And just like that ... it's July!
Chanel's new No 5 L’Eau limited edition, coral gel nails, big baskets and the importance of summer downtime.
Happy July, everyone! How are you?
We got home from Italy later than planned in the early hours of yesterday morning, after a delay at Nice airport due to thunderstorms over France (all the Jones Road Miracle Balm in the world couldn’t help me today).
It was great to spend a few days with family we haven’t seen since pre-pandemic, and to squeeze in some European midlife beauty and style-spotting, and note-taking on the “dolce far niente” approach to enjoying downtime with family and friends.
But, first things first, welcome to all the new subscribers who have joined us in the last week! I’m thrilled you’re here.
Also, a HUGE thank you to who included The Midlife Beauty Edit in her Substack & Podcast Recommendations a few days ago (honoured to be included), and to for her lovely shout-out, too, last Friday.
Beauty shopping in Airplane Mode
Having flown with carry-on bags only, with the limitations that brings, I was forced to resist multiple temptations to knock myself out in the Italian farmacias and apothecaries (the colognes! The body care!). But coming back, I took full advantage of our delayed flight to shoehorn in a little research at Nice’s Duty Free lounge.
The new, summer limited edition Chanel No 5 L’Eau bottle is as chicly tactile as it looks.
I’ve been a fan of the younger, fresher and brighter interpretation of No 5 for a few years now, and get compliments whenever I wear it (despite being a lighter “abstract floral” take, it has surprising staying power, thanks to the vetiver and cedar base).
Designed to look like a drop of perfume, the catch-it-while-you-can, palm-sized bottle immediately reminded me of the No 5 Hand Cream. Size-wise, you don’t get quite as much bang-pour-ton-euro as you do for the usual 50ml flacon, but it is cute. So that’s possibly missing the point.
Also spotted in the Duty Free wild: Diptique’s limited edition ILIO fragrance, which I wrote about a couple of weeks ago (those mini parasols!).
Neroli loveliness
I love Nuxe dry body oils (anyone else?), especially the classic, gold-flecked OG oil, and the gorgeously heady Florale version (they can be used to add a scented sheen to hair, too). I think it’s hard to beat.
But what caught my eye at the airport was the Huile Prodigieuse Néroli, which smells subtle, summery and absolutely delicious.
Its key notes are bergamot, neroli (the essential oil produced from the blossom of the bitter orange tree) and lavendin (a variety of lavender). I’ve just spied the fragrance version, too, which comes in a 50ml bottle that could be squeezed into a liquids-restricted carry-on.
If you’re in the market for a gorgeous, neroli-based scent without the often-hefty price tag (I’m looking at you, Tom Ford Neroli Portofino), I think this offers great value.
Mediterranean vibes, and nourished skin, for the double win.
Gel-effect coral nails
I’m not sure there’s a nail mani or pedi colour choice that says SUMMER! more than a shiny coral that pops against all skin tones.
Although I splash out on gel pedi’s because I’m HOPELESS at painting my toenails, I DIY it on my hands. Also, gel mani’s never seem to last on me. That said, I had the acrylic nails “experiment” removed before going away—I know, you could see it coming— and went with a coral gel polish, with a strengthening base of builder gel (I’ll let you know how it wears).
I also just picked up Essie’s Gel Couture in Flashed, which has been reformulated for longer, stronger wear and has a tapered, “swirl-stem” brush designed to make accurate, close-to-the-cuticles application easier.
It’s a great colour.
I also like Essie’s fast-drying Expressie formula—Ahead Of The Gamer is a similar shade—although, sometimes, I’ve found it tends towards the too-thick. The brush is great - again, it makes getting close to the edges much quicker and easier.
And here’s Nails Inc’s Gel Effect Nail Polish in Kensington Passage.
Italian midlife style
On a midlife style note, the trends that stood out last week were a love for stacking jewellery, mixing metals, and strappy, often embellished, sandals - especially for an evening “passeggiata” (I wore my black Birkie Arizonas all week, and felt positively underdressed). Likewise, Italians are not afraid to experiment with BIG sunglasses, and frames in different shapes and colours.
Straw totes and shopping baskets, too, are not just for the beach.
But what made the biggest impression was the priority made for getting together across all generations; to relax, eat, raise a glass (or coffee cup) and laugh with loved ones. It was striking and beautiful to see all ages, from babies in buggies to ninety-something nonnas, out on a summer’s evening, together.
Thankyou for mentioning my mention here, Jenni 💗
I'm off for my mani, pedi and brows holiday overhaul on Friday 💅🏻
I do love the corals too for the sunshine.
I need a pedi stat! Also, that long green dress. So glad you got away for a nice Italian visit!