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Archive - July 09

 

Tried & Tested - SHINE CONTROL LOTIONS (31.07.09)
Don’t let an oily face get in the way of your summer. We road tested six mattifying moisturisers to see if they dispel even the most stubborn of T-Zones.

CHAMPNEYS VISIBLY MATTIFYING SHINE CONTROL LOTION, £8 (www.champneys.co.uk/collection.asp)
What they say: A unique lotion containing oil-absorbing mineral clay and zinc oxide that’s formulated to eliminate shine, refine pores and improve the skin’s texture.
The Results: I was really impressed by the generous sized bottle at such a good price, too. Just one squirt produced enough lotion to easily cover my face and neck without reaching for more. The fragrance is light and fresh and it really woke up and cooled down my skin, especially with the hot weather spells! The lotion was lightweight, but I did find that it a little sticky on my cheeks, whereas my T-Zone drank it up and it felt dry to the touch. Makeup glided on easily and I had no unsightly shiny areas around my most troublesome areas – my nose and forehead. I was impressed.
Best for: Hot summer days

GARNIER PURE ACTIVE SPOT FIGHTING 24HR MOISTURISER, £4.99 (BOOTS NATIONWIDE).
What they say: A moisturiser designed to treat spots and prevent further breakouts, hydrating skin and visibly reducing shine thanks to the hard-working combination of salicylic acid and blueberry extract. Skin is left looking clearer with a more refined texture.
The results: This has a gel consistency, but the weight of a cream and sank into my skin beautifully. The pump ensured I could dispense the right amount, which meant no waste and the cream was airtight and not exposed to bacteria. I loved the fresh scent – a bit like cucumber, and my skin had a really clean feeling after applying it. My skin had a lovely supple feeling, which made me want to keep on touching it (although that’s obviously not the idea!). After regular use I could definitely see an improvement in skin texture, rather than just short-term shine control. Best of all, it’s under a fiver – I’ll definitely be buying again!
Best for: Smaller budgets

DERMALOGICA OIL CONTROL LOTION, £24.70 (0800 591818)
What they say: A featherweight lotion including caffeine and zinc to prevent sebaceous glands and salicylic acid to clear up blocked pores. This cocktail of ingredients work together to even out skin tone and prevent shiny spots in the long term.
The Results: I swear by Dermalogica products when my skin breaks out, so I was thrilled to be asked to test this product. It’s small and pricey, but the formula really works. The light fluid goes a long way and I needed less than I imagined to cover my face and neck. It sunk in very quickly, almost too quickly as it was hard to tell where I had used it! I felt slightly dry around my nose but this soon wore off, and my skin remained largely shine-free. I particularly noticed results when I used it at night, as the next morning my spots looked a lot less red and noticeable. I can’t wait to see what happens by the time I finish the bottle.
Best For: Skin prone to blemishes

BLISS STEEP CLEAN MOISTURE LOTION, £35 (www.blisslondon.co.uk)
What they say: An oil-free lotion that offers total moisturisation while combating shiny areas thanks to its ‘smartsponge’ technology that absorbs excess oil, and retinol to aid the tightening of pores, in turn minimising excess oil production.
The Results: I regard Bliss as a coveted brand, so I was looking forward to seeing whether the lotion would work on my temperamental skin. I wasn’t disappointed. The light but non-runny fluid sank in without effort and felt cooling and refreshing. Like promised, I found my pores were less noticeable, which meant blackheads got less of a chance to appear. My skin looked a lot more radiant, and the fact that this was from how healthy my skin was, instead of a layer of sweat, was rather refreshing! My one criticism is that it’s hard to reach the bottom of the tube without some serious squeezing – for the hefty price tag I wouldn’t want to leave any remaining.
Best For: Shrinking pores

DR NICK LOWE OIL CONTROL DAY CREAM, £14.95 (www.boots.co.uk)
What they say: A moisturiser that hydrates, refines pores and mops up oily patches while protecting the skin’s protective barrier at the same time, working to target and prevent spots over prolonged use. The combination of salicylic acid and vitamins A, C and E mean that skin is treated to a hit of antioxidants and mopped up of the excess oil that makes skin prone to spots.
The Results: The glass pot feels a little more glamourous than a conventional mattifying product, so I was looking forward to displaying this in my bathroom cabinet! The cream was heavy on first impression and felt a little greasy when rubbing into my skin, so I was fully expecting it to take ages to sink in. However after just a minute my skin felt smooth to the touch, with no tightness, nor greasy spots. I thought the thickness would exaggerate my pores but they were less noticeable, and continued to be so after regular use. The texture of my skin was more even and stayed largely so throughout the day. I wasn’t keen on the smell, which reminded me of practical, medicinal creams, but this didn’t linger.
Best for: Combination Skin

EUCERIN DERMO PURIFYER CREAM-GEL, £8.99 (www.boots.co.uk)
What they say: A lightweight cream that contains Lactic Acid, known for its antibacterial properties, to target clogged pores, a contributor to shiny surfaces. With regular use the cream-gel reduces blemishes, prevents new ones from occuring and provides oil-free moisturisation.
The Results: The cream is surprisingly thick for an oil-free formulation – I’m used to applying lighter fluids, so rubbing in a luxurious cream was a nice change. As it’s a gel-cream formula, it glided onto skin pretty well without feeling too heavy. Immediately after applying it felt a little sticky on the surface, but this soon disappeared and I didn’t have to wait too long before applying make up. My skin felt smooth and silky and my usually greasy nose felt like it had been mopped up! My blemishes remained but didn’t seem as red and angry as before, and overall my complexion really benefitted. My only criticism would be that the tube is pretty small and wouldn’t last too long, but the recession-friendly price means it won’t hurt my purse when I purchase, which I’ll definitely be doing!
Best for: Sensitive skin

 

Feature: SLEEPING BEAUTY (31.07.09)
Who said beauty was hard work? The newest crop of beauty products designed for night use contain more beauty-boosting ingredients than ever, meaning they do all the work while you get your beauty sleep.

HAIR
By the time we’ve heat-protected, smoothed frizzes and layered on the spray, our hair has been privy to a lot of product, which can weigh it down and cause locks to appear dull and lacklustre. The latest hair products do all the work while you sleep, meaning less styling time for you in the morning (and more time spent snoozing!).
For dry, brittle hair, L’Oreal Paris spokesman Alain Pichon recommends combining heat with an intensive conditioner. Simply comb an intensive mask through hair, wrap in a towel and sleep. “The longer the mask is left in, the more moisture can penetrate and hair can really benefit from the ingredients”. Try L’Oreal Paris Elvive Damage Control Intensive Mask, £3.99 or Umberto Giannini Overnight Beauty Moisture Balm, £4.88 (both at Boots Nationwide).
Lightened locks may look great in the summer, but hair takes a hit in moisture and condition. The sun’s natural bleaching elements can leave hair feeling dry and damaged. L’Oreal Paris Elvive Nourish & Shimmer Highlights Serum, £4.99 (Boots Nationwide) can be smoothed through hair a third down from the root and left overnight without needing to rinse in the morning. The royal jelly adds and locks in moisture to thirsty hair and is a great alternative for fine hair that weighs down easily. The added moisture means less chance of frizz, too. It’s also worth investing in a silk pillowcase, as cotton can dry out hair and the added friction can promote frizz.

HANDS & FEET
As well as the face, hands are more exposed to the elements than any other part of the body, making them susceptible to the effects of ageing. Even gorgeous celebrities like Angelina Jolie can’t hide their ageing hands from the cameras. Think about how many times a day you wash your hands, especially if you live in a hard water area – too much water can strip the skin of its natural moisture and leave it feeling dry and sometimes even inflamed.
Feet are also subjected to a lot of wear and tear, whether it’s sandal straps rubbing or feeling the pinch in stilettos. Supple equals youthful, so go for intensive creams that will help soften dry, hard patches and won’t slip off during the day.
If you are after an intensive moisture hit for fingers and toes, then slip on Soap & Glory Moisture Gloves, £5 (www.boots.com), and Bliss Softening Socks, £36 (www.blisslondon.co.uk). The moisture trapped in an enclosed hot space means the products work harder to penetrate into the skin, really tackling tougher areas. Another great alternative is Sanctuary Moisture Infused Gloves, £19.57 (www.thesanctuary.co.uk).
If the idea of socks during the summer makes you break out in a sweat, try Clarins Foot Beauty Treatment Cream, £18.50 (http://uk.clarins.com). The winning combination of shea butter and arnica equals softened, de-puffed, sweat-free tootsies.

FACE
While your priority during the day should be SPF protection, night time should be about getting your hit of antioxidants. “Night time is when our skin recovers from the daytime and rebuilds” says Origins skincare expert Lieve Declercq. “A good night time beauty product will therefore provide soothing and repairing ingredients to optimise your sleep time”. Noella Gabriel, skincare expert at Elemis, agrees. “The skin and body rests and repairs at night, renewing skin cells, repairing and replenishing. During the day time, skin is adjusting to the different environmental and climatic changes so doesn’t have time to address repairing needs, making night time rest vital.” Night products all contain ingredients to work in sync with the skin’s natural regenerative process.
Night creams have been on the shelves for years now but this year’s crop of products are more sophisticated than ever, recognising that it’s not just wrinkles we’re targeting. There are a lot of lighter formulas around that do their job and let skin breathe, too. Good Skin Lumecin Overnight Brightening Gluco-Protein Treatment, £29.95 (Boots Nationwide) tackles uneven skin tone, enlargened pores and pigmentation my mimicking the effects of a peel. Use this and after two weeks skin will be smooth and bright enough to cheat on your makeup routine in the morning.
The Dr Weil collection at Origins has just extended to include a ‘Night Health’ range, which includes a highly-effective Bedtime Face Cream, £45 (www.origins.co.uk) During deep sleep, the cream releases a skin-building and recovery complex to smooth fine lines and leave skin looking fresh, rejuvenated, and even-toned.
For thirsty skin, step up the moisturising scale by smoothing on Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Mask, £45 (www.timetospa.co.uk). The collagen works to plump out skin, so it’s great if you need a little lift. Again it’s quite a light formula so it won’t rub off on your pillow. Tissue off before starting on your usual daytime regime.

EYES
Missed out on vital slumber time? Your eyes will be your giveaway. Noella Gabriel says “It isn’t a myth when people say they need their beauty sleep. Tiredness is a strain on the eyes and when eyes are strained we can see the appearance of dark circles.” Lack of sleep can also affect fluid retention, which is why eyes can feel puffy when you wake up, and because of the many blood vessels that lie so close to the skin’s surface, any irritation causes inflammation.
Like with skincare, eye products tackle a variety of complaints besides wrinkles. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Recovery Complex, £33 (www.esteelauder.co.uk) contains algae extract to prevent eye irritation that can cause puffiness. There’s merit in the way you apply an eye cream, too. Pat in from the middle of the face outwards to follow the lymphatic system and prevent blockages that can result in puffy eyes. Try sleeping on your back as much as you can, too, to avoid sleep creases around the delicate eye area.
Look out for by L’Oreal Paris Lash Renewal Serum, £10.99 (Boots Nationwide) hitting the shops in September, which contains the protein keratin (normally found in hair) to promote lash growth while you sleep. Thicker, longer eyelashes will open up your eyes, giving the impression of a full-night’s rest (even if you climbed into bed as the sun was rising).

BODY
The cell regeneration process applies to the body as well as the face, and is a great opportunity to layer on products that contain humectants that retain moisture more efficiently. Lieve Declercq agrees. “During the night our skin loses more water. When the body’s core temperature drops at night, some of the body heat is dissipated through the skin and that triggers moisture loss.”
A heavy duty cream that combines sleep-inducing scents and ingredients will hit the spot. Bliss Fat Girl Sleep, £32 (www.blisslondon.co.uk), works on cellulite by tackling water retention and sagging skin, while lavender relaxes the body and mind.
A bonus about applying products before bed is that there’s no need to worry about heavier formulas coming off on clothes, so you can really layer it on with oils and balms. Noella Gabriel is currently championing Moringa Oil. “Sourced from the Tanzanian ‘miracle tree’, it has 1700% more antioxidant power than any other oil.” This can be found in Elemis Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules, £58 for 60 (www.timetospa.co.uk), which are sizeably more geared for facial use, so for a more purse-friendly body hit it’s worth buying in bottle form from www.akomaskincare.co.uk and using in moderation.
Balms are great at tackling dry spots like elbows and scars, because they are often more intensive than a cream, and more manageable than an oil. One that’s gentle enough to use everywhere is Trilogy Everything Balm, £19.95 (www.lovetrilogy.co.uk)

MIND
It’s all very well slapping on the right products - but it’s no good if you struggle to get your recommended eight hours sleep. Getting your sleep quota significantly improves cell regeneration as the human growth hormone accelerates at night, which is why skin can look so tired in the morning after a bad night’s sleep. Daily stresses of modern life make getting 40 winks harder than it sounds, which is why we rely on sleep inducing products to encourage us into slumber land.
Skincare guru Liz Earle says that you should fall asleep within five minutes of turning out the light. To achieve this it’s vital to make your bedroom a sanctuary where the mind and body can relax fully. The old favourite, lavender, has a sedative effect, and only needs a couple of drops on a tissue underneath a pillow.
Step away from anything that stimulates your brain at least two hours before bedtime, whether it’s caffeine or the glare of your computer. Run a capful of Origins Dr Andrew Weil Night Health Bedtime Bath Oil, £25 (www.origins.co.uk) under a warm bath and take a dip for fifteen minutes. The intoxicating combination of chamomile and lavender will help wind the body down after a long day. Hot water just raises the body’s temperature and gets the heart racing, rather than relax.
Don’t forget the physical side, too. “Moulded foam-style pillows give good neck support” says Liz Earle. If your body is well supported, then it stands a good chance of resting sufficiently so you wake up feeling like you’ve rested.

Blog: OUR GROOMING EDITOR – JAMES YORK – REVIEWS THREE FRAGRANCES FOR MEN (31.07.09)
How many fragrances should a guy have on his man-shelf? It’s a simple question, but one which I have never been able to answer. It’s good to keep it varied, so I’m not a great fan of keeping a solitary bottle, you have to keep life guessing sometimes… It’s high time that I begin a methodical and ongoing test of the market to ensure my portfolio of signature scents is wide and varied enough to offer some good options - rain, shine or holiday. Since we are in the midst of summer holiday time, I have taken a nifty cross section of the fragrance world that wouldn’t smell out of place on the beach or on the tube. We’ve got the new, the updated and the classic.

CLINIQUE HAPPY FOR MEN, £39 for 100ml (www.clinique.co.uk)
4.5 stars
This is the orange peacock of the fragrance world. Their signature scent does not just hit the mark, it absolutely nails it down. It’s fun, bold, and a good mood lifter. It’s striking and probably shouldn’t be manly, but it is. The fantastic bright packaging with a sleek silver hat conveys the simplicity of a smell that is a smile. If he’s feeling upbeat and wants to hit the day head on with a grin on his face, then this one won’t let him down. The critical factors for me with any fragrance are staying power and their ability to be present but not overwhelm. It is here where it falls short of the perfect score, ‘Happy’ stands out but you may need to spray a little more than usual if it’s your 9-5pm scent. I’m a little seduced by the extravert flamboyance of this fragrance, there’s a whole lot of smile in this 100ml bottle.

LACOSTE CHALLENGE, £34 for 75ml (www.boots.com)
3.5 stars
The packaging looks like the handle of a tennis racquet, which rocks. This hasn’t previously been a brand I would first choose, although this latest concoction is very decent for limited use. Boldly coloured like post fizz berocca, it’s light with a hint of lavender, mild woody tones and a sneaky fruity combination. It’s a smell that is competent but doesn’t threaten to overwhelm - in fact, that’s kind of the problem for daywear. Perhaps, a little too mild to sustain the rigours of a frantic day, there’s also a bang for buck issue with 75ml of product. Slap on if he’s heading out for a meal or playing a couple sets of tennis, but this won’t necessarily make big player status on his fragrance shortlist.

BOSS IN MOTION WHITE, £42.09 for 90ml (www.debenhams.com)
4 STARS
This special edition is a beast - it has the staying power of a mule and could well be the workhorse of his fragrance squad. It’s a white edition for the white collar day and sophisticated night. Hugo Boss are a veteran of the men’s fragrance community, having produced a wide collection that sticks closely to the central theme of reliability. Every man should own one of their range. You instantly take in the spicy musky, powerful and masculine nose. ‘In Motion’ has enough sweetness in it to appeal to both an assertive mood and a party atmosphere. The packaging is eye catching with its unique under-slung spray mechanism, a gadget in itself. He’ll reek of confidence and security with this mature crisply produced number. It’s ideal for a networking event, big meeting or wedding occasion. There really isn’t much else to say, it’s no surprise this fragrance gets good feedback, Boss know what they are doing. It isn’t groundbreaking, but this scent should sit in the front row with its shoulders and chest puffed out.

Salon Review: ATHERTON COX (31.07.09)
Location: 18 New Cavendish Street, Marylebone, London W1G 8UR. Tel 020 7487 4048.
The salon: Push open the door of this glass-fronted hair and beauty emporium, situated in the village-style setting of Marylebone Road, and the buzz is instantly electric. Strung with fabulous crystal and glass chandeliers, with squishy black sofas perfect for lounging, this newly refurbished salon seems to be the perfect meeting place to swap shopping notes, catch up on the latest episode of Ugly Betty and of course have our hair cut, coloured and styled.
Run by Lisa Atherton and Paul Cox who have years of savvy experience behind them: they are both ex Shipton Leighton & Lowe, one of the 90’s salon successes, the salon offer some of the best colour and cutting technicians in town. Desperate to have my colour sorted once and for all – my sons have become mesmerised by my multicolour locks - I was put in the capable hands of Gok Wan’s favourite colourist Phillipe Chicheportiche to work in a selection of cream, bold and toffee lights that looked fabulously glossy and shiny. Then stylist Hayley chopped my one length bob into something more sassy and wearable, blowing out my curls into smooth perfection. And I was treated to endless refreshments throughout my visit.
Just as importantly, the beauty rooms downstairs offer every girl’s essential waxing, pedicures and manicures, plus luxury facials and lash extensions.
Services: Cut & Finish from £40, blow-dry from £28, Dermalogica facials from £69.

TRIED & TESTED: WATERPROOF MASCARAS (24.07.09)
This summer, we want mascara that not only gives our lashes long-lasting volume and length, but also stays put when we’re swimming, showering, or caught in a shower… We’ve tested six of the best.

MAYBELLINE GREAT LASH WATERPROOF MASCARA, £4.88 (www.boots.co.uk)
What they say: Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara perfectly defines lashes with a clean and separate finish. The lash building brush allows you to get the result you want, allowing the lashes to go from everyday to dramatic in just a few strokes for clean separate finish without the clumps.
The Results: This mascara has quite a short, fat brush, which made it very easy to pull through my lashes from root to tip. The lashes looked much longer, but not hugely greater in volume. However, I was really impressed that there wasn’t a single clump and the eye lashes were nicely separated – I usually follow mascara with a lash comb, but there was no need. I had a shower after applying it to test its waterproof power. I emerged with a few smudges, but I think I got into the shower too quickly after applying it. The next time, I waited slightly longer and it stuck fast, so I would definitely recommend waiting 10 minutes before you jump into the pool on holiday!
Best for: No clumps

BENEFIT BADGAL WATERPROOF MASCARA, £14.50 (www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk)
What they say: Rain, rain, go away... or stay, with BADgal waterproof! Even the toughest thunderstorms are no match for this waterproof, smudge-proof mascara. The big, BAD brush loads up lashes with black BAD-itude for gorgeous lashes that won't smudge or smear 365 days a year.
The Results: I was impressed with this mascara – I loved the fashionable packaging, the long easy-to-use wand, and the deep inky black colour. I’m not blessed with long lashes, but this product made them look less ‘short and stumpy’ and more ‘long and lustrous’. I swim regularly and used this mascara before a 20-minute session – there wasn’t a single smudge when I stepped out the pool. The only downside is that it took me quite a long time to remove the mascara at the end of the day, but that was a small price to pay for such long-lasting and reliable results.
Best for: Reliability

CLARINS MASCARA WONDER WATERPROOF, £16.15 (http://uk.clarins.com)
What they say: This mascara not only creates volume, curl and definition but lashes stay soft and supple to the touch. Come rain or shine!
The Results: This mascara has a long, thick wand and left my eyelashes looking much, much longer than their natural length. Better still, there were no clump at all and a slight curl – no need for eyelash curlers! I don’t often wear black mascara, so was worried that the look would be too glamorous for office wear, but there was no need to worry - the look was subtle and sophisticated. After a shower, there were a few very, very tiny smudges to the side of my eyes, but you wouldn’t notice unless you were looking closely. I’m really pleased with this product and will definitely be taking it on holiday with me.
Best for: Daytime look

AVON SUPERFULL MASCARA WATERPROOF, £8 (http://avonshop.co.uk)
What they say: Waterproof mascara delivers over 5 x fuller lashes (In Vitro Mascara Volume Study), with no smudges or flakees. Breakthrough quick-release brush and rapid building formula gives you volumised lashes
The Results: I was given the mascara to test before going away on holiday and used it each morning before heading down the pool. The wand has very fine teeth, which coat every surface of the lashes and separate them as it combs through. I’ve tried mascaras in the past that do a better job of lengthening, but it added lots of volume and there wasn’t a single clump. When I dipped quickly into the pool to cool down, it stayed put, but after a long swim, I noticed a few smudges of mascara underneath my eyes. Removing it was very easy with my regular remover pads. I’d definitely buy this product again.
Best for: Separating lashes

BOOTS NO.7 EXTREME LENGTH WATERPROOF MASCARA, £11.30 (www.boots.co.uk)
What they say: No7 Extreme Length Waterproof Mascara will help you stay fabulous all Summer even when your in the sea!
The Results: I have very short blond eyelashes, so was looking forward to testing a mascara that promised ‘extreme’ length! The fine brush got right to the roots of my lashes and I could already see a dramatic difference after just one comb through. A few of the lashes stuck together, but that was rectified when I combed through a few more times. My lashes looked full of volume and far, far longer. I tested its water resistance by jumping in the shower and was very impressed – it stayed put, without a single smudge. I’ve been recommending this mascara to friends who are jetting off on beach holidays.
Best for: Length

MARKS & SPENCER AUTOGRAPH ULTIMATE VOLUME WATERPROOF MASCARA, £9.50 (www.marksandspencer.co.uk)
What they say: Make your eyes pop with this ultimate volume mascara in a waterproof formula to create lasting lush lashes.
The Results: I’ve never used waterproof mascara before and I was worried that it wouldn’t give the same results as my regular mascara, but after testing it, there was no need to worry. The brush is thick and fat – it wasn’t very easy to grip the lashes at the root and pull the brush through, so I found myself brushing through time and time again to properly coat the lashes. It was worth the effort – my lashes looked thick, voluminous and very healthy. Even after a shower – wiping my eyes under the water – they looked perfect. I’d take this mascara on holiday with me, but I’d also wear it on a big night out. I’m really impressed.
Best for: Volume

 

Treatment Review: CACI CHROMACLEAR MICRODERMABRASION, SOPHIE HUNTER HEALTH AND BEAUTY (24.07.09)

What it promises: Micro-dermabrasion promises to refine and rejuvenate. It sprays tiny spherical crystals across the face, mixing gentle abrasion with suction to remove the dead outer layer of skin - leaving the complexion with a fresh glow. The Sophie Hunter Health and Beauty salon has been open since October and launched with the philosophy "to give you the client an amazing experience from start to finish, but most importantly, to give you the benefit of our professionalism with treatments that we know work."

What happens: I arrived at the salon located at the Chelsea end of the Fulham Road on a Saturday morning at 9am sharp - promptly the doors were opened and I was warmly greeted. I waited in the stylish minimalist reception - eyeing up the tempting range of Dr Sabagh and Snowberry products in a glass cabinet next to me – and filled in a short form about my skin. My therapist Michelle then led me downstairs to one of their five treatment rooms and I climbed up onto the toweled-bed. The treatment began with cleansing and toning, before a bright light was shone on my face so that the true extent of my blocked pores could be examined. Michelle then steamed my face, whilst I enjoyed a fantastic shoulder and neck massage, and then a thorough 'extraction'. The micro dermabrasion then began, where small crystals were pumped onto my face through a tube -shaped instrument. I had been warned that I might find this slightly uncomfortable, but it really just felt like small pin-pricks and a hoover-like sucking effect on my skin. The treatment started with my forehead and, with stroking motions going from middle outwards, the whole of my face and neck was treated. It lasted only a few minutes and then a rejuvenating mask was applied to my face and left, while I enjoyed a foot massage. Smal light beams were then run across my face – one blue antibacterial light to soothe and reduce redness and the other a red light to stimulate circulation and help bring nutrients to the skin. Finally, moisturising cream was massaged into my skin, which I was told contained a high SPF as my skin might be quite delicate especially when exposed the sun following this treatment.
Results: Having always suffered from blocked pores and what is best described as a ‘lifeless complexion, I was over the moon to look in the mirror after the treatment and see far brighter, fresher skin staring back at me. I loved this treatment and my skin looked healthier for days. For best results, I was told I should be getting micro dermabrasion every month, which help with acne scars and blocked pores - I will certainly be going back for more!
Price: £95 for 60 minutes
Location: 72 Fulham Road, Chelsea, London SW3 6HH. 020 7581 5003. www.sophiehunterhealthandbeauty.co.uk

 

Blog: MAKEUP ARTIST SARAH JAGGER – WHO SPECIALISES IN SEMI-PERMANENT MAKEUP - BLOGS ABOUT CREATING PERFECT EYEBROWS FOR HER CLIENTS (24.07.09)
The last ten years spent making up celebrities has taught me that eyebrows are the most important part of the face – Great brows frame the eyes, create more symmetry and make us look more polished. In fact, changing ones eyebrow shape can literally take ten years of someone’s face. For many women, pencilling in eyebrows is an everyday chore and something that requires excellent eye sight, creative flair and very a steady hand. Unfortunately even if you get it right, pencils can look too obvious up close and often wipe off during the day.Few of us have perfect eyebrows. Most of us have one brow that is either higher or shorter than the other or one with an arch that’s a little flat. Semi permanent eyebrow tints not only perfect the shape but also add definition. My Eyebrow Perfection is for everyone: I fill in any sparse areas in the brow with microscopically fine strokes, which simulate natural hair and achieve results that look infinitely more natural than regular makeup ever could. When complete brow loss has occurred (because of illness, stress or simply as a natural part of the ageing process), I do an Eyebrow Replacement-reconstructing each individual hair with a natural looking finish. Semi permanent eyebrow tints like my Eyebrow Perfection are one of the reasons why celebrities look so well groomed. In fact, I was originally inspired to use semi permanent makeup techniques when a well known client of mine told me how fed up of she was of being snapped by the paparazzi when she was popping out for a pint of milk in the morning, makeup free. She said “Life would be so much easier if your makeup stayed on me all the time!” Well, now it does – with eyebrows that are perfectly arched and defined, lip liner that makes that adds subtle fullness and soft eyeliner that makes the eyes look bigger and brighter. The process is rather like a tattoo- except anaesthetic creams are used so there isn’t the pain normally associated with a tattoo. Mineral pigment is used rather than ink and the pigment is implanted into the shallow dermal layer, rather than deep into the skin. As the skin naturally turns over skin cells, the colour gradually fades , allowing my clients to come back within the year for a top up colour or perhaps a slightly different shape- After all, fashion changes as does the skin and muscle beneath it, which is exactly why I aim to create results that last little more than a year .

 

Feature: JETSET BEAUTY (24.07.09)
Cancelled the newspapers? Exchanged your currency? It’s time to consider your beauty to-do list… Get set for take-off with our pick of products for the perfect summer holiday.

PREPARATION
Hair removal is tedious, but necessary. Waxing is ideal as it gives long-lasting results. Parissa Assorted Waxing Strips (£10.99 at Boots nationwide) take some practice, but are worth the effort if you are looking to cut down on salon trips. The pack contains pre-prepared wax strips of various sizes which simply need to be warmed in your hands before use. Low pain threshold? Opt for shaving. You may not view shaving as the most indulgent of beauty tasks, but that’s simply because you’ve not yet discovered Whish. Designed specifically with women in mind and based on a natural formula, Shave Crave, £16.43 for 150ml )www.touchmyface.co.uk) is a thick whipped cream which, unlike drying foam formulas, leaves skin unbelievably soft. Choose from three gorgeous essential oil bases- tangy pomegranate, exotic lemongrass or bitter almond. One of the most popular pre-holiday salon treatments is a pedicure. It’s also one of the easiest to recreate at home. Pamper tired feet by beginning your home pedi with Ciate’s Beach Feet, £13.95 for 200ml (www.ciate.co.uk) - a foaming, lemon sherbet soak that softens and smoothes the skin. Next, slough away dead skin with Ciate All Scrubbed Up, £14.95 - the walnut, sea salt and oil formula contains zesty Mexican Lime to refresh. Ms Pedicure’s Tip Top Toes set, £5.99 (Boots Nationwide) contains all the tools you’ll need to buff, file and trim, presented in a handy pouch. Next, slather on the holiday scented OPI Tropical Citrus Massage Cream, £15.60 for 125ml (www.lenawhite.co.uk) to hydrate before polishing toes with one of the punchy pinks in Essie’s summer 2009 4 to Go Mini pack, £15.95 (www.nailsbymail.co.uk) - it’s renowned as one of the best brands for lasting, chip-resistant colour.

PACKING
Strict airport security regulations have made holiday packing an ordeal for beauty addicts, but fear not… Favourite brands have risen to the challenge by introducing convenient ready-made travel sets. Care for your skin in-flight by carrying miniature versions of your essential products. Travel can really take its toll on skin, so even if a first class plane ticket is beyond your reach, it’s worth investing in the best skincare you can afford. Experts advise reapplying products at least once if you’re on a long-haul journey to compensate for the dehydrating effects of cabin air, which tests have shown to be drier than the world’s deserts. Eve Lom leads the way with their Travel Set, £48.94 (www.evelom.com). The set comprises a generous month’s supply of skincare, including the cult Cleanser and SPF Hand Cream, amongst others. If you’re heading off on a shorter break, Lisa Hoffman’s Night & Day 24 Hour Skincare Packette, £14 (0207 2355000) is the ideal travel companion. Inspired by Lisa’s difficult experiences of packing skincare when travelling, never knowing if she was packing too little or too much, she created small packettes containing single-use ampoules of product. The packette contains sufficient products for a 24 hour period, with clearly labelled skincare for day and night. La Prairie Bon Voyage Collection, £110 (www.houseoffraser.co.uk) contains a selection of the luxury brand’s most popular products, housed in a sleek cosmetics case. If Dermalogica is your preferred brand, check out their handy Skin Sets, £21.20 (0800 591818), which are conveniently categorised by skin type so that your regime isn’t compromised whilst away. If your can’t-live-without product isn’t available in a travel size, stock up on empties and decant your own. Tamara Mellon, the grand dame of shoes, explains how she won’t set a high-heeled clad foot on a plane without Bobbi Brown’s Empties, £8 (www.bobbibrown.co.uk), “Bobbi Brown's Travel Empties are so useful, my work involves a lot of travel, and these make it so much easier when it comes to packing. It is also great that they fit in with the in-flight liquid restrictions if I need to freshen up on board." On the high street, Marks and Spencer also offer great value travel empties, from £5 (www.marksandspencer.com).

AIRPORT SHOPPING
Forget cigarettes and alcohol – instead, stock up on beauty booty at the airport. Many of the leading brands have created exclusive products for travel retail that are well worth looking out for. Fans of Clinique will fall head over heels for their set of five Superbalm Moisturising Gloss Minis, £22.50 (Exclusively at travel retail outlets), which contains popular high-shine shades including Currant and Rootbeer. Whilst you probably expect to recognise leading cosmetic brands at the airport, it may come as a surprise that other, cult brands are now available. Begin your holiday indulgence by picking up a cream and black boxed treat from Jo Malone. Their In-Flight Bag, £76 (www.jomalone.co.uk), filled with cute miniature versions of bestsellers, is more private jet than Easyjet. Molton Brown is also available at the airport. Its status as a leading British beauty brand makes it ideal for picking up gift items if you are jetting off to visit friends abroad. (www.moltonbrown.co.uk). Searching for a new summer fragrance? Look no further than Marc Jacobs’ Cucumber Splash Eau De Toilette, £44.05 for 300ml (0800 652 7661). It’s a refreshing, clean scent with delicate floral notes, ideally suited to hot summer days. Alternatively, invest in a future classic. Chanel’s brand new Beige Eau De Toilette, £160 for 200ml (0207 4933836), a soft floral, is part of the Les Exclusifs fragrance range, inspired by Coco Chanel’s love of beige which she considered inherently captured timeless elegance.

IN-FLIGHT ESSENTIALS
A good book and fully charged i-pod might seem like the priority for your hand luggage, but don’t forget to include beauty products to ensure a glowing appearance upon arrival. If you’re travelling long-haul, top of your packing list should be a Holistic Silk Lavender Eye Mask £35 (www.powderrooms.com). The mask is filled with lavender, renowned for its calming properties, and helps to block out light ensuring a better rest during the flight. If you tend to suffer from puffiness around the eyes, flying can make the problem worse, even if you manage a few hours’ sleep. Bliss Baggage Handler Eye Gel, £21 for 15ml (www.blisslondon.co.uk) instantly relieves and reduces puffiness. When travelling, your face should be free of make-up. Remove every trace using the aptly-named Jet Set Cleanser by Rodial, £32 for 100ml (www.rodial.co.uk). The nourishing, milky formula gives such impressive results - you’ll want to continue using it long after your holiday is over. It’s also worth packing some cleansing wipes for instant refreshment; The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes, £5.95 for a pack of 25 (www.thebodyshop.co.uk) remind us why the range is a bestseller. Next, apply a generous layer of Prescriptives Super Flight Cream, £24.47 for 50ml (www.houseoffraser.co.uk), which has been specially formulated to lock-in moisture, preventing and soothing dehydrated skin. Maintain moisture levels by spritzing skin throughout the flight using Jurlique’s Lavender Hydrating Mist, £20.55 for 100ml (www.jurlique.co.uk); the delicate lavender scent will encourage sleep. Lips are one of the most vulnerable areas to moisture loss as the skin is so thin. Treat them to Creme de la Mer’s The Lip Balm, £34.26 for 9g (0870 0342566), a rich formula that contains soothing mint. If you prefer a hint of colour, try Korres Lip Butter, £5.85 (0207 5816455) in ultra-wearable Quince. Drink as much water as possible to prevent dehydration. If you’re still concerned about the link between long haul travel and Deep Vein Thrombosis, try Zinopin Long Haul Capsules by Dr. Scurrs, £14.67 (www.victoriahealth.com), which contain ginger to boost circulation.

MAKEUP
Create a capsule makeup bag by choosing multi-purpose products that save on space and give you an instant, natural-looking, A-list worthy radiance. Benefit’s Justine Case Kit, £22.50 (www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk) is an adorable set that contains the key products you will require for instant beautifying, including Some Kind-A Gorgeous flawless foundation faker, bestselling Benetint lip and cheek stain, EyeCon light-reflecting eye cream and California Kissin’ brightening lip shine. Next, use NARS The Multiple in South Beach, £27 (www.narscosmetics.co.uk) to highlight and hint at a healthy glow. It can be used on eyes, lips and cheeks and is presented in an easy-to-use stick applicator. Now is the perfect time to try New Id Cosmetics. The high-quality products feature innovative packaging which makes them easy to apply on the move. I-Gloss, £13 (www.newidcosmetics.co.uk) adds an element of glamour wherever you apply it as the lip gloss tube incorporates a mirror and torch with flattering colour. If you’ve bagged a last-minute deal and prepared for your holiday in a hurry, you may not have had time to paint your nails. Don’t fear. Incoco’s Dry Nail Polish Strips, £5.99 (Boots nationwide) are colour transfers which are convenient to use on the go, making it easy to fake a groomed appearance. Finally, freshen up after hours in a stuffy cabin by applying Space NK Laughter Solid Perfume £27.40 (www.spacenk.co.uk) to pulse points. The solid formula makes it ideal for travel and the citrus top notes will raise flagging spirits.

COMBATING JET LAG
Caused by a disruption to the body’s internal clock, the effects of jet lag can range from lethargy to loss of appetite and headaches; severity depends upon the number of time zones crossed. For the quickest way to adapt, experts recommended that you try to get accustomed to your new routine and avoid napping upon arrival at your destination, no matter how tired you may be. Aromatherapy can provide a natural aid to combating jet lag. For results which are practically instantaneous, apply Origins Peace of Mind On the Spot Relief, £11 for 15ml (www.origins.co.uk) to the back of the neck, earlobes and temples to create a cocoon of stimulating peppermint fragrance and breathe deeply. Tisserand also offer speedy results with their Travel Ease Roll-on Remedy, £4.50 (Boots nationwide). The grapefruit, bergamot mint and lemon leaf essential oils have a soothing yet awakening effect meaning that it is equally suited to nervous travellers mid-journey as jet lag sufferers upon arrival. If you prefer taking the time to indulge, Aromatherapy Associates Revive Morning Bath & Shower Oil, £29.35 for a flight-friendly 55ml (www.aromatherapyassociates.com) contains a revitalising blend of energising citrus, rosemary, juniper berry and pine essential oils, ideal for use after a long flight. Elemis have been collaborating with British Airways since 2004, providing Club World on-board amenities and operating special Travel Spas within the arrivals and departure lounges at Heathrow’s Terminal 5 and New York’s JFK, so they know a thing or two about travel. Noella Gabriel, Elemis’ Director of Treatment and Product Development, offers her insight on beating jet lag, “Pre and post flight treatments help enormously in prepping the body and helping to readjust the body’s balance on arrival. I think that the value of these treatments is greatly underestimated as there is nothing better to ensure a good night of sleep in any time zone. I would recommend a combination of a Lime and Ginger Salt Glow, £45 for 30 minutes (Salons Nationwide) and Deep Tissue Massage, £50 for 30 minutes, that way you awaken the body and restore your balance.” To recreate the treatment at home, invest in Elemis Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow, £35 for 410g, and follow with Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt, £29 for 100ml, to nourish before sealing with Elemis Exotic Island Flower Body Balm, £25 for 125ml to create a cared-for sheen. (All Elemis products available at www.timetospa.co.uk).

Breaking News: SOAP AND GLORY LAUNCH ACCESSORIES RANGE (24.07.09)
Camp and quirky skincare range Soap and Glory have upped the ante this summer and launched a whole host of pre, post and in-shower must-haves. Guaranteed to get your pores polished and your skin glowing, there’s even a bath pillow included in the range for when all that rubbing and scrubbing gets a bit too much. Other lovely lust-afters include the Jumbo Massage Gloves – the bigger the better when it comes to tackling cellulite; the Utterly Fantastic Foot Buffer – complete with three different filing heads your tootsies will always be smooth and flake-free, whilst the Travel Set and its five empty bottles means your favourite lotions and potions will never have to leave your side – regardless of whether you’re off jet-setting, stuck in a muddy festival field or you just want to pop them in your handbag should any minor skincare emergencies arise. The perfect products to keep you looking preen and pristine morning, noon and night, watch as your bathroom is magically transformed into your very own chic-sleek pamper parlour. The new Soap and Glory accessories are available from Boots stores nationwide and www.boots.com. Prices start at £3.49.

TRIED & TESTED: TRAVEL SETS (17.07.09)
Don’t even think about packing those full-size bottles in your luggage this summer. Instead, pack light by treat yourself to a high-quality travel set. We’ve tested six of the best…

CAUDALIE TRAVEL KIT, £8 for 4 items (020 8740 2085)
Contents: A silver tin, containing: Eau Démaquillante Cleansing Water (30ml), Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel (30ml), Gentle Conditioning Shampoo (30ml), and Nourishing Body Lotion (30ml).
The Results: The silver tin is lightweight, but I’d probably leave it at home and put the bottles in my wash-bag. The products are quite small, but would last for a long weekend or – if used sparingly – a whole week away on holiday. The only thing that seems to be missing is a facial moisturiser, but that would be the only extra heavy item I’d need to pack, along with cotton wool to use with the cleanser. I really liked these products, as they are gentle, yet very effective. The cleansing water removed every trace of makeup in a flash, the shower gel was energising and refreshing, the shampoo left my hair feeling clean and soft (with no need for extra conditioner), and my skin felt lovely and hydrated after using the body lotion. I was really surprised when I saw the price – this set is brilliant value for money.
Best for: Smaller budgets

M LAB TRAVEL COLLECTION FOR ANTI-AGEING, £125 (www.mlabonline.com)

Contents: A black leatherette wash bag, containing: Anti-Ageing Cleanser (50ml), Anti-Ageing Toner (50ml), Anti-Ageing Eye Cream (3ml), Anti-Ageing Day Treatment SPF15 (15ml), Anti-Ageing Treatment Cream (15ml), and Anti-Ageing Treatment Serum (5ml).

The Results: I spend a fortune on my skincare products and use them religiously in the UK – so it never makes sense to me that I ditch them when I go on holiday and buy cheaper travel-sized products so that they don’t take me over my weight allowance! This set is heaven to me – six high-quality products that I can take away and keep up my anti-ageing skincare regime. I’ve never used M Lab products before, but after a week of using these products I am saving up to treat myself to full-size products. My skin feels exceptionally hydrated and supple – and looks plumper and glowing. I’ve used each product quite sparingly, as I want them to last as long as possible, but I think the set would easily last for a two-week holiday.

Best for: Anti-ageing skincare

JO MALONE SKIN CARE STARTER SET, £30 (www.jomalone.co.uk)

Contents: A signature Jo Malone box, containing: Avocado Cleansing Milk (30ml), Rosemary & Lavender Skin Tonic (30ml), Vitamin E Gel (3ml), Protein Skin Serum (5ml), Ginseng Day Moisturising Cream (15ml), and Green Tea & Honey Eye Cream (3ml).
The Results: I’ve used Jo Malone’s candles and bath products before and am a big fan – so it was a real treat to be handed this set of luxurious-looking trial-sized skincare products. Despite having luxurious ingredients, like Rosemary and Lavender, the products all smelt fairly neutral and were very gentle on my skin. I have quite sensitive skin, which felt soothed and balanced after using the products in succession. The set should last for a week’s holiday, but probably wouldn’t stretch to a fortnight. I’d definitely buy this set again before travelling on a long-haul flight, as they are very light and compact.
Best for: Hand luggage

CHAMPNEYS AQUA THERAPY ESSENTIALS TRAVEL KIT, £10 (www.champneys.com)
Contents: A clear zip-up wash bag, containing: Aqua Therapy Revitalising Body Wash (50ml), Aqua Therapy Moisture Rich Firming Body Lotion (50ml), and Aqua Therapy Refining Salt Scrub (2 x 20g)
The Results: This is a very simple kit, but given that shower gel and body lotion are the two bottles that usually weigh down my suitcase, I’d definitely consider buying another set before I went on holiday. I liked the scent of the products – a fresh, uplifting fragrance, which reminded me of the ocean – and it’s great that the scent is unisex, so couples could take away just one kit on a weekend away. The size of the bottles is generous and the shower gel lathers easily, so all the products would be long-lasting. The two sachets of body scrub are great for people who like to regularly exfoliate, as tubs of body scrub are far too heavy to pack. The scrub left my skin feeling impressively smooth and the lotion left it feeling very silky.
Best for: Weekends away

EVE LOM TRAVEL SET, £48.94 (www.evelom.com)
Contents: A white leatherette case, containing: Cleanser (30ml), Rescue Mask (15ml), Moisturiser + SPF15 (15ml), TLC Cream (15ml), Hand Cream + SPF10 (15ml) and Muslin Cloth.
The Results: I’ve never had the pleasure of using Eve Lom skincare before, but after using the products in this kit, I am the brand’s biggest fan! The products are totally luxurious and have left my skin looking clearer and smoother than it has in a long time. Using the cleanser with the muslin cloth was a new experience, as I usually cleanse with a fluid and cotton wool, but I’m pleased I’ve discovered it as my skin feels far cleaner and more refreshed. The white zip-up case looks very stylish and is very compact, meaning it would take up very little space in a suitcase. The pot of cleanser and tubes of creams and mask are very generous and I’d be confident that this kit would last for a whole fortnight. It would be a great introduction for people that want to try Eve Lom, but don’t want to invest straight away in full-size bottles.
Best for: Luxury skincare

DERMALOGICA NORMAL/OILY SKIN KIT, £21.20 (0800 591818)
Contents: Grey wash bag, containing: Special Cleansing Gel (50ml), Multi-Active Cleanser (50ml), Skin Prep Scrub (22ml), Active Moist (22ml), and Climate Control Lip Treatment (4.5g).
The Results: My skin is prone to breakouts, so I was nervous about taking this kit away with me on a fortnight’s holiday to Ibiza – the last thing I wanted was to break out in spots during my holiday partying with friends. I was reassured by the kit being from Dermalogica, as I know it’s a great brand, and that it is specifically for Normal-Oily Skin. The zip-up bag was feather light, so great for packing, and the bottles were really generous for travel sizes – the Cleanser and Toner lasted for the whole fortnight, with the scrub and moisturiser running out just before I flew home. I didn’t need to worry about using new products – my skin stays clear of spots for the whole holiday and felt a lot more balanced. I really like Dermalogica products and will definitely be swapping to the brand when my current products run out.
Best for: Skin prone to breakouts

Treatment Review: NOUGAT DEEP MUSCLE MASSAGE (17.07.09)
What it promises: There are few more indulgent ways to deal with aches and pains than by stepping into Nougat’s stylish treatment rooms and requesting a Deep Muscle Massage. The therapist uses firm strokes and warming and invigorating oils (including Sandalwood, Cardamom, Ginger, Frankincese, and Black Pepper) to relieve muscle cramp and leave the body feeling revived and revitalised. Customers can choose between a 60-minute Full Body Massage or 30-minute Back, Neck, Shoulder, and Scalp massage.
What happens: The Nougat Spa is located on London’s stylish Westbourne Grove, just a short stroll from Notting Hill. Upstairs is a fashionista’s paradise – a small boutique crammed with the brand’s luxury clothing range and pampering bath and body range, Nougat Body to Home. I reported into the spa reception – a pretty mirrored desk – and was led downstairs to a peaceful, candle-lit treatment room. Before my appointment, I had been suffering from tense neck muscles, which frequently froze and left me in a lot of pain. I plumped for the 30-minute Back, Neck, Shoulder and Scalp massage, so that the therapist could work specifically on the problem area. The strokes were firm and, when she worked on the tenser areas, sometimes uncomfortable – but this is what I expected when I chose a deep tissue massage and it was a relief to know that the muscles would soon be loosened. The scents were amazing – a spicy, warming blend of essential oils that left me feeling totally relaxed. After the treatment, I was invited back upstairs to the boutique, where I sat on the comfortable sofas and watched the world go by with a cup of delicious herbal tea.
Results: This isn’t the massage to choose if you want to drift into a blissful sleep during the treatment, but those suffering from muscle tension should hotfoot it to Westbourne Grove as fast as their weary feet will carry them. Despite the deep strokes, the treatment felt luxurious and very pampering. My skin felt, looked, and smelt amazing after the treatment. Better still, and most importantly, the results were very, very impressive. One month later, I have had no recurring muscle pain in my neck – it’s like I’ve been given a new body. If I ever develop a new ache or pain, I’ll be on the phone to Nougat Spa to book an appointment with their talented therapists within seconds.
Price: £45 for 30 minutes (Back, Neck, Shoulder, and Scalp)
£75 for 60 minutes (Full Body)
Location: Nougat Spa, 227 Westbourne Grove, London W11 2SE. 0207 7923574. www.nougatbodytohome.co.uk/spa/index.php

 

BLOG: ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST RESPECTED MAKEUP ARTISTS – MARY GREENWELL – BLOGS ABOUT HER FAVOURITE MAKEUP TREND: SUMMER BRIGHTS (17.07.09)
The summer months are my absolute favourite time of year. As well as days being longer and the sun shining, it’s also the time to change your makeup to a lighter version, allowing gorgeous, dewy, glowing skin. With a lighter base you can really work with bright metallic eyes and flat matte lips in the dazzling summer colours of reds, pinks and corals.
BASE - I recommend using a serum or a very light moisturiser in summer. I try to work with a lighter base, such as a tinted moisturiser, with my favourite brands being Chanel and Laura Mercier. Mineral powder is also fantastic for keeping shine at bay; certainly the best on the market is the new mineral powder by Elizabeth Arden. Simply apply lightly over skin. Also, sun protection is key all year round but vital in the summer when a higher factor is necessary. My favourite sun care range is Sisley which soaks well into the skin without leaving a greasy film.
METALLIC EYES - You only have to look at the catwalk to see what the makeup trends are this season. Gucci, Dior and Temperley all had one similarity and that was the eyes – big, bold and utterly gorgeous in strong blues and greens with a lot of metallic! I recommend using My Face, which has a fabulous metallic blue – perfect for the season. Other brands that have always have great colours in brights and metallic’s are Mac and Illamasque and, of course, Christian Dior.
FLAT MATTE LIPS - Lips are back in a big way for Summer 09. Luella, Zac Posen and Betty Jackson all pulled out the pout for their shows with a range of colours from coral to deep red, but all with one thing in common: flat matte sophistication. For total matte, go to Nars or Mac, otherwise for a more comfortable satin finish go to the ‘satin’ ranges of all good lipstick houses i.e. Chanel, Christian Dior, Armani and Elizabeth Arden. If anything is certain, anything goes. Experiment, have fun and inject surprising colour into your summer!

Feature: HAIR TODAY, GONE TOMORROW (17.07.09)
With so many hair removal options to choose from – from salon treatments to DIY pruning – we’ve compiled the ultimate guide to fuzz-free legs, bikini lines, underarms, eyebrows, chins, and even toes.

LASER
For those who are tired of the five o’clock shadow, painful plucking and spending copious amounts of money on creams and blades, laser hair removal is fast becoming one of the most popular options for those with a little cash to splash. Lasers have largely replaced electrolysis, where the hair is zapped by an electrical current, which is a painful and time-consuming treatment. Laser treatment is especially effective on women with fair skin and dark hair, as a light is used to target the dark pigment in hair, heating the follicle and disabling it until the hair falls out. Those with blond, white or grey hair may find the results disappointing, as the colours are less likely to be a part of the laser’s light spectrum. But it is undoubtedly an attractive prospect, being able to put down the razor and foam for a lifetime of smooth skin. It doesn’t hurt, it simply stings a little to begin with and this lessens as the sessions continue. "Hair falls out around 14 days after treatment," explains Jacqueline Flemming from the Harley Medical Group “We encourage people to exfoliate to hurry along the process.” The Harley Medical Group’s Laser Hair Removal clinic sessions start at £73 per session, with a recommended course of six to eight sessions for a totally hair-free zone (www.harleymedical.com). The team of specialists will laser the face, neck, bikini line, underarms, nipples, arms, tummy line, legs, ears, back and chest. The latest trend they report in bikini line shapes is the Tasmanian Triangle – a neatened pubic triangle that is a little less exposed than the Brazilian but still tidy and compact!A slightly less expensive option at £50 per treatment, Ellipse I2PL is available at over 400 locations nationwide. It contains a dual mode filtering systems, so that only clinically relevant wavelengths are directed onto skin. The key benefit of this technique is that no active skin cooling is needed, so it is often found to be more comfortable. www.theknightsbridgelaserclinic.com. But when approaching other practitioners, you must be sure of their credentials and they must have FDA approval. Check whether they offer intense pulsed light treatment or an actual laser – while IPL involves heating the follicle with a flash lamp, an actual laser can damage the surrounding skin if not applied by a skilled expert. Regardless of the clinic you choose, prior to your first appointment you should have a consultation and a patch test to make sure your skin is not sensitive to the procedure. You should not book a session without this consultation, as Jacqueline Flemming stresses. “There are different lasers for different skin types, so patients are given a questionnaire before they undergo the treatment to establish which laser is correct for their skin tone.” Jacqueline also advises clients to avoid waxing for at least one month as this method pulls the hair from the root, but they are free to shave or use hair removal creams for up to three days before. “It is also very important that you do not have a tan or have direct contact with the sun for four to six weeks before treatment.” she adds. On the day, don't apply any creams or deodorants to the area – keep it clean and dry. With this knowledge, you can also take matters into your own hands. Engineers and dermatologists have united to evolve the photothermolysis technology used in salons to design a hand-held Laser system to remove hair at home, and produced the TRIA Laser Hair Removal System, £675, tria.co.uk

WAXING
The hair removal method most likely to require nerves of steel and a host of special expletives involves a slick of specially formulated wax, be it hot or cold, applied to the skin with a spatula, and then a strip of clean cotton being smoothed onto the wax. Sounds fine so far, but then this cotton is ripped away, taking the wax with the hair from the root. Taking the hair from the root means it takes longer to grow back, sometimes as long as 3-4 weeks, and as the hair grows back with a naturally tapered end, you don’t experience the shaver’s stubble. The major drawback, of course, is the eye-watering pain, but there are now a number of processes available that claim to lessen the pain. At celebrity hot spot Strip, in London, the hot wax used is an Australian product called Lycon - a breakthrough in wax technology. Strip boasts a less painful wax experience and a pleasant one at that, with scented waxes, including chocolate-hazelnut and lavender, plus a gold option, which leaves you with shimmering skin. It will remove stubborn hairs as short as 1mm, and they claim the wax is 70% less painful than other waxes. You can also wax in the comfort of your own home. Parissa have a range of waxes to suit all hair types, which you can heat up in your microwave. Or for a slightly less sticky experience, Nad’s range of gels is all-natural and gloop-free. The unique gel melts with your own body heat when you apply it to the skin, and washes away with water, leaving no sticky residue. Each Nad’s tub comes with cleansing wipes, a spatula and re-useable fabric backing strips, starting at £9.99 (www.boots.com). When it comes to the bikini region, a salon treatment is still undoubtedly the best way to remove unwanted hair. At Strip, the basic bikini is just £22, and is the pubic equivalent to short-back-and-sides. The ‘G-string’ also takes some hair from underneath, while the Brazilian removes everything, but for a small landing strip on top. The Hollywood removes absolutely everything, from perennial area to pudenda, while the Bollywood then adds gems to this preened area. It’s a full and varied menu! Famous wax innovator, Otylia Roberts, founder of the Otylia Roberts Beauty Centre, recommends you wait four to six weeks between waxes, so there’s enough growth for the wax to yank on, but it’s not too long. “There will still be a blood supply to the hair then so it is more destructive to the hair follicle. If you leave it longer, the hair dies and new hair will be waiting to come through. So when you remove it, the re-growth will be far quicker.” Wax expert at The Beauty Lounge in London, Krista Madden, recommends you prune in advance. ‘Make sure you trim beforehand if it has been a while since your last waxing for a less painful experience!’ Also, you should avoid having a wax in the days prior to and during your period, or when unwell, as the skin is more sensitive to pain during this time. If you want to prepare with a painkiller, stick to paracetamol as aspirin will thin the blood.

SHAVING
Thought shaving would leave you with thicker, coarser regrowth? Think again. Firstly, hair will not grow back thicker or darker when you shave! The colour and texture of the hair depends on hormones and genetics - it has nothing to do with how you choose to remove it. When you shave, you’re cutting the hair mid-shaft, so the when the tapered end grows back at an angle - the regrowth may seem like sharp stubble. It will grow back more quickly than if you remove the hair from the follicle, but it will be the same texture when it grows fully. The quality of the products you use is key. Disposable razors are somewhat of a false economy – it is worth investing in a good shaving foam and razor, replacing the blades regularly. Women used men’s razors for years, as their multiple blade technology for effortless movement over jaw and chin makes them easy to navigate knees and ankles. But now, there are plenty of razors that have been carefully designed to offer women the same benefits, along with moisturising strips to ease the glide. New this summer is Gilette’s Venus Embrace (£6.99), the first lady shaver with five flexible blades, for a smooth course over your curves and a head small enough to use around the creases between the pudenda and upper thigh, as well as delicate underarms. A first class choice for shaving legs is the excellently moisturising and soothing Wilkinson Sword Intuition razor, the chunkier lady shaver that is set into a large block of skin-conditioning lubricant, which lathers and softens skin. Choose between the range’s Sensitive, Natural Care and the Hydra Soft options, all of which cost £4.89, with packs of three blades just £5.39 (www.needblades.co.uk). An ample amount of shaving foam is needed, as Kristina Vanoosthuyze, Senior Scientist at P&G asserts. “You need to keep water in the hair and ensure the razor glides smoothly over skin. The skin on a woman’s leg is relatively dry, which can form an uneven surface for the razor to travel across, making effective lubrication even more essential.” Gillette Satin Care Shave Gel in Avocado Twist is especially creamy and only £3.25 (www.boots.com). For a more natural alternative, Aveda's Rosemary Mint Shaving Gel has everything for a rash-free shave: lavender to sooth, peppermint to cool and Aloe Vera to moisturize, £10.77 (www.aveda.co.uk). Kristina recommends you also soften hair by hydrating the skin in a bath or shower for a minimum of two minutes. However, don’t wallow for too long. “If you over-hydrate, water will cause skin to wrinkle and swell slightly, resulting in a shave that is not as close as you would like. Try not to exceed 20 minutes before you shave.” Looking after your razor is also vital. Clean the razor after use and keep it dry to avoid bacteria growing on the blades. Change the blades on average after every 10 shaves, or more often if the moisturising strip has dried out. If you’re not an accomplished contortionist, there’s no way you can be as accurate as a qualified wax therapist when shaping the bikini area. However, the new Wilkinson Sword Bikini Trimmer, £8.99 (www.wilkinsonsword.co.uk) offers a shave-and-shear solution, allowing you to shape whatever hair is left using the AAA battery-powered trimmer. For a really neat shave, without the fear of nicking or burning, the Seiko Cleancut Shaver, with its ultra-fine screened rotary head is save for use on the most delicate skin. It will also trim even the shortest hair or stubble, £39.99 (www.body4real.com).

DEPILLATORIES AND EPILATION
Hair removal creams contain chemicals that break down and remove the hair from below the skins surface, leaving you with smooth skin for longer than shaving. A happy medium between a pain-free shave and the conveniently long-term results of a wax, it is a shower mainstay for many. The marvel formerly known as Immac is now know as Veet – and has an exhaustive cache of depilatory creams. With speedy 3-minute creams, moisturising formulas you can use in the shower, and a new Spray-on Cream, £6.99 (www.boots.com), Veet is still the market leader in depilatory creams. For those with sensitive skin, Boots Expert Sensitive Hair Removal Cream, £4.69 (www.boots.com) is a gentler option, with less of a distinctively chemical scent. It’s also worth trying an Epilator – a hand-held device that grips and pulls out several hairs at a time with the tweezing action of a battery, or mains powered, rotating head. It doesn’t require any lubrication and you can do it yourself at home. As with waxing, the hair is pulled from the root, so it takes 3-4 weeks to grow back, with a naturally tapered end. No mess, no fuss! Braun, Babyliss and Philips all offer a range of epilators, but one of the best this summer is Philips Satinelle Ice Premium Epilator, £53.88 (www.boots.com). Yes it hurts, but it is quick and chemical-free. Veet offers a Comfort Epilator Spray, £5.99 (www.boots.com) to soothe the plucked skin, and good epilators come with a special brush or wipe to keep the epilator head clean.

FACIAL HAIR
For a pristine brow, look to the women of India and the Middle East. The Eastern technique of threading is not only precise and incredibly quick, but no chemicals are used, no irritation is caused, and it can leave you hair free for a couple of weeks. The therapist simply twists lengths of cotton thread, and rolls them along the surface of the skin, pulling the hairs from their follicles. Arezoo Kaviani is the threading expert to the stars, offering an eyebrow shape treatment for £35 (020 7584 6868), while Blink Bars offer a swift tidy-up for just £17 in locations all over the country (0207 4091948). There is no need to prepare for a treatment, but Blink recommend you simply dab a little of their Rose Gel to the brow after threading to minimise redness, £25. And to keep the shape at home, Shavata, the doyenne of brow grooming, has come up with a kit, complete with everything you need for DIY eyebrow shaping, £30 (0208 9938333). A set of three eyebrow stencils offers you a guide when shaping with her signature slanted tweezers. Cool the area with Shavata’s special gel, and tidy your new brow with the Shavata Brow Tamer Pen, to keep unruly hairs in place. Finally a palette of shadows allows you to tint, define and fill sparse areas. For other areas on the face, try Nad’s Facial Wand, £9.99 (www.boots.com). It can be used to remove hair from the chin and upper lip, as well as the eyebrows. Alternatively you can wax those areas, with Nad’s Hypoallergenic Wax Strips, £7.99. If you have hair growing from your hairline down to your cheeks, do not shave it off. Some find waxing enough to keep the area clear, but the best option is a consultation with a laser therapist. A good pair of tweezers is essential to catch those stray hairs. Space NK’s Precision Point Tweezers, £15 (www.spacenk.co.uk) are also handy for getting a sturdy grip on ingrown hairs. The latest facial waxing craze is to be found at London’s Beauty Essence day spas: they will hot-wax your nasal passage for just £10. Through hormonal surges such as pregnancy and the menopause, hair begins to grow more aggressively in unexpected areas – your nose is such a place. Rather than risk having spider legs creeping from your nostrils, try this pain-free excavation (www.beautyessence.co.uk)

BEFORE AND AFTER SKINCARE
Regardless of how you choose to de-hair, the preparation and aftercare are key.
Before - One of the major downsides to any kind of hair removal is ingrown hairs, as Sue Ismiel, founder of Nad’s (and current World Record holder for waxing, with an amazing 32 pairs of legs in an hour!) explains. “The hair becomes weaker the more you wax it and cannot work through the hair follicle properly, curling back on itself. The skin around the hair then becomes inflamed and can be very sore, creating bumps, pimples or a rash surrounding the area." The solution is similar to that of unblocking pores to avoid spots, according to Gina Akers, Nair’s Leg Technician – regular exfoliation. “A build up of dead skin cells can cause in-growing hairs that block the opening of the hair follicle, So ensure you exfoliate at least once a week, ideally one or two days before removing hair.” Elemental Herbology’s new Body Polish, £19 (www.spacenk.co.uk) is a great exfoliant, but also hydrates the skin with Buriti and Macadamia Oil. Shaving and waxing not only strips your skin of hair, but also moisture. Legs need to be thoroughly moisturised, otherwise your razor will catch on dry flakes. Regularly slather on the moisturiser, focusing on the knees and ankles, but choose something that doesn’t contain alcohol as this will irritate skin sensitised by a wax or shave. E45 cream - E45 Endless Moisture Light Caring Body Milk, £3.91 (www.e45.com) - is an old favourite, while This Works Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil, £35 (www.thisworks.com) is great for especially dry skin. After - If you’ve waxed or epilated, cool recently plucked skin with Marks & Spencer Cooling Leg Gel, £5 (www.marksandspencer.com), which will reduce redness. If you have shaved and nicked the skin, Aloe Pura’s Organic Aloe Vera Gel with Tea Tree will help sooth the skin and heal cuts, £4.88 (www.trustwilliam.com). If you do find an ingrown hair, apply Tea Tree oil to prevent infection and when you can, pluck the hair with precision point tweezers, but don’t squeeze – you’ll just increase the inflammation and transfer dirt into the area. Another lotion to treat this nasty niggle is Skin Doctors Ingrow Go Lotion, £10.95 (www.skindoctors.com). It contains glycolic acid - a mild exfoliant - to remove dry skin cells and reduce redness. Finally, don't apply fake tan for a good 24 hours after hair removal, as the colour will fill the open pores, leaving you with a freckle-like pattern of brown dots up and down your legs and bikini line.

Breaking News: BOOTS LAUNCH FAIRTRADE-FRIENDLY PRODUCT RANGE (17.07.09)
Sustainable, eco-friendly, ethical and fairtrade – all words that we hear banded about the market place, but not usually when it comes to beauty. Something of a selfish sector at times, we want instant gratification from our products, not a guilt-trip on how many cocoa beans went to waste during the production of them. But that’s all about to change, because those beauty bods at Boots have gone and created a new range of skincare treats that tick all the right boxes. Working alongside The Fairtrade Foundation for the past year, both parties have put their heart and soul into creating the Boots Extracts collection. Born out of a desire to produce products that directly benefit the communities from where the ingredients are sourced, they’re hoping to revolutionise the way in which beauty brands do business. And they’re not the only ones, because Lush, Neal’s Yard and Visionary Soap are also championing the cause. So how does this beauty with a conscience work? In short, it doesn’t just mean paying a fair price for products; it means that the Fairtrade farmers and producers are paid a fair price for their ingredients too, along with an additional social premium to invest in their communities. For example, the cocoa beans in the Extracts Cocoa Butter line can be traced back to Conacado – a farm in the Dominican Republic. Previously the farmers here weren’t making enough money to live and so were forced to travel to cities to work, but now, with the Fairtrade scheme and their knowledge of sustainable farming, they can generate enough rural employment that around 40,000 Dominican households are able to depend directly on the cocoa bean market. A number that will no doubt increase with the launch of the new Fairtrade mark for beauty care products. You certainly won’t be struggling for inspiration when it comes to choosing which of the thirty-five products you’ll be plumping for either. Alongside the Extracts Cocoa Butter collection, you’ll find a mouth-watering mango-scented range, bergamot beauties and for nut lovers, there’s an array of almond, coconut and Brazil nut products, plus avocado, olive oil, rosehip, nectarine and vanilla body butters for those who like to mix and match! Available from Boots stores nationwide and www.boots.com, prices for the Extracts range start at £3.50.

 

TRIED & TESTED: HAIR VOLUMISERS (10.07.09)

Want to add some body to your hair this summer? We’ve tested a selection of styling products that promise to add impressive oomph to your locks.

AUSSIE DUAL PERSONALITY VOLUME AND CONDITIONING MOUSSE, £4.49 (www.aussiehaircare.co.uk)

What they say: This luscious mousse gives you all the volume you've dreamed of, yet feels as light as a feather and is easy to brush out. Not only does Dual Personality Volume and Conditioning Mousse help your style look amazingly bouncy and shiny, the extract of Wild Cherry bark will make it smell simply incredible.

The Results: This mousse is fantastic. It smelt delicious and had a lightweight texture, which meant my hair didn’t feel at all heavy or greasy. My hair is curly and quite unruly, but was far more manageable after using this product and, whilst it wasn’t a dramatic difference, it definitely looked boosted in volume. My hair felt silky and smooth – and after a week, it seemed less ‘fly away’ and static. Another great aspect of the mousse was that it brushed out easily and didn’t leave my hair feeling crunchy.

Best for: Long lasting effects

 

JAMES BROWN BIG & BEAUTIFUL VOLUMISING CONDITIONER, £5.99 (www.jamesbrown.com)

What they say: A thick volumising conditioner, which lightly conditions, whilst at the same time plumping the hair shaft from root to tip, leaving hair big, beautiful and soft to touch. Contains rice bran extract, pro-vitamin B5 and a light shimmer. Hair leaves a fragrant trail of seduction.

The Results: I loved the packaging of this product – it was very stylish and looked great on my bathroom shelf. The rich, creamy conditioner smelt lovely and seemed to absorb into the roots of my hair. During blow-drying, my hair got thicker and more voluminous – even my boyfriend commented on it. Throughout the day, my hair stayed glossy, soft and shiny. I used it three times a we

ek and it gives the same great results each time. It’s also great value for money.

Best for: Luxury feel

 

SCHWARZKOPF OSIS+ GLAMOUR QUEEN VOLUMISING HAIRSPRAY, £10.45 (01296 314000)

What they say: Boasting the benefit of being water-free, this ultra fine spray mist is evenly distributed on application so won’t weigh your hair down like other water-based hairsprays can. Not only will this help you to create light and voluminous styles, it will help to seal in the finished look for a long lasting hold that stays in all day long and is the perfect solution for fine hair to add volume.

The Results: I tested this product before I went to a wedding, whilst trying to create a glamorous up-do. My hair isn’t particularly thin, but the style required extra body. I wasn’t disappointed. The easy to use spray action meant that the hairspray was evenly distributed through my hair – rather than clumping together in one place. The light, long-lasting mist made my hair appear thicker and glossier than usual. It held my hair in place all evening – despite lots of dancing – and it brushed out easily before I went to bed. I’d definitely recommend it to friends.

Best for: Ease of use

 

TONI & GUY VOLUME SHAMPOO, £5.38 (www.toniandguy.com)

What they say: Fine/flyaway hair gets a bit of ‘va va voom’ with this shampoo, formulated to help maximise the hairs density potential, resulting in increased fullness. Works to counteract product build-up that can put weight on a style, leaving it revitalised, bouncy and full of shine.

The Results: This simple shampoo does exactly what it promises. After just one use my hair looked noticeably thicker. I usually have a side-parting as my hair is quite lank - but the extra volume the shampoo created meant my hair was easier to style and thick enough to have a fringe for the day. The only slight downside was the screw-on lid bottle – when my hands were soapy I couldn’t do it back up, but that was a small inconvenience to pay for such impressive performance. I’ve tried lots of volumising shampoos, but this is genuinely the best I’ve tried.

Best for: Daily Volume

 

AVEDA VOLUMISING TONIC, £12.50 (www.aveda.com)

What they say: This remarkable tonic creates maximum volume on fine and medium hair. With certified organic aloe and wheat amino acids to help build body and add shine. Enhanced with a Pure-FumeTM aroma containing essential oils to uplift your senses.

The Results: This product worked magic on my hair. It instantly added volume to my hair, leaving it feeling soft and manageable. The pump spray was easy to use and provided an even spray. I put it on my damp hair before blow-drying and it left me with thick, fuller hair that smelt great and looked shiny. You need to be careful not to use too much – try spraying lightly to see how much you need to the volume you want – as I used too much at first and it felt a little heavy. Once you’ve mastered it, it’s a really brilliant product that would last a very long time – money well invested!

Best for: Shiny hair

 

PAUL LABRECQUE VOLUME STYLE ROOT LIFTING SPRAY, £16 (Available at Selfridges)
What they say: A volume-enhancing styling spray formulated to create instant body and fullness. Avocado, basil and hop extracts lift from the root, giving limp hair increased support with no added weight. Vitamin B promotes moisture retention and intense shine, leaving hair soft to the touch.
The Results: The bright packaging of this product immediately caught my eye, but I have to say I didn’t have much faith that a simple spray could instantly add volume to my lacklustre hair. I tipped my head upside down and applied a liberal spraying to the roots. When I turned my head the right way up I was very impressed to see that my hair suddenly had more volume. The spray smelt amazing and the fragrance stayed with me most of the day. I topped up once before my night out and my hair stayed voluminous and shiny all evening without being greasy.
Best for: Instant effects

 

Feature: PEDI PERFECT (10.07.09)
With the forecast of a long, hot summer, it’s time to perfect and pamper our long-suffering feet. We’ve got the know-how and show-how to ensure you look your best - whether your walking bare foot on exotic shores or strutting your stuff in the most glamorous summer footwear.

STOCK UP ON SCHOLL
You can’t beat Scholl for foot-friendly shoes – but the brand’s love for our feet doesn’t stop there… Scholl also offers a range of foot-tastic products to keep our soles in perfect condition. If you haven’t discovered the range yet, now is the time to hotfoot it to shelves in your finest flipflops.
THE SHOE

The Scholl Pescura Exercise Sandal, with its natural beechwood footbed and non-slip sole, make this shoe a best seller. According to a biochemical study by the Instituto de Biomecánica de Valencia, wearing these sandals increases leg muscle activity by almost 30% when walking, improving leg tone! Celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, you can snap up a limited design in Optic at £40 (pictured). www.schollshoes.co.uk
TOP TOENAILS
If winter varnish has left toenails looking dull and yellowed - not a great look for the beach - then the Nail Brightening System, £9.99, is just what the Scholl doctor ordered for instant results. Clinically proven to make a difference, this three-in-one product will cover and treat unsightly, discoloured nails at the same time.
BANISH THY BLISTER
“People who wear no hosiery with their shoes may find they are more likely to develop blisters, as sweat is not whisked away by the hosiery, but instead forms a layer of moisture on the skin,” says Scholl podiatrist Judith Anders.
Try Scholl Clear Gel Blister Plasters, £4.20, for discreet comfort and instant pain relief. Coated with an invisible gel, these healing gems will soon become your new best friend.
FLIP FLOP FOE
If the idea of flipflops is filling you with dread because of that little bit between your toes which just hates the pressure, then try Scholl Party Feet Flip Flop Strips, to help protect your tootsies from the pain, £1.99.
See www.scholl.com or call 0800 074 2040 for more info.

FOOTWEAR FIENDS
They may look stylish, but summer footwear can play havoc with our posture and feet, so watch out for these podiatry pitfalls.
FLIP-FLOP FOES
“Problems arise when women who’ve been wearing heels all winter suddenly switch to flipflops,” says podiatrist Mike O’Neill.
“High heels shorten the Achilles tendon whereas flipflops stretch it out, so the switch can cause micro tears, resulting in chronic heel pain. Plus, you can easily slip out of them and twist an ankle!”
Scholl podiatrist, Judith Anders adds: “Flipflops, sandals that consist of little more than a sole held onto the foot by a Y-shaped thong, can actually alter the way wearers walk. Researchers at Auburn University found that flipflop wearers take shorter steps. The result is more stress on the body because people have to move more to go the same distance as people wearing other kinds of shoes. That could mean a higher risk of muscle and joint pain in the legs.”
TRY flipflops with a slight heel, or when you’re not on the beach slip on Birkenstocks or of course, the trusty Scholl.
SANDAL STRESS
“When it comes to blisters, these are the worst offenders. The high heel forces the foot forward on to the straps, creating huge pressure on a small area of skin,” says O’Neill.
TRY styles with lots of straps to spread that pressure like Gladiators. “Wear them in around the house with pop socks first,” adds O’Neill. Use a Compeed Anti-Blister Stick, £4.99 (Boots Nationwide) where the straps touch the skin for ultimate comfort.
WEDGES WOES
“Wedges tend to be very high which means if you do come off them, you’re in danger of breaking an ankle,” says O’Neill. “Shoes should bend where the toes join the foot but wedges are totally rigid.”
TRY styles with a more curved sole. “The toe section should be slightly off the ground, allowing for a more natural heel-to-toe motion,” says O’Neill. “An ankle strap will also increase stability.”
The Society Of Chiropodists and Podiatrists: www.feetforlife.org or call 020 7234 8620 for more info.

HOME PEDICURE ESSENTIALS
“Undertake a daily foot care regime. Many of us neglect our feet and literally hide them in socks, tights, boots and shoes, because we are not confident about them,” says Scholl podiatrist Judith Anders.
“Then, when weddings, holidays or other special occasions loom and they’re going to be on show, we wish we’d taken better care of them and rush to find some quick-fix treatments. But if you want beautiful and healthy feet you must look after them on a regular basis to prevent problems.”
1. Fill a tub with hot water and throw in a handful of scrummy seaweed-smelling Sanctuary Reviving Foot Soak, £5.99 for 250g (www.sanctuary.co.uk). Not only will you feel like you’re at the seaside but this moisturising, nail whitening and strengthening soak contains Lavender, Tea Tree and Olive Fruit Oil, plus vitamins B3 and B5.
2. Cut toenails straight across to avoid ingrowing toenails and just follow the natural line of the toe. Smooth rough edges down with an emery board.
3. Pop feet in bath and relax..
4. Exfoliate feet with Flexitol Foot Scrub, a unique 3-bead exfoliant that is super rich and feels incredible, £5.99 for 85g (www.flexitol.co.uk). Use this twice a week, or for daily use try Sanctuary Exfoliating Pumice Scrub, £3.99 for 100 ml (www.sanctuary.co.uk)
5. Remove dead skin or rough, dry skin with a pumice stone. Try Ms Pedicure Natural Pumice Stone, £4.99 (www.boots.co.uk), or for a more heavy-duty build-up try Kiss Pedicure File, £7.99 (www.boots.co.uk), which will help shift and smooth calluses away with its double-sided grit sides.
6. Smooth a super-rich cream into feet and massage in with deep, circular strokes. Try Sanctuary Skin Softening Souffle, £5.99 for 150ml (www.sanctuary.co.uk) for a true tootsies treat.

SUMMER FEET DILEMMAS
Problem: Dry, cracked, unsightly feet
Cause: “The wearing of open-backed shoes or sandals or frequently going barefoot can cause the skin on the heel to lose moisture more quickly,” says Scholl podiatrist Judith Anders. No surprise really when the skin on our soles is four times thicker than anywhere else too and, according to Scholl, 31% of the population suffer from this problem.
Cure: Try Scholl Cracked Heel Repair Cream K+, £2.99 for 25ml, (www.scholl.com) which contains urea and is clinically proven to restore and relieve rough, dry and cracked skin. Flexitol also offer a fab, medically proven cream to nourish soles with its Heel Balm, £4.49 for 56g (www.flexitol.co.uk). For an intensive treatment smooth cream into tootsies and slip socks on overnight!
Problem - Parched, unsightly nails?
Cause: It’s easy to forget to moisturise the cuticles, which protect the nail beds, but dried-out nails can lead to fungal, bacterial, and viral nasties - definitely not this season’s trend in foot jewellery!
Cure: Moisturise regularly. For an intense treatment try The Nail Doctor Critical Cuticle Care, £6.99 for 15ml (Boots Nationwide) for THE ultimate cuticle oil massage. Just brush on and massage over cuticles. Leave on for 10 minutes then wash with warm, soapy water.
Problem – Smelly, hot feet
Cause: Sweat, high heat, dehydration, and ill fitting shoes.
Cure: Wash feet daily and try Flexitol Foot Wash, £5.99 for 85ml (www.flexitol.co.uk) for a deep cleanse with its lime, tea tree & peppermint mix. Foot De-Odour, £5.99 for 85g (www.flexitol.co.uk) will help keep feet smelling as fresh as a daisy and can be applied two or three times a day. It’s non-stain too. For a refreshing boost try Sanctuary Cooling Leg & Foot Spritzer which contains relaxing lavender and anti-bacterial tea tree, £3.99 for 100ml (www.sanctuary.co.uk)
The Society Of Chiropodists and Podiatrists says: ‘Visit your local podiatrist for a preventative foot health check and seek professional care from your local podiatrist if you have any persistent problems with your feet, including the following common foot problems: athlete’s foot, bunions, corns and callus, chilblains, heel pain, in-growing toenails or verrucas.’

TOP POTIONS & LOTIONS
This summer, every girl needs a rich, moisturising foot cream. Body cream just won’t suffice! Feet need extra moisture, so invest in a decent cream and your tootsies will thank you for it.
Try the Akileïne range from Simply Feet such as the Akileïne Relaxing Balm with Plants, £4.40 for 150 ml (www.akileine.co.uk) for tired, aching feet. Containing lipoaminoacids – a combo of fatty and amino acids that promote healthy skin – this cream decongests, calms, and freshens swollen and overworked feet.
Barefoot Botanicals SOS Foot Soldier Cream, £12.95 for 75ml (www.barefoot-botanicals.com) is a natural treat for dry, cracked skin. Free from chemical nasties, cruelty free and vegan-friendly this intensive cream is specially formulated for problem skin so eczema and psoriasis sufferers can rejoice. Shea butter, witch hazel, grapefruit, and lime are some of the refreshing ingredients in this creamy blend.
Dr Hauschka Rosemary Foot Balm, £14 for 30ml (www.drhauschka.co.uk) is a unique organic combination of refreshing rosemary essential oil and soothing silk powder. Ideal for warming cold feet this energising non-sticky cream protects feet from excess perspiration and is suitable for all skin types.
Caudalie Foot Beauty Cream, £12.50 for 75ml (www.caudalie.com) is a concentrated creamy balm with Vinolevure grape-seed oil and Shea butter that intensely nurtures and nourishes feet with its silky blend. Smells lush too!
Footwashing
A daily footbath is not only relaxing with a capital R but also a ritual in Chinese tradition. Washing the feet at the end of the day symbolises washing away the events of the day and toxins. If you have trouble sleeping then make this part of your daily regime.
Reflexology
Treat your feet and yourself to a reflexology session. Not only can the practitioner pick up on underlying ailments and emotions but a treatment will release blocked tensions and stresses too.

HOT SUMMERY SHADES
This season is a great time to show off sparkly toes and accessorise your look. Always apply a base coat to toe nails to prevent staining and for ultra gloss a topcoat too.
Gold, warm tones from Superdrug’s GOSH range in Golden Bronze and Golden Brown are a summery must-have. What better way to set off that tan than with these hot, metallic tips, £4.89 each (Superdrug Nationwide).
E.L.F nail polishes are a true bargain, £1.50 for 10ml (www.eyeslipsface.com) it has to be said. Fair skins will adore their retro Mod Mauve shade.
Black and brown skins will look fab with the Caribbean Coral tone from the UK’s no1 best-selling No7 range. £6.10 for 10ml (www.boots.co.uk)
NARS Adelita, £12.50 for 15ml (www.narscosmetics.co.uk), is a sure-fire hit with this its creamy sunshine shade infused with a sparkle for subtle glamour. Apply over nude nails for a chic look.
RMK Shiny Clear Brown is a winner with its multi-coloured glitter blend. Perfect for hot nights. £12 for 14ml (Available at Selfridges, London & Manchester).

Spas & Treatments: MICHAEL BARNES HAIRDRESSING + 40% OFF READER OFFER (10.07.09)
Visited by Louise Emma Clarke
Location: Michael Barnes Hairdressing, 224 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8EB. 0207 8367152. www.michaelbarneshair.com
The Salon: Michael Barnes’ London Salon is a stylish address, with shelves of jewel-bright Kérastase and KMS California products, an A-List following that includes the likes of Keira Knightley, and a location bang in the middle of London’s trendy West End. However, unlike dozens of other salons of this calibre, this is not a pretentious place – and customers will feel instantly at ease. The interior is classic - rather than flashy - with wooden floors and panels, vases of fresh flowers and ultra-comfortable leather chairs. Tea and coffee is offered on arrival, glossy magazines are aplenty, and the soundtrack is laid-back music and quiet chatter. The ambience is relaxed and friendly – it’s like walking into a salon that you’ve been visiting for years.
The flashy bit comes when attention turns to your hair – which is, of course, the way it should be. The service feels very personal; stylists seem to know instantly what will suit clients, whipping out colour charts within seconds, explaining things simply, and taking time to listen. The assistants seem enthusiastic and eager to learn, which is hugely refreshing, and deliver the most blissful head massages – worth the visit alone. Hair-cuts are sharp, colour is glossy, and blow-dries are fabulously sleek.
Services: Cut and Finish (from £57.50), Colour (from £42), Hair Extensions (from £250), and Repair Treatments (from 10).
** SPECIAL OFFER – MICHAEL BARNES IS OFFERING EVERY NEW CLIENT THAT QUOTES ‘THE-BEAUTY-PAGES.COM 40% OFF CUTS AND COLOURING ON THEIR FIRST VISIT **

Breaking News: JEMMA KIDD LAUNCHES JK COLLECTION EXCLUSIVELY ON ASOS.COM (10.07.09)
Jemma Kidd has been wowing us with her signature cosmetics collection since 2005, but the former model-turned-makeup-artist has decided to return to her fashion roots with a fresh new diffusion line, called JK Jemma Kidd. The range has not only been inspired by her love of the catwalk, but the beautifully bright fashions that surround it. And how do we know? Because you only need to take one look at the psychedelic statement colours and you’ll be instantly transported to high-fashion heaven (the I-tech liquid liner in Covet screams ‘80s glamour).
But these on-trend treats don’t just look good. For starters, you can expect the same professional performance you get with Ms Kidd’s other cosmetic counterparts (the Lip ID Colour Adapt Gloss even reacts with your own natural lip PH for a truly bespoke tint). And then there’s the variety of products included the range. From complexion enhancers to backstage fixes, think of these as the prêt a porter products of the haute couture collection - they’ve even got the competitive prices to boot.
Exclusive to asos.com, prices start at £8.

Blog: OUR GROOMING EDITOR - JAMES YORK - TESTS PRODUCTS BY ALFORD AND HOFF (10.07.09)
Be warned, I am about to wax lyrical about these products.
If he secretly aspires to become the epitome of sophistication and class, with an imaginary license to cool that causes womenfolk to swoon upon passing, then A&H’s latest men’s range should be high on his investment list to complete the look.
Other grooming ranges doubtless have their qualities, but they are mere BMW’s in the face of a roaring Austin Martin. Just having these products on my man-shelf, imbues me with a feeling that the next day will be a good one, where I become my ambition (yes, because I washed my face with cool).
Quite simply, how can you not be impressed by the confident and stylish alpha male of grooming?
Cleanse, £32, 177ml – 5 stars
I know that I should try to be more bourgeois about this, these products are expensive and we are latterly supposed to embody thriftier consumption. However, I do not think I will be alone in my admiration for them, once used.
These guys are so confident that their face wash exceeds all others, that they need only call it “cleanse” - just that - they might has well just call it “wash”.
Man washes, becomes clean. I hear you loud and clear.
Admittedly, I am allowing myself to ignore the fact “cleanse” is usually something we hear associated as a plus point for Oxy or Clearasil, but it is an easy lapse to allow.
The product is easy to open and measure a good glop of wash; it soaps up really well and leaves my stubbly mug feeling nice and crisp. It smells a little bit like holiday and naturally anything that reminds a man of bikinis has a head start in the serotonin stakes.
A&H are obviously patriots who have aimed their pitch to the US market. You may grimace, as I did, noticing that the packaging cites 177ml contents or 6 US FL Ounces, which is nonsense talk.
Apart from the insensitive and uneven measurement of this wondrous clear cleanser; I cannot help but further chuckle at the Anglo-American cultural differences when reading the ‘directions’ for use:
“Lather for one minute”.
There were moments where I did wonder just how long I had been massaging my chin, only able to recollect how many times I had started thinking about something else.
I still proudly stuck this back on the shelf and did remember to use it again and again though.
Eye Cream: 15ml £45 – 4.5 STARS
I had to say in my last Champneys post that I cared not for the unlikely puffiness of my eyes, all macho and golf club wielding in my articulate poise.
Oh how life has a way of correcting such cocky and heinous errors in judgement. A birthday passes and almost as if scripted, the puffy eye blight strikes. I have a thickish head, it’s the morning and I’ve eyes like a Manchester boxer.
Fortunately for these visual flinches, Q (Space NK really) had sent me the A&H ‘eye cream’.
Boasting a slightly phallic delivery mechanism that could rival a trident missile, you just ‘twist and push’. Yes, this is an eye blight weapon we men can relate to.
Don’t worry about the fact that you only get 15ml - in the grand scale of grooming; this is a ‘special forces’ cosmetic that I would use in a pre-emptive capacity.
Eye cream manages to somehow activate the performance of “sirtuin”. Clearly an important little compound that I didn’t even know I was able to produce. Truly, I “man” am a miraculous creature.
These people are geniuses; they stick it in a trendy gadget package, call it simple and then wow me with a tolkienian sounding chemical ally.
Sold!
Especially to the man, the night after gents drinks, with the big meeting on Monday morning, and the bonus in his bank account.
Alford & Hoff is available at Space NK – www.spacenk.co.uk

TRIED & TESTED: SPF SUN PROTECTION (03.07.09)
If the forecasts are correct, we’re set for a scorcher this summer. Keep your skin protected with a SPF protection of at least 15. We’ve tested six lotions, sprays, creams, and wipes.

CLARINS SUN CARE SPRAY OIL-FREE LOTION, £15.66 for 150ml (http://uk.clarins.com)
What they say: Sun Care for the great outdoors. An ultra-sheer, mist texture with an oil-free formula, perfect for more active sun-seekers.
The Results: We’re heading off on a city break to Rome this summer, so want to find a sun cream that will protect myself and my husband while we’re walking around the city. It was a treat to be handed this expensive-looking Clarins Spray and I was pleased to see that it is suited to active holidays, meaning that we would stay protected even if we got hot and bothered walking around the city. I liked the consistency of the product, which was similar to a dry oil - it immediately absorbed into my skin leaving it feeling dry within seconds. For this reason, it was quite hard to know where had been covered and where hadn’t, so I probably applied more than I needed to be sure The spray bottle made application very quick and easy – and it worked equally well held upside down. The scent was pleasant and the bottle is small enough to slip easily into a hand bags for top-ups on the go. I’ll definitely be taking this product with me to Italy.
Best for: Active Holidays

HAMPTON SUN SPF30 LOTION, £29.36 for 118ml (www.spacenk.co.uk)
What they say: Long-term skin protection with short-term benefits. Leaves skin supple, hydrated and beautifully fragrant.
The Results: The packaging is very stylish – a white box, containing a raffia drawstring bag, which held the deep orange bottle with gold lid. The lotion is applied with a pump, which made the process mess-free and very quick. I hate it when sand gets stuck in the top of my sun cream, so the pump applicator is a great addition. The lotion is fairly thick, with a peach colouring, and spread easily as I massaged it into my skin. It has a stunning floral scent – not unlike a summery perfume – which intensified as my skin warmed up. I loved the scent and it would definitely convince me to invest in a bottle for my summer holiday. The lotion felt light and non-greasy, which was another great plus point. The only downside is the price, but if you’d like to treat yourself, I’d strongly recommend it.
Best for: Luxury travellers

ELEMIS BODY GLOW SUPER PROTECTION SPF25, £19 for 125ml (www.timetospa.co.uk)
What they say: Elemis Body Glow Super protection is a luxurious treatment cream with sun filters and plant extracts to deliver the ultimate in sun protection and prevent skin premature ageing. Vitamin-rich Milk Protein, Jojoba and Camelia extracts leave the skin soft to the touch.
The Results: I have very fair, sensitive skin, so was pleased to be asked to test a sun screen with a high SPF. I love Elemis products and wasn’t disappointed by this thick, creamy sun screen. It took a while to massage it into my skin, but once absorbed, it was left with a gorgeous sheen. The scent was very pleasant – a green, floral fragrance, which smelt luxurious. Despite being a thick cream, it didn’t feel at all heavy. My skin felt nourished and soothed, so I would recommend it to people with sensitive skin. A little goes a long way – for my upper arm, for example, I only needed a 50p size blob to completely cover it. The tube would last a long time, which makes the £19 price tag seem more affordable.
Best for: Sensitive skin

DERMALOGICA SOLAR DEFENSE WIPES SPF15, £18.90 for 15 WIPES (0800 591818)
What they say: Hygienic, pre-moistened sunscreen towelettes for the face and body that provide very water-resistant (up to 80 minutes) protection from the sun’s most damaging UV rays.
The Results: I wasn’t sure about these wipes at first, as I was worried they wouldn’t cover my skin properly. Afetr testing them, however, I am a total convert and have been recommending them to everybody I meet! The wipes are very large and saturated with sun cream – I only needed one to cover my arms, chest, legs, and face completely. My skin felt slightly sticky after using them, so it was easy to tell where I had applied the cream. Applying sun protection couldn’t possibly be easier, quicker or more convenient. I don’t usually spend a lot on beauty products and these aren’t cheap – l but now I’ve tried them, I don’t think I could go back to messy bottles. I’ll take them on holiday with me and guard them with my life – nobody else is touching them!
Best for: Convenience

GARNIER AMBRE SOLAIRE LIGHT & SILKY MEDIUM SPF20 PROTECTION MILK, £11.99 for 200ML (Available Nationwide)
What they say: A moisturising protection milk with an ultra-light touch! The ultra-light texture is absorbed quickly by the skin and leaves it feeling soft and silky, not sticky or greasy.
The Results: I hate feeling sticky on the beach, especially when you leave at the end of the day and end up sticking to your kaftan, so was pleased to read that this protect wouldn’t feel greasy on my skin. This bottle would last a very long time, as the texture is very thin and the milky lotion spreads very easy over the skin, requiring little massaging. There isn’t a strong fragrance – it’s slightly sweet and milky, but very subtle. My skin felt unbelievably soft after applying this, without a trace of stickiness. The bottle has a classic design and the only downside is that sand ended up clogging up the lid, but that could easily be avoided by keeping it in your bag. Overall, I’d definitely recommend it – the bottle lasted for the whole of my week’s holiday and my skin still feels lovely and smooth.
Best for: Non-sticky formula

NEAL’S YARD LAVENDER SUN SCREEN SPF 22, £12.60 for 150ml (http://shop.nealsyardremedies.com)
What they say: Organic shea nut butter, sesame and sunflower oils create the base for our high-protection sun screen. Skin-soothing herbs and lavender essential oil are combined with sunscreens to block UV rays.
The Results: This sun screen smells delicious, like a rich, lavender-scented body butter. The texture is quite thick and looks very white when it’s first applied – but after massaging it into skin for a few minutes, the whiteness disappeared. Spending time working it into the skin was reassuring, as I knew each patch was covered. My skin was left beautifully scented and, thanks to the shea nut butter, felt richly moisturised too. I’d recommend this product to people with dry skin, as this cream kept my skin feeling supple and comfortable in the sun. It feels expensive and luxurious, so I was surprised when I saw the price – I think it’s great value for money.
Best for: Hydrating skin

 

Breaking News: SUSAN POSNICK LAUNCHES COLORESSENTIAL LIPSTICKS (03.07.09)
Ever wished you could wear vivid bright lipstick? Or searched for the perfect nude lipstick, only to discover it completely washes out your face? If so, we have some great news this week, as Susan Posnick has just launched an exceptionally clever line of lipsticks to her COLORFLO collection, called COLORESSENTIALS.
The eternal quest to find that perfect shade of lipstick to compliment our skin tone has been an aged old problem. Susan Posnick Cosmetics has come to our rescue, with a collection of five universally flattering shades of berry, pink, nude, coral and a classic red. Not content with guesswork, Susan ensured that each shade had been tested on over 200 women and that each shade adapts to the natural tone of each testers lip colour. Named after Susan’s favourite cities, we predict that anyone loving this summer’s coral trend will adore Dallas and that Milan is set to become the easy-to-wear red of autumn.

Blending the finest natural ingredients with cutting edge technology, COLORESSENTIALS are crammed full of lip friendly goodness giving the hydrating benefits of a lip balm combined with the smooth long lasting benefits of a lipstick. Innovative new ingredient Paracress, which is a sustainable South African plant, is rich in antioxidants and helps firm and plump the lip. Super berry pomegranate, also a great source of antioxidants as well as sterols, binds and locks in moisture to the lips, while olive oil and Vitamins A and E, help nourish the delicate lip area.

The result is a lipstick that has the hydrating power of a lip balm, yet the sheerness and maximum staying power of a creamy lipstick. Due to the formula, the colour won’t bleed into fine line and wrinkles – and the compact casing features a unique magnetic closure that ensures the lid stays put while traveling.

COLORESSENTIALS lipsticks retail at £18 each and are available at premium salons and spas nationwide. For stockist enquiries, call 020 8997 8541 or visit www.skinbrands.co.uk

 

Blog: NINA RABAIOTTI – A BEAUTY JOUNALIST - IS EXPECTING HER FIRST CHILD IN AUGUST. HERE, SHE BLOGS ABOUT HER FAVOURITE PREGNANCY FINDS (03.07.09)
When it comes to beauty products, anything with the words ‘baby’ or ‘mum-to-be’ in the name usually means you pay ten or twenty quid over the odds, and there’s still no guarantee that they will work. Happily, there are lots of products out there that do deliver the goods without you having to part with a small fortune. One is The Sanctuary Mum-to-Be range, from £6.99, which has a stretch mark oil, facial oil and collagen boosting body butter in the range. I’ve tried several body creams in the last few months and this luxurious butter is my favourite. Truth be told, I probably don’t need to apply it three times a day, but massaging it into my stomach, especially at the end of the day, really helps to ease the tightness, making me feel less leather-drum, more mother earth. The smell is just dreamy. Mum to Be Collagen Boosting Body Butter, £9.99 for 475ml, http://www.thesanctuary.co.uk
My new shoes arrived this week and not a moment too soon for my fat friends in the south, formerly known as my feet. A friend, who has just had a baby, told me about them after hearing my painful accounts of small heels (treacherous on pavements); wedges (hefty calves) and gladiator sandals (straps plus swollen flesh? Ouch). They are - beauty products and Cadbury Freddos aside - my best pregnancy buy (BPB) so far. The blurb says: they have a mouldable foot-bed which moulds to the contours of your own foot to create a custom orthopaedic fit encouraging neutral alignment and balance. For once, I find myself in agreement with PR hype. They are a dream to wear: light, comfortable and supportive, and unlike other shoes that make similar claims, these actually look good. I’ve worn them every day, for eight hours solid and for a six-month-pregnant-woman, that is unheard of! SOLE Platinum Sandal Sport Flips, £49, http://www.yoursole.co.uk
The strain of living with an, at best, unpredictable, at worse, bonkers hormonal woman is beginning to show on my boyfriend who has taken to having long solitary soaks in the bath with scented candles and, hang on, MY Neal’s Yard Remedies Mothers Bath Oil. This aromatherapy-rich oil has been a total Godsend, especially when “oh-my-God-I’m-going-to-be-a-mother/father” panic sets in. The main sell is that a few shakes of this will restore a sense of calm and make your skin soft and supple, but I’ve also found that adding a few drops to a warm, wet flannel and applying it to your forehead will send you off to sleep a treat, even when your mind is whirring. (Works on men, too.)
Neal’s Yard Remedies Mothers Bath Oil, £13.10 for 100ml, http://shop.nealsyardremedies.com
Wise woman say: never underestimate the restorative effects of a good pedicure - especially for toes that have, what my friend Emma, a beautician, calls the ‘Fat Hobbit Effect’. For a large bar of Galaxy and her pick of my Leighton Denny polishes, she consents to pop over one night and give me a quick polish, although she draws the line at buffing my hooves.(And, I can’t honestly say I blame her.) It’s a measure of how desperate I am that I am willing to part with Chocaholic, a chic, rich brown polish and one of those rare shades that suits all skin tones equally well in winter and summer. But a coat of Copy Cat, a bright bubblegum pink, on my toes, followed by the Crystal Finish Top Coat – a must for klutzes like me – soon restores twinkle to my toes and makes me feel a bit more surefooted. Leighton Denny polishes, from £9.79, from http://www.beautique.com/
Nina Rabaiotti, a beauty journalist, is expecting her first child in August.

 

Spa Review: Galgorm Manor Resort and Spa in Northern Ireland (03.07.09)

Location: Galgorm Resort & Spa
136 Fenaghy Road,
Galgorm, Co. Antrim,
Northern Ireland
BT42 1EA. 028 2588 1001. www.galgorm.com
Facilities: Just 50 minutes from Belfast city centre, and 25 minutes from the International airport, Galgorm Resort and Spa is set in 163 acres of beautiful gardens, perfect for breathing in some fresh country air. The River Maine runs next to the hotel, and its picture-perfect waterfall provides a charming backdrop for the whole resort.
There are almost too many facilities to mention – the spa boasts an infinity hydrotherapy pool, outdoor hot-tub, five individual climate rooms, thermal stone loungers, experience showers, 11 wet and dry treatment rooms including a hydro bath, hammam plinth and mud serial. There is also a fully equipped gym. You can have a relaxed lunch in the Gillies bar or enjoy gourmet dining in the River Room restaurant, which offers a seven-course tasting menu as its piece de resistance. More outdoorsy types can enjoy horseriding, cycling, walking or playing golf. You can even take a helicopter trip to the magnificent North Coast, complete with the world heritage listed Giant's Causeway. The stylish, modern rooms are wonderfully relaxed and come complete with flat-screen televisions, huge pillows and freestanding baths that will make you feel like royalty.
Ambience: From the website I was expecting a middle-of-the-road, chain-style hotel with average service and food and very few design features – but I couldn’t have been more wrong. Blending a slightly minimalist feel with old-world charm, it had a real contemporary air, while the staff could not have been friendlier and the spa less pretentious. Throw in some traditional Irish hospitality, and it was hard not to feel right at home. My only criticism? Perhaps a slightly more health-conscious menu for those who, like me, have no self-restraint!
Treatments
The Real Aromatherapy Experience (1hour 25min, £90)
All of the Aromatherapy Associates treatments at the spa utilise unique massage techniques, involving carefully applied spinal pressure and Swedish and neuromuscular massages that target your nervous system to release stress and tension from every organ in your body. After lying back on a bed of warm fluffy towels, I was asked to select from a range of different scented oils to create my very own bespoke blend to nourish and moisturise my skin, as well as balancing my mind and emotions. The treatment began with a firm but soothing back massage which then moved onto the backs of my legs. Next my whole face was massaged as well as my scalp, across the shoulders, abdomen and the front of my legs. The whole experience was wonderfully cocooning. I felt invigorated and had a flush to my cheeks – it was as if my whole mind and body had been brought back into balance.
Aromatherapy Associates facial. (1 hour, £60)
This began with a soothing scalp massage to really relax. Next my face was cleansed using damask rose cleanser and thoroughly exfoliated using jojoba beads. Next my chest, shoulders, neck and face was massaged using rose, sandalwood and frankincense essential oils to detoxify and nourish as well as restore the skin. This was followed by a hydrating mask of rose and aloe vera during which I enjoyed a relaxing hand and arm massage. The mask was then removed and a serum and triple rose moisturiser applied to face and eyes. My face was a little red afterwards as I have particularly sensitive skin but it soon settled down to a healthy, rosy glow.
Prices: Body treatments from £60 and facials from £60.

Feature: HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO US (03.07.09)

The-Beauty-Pages.com is celebrating its 1st Birthday this week.
To mark the occasion we’ve asked six members of The-Beauty-Pages.com team to share how they would spend the perfect birthday...

GRACE TIMOTHY, FASHION AND BEAUTY WRITER.
Birthday? 01/08/83
Star sign? Leo
The beauty products on your birthday wish list?
Revive Moisturising Renewal Cream (my favourite product in the whole world); Lucas' Papaw Ointment from Australia (does mean shopping across the continents, but it is the best lipgloss); Aromatherapy Associates Destress Mind Bath & Shower Oil; Ren Rose Trio gift set; MAC Just a Pinch Gel Blush; Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencils, Giorgio Armani Maestro Mascara.... the list is basically endless...
The spa you'd most like to spend the day in?
Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya in Mexico! Or closer to home, Babbington House.
The bar/restaurant you'd most like to spend the evening?
The Roof Club at Gramercy Park Hotel in New York, or West Stoke House in West Sussex.
The people you'd like to help you celebrate?
Stephen Fry, Josephine Fairley, Karl Lagerfeld, Charlotte Tilbury and Dr Brandt (but only if he spent the entire meal telling me he could hardly see my pores...)
The sound track you'd like to be listening to?
The Darjeeling Limited movie soundtrack then Kanye West's 808 & Heartbreak.
The clothes/accessories you would like to be wearing?
For the day, something summery from natashabailie.com, a great vintage dress website, with Zoe & Morgan pendants aplenty! Then something slinkier for the evening, by Vanessa Bruno or Christopher Kane, and nose-bleed high heels by Nicholas Kirkwood.

CLAIRE BRAYFORD, DEPUTY FASHION EDITOR OF THE DAILY EXPRESS.
Birthday? 17/02/78
Star sign? Aquarius but I think I am more of a Pisces so I read both and believe whichever one is better
The beauty products on your birthday wish list?
It would have to be more of a dream beauty day. I would start with a Vaishaly facial in Marylebone followed by a spray-tan with James at St Tropez in Covent Garden. I’d then have a blow-dry and a good chat with Natalie at Jo Hansford. Then I would hit Space NK and go on a supermarket sweep and get everything, especially Terry, Chantecaille and Ren skincare and then I’d get a Smythson vanity case to store it all in.
The spa you'd most like to spend the day in? It would have to be The G in Galway – I love the beautiful interior design by milliner Philip Treacy and the amazing ESPA spa, and of course the wonderful Irish charm.
The bar/restaurant you'd most like to spend the evening?
I would love to have dinner at Scott’s just because I am a sucker for swanky restaurants, people-watching and yummy fish.
The people you'd like to help you celebrate?
My nephew Patrick and his mum and dad oh and my fiance!
The sound track you'd like to be listening to?
The Jungle Book
The clothes/accessories you would like to be wearing?
It would have to be a dress by Bottega Veneta, a 2.55 by Chanel and some seriously gorgeous Christian Louboutins! Oh I so wish it really was my birthday!

LOUISE EMMA CLARKE, FOUNDING EDITOR OF THE-BEAUTY-PAGES.COM
Birthday? 31/10/80
Star sign? Scorpio
The beauty products on your birthday wish list?
I receive and review a lot of beauty products every day, but there are still a few brands that make me gasp with excitement when I spy their packaging… Jo Malone, for example – the stylish beige boxes, the black ribbon, the deliciously scented products inside; it’s enough to make me swoon. I’d kill for one of their Luxury Candles in Orange Blossom (my favourite of their scents) – as lets face it, I’m never going to be able to justify spending my own money on a candle that costs as much as a designer handbag. I’m also a big fan of Crème de la Mer and a dream birthday gift would be a tube of their Body Refiner: an uber-luxurious scrub that contains a carat and a half of pure diamond powder. Finally, friends and family know about my obsession with the brand LUSH and sister company B Never To Be Busy To Be Beautiful (to the point where I got myself a part-time at university so I could be closer to the products) – so a credit-crunching box of their sweetly-scented treats would go down very nicely, thank you very much.
The spa you'd most like to spend the day in? Carey’s Manor in the New Forest. I’d spend the day in their Thai-themed SenSpa, followed by a walk in the forest with my dog, who would be delivered to the door with the snap of my fingers.

The bar/restaurant you'd most like to spend the evening? It’s difficult to choose… My first choice would be the Buddha Bar on Victoria Embankment – we’d start at the bar, with glasses of the finest champagne and then we’d sit down for dinner. I’d choose the largest and most delicious plate of fresh sushi and the coldest, crispest white wine. My second choice would be cocktails at The Mayfair Hotel bar, followed by a hop up the road to Automat – I’d eat their famous macaroni cheese with crispy bacon and share a bottle of red wine with friends.

The people you'd like to help you celebrate? My boyfriend has just left for a year’s contract in Dubai, so I’d have my (imaginary) private jet pick him up and fly him overnight to celebrate with me. I’d have my sister and parents join us for drinks early on, then head off to meet our friends for dinner.

The sound track you'd like to be listening to? It’s my birthday, so I’d probably listen to cheesy show tunes and sing along at the top of my voice – if my boyfriend was around, this would be stopped within minutes, but I’d enjoy every second.

The clothes/accessories you would like to be wearing? A black Phillip Lim dress, nipped in at the waist, ultra-high ankle boots, a black Chanel 2.55 slung over my shoulder, and a thick Lara Bohinc bracelet in the brightest bronze.

JAMES YORK – GROOMING EDITOR
Birthday? 30 April 1981
Star sign? Typically Taurus
The beauty/grooming products on your birthday wish list? I recently wrote an article on some Alford & Hoff grooming products; the eye cream has to go down first on the list. Cool combined with effectiveness, if only I could afford the entire range! For the face, you can’t beat a bit of Clinique either, the facial scrubs are immense and I think every man should have the sophisticated Clinique soap bar. I have always thought highly of Clinique Happy but never possessed it, until now! This summer is now graced with its fresh scent. My man shelf is literally a graveyard of failed wax, pomade and hair clays. Who can provide the ruffled hair satisfaction I need? For me, it is the Holy Grail of grooming. I want something that will blow me away as the ultimate hair product. Please, I want to vary style without multiple product requirements.
I currently use a staple VO5 product - it does the job like a journeyman but my ultimate search goes on for a big day product. Baxter of California product looks pretty stylish, but I have yet to sample its joys and the other big names never hold me for long enough, pardon the pun.
The spa you'd most like to spend the day in? As my most recent blog posts outlined, I am one of those terrible guys that gets a bit macho and scared off by the word “pamper”. Nevertheless, for this one I would have to say Wentworth Golf & Health club, for a special treat. I drool over the thought of a sunny round of 18 holes followed by some form of sports massage and spa treatment. It may just be perfection. Plus the resort has a rather dashing indoor swimming pool to tone up and chill after sport in the complex. Because it’s Wentworth, everything is plushly decked out and professionally managed.
The bar/restaurant you'd most like to spend the evening? For London, my first thought is The Ivy, for pure curiosity of course. ‘Fruit’ Geldoff and the celeb set seem almost distraught when they aren’t let in, which means the food must be really amazing… or not of course. I would also be more than happy with the Boxwood Café, enjoying a few quality drinks and some good chat with pals. If money was an issue, there is a great little Italian restaurant in Putney I once tested on a date, the date went badly, but the food was blinding! I am not going to name the place, it’s a secret to those in the “know”.
If we are talking overseas, then Dubai at the Jumeirah Burj Al Arab hotel and its Al Mahara seafood restaurant would be a pretty amazing venue. Their award winning food would doubtless be unrivalled for those with the right bank balance.
The people you'd like to help you celebrate? It would have to be my favourite pals and their other halves, you can’t beat a night out with ten or so of your best friends, looking around and feeling immensely lucky to know such fine folk. The family tend to do great meals anyway for birthdays - so I’d opt for mates here. It tends to be during occasions like birthdays, where you get that pang of pride about having a tight knit group of buddies you can rely on for sound advice and banter. A lot of people don’t realise just how awesome they are, which is what makes them so interesting to know.
The sound track you'd like to be listening to? In my head and to pep me up; I am generally going to go for two David Bowie songs, ‘Queen Bitch’ and ‘Young American’, they just both make me happy in different ways (long story). To dance to après food, I think my birthday soundtrack should only include a mash up of title tracks from the classic 80’s junior hero and cheese genre. “You’re the best, around!”, you get the direction. This would be followed by some tunes from the Rolling Stones and Britpop era. I don’t think you’d find a DJ happy to play that set however… I would be leaping around to ‘Brown Sugar’ and ‘Alright’ however.
The clothes/accessories you would like to be wearing? It all depends on how smart the occasion is, give me an hour in Selfridges on the men’s floor and I’m sure I would come up with something tasty. We are talking about some Paul Smith ‘York Boots’, Diesel Jeans because they are nails, a dark Polo Shirt from All Saints and a blazer by Marc Jacobs (if I could find one that fitted). All paid for on the credit card from my dark leather Mulberry wallet, by them time kept on a quintessential timepiece, ‘Dent Ministry’ style wrist watch, made from white gold with black leather hand stitched strap, ace… If only.

JULIE VUONG – FREELANCE BEAUTY WRITER
Birthday?
24 October 1979
Star sign?
Scorpio
The beauty products on your birthday wish list?
Nude products please! For someone with super-sensitive skin there are very few products that don’t cause irritation. Nude’s probiotic formulation is both non-aggravating and luxurious – it’s my best beauty find in a long time. But my biggest indulgence is candles. If I could live by candlelight I would! I love Natural Magic’s Complete Bliss Moroccan Rose – it’s beautiful and doesn’t emit any black smoke. Another favourite is Diptyque Roses – the scent is a powerful reminder of a certain time in my life. And anybody who knows me will tell you how I’m a big Chanel fan – give me anything from the cosmetics collection and I’ll be a happy girl!
The spa you’d most like to spend the day in?
Last year I visited Cemberlitas Hammam in Istanbul, which is virtually unchanged since the 16th Century, and it was like stepping into the past. I’m a firm champion of authentic spa treatments, plus I love the city’s mix of old world and modern life so it would be my first choice. However, for somewhere closer to home I’d invite my friends to spend a day with me at Cameron House in Loch Lomand. There’s a rooftop pool with panoramic views of the loch and mountains beyond. In fact, for a spa with a view, there’s a new cutting edge facility at the historic Armathwaite Hall in the Lake District. When I visited I had my very own turret - take me back there!
The bar/restaurant you’d most like to spend the evening?
I’d definitely take a pick from some of my most memorable meals including The Crown at Celtic Manor in Wales, The Conservatory Restaurant at Calcot Manor in Gloucestershire and J Sheekey in London. I’d love to try the Fat Duck to see what it’s like for myself, although my thinking is why travel when my local The Bull & Last in Highgate serves the most delicious food? Seriously, it tops any pub I’ve been to – it’s first-class.
The people you’d like to help you celebrate?
Alongside the obvious people in my life, such as my family, close friends and boyfriend, my dream guests would be an eclectic mix! In an ideal scenario? I’m completely fascinated with Abraham Lincoln so he’d be the one telling all the interesting anecdotes. I’d invite my favourite literary figures including George Orwell, Shakespeare and Margaret Atwood. Meanwhile Jonathan Ross would be the great entertainer and Caravaggio would hand deliver a birthday gift - perhaps a signed print of his painting David with the Head of Goliath, which is one my favourite pieces of art.
The soundtrack you’d like to be listening to?
Anything by Radiohead. I listen to them excessively. However, I understand they’re not exactly party music so I’d keep a few records I love to hand including a few oldies by the Rolling Stones - just to lighten the mood!
The clothes/accessories you would like to be wearing?
I’d love a sexy Alexander Wang dress from the A/W 09 collection or one of the incredible strapless body con outfits from next season’s Balmain range. I’m also holding out for a Chanel 2.55 Quilted classic bag – it’ll happen one day!

BECCI VALLIS – FREELANCE BEAUTY JOURNALIST
Birthday? 25th March 1983
Star sign? Aries
The beauty products on your birthday wish list? Chanel No5 Velvet Bath Milk – I’m a shower girl, but if I were to venture into the bath, it would be this that accompanied me; Guerlain’s Terracotta Princess Powder – people have been queuing up for this limited edition bronzing dust (on counters now, I’d like mine wrapped please!); Sisley Global Anti-Age Hand Care – I’m obsessed with hand creams and all the Beauty Ed’s on the glossies swear by this stuff, and lastly, Versace Glam Eau De Toilette. In pink, gem-encrusted packaging, this fragrance isn’t new but it reminds me of my 21st birthday when my parents bought me a bottle. It’s really rare to come across in the UK now so I’d love the chance to get my mitts on another bottle!
The spa you'd most like to spend the day in? Where do I start...Chiva Som in Thailand looks like paradise and comes with the added benefit that everything there is designed to educate you in one way or another (gold-dust for beauty writers). Taj Lake Palace in India has just introduced a spa boat, complete with bronze-mosaic steam bath and treatment room on board it sounds like heaven. Closer to home, Babington House in Somerset is next on my ‘to do’ list – it always receives rave reviews but I’ve still never been. And I still really want to visit St Brides in Saundersfoot, Wales. When I was young, we used to holiday in Pembrokeshire every year, just down the road from where the spa now stands. It’d be great to go back and visit as a grown-up, doing grown-up things!
The bar/restaurant you'd most like to spend the evening? If it was in summer, it would have to be The River Cafe in Hammersmith – the fresh pasta and strawberry sorbet are to die for and the staff there are spot on. Annex 3 on Little Portland Street is the perfect place for pre-birthday drinks - something of a hidden gem, it has an amazing interior and an addictive cocktail menu; and if it was in winter, I’d head to The King’s Arms in Woodstock. Just a minute’s walk from Blenheim Palace, its lovely and cosy, and has a gorgeous Alice in Wonderland-stylee chequered floor - the food’s fab too.
The people you'd like to help you celebrate? Well obviously my friends and family would be there – it wouldn’t be a party without them, but if we’re talking no holds barred, I would definitely stick invitations in the post to Eddie Izzard, Michael McIntyre, Jonathon Ross and Chris Moyles (I’m a sucker for funny men), Sophie Kinsella (because I’m still convinced I was her muse for Shopaholic!), Uma Thurman (purely because she’s one of the very few women who has feet bigger than mine!), Sara Cox (because I love her down-to-earth attitude and reckon she’d be the life and soul of the party), Sophie Dahl (because I think she’s lovely to look at) and Vivienne Westwood (because we have nothing in common except bright red hair and a fashion-fixation, but she’s a true British icon). Oh, and Ronan Keating. Sad but true, I was boyband obsessed, and anyway - he could sing a slow song at the end of the night when everyone was pairing off!
The sound track you'd like to be listening to? Does it have to be just one? I’m a sucker for anything cheesy that I can bop around to and sing along with at the top of my voice. Right now I’m loving Little Boots and Fleet Foxes, but anything from Mika to Kings of Leon to Dr Dre will get me on the dancefloor.
The clothes/accessories you would like to be wearing? I’m such a magpie, I hone in on anything that’s bright and sparkly. I’d probably get Matthew Williamson or Alexander McQueen to design a one-off original for me seeing as though birthdays are such a special occasion, although I do love Luella’s frill layered skirts in hot pink. Add statement shoes by Nicholas Kirkwood, some vintage-esque jewellery from Spitalfields Market and Chanel’s J12 watch in white. Finish with my flatmate’s gold Marc by Marc Jacobs bag she bought in New York.