Renée Zellweger in Bridget Jones’s Diary
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
The hyperspecific internet aesthetics won’t stop. In recent memory, we’ve been through balletcore, Barbiecore, tenniscore, and many others. Most recently, everyone was partaking in “brat” summer. Even though I’m a beauty editor, and it’s my job to stay on top of these pop culture-driven trends, I can admit that it can be overwhelming at times. But at the end of the day, these internet aesthetics are meant to be fun and lighthearted. They’re really just an opportunity to be playful and temporarily adopt a character or persona, which becomes evident as soon as you identify with one of them.
For me, that’s the “frazzled English woman” aesthetic. Let me explain: Remember Bridget Jones of Bridget Jones’s Diary? Or, are you familiar with my personal favorite, Kate Winslet’s character, Iris, in The Holiday? There’s also Kiera Knightley’s character, Juliet, in Love Actually. The list goes on, but the point is that they all share a similar aesthetic—one that’s sort of messy and tousled yet minimalist and practical. In a word, it’s effortless. And apparently, it’s about to be one of the biggest trends for this fall.
Kate Winslet in The Holiday
(Image credit: Getty Images)
I identify with this aesthetic because I’m already halfway there. I’ve been known to skip washday in exchange for a spritz of dry shampoo or disguise semi-oily roots with a knit hat. I’ve also been known to pinch my cheeks for a natural flush when my favorite blush isn’t close at hand. And, perhaps most importantly, I’m prone to buying cozy goods to make my apartment as akin to Iris’s Rosehill Cottage as possible. (That place is a dream.)
Most of all, I find this aesthetic refreshing. It’s not based on an ideal or perceived perfection like Barbiecore or the so-called clean-girl aesthetic. It’s also more practical to participate in every day, unlike the grungy, party-girl vibe of “brat” summer (try making that aesthetic work during a Tuesday morning conference call). I think, at least to me, the charm of this aesthetic is in its realness. The characters who inspired this aesthetic are smart, witty, messy, complicated, and imperfect. Or, in the words of Iris Simpkins, they’ve got “gumption!”
So, in the spirit of having a “frazzled English woman” fall, I rounded up 15 cozy home and beauty products that I think fit the bill. Ahead, see each one, from a Bridget Jones–worthy blanket to an Iris Simpkins–esque candle. Scroll on.
UGG
Coastline Faux Fur Throw Blanket
After watching The Holiday roughly 1000 times, I’ve noticed quite a few details, including how cozy the blankets look in Iris’s linen closet. We get a peek when Jude Law’s character, Graham, shows up on the cottage doorstep and is introduced to a shocked Amanda Wood, played by Cameron Diaz.
Then, there’s the classic scene in Bridget Jones’s Diary when she holds a pint of ice cream while wrapped in a fluffy duvet. I’m following their lead with this silky-soft faux-fur throw blanket. It’s cozy, luxe, and practical.
Jo Malone London
Peony & Blush Suede Cologne
I firmly believe Iris Simpkins would reach for a classic English perfume, like Jo Malone’s Peony & Blush Suede Cologne—a sweet, floral, and traditionally feminine scent. In true “frazzled English woman” spirit, I’ll spritz this before throwing a thick scarf over my shoulders and heading out the door.
Living Proof
Perfect Hair Day (PhD) Dry Shampoo
This aesthetic isn’t about polished, high-shine hair. No, it’s about tousled, washday hair that has been disguised with dry shampoo. I’ll be using one of my favorite formulas, which is Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo. It’s lightweight, effective, and doesn’t leave my hair feeling overly gritty like some other formulas.
Westman Atelier
Baby Cheeks Lip + Cheek Cream Blush Stick
Remember the “cold girl” makeup trend from last winter? Take that, make it look natural and effortless, and you have the perfect disheveled look. Obviously, blush is a big component. This easy-to-apply and even-easier-to-blend cream blush is my pick.
Brooklinen
Super-Plush Robe
The scene in The Holiday where Amanda Woods takes a bath in Iris’s large, old-school bathtub is one of my favorites. For my post-bath attire, I’m counting on Brooklinen’s Super-Plush Robe. It’s made from combed, long-staple Turkish cotton, so it’s delightfully warm and cozy.
Kate McLeod
The Pebble Deep Moisturizing Solid Bath & Shower Oil
Speaking of baths, I think these skin-nourishing, solid bath oils would make for the best self-care moment for Iris and Bridget post-heartbreak. They’re made from rich, soothing ingredients like cocoa butter and baobab oil to moisturize and soften the skin. Simply drop them into a warm bath to melt or glide them directly onto your wet skin in the shower.
Maison Margiela Replica
By the Fireplace Scented Candle
The Rosehill Cottage fireplace lives in my head rent-free. Unfortunately, I don’t have a massive, Nancy Meyers–approved fireplace to wash my home with light and warmth (sigh). I do, however, have this Maison Margiela candle, which gives me a similar, cozy feel thanks to a warm, inviting, and slightly smoky scent.
Pai
Rosehip Bioregenerate Oil
What’s more effortless than throwing on face oil to boost your glow? This one is packed with rose hip fruit and seed oil, so it’s rich in omegas and antioxidants. Plus, that deep-orange tint gives my skin an instant, natural-looking, and lit-from-within radiance. It’s a fall skincare staple.
Oribe
Dry Texturizing Spray
One of the most important elements of this look is tousled hair. That’s why I’m setting my heat tools aside and enhancing my hair’s natural texture with Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray. My goal is to look effortless and windswept—like I’m walking home in the brisk London wind.
JHHSYU
2 Pack Large Claw Clips
A classic claw clip is the “frazzled English woman’s” most important accessory. Lucky for me, these large, nonslip claw clips are only $6 on Amazon. I’ll toss my tousled hair up into one of these, wrap a thick scarf around my neck, and head out into the crisp, fall breeze.
Slip
Lovely Lashes Contour Sleep Mask
A sleeping mask is necessary for beauty sleep. This elevated option is made from pure silk and has a cute, cottagecore design.
Kiehl’s Since 1851
Creme De Corps Soy Milk & Honey Whipped Body Butter
Another skincare product that feels very “frazzled English woman” is this iconic body butter that’s elevated yet practical and packed full of soothing and moisturizing ingredients. I’m keeping a big tub of this on hand for the fall and winter seasons.
The Laundress
The Laundress Signature Detergent Classic
While the word “frazzled,” denotes a certain level of messiness, the key to nailing this aesthetic is maintaining a certain level of coziness and practicality, too. That’s why I think an elevated laundry detergent fits the bill. It’s the ultimate “clean laundry” scent, with notes of lily of the valley, jasmine, sweet musk, sandalwood, and citrus.
LANEIGE
Lip Sleeping Mask
I can’t tell you why, but I strongly believe Bridget Jones would keep an old jar of the iconic Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask by her bedside. I also strongly believe she would lose the little spatula and use her fingers to slather it on.
Sweet Water Decor
Hello Fall Soy Candle
You can’t tell me that Iris wouldn’t pick up this candle from the village shop on a brisk October day. Notes of hot cider, cinnamon, cloves, apple, and nutmeg make it a true fall gem. I’ll be burning it until further notice to give my home an autumnal, Rosehill Cottage vibe.
