#And for those thinking I would hate La Mer given my evidence-based skincare stance: you're right I do I will never ever try the moisturiser

[luxe-pauvre]

Hi Holly,

I apologise if this was asked before. I am curious of what books you’d pick if someone asked you “Name 10 most important books in your life”. Would you be able to pick 10? How would you categorise them?

The way you give us amazing quotes and monthly (personal favourite) summaries, is one of the things that keep me here, on tumblr.

I can’t tell you the number of books I purchased because of your posts (Solnit’s Orwell’s Roses ending up being one of my all time favourites and latest Popova’s Figuring being one of best reads of the year…)

And at the same time I’d love to ask you about your approach to skin care routine. What were the best lessons you’ve learned about looking after your skin so far? Did you find a perfect lip balm?

A lot, I know. I deeply admire your blog. Sending a bouquet of flowers and books your way (I wish I could, truly).

🌹

This has been in my inbox since October - my apologies, life has been life-ing, but I'm getting this house in order before the new year.

Would I be able to pick 10? Probably not, too little. I'd categorise them by Non-Fiction (sciences exc. social sciences), Non-Fiction (all other), and Fiction as I did here. And I might add a special category for neuro. related books. I answered that ask in November 2021, since then I would probably add: The Act of Living by Frank Tallis, Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman, Orwell's Roses by Rebecca Solnit, Metaphysical Animals by Clare Mac Cumhaill & Rachel Wiseman, and A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers.

I'm so glad you loved Orwell's Roses, it's become one of my all time favourites too. I think it flew under the radar a little, I don't see it talked about often.

The best lessons I've learned about looking after my skin so far: more/stronger is not always better, evidence-based is always better, and without a good SPF everything else is pointless.

The hunt for the perfect lip balm post-discontinuation of Dior's Creme de Rose is ongoing. I tried the Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm first, and my controversial and unpopular opinion is I hated it. I normally love the smell of vanilla but it was far too full-on and artificial, and way too sticky even as an overnight balm. I've now got several others on the go: the La Bouche Rogue White Balm which I like as a day lip balm, but it's not wowed me so I won't be repurchasing, along with their night serum and lip scrub - I will be repurchasing the scrub, I will not be repurchasing the serum, the balm alone is better; the Tatcha Kissu Lip Mask which does the job, but I won't be repurchasing, it holds in whatever moisture is below but it's not moisturising in itself; the Serge Lutens Lip Comfort which I think will become by day to day lip balm, it's very small/easy to transport, and is exactly the right amount of balm under lipstick; and I went insane before Christmas and tried the La Mer Lip Balm, unfortunately for my bank balance it might actually be the best lip balm of all time. I had severely winter chapped lips and it was a one application and fixed situation. I usually hate anything minty but I will overlook it, it's that good.

And thank you for the lovely compliments, I'm glad someone other than me gets something out of whatever this is. Happy new year! 🥳

#For those thinking that's a lot of lip balm: it is but I use it all up even if I hate it and never throw it. #And for those thinking I would hate La Mer given my evidence-based skincare stance: you're right I do I will never ever try the moisturiser #but the balm really is ✨it✨ unfortunately for all concerned. #What I really need is Necessaire to make a lip balm because they would nail it.