recently found your way here. You are the reason I get to research properly, test things rigorously, ask better questions and share recommendations I genuinely stand behind. Independent newsletters only work when people choose to support them, and I never forget that you have chosen to support me.

If Ask Alex has been useful, enjoyable or reassuring for you this year, consider gifting a subscription to someone you care about. A friend who loves beauty but hates the nonsense. A sister, a mother, a colleague who is curious about skin and ageing but wants facts, not fear. It is one of the most meaningful ways to support this work and help this little corner grow.

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I’m going to take a proper two week break now. A pause to rest, recharge and come back with fresh energy and ideas. Ask Alex will be back on the 13th of January, and I am already excited about what 2026 has in store. More clarity. More education. More honest conversations. More joy in taking care of ourselves, at every age.

However you are spending the festive season, I hope it brings you moments of calm, warmth and connection. Thank you for being here. Truly.

With so much gratitude,
Alessandra

Regenerative skincare is the category I kept returning to. Not because it’s flashy, but because it makes sense, especially as skin ages. Peptides became more sophisticated, moving beyond generic signalling claims into formulas that actually influence how skin functions. Growth factor technologies matured, with better stabilisation and clearer intent. PDRN made its move from clinic to cabinet in a way that finally felt credible, thanks to improved delivery systems (I predict big things for 2026). Even exosome-inspired formulas, when done properly, showed promising skin-conditioning benefits rather than empty buzzwords. What united the best regenerative products was consistency. These are not overnight transformers, they are skin trainers. Used daily, they improve resilience, reduce background inflammation and support recovery from everything else the skin is exposed to, from actives to environment.

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Barrier intelligence still mattered deeply. The regenerative products that worked best were paired with formulas that protected the barrier rather than compromising it. Lipid balance, gentle pH and thoughtful supporting ingredients made the difference between a product that sounded good on paper and one that actually delivered visible results. Regeneration does not happen in stressed skin.

Hydration also evolved. The standouts this year understood that hydrated skin is communicative skin. By improving how skin holds and distributes water, these products enhanced elasticity and comfort without heaviness. Skin felt plump but not coated, supported but not smothered.

What I appreciated most in 2025 was a shift towards honesty. Fewer miracle timelines. More emphasis on long-term skin health. Brands that respected the intelligence of their customer stood out immediately.

This edit is not about trends or novelty, it’s about trust. These are the products I reached for repeatedly because they made my skin stronger, more stable and visibly healthier over time. Regenerative skincare is not about reversing age. It is about supporting skin so it can function at its best for as long as possible.

If you are curious where skincare is heading and what actually delivered in 2025, this is it. Quietly advanced formulas, better skin behaviour and results that build rather than burn out. That is the future I am investing in.

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The Fair Isle that isn’t trying too hard

2 This is the kind of beauty vault that feels slightly unhinged in the best possible way. Twenty full-size favourites, exclusive shades you cannot buy anywhere else, and the sort of edit that makes you feel like you have your life together before you have even opened the box. Two exclusive lipsticks (including my new go-to ‘Out of Office’) brushes, glow, colour and care, all packed into a gorgeous blue suede box. It’s also very, very good value. £185 for over £643 worth of product. That’s not ‘girl maths’, that’s real maths. If you’re buying one hero gift for someone who lives and breathes beauty, this is it. Or keep it for yourself. No judgement. I would (and will).

The gift that never stops giving.

3 I love a good party shoe, and this satin slingback is exactly the kind that earns its place in the line-up. The pointed toe keeps everything sleek, the stiletto gives you that elegant lift, and the flower detail adds just the right amount of drama without overwhelming the outfit. The 9cm heel is high enough to feel dressy but still wearable, and the ankle buckle means you’re not doing that awkward ‘my shoe is slipping off’ shuffle all night. A proper party-season hero.

The party shoe that does all the flirting for you

4 I’m not a red lipstick wearer, but this one somehow flatters everyone, including the people who normally run a mile from a bold lip. The classic blue based red makes teeth look brighter, skin look clearer and your whole face look pulled together in about three seconds. The matching liner gives you that crisp, editorial finish without looking harsh, and the velvet texture walks that rare line between rich and comfortable. It’s saturated, smooth and genuinely wearable, not that drying, high maintenance red that lives at the bottom of your bag. Consider this your grown up, confidence boosting red.

The red that converts even the neutrals

5 I always find the best bits in the men’s section, and this cognac leather tote is a perfect example. The split suede finish makes it feel soft and lived in straight away, but still polished enough for proper everyday use. It’s big without being ridiculous, structured enough to hold its shape, and the zip closure means your life isn’t spilling out every time you move. Inside pocket for the important things, sturdy contrast straps that don’t dig in, and a size that works for laptop, gym bits and the chaos of daily life. A proper work to weekend, travel to coffee run kind of bag.

The bag that quietly does everything