Archive - July 2008
News: OLAY'S NEWEST LAUNCH SPARKS 20,000 WAITING LIST (18.07.08)
Demand for the latest ‘it’ bag is nothing new, but when we heard the launch of Olay’s Regenerist Daily 3 Point Treatment Cream had led to a stampede stateside and a 20,000 strong waiting list on UK shores, we were more than a little intrigued!
Since its exclusive launch on Boots.com in May, the product dubbed the ’£30 American dream cream’ has already become its fastest selling beauty product of the year, shifting a whopping one a minute in its first week.
Promising to keep skin hydrated for up to 24 hours, it contains the highest level of Olay’s amino-peptide complex, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and giving sagging skin the heave-ho, while restoring elasticity and suppleness. The result? Beautifully soft, smooth and younger looking skin - without having to re-mortgage your house.
Olay Regenerist Daily 3 Point Treatment Cream costs £29.99 for 50ml and is available nationwide now.
Treatment Review: CRYSTAL CLEAR MICRODERMABRASION FOOT TREATMENT (01.07.08)
What it promises: To revitalise and transform dry calloused feet into flip-flop fabulous tootsies. Unlike foot files and scrubs, the microdermabrasion - which sands the skin with a stream of ultra-fine aluminum oxide crystals - will smooth calluses and cracked heels in just one session giving feet a new lease of life.
What happens: I sat down on my very impressive-looking pedicure throne with a sink basin at my feet. The treatment began with a basic pedicure where my nails were carefully filed and shaped. This was followed by the Crystal Clear Microdermabrasion, which was pumped onto the feet front and back, in between the toes and up to the ankles. It gently sanded all the dead skin cells, hard skin and heel fissures and my dry overgrown cuticles were also worked on. Then my feet were soaked in a lovely warm soapy bath and the cuticles pushed back. The therapist dried and filed my feet with a foot file, just to make sure any last trace of hard skin had been removed and to smooth everything off. This was followed by a Crystal Clear Mini Lift Mask to rehydrate the skin. While it got to work, I sat back and enjoyed a delicious massage right up to my knees. Finally the mask was peeled off and my toenails were polished in a colour of my choice.
Results: I hadn’t had a pedicure since last summer so my feet were in desperate need of attention. Afterwards my nails looked like perfectly square glassy gems - instead of the gnarled talons I boasted before. The skin on the tops of my feet appeared visibly more even and smooth and the soles were totally free of hard skin. They were so soft even my boyfriend didn’t mind giving me a foot rub that evening. It was sheer luxury from beginning to end and I left with a definite spring in my step.
Price: £45 for 60 minutes.
Location: Nationwide. Call 08705 934934 or visit www.crystalclear.co.uk.
The Feature: TREND REPORT (25.07.08)
The sun may still be shining, but the beauty industry has moved on... We profile the 6 biggest trends for Autumn/Winter.
THE TREND: SUPERNATURAL SKIN. As seen at: YSL, Prada and Roberto Cavalli (left, courtesy of Max Factor).
The Look: Clean, clear skin is this season’s essential. The trend is all about having great looking skin – not makeup – so a good skin care regime is paramount.
Backstage Kit: Start by using a rich hydrator to plump up skin, then use a base to brighten and even out your complexion. Stick to super light foundation or just a dusting of sheer translucent powder for a bright and sheeny, but not shiny, finish. Try MAC Mineralize Skinfinish (£16.50, www.maccosmetics.co.uk).
Blushers and bronzers have been replaced with light creamy blushers or rosy powders – simply brush over the forehead, cheeks and nose for a flushed but natural look. Try Bobbi Brown Blush in Sandstone (£16, www.bobbibrown.co.uk) or Bourjois Compact Powder in Beige Rose (£7.95, www.bourjois.co.uk).
Keep lips nude or with just a light patting of gloss. Try Max Factor’s Lipfinity Colour & Gloss in Shimmering Pink or Gleaming Coral (£8.99, www.boots.com).
Tip: If you want to give skin an extra boost, try Perfectil Plus Tablets - a complete skin food that clears, brightens and plumps up skin within a couple of weeks. (£8.50, www.vitabiotics.com/perfectil).
THE TREND: THE POWER BROW. As seen at: Christopher Kane, Givenchy and Paul Costelloe (left, courtesy of B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful)
The Look: Don’t underestimate the power of the brow. It can shape, update and perfect your face instantly. Keep the shape natural but defined - and go as thick as you can.
Backstage Kit: Firstly, you need a good set of tweezers - try Tweezerman versions, which are fine tuned for a really neat brow shaping (£12, www.boots.com).
Charlotte Matheson, head in house makeup artist for B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful and creator of the power brows shown at Paul Costelloe’s A/W08 show, advises ditching pencils and instead using a matte eyeshadow and a firm angle brush. She says: “With short brush movements, feather the eyeshadow through the hairs to create a softer, but thicker look”. Charlotte uses B’s pressed eyeshadows ( £8 each, www.bnevertoobusytobebeautiful.com) – for black hair use Beezlebub, for brown hair use OB1, and for fair or red hair use Brogue.
Tip: Put Blink on speed dial. Their threading is the most painless way to achieve perfect brows and the re-growth is half that of waxing or plucking (£15, 07890 078696).
THE TREND: PLAITED HAIR. As seen at: Comme Des Garcons, Gareth Pugh, and Giles (left, courtesy of Toni & Guy).
The Look: There’s a return to the vintage this season, with plaits making their big catwalk comeback. Hair should be tight to the head, with the plait worn high at the back, and should come with a vinyl shine. It’s sleek, gorgeous, and surprisingly sophisticated.
Backstage Kit: Hair need to be poker straight for this look, so first prep your hair with a good blow-dry spray - label.m Blow Out Spray would work perfectly (£8.95, 0845 0708080).
Start by fixing the ponytail high at the back of the head with a non-snag band. After plaiting hair and securing at the end (leave at least an inch of hair below the bottom band), you need a good hairspray to set it. Try the cult favorite L’Oreal Elnet – it’s still around because it works, holding and fixing without the crispiness (£5.49, www.boots.com).
Finish the look with plenty of gloss - a serum or spray both work well. Try Gliss Schwarzkopf Shine Tonic (£2.09, available in Boots and Superdrug).
Tip: Plaits don’t work well on split broken hair. Try sleeping in a hair mask the night before before – it’ll help to smooth, gloss, and repair any damage. A great choice would be Umberto Gianni Overnight Beauty Moisture Balm,(£4.99 www.boots.com).
THE TREND: DARK LIPS. As seen at: YSL, Giles Deacon, Chloe and Miu Miu (left, courtesy of Max Factor).
The Look: For Autumn/Winter, makeup artists painted lips darker than ever. If you are going to wear lip colour this season, it has to come from the modern rainbow.
Backstage Kit: Colours can vary from the richest scarlet (try YSL’s Rouge Volupte in 17, £20, 01444 255700), to the deepest plum (try Rimmel’s Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick in Bordeaux, £3.99, www.rimmellondon.com) through to the darkest shade of black cherry (try MAC Spice It Up!, £11, www.maccosmetics.co.uk). Apply with a brush for catwalk-worthy perfection.
Finish your look with a clear gloss - NARS Lip Gloss in Triple x (£17, www.spacenk.co.uk) comes highly recommended.
Tip: Dark colour only sits well on soft, buffed lips, so invest in a good lip scrub - try Sarah Hap's The Lip Scrub (£19.95, www.sarahhapp.co.uk). It comes in five edible flavours and is the perfect blend for smoothing lips without the scratch. We’re hooked on the Brown Sugar scrub.
THE TREND: THE EXTRAVAGANT EYE. As seen at: Balenciaga, YSL, Lagerfeld, Givenchy and Victor and Rolf (left, courtesy of Max Factor).
The Look: The smoky eye never goes away, but this season it’s more extravagant than ever. The new eye is dark, fierce and utterly beautiful. Makeup artists lined, painted and shadowed eyes in gorgeous slate, charcoal, carbon and metal hues – with sometimes just a touch of shimmer. The abstract black eye needs sharp edging with clean, graphic lines – there’s absolutely no smudging or blending to be done on these dark gothic colours.
Backstage Kit: Keep pigment strong and intense - MAC Eye Shadow in Carbon (£10, www.maccosmetics.co.uk) is the perfect choice. If you want to lighten the effect add a touch of silver and white painted on the inside of the lower lid - try L’Oreal Colour Appeal in Platinum Real Silver (£4.99, www.boots.com).
Finish with plenty of lengthening blacker than black mascara - Max Factor’s Masterpiece MAX Mascara is perfect for this look (£9.99, www.boots.com).
Tip: Use an eye base too – it holds the makeup for longer and stops the colour creasing. We love Laura Mercier’s Eye Basics eye primer (£18, www.spacenk.co.uk).
THE TREND: METAL NAILS. As seen at: Julian Macdonald, Galliano, Dior, and Chanel (left, courtesy of Chanel Beauty).
The Look: Throw away those summer brights. There’s only one way to wear your nails this season – glossy, glamorous, and metallic.
Backstage Kit: Think of nails as your little jewels, matching, not clashing, with clothes. For shape follow your natural curve and keep them longer than last season (they should peek just over the edge of the finger tip).
Choose cool metallic shades and washes of Grecian bronze. For a soft sparkling gold, try Essie Polish in Golden Nuggets (£8.50, www.nailsbymail.co.uk). For an achingly-cool solid silver, choose Leighton Denny Nail Colour in Silver Metallic (£10, www.leightondenny.co.uk).
Tip: This Autumn/Winter season is fake tan free, so paler skins should stick to cooler shades of gold, which look less brassy. Try Chanel’s Le Vernis in Kaleidoscope (£14.50, 020 7493 3836) – it’s your perfect metallic one-fits-all polish.
Tried & Tested: LIP PLUMPERS (25.07.08)
PURELOGICOL INSTANT LIP PLUMPER, £20 (www.purelogicol.com)
What they say: This advanced DNA repair formula instantly plumps whilst enhancing colour and definition. The breakthrough MVS lips nano technology combines phospolipids, liquorice root, and soybean extract, which boosts collagen and glycoprotein. HA Microspheres, plant collagen and Vitamin E hydrate, soothe and nourish. The Results are fuller, healthier, younger-looking lips.
What we say: Stylish white and silver packaging, containing a clickable treatment pen. The silky white balm has a strong fragrance initially, but it disappears on application. Lips feel like they’ve been injected with moisture – smooth, soft and totally hydrated – and are left with a subtle sheen.
Results: I’ve used a few lip plumpers in the past, but was intrigued to try something new and innovative. I loved the way the product cooled and refreshed my lips when I first applied it, like a soothing lip-balm, and only noticed a slight tingle. My lips, which are usually very pale, instantly had a lovely rose-tinted flush. They definitely looked fuller and smoother. But the biggest positive for me was the longevity of the results – hours later they still looked and felt fuller.
Best for: Long-term results
URBAN DECAY BIG FATTY LIP PLUMPER, £10 (www.asos.com)
What they say: Experience psychedelic results. Increases lip size for up to a 20% fuller pout. Plumping effect starts within 10 minutes and lasts up to 3 hours. Lips get noticeably more pink.
What we say: A clear gloss with gold sparkles and a strong fruity fragrance. The texture is thick, giving it great staying power. With its fun colourful packaging, it’s not a product that will get lost easily in the bottom of your handbag.
The Results: Immediately after applying the gloss, my lips started to dramatically tingle. This reassured me that something was happening. Two minutes later I looked in the mirror and noticed my lips had definitely got plumped, plus had a gained a deeper colour. The results lasted until the gloss had wiped off. The gold glitter makes it a bit glamorous for everyday wear, but it’s perfect for a night out.
Best for: A night out
BY TERRY LIP EXPERT HYDRA-SHINE GLOSS, £20 (www.spacenk.co.uk)
What they say: This ‘maximising’ gloss is filled with moisturising, plumping, and collagen-boosting active ingredients which redefine the lip’s shape and enhance them with volumising, ultra-shiny shades.
What we say: From the moment you set eyes on the stylish purple packaging, this product screams luxury. The sweetly-scented gloss is applied easily and precisely with a brush. The texture is light – not sticky like other glosses – and leaves a gorgeous shimmer on lips.
The Results: I’ve never used a lip plumper before and wasn’t sure what to expect. After applying the gloss, my lips felt slightly tingly, but it wasn’t at all uncomfortable. Quite quickly, my lips started to feel fuller and when I looked in the mirror they looked plumper too. The effect lasted until the gloss had worn off, but it had great staying power so this was at least an hour. I’d recommend this gloss for wearing during the day – it gives a gorgeous subtle colour.
Best for: Daytime wear
CHAMPNEYS SUPER PLUMPING LIP GLOSS, £7.50 (www.sainsburys.co.uk)
What they say: Get plumper lips in seconds with this triple action gloss. Instantly lips are conditioned thanks to moringa seed oil which together with the hi-shine gloss, delivers fuller looking lips. Then, a lip tingling ingredient derived from tree resin stimulates the lips to gently swell them. Finally, with continued use, Maxlip increases lip volume by boosting collagen.
What we say: A clear gloss with a non-sticky texture, which glides smoothly and precisely onto lips. Lips look shiny and feel hydrated. The gloss is unfragranced and comes in classic white packaging.
The Results: After applying the gloss to my lips I started to notice a gentle tingling sensation, which lasted for about 5 minutes. I instantly noticed that my lips looked fuller than usual – the change was subtle, but definitely there. My boyfriend even noticed the difference! I’ve used lip plumpers in the past, but they’ve dried my lips out – this gloss was the opposite, leaving my lips feeling lovely and moisturised.
Best for: Moisturising dry lips
PIXI BEAUTY LIP BOOSTER, £14 (www.pixibeauty.com)
What they say: A maximising lip gloss to instantly treat & restore lip vitality. Provides maximum hydration and helps restore collagen, adding volume to improve lip contour. The gloss improves lip fullness 40%, decrease lines 30% and improves lip moisture 60%.
What we say: A light gloss that instantly makes lips feel silky smooth. The stylish tube, with a brush end for appliance, contains a generous supply of gloss. The gloss is available in 12 different shades, each with a pleasantly fruity scent. A little goes a long way – one brush and lips are left looking beautifully shiny.
The Results: I have fallen in love with this product. I adore the light texture of the gloss, which stays put far longer than other products I’ve tried. My lips didn’t tingle, but I could feel them pulsing slightly as they plumped. The effect was intensified by the shine of the gloss, which made the lip surface look much smoother and more hydrated. The effect is quite dramatic, but wears off as soon as the gloss disappears.
Best for: Dramatic plumping
MARKS & SPENCER FORMULA INSTANT FIX LIP PLUMP, £7.50 (www.marksandspencer.com).
What they say: Re-sculpts the appearance of lips, correcting imperfections and smoothing fine lines and feathering. Delivers long-lasting moisture to leave lips nourished, fuller and firmer.
What we say: A moisturising cream in a small squeezable tube, which looks and smells like a regular lip balm. The packaging is simple, but classic. The product sinks quickly into skin, leaving lips feeling silky smooth. Lips are left with a subtle sheen.
Results: I was surprised by how gentle this lip plumper was – no stinging or tingling whatsoever. My lips felt hydrated and silky smooth. I used to have fuller lips, but they’ve got thinner as I’ve got older and have developed a few fine lines. I usually try and hide them with lipstick. I love this product – it smoothed the surface of the lips, making them look plumper and younger. I’ll keep this in my handbag for top-ups throughout the day.
Best for: Anti-ageing lip care
Spa Review: FACE PLACE (01.07.08)
Location: Cloisters Mall, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 1RS. 0208 5464460 www.face-place.co.uk
Facilities: Take a few steps away from the bustling shopping streets of Kingston upon Thames and you will stumble upon a gem. FACE PLACE, a spa dedicated to your face, impresses from the offset with its stylish bloom-filled reception area. As you are led into the deceptively large spa within, decorated in rich chocolate browns and muted greens, you will instantly feel the tension in your shoulders loosen. Every luxury has been arranged, with spacious individual changing rooms, fluffy white gowns and slippers supplied for every guest, and a product-packed ‘hair bar’ for fixing post-treatment tresses. There are six signature facials on offer using beauty products by SESHA, each designed to be simple yet brilliantly effective. The therapists take time to understand your skin, both through analysing your skin care routine and concerns, and through a closer look under lights at the beginning of your treatment. The service feels professional and very personal.
Ambience: FACE PLACE is somewhere to come on your own for a few hours of ‘me time’. I found the spa tranquil, stylish, and very luxurious. When I arrived, my mind was racing with the stresses of work. When I left, I was so relaxed I abandoned my afternoon plans and rewarded myself with a much-needed afternoon nap.
Treatment Tested: FACE PLACE Signature, £95 for 90 mins
Unusually for a facial, I started my treatment at a footbath. Feet were treated to exfoliation, massage, and a generous slathering of moisturiser, before being placed back into my slippers and led to the treatment room. After looking carefully at the condition of my skin, a gentle flow of steam was directed over my face, while the therapist started a deep cleanse, tone and exfoliation. Next came a thorough extraction, followed by an eyebrow shape, eyelash tint, and eyebrow tint. While a cooling gel mask worked its magic, I enjoyed a hand, arm, and shoulder massage. The therapist then moved the massage onto my face and, to finish, applied a rich moisturiser and hydrating eye-cream. I left the salon with my skin glowing, eyelashes and eyebrows looking better than ever, and my next appointment firmly penned in the diary.
News: THIS WEEK ONLY... FREE MAKEUP LESSONS AT BOBBI BROWN (24.07.08)
Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to have a lesson from one of Bobbi’s Brown’s elite team of makeup artists? Not us, that’s for sure. We’ll be hot-footing it to Selfridges on London’s Oxford Street this week, where the team will be on hand to meet customers and give them a sneak preview of the gorgeous new autumn Mauve Collection.
The range includes a sleek Face Palette, two Lip Colours, and three Lip Glosses, as well as a dinky Mini Brush Set and beautiful Long Wear Eyeliner in Black Mauve Shimmer Ink – perfect for creating dazzling ‘look-at-me’ peepers.
During the free 45-minute lesson, a Bobbi Brown artist will show customers how to use the new colours, share top tips and reveal insider tricks to help you get an ultra-professional finish.
See you in the queue, ladies!
To book your free makeup lesson, available exclusively at the Bobbi Brown counter at Selfridges London until 30th July, call 020 73183468.
News: BEAUTY GADGET WELLBOX SELLS OUT IN JUST 2 DAYS (10.07.08)
Having achieved cult status in America, the beauty gadget everyone is talking about has sold out at London store Harrods within 48 hours of its arrival in the UK.
Wellbox might look like a cross between a vacuum cleaner and a foot spa, but use it to pummel your flabby bits for just 6 minutes a day and experts say you should expect a body worthy of an A-lister in no time.
Emulating Endermologie, the original in-salon body sculpting treatment, fat cells are stimulated and micro circulation is boosted. Massage it over the targeted area and trapped fat cells resistant to diet and exercise are released through lypolytic activity, whilst gentle micro-pulsations give skin an effective toning workout to smooth out cellulite and reduce body size by inches.
But that’s not all this box of tricks has to offer! With a quick change of treatment head it’s said to iron out lines and wrinkles, improve scar tissue and plump up lips Angelina style!
Got some spare cash to flash this summer? Get yourself down to Harrods where they’ve just been restocked. Wellbox costs an eye-watering £1000, but invest and you can be sure your friends will be knocking on your door in a few minutes flat. The gadget is exclusive to Harrods in the UK. Call 0207 7301234 for more details.
The Feature: SCENT YOUR SUMMER (18.07.08)
Looking for a perfume to scent your summer? Your first priority is deciding where you will be wearing it...
THE WEEKEND: It’s the weekend. You’ve kicked off your high-heels, left your makeup to a bare minimum, and pulled on your comfiest pair of wide-leg jeans. It’s time to welcome in 48 hours of ‘me time’ with a perfume that echoes your laid-back look.
Your fragrance needs to be fun and light-hearted, especially during the warmer summer months. Heavy musks are out, fruity florals are in. The trick to wearing perfume at the weekend is to keep the application light – try spritzing a fine mist onto clothes, rather than wearing directly on your skin.
The Perfumes
- DKNY Summer, £29 for 100ml (08700 342 566), is the perfect weekend choice. The fragrance is evocative of a delicious fruit cocktail - take a deep breath and you will pick up hints of ripe redcurrants, cassis, mandarin oranges and perhaps even a splash of chilled vodka.
- The lively notes of Space NK Laughter, £35 for 50ml (www.spacenk.co.uk) couldn’t fail to bring a smile to your face. The uplifting blend of lime, rosemary, and juniper is complimented by an unexpected bite of spicy ginger. It’s a scent that makes even the most mundane weekend chores a pleasure.
- Burberry Summer, £27 for 50ml (available nationwide), combines zingy citrus notes (mandarin, bergamot and grapefruit) with the crisp juiciness of green apple. With floral heart notes and musky bottom notes, the fragrance has a sophisticated edge without ever feeling heavy. The ideal choice for an off-duty fashionista.
A BIG NIGHT OUT: Big night out planned? The right perfume will work in partnership with your outfit to boost your confidence and create lasting impressions.
It’s tempting to douse yourself in a heavy scent before a night on the tiles (we’ve been doing it since our teenage years after all), but balmy summer nights call for something slightly lighter. Fruity fragrances can still be surprisingly sexy, especially when they have rich notes of rose, jasmine and red berries.
The Perfumes
- Escada Moon Sparkle, £20 for 30ml (www.boots.com) is a fragrance perfectly suited to summer nights on the town. Sweet raspberry and blackberry notes are blended with a refreshing citrus and apple cocktail to create a scent that is fresh, exciting, and incredibly sexy.
- If you want to top up your scent throughout the evening - Eau de Toilette only lasts on average 3 hours after all - choose Carolina Herrera 212 Splash, £29.50 for 60ml (0207 494 6220). The fun fragrance, with a floral heart of mandarin, jasmine and rose, consists of two handbag-sized 30ml bottles.
- Like your evening to have a touch of the exotic? Liberally apply Dior Addict 2 Summer Litchi, £24.99 for 50ml (www.theperfumeshop.com) before stepping out the front door. The fragrance pays homage to the lychee fruit, which has a hint of the scent of a fresh rose. The perfume is unique, uplifting and very glamorous.
THE OFFICE: If the nearest you’ll get to spending the day in the sunshine is by shifting your desk a little closer to an open window, you need to choose a fragrance that brings summer flooding into your office.
Your work perfume needs to strike a careful balance – it needs to be grown-up and sophisticated enough for the most formal boardroom, while being evocative enough to perk up your mood with memories of past sun-drenched holidays.
The Perfumes
- Missoni Giallo, £45 for 75ml (08700 342 566) is a stylish choice for the office. Like all of Missoni’s fragrances, it oozes elegance – but with vibrant notes of the Mediterranean fruits Lemon and Nespolo, the scent is also powerfully uplifting. Forget the work canteen – one sniff of this and you’ll be immediately transported to an Italian café, sipping cappuccinos alfresco-style.
- Elizabeth Arden Mediterranean Breeze, £35 for 50ml (available nationwide) is the perfume equivalent of a Chanel jacket – you couldn’t fail to take somebody seriously while they’re wearing it. With base notes of cedarwood and skin musks, the fragrance has a sophistication perfectly suited to the office. Add to that the livelier notes of nectarine, bergamot and grapefruit, and the scent becomes reminiscent of a warm breeze on a summer day - the perfect pick-me-up for long afternoons at your desk.
- YSL Cinema Scénario D’été, £40.50 for 90ml (01444 255700) combines sun-kissed zesty notes of orange, lime and tangerine with richer hints of amber and musk. The fragrance has great staying-power - it won’t flag during the 9-5, even if you do. Wear every day or keep the bottle on your desk and apply when you need a boost to spirits or confidence.
THE GREAT OUTDOORS: Summer is all about the great outdoors – impromptu BBQs when the sun decides to shine, lazing in the park with good friends and a jug of pimms, dressing up in pretty dresses and impractical heels for a posh garden party, days in big hats at the races…
You’ve got the outfits sorted, but what about the perfume? There’s one simple rule for the great outdoors - take inspiration from your surroundings with a scent that is fabulously fresh and floral.
The Perfumes
- B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful Keep It Fluffy, £40 for 65g (www.bnevertoobusytobebeautiful.com) is made to be worn outdoors with fabulous ditsy-floral dresses, high heels, and the biggest sunglasses you can find. Unashamedly feminine, the scent combines vanilla with jasmine, ylang absolute, orris root and a touch of rose. Once discovered, it will soon become your new best friend.
- The zesty fragrance of Prescriptives Calyx Exhiltarating Fragrance, £39 for 50ml (0870 0342566) is ideal for a day spent outdoors. The scent combines a blend of fruit notes (passion fruit, mango, papaya, and guava) with a deeply floral heart (neroli, rose, lily, jasmine and marigold). The scent is also available in a handy 15ml atomiser, which will fit into the tiniest clutch bag.
- Looking for something unique? One sniff of Pixi Fig Eau de Parfum, £26 for 30ml (www.pixibeauty.com) and you will be hooked. With the delicious green scent of fig, a fruit celebrated for 2000 years for its health and skin care benefits, the perfume initially smells fresh and zingy. As it sits on the skin, you’ll detect a gorgeous woody twist – the perfect compliment to your alfresco surroundings.
A ROMANTIC DINNER DATE: Whether he’s new on the scene or practically part of the furniture, a hot date requires a scent that will make you smell and feel utterly irresistible. Like the night itself, your perfume needs to be romantic, long-lasting, and uncomplicated.
For warmer summer evenings, try spritzing the scent onto freshly-washed hair. An alluring cloud of fragrance will follow you around all night.
The Perfumes
- Wear Ghost Sweetheart, £42 for 75ml (www.boots.com) and you can guarantee he’ll find it hard to forget you. The summery scent is fresh, floral and oriental. Opening with fresh notes of sweet lemon, pineapple and spearmint, the perfume is quickly followed by a dreamy haze of white flowers. In the base, sensual and woody notes create a lingering impression of romance.
- Perfume doesn’t get much sexier than Bobbi Brown Almost Bare, £45 for 50ml (www.bobbibrown.co.uk). The fresh floral fragrance features a delicate balance of Italian bergamot and violet leaves to relax and soothe the senses. The scent is enhanced by a hint of jasmine petals - nature’s greatest aphrodisiac – and the enduring sophistication of warm amber.
- Jean-Charles Brosseau Ombre Rose L’Original, £54 for 100ml (01524 762611) is a simple, sober and timeless fragrance that will quickly charm your lucky dinner date. Its initial flowery, sweet tones of iris, lily of the valley, ylang-ylang and honey, give way to the suave warmth of peach, sandalwood and musk. One sniff and the gorgeous Art Deco style bottle will become a regular fixture on your dressing table.
A SUMMER WEDDING: You’ve just received an invite to a big summer wedding. Your thoughts instantly turn to your wardrobe, but what about your perfume? A wedding calls for something more lavish, but overpowering the scent of the carefully-selected flower arrangements is not an option.
Stick to floral fragrances, which work well on hot summer days, but make sure it has a warm musky base to keep it formal and sophisticated enough for the big day.
The Perfumes
- Amouage Ciel Woman, £110 for 50ml (www.amouage.com) is the ultimate indulgence in fragrance and will work fabulously at even the most formal ceremonies. The perfume is bursting with rich floral scents, including water lily, rose and jasmine. With the added intensity of silver frankincense and sensual woods, it is designed to reflect the warmth of the hot summer sun.
- The perfect choice for stylish city weddings is Chloé Eau de Toilette, £35 for 30ml (www.theperfumeshop.com). Classic ingredients, such as rose petals and honeysuckle, have been transformed into a surprisingly modern and vibrant scent with the help of rich notes of sandalwood, amber, and musk. The 30ml bottle is great for top-ups throughout the day, fitting easily into any handbag.
- Penhaligon’s Ellenisia Eau de Parfum, £60 for 50ml (www.penhaligons.co.uk) is ideal for outdoor summer weddings. Close your eyes and you can picture the bouquets of gardenia, jasmine and tuberose. Added to the addictive scent is plum nectar, violet and mandarin – with rich vanilla for warmth. Romantic, luxurious, and elegant.
Tried & Tested: Fake Tan (18.07.08)
CLARINS DELICIOUS SELF-TANNING CREAM, £19.51 for 125ml (www.clarins.co.uk)
What they say: Delicious by name, delicious by nature. A fool-proof, quick-dry dream of a self-tanning cream for face and body, starring Cocoa bean extract.
What we say: Unusually for fake tan, this product comes in a pot. A hybrid between a cream and a gel, it cools and refreshes the skin on contact. A light tint makes appliance easy and the product dries quickly on the skin. The hint of chocolate and vanilla in the fragrance is a welcome addition.
Results: I have dark skin, but rely on fake tan in the summer months to make me feel and look a touch healthier. This product started developing quickly, within just a few hours. The colour was quite subtle, so it wasn’t a huge transformation, but I had a new healthy glow. I would recommend the product for topping up an existing tan, covering bikini strap marks after a holiday, or making yourself look subtly sunkissed.
Best for: Topping up a tan
LANCÔME FLASH BRONZER SELF-TANNING MAGIC MOUSSE, £20 for 150ml (www.lancome.co.uk)
What they say: Tan in a flash, no sun required! Discover the magical texture of this feather-light, self-tanning mousse. The subtly tinted, velvety-smooth formula is easy-to-apply to go on smoothly and evenly, for an instant visible glow that leaves your skin looking naturally tanned in a flash!
What we say: A tinted mousse that gives instant colour to the skin. The light texture and pleasant perfume-like fragrance make using this product a real pleasure. The stylish gold spray-can makes the process very quick and easy.
Results: Although I have quite dark skin naturally, it definitely needs a lift in the summer so I regularly use fake tan. I loved this mousse and would definitely recommend it. I applied it in the evening and noticed the colour developing after just an hour. The next morning, the colour was deep and completely streak-free.
Best for: Darker skins
PRESCRIPTIVES SUNSHEEN CUSTOM COLOUR TINTED SELF TANNER, £27 for 125ML (0870 0342566)
What they say: Start with a tint, end with a tan. A natural looking radiant colour develops gradually over 24 hours, deepening with each application. The ultra-silky texture leaves skin satin smooth with a golden glow. SPF15 helps protect against sun’s harmful rays.
What we say: A silky smooth caramel-coloured cream that sinks quickly into the skin. The product gives instant colour, which makes appliance very easy. Skin is dry very quickly and, despite being tinted, never transfers to clothing or bed linen. Luxurious packaging.
Results: I have fair skin and have been looking for a fake tan that gives a light colour and can be built up gradually. This was the perfect product for me. The first layer was very light, but provided a good base. The second gave me a sun-kissed glow. There were no streaks and my skin feels beautifully moisturised. I will be using it every day, in place of my usual moisturiser.
Best for: Using every day
ELEMIS TOTAL GLOW SELF TANNING CREAM, £21 for 125ML (www.timetospa.co.uk)
What they say: Extracts of nourishing Macadamia Nut Oil from Hawaii’s tropical shores leave the skin beautifully golden, whilst enriching nutrients and amino acids guard against free radical damage. An exotic aroma embodies the skin. Two or three hours after your application you will look sun-kissed!
What we say: A mosturising self-tanning cream with a delicious sweet fragrance. The product is non-tinted, so doesn’t give an instant colour, and needs to be massaged into the skin. It can be used on its own or added to your usual moisturiser for a subtle glow. The packaging is sleek and stylish.
Results: I’ve never used fake tan before, so was quite scared to use a non-tinted product. However, I am very impressed with the results. The soft glow to my skin was subtle, but there were absolutely no streaks. I felt confident enough to build the tan with another application and loved the results. I was scared I’d turn orange, but have instead developed a natural-looking golden tan
.
Best for: First time tanning
PALMER CUTLER SELF-TANNING MOUSSE, £32 for 200ML (www.asos.com)
What they say: A moisturising, streak-free self-tanning mousse to achieve a golden tan all year round without sun exposure. Contains vitamins to optimise the healthy look of skin.
What we say: A light untinted mousse that instantly sinks into the skin and requires no drying time. The product has a strong fragrance initially, but instantly fades to nothing as it is absorbed. A large bottle will that easily last you the whole summer.
Results: The typical English rose, I have tried several fake tans over the years, usually with disastrous results. The colour took about 4 hours to develop to a subtle and even golden brown, which suited my skin tone perfectly. There were no streaks – even on knees and elbows that have turned orange in the past after applying fake tan. I was using the light-medium mousse and would recommend this product for a natural healthy glow - if you are going for the ‘just back from Barbados’ look, you might want to opt for the medium-dark.
Best for: Pale skins
BEAUTYLAB PEPTIDE TANNING, £17 for 150ml (www.beautylab.co.uk)
What they say: A natural, streak-free all year summer glow can be achieved with this moisturising and firming face and body tan formula. Unlike the sun, peptide tanning inhibits the formation of pheomelanin whilst increasing the formation of eumalinin to produce a deep, dark even tan.
What we say: A cream with a dark brown tint, which makes applying an even coverage a doddle and gives instant colour to the skin. The product has no fragrance on application, but a distinctive self-tanning scent as it develops. The stylish pump bottle makes applying the cream a quick and mess-free experience.
Results: I have very pale skin and am quite scared of fake tan, sticking usually to gradual tanning moisturisers for lighter skins. I am seriously impressed with this product. It has given me a tan worthy of a month spent in the Carribbean, with no streaks whatsoever. It’s a darker colour than I usually dare to go, but I’m now hooked and will be using this throughout the summer!
Best for: A deep tan for all skin tones
Breaking News: BOBBI BROWN'S BRONZED PINK COLLECTION HITS SHELVES (04.07.08)
Bobbi Brown’s latest summer collection – Bronzed Pink – has become an instant success after hitting shelves earlier this week. The range, a stunning mix of soft pinks and sizzling metallics, lends a sensational sheen to every skin tone for the summer months ahead.
The collection, which includes a Light Bronzer, Tinted Lip Balm, Crystal Lip Gloss and Metallic Eye Shadow, is available in stores and online.
Bobbi Brown says of her inspiration “I wanted to create the look skin gets when you’ve been on holiday. The shades in the Bronzed Pink Collection warm up the skin and give it a pretty glow’.
The Metallic Eye Shadow, a collection highlight, comes in two high-shimmer shades - Bronzed Pink and Penny. Both apply smoothly and evenly, stay crease-free for long-lasting wear, and cost just £14 each (www.bobbibrown.co.uk).
Breaking News: THE CLEAVAGE FACIAL TAKES LONDON BY STORM (01.07.08)
Ark Health & Beauty’s newest treatment, The Cleavage Facial, is currently sweeping London as the ‘must have’ treatment of the summer.
Celebrities across the pond regularly pamper their cleavages to ensure they look delectable in glamorous necklines. Back in the UK, Londoners are flocking to the salons to ensure they have the same glow to their décolletage for the summer months ahead.
The treatment involves cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturising the face, neck and chest with rose oil-based products. Wrinkles are smoothed and the skin is left firmer and more hydrated. A soothing massage around your decolletage improves lymphatic drainage around the area, leaving your cleavage looking better than ever and ready to be flaunted.
Want to join the rush? The Cleavage Facial costs £75 and is available in all of Ark’s four branches; Wimbledon, Putney, Fulham and Holland Park. To book, call 020 8788 8888 or visit www.arkhealthandbeauty.com.
Treatment Review: BIOLUSTRE HAIR TREATMENT, BROOKS & BROOKS SALON (01.07.08)
What it promises: To restore elasticity and increase the hair’s strength by 300% using a unique Keratin protein that is chemically similar to hair. The restructuring treatment actually enters the hair shaft and binds itself to the cortex so that it repairs damage in just one session. Dubbed as the collagen treatment for hair – it is particularly recommended for chemically-damaged tresses, anyone who regularly uses straightening-irons or even has hair extensions.
What’s happens: First my hair was washed with Biolustre Release Clarifying Shampoo to remove any product build up. It was then rough-dried to open the cuticles and allow the product to fully penetrate. The stylist then divided my hair into sections, coated each one with the Biolustre Reverse Instant Repair treatment and then twisted them to make sure every inch was covered. I then sat under a heat lamp for 20 minutes to activate the treatment and enjoy a spot of lunch. Once dry, my hair was washed with the Biolustre Maintenance Treatment shampoo, finished with Biolustre Renew Conditioning Sealant and a nice head-massage, and finally blow-dried into a glamorous finish. It is certainly not one to have in your lunch hour – the treatment and full blow dry took 2 hours.
Results: I have what I like to call horsehair – it is thick, dull and wiry with quite a lot of grey. I have never been able to run my fingers through it easily and it has never really shone. But after this treatment I had the salon-beautiful hair I always dreamt of. It smelt delicious, was light, glossy and expensive-looking with no heaviness or greasiness – all I wanted to do was stroke it and swish it. The only draw-back I found was the salon itself was quite a busy and bustling so it is not ideal if you want a quiet relaxing retreat, but the staff were incredibly friendly and accommodating so I would definitely recommend it – especially as the results are said to last until my next chemical treatment.
Price: £45 for roughly 2 hours
Location: 15 Sicilian Avenue, Holborn, London. Call 020 7405 8111 or visit www.brooksandbrooks.co.uk.
Feature: Best of British (11.07.08)
We take a closer look at six homegrown beauty brands proud to be flying the British flag. Who ever thought that beauty could be so patriotic?
LIZ EARLE:The best heroes are local heroes, which is probably why Liz Earle’s Naturally Active Skincare has quickly become the biggest independent beauty brand in the UK.
The brand was born when co-founders Liz Earle and Kim Buckland came together with a common goal – to create a range of body and skin care products that were fuss-free and packed with potent botanical ingredients to achieve great skin, without any of the nasties that were rapidly coming under beauty scrutiny (chemical sunscreens, certain preservatives, mineral oils, animal ingredients, and genetically-engineered ingredients).
They answered their own wishes with the creation of one very British beauty brand producing seriously good ‘perfect skin’ getters (cleansers, polishers, hydrators and smoothers) from their gorgeous headquarters at Biskra Beach on the Isle of Wight. Thirteen years later and their ‘Precious Recipe’ (a blend of great customer service, an uncompromising skin care philosophy, and a clever approach to the environment and support of local business) has earned them a cult following.
If you haven’t tried it yet, kick start your Liz Earle addiction with Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser (£12.25 for starter pack)- it now gives that English rose glow to girls in 82 countries around the world.
Visit www.lizearle.com
SPACE NK:Changing the beauty market isn’t easy, which is why Space NK has made it to our Best of British top six. Set up by Nicky Kinnaird in 1993, the first Space NK store in Covent Garden shifted the way we shop for our beauty products forever. Nicky, originally a sought-after retail consultant, cherry-picked products from her worldwide travels – particularly across America, the Far East and Europe - and showcased them all under one of the slickest roofs the high street had seen.
The concept began as a beauty, fruit juice, and fashion store (Anya Hindmarch bags took up residence here); but beauty-buying soon eclipsed the smoothies and clothes rails. Nicky made beauty popular and, moreover, cool. Her vision for niche brands (such as skin gurus Eve Lom, Dr Sebagh and By Terry) is still unparalleled; if it’s in Space NK it’s good enough for our beauty kits.
Britain’s beauty junkies, editors and experts love Space NK for it’s forward-thinking modern products, exclusivity and genius, but impartial, advice. The 55-strong Space NK store empire has recently made its way across the pond to the States – proving that Britain definitely does it best.
Top Tip? Book in for one of Space NK’s famous complimentary makeovers. The trained makeup artists in store will know exactly what textures and finishes will benefit your skin needs. With a treasure chest of brands to choose from, you’ll end up with an enviable and totally bespoke beauty kit.
Visit www.spacenk.co.uk
RIMMEL LONDON:Rimmel is an urban girl’s dream – its punchy branding tempting ladies from 13 to 30 (and beyond) to splash the pocket money (or pay packet) on makeup bag essentials and pick-me-up purchases. Rimmel is the beauty world’s equivalent of Topshop - an irresistible combination of British eccentricity and affordability.
The brand started in 1840 with its namesake Eugene Rimmel at the helm, as a family-run perfumery on London’s Bond Street. It soon expanded into an innovative cosmetic empire, with fans of Rimmel mascara residing all over Europe. Reinvented in 2001, with Kate Moss’ face and endorsement, Rimmel now bridges the gap between high fashion and high street with alarming success.
Our favourites? Use their pretty pink blushes for an English rose glow - just add wellies and floral dresses. Try Rimmel’s Mono Blush in Coral Rose (£3.79) - essential for that old-fashioned flush. Or go modern by lacquering acid bright colours onto nails –they’re cheap enough for you to buy new shades every season. For summer, try 60 Seconds Nail Polish in Blue Me Away (£2.99) – it’s the perfect Union Jack blue and gives a super fun look. In the evening, blacken lashes with your favourite from their ever-expanding range of mascaras – they’re great for finishing off smoky eyes for evenings. The new Glam’Eyes Waterproof Mascara (£6.99) is sure to ensure smudge, run and flake free lashes all night long.
Visit www.rimmellondon.com
DANIEL HERSHESON'S BLOW-DRY BAR AT TOPSHOP, OXFORD CIRCUS: The Blow-Dry bar at Topshop is as cool as the clothes upstairs. Daniel Hersheson, a regular backstage at London Fashion Week, moved in last year with a compact four-seater salon (three chairs are for walk-ins, one is for bookings). The bar has been prepping the locks of London’s fashionistas ever since, with a constantly updated blow-dry menu of eight styles that stay ahead of, and on, trend.
The gorgeous ‘Pretty Woman’, the chic ‘B-52’ up-do, and the long and loose ‘Alice in Wonderland’ have just been added to the already very modern menu, where the backstage beachy Wavy Gravy and sexy Bardot continue to pull in the in-the-know crowds.
A visit to the Blow Dry Bar is the perfect quick-fix to preparing for a big night out or a special event. You’ll be in and out in half and hour (turn up with already shampoo’d hair if you’re in a hurry). Best of all, with an appointment only setting you back £21 (including the hair wash), you’ll have enough spare cash to head upstairs for a little (or a lot of) retail therapy. We’re well and truly hooked.
To book an appointment, call 0207 927 8797
ELEMIS: Elemis is luxury for ladies who want spas with substance and products you can take home and use with confidence.
Elemis’ packaging and swanky spa reputation might lead you to believe they are an old stalwart; not so. Elemis is a relatively recent guest at the beauty brand party, having been founded in 1989 by the very same directors who run the operation today. Beginning with body care, the brand cleverly integrated take-home products with spa treatments, presenting itself as a lifestyle brand. While their products are truly fabulous, Elemis have never made wild claims or pretended to produce miracles in moisturisers - women know no such thing exists. Instead, Elemis will fit into your lifestyle and probably improve it no end.
So what should you invest in? Bestselling products include the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream (£75) which was the brand’s first úber successful foray into skincare in 2003 - a true turning point for the previously body care focused line. Their Papaya Enzyme Peel (£26) is a real hero product (and one of our favourites), dramatically improving skin clarity and texture in a flash. Treatment wise, ultimate relaxation can be found in the Aroma-stone therapy, which is a favourite among Elemis fans. Now, however, it’s set to be overtaken in popularity by the cooling Hot Stone Body Facial (from £65) - try it if you’re after an anti-ageing, stress-relieving super treatment.
Visit www.elemis.com
PENHALIGON'S: There’s nothing more wonderfully old school than a perfumed soap. We say, bring them back! Nestling in tissue paper, pastel-coloured soaps are the non-edible equivalent of a cream tea - elegant and English in one fragrant package.
We don’t think anyone does soap better than Penhaligon’s. The classic styling of the brand is akin to luxury British brands like Smythson or Mulberry – who wouldn’t want to receive a box of soap when it looks as good as this?
Though quintessentially British, the brand holds plenty of fancy French appeal - the packaging would win over the chicest Parisian. Founded by William Penhaligon in the late 1860s, the brand started as a barber’s shop where William took inspiration from the nearby Hammam Turkish Baths to create his first scent for men, Hammam Bouquet. This was the first in a long line of bewitching fragrances.
Today Penhaligon’s stock a whole range of products in a bewildering array of scents, but for their adorable carved surface and irresistible scent we love the Bluebell Soaps (£20 for three). If you’re after something more bespoke, why not try their fragrance profiling service and create an individual aroma, especially for you?
Visit www.penhaligons.co.uk
News: ATHENA OFFERS EXCLUSIVE 20% DISCOUNT TO THE-BEAUTY-PAGES.COM READERS (11.07.08)
Every so often, the buzz surrounding an upcoming beauty product launch in the UK prompts such a surge in demand that headlines are created. Athena 7-Minute Lift is one such product.
Hitting the UK in November 2007, the £49.99 product attracted 200,000 pre-order sales and sold out completely within the first week of launching. It has since gained an unprecedented celebrity following and loyal customer base.
Athena 7-Minute Lift works in 7 minutes to relax facial muscles using Acetyl Hexapeptide 3. No less than 12 Organic Anti-Ageing Essential Oils are added to the winning formula, leaving skin looking smoother, suppler, and softer.
Yet the results are not just short-term - clinical trials showed that use of the product significantly reduced the appearance of wrinkles by an average of 83%, with long-term and continuous usage (after a 6 week period) showing an average permanent reduction of 24.7%.
Athena 7-Minute Lift has been hailed as ‘the organic face-lift in a jar’, reducing the appearance of sagging skin, lines, and wrinkles without expensive injections and dangerous muscle relaxants.
In addition to the ‘hero’ product Athena has also launched Athena Day Toning Moisturiser (£35.95), Nightly Renewal Cream (£65.95) and Microdermabrasion (£35.95).
Athena are offering readers of The-Beauty-Pages.com 20% off the entire range for one week only on their website www.athena7.co.uk
Input code 690815 at the checkout before Friday 18th July to receive your exclusive discount.
Tried & Tested: HOME HAIR TREATMENTS (11.07.08)
Hair frazzled from an addiction to straighteners and hairdryers? Fed up with frizz? Suffering from dull, lifeless locks? Can home hair treatments really fix the problem? Our testers gave a resounding thumbs up...
LEE STAFFORD 2 MINUTE MIRACLE REPAIR WITH PRO-REPAIR COMPLEX, £6.99 for 3 x 15ml tubes (www.boots.com)
Directions: Shampoo first, then apply treatment. Wait up to 2 mins or until it gets hot. Rinse thoroughly with cool water. Condition hair afterwards.
What they say: Containing warming vanilla this shot stimulates and increases circulation due to its spicy ingredients. The heat and massage improves the microcirculation around the hair follicle, which enables the follicle to increase its uptake of nutrients, which can improve the growth rate and the health of the hair.
What we say: A set of 3 colourful treatment tubes - you wont miss the hot pink packaging when its sat on the side of the bath. The product has an addictively sweet scent that lingers on hair after the treatment. The product self-heats on contact with tresses, so appliance is quick and easy.
The Results: On the surface, my fine hair looks healthy, but on closer inspection it is full of split ends and breakages from regular colouring. I’ve been looking for a treatment that will improve the health of the hair, without weighing down the fine texture or dulling the blond. I was pleasantly surprised by this treatment. My hair felt instantly softer after applying and, once dry, the improvement to the condition was clear to see. There was no greasiness or heaviness and the colour looks bright. I’m very impressed.
Best for: Fine damaged hair
PAUL MITCHELL HAIR REPAIR TREATMENT, £10.95 for 200ml (0845 6590012)
Directions: Apply after shampooing. Leave on for 3-5 minutes and rinse.
What they say: Break up with breakage and get together with this power-packed treatment. Helps restore elasticity, rebuild inner strength, revive shine, and rehydrate.
What we say: It couldn’t be easier to fit this treatment into your usual hair care routine – simply use it once a week in place of your usual conditioner. The lightweight cream leaves hair smelling like it’s just had an expensive salon treatment. The squeezable tube makes applying quick and easy.
The Results: I found this product hassle-free to use – I simply applied after shampooing, got on with the rest of my shower, and washed off right at the end. My hair is dry after years of highlighting and often gets tangled after washing, but after applying the treatment I could easily run a comb through my hair. After drying, it was much softer than usual and had a healthy shine. I’m genuinely impressed and will be using the product once a week ongoing.
Best for: Coloured hair
VO5 HOT OIL FOR HEAT DAMAGED OR FRIZZY HAIR, £3.89 for 4 x 15ml tubes (www.boots.com)
Directions: Warm the tube in a hot bowl of water or simply drop into a hot bath. Apply to hair before shampooing and leave for 1 minute, before washing.
What they say: We understand you want your hair to look it’s best and so you use heated appliances, brush frequently, and maybe colour your hair. To counteract the damage this may cause, V05 Silky Smooth Hot Oil uses the power of heat and penetrates deep within the hair, to reconstruct damage for dramatic results in just 1 minute.
What we say: The product has been around for years – it could almost be classified as retro - but the benefits to using it on your hair haven’t changed. The unfragranced tubes of oil, which should be heated in warm water before appliance, are best enjoyed while wallowing in a steaming hot bath.
The Results: My hair is suffering from regular blow-drying and straightening, which has left it brittle and damaged. I always use a heat protection spray before styling, but have been looking for something more intensive to repair the damage before it gets any worse. I applied this treatment once a week for a month and have noticed a real difference. My hair is thick and usually has a dry coarse texture. It now feels softer and the split-ends and breakages have definitely improved.
Best for: Heat-damaged hair
NICKY CLARKE SMOOTH IT OVER 60 SECOND TREATMENT FOR FRIZZY HAIR, £4.99 for 150ml. (Available Nationwide)
Directions: After shampooing, leave on for one minute and then rinse.
What they say: This high-shine, intensely moisturising treatment delivers deep conditioning to frizzy hair. Each strand is smoothed and helped to protect it from future heat styling damage to give you a healthy looking result that reduces frizz to a distant memory.
What we say: A luxuriously thick treatment with a rich creamy texture. The delicious scent and easy-to-use squeezable tube makes applying the product a pleasure. For a budget product, the silver packaging is notably stylish.
Results: I have long curly hair that gets easily tangled after washing. My ideal hair treatment would make it knot-free, shiny, and without frizz . This product has performed miracles. After shampooing, I combed through the hair and it was totally tangle-free. It instantly felt softer and silkier. Once dry, the curls were more defined, with not a hint of frizz. I will definitely be using this treatment again – it’s easy to use and has transformed my hair.
Best for: Frizzy and curly hair
AUSSIE 3 MINUTE MIRACLE RECONSTRUCTOR DEEP-CONDITIONER FOR DAMAGED HAIR, £4.49 for 250ml. (Available Nationwide)
Directions: Apply to clean, wet hair. Leave on for 1-3 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
What they say: This nourishing treatment gets to work fast on damaged hair, repairing and smoothing rough cuticles - inside and out - faster than you can say 'shine on me'.
What we say: A thick cream treatment with a heavenly fragrance. The essential oil in the Australian Balm Mint – described as ‘the elixir of life’ – is sweet, but not at all overpowering, and lingers subtley on hair after use. The generous pot will last for months.
The Results: I’ve been searching for a product for years to make my coarse hair feel softer to the touch and look shiny. I have to say that I am very impressed by this treatment. Immediately after rinsing, I could run my fingers through my hair with ease. After drying, there was less frizz and it felt far smoother. Despite the intense moisturisation, my hair didn’t feel at all heavy.
Best for: Thick coarse hair
ANDREW COLLINGE COMPLETE MOISTURE 1 MINUTE WONDER, £3.99 for 200ml (www.superdrug.com)
Directions: Shampoo first and towel dry. Apply evenly to hair, massaging gently from roots to ends. Leave for 1 min. Rinse thoroughly
What they say: Restructures and re-hydrates for instant manageability and shine for dry, coloured hair. Leaves hair soft, supple and easy to style.
What we say: This texture of this treatment is thick, creamy, and silky-smooth. It works easily into the hair, gliding over each strand and helping to detangle. A faint, but pleasant, oatmeal scent.
The Results: My dry hair is full of split ends and breakages, after years of styling and colouring. It feels rough and lacks shine. After using this product, it finally has the glossy sheen I’ve been dreaming of. I felt and looked like I had been to a salon to have an expensive treatment – my new healthy hair even attracted comments from friends. The product is slightly harder work than other treatments, demanding towel drying before appliance, but it’s definitely worth the extra effort. I will be making it part of my regular hair care routine.
Best for: Dry and damaged hair
Spa Review: THE AMIDA SPA AT HAMPTON (01.07.08)
Location: Amida Spa, Staines Road, Twickenham, Middlesex TW2 5JD. 0845 230 9444 www.amidaclubs.com/home/hampton
Facilities: Looking for a day spa to visit with a group of friends? Located in a gloriously-leafy part of Middlesex, The Amida Spa at Hampton is the perfect choice. The wet spa boasts a sauna, solarium, steam room, and choice of massaging whirlpools – while exercise-junkies can get their fix in the 200-station gym and 25m pool. Refuel at lunchtime in the restaurant with homemade food and glasses of champagne (no need to change out your fluffy gown and slippers). Treatments take place in stunning private rooms, using products by Elemis.
Ambience: I visited the Amida on a busy Saturday and found it struck the perfect balance between upbeat and serene. We enjoyed the wet spa in the morning without ever feeling the need to keep our voices down, but spent the afternoon in the peaceful sanctuary of the treatment rooms.
Treatments Tested:
Elemis Aroma Stone Therapy, £81 for 85 mins
Using ancient techniques hailing from Bali, small basalt stones were heated and placed on key energy points around my body. The therapist used the heat of the stones to perform the massage, working on my back, shoulders, legs and arms. I’d been for a long run the day before the treatment and was suffering from stiff aching muscles – the deep heat of the stones worked a treat, releasing tension and leaving me feeling incredibly relaxed.
Elemis Visible Brilliance Facial, £74 for 70 mins
This anti-ageing face and eye treatment promises to rejuvenate, plump and smooth the skin. After cleansing and toning, an Amino Active Mask was applied to gently exfoliate and improve the skin’s texture. While it had a chance to work, I enjoyed a sleep-inducing head and shoulder massage. Finally, an intensive moisturiser and eye cream were applied. My skin has never looked so radiant.
Day Spa packages start at £76 per person. Packages include access to all facilities, refreshments, and at least one treatment.
News: SPACE NK ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF SHINE – AN EXTREME LIPGLOSS BY LIPSTICK QUEEN (01.07.08)
Love lip-gloss? Make a firm note in your diary to get down to Space NK from 23rd July. Hitting the shelves is Shine, a brilliantly extreme lip-gloss by cult brand Lipstick Queen.
Inspired by the sexual revolution that was the 1970s, the product is designed to be sexy, cheeky, and fun. Everything about the gloss is extreme – from its fabulously chunky pot, to its long-lasting colour, to its ability to create the illusion of hugely plumped lips. You’ll want it from the moment you set eyes on the packaging, which has a funky retro feel.
Shine will be available in six irresistible shades, each designed by brand creator (and lipstick obsessive) Poppy King. We’re pretty sure you’ll be tempted into taking home all six…
Shine will cost £20 and is available from 23rd July in Space NK stores nationwide or online at www.spacenk.com
News: DARPHIN LAUNCH PURIFYING DUO (01.07.08)
Looking for a grown-up solution to problem skin and blemishes? Stylish brand Darphin has come to the rescue.
The brand’s new Purifying Duo will be hitting the shelves today – a set of two products that work together to banish imperfections.
The first in the hero partnership is the Blemish Clearing Gel. This incredibly light gel reduces excess oil, gently eliminates dead cells, and purifies the skin to prevent new breakouts. It can be applied directly to the blemish as often as necessary. Essentials oils of Lavender, Sage, Geranium and Niaouli provide the delicious fragrance.
Second up is the Overnight Refining Lotion. Delicately scented with Lemon and Sage essential oils, the lightweight cream will remove impurities from the pores of the skin and reduce excess oil while you sleep. It should be applied to the T-Zone each night and washed off the next morning.
The partnership is set to revolutionise the way adults deal with breakouts. Both products retail at £18 and can be purchased by calling 0870 0342318 or visiting www.darphin.co.uk.
Feature: Sun Sea & Beauty (01.07.08)
Heading off on an idyllic beach holiday? All you need is a chic bikini, you favourite pair of Wayfarer sunglasses, and a suitcase crammed full of luxury beauty products...
SUN CARE: We spend the whole year fighting the signs of ageing with the latest super-creams and skin-pampering treatments, only to risk undoing the hard work with a few reckless weeks in the sun. A golden glow is one thing, but it doesn’t look so pretty when paired with premature wrinkles, leathery skin and a scattering of age-spots – not to mention the long-term consequences to the health of your skin.
Luckily for beauty lovers, picking sun protection can be just as much fun as choosing your bikini… Several premium beauty brands boast creams that are advanced in their science, great for your skin, and a real joy to apply.
The Rules
- UVB rays cause sunburn and are blocked out by SPF (Skin Protection Factor) – the higher the SPF the more rays are blocked. Sally Penford, of the International Dermal Institute, recommends ‘at least SPF15 for protection against UV and to protect the body’s own immune system’.
- UVA rays are the biggest cause of premature ageing to the skin and not all sunscreens contain a filter to block them. Always check that the bottle has a ‘UVA’ sign before you buy.
- Protection should be applied generously to skin 30 minutes before setting off to the sun-lounger. Reapply every two hours throughout the day and whenever you get out the water. Seek shade – or cover up in a stylish kaftan – between the hours of 11 and 4 when the sun is at its hottest.
The Products
- For body, Caudalie Moisturising Body Sunscreen SPF20, £20 (www.caudalie.com) leaves skin hydrated and looking luminous. The antioxidant-rich formula contains strong UVB/UVA protection and the intoxicating perfume - of white frangipani, watermelon and lemon leaf - makes applying a pleasure.
Alternatives for body:
Lancôme Soleil DNA Guard SPF30, £21.50 (www.lancome.co.uk)
Lancaster Sun Global Protection Cellular Support SPF30, £55 (0800 3760688)
- For face, Sisley’s new Broad Spectrum Facial Sunscreen SPF40, £61 (0207 5916380) should be top of your beauty wish list. It uses antioxidants to stimulate collagen production and leaves the skin feeling silky smooth with the help of shea butter.
Alternatives for face:
Agera Ultra Performing Sunscreen SPF25, £65 (www.ageraonline.co.uk)
Nivea DNAge Cell Protection Anti-Ageing Face Sun Cream SPF30, £15.45 (www.boots.com)
AFTER-SUN: The sun has dropped, the pool is deserted, and your skin is in desperate need of some hydration. While you quench your thirst with a pre-dinner Pina Colada, offer your skin its own form of refreshment with a generous helping of After Sun
After Sun works in three ways – it soothes, repairs, and protects the skin against anti-ageing. Dr Lionel de Benetti, Head of Research and Development at Clarins, points out that ‘the After Sun you apply today is your pre-sun treatment for tomorrow’. He advises us to view it in the same way we would a course of treatment or antibiotics – ‘Start using it a few days ahead of your holiday to build up your skin’s natural defences, use it each night after sun exposure and continue until the bottle or tube is empty.’
The Rules
- Choose an After Sun rich in antioxidants – they seek out skin-ageing free radicals that would otherwise stay active in your skin long after sun exposure.
- Check for ingredients that offer deep-hydration – the more moisture, the less chance of peeling. Shea butter, mango butter, watermelon and cocoa butter will all help to prolong your tan.
- To further soothe your sun-soaked skin, keep your After Sun in the fridge.
The Products
- Clarins After-Sun Moisturiser Ultra-Hydrating, £17 (www.clarins.co.uk) contains the tree bark Mimosa Tenuiflora, an antioxidant that stimulates cell renewal. It has a fresh summery scent and a silky light texture.
- Korrres Aloe Vera Body Milk, £13 (0207 5816455) is packed full of Aloe Vera to cool, Avocado Butter for hydration, and Calendula to soften and condition the skin.
- Matis Reponse Soleil After Sun Soothing Milk, £15.25 (www.matisbeauty.co.uk) instantly refreshes and cools the skin on contact. Skin is deeply hydrated with lashings of mango butter.
HAIR CARE: When it comes to preparing for a summer holiday, most of us remember to pack sun protection for our skin. Packing protection for our hair, however, doesn’t generally come as second nature.
Jonny Engstrom of Guy Kremer Salon Winchester (01962 860149 www.guykremer.com) warns ‘Omit it from your holiday beauty regime and you’ll be traveling home with a head of dull, brittle, straw-like hair that will take months of intensive treatments to bring back to its usual health.’
The Rules
- Jonny advises washing hair with a UV-Protection Shampoo and Conditioner for at least a week before you jet off – this will build up a good level of protection before exposing hair to the sun. He adds ‘Continue washing with the products every night during the holiday to keep this level topped up and your hair nicely hydrated’.
- Before you hit the beach, spray hair generously with a UV-Protection spray. Work the product through the hair with a comb to ensure every strand is covered, then twist up onto your head. Reapply the process every time you leave the water.
- Wherever possible, Jonny suggests covering the hair completely with a wide-brimmed hat.
The Products
- Redken UV Rescue After Sun Shampoo, £10, and Conditioner, £11.55 (0800 444880) contain both a UVA and UVB filter to protect the hair. The gentle formula removes minerals, chlorine, and salt – whilst also restoring moisture and shine.
- Protect hair during sun exposure with L’Oreal Professionel Solar Sublime UV-Protect Spray, £11.65 (0800 0726699). It has a non-greasy formula and leaves hair with a natural-looking shine.
- Apply Umberto Gianni Overnight Beauty Moisture Balm, £4.99 (www.boots.com) to sun-stressed hair before bed each night – it’ll restore health with an intensive shot of moisture and has a gorgeous tropical scent.
MAKEUP: There are lots of reasons for wanting to wear makeup on a beach holiday – first holiday with the new man, photos that stick around far longer than the suntan, wanting to impress on a night out with the girls… Whatever the reason, you need cosmetics that make you look and feel fabulous without sliding off in the heat or running down your face when you jump in the pool.
According to Lisa Eldridge, Creative Director of Boots No.7 and make up artist on 10 Years Younger, wearing cosmetics on a beach holiday is no faux pas – you simply need to pick carefully.
The Rules
- For the beach, Lisa suggests sticking to waterproof eye makeup and having fun with colour. She says ‘There are fantastic waterproof cosmetics available that stay put in any conditions - bright eye colours look great on the beach and can set off a tan perfectly.’
- For the evening, Lisa recommends a colour palette of gold, amber and bronze - ‘The warmth of these colours is very flattering to tanned skin, especially in the glow of sunset’. She suggests sheer washes of metallic loose powders for the eyes and bronzing liquids and highlighters for the cheekbones and décolletage.
Products
- For beautiful lashes on the beach, apply YSL Everlong Lengthening Waterproof Mascara, £20 (01444 255700). It creates impossibly long lashes and stays put in any condition.
- Autograph Liquid Eyeliner, £7.50 (www.marksandspencer.com) is available in three colours, including a vivid purple. Its waterproof formula and fine brush make it the perfect makeup choice for creating glamorous eyes on the beach.
- Top up your tan in the evening with Jelly Pong Pong’s Omnibronze, £22 (www.the-beauty-pages.com/boutique). Available to buy in our very own Boutique, the bronzer has been formulated to a give a natural-looking colour to all skin tones.
- For sexy evening eyes, use Bourjois Suivez Mon Regard in Ambre, £6.50 (www.bourjois.co.uk) – a durable loose eye shadow in a warm gold shade. It will stay put on the balmiest nights.
- Cover skin generously in B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful Cocktail Body Lustre, £16 (www.bnevertoobusytobebeautiful.com) every evening before you head out. It adds an alluring gold shimmer to tanned skin, smells stunning, and helps to hydrate with its blend of almond oil and cocoa butter.
PERFUME: There are two reasons why every holiday requires a new bottle of perfume... Firstly, it makes jetting off even more of a pleasure. Secondly, just the faintest whiff of your summer scent in years to come will transport you straight back to the beach with the sun on your back and the sand between your toes.
A great holiday perfume should intensify what already surrounds you – the intoxicating fragrance of exotic flowers, the fresh saltiness of the ocean, and the sweet ripeness of local fruits. It should be fun, flirty and instantly uplift your mood.
The Rules
- Avoid wearing perfume on your skin in direct sunlight, which can cause discolouration or an allergic reaction. On the beach, Lyn Harris of Miller Harris suggests ‘try spraying onto clothes or apply to fingers and run through your hair’.
- For the evening, dab the perfume on the back of your knees and ankles. Heat rises and, with it, so will your perfume. It’ll be subtle, alluring, and long lasting.
The Products
- Perfect for wearing during the day, Bobbi Brown Beach Eau de Parfum, £35 (www.bobbibrown.co.uk) is a deliciously-light scent with notes of sand jasmine, sea spray and mandarin. The fragrance is uncomplicated and lighthearted – perfectly suited to a laid-back holiday on the beach.
- The revitalising scent of Miller Harris Fleur du Matin Eau de Parfum, £52 (www.millerharris.com) will wake you up after a lazy day in the sunshine. The perfume was inspired by the dew and floral herbal scent of an early morning walk on the island of Port Cros. It has a fresh zingy fragrance and whimsical romantic heart.
- Missoni Acqua Eau de Toilette, £38 (08700 342566) is light enough for wearing during the day, but sexy enough for wearing in the evening. The vibrant sunny fragrance is designed to remind you of sea air, bracing water, luscious flowers, succulent fruit and sun-kissed skin.
TRAVEL-SIZED: So many beauty products, so little weight allowance – a problem facing all beauty junkies before flying to sunnier shores. With skin care, hair care, bottles of perfume, and a full makeup bag taking up the room in your suitcase, it makes sense to keep the remainder of your beauty regime as small and light as possible.
Thankfully the choice of luxury travel-sized products is ever expanding and we no longer have to go without our favourite brands when away from home.
The Rules
- If you intend to take your products on the flight, make sure each container is 100ml or less to fit within current hand-baggage guidelines.
- If your favourite product doesn’t come in a smaller size, it’s worth decanting into empty travel bottles. Don’t be tempted to overfill the bottles and make sure each is labelled.
The Products
- Avoid carrying heavy bottles of shower gel by packing Aromatherapy Associates – Relax, De-Stress, and Revive, £18.50 (www.aromatherapyassociates.com). A set of three 7.5ml bath and shower oils, which can be applied to a bath as it’s running or to your body before a shower. They smell divine, will intensely hydrate skin, and will last long after your holiday.
- For luxury skin care, invest in Elemis Dream Journey Traveller, £85 (www.timetospa.co.uk). The vanity case contains 11 of their most popular products, all 60ml or under, including Tri-Enzyme Resurfacing Facial Wash, Pro-Collagen Marine Cream and Pro--Collagen Eye Renewal.
- For hair care, you can’t beat Toni & Guy’s Label M Summer Protection Set, £15 (0870 7708080). It has everything you need for keeping tresses looking their best in the sunshine, including shampoo, conditioner, sea-salt spray and protein spray. Each product is 75ml or under and comes in a handy wash bag with mirror.
- For decanting your own products, choose Marks & Spencer Deluxe Travel Bottle Set, £7.50 (www.marksandspencer.com).
News: Dove introduces Summer Glow Body Lotion SPF 15 (01.07.08)
If you’re a fan of the original Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion, you are going to be seriously excited about the newest arrival to the range. The brand has developed a new version of the popular gradual-tanning lotion that includes an SPF of 15.
According to Dove, two thirds of us will get sunburnt at some point during the summer in the UK – whether it’s while gardening, sitting in a pub garden, shopping, or having lunch outdoors. By simply swapping our moisturiser, it’s now easy to avoid making these potentially skin-damaging mistakes.
Dove technical expert Atoshi Ghosal explains ‘With Dove Summer Glow +SPF15 there’s no need to look pale and risk dodgy tan lines. Just like our classic gradual tanner, this moisturising formula quickly builds up a natural looking tan with the benefits of a UV filter system to keep harmful UVA and UVB rays away from the skin. This means your skin will get all the benefits of the sun and develop an even tan while looking bronzed and beautiful.’
Dove Summer Glow Beauty Body Lotion +SPF15 is on shelves now and costs £6.99. Call 0800 0851548 for stockists.
Treatment Review: HYDRODERMABRASIAN BESPOKE FACIAL, HYDROHEALING (01.07.08)
Tested by Claire Brayford
What it promises: Billed as the coolest facial in London, the treatment uses a fine nozzle to blast water at twice the speed of sound onto the skin to buff away dead skin cells, improve circulation, work on fine lines, scarring and problematic or acne prone skin. Unlike traditional microdermabrasion, this treatment does not leave your face looking red, but refined, deeply hydrated and smooth - it even promises to tackle your puffy eyes.
What happens: After a brief consultation setting out exactly what is involved, I lay down on a white-towelled bed. The treatment began with a relaxing facial lymphatic drainage massage using the hand-held device which was worked all over the skin to drain and replenish the lymphatic system - this helps to tackle those dark circles and puffy eyes. This was followed by the deep exfoliation dermabrasion, which acts as three treatments in one. So as well as blasting away dead skin, the surgically sterile water kills bacteria, and the high air pressure pumps oxygen into the epidermis so it also works as oxygen therapy too. The last stage was a lovely moisturising mask, after which sunblock was applied.
Results: Perhaps it was because I tested this facial on a scorching hot day in the city, but I have never felt so refreshed and revitalised. The process itself is not wet at all, just like a feather-light cooling mist all over the face and neck. It was incredibly gentle and soothing. I suffer from quite uneven blotchy skin but immediately after my complexion had a beautiful dewy, even glow. It looked visibly plumper, particularly around the eyes and mouth, I cannot remember the last time I looked so well nourished and moisturised.
Price: £85 for 60 minutes
Location: Hydrohealing, Notting Hill, London. Call 020 7727 2570 or visit www.hydrohealing.com.
TRIED & TESTED - EYE CREAMS (01.07.08)
With a baffling range of different products on the market, we set our testing team the challenge of using their eye cream twice daily for a month and reporting any changes in fine lines, deeper wrinkles, dark circles and puffiness...
CRÈME DE LA MER THE EYE CONCENTRATE, £120 for 15ml (www.cremedelamer.co.uk)
What they say: This concentrated, ultraluxe eye treatment quenches and conditions impressionable skin. The Eye Concentrate significantly reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, lines and wrinkles, encouraging the eye area to look healthy, luminous and feel supple as never before.
What we say: A luxuriously-rich cream that is applied with an ingenious wand. The perfect amount of cream for one application is picked up on the silver tip and helps to cool skin and depuff eyes on contact. The stylish pot, with its chunky silver lid, will take pride of place on any dressing table.
The Results: I applied the product twice a day. The cream sunk in almost immediately, leaving no greasiness on the surface of the skin. I noticed the results instantly, with skin feeling more supple and dark circles less pronounced. Fine lines around my eyes started to become less noticeable after a fortnight. Although it’s expensive, the pot would last for months.
Best for: Smoothing fine-lines and wrinkles
YVES SAINT LAURENT TEMPS MAJEUR EYE CONTOUR CARE, £60 for 15ml (01444 255700)
What they say: Exceptional decongesting and smoothing care for the eye contour area. Ginseng helps combat fatigue, while escine extracted from horse chestnut has a draining action. On application, the eyelids are decongested, puffiness is reduced and dark under-eye circles fade. All this comes in an ultra-fine, melting emulsion that leaves a delicate rosy veil on the tender skin around the eyes.
What we say: With its chic modern packaging, this product is visually in a class of its own. It has a feather-light silky texture and pleasant faintly almond fragrance. A measuring spatula is included, which ensures the correct amount is applied every time.
The Results: The cream was richer than I expected and l took a while to sink in – this was a positive for me as it left the skin around my eyes looking luminous. I used the product twice daily for a month and noticed definite improvement in the fine lines around my eyes. The biggest positive for me, however, was the cream’s ability to depuff and reduce dark circles. It’s become my hero product for early mornings.
Best for: Erasing dark circles
NEAL’S YARD ROSE FORMULA HYDRATING EYE CREAM, £20 for 10ml (www.nealsyardremedies.com)
What they say: Organic wild rose, avocado and pomegranate oils, rich in essential nutrients omega 3 & 6, are blended with amino acids to stimulate collagen and elastin levels, smoothing and strengthening the skin.
What we say: If you like your beauty products to be natural, this is the eye-cream for you. The ultra-light cream is packed full of organic plant extracts, which work together to fight the signs of ageing. The bottle makes application easy, dispensing the perfect amount with each pump. The packaging makes no attempts to be sexy, but is stylish enough and in keeping with the natural theme.
The Results: The cream instantly cools the skin on application, making it the perfect fix for tired or puffy eyes. Given the name, I was initially surprised that it didn’t have the fragrance of rose oil, but soon came to be thankful the fresh neutral scent. After a month, I starting noticing that the skin felt suppler and more hydrated and that my eyes looked visibly lifted.
Best for: Depuffing tired eyes
LANCOME RENERGIE REFILL YEUX, £38.50 for 15ml (www.lancome.co.uk)
What they say: Skin immediately feels more smooth and supple. Wrinkles and dark circles appear visibly reduced and the eye contour area looks younger.
What we say: A deliciously rich unfragranced cream that quickly absorbs into the skin. The pump applicator delivers the perfect pea-sized amount for gently patting around the eyes. The silver bottle is stylish, but classic.
Results: I’ve found it difficult to find an eye-cream that suits my sensitive skin, but was pleasantly surprised by this product. The cream is intensely hydrating, but gentle enough to use on the most delicate of skins. After a month, the fine lines around my eyes were visibly reduced and the dark circles underneath were less pronounced. It’s unusual to find a product that is gentle enough for my skin, yet powerful enough to show results. I will definitely continue to use this product.
Best for: Sensitive Skin
CAUDALIE PARIS ANTI-AGEING SERUM EYES AND LIPS, £24 for 15ml (www.caudalie.com)
What they say: This gel-cream reduces wrinkles, lightens dark circles, decongests and protects the skin from free radicals. Designed for all skin types, as soon as the first signs of ageing appear around the eyes
What we say: A hybrid between a cream and a gel, with the benefits of both. The richness of a cream, hydrating the skin and fighting the signs of ageing – combined with the cooling effect of a gel, refreshing and depuffing. Simple, but chic, packaging.
Results: I have dry skin and suffer from dark circles under my eyes – I’ve struggled to find an eye-cream that tackles both problems. After using this serum for a month, my friends have started asking if I’ve been getting more sleep, as my skin is glowing and the dark circles have nearly disappeared. The texture is quite tacky and it took a while to sink in, but once it had absorbed my skin felt supple and injected with moisture.
Best for: Dry skins
SKII SIGNS EYE CREAM, for £50 for 15g (www.sk2.com)
What they say: SK-II Signs Eye Cream, with a unique blend of seven ingredients including concentrated Pitera, revives the look of the total eye area. It works on multiple problems to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark eye circles giving you firmer, younger-looking eyes. Now you don't have to hide your eyes to hide your age.
What we say: A light, easy-to-absorb product in stunning red packaging. The unfragranced cream feels more like a gel, sinking straight in with just the lightest of pats.
Results: I suffer from dark shadows and after only a week I noticed that the skin around my eyes was plumper and brighter. After a month, the fine lines haven’t totally disappeared, but are considerably smoother. The skin feels hydrated throughout the day and I definitely feel I’m preventing any further fine-lines making an appearance.
Best for: Fighting the early signs of ageing.
