Alice Newbold, Senior News Editor
I like to have two things within reach at all times: a Dior Lip Glow Reviver Balm (natural, since you asked), and a Caudalie Beauty Elixir Face Mist (heaven in a spritz). Other essential desk freshness comes via a little Le Labo – I’ve been a Santal fangirl since my early 20s – and a candle – I’m not fussy, but the Boy Smells branding is nice. The other non-negotiable is a large mug, because a small cup of tea is insulting. And finally, some note cards, because sometimes only a personal thank you will do.
Hayley Maitland, Weekend & Planning Editor
September is quite possibly my favourite month – it feels like more of a fresh start to me than January, somehow. I guess it makes sense, then, that I’m fairly besotted by “back-to-school” stationery. As far as I’m concerned, Choosing Keeping’s ledgers are the prettiest notebooks in existence – the ones decorated with pastoral scenes are especially nice for this moment – and I’ve ordered a vase from La Soufflerie to hold my countless pens. I’ve also taken to keeping a bottle of Ffern’s latest seasonal perfume on my desk (their autumn drop, released on 22 September, is inspired by the woodlands, coasts and meadows of Cornwall) along with Aesop’s Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm. Oh, and since nothing happens in my life without coffee, I’m contemplating taking the plunge and getting a Nanopresso machine as well. Bring on the caffeine jitters.
Tish Weinstock, Digital Beauty Editor
It’s back-to-school season, which means it’s time to get everything in order. Luckily I have my Smythson diary to help schedule everything from meetings to appointments. Although, as a permanently late person, it doesn’t help me with my time-keeping. I am also someone who loves clutter, which is why you’ll find an endless sea of products and, just, stuff, on my desk. There’s my Dr Barbara Sturm Super Anti-Aging Hand Cream, which is great for keeping hands hydrated as we move into winter; my Lumity Day & Night Nutritional Supplements, so I remember to take them because, after waking my son, the morning chaos that ensues doesn’t really leave much room for self-care; and my VitaJuwel Via Wellness Water Bottle, because I’m trying to be a good person while, at the same time, banishing all the negative energy that obviously haunts me from a past life.
Jessica Diner, Beauty & Lifestyle Director
I am a bit of a cliché when it comes to desk-side essentials, as there’s very much a mini beauty cupboard to the left of my computer. The edit always comprises some sort of facial mist – the Elemis Superfood Kefir-Tea Mist is the perennial favourite to top-up hydration throughout the day; the prerequisite hand sanitiser; I like the Bamford No Rinse Cleansing Gel for sweet-smelling safe-keeping; and then a hand cream for application afterwards. (You can’t go wrong with the Chanel La Crème Main Texture Riche). In terms of non-beauty-related, back-to-school paraphernalia, I’d be lost without my Remarkable E-notebook for my to-do list and meeting notes, as well as Apple AirPods Pro to dial-in to Zoom meetings without disturbing those in the office around me. My school bag is a quilted frill tote from Maison M, and I’m ready to report for duty.
Alice Cary, Digital Fashion Writer
After more than a year of working from home, I’ve mastered my desk-side set up. Ergonomics wise, I’m still stacking my laptop on coffee table books – it looks chic – and doing everything I can to make my space as relaxing as possible. Byredo’s legendary Bibliothèque Candle is my “keep calm” companion; I sip Kusmi Spearmint Tea out of a rose-tinted HAY mug; I occasionally spritz my face with La Roche-Posay’s Thermal Spring Water; and Weleda’s Skin Food is on hand to keep my skin hydrated. I jot down any thoughts or ideas in a colourful Papier x Gurlstalk notebook, which also features mindfulness prompts and inspirational quotes. And Apple’s AirPod Pros are the best lockdown purchase I made – perfect for WFH and the daily commute.
Kerry McDermott, Executive Digital Editor
Aside from my favourite old “I heart NY” mug, my current desk essentials include Glossier’s Soothing Face Mist (to perk me up pre-Zoom), La Mer Lip Balm (ludicrously expensive, but the best), and Chanel’s La Crème Main (because… just look at it). Once I have all of that to hand, I’ll be ready to tackle the to-do list in my classic Smythson diary – but I’m adding one of my favourite Tabac candles by LA: Bruket, too. Perfect for a soothing, delicately scented screen break when the deadlines become too much.
