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   ![Beauty Journalist Sali Hughes Shares Her Little Black Beauty Book ](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/max_800x800/public/articles/2020/03/salli-hughes-little-black-book-beauty.jpg?itok=dzUKmSB1)

  

 

 



 

 

[Beauty](/beauty)

 /  18 March 2020  

#  Beauty Journalist Sali Hughes Shares Her Little Black Beauty Book  


Sali Hughes is one of the UK's most successful journalists, authors and broadcasters, with a loyal and growing fan base thanks to her honest and informed approach. Regularly reporting and testing all things make-up and wellness, what she doesn’t know about beauty isn’t worth knowing. So, who better to share her secrets regarding everything from microblading to go-to glow givers, as well as her repeat purchases? We take a glimpse inside her little black book…  


[ Save To My Favourites ](/user/0/favourites)

 

 



 

 

 

 

 [ ![](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/max_800x800/public/articles/2020/03/salihughesblackbookbeautyhersh.jpg?itok=YFzJTT48)

 

 ](https://www.hershesons.com/shop-all.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9ve1z9Gh6AIVxLTtCh2hvQ8LEAAYASAAEgJS__D_BwE) 

 

 

 

 

 

### For A Haircut…

[Hershesons ](https://www.hershesons.com/shop-all.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI9ve1z9Gh6AIVxLTtCh2hvQ8LEAAYASAAEgJS__D_BwE)has been my go-to salon for years. They just understand how I want to look and how little time I want to spend achieving it. I’m so comfortable there I often pop in just to write my column in the coffee shop, or to do my make-up in the waiting area. I’ve even popped into the office at the back to do radio interviews before now. My hair is cut by Luke Hersheson, Adrian Partikny or Jordan Garrett at the Berners Street salon, and every four months, I get thickening extensions done by Hadley Yates at the Harvey Nichols branch. They’re like family.

 

 

 

### For Hair Styling… 

[Aveda’s Thickening Tonic](http://tidd.ly/d961a271) is one of my staple products. I use it every time I wash my hair, without fail. I spray it onto damp hair, rough dry upside down with a Dyson, then use either a [GHD Creative Curl Wand](https://www.ghdhair.com/wands/ghd-curve-creative-curl-wand) or [Babyliss Cordless Straightener](https://www.babyliss.co.uk/cordless-straightener-9000U.html) to style. I separate ends with a tiny amount of [Hershesons Almost Everything Cream](https://www.hershesons.com/almost-everything-cream-1179.html) and fix with some Elnett or [Sam McKnight hairspray](https://sammcknight.com/shop/modern-hairspray/). The whole thing takes 12 minutes.

[Thickening Tonic, £21.00, Aveda](http://tidd.ly/d961a271)

 

 

 [ ![](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/max_800x800/public/articles/2020/03/salihughesblackbookbeautyaveda.jpg?itok=K4n-7aQN)

 

 ](http://tidd.ly/d961a271) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [ ![](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/max_800x800/public/articles/2020/03/salihughesblackbookbeautytanluxe.jpg?itok=CuuSlpx0)

 

 ](http://bit.ly/3d8wGlw) 

 

 

 

 

 

### For An Instant Glow…

Tan Luxe’s [Hyaluronic Super Glow Serum](http://bit.ly/3d8wGlw) gives instant plumpness and hydration, developing into a golden glow within an hour. I add drops of it to my moisturiser first thing, or apply it before bed – especially if I know I won’t get much sleep.

[Hyaluronic Super Glow Serum, £35, Tan Luxe](http://bit.ly/3d8wGlw)

 

 

 

### For Defined Brows…

I can’t face spending ages on my brows – life is too short. Instead, I get mine microbladed by [Nez Hasan](http://nezhasan.com). She’s hugely talented and her work is so intricate and natural-looking that I only have to sweep through a brow gel in the morning. The results last well too – I’ve had mine a year and am not planning a top-up for a few months.

 

 

 [ ![](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/max_800x800/public/articles/2020/03/microblading-sali-hughes-beauty-black-book.jpg?itok=okoDt3h_)

 

 ](http://nezhasan.com) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [ ![](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/max_800x800/public/articles/2020/03/salihughesblackbookbeautynails.jpg?itok=z0Wm2zKF)

 

 ](https://amzn.to/2Qo6sBV) 

 

 

 

 

 

### For Neat Nails…

Every three weeks I’ll get [CND Shellac](https://amzn.to/2Qo6sBV) at DryBy at Hershesons and almost always go for dark, jewel tones – my favourites are Fedora, Cuppa Joe and Tartan Punk. I rarely take a break as proper application and removal keeps my nails in good condition. If I want to change colours between Shellac, I just paint regular polish over the top. YSL, Avon, Chanel and Barry M are my favourites. To treat and nourish them, I swear by CND Rx. It works wonders on splitting and brittle nails.  
  
[Shellac Nail Polish, £16.95, CND](https://amzn.to/2Qo6sBV)

 

 

 

### For Bronzer…

Cream bronzers are a must-have for warming up complexions and I am loving the [Nudestix ](http://bit.ly/2Wm4mXg)formulas right now. I always want a sheen to my skin, so I also use [Charlotte Tilbury’s Hollywood Flawless Filter](https://www.charlottetilbury.com/uk/product/hollywood-flawless-filter-shade-3-light-medium) as a primer and a very fine, slightly pearlescent face powder like [Bobbi Brown Nude Finishing Illuminating Powder](https://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/product/14019/40362/makeup/face-and-cheek/powder/nude-finish-illuminating-powder). Matte, for me, is reserved for lips and eyes.

[Nudies Matte Blush &amp; Bronze, £28, Nudestix](http://bit.ly/2Wm4mXg)

 

 

 [ ![](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/max_800x800/public/articles/2020/03/salihughesblackbookbeautynudies.jpg?itok=L_lk_a6S)

 

 ](http://bit.ly/2Wm4mXg) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [ ![](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/max_800x800/public/articles/2020/03/salihughesblackbookbeautycoco.jpg?itok=JIaw2Ncu)

 

 ](http://tidd.ly/8a94da4c) 

 

 

 

 

 

### For Fragrance…

I am obsessed with perfume and switch according to my mood, schedule and outfit. But my collection is certainly never without Chanel No5 and Coco, Frederic Malle Portrait Of A Lady and Heeley’s L’Amandiere.

[Coco Eau De Parfum, £79, Chanel](http://tidd.ly/8a94da4c)

 

 

 

### For Lipstick…

As a lipstick obsessive, I tend to carry one pinky-nude and one orange-red at all times. NARS, Pat McGrath, Bobbi Brown and Chanel do some of my favourite colours – I am never without a shade from one of these brands.  
  
[Inappropriate Red Lipstick, £22, NARS](http://bit.ly/38TOu0I)

 

 

 [ ![](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/max_800x800/public/articles/2020/03/salihughesblackbookbeautynars.jpg?itok=AysallLd)

 

 ](http://bit.ly/38TOu0I) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [ ![](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/max_800x800/public/articles/2020/03/sali-hughes-beauty-black-book-c-firma-day-serum.jpg?itok=YUPuwm4F)

 

 ](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35269&murl=https%3A//www.cultbeauty.co.uk/drunk-elephant-c-firma-day-serum.html) 

 

 

 

 

 

### For Anti-Ageing…

Exfoliating with acids daily is my mantra, but I also can’t live without a vitamin C serum – Drunk Elephant, Beauty Pie and Dermalogica do some of the best. I use a low to moderate dose in the daytime to give antioxidant protection and glow, then ramp up to something more concentrated at night to treat pigmentation. I also never sit in the sun and avoid matte, full coverage foundations at all costs – I understand why it might appeal but it ages you in an instant. Satin, dewy and skin-like is much more flattering.  
  
[C-Firma Day Serum | Drunk Elephant](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=35269&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cultbeauty.co.uk%2Fdrunk-elephant-c-firma-day-serum.html)

 

 

 

### For Smoother Skin… 

I am never without my Dr Dennis Gross [Alpha Beta Peel Pads](http://tidd.ly/346d7ad), and I always want a rich, preferably silicone-free moisturiser, like those by Drunk Elephant or Milk. I adore classic Crème de La Mer, and as much as I don’t think anyone needs to spend a fortune on skincare, my super dry complexion absolutely loves Augustinus Bader, The Rich Cream, too. I so wanted to hate it but it’s annoyingly gorgeous.

  
[Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel, £18, Dr Dennis Gross](http://tidd.ly/346d7ad)

 

 

 ![](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/max_800x800/public/articles/2020/03/salihughesblackbookbeautydrdennis.jpg?itok=xPMi-n1H)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 ![](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/max_800x800/public/articles/2020/03/salihughesblackbookbeautynicolaclarke.jpg?itok=bJMoPRQN)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

### For Hair Colour…

As I’m allergic to PPD and PTD (present in all grey-covering colourants), I can’t colour my hair. I pray for an alternative, but it’s more likely that I’ll one day go blonde, as I’m not allergic to bleach. When I do, I will almost certainly go to Nicola Clarke at the John Frieda Salon. She is the best blonder in the business.

 

 

 

### For Repeat Purchases…

My job means I’m sent everything when it comes out. I’m very lucky and I appreciate it hugely, but also, it means there’s a level playing field and I can cater for all readers. It also means I often have to abandon things I love in order to move on to the next thing in the testing pile, though I rarely stray far from [Clinique Lash Power Mascara ](http://tidd.ly/d61af878)and Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk lip pencil – I’ve been through dozens of each. I buy all my toiletries – Gillette Venus razor blades, Neutrogena Deep Moisture Body Lotion, BeCo soap, Nivea deodorant – from Superdrug or the supermarket. I will also buy things I’ve mistakenly left at home or when I get an unexpected invitation – I’ve bought many an emergency MAC Lady Danger lipstick to upscale my outfit last minute.

  
[Lash Power Mascara, £20.50, Clinique](http://tidd.ly/d61af878)

 

 

 [ ![](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/max_800x800/public/articles/2020/03/salihughesblackbookbeautymascara.jpg?itok=_6Bc9X0W)

 

 ](http://tidd.ly/d61af878) 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 [ ![](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/max_800x800/public/articles/2020/03/jo-malone-dark-amber-and-ginger-lily-candle.jpg?itok=syKYyBn6)

 

 ](https://www.johnlewis.com/jo-malone-london-intense-dark-amber-ginger-lily-home-scented-candle-200g/p669441?s_afcid=af_69421&tmad=c&awc=1203_1584458241_45dffa0696e877f23f09818e5dfc3851&tmcampid=48) 

 

 

 

 

 

### For Relaxation…

Baths are my thing. There’s nothing like locking the door on the world, putting on the Desert Island Discs podcast and sinking into some posh bubbles from [Laura Mercier](http://bit.ly/2x0WpMj) or Cowshed. I always have candles burning too – my favourites are [Diptyque’s Baies](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=36362&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fen_GB%2Ffragrance%2Fhome-fragrance%2Fcandle%2Fbaies-scented-candle-MUK101791295.html) or [Jo Malone’s Dark Amber &amp; Ginger Lily](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=1203&awinaffid=69421&clickref=&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnlewis.com%2Fjo-malone-london-intense-dark-amber-ginger-lily-home-scented-candle-200g%2Fp669441) – the smell of my wedding day.

[Intense Dark Amber &amp; Ginger Lily Home Scented Candle, £58, Jo Malone](https://www.johnlewis.com/jo-malone-london-intense-dark-amber-ginger-lily-home-scented-candle-200g/p669441?s_afcid=af_69421&tmad=c&awc=1203_1584464311_405687022b5e56b90692161d1b5a7db2&tmcampid=48)

 

 

 

 

  

## *more from*

### Beauty



 [View All Beauty](/beauty) 

  ![Smokey Eye Tutorial](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/teaser_200/public/articles/2025/05/beauty-school-thumb-2705.png?itok=1_d7FiEA)

  

 

 



 

[Make-up](/beauty/make-up)

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  27 May 2025  

 [##  Smokey Eye Tutorial  


 

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[Bath &amp; Body](/beauty/bath-body)

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  23 May 2025  

 [##  The SL Directory: Spray Tan Experts  


 

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[Bath &amp; Body](/beauty/bath-body)

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  28 April 2025  

 [##  How To Depuff &amp; Tone Your Body With Massage  


 

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  ![The SL Directory: Microblading Experts](/sites/sheerluxe/files/styles/teaser_200/public/articles/2025/01/sl-site-assets-040225-thumb-hero-sl-directory-microblading.jpg?itok=LcICTNTC)

  

 

 



 

[Hair &amp; Nails](/beauty/hair-nails)

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  04 February 2025  

 [##  The SL Directory: Microblading Experts  


 

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