Archive December 2008
The Feature: Party Looks (19.12.08)
Want to take your look quickly and effortlessly from daytime chic to party queen? We’ve compiled the ultimate guide to getting ready to rock those parties during the festive season.
SEXY CURLS
The Look: Shiny, natural, tousled hair with plenty of full curls. This look is perfect for parties, due to its simplicity and effortless glamour.
On the Catwalk: Models on the Gucci A/W08 catwalk sported this Bohemian-meets-Gothic look, with soft loose curls falling everywhere you looked.
Celebrity Fans: Both Ashley and Mary Kate Olsen are fans of the just-got-out-of bed-look, sporting it recently at their Californian book signing for “’Influence’.
Step by Step: “The key to creating this look is to start with a good foundation of product in the hair”, advised Jonathon Andrew of Cox- McMillan salons.
1) To start, work a small amount of L'Oreal Tecni.Art Color Show Liss Cream, £12.30, through towel dried hair. This will give the hair an excellent shine. Next, liberally spray the hair with L’Oreal Professionnel Tecni Art Pli Thermo-Fixing Spray, £11.30 – a heat-activated setting spray, which gives instant volume and a good hold to work with.
2) Now dry your hair with a large round brush, so that it’s smooth with a slight curl/bend. This gives the hair a great initial wave to work with. Using big barreled tongs, such as Remington’ Curl Pro 210 degrees Celsius, £24.99, start as close to the root as possible and turn continually as you move down the hair. When you reach the ends, wind the tongs in for a few seconds to create a more defined curl.
3) Once the curls are created, brush gently through the hair (using fingers is just as effective) to give it a more natural, tousled look. If needed, apply a few drop of serum to tame any stray hairs or frizz – but remember to twist the curl and not to scrunch.
Stockists
Remington – available from Boots and Argos or visit www.remingtonprofessional.co.uk
L’Oreal – L’Oreal counters nationwide ring 0845 6000 122 or visit www.l’orealprofessionnel.co.uk
Cox-McMillan - 40 Battersea Rise, London SW11 1EE or call 0207 223 8888
THE ELFIN CROP
The Look: The short elfin crop is bang on trend this season. Better still, it’s incredibly easy to style before a big night out.
On the Catwalk: The disheveled look was inspired by the A/W08 catwalks of Oscar De La Renta and Dolce & Gabbana.
Celebrity Fans: On the catwalk and off it, Agness Deyn and Erin O’Connor are best known for their crops - and Victoria Beckham has followed suit.
Step by Step:
1) Apply a coin-sized amount of Tigi Ego Boost Leave-in Conditioner to towel-dried hair. It strengthens, detangles and moisturises, whilst minimizing the effects of split ends.
2) Next, apply Tigi After-Party Smoothing Cream to partially-dried hair to reduce the overall drying time and create a sleek, smooth finish. It also removes frizz & fly-away hairs and adds a brilliant shine. Then tease hair into position using a wide toothed comb or brush, brushing forward from the crown.
3) Complete the look by tousling the hair on both sides of the head to give a disheveled look – and spritz Tigi Headrush liberally. The lightweight shine spray leaves locks looking immaculately glossy in an instant. Ideal for all hair types and lengths – simply spray onto dry hair your’re ready to party!
All three products (Ego Boost. After-Party and Headrush) are available in a gift pack: Pretty in Pink, £19.90, a saving of £18.40 on individual prices.
Stockists: Tigi - visit www.tigihaircare.com
SMOKY EYES
The Look: Much like the trusty LBD, this look never goes out of fashion. Taking your look from day to evening is so easy when you smoke-up eyes and keep your base and lips totally natural.
On the Catwalk: Gothic chic reigned on the A/W08 catwalks, with smoky eyes and understated lips ruling roost at both Caroline Herrera and Balenciaga.
Celebrity Fans: Penelope Cruz loves to highlight her dark eyes and recently turned heads at the ‘Vicky Cristina Barcelona’ screening in London’s West End. Latino star Eva Mendes also sports the glamorous look in her current Calvin Klein campaign.
Step by Step:
1) Start with the base. Use your fingers to apply Max Factor Lasting Performance Foundation, £9.50. Make sure you choose the perfect colour, as this look demands natural-looking base. Then highlight cheekbones by applying the lightest touch of Flawless Perfection Blush in 223 Natural Glow, £6.99. 2) Next, blend a smoky eyeshadow from lid to brow and along the lower lash line – we love Maxfactor Onyx from the Earth Spirits range, £4.45. 3) Trace a thin line of Maxfactor Kohl Pencil in Black, £4.50, along the upper lash line to frame those smouldering eyes. Curl lashes and apply multiple coats of Max Factor False Lash Effect mascara in Rich Black, £ 9.99 to top lashes only.
Stockists: Maxfactor – Boots stores nationwide
GLITTER
The Look: Shine like a star this Christmas with a trend-driven metallic look, complete with winged eyes and neat eyebrows.
On the Catwalk: Models on the Sonia Rykiel AW/08 catwalk peeped out from eyes dusted in thick gold glitter and finished with a subtle flick.
Celebrity Fans: Celebrities across the pond love to sparkle, with Jennifer Lopez, Avril Lavigne, Beyonce and Britney Spears all recently spotted glittery smokey winged eyes.
Step by Step:
1) To create a smooth base for this look, start by applying Jelly Pong Pong Nude and Improved Pencil, £22, to conceal dark circles around the eyes, and Jelly Pong Pong Dainty Doll Foundation, £18, to even out skin tone. 2) Moving onto the eyes, apply a gold cream base to the entire eyelid, then blend a blue-black shadow (try Jelly Pong Pong Dynamic Duo in Caviar Dreams, £15) over the upper lid and below the lower lashline to create the smoky eye. With an eyeliner brush, wet the eyeshadow to create a paste and carefully trace the upper line, finishing it a sultry flick to frame the eye. Practice makes perfect, but leaning an elbow on your dressing table will help to keep your arm steady. 3) Finally, apply a dab of Jelly Pong Pong Lip Cushion, £6 (which sticks glitter fast) and scatter the sparkle generously over eyelids. Sculpt your cheekbones by sweeping Jelly Pong Pong Dainty Doll Blush and Contour, £10 onto cheeks. For your lips, try Jelly Pong Pong Lo-lip-pop Gloss in Cherry Surprise, £15.
Stockists: Jelly Pong Pong- Available at Debenhams and www.jellypongpong.com
METALLIC NAILS
The Look: Take inspiration from nail guru Leighton Denny and embrace the trend for metallic nails with his fabulous Half Moon Manicure.
On the Catwalk: Molten nails flashed heavily on the A/W08 catwalk in shows including Chanel, Chloe, and Dior.
Celebrity Fans: Celebrities spotted recently with a midas touch include Lindsey Lohan, Pearl Lowe, and Scarlett Johansson.
Step by Step
“Highlighting the curved moon at the base and mirroring the curve at the tip of the nail helps to elogonate the nail and is incredibly eye-catching and glamorous’. Leighton Denny
1) Start by smoothing and shaping the nail with the Leighton Denny Quatro 4–in-1 Nail File and Buffer, £5. Next, apply Leighton Denny Under Cover Base Coat, £10, then two coats of Liquid Silver Nail Colour, included in the Futuristic French Kit, £18, leaving the half-moon naked. 2) Use the Leighton Denny Precision Brush dipped in Corrector Liquid, (both included in the kit) to create a curved moon. Use small circular motions to gently smooth and correct the curved lines until it looks perfect. 3) Fill the ‘naked’ moon of the nail with Liquid Gold Nail Colour (also included in the kit) and apply Liquid Gold Nail Colour to the tips of the nails. Finally, apply a layer of Leighton Denny Top Coat, £10 for a glass-like shine.
Stockists: Leighton Denny - call 0845 8620515 or visit www.leightondenny.com
THE PERFECT TAN
The Look: Create a sunless, flawless tan at home without exposing the skin to harmful UV rays. Don’t bare flesh this Christmas without it…
On the Catwalk: Models on the Versace catwalk always have a healthy glow and didn’t disappoint when showing off stunning evening dresses at the A/W08 show.
Celebrity Fans: St Tropez fans include Paris Hilton who always has a glow on the LA party circuit, Victoria Beckham who sits in the front rows with a perfect year-round tan.
Step by Step
1) Apply St Tropez Body Polish, £15.50, to the palms of the hands and, using large circular motions, massage over the entire body. Pay special attention to rougher areas, such as the ankles, elbows, and backs of heels. Step into the shower and rinse off while massaging. Follow this by applying the St Tropez Moistuising Lotion, £12, and leave on overnight.
2) In the morning, re-apply moisturiser to those rougher areas, as well as rubbing a little into eyebrows, nails, ears and feet. Then start applying the Tinted Self-tanning Lotion, £17.50 working quickly and using large strokes, making absolutely sure that every area is covered - don’t worry if the product appears slightly streaky, its just important that you apply it to every square-inch of skin. Don’t rub the product in, as this will cause streaking. When applying to the face, hands and shoulders, dilute the lotion with a little moisturiser. To ensure the backs of your hands aren’t bright white, take off the gloves and rub the backs on your thighs to ensure a light covering. Over the next few hours, your tan will develop underneath the base coat and, after showering, you will discover an even and very natural-looking tan.. To maintain it, regularly apply St Tropez Intensifier, £15.
Stockists: St Tropez - call 0115 9836363 www.sttropeztan.co.uk
Tried & Tested: Solid Pefumes (19.12.08)
Solid perfumes are a big trend in beauty right now, with many of the big brands producing non-liquid versions of their most popular scents.
We’ve tested six of the best – simply pick your favourite, throw it in your clutch bag, and dance the night away…
LUSH THE COMFORTER SOLID PERFUME, £4.95 (www.lush.co.uk)
What They Say: New for Christmas 2008, The Comforter solid perfume is a scrumptiously berry scented fragrance of cassis (absolute), combined with a calming blend of bergamot and cypress oils.
What We Say: Minimally packaged in a small, 98% recycled aluminium tin with screw top, in line with Lush’s eco philosophy.
The Results: The blackberry fragrance is quite powerful when it’s in the tin, so I was relieved when the perfume became quite subtle and mellow on the skin. It has a spicy and quite warming fragrance and I found myself looking forward to applying it each morning – it’s perfect for the festive season. I like to know what I’m putting on my skin and loved the fact that this perfume is made with a pure vegetable wax base. It was a little harder in texture than others I’ve tried, but well worth it to be wearing something so natural. The price is brilliant too – a little goes a long way so the tin will last long beyond the party season. I’m going to be stocking up – they make great stocking fillers!
Best For: Natural Fragrance
CLINIQUE LIMITED EDITION AROMATICS ELIXIR SOLID PERFUME (0870 0342566)
What They Say: Clinique’s timeless and unique perfume has been a cult classic since 1971. Launching for the holiday season, the mesmerising aroma is updating its look with a new Solid Perfume perfect for a woman on the go.
What We Say: A stunning gold compact which feels satisfyingly weighty to hold, with a feminine, embossed flower on the lid.
The Results: I’ve been a fan of Clinique’s Aromatics fragrance for years but have never used a solid perfume before and wasn’t sure I could replace my trusty bottle. I’m thrilled to report that I am totally converted! The solid version provides the same elegant fragrance that I love, which is perfect for ultra-glamorous occasions, but without the fear of the bottle leaking in my bag. I adore the gold compact – I’m proud to get it out and apply, even if I’m on the go. I’ve noticed that the scent lasts a little longer than my liquid version – and although I miss spritzing it over my clothes and hair, I do enjoy knowing that I can get it out of my clutch and reapply at any moment.
Best For: A classic option
MARC JACOBS SOLID PERFUME, £45 (0800 652 7661)
What They Say: Marc Jacobs’ perfume goes modern and mobile. Apply with fingertips for the signature scent and a touch of sheer shimmer. Tuck it into the leather case and carry it off with understated style.
What We Say: A chic white leather pouch with signature monochrome logo, containing the solid perfume compact which features a handy mirror.
The Results: I work in a busy office and regularly go straight out at the end of the working day. I usually avoid spraying perfume until I’ve left the building, but this compact has made getting ready for a night out so easy. I hadn’t smelt Marc Jacobs’ signature scent before, but was hooked after just one sniff. It smells modern, sexy, and very feminine. It wasn’t hard to fall in love with the packaging either, but I did find the chic leather pouch a little too bulky for my clutch bag – luckily, the compact itself is very slim, so it’s just a case of sliding it out the pouch The perfume has a creamy easy-to-apply texture and leaves skin with a subtle dusting of shimmer.
Best For: Fashionistas
TOCCA NEW YORK SOLID FRAGRANCE IN STELLA, £22.50 at Liberty (0207 7341234)
What They Say: Inspired by the popular Eau de Parfum and launching in time for Christmas, Stella attracts your senses with blood orange and spicy lily and is as impetuous and moody as a rebellious young Italian beauty.
What We Say: Presented in a cream and gold box with a cute sentiment inside the lid, the solid perfume is contained in a lightweight pot that features whimsical illustrations.
The Results: I hate wearing the same scent as everyone else, so was pleased to be handed this TOCCA perfume to test. The packaging is gorgeous and very unique – it looks like it’s been discovered abroad in a hidden beauty boutique. The scent itself didn’t disappoint me either – it’s very wearable, with a sweet orange fragrance evocative of Italian holidays, plus floral and subtle musky notes. The formula is very easy to apply – it melts into the skin and seems to last for hours. This is a fantastic option for daily use and will definitely be my signature fragrance over the festive season – it’d work brilliantly as a ‘pick me up’ in January too.
Best For: Everyday use
PENHALIGON’S SOLID FRAGRANCE IN BLUEBELL, £40 (www.penhaligons.co.uk)
What They Say: A cult classic which is utterly beguiling and unique... carry a little luxury wherever you go.
What We Say: Beautifully presented in one of Penhaligon’s vintage-style boxes, the solid fragrance is contained within a silver plated compact, which features a mirror and branded engravings.
The Results: Ever since I read that Penhaligon’s Bluebell fragrance is a favourite amongst London’s Primrose Hill set, I’ve been eager to try it. The solid perfume is a cream formula, which makes it very easy to smooth onto pulse points. Applying a fragrance from a silver plated compact feels very luxurious and I can certainly understand why Penhaligon’s has received two Royal warrants! The fresh scent is quintessentially British and upon application, I felt instantly transported to walks through Bluebell woods. The fragrance is subtle when on the skin but with such gorgeous packaging, I didn’t feel embarrassed to touch-up throughout the day.
Best For: Luxury buy
L’OCCITANE GREEN TEA SOLID PERFUME, £6.50 (www.uk.loccitane.com)
What They Say: A subtle complex of fresh aromas creates sensations of well-being, which transports you to green fields on a spring day.
What We Say: Conveniently presented in a small metal tin with L’Occitane’s signature bilingual branding.
The Results: Green tea seems an unlikely choice for a fragrance so I was intrigued, albeit a little nervous, to try this perfume. However, I was very pleasantly surprised to discover a scent that was both fresh and very uplifting. It has quite a floral fragrance, but after applying to my skin it became slightly woodier and much warmer. It’s a subtle perfume, which isn’t overpowering, so regular top ups are necessary if you want to maintain the scent. However, I applied the product before heading to a dinner party and received compliments from both my friends and their boyfriends! It’s a great price too, so well worth giving a try.
Best For: High Street option
Blog: CELEBRITY MAKEUP ARTIST JEMMA KIDD EXCLUSIVELY REVEALS THE PROUCTS THAT MAKE IT ONTO HER OWN DRESSING TABLE, THE ADDRESSES THAT SHE VISITS TIME AND TIME AGAIN, AND THE BEAUTY SECRETS THAT SHE SWEARS BY… (19.12.08)
My Skincare Routine… It is just as important to invest in good skincare as good makeup. If your skin is not well looked after then your make-up is not going to look right, no matter how well you apply it. I cleanse each morning and night with Elave Age Delay Daily Cleanser, £38 (www.elave.co.uk), which contains glycolic acid to gently exfoliate the skin whilst cleansing. As a moisturiser I use Elave Daily Skin Defence, £31, during the day, which contains SPF 30 and at night I use Elave Age Delay Night Treatment, £45, or Lancôme Renergie Morpholift Nuit R.A.R.E, £60 (www.lancome.co.uk). If my skin feels dry and dehydrated, particularly after a long flight I use a facemask.
My makeup bag… My Jemma Kidd Make Up Eye Perfector Prep & Brighten Duo, £18 (www.spacenk.co.uk). One side is a primer which evens out the skin tone as well as providing a base for eye make-up and the other side is a flesh toned liner to widen and brighten the eyes. It is the perfect pick-me-up for tired eyes.
My fragrance… Serge Lutens Fleur D’Oranger, £58 (www.boutiqueperfumes.co.uk).
My hair care regime… As I spend a lot of free time in the outdoors with my horses I tend to just wash my hair and pull it back, but for work I use John Freda serum and blow dry it. I love Bumble & Bumble Shampoo and Conditioner, from £15, and Kerastase hair masks, £20.40 (both at www.lookfantastic.com). If I am going to be in the sun I use Kerastase sun protection range, the sun can really dry it out if I don’t protect it.
My spa… I love the SpaNK on Westbourne Grove (020 7727 8002). They do an amazing hot stones massage which is perfect to ease stresses muscles, particularly after a long week at work or lots of travel.
My salon… I go to Lee at Bloww for colour (020 7292 0300).
My beauty secret… Less is more. I think it is important to remember that makeup should be used to accent your features, not as a mask to hide behind.
Jodie Kidd’s sister Jemma starred in this series of Strictly Come Dancing, which comes to a close this Saturday. The show is available in High Definition on Freesat, the free to air satellite TV service from the BBC and ITV. For more information please visit www.freesat.co.uk
Breaking News: SELFRIDGES LAUNCHES GIANT SIZED FRAGRANCES (19.12.08)
Credit crunch, what credit crunch? If you want to show that recession doesn’t faze you (or just fancy treating yourself to something ultra-luxe this Christmas), you need to hotfoot it to Selfridges to bag yourself one of three limited edition super-sized perfumes that have just been released onto shelves. Setting the trend is Thierry Mugler, who has released giant versions of popular fragrances Angel and Alien. The famous vanilla-chocolate scent Angel comes in a super-size version of the signature star-shaped spray and arrives nestled on a silver cushion inside a mirror-studded box. Alien is equally irresistible, presented in a stunning art deco inspired bottle – a work of art in its own right. Joining these iconic fragrances is Juicy Couture’s Giant Parfum, which commemorates the release of its first fragrance: a flatteringly feminine and youthful scent. The perfume comes in a 20oz bottle, which is complimented by a 1oz decanter bottle - very useful for travel - and a trend-driven charm that can be worn as a necklace. Ok, so the price tag matches the size of the bottles, but we can see this super-size trend catching on. Look at this as an investment in a collectable item, which also happens to house a huge supply of your favourite fragrance! Angel Excessive Superstar £1,350 for 450ml, Alien Gold Excess £1,350 for 1L and Juicy Couture Giant Parfum £1,600 for 20oz (including1oz bottle) are all available in Selfridges fragrance halls.
Breaking News: THE-BEAUTY-PAGES.COM BIG CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY (19.12.08)
We like to spoil our readers at The-Beauty-Pages.com – and with Christmas creeping ever closer, we have all the more reason to give you a fabulously-festive treat. This week, we are offering you the chance to win one of ten brilliant beauty buys in our fantastic ‘Big Christmas Giveaway’. Glance your eyes over the descriptions below and decide which prize you find the most irresistible. Then, simply send us an email with your chosen prize in the subject bar, plus your answer to the question below, your full name, address and daytime telephone number to: competitions@the-beauty-pages.com. If you're one of our lucky winners, you'll need to sign for your prize on delivery, so make sure you provide us with your daytime address. You can enter up to three times - either for three different prizes or for the same prize to boost your chances - and have until midnight on the December 31st to send us your entries (although we hope you'll be dancing the night away, with a glass of champers in your hand at close of play…). We'll be waving our magic wand on January 1st, picking randomly selected winners, and delivering your wonderful prizes in the first week of January - what better way to welcome in 2009? Question: What is the retail price of the Bare Minerals Stars Collection?
Prizes on offer:
Option 1 - Stella in Two by Stella McCartney Gift Box, £50 (Department Stores Nationwide). Fragrance gift boxes have flooded the Christmas shelves over recent years, but there’s nothing average about this particular set. Stella in Two is a delicious fragrance – light, stylish, and really quite exclusive. It doesn’t have to try hard to be fashionable – it just is.
Option 2 - Clarins Home Scented Candle, £24 (www.clarins.co.uk). If you haven’t yet discovered the Home Fragrance collection from Clarins, now is the perfect time to discover its soothing and wonderfully-warming charm. The scent is best described as a sophisticated blend of fresh, green, warm and woody notes – and it’ll certainly lift your spirits on those long January nights.
Option 3 - Bare Minerals Stars – Nine Piece Stellar Colour Collection, £49 (www.bareescentualsuk.com). Skin suffering from all those layers of makeup over Christmas? Start as you mean to go on in 2009, with a fabulous nine-piece selection of mineral makeup from the brand that does it best – Bare Minerals.
Option 4 – B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful Love Hair Scent, £11.75 (www.bnevertoobusytobebeautiful.com). This odour-banishing and shine-inducing mist works in seconds to bring tired locks back to life. Includes lemongrass oil, ylang ylang and honey so your hair looks amazing and smells delicious.
Option 5 – Elemis Blissful Body, £25 (www.timetospa.co.uk). Few can resist a gift set from luxury spa brand Elemis – and this box contains three of their most popular products: Skin Nourishing Milk Bath, Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt and Pro-Collagen Hand & Nail cream.
Option 6 - Dermalogica Shave System for Men, £34.50 (0800 591818). One for the boys here… A gift set containing a selection of Dermalogica’s fantastic shaving products.
Option 7 – Vital Touch Mum’s Gorgeous Pampering Box, £28 (www.vitaltouch.com). If you like your products to be natural, you’ll adore this irresistible selection from natural beauty range Vital Touch.
Option 8 – Sisley Soir de Lune Moisturising Body Cream, £57.50 (020 7591 6380). Two years after the launch of the brand’s much-loved fragrance Soir de Lune, Sisley has launched the accompanying Body Cream.
Option 9 - Aromatherapy Associates Instant Aromatherapy, £15 (www.aromatherapyassociates.com). When life is a challenge, simply roll these scented oils over pulse points and breathe deeply.
Option 10 - Elizabeth Arden Red Door Shimmer Eau de Parfum Spray, £30 for 50ml (www.boots.com). You’ll adore Red Door Shimmer. Its notes are lively and sherbetty, yet it retains a very sophisticated and chic feel.
The Feature: Six Old Favourites (12.12.08)
It's the destiny of the die-hard beauty junkie to keep on exploring new brands, but what about the old favourites you've forgotten along the way? We’ve paid a Christmas visit to six old-school brands to take a peek at the highlights of their current collections…
BOOTS NO7. It’s a teenage rite of passage: a trip to Boots for a trawl through the No7 counter and the chance to snap up your first eyeshadow. Oh, the excitement of that pale blue square and tiny sponge applicator! But if that’s where your love affair with No7 ended, think again. The brand that brought us the Protect and Perfect Beauty Serum phenomenon a couple of years ago has quietly continued down that innovative path, producing fabulous makeup and skincare at affordable prices. Star products right now? The No7 Highlighting Star palette, £12.50 (Boots Nationwide) – a pretty mish-mash of ultra-fine powder that gives your skin an instant party sheen. It looks and feels like a product twice the price. Worried about the first signs of ageing? No7 has just re-formulated its popular Time Resisting Range, aimed at 20-something women who want to keep their youthful bloom. The full range includes three easy-to-apply products that will fit into even the most hectic lifestyle: No7 Time Resisting Day Cream £17, No7 Time Resisting Night Cream £18 and No7 Time Resisting Day & Night Eye Care £18.25. They’re all packed with great ingredients, like No7’s patented anti-oxidant complex, Gingko Biloba and Vitamin C that combine to fight ageing free radicals on a daily basis, whether they come from too many late nights or too much sun exposure. Looking for the perfect treat or stocking filler for a friend? Snap up a few of the No7 Speed Dry and Stay Perfect Nail Colours. There are eleven gorgeous new shades and the colour is creamy and long-lasting (we got a full five days without chipping when we tested them): perfect for just £6.75. Stand-out shades? Betty Blues, a deep, iridescent, ink-blue, Spun Gold, a luxe-looking metallic gold, and Berrylicious, a suit-anyone deep, wintry red.
OLAY. Oh, how your mum loved her Olay Classic Beauty Fluid back in the day! Now we’re in the Noughties though, Olay’s much more about cutting-edge skincare science than it is about sweet-scented pinky day-cream... We couldn’t possibly imagine how many dressing tables that iconic bottle has graced over the past fifty years. Olay’s reputation for skincare these days is unparalleled, sinking just as much investment into research and development as the luxury brands. Snap up some Olay skincare and you’ll be getting top-notch products at a fraction of the cost of the bigger names. Sure, the range is now so big it can seem daunting on the shelf, but there are some must-haves that demand a look. The 7in1 Anti-Ageing Effects Total Effects Day Moisturiser combines – as it says on the tin – seven separate anti-ageing defences. This includes line minimisers, tone enhancers, pore refiners and gentle exfoliators to boost blood flow and radiance, making it a perfect all-rounder for every day. If it’s a glow you’re after for the party season, though, try Olay Complete Care Multi-Radiance Daily Illuminating UV Cream, £7.49 (Boots Nationwide), which marries skin-pampering vitamins B3, E and Pro Vitamin B5, with SPF15 and natural light reflecting particles, to give skin an amazing glow. There are plenty of new ideas to keep even the hungriest of beauty junkies satisfied too. Olay’s just launched the Precision Solutions range, inspired by the work of dermatologists and aimed at specific problem areas. The Regenerist 30 Second Wrinkle Filler £24.50, and Regenerist Precision Cleansing Cloths £7.49, are the stand-out heroes of the collection, with fierce anti-ageing properties packaged in easy-to-use products. Want a little bit of indulgence to top it all? We are in love with the clever and innovative Olay Complete Care Touch of Foundation £9.99, an amazing idea if you’re not a fan of too much make-up on your skin. It’s like a tinted moisturiser but better: Olay worked with Max Factor to find a way to add a drop of foundation to their anti-ageing day-cream, and the result is a veil of subtle colour and very soft skin. Trust us, it’s a little bit of genius!
BOURJOIS. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. Bourjois’ famous eyeshadow pots, for example, are easily the best-known part of its extensive range. For decades, they’ve formed the mainstay of many women’s makeup bags: small round pots of fine-milled magic, in every colour imaginable from ice-cream shades to vamp-it-up charcoal. The perfect size, the longest-lasting formula, and the truest colour... what more could you want? That’s why they’re still bestsellers amidst a sea of seemingly whizzier competitors from brands three times the size of beautiful Bourjois. This winter, there’s a new twist on the pots though. Bourjois has stuck to what it does best and turned all the focus on the eyes. The eyeshadow pots have been given a darling retro makeover in the new Vintage Collection. Four timeless eyeshadow colours and three blushers form the limited edition collection decorated in designs from Bourjois’ beginnings in the late 19th century (the Ashes of Lilies is perfect for creating sexy, smoky eyes): Go to www.asos.com to snap them up exclusively from £5.75. They’re real collectors’ items. What else is new and irresistible? The brand new Liner Effect Mascara, £7.95, is made with a dash of actual kohl, lending the colour (black, brown or denim blue) an extra richness and silky texture. The brush tapers down to tiny prongs, so you can be sure to coat even the smallest of lashes at the inner corner of your eye: something that most mascara brushes miss. Even smarter than that, the mascara has a very dense pigment so you don’t need as much for the colour to really pop against your eyes. Team it with a flick of the Liner Glitter Fizz in Black Star, £5.95, for subtle sheen and a little added glamour, and you’re good to go party.
CLINIQUE. If we had to bet money on the UK’s beauty addicts having an all-time favourite brand, Clinique would surely take the title. Trawl through your makeup bag, bathroom and dressing table and you’re bound to find a clutch of Clinique goodies – whether it’s the failsafe skincare (what’s not to love about the unbeatable Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion?), classic fragrances or suit-everyone lippie shades. Clinique is so well-loved and is so reliably good, it’s simply become part of the makeup map of Britain. Unfortunately, that’s also why we can tend to overlook it. Like M&S underwear and Cadbury’s chocolate, Clinique can sometimes be taken for granted. But if you’re guilty of forgetting about its staggeringly huge and diverse collections, now’s the time to revisit, as the brand has a number of amazing new products out just in time for Christmas. Take the Aromatics Elixir Candle, £20 (www.clinique.co.uk) for example: one of Clinique’s best fragrances in a silver-lidded candle, making it the perfect luxury gift. And you won’t want to miss the gloriously rich Turnaround Body Smoothing Cream, £23, possibly the best defence your skin’s going to get this winter. It’s infused with marine antioxidants and smells divine (use it after a bath or shower for buttery-soft skin next day). Want to treat yourself to a little midwinter pick-me-up? The new Blackberry Bloom makeup range walks the line between sultry and dramatic and natural and glowing, with shades of just-kissed plummy, berry pink. There are lipglosses in sheer colours to die for but we love the new Blackberry Bloom version of the bestselling Fresh Bloom Allover Colour, £23, because it instantly adds a healthy zing to your cheeks.
RIMMEL. How would we have got through our teens and twenties without good old Rimmel Hide the Blemish? Priced at just £3.69, this little cult classic concealer is still one of the most effective spot-covers on the market: no wonder one’s sold every 30 seconds! But with Rimmel reinventing itself as edgy ‘Rimmel London’, bagging Kate Moss and Sophie Ellis-Bextor as the famous faces of the collection, the brand’s gaining an international reputation as a MAC-like colour factory, and the best place to go for fashion-forward looks at reasonable prices. The winter ’08 range is packed with brightly-hued, deeply pigmented eyeshadows that go on soft and fine and last for hours without creasing. With an emphasis on smoky charcoal blacks and greys shot through with some silver and gold metallics, they’re perfect for party season. But the real stand-out product for us is the new Sexy Curves mascara, £7.99, which is one of the few mascaras we’ve tested recently that gives the false lashes effect with just one non-clumping coat. Looking for the perfect gift palette? The slimline Ice Princess Christmas Eye Palette, £12.99 exclusively at Superdrug, seems to capture the essence of what Rimmel London’s all about these days: fun, fashion, flirty colours and cute packaging. With an incredible nine lipglosses and the same number of eyeshadows, plus three blushers, it’s designed for you to mix and match according to your mood. Try experimenting by wearing the turquoise and grey shades together, or sweep the pink lipgloss on the tops of your cheeks for a glow worthy of High Street Musical...
AVON. This world-famous brand has certainly come a long way since the cheesy 70s image of an immaculately-dressed Avon Lady with her cheery yell of ‘Avon calling!’. Even though Avon still sells predominantly through its famous network of ‘representatives’ and their iconic little catalogues, you can now buy online too (www.avon.uk.com)... just another example of how the brand manages to maintain its core values whilst keeping up with modern trends. Avon did, after all, manage to sign up the lovely Reese Witherspoon as its new face last year, a major coup and a very clever tie-in with one of the only Hollywood actresses women can actually identify with. Reese has been given a great range to represent too. Though the old classics are still available, the Noughties Avon specialises in skincare and has award after award to show for it. Quietly, Avon’s been adding top-notch ingredients to its innovative formulations and as a result, many of the recently-released skincare ranges are fast becoming classics: Avon ANEW Clinical Eye Lift £15.50, for example, sells one pot, on average, every 44 seconds in the UK! Try it twice a day to see a real reduction in puffiness, dark circles and fine lines. This time of year, skin needs all the help it can get and a good, no-nonsense, hard-working night cream is an essential. ANEW Rejuvenate Night Revitalising Cream, £18, is one of those rare moisturisers that sinks in immediately leaving no oily residue or sticky mess on the pillow. Smooth it on after a night on the tiles and wake up looking refreshed: it’s great for minimising pores, redness and dry patches. Pair it with the Avon ANEW Rejuvenate Flash Facial Revitalising Concentrate, £24, if you really want to give your skin the best chance of staying radiant through the cold weather. Best Avon Christmas treat? There’s one runaway winner in the range right now, and we urge you to give it a go, as it knocks spots off its competitors: the Avon MagiX Face Perfector SPF 20, £10, a foundation primer, skin-smoother, highlighter and skintone magician, all in one. Try it before a big night out and you’ll love the airbrushed effect. Buy for a friend... or, even better, keep for yourself!
Spas & Treatments: URBAN SPA (12.12.08)
Location: Urban spa, 5 Devoils Lane, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 3XH. 01279 465 333. Facilities: They say nice things come in small packages and that is certainly true of Urban Spa. In total, the space is little more than seven treatment rooms and a relaxation area – there is no swimming pool or swanky hammam - but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in service. Each room has been designed to compliment the treatment housed, so your Crystal Clear facial can be enjoyed in the Swarovski encrusted Crystal room complete with twinkling chandelier, your Casi non-surgical facelift is in the green Lifting room with special relaxing lighting, while the IPL hair removal is in the tranquil blue Impulse room. On the first floor for the more relaxing, cocooning treatments, you can lay back in the Mediterranean, Moroccan and Arabian rooms filled with lanterns, candles and ceramic pots, each designed to maximise the calmness, energy and rediscovery you feel. Ambience: Friendly and relaxed. What strikes you about this spa is the thought that has gone into every detail. From the colour of the waxing bowls co-ordinated to match the room décor, to the individual coloured charms on the locker keys. It is cosy yet chic, with a focus on ease – even down to the plush pile carpet in the walkway and the conjoining treatment rooms so you can enjoy a massage with a friend. There are also some really lovely touches that set it apart. I loved the little refreshment of sorbet, grapes and water that follows each treatment not to mention the complimentary pedicure while you wait for your fake tan to dry.Treatment Tested: Comfort Zone Monticelli Conditioning Mud Treatment, 60 mins £47. The treatment began by taking three deep breaths of the Comfort Zone Tranquility oil to really relax before the therapist got to work. First I was scrubbed from head to toe with a Comfort Zone Fruity Peel, which feels like a refreshing gel. This was then buffed off using dry mitts for extra exfoliation and a Fluidifying aromatic oil was rubbed into the lymph glands behind the knees and on the neck to help toxin drainage. Next the heated Monticelli mud, taken from the rich riverbanks of Monticelli Italy, enriched with mineral salt thermal waters and famed for its detoxifying, healing and draining benefits, was smeared all over and I was then wrapped in clingfilm. While the mud got to work, the therapist gave me an “over the top” fingertip massage which uses superlight touch to aid drainage and feels wonderful. Afterwards I showered and lay back on the clean towels. I was massaged with an anti-aging body cream again to aid drainage and stimulate blood circulation and I felt thoroughly buffed and shined. Hydramemory Facial 24-hr deep hydrating treatment 60 mins from £42. This is a great skin pick-me-up in the dry harsh winter. It is designed to improve moisture levels in your skin by using Hibiscus and honey as well as a special ingredient, trehalose, taken from a rare desert plant, to seriously increase moisture levels. Again the facial began with three deep breaths of Tranquility Oil to relax, followed by the Comfort Zone Lip and Eye Cleanse which focused on a draining massage to move toxins to the lymph glands. My face was then cleansed using a prayer-like movement called Healing Hands which stimulates circulation and brings oxygen to the skin’s surface. It was then cleansed a second time and dried using hot mitts, and then toned using Comfort Zone Everyday Tonic to protect and oxygenate the skin. Next came the gentle exfoliation using the Active Pureness Scrub which gave my skin a lovely glow. This was followed by more hot mitts and a wonderful 15-minute massage all over the chest, face and neck. A special Recovery Touch massage cream containing anti-oxidants to brighten and essential oils to relax was used, and I loved that the therapist focused on pressure points around my eyes to help with my dark circles and glided into my hair. If this wasn’t blissful enough, I then was treated to a scalp and ear massage while the Moisture Surge mask got to work. And after yet more hot mitts, my face was moisturised with the Hydramemory 24-hour fluid and an anti-aging Eye Supreme Extra cream was applied to my now very sleepy eyes. The Ambassador Experience spa package, including facial, bodywrap and hot stone massage of your choice costs £140.
Tried & Tested: TRIED & TESTED: FESTIVE HOME FRAGRANCES (12.12.08)
There are few better ways to get into the festive spirit than by filling your home with the scent of Christmas. We’ve tested candles, room sprays, and diffusers that promise to scent your home with warming, spicy, or pine-scented notes.
NEOM LUXURY ORGANICS XMAS WISH 2008 CANDLE, £40 (www.neomorganics.com).
What they say: A signature scent of warming Cinnamon, Mandarin, Frankincense and Tonka Bean. As the candle fills your home with the most beautiful Christmas scent, the treatment will fill you with Christmas cheer on the inside. As always, £1 from each candle sold will go to the Make-A-Wish children's charity, granting the wishes for children with life threatening illnesses.
What we say: A large candle with three wicks, weighing a whopping 1kg. The scent is spicy, but creamy. Presented in an opaque jar, with stylish gold ribbon-trimmed packaging.
The Results: I’m a big fan of NEOM and have been desperate to get my hands on their Christmas Wish candle since I first heard about it. I wasn’t at all disappointed – the combination of fragrances work perfectly together, with the Tonka Bean giving the scent a velvety smoothness. The candles are holistic and the packaging advises to never burn for more than four hours at a time – this was ample time for the sweet festive scent to fill my living room, but I couldn’t wait to light it again the next evening. I love the fact that the candle is completely organic and the fact that £1 has been donated to charity from each sale is a great incentive for me to run out the door and buy lots more. Pricey, but the large size means that it burns for 55 hours, which is over two weeks of burning if you stick to the recommended burning time.
Best for: Natural fragrance
JO MALONE PINE & EUCALYPTUS LIVING COLOGNE, £44.04 for 200ml (www.jomalone.co.uk)
What they say: Pine & Eucalyptus was inspired by the anticipation of Christmas morning, with the subtle hint of pine evoking wonder and excitement. Here was the essence of the festive season hanging in the air, to be perfectly captured in this limited-edition collection.
What we say: A bottle of festive-scented room fragrance, which looks like a giant version of Jo Malone’s stylish bottles of perfume and cologne. Presented in a signature Jo Malone box, wrapped with black ribbon.
The Results: Receiving this product was a real treat – the packaging is ultra-stylish and I’d be thrilled to find this waiting for me under the tree. It’s quite pricey, but the bottle is huge and would easily last the whole festive period. I’ve tried quite a few room sprays before, but have always been disappointed when the fragrance disappears within a few minutes. This product is completely different – only a few sprays are needed to create a scent that sticks around for over an hour before you need to top up. You can also spray onto home fabrics, like curtains and cushions (it doesn’t mark them), which makes the scent last even longer. It’s surpassed all my expectations and I would recommend it wholeheartedly.
Best for: The luxury choice
SPACE NK CHRISTMAS CANDLE, £32 (www.spacenk.co.uk)
What they say: This candle is a festive treat with universal appeal. Fill a room with the wintry scent of Douglas fir, orange, cinnamon, nutmeg, warm amber accompanied by a welcome twist of cranberry.
What we say: A scented candle, presented in a frosted white jar and chic red packaging. Not the largest candle, but you only need to light it for a short time to create an intense fragrance.
The Results: I’m not a big fan of the scent of pine, so was delighted when I discovered this candle had a deliciously spicy Cinnamon fragrance. One sniff and I was reminded of Christmas as a child – I couldn’t wait to light it. It’s very strong and room was filled with an ultra-warming spicy scent within just a few minutes. It’s so effective that I only needed to light it in short bursts of 15-minutes throughout the evening, so it’ll definitely last a long time. I hadn’t felt very Christmassy until this moment, but was suddenly ready to browse online for gifts and plan my festive shopping list. I’d recommend it to anyone that wants to feel festive when they get in each evening – it’s a real tonic and lifts my spirits every time I light the wick.
Best for: Intense Fragrance
L’OCCITANE HOME PERFUME DIFFUSER IN GOLDEN BRANCH, £20 (020 7907 0301)
What they say: L’OCCITANE has captured the enchanting aromas of Christmas and created a limited edition collection so that every holiday is filled with the delightful fragrance of Provence.
What we say: A festive gift box, containing everything you need to set up the diffuser in your home – a glass jar, metal lid, 15 bamboo perfume diffuser sticks, and a bottle of perfume refill. The fragrance is woody and very warm.
The Results: When I was handed this product to test, I couldn’t help thinking that it would make a great Christmas gift. The packaging looks fabulous and the contents are far more interesting than the average home fragrance. It took me seconds to set it up – by pouring the fragrance into the jar, replacing the lid, and dropping ten sticks into the liquid. I didn’t notice the fragrance for a while – the sticks need to soak through before they start diffusing the scent – but slowly a fresh festive scent began to fill the room. It’s a subtle fragrance, but I enjoyed it for over two weeks before it started to fade – and then I simply refilled the jar. I’ll definitely be investing for my friends and family.
Best for: Long-lasting fragrance
THE BODY SHOP FESTIVE FLAMES, £14 (www.thebodyshop.co.uk)
What they say: Three festive mini votives – Cranberry, Vanilla Spice, and Warm Amber.
What we say: Three small candles in gold, amber, and scarlet glass jars. The three different scents work brilliantly on their own, but create a delicious festive fragrance when lit together.
The Results: These candles look great on my fireplace – they‘ve become part of the Christmas décor and I’ve enjoyed lighting them every evening after switching on the tree lights. The coloured jars flicker when lit, which creates a lovely warming ambience in the room. Each candle smells gorgeous, but my favourite is the Cranberry – it has a lively juicy scent, but with a hint of spiciness that makes it perfect for Christmas. I love it so much that I made a trip into store and treated myself to the matching Body Butter and Shower Gel! When the candles have finished, I’ll just pop a tealight into each of the jars and keep lighting them every evening – I have a feeling I’ll be unpacking them year after year to do the same.
Best for: An extra decoration
CLARINS HOME FRAGRANCE SCENTED ROOM SPRAY, £19.57 (www.clarins.co.uk)
What they say: An elegant room spray with a deeply sensual, soothing aromatic fragrance. A sophisticated blend of fresh, green, warm and woody notes.
What we say: Not officially a festive fragrance, but the spicy pine scent is warming and reminiscent of Christmas trees. Presented in a green-tinted glass bottle and simple dark green packaging.
The Results: I’ve been meaning to pop into a department store to have a sniff of Clarins Home Fragrance since I first heard about it, but never managed to squeeze a visit in. After receiving this room spray to test, I’m really quite impressed. I expected it to be more intensely perfumed, but the green woody fragrance is quite subtle and fresh. It also has a sweetness to it, which works really well with the hints of pine. I sprayed the scent quite liberally around the room and didn’t need to do it again for quite a while. I don’t think it has quite the scenting power of a candle or diffuser, but for instant results you can’t really beat it. I’ll definitely be spraying my living room before we have guests around over Christmas!
The Results: Instant Results
Breaking News: TESS DALY CHOOSES CHRISTMAS WISH LIST AT NEW WEBSITE AIRPORTGIFTLIST.CO.UK (12.12.08)
What’s the best thing about going on holiday? Cocktails on the beach? A break from the sweaty commute? If you’re anything like us at The-Beauty-Pages.com, it’s the promise of a good shop before we take off… Luckily for shopaholics like us, BAA has just launched a website that can help us plan for those precious few hours of airport shopping – and now is the perfect time to visit, as Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly has just released her ultimate airport wish list on the site. The website – www.airportgiftlist.co.uk - lists fabulous gift ideas for foodies, gadget lovers, the men or women in our lives, and the kids. Topping Tess’ wish list is Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Traveller Set (£34) - an absolute must when travelling to keep skin hydrated and fresh on the flight. And the secret to her golden glow? La Prairie Bronzer (£39.50), which looks as good on the skin as it does in the carry-on. Don’t miss out on Tess’ other irresistible selections – if you aren’t travelling soon, you can always send the link to somebody who is… With hundreds of gifts to choose from, it’s hard to see how you could go wrong, but if your Gran is bored of receiving those giant-sized Toblerones, BAA’s Christmas agony aunts are on hand to answer all your queries at info@airportgiftlist.co.uk.
Blog: A Day in The Life of Leighton Denny – Celebrity Nail Guru (12.12.08)
I should probably tell you I’m up at 6am every day – but I’m not. My alarm goes off at 8am in the form of my three noisy builders banging on the front door ready for business... the birds in West London don’t get a look-in, if you know what I mean. I reach for my morning Decleor wake-up call in the shower, whilst the boys put the kettle on. Another knock at the door – and I’m off to the park with my personal trainer. Since I realised that they’re right about the TV adding 6 lbs to you in nasty places, I’ve decided to lose 12 – just in case they’ve got their figures wrong. Well noone ever said I wasn’t a control freak! And yes, well spotted – I know you might think it’s a bit weird showering before exercise, but I’m a clean freak too – besides, you never know who you might bump into sweating in the park.. Nails aren’t the only things people notice you know... and it doesn’t hurt to smell good. Anyway, it’s nice for other joggers to inhale the pleasures of Chanel Allure. Meanwhile is anyone else addicted to Power Plates? I usually sprint home – most people do because they love that feeling – I just do it because I want to get back for my spray tan. I brought the mountain to Mohammed and installed a St Tropez tanning booth in my bedroom – well it makes sense if you’re going on QVC the whole time... I’ve seen myself looking pasty and trust me it affects the sales! It’s December – it’s Christmas party time and I’ve decided to hit it extra hard this year after the success of this season’s Criminal collection. I know that soon enough it’ll be the New Year and I’ve already got an amazing new line planned for Spring Summer 2009, so it’s almost time to kick back for a week or two. But first it’s off to meet my manufacturers to pick up the final samples of my new colours... How beautiful is London at Christmas? Going past Harrods in a cab on the way to The Wolseley for lunch looking at all the window displays and Christmas lights - gives me that brilliant warm feeling you always want to get at this time of year. But of course, nothing beats being back home with my family in Bradford though! By 4pm I’ve given a lunch interview for a leading glossy, worked on-set at a photoshoot for a top fashion label, and downed my third cappuccino. Just as I come up on my coffee buzz I get a call from my agent to say that Dita Von Teese has flown into town and needs an emergency manicure for a red carpet ‘do’ ce soir.. I love working with Dita so I jump in another cab extra quick and I’m in her hotel room within minutes. All very fancy but there’s not much time to catch up. By now it’s 5pm and I have to meet Nina my hand model/partner in nail crime at Heathrow in just over two hours. After one manic packing session, two cabs and four business calls later (to my lawyer, my accountant, my PR, my mother), Nina and I are sitting in the T5 cocktail bar, Heathrow, waiting to board the plane to Germany. I travel with BA at least twice a month so I’m a familiar face and it’s always nice to see the cabin crew – they’re mates now. It’s always nice to see a couple of the hostesses wearing my nail shades. Hers need a second coat though. And the other one needs to know how to apply it properly… but we can’t have everything, can we? Keep up-to-date with Leighton Denny himself on Facebook - ‘search’ Leighton Denny Products and ‘add’ for recent celebrity work and competitions. Purchase products online at www.leightondenny.com
Breaking News: Clinique introduces ‘Party Red’ range (12.12.08)
With the party season just hours away, it’s time to perfect your pout. Ruby-red lips continue to stay high-up on the beauty hotlist and are, without doubt, the latest ‘must-have’ accessory. Ideal for sprucing up that LBD, they’re a darn sight cheaper than diamonds too! But with so many shades to choose from, you need to make sure you pick the right red for you – which is why we’re so thankful that Clinique have come to the rescue with their new limited edition Party Red colour collection. Hitting shelves just in time for the festivities, the range has a rainbow of reds – from bright and bold lipsticks, to subtle, glossy sheens; it makes the daring decision to paint those smackers scarlet a much easier one. But it’s not just for beginners. If you’re already a red lipstick convert, you’ll be more than interested to learn about the collection’s hero product – Long Last Lipstick in Party Red. Unlike some lippies that tend to migrate to your mouth’s creases after an hour or two, this rich, creamy formula won’t leave you high and dry half-way through the night, meaning you can concentrate on the party rather than your pout. The Party Red range is available from Clinique counters nationwide.
Breaking News: Fergie at Selfridges in support of the M.A.C Cosmetics AIDS Fund (12.12.08)
There are few things better than a little retail therapy, but it’s even better when your money is going towards a good cause. Fans of M.A.C Cosmetics need to make a note to get down to London’s Selfridges this week, where Fergie - three-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and now, M.A.C Viva Glam spokeswoman - will be making a special appearance on Thursday 11th December 2008 in support of the M.A.C AIDS Fund. The fund supports men, women and children affected by HIV/AIDS globally and has raised an impressive $130 million since its launch in 1994. The first Viva Glam lipstick was introduced that year – an outspoken, unashamedly glamorous, deep red that quickly became one of the brand’s most desired products. The line-up has since grown, with six irresistible Viva Glam Lipstick shades and two Viva Glam Lipglass shades now on shelves. Following in the footsteps of previous Viva Glam A-list ambassadors including Christina Aguilera, Chloe Sevigny and Mary J Blige, Fergie has been chosen as the “face” of the latest shade. Viva Glam VI Lipglass is a Limited Edition shimmering plum, perfectly suited to the party season. It retails at £10.50. Fergie will join the M.A.C team on the Ground Floor of Selfridges, signing Viva Glam posters between 1-2pm on Thursday 11th December. Fans who purchase a M.A.C Viva Glam product from Selfridges between 8th and 11th December will receive a special pass, which must be presented on the day to meet the star. One hundred percent of the retail price goes to the MAC AIDS Fund, so, what better excuse do you need to indulge? For more information on the M.A.C Viva Glam range, visit www.maccosmetics.co.uk
Salon Review: Toni & Guy Flagship Salon (05.12.08)
Location: 67 Regent Street, London, W1B 4EB. 020 7434 2700 www.toniandguy.com/344F5/SalonWebsite.aspx The salon: Six months after its super-swish refurb and the flagship Toni&Guy salon still looks as swanky as it did when they first unveiled it. For a brand whose reputation precedes it, the pressure is certainly on when it comes to their signature salon, and despite being smaller than you might imagine, it clearly sticks to the premise that size isn’t everything – it’s what you do with it that counts! And what haven’t they done? Shiny surfaces, sparkly walls and polished flooring all in the brand’s recognisable monochrome palette makes for an ultra-sleek setting, whilst flat-screen monitors playing out Toni&Guy TV, and a well-lit wall full of label.m, Model.Me and Toni&Guy products showcases what they do best – cutting-edge style for the masses. Set over two floors, downstairs is double the size of the street-level salon area, and also boasts their flashy wash-basin boutique. With massage chairs and silver beaded curtains around each basin, this makes your normal wash and rinse seem downright dull in comparison. Shimmy on up to the styling area and you’ll be greeted with a host of friendly faces - after all there are thirteen stylists working at the salon. However, if you’re eager to have your hair coiffed by the crème de la crème, Technical Director Lee is your man when it comes to show-stopping colour whilst Style Director George will trim and tease your tresses to perfection. Both at the top of their game, with numerous celebrity clients on their books, for them the focus is on you and what you want to get out of your new cut and colour, rather than a hard-sell approach on pushing products or the latest looks. Incredibly refreshing in such a fashion-frenzied industry, it’s probably one of the main reasons the salon group still has such a loyal fan base. Services: Cut (from £47), colour (£99 for full head of highlights), blowdry (£38), treatments (from £16) and hair-up services (£38)
Tried & Tested: RADIANCE BOOSTERS (05.12.08)
Is the party season taking its toll on your skin? Pretend you’ve had a good night’s sleep with one our fabulous radiance boosters.
CHANEL RADIANCE REVEALING SERUM, £44 FOR 30ML (0207 4933836).
What they say: Is your skin tired, dull or lacking in tone? These are warning signs of deterioration in the microcirculation, which has a vital influence on the quality of your skin. Chanel Précision has developed Éclat Originel, which acts on the microcirculation to restore outstanding, visible radiance to the skin.
What we say: As always with Chanel, the packaging alone makes this product irresistible. The clear bottle contains a lightweight pale peach-coloured serum, which turns clear on application. A light and pleasant floral fragrance.
The Results: I couldn’t believe how lightweight this product felt – it sunk into my skin within seconds and left no greasy residue. The serum includes tiny flecks of shimmer – nowhere near enough to look like a disco-queen, but just enough to catch the light every now and again and add a lovely radiance to the complexion. It’s definitely suitable for daywear and I’ll continue to use it every morning to perk up my skin – especially on those early mornings when I could’ve done with a bit more sleep!
Best for: The Luxury Choice
AVEDA TOURMALINE CHARGED RADIANCE FLUID, £29.36 FOR 30ML (www.aveda.co.uk)
What they say: Concentrated refining serum—infused with the naturally-energising mineral tourmaline and potent anti-oxidants—jump-starts a healthy glow, smoothing away dull skin. Energises skin with new, visible life.
What we say: Classic green Aveda packaging, containing a clear bottle with a thin gel-like fluid. Like all Aveda products, the smell is irresistible – almost as good as the product itself.
The Results: A little goes a long way with this product – just the smallest pea-sized amount is needed. It gives a lovely cooling feeling on application and skin feels instantly refreshed. It doesn’t sink in as quickly as other products I’ve tried, but within a few minutes it had absorbed and left a lovely smooth base for makeup. Whenever I caught a reflection of myself throughout the day, I couldn’t believe how glowing my skin was looking – I looked incredibly healthy, despite having a filthy cold. I’m not letting go of this product now I’ve found it!
Best for: A healthy glow
THE BODY SHOP TINTED GLOW ENHANCER, £11 for 30ml (www.thebodyshop.co.uk)
What they say: A lightweight, moisturising liquid formulation that provides a natural-looking sheer radiance that helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines, even out skin tone and instantly brighten the complexion.
What we say: A simple tube, containing a pearly pink base – not unlike foundation. The product is available in three different colour shades – light, medium and dark.
The Results: There’s no glitter in this product, but it left a lovely light-reflecting sheen on the surface of my skin. I used it in place of my usual foundation and was really impressed with how it evened out my skin tone. For me, it’s probably a little too shimmery to use during the day. On a night out, however, it instantly spruces up the complexion – it’s quickly become my failsafe party product! The tube is small enough to fit into a clutch bag too, so I can carry it out with me for top ups throughout the night!
Best for: A night out
SHEERINO’KHO EVENING DRESS, £67 for 40ml (www.spacenk.co.uk).
What they say: A complete skincare product, perfectly adapted to going out after a busy day, the iridescent pearl cream/serum (naturally tinted by the mother of pearl powder) with a soft, light and silky texture ensures maximum penetration of the active ingredients.
What we say: Impressive packaging for such a small bottle – a vibrant fuchsia pink box, which would make it an ideal gift for someone special. The opaque pump bottle contains a beige cream.
The Results: At first glance, this product looks very luxurious and I was delighted to be handed it to test. The cream does have quite a murky colour when you pump it out of the bottle onto your finger, but it becomes clear when you apply. I loved the scent of rose essential oil and it was a real treat to apply. My skin instantly felt smoother and softer – it makes the perfect base for makeup. Better still, when I looked in the mirror at lunchtime, I was impressed to notice how well my makeup had lasted the morning, plus my skin still looked lovely and glowing.
Best for: Working alongside your makeup
YVES SAINT LAURENT TOP SECRETS FLASH RADIANCE SKINCARE BRUSH, £30 for 40ml (YSL Counters Nationwide)
What they say: An exceptionally clever skincare product inspired by the beauty tips of professionals. Glide it over the face to quickly chase away signs of fatigue, minimise pores, smooth the skin’s texture, and visibly restore luminosity to the complexion.
What we say: A chic gold box containing a white bottle with mirrored lid. The product is applied with a firm but ultra-soft brush. The product has a pearlescent creamy colour and a pleasant scent, not dissimilar to an expensive moisturiser.
The Results: Applying this product was incredibly easy and quick. You squeeze the tube and wait for enough product to gather on the brush, then simply sweep it across the skin. The action of brushing was enough to perk up my skin on its own – it was like a light massage and left my skin glowing. Add to that the subtle light-reflecting pigments and it’s a real winner. I’ll definitely apply it after my moisturiser before a big night out – or simply when my skin needs a bit of a boost.
Best for: Waking up the skin
DERMALOGICA DAY BRIGHT SPF15, £32.40 for 30ml (0800 591818)
What they say: A tri-active system that brightens, illuminates and protects skin during the day. Our exclusive Brightening Complex of eleven active botanical brighteners helps balance uneven pigmentation while optical illuminators manipulate light and shadows to create the luminosity associated with healthy skin.
What we say: Simple but stylish Dermalogica packaging, containing a squeezable tube of pearly-pink cream. An energising fruity fragrance.
The Results: I was quite surprised when I first squeezed this onto my finger. The grey and white packaging lead me to assume the product inside would be quite plain too – but this couldn’t be further from the truth. The cream is quite pink and very shimmery. However, it doesn’t look at all rosy when it goes onto the skin, but instead leaves the skin looking more even-toned and really quite luminous. I’d highly recommend it for using the morning after a big night out – it instantly wakes up the complexion. Plus, it’s great for daywear as it contains SPF15.
Best for: Daywear
Feature: Christmas Gift Guide (05.12.08)
Stuck for inspiration this Christmas? Feast your eyes on our fabulous beauty gift guide – full to the brim with luxury treats, tempting gift sets, festive delights, and irresistible stocking fillers. Shop for loved ones – or better still, send the link to somebody who loves you…
FOR FASHIONISTAS
Buying for somebody who loves a label? What better way to satisfy their designer-cravings than by buying them a gift from the ultra-stylish selection below. It’ll certainly be kinder on you wallet than that handbag she’s been drooling over.
1. Yves Saint Laurent The Bow Collection - Duo Lip Colour Palette, £39 (01444 255700). YSL is celebrating 30 years of beauty in 2008 with a steady stream of irresistible launches throughout the year. In our opinion, The Bow Collection is one of the best yet. Few could resist the charm of the Duo Lip Palette – a gorgeous chunky gold bow, which opens to reveal two good-enough-to-eat lip colours.
2 – Calvin Klein Secret Obsession Eau de Parfum, £40 for 50ml (0800 083 6310). It’s the latest fragrance from Calvin Klein and smells rich, opulent, and exotic. Everybody loves opening a new bottle of perfume on Christmas morning – and we think this scent suits the day perfectly. It will work fabulously with cashmere jumpers, mulled wine, and roaring open fires.
3 – Chanel Poudre Précieuse Or – Gold Highlighting Powder with Brush, £38 for 8g (0207 4933836). It doesn’t get much more luxurious than Chanel – and this beautifully fine powder with a subtle gold shimmer is bound to become the pride of her dressing table. A soft brush is included to dust the powder over the face, décolletage, and shoulders. Even the packaging is enough to make her swoon.
4 – Stella in Two by Stella McCartney Gift Box, £50 (Department Stores Nationwide). Fragrance gift boxes have flooded the Christmas shelves over recent years, but there’s nothing average about this particular set. Stella in Two is a delicious fragrance – light, stylish, and really quite exclusive. It doesn’t have to try hard to be fashionable – it just is.
FOR PARTY ANIMALS
If her party shoes are working overtime, she’ll appreciate something fun, frivolous, and very stylish. After all, getting ready for a big night out is half the fun…
1. Benefit Primpcess Glamorous Eye Primping Kit, £25 (www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk). Few girls can resist the charm of Benefit – the packaging sells the products on its own, but inside the makeup is pretty darn good too. This set contains everything she needs to create sexy smouldering eyes – Bad Gal Lash Mascara, three Eyeshadows, Creaseless Cream Shadow Liner, Boi-ing Concealer, and Eye Bright.
2. Kate Moss Velvet Hour Eau de Toilette, £29 for 50ml (Available Nationwide). Treat her to the latest fragrance offering from the party queen herself, Kate Moss. The scent is designed to evoke that precious moment when dusk settles and the air is electrified with every possibility. The fragrance is rich, woody, and very slightly floral – she will love it.
3. B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful Midas Touch Shower Scrub, £14.50 for 175g (www.bnevertoobusytobebeautiful.com). She’ll fall instantly in love with this product, with its chunky vintage-style jar, the delicate talcum-powder scent, the generous scattering of sparkling gold glitter, and the softening power of the indulgent scrub. It makes every shower a total pleasure.
4 – Taer Icelandic Essential Travel Set, £35 (www.taer.com). If she spends most nights out on the town, the chances are that her skin will be looking a little tired and lacklustre. Treat her to this gorgeous skincare gift set, with six travel-sized products to keep her skin looking fabulous – all included in a disco-worthy silver washbag.
FOR CITY SLICKERS
She works long hours and plays even harder. Treat the city slicker in your life to something chic, grown-up, but very indulgent.
1. M.A.C Adoring Carmine Basic Brushes, £39.15 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk). Every slick city chick needs a good set of makeup brushes to keep her looking groomed and glamorous. And nothing will look better on her dressing table than M.A.C’s punchy red set – five professional-quality brushes presented in a stunning satin bag.
2. Molton Brown Air Constellation, £59 (www.moltonbrown.co.uk). After a long hard day at the office, what could be better than lighting a richly scented candle and allowing the day’s stresses to drift away. With Molton Brown’s indulgent selection, the only problem she’ll have is choosing which one to light first…
3. Crème de la Mer, The Connoisseur Collection, £280 (www.cremedelamer.co.uk). It isn’t cheap, but she’ll certainly thank you for it. The two signature products – the Moisturising Cream and the Eye Concentrate – will revive, pamper, and reenergize her skin after a steady stream of long days and late nights.
4. Elemis Blissful Body, £25 (www.timetospa.co.uk). Hard days in the office will become just a distant memory when she gets her hands on this stress-relieving kit from luxury spa brand Elemis. She can pamper herself silly with Skin Nourishing Milk Bath, Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt and Pro-Collagen Hand & Nail cream.
FOR MUMS
The truth is, that smile on Mum’s face when she unwraps yet another set of soaps isn’t exactly real – it’s all a bit of a show. This year, give her something she really wants, with a gift that’s classic, stylish, and very very indulgent.
1. Bobbi Brown Copper Diamond Beauty Kit, £65 (www.bobbibrown.co.uk). Treat Mum to this stunning multi-tiered beauty case in copper diamond. There’s room for makeup brushes in the top, plus a handy mirror in the bottom. Sadly, it doesn’t come packed with makeup, but we can guarantee that she’ll have fun filling it…
2. Miller Harris Weekend Kit, £39 (www.millerharris.com). The scents may be deliciously floral, but there’s nothing mumsy about this set. With four travel-sized products –Shower Wash, Body Lotion, Shampoo and Milled Soap, it’s the perfect introduction to the cult British brand.
3. Elizabeth Arden Red Door Shimmer Eau de Parfum Spray, £30 for 50ml (www.boots.com). Want to buy something that reflects her vibrant personality? She’ll adore Red Door Shimmer. Its notes are lively and sherbetty, yet it retains a very sophisticated and chic feel.
4. Vital Touch Mum’s Gorgeous Pampering Box, £28 (www.vitaltouch.com). If she likes her products to be natural, she’ll adore this irresistible selection from natural beauty range Vital Touch. The set includes three products with Mum-inspired names – Time for Mum Pampering Bath Soak, Mum’s Miracle Balm, and Mummy’s Yummy Body Scrub, plus a butter-soft face flannel.
FOR THE MAN IN YOUR LIFE
The trick to buying for men is to pick the brands that you would choose for yourself. If it’s good enough for you, it’s good enough for him. All the big beauty houses are selling products for the men in our life and what better time to introduce him to the ever-popular world of grooming than on December 25th?
1. Jo Malone Men’s Grooming Starter Kit, £29.36 (www.jomalone.co.uk). If only we could go back to the day when we first discovered Jo Malone… The pleasure is all his with this selection of small products, each specifically designed for the men in our life. If he travels, his washbag will never have been better stocked.
2. Dermalogica Shave, £34.50 (0800 591818). Unless he’s sporting a full beard, there’s one certainty in every man’s life – at some point, he’s going to need to shave. Introduce him to the joys of fabulous skincare brand Dermalogica with this jam-packed shaving kit. It includes one month’s supply of products – and we’re pretty sure he’ll be converted by the end of January…
3. Aveda Grooming Traditions, £23.38 (Available at Aveda Stores Nationwide). Not quite got his head around using lotions and potions? We bet he still spends hours on his hair… Aveda have packaged three of their most popular hair products for men in this satisfyingly-masculine gift box – Aveda for Men Pure-Formance Shampoo, Grooming Clay, and Styling Brush.
4. Remington Diamond 360 Rotary Shaver, £69.99 (Boots Nationwide). Gadget fan? This revolutionary new shaver won’t fail to impress – diamond-like carbon-coated blades, three independent flexing heads, two close cut tracks, and LCD display. Oh – and a fabulously close shave too.
STOCKING FILLERS
If the budget is smaller – or if you are treating somebody lucky to a stocking jam-packed with little treats – take your pick from the fabulous selection below.
1. Balance Me Luxury Wash Set, £15 (www.balanceme.co.uk). Four 75ml bottles of deliciously scented shower gels, each blended with pure essential oils. The perfect way to perk up those trips to the gym in January.
2. L’Occitane Hand Creams Trio, £19.37 (www.loccitane.co.uk). Three irresistible hand creams in handbag-sized tubes – Honey and Lemon, Roses, and Cherry Blossom.
3. Mister Mascara Paradise Lashes Kit, £8.82 (www.beautique.com). Utterly fabulous, totally extravagant, and bang on trend… These fake lashes will certainly get her noticed.
4. The Body Shop Warm Amber Shimmer Lotion, £8 (www.thebodyshop.co.uk). There are three things to love about this moisturiser – the gorgeous warming fragrance, the easily absorbed creamy texture, and the dusting of subtle silver shimmer.
5. NARS Night Life Eyeshadow, £15 (www.narscosmetics.co.uk). They say the best things come in small packages – and that’s certainly true of NARS’ makeup – she will adore this ultra-sparkly silver eyeshadow.
6. Aromatherapy Associates Instant Aromatherapy, £15 (www.aromatherapyassociates.com). When life is a challenge, simply roll these scented oils over pulse points and breathe deeply. The set includes Relax and Revive.
7. Urban Retreat Reverie Luxury Hand Wash and Hand Cream, both £9.95 (Boots Nationwide). A set that makes the mundane task of washing your hands a real pleasure…
8. So…? Kiss Me Beautiful Set, £11.99 (0208 8694444). It doesn’t get much better value than this set – shower gel, body lotion, body spray, and fragrance – each with a musky-vanilla scent.
