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TRIED & TESTED: TRAVEL CANDLES (26.06.09)
Invest in a set of travel candles to create a relaxing, soothing, and homely atmosphere – wherever you are in the world. We’ve tested six of the most luxurious sets.

JO MALONE TRAVEL CANDLES: PARMA VIOLETS TEA, SWEET ALMOND MACAROON TEA, AND EAU DE COLOGNE TEA, £54 for three candles (www.jomalone.co.uk)
What they say: Instantly create the fragrant comfort of home when you’re away with the Travel Candle Collection. Relax with Parma Violets Tea, Sweet Almond Macaroon Tea and Eau de Cologne Tea.
The Results: These candles are presented in luxurious packaging – a cream Jo Malone box, tied with black ribbon, and would make a gorgeous gift. As soon as I lifted the lid, I was hit by an intense, sweet scent. I could instantly detect the notes of Almond and Palma Violets candle, which reminded me of the retro sweets. I started by lighting the Eau de Cologne Tea candle on its own and was impressed by how quickly the stylish, fresh fragrance began to fill the room – within minutes, my flat mate had remarked on the scent as she walked into the lounge. I then lit the other two, and loved the way that the scents combined to create a sweet, delicious, warming fragrance. Over the course of a week, I lit all three candles every evening for a few hours until they ran out. I’d definitely invest in a set of these candles if I was sent away on a work trip – they are very homely and comforting – and the small, light jars wouldn’t take up much room in my suitcase.
Best for: Work trips

ESPA SOOTHING AROMATIC T-LIGHT TRIO, £11.99 for three candles (www.espaonline.com)
What they say: A soothing trio of candles that will gently infuse the room with a relaxing and calming blend of sandlewood, ylang ylang, lavender and patchouli.
The Results: I’m a big fan of ESPA, so was thrilled to be given this set to test. The signature purple packaging looks very expensive, so it was a pleasant surprise to learn that the set only costs £11.99. The candles are very small, each sat in individual glass tea light holders. I ran a bath and dotted the three candles around the side, before lighting the wick and sinking into the water. It took about five minutes to notice the scent, which smelt hugely relaxing. The fragrance of my bathroom reminded me of the scent of a luxury spa – it was a real treat to lie back and breathe deeply. I blew them out after half an hour, keen to preserve the tea lights, and they lasted for until the end of my next bath the following evening. I was quite impressed with the longevity for such tiny candles.
Best for: Travelling light

DERMALOGICA STRESS RELIEF CANDLE TRIO, £18.50 for three candles (0800 591818)
What they say: Burn together in one room for maximum aromatherapeutic benefits, or place them throughout your personal space to evenly distribute the calming Lavender, Tea Tree, Lemon Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Sandalwood Essential Oils.
The Results: My first reaction when I was handed these candles was that they were quite heavy, so perhaps not suitable for flying abroad, but great for a British holiday as they wouldn’t take up much space. I’m a nurse and work shifts – testing these candles has made me realise how nice it is to get in from work and light a candle to help myself unwind before bed. I loved the fragrance – a relaxing, soothing, natural scent – and I couldn’t wait to light the wicks and curl up on the sofa. One candle is quite enough to create a warming atmosphere in the room, so I decided to light them individually to increase the burn time. I’m not sure if I could justify the expense long-term, but I’d definitely recommend them for a luxury treat.
Best for: Relaxation

NATURAL MAGIC ORGANIC TREATMENT CANDLE TRAVEL KIT £40 for four candles (www.neomorganics.com)
What they say: A set of four mini treatment candles stowed in a gorgeous white pleather compact case that's reusable and perfect for stowing away in your suitcase. Each organic travel candle (made using only natural vegetable wax and pure essential oils) works as a mini holistic treatment as you breathe in the scented air.
The Results: I was quite taken aback by the luxurious packaging when I received this set to test – a white case, containing four beautifully scented candles, and a silver snuffer embossed with a fairy design. I loved the fact that there was a different candle for each possible mood while I’m traveling – Revitalise, Rebalance, Restore, and Relax. I also liked the fact that the candles are completely natural, as I knew exactly what I was inhaling! I lit each candle separately and was really, really impressed by how long each is lasting – I must have burned each candle for at least ten hours and there is still more to burn. By only reservation is that the set is heavy, so would weigh down my suitcase – but I love these candles so much that I’d leave behind half my toiletries to find room for them!
Best for: Luxury trips

THE SANCTUARY FRAGRANCED CANDLES, £7.29 for four candles (www.thesanctuary.co.uk)
What they say: The Sanctuary Spa’s fragrance of rich, exotic Sandalwood, warm woody Bois de Rose and deep musky Patchouli combined in a sensuous blend for sheer indulgence. These delightful candles will add a touch of elegance to any home.
The Results: I’ve been lucky enough to visit The Sanctuary Spa in Covent Garden a couple of times - and when I opened the pretty packaging of this set of candles, I instantly recognized the spa’s signature scent. It’s a sweet, exotic fragrance and reminds me of expensive spa treatments, so lighting these small candles felt very indulgent. The price of the candles is surprisingly low, so I wasn’t expecting the scent to be too intensive. In one respect, that’s correct, as it isn’t an overwhelming scent – but I was impressed with how quickly the fragrance filled the room and how long the air was scented after I blew the candles out. I’d recommend lighting all four at once, as it creates a stronger scent. My husband has recently lost this job, so exotic holidays won’t be possible for us for a while – I plan to take these candles with me when we visit family in the West Country. They are small, light, and cost effective – so perfect for traveling abroad.
Best for: Smaller budgets

COWSHED KNACKERED COW RELAXING TRAVEL CANDLES, £20 for four candles (www.cowshedonline.com)
What they say: Knackered Cow Relaxing Travel Candles are a herbaceous blend that helps you slow down and unwind with essential oils of lavender and eucalyptus. Lavender restores harmony whilst eucalyptus clarifies the mind.
The Results: I’m a poor sleeper and often struggle to fall asleep when I’m away from home. I took this set of candles away with me to stay with some friends and, with their permission, lit them in my bedroom before I climbed into bed. I was pleased to see that they burnt really cleanly, with no black smoke, and filled the room with a beautiful lavender scent within ten minutes of lighting the wicks. There weren’t a miracle cure to my sleeping problems, but certainly helped me unwind – plus, they made going to bed a very luxurious and enjoyable experience. I was pleased to read on the packaging that the candles were 100% natural wax, with no parabens, petrochemicals or sulphates, which is very important to me. The set was quite heavy, but a couple of candles is all that’s needed to create a relaxing atmosphere, so you could slot them between your clothes in your suitcase, without taking it over the weight allowance.
Best for: Light sleepers

 

Treatment Review: INDULGENT AFRICOLOGY SIGNATURE BLESSING MASSAGE, THE SANCTUARY SPA (26.06.09)
What it promises: Beginning with a full body exfoliation, this powerful anti-oxidant face and body massage conditions and hydrates the skin, whilst working rhythmically into tired muscles or sluggish lymph using a traditional stick massage technique. Visitors to the spa can choose between warming Cinnamon and Ginger balm, which stimulates circulation and works deep into stiff muscles, or a balancing Geranium balm, which helps to detox the lymphatic system and balance emotions.
What happens: I arrived at The Sanctuary Day Spa, which is located on a cobbled street in the heart of London’s Covent Garden, and quickly found myself at the plush, comfortable reception area. A smiling therapist lead me to the darkened treatment room, which was filled with the sound of soft, soothing music, and explained a little about what would happen over the next 85 minutes. Once changed, I climbed up onto the fluffy towel-lined bed and breathed deeply as the therapist cupped her hands over my face and asked me to inhale a few drops of Energy Charge Oil, containing Peppermint and Eucaluptus. My legs, arms and stomach were then exfoliated with a sweetly-scented Walnut, Sweet Orange and Neroli body scrub. After applying my choice of balm (Cinnamon and Ginger), I enjoyed a deep, soothing massage by hand, before the therapist began to roll tribal sticks up and down my legs and arms. This was followed with a generous application of rich massage butter with Aloe Vera, Sweet Potato and Shea Butter. After turning over, this blissful process was repeated on my back. After inhaling more oil through the face hole of the treatment bed, I returned to my back for a thorough and truly luxurious facial, including the use of smaller sticks to massage my face. The treatment concluded with the therapist shaking a tribal rain stick, which stirred me from a deep state of relaxation.
Results: I felt beautifully sleepy and relaxed after this treatment. I couldn’t muster the energy to do anything but lie on the spa’s cushioned day beds by the famous koi carp pool and read my book to slowly wake myself up. My skin was impeccably soft and smelt gorgeous. My therapist advised me to leave the oils on my skin for as long as possible, so I’d recommend using the wet day spa facilities before the treatment. After a night’s sleep, I woke to discover skin that was plump, velvety soft, and supple. I’ve been lucky enough to enjoy massages all over the world – and this is one of the best I’ve experienced.
Price: £92.98 for 85 minutes
Location: The Sanctuary Spa 12 Floral Street, Covent Garden, London WC2E 9DH . 01442 430330 www.thesanctuary.co.uk

Breaking News: KORRES LAUNCH FIRST FRAGRANCE COLLECTION (26.06.09)
Looking for a fragrance to reflect your personality this summer? Look no further than Korres, as the brand’s first fragrance collection has just hit shelves – and it’s set to become the most desired launch of the season.
Each of the scents were created independently in three of the world’s leading perfume houses: Grasse, Tokyo and Genève. Each house was given the same brief and worked closely with George Korres to create a scent that expressed the personality of the brand, while partly protesting against it. The brand’s trademark concept of contrasts is reflected in the packaging – luxury at first glance, but with a pure white soft-touch lid. The bottle might be a design statement, but it is the scents inside that really get our pulses racing…
The first blend – Rose Wood/Blackcurrant/Cyclamen is feminine, contemporary, but very classic. It contains sparkling top notes of Rose, Pink Grapefruit, and Blackcurrant; a floral heart of Rose Wood, Rose, Mint Leaves, Freesia and Lily; and a deep base of Woods and White Flowers.
The second – Saffron/Amber/Agarwood/Cardamom – is a timeless male scent, that feels intense, yet gentle. The top notes of Cardamom, Bergamot and Cinnamon are blended with a warm heart of Saffron, Cedar Wood, Carnation, and Sandalwood, and a sweet base of Amber, Agarwood, and Vanilla.
The final blend – Pepper/Jasmine/Gaiac Wood/Passion Fruit – is our personal favourite… The warm, spicy top notes of Sandalwood, Anise, and Vanilla is perfectly complimented by a livelier heart of Jasmine, Passion fruit and Gaiac Wood, and delicious base notes of Pepper, White Chocolate, Peach, and Green Hop. It’s an unusual , yet addictive scent – and suitable for both men and women.
Korres fragrances are available now at Liberty of London (0207 7341234) and will be available online from July at www.beaytyexpert.com and www.mankind.com.

 

Feature: FESTIVAL FEATURE (26.06.09)
Think you can’t survive without showers and shampoo? Think again.
Give Lily, La Roux and Lady Gaga a run for their money on this year’s festival circuit with our stellar line-up of hair and beauty essentials.

HAIR REVIVERS
Not washing your hair might sound vile but it’s actually rather good for you, and eventually, your lovely locks will start to clean themselves naturally. However, when time is of the essence and the thought of dirty, dank hair gives you the heebie-jeebies, fear not, because there are all sorts of tricks and techniques you can use that will transform straggly, unwashed strands into rock-star styles with street-cred.
Dry shampoos are a godsend when hair starts to turn from fresh to fusty, and Gary France, International Artistic Director at Toni&Guy swears by them. ‘The perfect stay gorgeous weapon for any festival, dry shampoo banishes grease build up without looking like you’ve poured talcum powder on your head, and it gives hair body and bounce.’
Three days and counting, though, and you might be past hair-repair, in which case Richard Thompson, International Creative Director at Mahogony Hairdressing, suggests pulling hair back into a high-bun. ‘If the bun is on top of the head, it covers greasy roots, and it keeps dirty ends out of your face. Pull a few pieces of hair from the bun and it’ll look dishevelled and sexy.’
Headliner: James Brown London Hair Reviving Dry Shampoo, £1.99 (www.boots.com). If devout festival-goers Kate Moss and Daisy Lowe claim this is their Glastonbury style saviour, it’s ours too.
Supporting Acts: label.m Dry Shampoo, £9.50 (0870 770 8080) gets rid of grease for good; Batiste Dry Shampoo On the Go, £1.49 (available nationwide) sees the original contender finally reduced to travel-size; Bumble and bumble hair powder, £15 (www.hqhair.com) is tailored to your hair colour to seamlessly blend away roots, while TIGI’s new Rockaholic range was inspired by festival shenanigans. Try the Rock Out Shine Blaster, £9.95 (0844 844 0944) to hydrate hair and eliminate frizz.

FRAGRANCE FRESHEN-UPS
Don’t let sleep deprivation, alcohol and a shortage of showers get the better of you. Come wind, rain or shine, it’s a woman’s prerogative to smell beautiful at all times, and anyway, you’ll need something to mask the stench coming from the nearby portaloos. Enter travel-sized scents, roller-ball bottles, solid perfumes and invigorating fragrances that will leave you smelling sweet and feeling fresh.
As well as their versatile size (you can squeeze most of them into pockets and purses), James Craven, Head Perfume Archivist at Les Senteurs explains how solid fragrances are a great alternative to the traditional liquid fragrances. ‘Portable and extremely easy to wear, solid perfumes work with all skin types. They also allow the skin to breathe without clogging pores in warmer climates, making them the perfect accessory during the festival season!’
Headliner: Tocca Perfumed Solid, £27.50 (020 7734 1234). Pressed into Italian-inspired packaging, these antique-chic solid fragrances available in Stella, Florence and Cleopatra will earn you A-list status.
Supporting Acts: Vanillary solid perfume, £6 (www.lush.co.uk) is an addictive toffee-fudge fragrance that’s weenie enough to fit in your wallet; L’Occitane’s Rose Nuit de Mai Intense Eau de Toilette Roll-on, £13.50 (www.loccitane.co.uk) will make you smell like you’ve been crowd-surfing over a bed of fresh red roses; Missoni Acqua Parfum Rollerball, £44.04 is great if you can’t leave your love of labels at home for the weekend, and if you’re worried about losing your favourite fragrance, why not wear it instead? Choose from Jean Paul Gautier’s Classique solid fragrance disguised in a rose-gold medallion-style necklace £39.50 (department stores nationwide), or John Galliano’s solid perfume charm bracelet, £79 (Harrods) to keep on-trend.

MAKEUP MARVELS
Black-rimmed eyes, smudged lipgloss and pale complexions won’t look out of place backstage, but if you want to emit a more polished glow front-of-house, you’ll need to know exactly which products to pack – especially if you’re planning to rival festival queens Agyness Deyn and Kelly O. The key to success - choose compacts, dual-purpose products and miniatures that will save on space and make re-touches stress-free and straightforward.
The best way to disguise sallow skin caused by sleepless nights is with a luminous tinted moisturiser and a hint of blush. ‘You want your skin to look clear and without looking made up, so I’d start with a tinted moisturiser that has SPF in it,’ says Rachel Wood, celebrity make-up artist. ‘If you’re at a festival for a few days, and your face catches the sun, the colour will still work with your complexion. I also like using products that can be used on cheeks and lips which leave a good stain so there’s no worries about touch ups, and always choose waterproof mascara.’
Headliner: Cosmetics á la carte Multiface, £25 (www.cosmeticsalacarte.com). Containing a 3-in-1 concealer, eye base and highlighter; liner-come-eyeshadow, and a creamy lip and cheek colour, this stacking pot trio is the number one festival essential.
Supporting Acts: Prescriptives Anywear Multi-Purpose Makeup Stick SPF 15, £25.45 covers imperfections, protects skin and is super long-lasting; Estee Lauder’s DayWear Plus Multi Protection Tinted Moisturiser, £22.02 has a lightweight texture that’s great for creating a dewy complexion; No7’s Tinted Gel Bronzer, £13 is a brilliant substitute for sun and will leave skin glowing; Bobbi Brown’s Sheer Colour Cheek Tint, £15.66 is pocket-friendly and leaves a wash of colour on cheeks, as does MAC’s Just a Pinch Gel Blush, £15.17 which can also be used on lips for a subtle tint. Benefit’s Smokin’ Eyes Makeover Kit, £26.50 contains everything you need for that sexy, doe-eyed drama (the pink highlighter works on cheekbones too), then add lashings of Lord & Berry Travel Mascara, £4.50 (House of Fraser) to finish. If you’re worried about getting caught in the rain, Bourjois’ Liner Effect Waterproof Mascara, £8.31 won’t budge, and look out for their new Mini Gloss Tonics, £2.93. Containing just enough lipgloss to see you through three days, you can even attach them to your keyring, mobile phone or belt loop for 24/7 top-ups.

DIRTY PRETTY THINGS
Forget soaks in the tub and foaming shower gels, keeping clean in a festival field is no mean feat; then again, who needs water when you’ve got wipes? From ionic toothbrushes to deodorising towelettes, those beauty brands have thought of everything when it comes to staying spotless. So whether you’re basking in the sunshine or cowering in your cagoule, you can be safe in the knowledge that even if your clothes are caked in mud, your skin will be left sterilised and sparkling.
‘Look out for products that have more than one purpose,’ advises Jenna Rose, beautician. ‘A comprehensive and thorough facial cleansing routine is important to keep skin looking and feeling healthy, but the ‘cleanse, tone and moisturise’ regime can involve multiple products and a lot of time. Wipes and make-up remover pads that offer several benefits in one are a fantastic alternative.’

Headliner: Soap and Glory Off Your Face Cleansing Cloths, £3.99 (Boots). Not only do they get rid of grime and grease in one fail swoop, they tone and exfoliate too - the ultimate in quick-fix refreshment.
Supporting Acts: Johnson’s 3in1 Eye Make-up Removal Pads, £2.99 (supermarkets nationwide) prevent panda eyes and remove even the most stubborn black smudges; fcuk pure deodorising wipes, £3 (Boots ) keep pits perfumed; Liz Earle’s Instant Boost Tonic Spritzer, 30ml, £4.25 (www.lizearle.com) moisturises, tones and leaves skin feeling cool and clean; hyG Ionic Toothbrush, £9.99 (www.amazon.co.uk) doesn’t even need toothpaste to polish your pearly whites, and for a burst of minty freshness, try Swissdent’s Extreme Mouth Spray, £9.50 (Boots) which banishes bad breath and brightens teeth simultaneously. And to stop germs spreading, 100% natural hand sanitiser Quash, £1.99 (www.quashme.com) provides the perfect water-free hand wash.

TRUSTY TOOL-KIT
They might not sound essential but without the right tools of the trade, the hair and beauty essentials you’ve so lovingly cut down on could go awol, application precision could be compromised, and who knows how you’d untangle those knotted tresses. To ensure your rock-chick reputation remains intact and your beauty buys stay safe, make it a pre-festival must to invest in the right equipment. As any beauty buff knows, tweezers are just as important as the tent!
Sally Brooks, Co-owner of Brooks+Brooks salon appreciates the importance of having a hairbrush nearby. ‘Find a cute little fold-up brush that will fit into the smallest bag or your jean back pocket, that way if your hair starts to feel greasy, you can simply brush hair to the crown and smooth back into a ponytail.’
But just as crucial are the make-up brushes, says Chase Ashton, make-up artist for The Body Shop. ‘Rock stars and celebrities know the secret to looking good on the go is a portable mini brush kit and mirror. Easy to slip into your purse along with your make-up, use the lipstick/concealer brush to hide and banish those pesky zits and late night dark circles.’
Headliner: Celia Birtwell Cosmetic Bag, £7.83 (Boots). She’s dressed everyone from royalty to rock-stars and now you can get your mitts on her latest merchandise - just the right size for stowing away beauty must-haves.
Supporting Acts: Butler and Wilson Envelope Crystal Compact Mirror, £33 (www.hqhair.com) is pure beauty bling at its best; The Body Shop Mini Brush Kit, £11.32 contains four dinky brushes perfect for make-up retouches; Ms Makeup Sheer Beauty Mineral and Bronzer Brush, £9.99 (Boots) is a fantastic 2-in-1 tool that makes powder and blush applications fuss-free; and although Goody’s Ouchless Detangle Comb, £4.88 (www.goody.com) works best on wet hair, it’s flat-pack credentials and handy hook means it’s fantastic for hanging from tent poles! If a comb won’t cut it, Denman’s space-saving fold-up Hairbrush Compact, £2.75 (Superdrug) will, and if you’re looking to keep those eyebrows groomed, LA Tweez’s Illuminated Tweezers, £10.99 (www.hqhair.com) are a must. With an ingenious micro-light, you can pluck away into the early hours while you wait for the next band to appear.

MIRACLE WORKERS
Festivals can throw up all sorts of minor misdemeanours. Let’s face it, camping out in muddy fields, experiencing extreme weather conditions, and substituting vitamins and minerals for burgers and booze are hardly the golden rules of health and beauty. Of course, all will be forgiven in the name of live music, but for those who like to come prepared, there are plenty of little extras you can equip yourself with, to help prevent the bites, blisters and blemishes that await you.
Natural products and remedies always perform well when it comes to relieving a multitude of sins, says Dr John Biffa, who highlights Aloe Vera as a great all-rounder for festivals. ‘With anti-inflammatory, wound healing and burn-soothing effects, Aloe Vera is ideal for when you’re out in the open air for prolonged periods of time. I recommend it for a range of skin issues during the summer months, from stings to mild sunburn.’
Keeping a supply of tea tree on tap is also recommended by those in the know at ESPA. ‘Tea Tree Gel is amazing for all sorts of things whilst camping,’ their insider reveals. ‘Good for zapping spots or applying to the whole face when skin is feeling temperamental, it’s also a great antiseptic and can be dissolved in hot water to gargle with when you have a sore throat. It even works on insect bites as it cools and calms them.’
Headliner: ESPA Essential Tea Tree Gel, 15ml, £10 (www.espaonline.com). As well as soothing spots, this will numb over-worked tonsils and vocal chords after a day spent screaming at the main stage.
Supporting Acts: Dr Organic Aloe Vera Skin Lotion, £5.99 (www.hollandandbarrett.com) will save your skin from nature’s unwanted ailments; Mrs White’s Unstung Hero, £15 (www.roullierwhite.com) is a natural insect repellent that smells of traditional lemonade and could just as easily be worn as body spray; Burt’s Bees Miracle Salve, £7.99 (www.bathandunwind.com) can be used to condition everything from top-to-toe (including hair), and is a great rescue remedy for weather-beaten skin and blisters; Korres Watermelon Face Sunscreen Stick SPF 30, £16 (www.korres.com) shields skin from UV rays and won’t leak in your bag, while the Anatomicals Bender Mender, £3.43 (www.victoriahealth.com) will help settle your stomach and null the nausea post-party.

 

Blog: DR RAVI JAIN – MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF RIVERBANKS CLINIC – BLOGS ABOUT INNOVATIVE ANTI-AGEING TREATMENTS FOR OUR HANDS (26.06.09)

What’s the point of spending time, effort and money on shaping the rest of your body if your wrinkly, thin hands undermine your look by announcing your real age to everyone? The back of the hands are particularly prone to revealing the truth about our age, so what can you do about it?

Of course, it goes without saying that you should take exceptionally good care of your hands on a regular basis. You should always gently wash, cleanse, exfoliate, moisturise and protect them each day to prevent them looking dry, thin and wrinkled. Take as much time and care over your hands as you do your face, and they’ll thank you for it.

However, if naturally caring for your hands isn’t going to be enough to keep them looking young and healthy, there are other options available to you from qualified and experienced cosmetic experts.

One of the most effective treatments for the hands is RADIESSE. This innovative treatment works by stimulating the skin to naturally encourage the collagen to regenerate. It produces instant results for patients that wish to reduce the wrinkly look of their hands.
This procedure involves between one to four injections on each hand. The doctor then massages the hand and the incredible instant results are immediately apparent for all to see. The effects last for about one year, so annual top ups are advised, but the high level of our patient satisfaction tells us that this treatment is not only popular but also thoroughly successful in offering our patients rejuvenated hands!
Another successful treatment for rejuvenating the look of the hands is a procedure known as Sculptra. This method works by stimulating the skin to produce more collagen, so that the skin thickens organically. This in turn plumps the skin, making the hand look fuller and the veins seem less pronounced. By restoring the skin’s elasticity whilst tightening the skin, wrinkles are less prominent. This procedure involves two or three treatments that are about 6 weeks apart. It offers very good results that appear gradually with the treatments and lasts for two years or sometimes more.
The last treatment for the hands is SmartXideDot Therapy. This procedure doesn’t volumise like the previous two treatments but brightens the skin and fades pigmentation, revealing a smooth, fresher complexion beneath. This process softens deep lines and fine wrinkles until they eventually completely disappear. Your skin will have a fresher and more youthful appearance.
Whilst these treatments are highly successful, you should always take the time to protect the skin on your hands from harmful or rough treatment.

Dr Jain is Medical Director at Riverbanks Clinic, a double award-winning cosmetic medical practice based in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, UK, where he provides a number of treatments including Botox, fillers, facial recontouring and body recontouring. Dr Jain's Clinic is renowned for its excellence and won ‘Best New Clinic' and ‘Best Business Development' in the 2009 Aesthetic Medicine Awards.
Dr Ravi Jain qualified from the Royal London Hospital in 1995 and has since held posts at The Royal London, St. Bartholomew's and St. Mary's Hospitals. Early in his career he trained in gynaecological laparoscopic surgery before training as a GP. He now specialises exclusively in cosmetic dermatology and minor surgery.

 

Feature: TROPICAL BEAUTY (19.06.09)
Not got the cash to splash on a long haul holiday this summer? Make up for it by treating your bathroom to a splash of the exotics, with our pick of tantalising tropical beauty.

BATH & SHOWER
Add an array of exotic products to your bathroom shelf and there will be nothing mundane about your morning shower or bath. The delicious, fruity scents are guaranteed to lift spirits and energy levels, along with the newly buffed and hydrated condition of your skin.
If the scent of coconut instantly transports you to faraway shores, you need to get your hands on Philosophy’s new Coconut Frosting range pronto. The sugar-sweet collection includes a Salt Scrub, £20 and a rich Body Butter, £17 (0870 990 8452). Both lace skin with an addictive scent – in our opinion, not unlike coconut-scented sun cream, which is always guaranteed to raise a smile on gloomy days in the UK.
Early start? A squeeze of Korres Guava Shower Gel, £7 (0207 5816455) has an energising, zingy scent and provides a satisfying amount of fragranced foam. Better still, it leaves skin feeling richly hydrated and super soft, thanks to lashings of vitamin-rich Active Aloe.
A shower before a big night out calls for something a little richer, so treat yourself to a tube of Elemis’ Exotic Frangipani Monoi Bath & Shower Cream, £19 for (www.timetospa.co.uk). If you’ve never sniffed the brand’s famous Exotic collection, you are in for a treat – the Tahitian Monoi Oil is infused with the sweet scent of Frangipani flowers. It’s an intoxicating, sophisticated and sensual scent.
When it comes to bath products, it’s worth remembering that uplifting exotic scents better suit morning dips – pour them into the water at night and you’ll find yourself lying awake late into the night. Bath oils are great for the morning, as they cling to skin, meaning you won’t need to waste vital minutes applying moisturiser after you jump out. Neal’s Yard Exotic Bath Oil, £12.60 (http://shop.nealsyardremedies.com) is one of the best – an irresistible blend of pure essential oils, including coconut, almond, geranium, lemon and jasmine.

BODY HYDRATION
Skin doesn’t have to be sun-kissed to deserve a smothering of exotic-scented creams, oils and body butters. These products work equally well under cloudy skies in the UK – and leave skin looking and feeling fabulous.
Those yearning turquoise-waters should opt for Aveda’s dreamy Caribbean Therapy Body Crème, £21 (www.aveda.co.uk). If you crack open the tube and expect to smell coconut, think again - this thick, intensive body cream is packed with the fresh, juicy notes of mango, amyris, bay, vetiver, and lime. We forgive you in advance if you become a little bit addicted.
Dry skin? Run a bottle of Nude Skincare Hibiscus Monoi, £35.23 (www.nudeskincare.com) under a warm tap to melt the pure hibiscus scented coconut oil, which becomes solid at room temperature. The beautiful, velvety oil instantly injects moisture into body, feet, hands, and even hair.
Those who prefer drier oil will fall head over heels for the equally-luxurious Jo Malone Sweet Lime & Cedar Dry Body Oil, £37.50 (www.jomalone.co.uk), which instantly absorbs into quenched-skin and leaves it delicately scented with tempting notes of zesty citrus fruits and deep, nutty woods.
The Body Shop’s Sensual Massage Oil, £9.75 (www.thebodyshop.co.uk) is too good to keep to yourself. The sensual essential oil blend is inspired by traditional Polynesian massage rituals from Madagascar - and contains a blend of Hawaiian Kukui Oil and Tahitian Vanilla. It won’t beat lying next to your loved one on a tropical beach – but it comes a very close second.

TROPICAL HAIR
There’s nothing better than a warm breeze blowing through your locks to release a delicious exotic scent – and when the same hair products leave your hair feeling super soft with an impressive shine, you know you’re onto a winner.
Bumble and bumble’s Crème de Coco Shampoo, £16.50 and Conditioner, £17.50 (020 7247 5656) might smell good enough to eat, but we wouldn’t recommend it. Instead, generously slather the sweet coconut-scented products onto hair to inject it with an intensive shot of moisture and add serious shimmer. If you suffer from knots and tangles, this is the perfect choice – work the conditioner through hair in the shower, then comb through the product under the water for tangle-free, flowing, sweetly-scented locks.
Wish you could intensely moisturise your coloured hair, without leaving it looking limp and flat? Invest in Jo Hansford’s Volumising Shampoo, £14 (http://johansford.myshopify.com) and you’ll soon be blessed with tresses that are nourished, protected, and full of volume. It has the scent of juicy pineapple – and you’ll be bringing a little of the Amazon rainforest to your bathroom too, through the ingredient Castanha do Brasil, which ensures hair is healthy, glossy, and manageable.
Herbal Essences’ new Hello Hydration Intensive Masque, £3.99 (www.herbal-essences.co.uk) might smell like a glass of pina colada, but it is in fact a hair treatment that leaves locks feeling unbelievably soft and fragranced by fruity coconut. Hair masks can sometimes weigh hair down, but this is an exception – the lightweight gel-like texture pumps moisture into hair, yet leaves it cleansed and manageable.

HOME FRAGRANCE
Your lounge might not be framed by palm trees, baked by the summer sun, or lapped by ocean waves, but it has the capacity to boost spirits in much the same way when you add a dash of tropical home fragrance to the room…
A great starting point is fashionable home fragrance brand Apothia, which hails all the way from sunny Los Angeles. Their beautifully-scented Wave Candle, £30 (www.lookfantastic.com) contains notes of fresh grapefruit, mandarin, and yuzu, along with hints of driftwood and seagrass. The scent is fresh, lively, yet wonderfully warming. I
If you’re looking for a candle to boost energy levels, look no further than Abanha’s Frangipani & Orange Blossom Candle, £22 (http://www.abahna.co.uk). The brand believe that every bath should be accessorised with a fragranced candle, in much the same way you’d add oil or foam to the water. This bold, vibrant fragrance is best suited to early morning dips – but we think it would work equally well in the bedroom as you’re getting ready for work.
If you’re only venturing as far as UK shores this summer, treat yourself to a travel candle from organic brand Neom to create the delicious, tropical scents that you have become accustomed to. Their Mini Pure Indulgence Candle, £15 (www.neomorganics.com) contains Brazilian Orange Blossom, known to boost feelings of optimism. The candle might be travel-sized, but it only takes minutes for a deliciously zingy fragrance to fill the room and quickly banish those holiday blues.
There are few things more refreshing and uplifting than the scent of Pomegranate – and luxury home fragrance brand Dr Vranjes has bottled the very essence in Melograno, £27 (www.senti.co.uk). This is a big, bold scent, so place the bottle (complete with diffuser sticks) in a large room and breathe deeply whenever you want to dream of tropical lands.

PERFUME
Few people can resist a scent that brings back memories of past exotic jaunts. Spray them generously whenever you need a boost – and find yourself transported to exotic climes.
Jo Malone’s Verbenas of Provence Cologne, £61 (www.jomalone.co.uk) is described by the brand as ‘summer in a bottle’ – and we have to agree. Inspired by the citrus-scented ambience of a restaurant in Hong Kong, the fragrance has zingy notes of Vervaine Citronelle, which are blended with subtle hints of flowers and spice. If sunshine had a scent, this would be it – light, fruity, warm and intoxicating. It’ll bring a smile to your face – and anybody lucky enough to brush past…
Looking for a scent for balmy summer evenings? Treat yourself to Loewe’s Quizás Quizás Quizás Eau de Toilette, £57 (08457 697072). Inspired by the famous cha-cha-cha of Cuba, the fragrance contains passionate and eclectic notes of Italian Mandarin Orange, Bulgarian Rose Absolute, Arabian Jasmine and Madagascan Patchouli. It might be exotic, but this warm, delicate scent is also beautifully feminine. Your favourite holiday dress definitely deserves an outing…
If your dream destination is the Caribbean, you’ll adore Miller Harris’ Piment de Baies, £110 (www.millerharris.com), which is inspired by holidays on the paradise isles. Indulgent hints of Pepper, Pimento Berries, Angelica Seed, Arris Beurre and Madagascan Vanilla are blended with zesty top notes of Bergamot, Orange, Tarragon, and Red Thyme. It isn’t cheap, but if your usual jaunt the sand has been postponed, this heavenly fragrance might just get you through the summer.
Don’t be tempted to wear your tropical scent in the sunshine, as the heat may cause it to discolour your skin. Instead, mist the scent lightly over clothing and locks and you’ll be blessed with fragrant reminders throughout the day.

SPA TREATMENTS
There are few things more relaxing than lying on a tropical beach smothered in coconut-scented sun cream, glass of Pina Colada in hand – but a luxurious spa treatment must come pretty close. When that treatment includes a few exotic additions, you may as well forget that long-haul plane ticket and treat yourself to a full course…
When it comes to tropical beauty treatments, Elemis is the brand that does it best. Available at a vast array of spas nationwide, including the UK’s first eco-spa: Titanic Spa, the Exotic treatments aim to pamper, beautify, and relax in one fell swoop.
A highlight is the Elemis Exotic Coconut Rub, £65 at Titanic Spa – a traditional Balinese wrap, which excellent for skin smoothing and softening, and is combined with a facial pressure point massage and de-stress scalp treatment to stimulate the senses. The Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow, £50 at Titanic Spa, is equally luxurious. The treatment deeply cleanses, polishes, and softens skin to perfection – whilst a generous smothering of Exotic Island Flower Body Lotion leaves the skin glowing and vibrant, replenished, and totally flawless. Visit Titanic’s website by visiting www.titanicspa.com.

Breaking News: PRIMARK LAUNCHES BEAUTY COLLECTION (19.06.09)
If pennies are tight at the moment, we have some news to cheer up your summer. Primark, everybody’s favourite high-street fashion haunt, has just launched a range of beauty products – and the great news is that it’s really, really good.
As we’d expect from Primark, the beauty products have pocket money price tags – but that doesn’t mean that the brand are scrimping on quality. Study the packaging and you’ll see words like ‘Hypo-allergenic’ and Vitamin enriched’ – not what you’d expect from products that cost less than a pre-packed sandwich. With bright, trend-driven packaging and quirky, original names, the products literally jump from the shelf.
The range doesn’t pretend that it’s leading the way in product innovation – in the same way that the brand’s clothing doesn’t claim to be made from pure silk – but for a cheap beauty fix, noone can deny that these products are brilliant value for money.
Our highlights include: Little Glow Cheek Block Bronzer, £3; Ooh La Spa Glove Me Truly Hand Lotion, £2; Souffleye Mousse Eyeshadow, £2; and Ta Ta For Now Magic Undereye Concealer, £2.50 – amongst many, many more.
Get your hands on the range at Primark Stores Nationwide. Products are on shelves now, ranging from just £1 to £7.

Blog: LENA KORRES – BRAND DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR FOR KORRES – GIVES US AN INSIGHT INTO THE BRAND, HER CAREER HIGHLIGHTS, AND THE THINGS THAT MAKE HER HAPPY (19.06.09)
Having completed my post-graduate studies in Business [MBA], after a degree in Chemical Engineering, I moved on to work at Korres, the Greek skincare brand, born out of Athens’ first ever homeopathic pharmacy. I was actually their first employee and was drawn by the early vision of George Korrses, who is now my husband. A pharmacist - and owner of the Korres pharmacy - he mixed natural ingredients to create herbal preparations, remedies and eventually cosmetic products. His passion and respect for natural ingredients as well as his deep knowledge of their properties was inspiring and fascinating. I wanted to be part of it literally from day one.
Our core values have remained the same since our pharmacy days. Our aim is to deliver natural products that offer clear benefits to the skin. With their texture, their smell, even their packaging, we aim to put a smile on the face of people who use them! I work closely with our team of expert chemists and chemical engineers to create skin and environmentally friendly products with clinically tested effectiveness that are affordable for every day use. For our natural formulations we select high quality Greek herbs such as mastiha and saffron, pharmacy ingredients revered for their therapeutic properties and food ingredients such as yoghurt and honey in their pure form. Following the latest developments in the field of cosmetology we always enrich our formulas with the most efficient and well-documented natural actives.
One of my most rewarding career ‘highs’ was working on a Korres team project to develop our yoghurt skincare line which contains edible yoghurt in its original form. The trouble lies in the fact that yoghurt contains thousands of live cultures and therefore does not take well to mixing in the lab. It was a real challenge for our R&D team to create a stable cosmetic formula preserving all the benefits of live yoghurt. The whole idea was inspired by our Greek tradition of applying yoghurt onto sunburned skin to cool and soothe it. Some of my earliest memories are of my mother slathering yoghurt onto my skin at the beach! Hence, the first product containing yoghurt, and one of my absolute favourites, was our Yoghurt Cooling Gel!
The company has grown extensively since 1996 – Korres is now present in 30 markets around the world, there are 32 stand-alone stores and over 500 natural and certified organic products in the range. My role now encompasses working closely with the group’s 70-strong R&D team, being involved in the overall product development process, from the concept stage to formulation evaluation, to sample-testing co-ordination, to designing and copy-writing accompanying promotional and educational material. I also work as a brand spokesperson along with George.
As you can imagine, my job includes a lot of travelling as I represent the company at various international exhibitions, consumer and trade fairs as well as media events and in-store appearances worldwide. So, in addition to being a mum, life is pretty hectic! Quick shopping fixes in between meetings when I’m abroad are one of my quilt-free indulgences, I passionately love discovering new beauty and fashion brands. My favourite city is New York so I love it when I have to go there, the energy is incredible and two of my favourite restaurants in the world are there, Cipriani’s and Balthazars. However, there is no place like home – curling up with a good book, catching up with friends and being with my children are the times when I am happiest.

Tried & Tested: GRADUAL TANNERS (19.06.09)
Give your skin tone a boost this summer with a gradual tanning moisturiser. We’ve tested six of the best…

ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY SUN KISS, £21.53 for ML?? (www.spacenk.co.uk)
What they say: Daily body hydrator containing an eco-certified approved self-tanning agent derived from sugar-beet. Subtle levels of tanning agent produces a beautifully hydrated, natural and healthy glow. Cools, calms and nourishes over-exposed skin and protects the skin by boosting antioxidant activity.
The Results: I’ve used gradual tanners in the past, but this is by far the most luxurious. It has the texture of thick body butter and the delicious, comforting scent of lavender. It took a while to massage it into my skin, but absorbed pretty quickly and left my body feeling soft and richly moisturised. It took roughly three hours to start to develop and whilst I detected a biscuity scent, it was very faint and not at all off-putting. I washed my hands after applying it and there wasn’t a trace of telltale colour on my palms. After one use, the colour was subtle and light – but the perfect base for my pale skin. I used over the course of the next week and found the optimum colour for my skin tone was achieved after three applications – a light, glowing and very natural-looking bronze. My skin felt super soft and looked in better condition than it had for a long time.
Best for: Hydrating skin

ST TROPEZ EVERYDAY GRADUAL TAN BODY MEDIUM/DARK, £14 for 200ml (www.st-tropez.com)
What they say: This enriched, nourishing body moisturiser cleverly combines serious skin care benefits with a healthy touch of bronze. Infused with soothing aloe vera, this lotion will help give you smoother, skin while building a gradual golden tan, every day. Our innovative Aromaguard™ fragrance technology eliminates the tell-tale self tan aroma by a minimum of 70%.
The Results: I tan easily and my skin is currently quite dark after a holiday in Turkey, so the Medium/Dark colour was ideal – but it was good to see that a less intense Light/Medium version is also available. I found the cream very easy to apply – it was thin enough to spread evenly over skin, so I didn’t need to worry too much about massaging it evenly. It has quite a fresh, summery scent, which was a bonus, and felt cooling as I applied it. My skin felt a little tacky after using it, but it only took a few minutes to dry. The colour started to develop quite quickly, after just a few hours, and I was really, really impressed that I didn’t detect a single whiff of the usual fake tan smell. I was really pleased with the colour – a definite boost to my existing colour and it looked really, really natural. This is the best fake tan I’ve tried.
Best for: Boosting an existing tan

NIVEA SUN KISSED SKIN FAIR TO MEDIUM, £5.98 for 250ml (www.boots.com)
What they say: Nivea Sun Kissed Skin is a light moisturiser specially formulated to tan and tone fair to medium skin. This daily moisturiser, with added grape seed oil and a special toning ingredient, which gradually builds a subtle, even looking tan.
The Results: I use fake tan every summer, as my skin is very pale, but was concerned that a gradual tanner wouldn’t give me the colour I get from my usual mousse – especially because it’s only half the price. This lotion had a thin, lightweight consistency, which made it really quick and easy to apply – one squirt covered an entire leg or arm. It was easy to forget that this was a fake tan and not a body moisturiser, as it left my skin feeling really soft and hydrated. The fresh, fruity fragrance was another plus point, but as soon as the colour started to develop, the usual pong of fake tan overpowered it. I thought I’d washed my hands thoroughly, but they looked a little orange after the first appliance – I was more careful after that and had no problems. The colour was very subtle after one use, but I liked the fact I could control the intensity of the tan in the following days.
Best for: Smaller budgets

CLINIQUE BODY DAILY MOISTURISER LIGHT – MEDIUM, £14.68 for 150ml (www.clinique.co.uk)
What they say: Daily body moisturiser with just a touch of self-tanner creates a subtle, natural-looking glow as it softens, soothes. Maintain or build colour with daily application of this mistake-proof formula.
The Results: I have very dry skin and don’t tend to get on too well with fake tan – it usually ends up streaking around my knees, elbows and ankles. As this product was Light-Medium, I felt a bit more confident about using it. The texture was gorgeous – a thick cream, which reminded me of Clinique’s Deep Comfort Body Butter (a personal favourite). My body felt deeply moisturised after applying it and had a lovely sheen that helped even out the skin tone. A light, golden tan started to appear after a few hours and I was pleased to discover that there was hardly any ‘fake tan’ scent as it developed. The colour was very subtle, which was a big plus point for me – I could use it every day to keep my skin feeling supple and hydrated, yet would never become too orange. I’ll definitely continue using this product, I’m really impressed.
Best for: Dry skin

RODIAL BRAZILIAN TAN DAILY, £38.17 for 150ml (www.rodial.co.uk)
What they say: A rich moisturiser with a hint of tanning agent. The cream is enriched with shea butter and vitamin E meaning it’s easily absorbed and ultra-moisturising, leaving skin super soft and hydrated. The Results: I’m not great with fake tan – I have pale skin and always end up with streaks. When I spotted this tan was called “Brazilian Tan” I was a bit wary of using it, as I thought it would be too dark for my skin tone. However, I was willing to give it a try and when I squeezed the product onto my hand I realised how much I was going to like it. The consistency is very thick, but unlike a body butter, it felt creamy, silky and cooling as I applied it. There was no scent and I didn’t notice any nasty fake tan pongs as it started to develop. Despite the name, the result after one application was very subtle – it wasn’t until the second day that I noticed a golden tan, which looked completely natural and streak-free. This was a huge plus point for me, as I could build the colour very gradually. My only qualm is that the bottle is quite small, so I’d probably get through a few bottles throughout the summer – but that just goes to show how much I love it. I’ve been recommending it to all my friends. Best for: Pale Skin Tones

DOVE SUMMER GLOW MEDIUM TO DARK SKIN, £6.99 for 250ml (Boots Nationwide)
What they say: Summer Glow leaves your skin soft and smooth while gradually enhancing and evening out your natural skin colour, giving you a light tan and a beautiful summer glow all year round.
The Results: I liked this product. The thick, creamy lotion left my skin feeling richly moisturised and left with a gorgeous sheen. My skin tone is olive and I tan easily – but this year I’m not getting away on holiday, so will be using fake tan throughout the summer to perk it up. I liked the fruity fragrance as I applied the lotion – it reminded me of peaches – but did notice a familiar biscuity fake tan scent as it developed. However, after only one application the colour was impressive – already quite dark and very natural-looking. I was quite surprised by the intensity of colour after one use, so would recommend being careful around knees and ankles if it’s your first time. After four days use, I had a really deep tan, worthy of a week’s holiday in the Caribbean. Plus, my skin feels soft and very smooth.
Best for: Dark skin tones

Spa Review: CLUMBER PARK HOTEL AND NEW LEAF SPA (19.06.09)
Visited by Rebecca Clarke
Location: New Leaf Spa, Clumber Park Hotel and Spa, Clumber Park, Nottinghamshire. 01623 835333. www.newleafspa.co.uk
Facilities: The Clumber Park Hotel and Spa is located on the edge of Sherwood Forest, opposite the National Trust’s beautiful Clumber Park in Nottinghamshire. The brand new £2.6 million New Leaf Spa is the latest addition to the hotel and adds a tranquil place to unwind in the midst of all the natural beauty. The Spa couldn’t be easier to access from the ground floor of the hotel. There’s a bright reception area with seating areas and a café serving drinks and snacks. The spa offers a state of the art gym, pool, Jacuzzi, poolside sauna and steam room and an outside area with a hot tub. The treatment suite has six individual rooms, manicure pamper stations and ‘The Den’ for relaxation in complete comfort.
Ambience: As soon as you walk through the hotel doors, you start to relax in the friendly and laid back atmosphere. The hotel and spa has sympathetically incorporated the beauty of the surrounding countryside and looks to offer a “natural” experience. Reminders can be seen throughout the hotel from the name of the spa itself, treatment rooms named after trees found in the forest and even wood bound menus in the mouth-watering Courtyard Restaurant. The beauty of visiting this hotel and spa is that you can do as little or as much as you want to. If you’re up for a more active stay you can visit the gym, take classes, swim in the pool or even take advantage of complimentary bike hire to explore the nearby Clumber Park or Sherwood Forest. Alternatively, you can enjoy treatments in the tranquil spa area or while away time poolside, in the outdoor hot tub or in ‘The Den’. However, I’d recommend a combination of activity and relaxation to make the most of your stay. We spent a blissful morning enjoying the spa facilities and then took an afternoon walk round Clumber Park in glorious sunshine while working up an appetite for dinner.
Treatment: Elemis Visible Brilliance Facial, £70 for 1 hour 10 minutes
Since recently turning 30 I’ve started to notice the skin on my face gradually changing and felt this facial would be perfect for injecting a much-needed boost of moisture. The treatment uses specialised micro-circulatory massage techniques, combined with powerful formulations. A two-phase Amino Acid mask helps to smooth, sculpt and restore radiance. My skin was first cleansed and toned, before my face, neck and shoulders were given a lengthy massage. Then my face was exfoliated before a mask was applied. While this was left to harden I was treated to a scalp massage. The mask was then peeled off, before a second, creamy mask was applied and I was given a hand and arm massage. To finish an eye serum was applied. After the treatment I was led to ‘The Den’ to further relax at my leisure on a comfy bed. The facial was extremely relaxing, with me dropping off at least once! My skin looked instantly plumper, smoother and hydrated.
Elemis Deep Tissue Muscle Massage, £60 for 1 hour
While I was enjoying my facial, my partner was relaxing in another treatment room with a deep tissue massage, designed to alleviate stress, ease aching muscles and revive the senses. He was offered a blend of essential oils to target his specific needs and reduce specific stress and tension. He chose ‘Spirit Reviver’ to relax and re-energise his body after a hard week at work and said he felt like a new man afterwards.

 

Tried & Tested: CELLULITE CREAMS (12.06.09)
Dreading stripping off on the beach this summer? We gave cellulite creams, serums, and gels to six testers and asked them to follow the instructions for a month, then report back on the results.

ELEMIS BODY SCULPING LIPO-REFINING SERUM, £40 for 200ml (www.timetospa.co.uk)
What they say: This serum is formulated with a Lipo-Refining trio of marine and plant extracts specifically selected for their effectiveness in helping to minimise the appearance of stubborn, fatty deposits and to reduce the visible signs of cellulite.
The Results: This lightweight beige serum felt lovely and cooling as I applied it to my skin. A little goes a long way - I only needed a 50 pence-sized amount to cover my thighs and bottom, so the generous-sized bottle would last a long time. Using the product was no hassle – the pump applicator makes it very quick, and whilst my skin felt sticky for a little while after application, it was fully absorbed within a few minutes and the areas felt silky soft. After a month of use, the cellulite in those areas is still visible, but I’m convinced that the area looks tighter and smoother – the overall appearance is much better and I’m impressed. There’s still plenty left in the bottle, so I’ll continue using it until my holiday in August.
Best for: Hassle-free application

SISLEY CELLULI-PRO, £99 for 200ml (0207 5916380)
What they say: An exceptional synergy of natural plant extracts and essential oils that acts on two levels: 1- Bitter Orange, Cedar and Butcherbroom encourage the elimination of persistent fatty deposits. 2- Specific Rice Peptides (a Sisley innovation) diminish the accumulation of new fatty deposits by accelerating the use of energy. Use morning and night.
The Results: I suffer from cellulite on the back of my thighs, so was pleased to be given this product to test before my beach holiday. I loved the texture of the cream, which felt like a thick body butter, and the scent of fresh lavender was absolutely delicious. I applied it twice a day, morning and night. It look a little while to fully absorb, so I had to wait around for a few minutes before dressing, but it left my legs feeling richly hydrated. After a month, the results weren’t dramatic, but I did notice the deeper dimples appeared less obvious. Best of all, my skin felt much firmer and smoother. I felt more confident stripping off to my bikini and, despite the high price tag, I will definitely seriously consider restocking when the tube runs out.
Best for: Hydrating skin

CHANEL BODY EXCELLENCE SLIMMING ANTI-CELLULITE GEL, £79 for 150ml (020 7493 3836)
What they say: The first slimming product from Chanel, formulated with Adipofit™ - a unique active ingredient designed to reprogram the body’s slimming system at the very heart of adipose cells.
The Results: This pale-blue gel has a silky, lightweight texture – I only needed a small amount to cover the whole of one thigh, so the bottle would last and last. I loved the fresh fragrance, which reminded me of the sea. It absorbed almost instantly, with absolutely no greasiness, and left my skin feeling very soft. After a month of using this product, carefully following the application instructions inside the box, I am convinced that the cellulite on my thighs and stomach has smoothed. I wasn’t expecting miracles – and you can still see some dimples – but I’m really impressed with the smooth, even-toned appearance of my skin. I’ll definitely continue to use it.
Best for: Smoothing and softening skin

LIERAC PHYTOPHYLINE AMPOULES, £32.50 for 20 x 7.5ml (www.lookfantastic.com)
What they say: Containing ultra-high concentration of retexturizing botanical active ingredients (alchemilla, ivy, horsetail) and drainage-enhancing plant extracts (escin and green tea), this formula helps reduce the appearance of fatty deposits, restore skin elasticity and retexturize the skin.
The Results: I’ve lost weight recently, but still have a lot of cellulite on the back of my thighs and I hate the way the skin appears to sag. This product was a little daunting at first – it consists of 20 tiny vials of liquid, which need to be snapped and poured into a small spray bottle. I couldn’t find any reason for this in the enclosed leaflet, but I assume it’s because the botanic ingredients become active when exposed to the air. Once the solution was in the bottle, the application was surprisingly easy – the spray bottle made it very convenient to reach the back of my thighs and I followed with a quick massage until it had absorbed into the skin. I won’t pretend that the cellulite has magically disappeared after 30 days, but I must confess that the sagging skin definitely appears to have lifted and tightened.

CRYSTAL CLEAR BODY FIRM CELLULITE DEFENCE, £32 for 200ml (www.crystalclear.co.uk)
What they say: Body Firm Complex uses a new draining and infiltration process to actively increase microcirculation which drains swollen tissue and increases skin tone. Centella Asiatica increases metabolic activity and caffeine increases energy inside the fat cells to restructure the skin and reduce cellulite.
The Results: The packaging of this product is white and quite clinical, so I was surprised to see that the gel inside had a pretty pink tint. The gel is very thin and smoothes easily over skin, with a little going a long way. It absorbed within seconds, making application really quick and hassle-free, as I could get dressed straight away. I have cellulite on my stomach, which I find impossible to shift through exercise, and had high hopes for this product. After four weeks, the cellulite was still there, but the area did look and feel much firmer and slimmer. I hadn’t been on a diet, so I can only put this down to using this cream twice daily. I can’t wait to see the results in another month.
Best for: Toning and lifting skin

KORRES BLACK TEA & VERBENA CREAM-GEL AGAINST THE APPEARANCE OF CELLULITE, £27 for 150ml (020 7581 6455)
What they say: Easily-absorbed cream-gel that helps at all stages of the lipogenesis-lipolysis cycle. Caffeine, a well-known lipolytic agent, in combination with Black Tea and Verbena extracts, reduces fat accumulation.
The Results: I’ve got a lot of cellulite on my thighs, which makes me feel very self-conscious - especially when I’m on holiday. I’ve tried all sorts of lotions and potions in the past, but have never noticed a huge difference, so must confess that I didn’t have high hopes for this product! The texture is a light gel, the colour of caramel, and quite a bitter fragrance. It didn’t absorb instantly, which meant I needed to massage the area to work the product in. Whether it was this twice-daily mini-massage or the effectiveness of the cream itself, I’m thrilled to report that it seems to have made a difference – whilst the cellulite hasn’t disappeared completely, the appearance of the deeper dimples has definitely improved after 30 days. As a bonus, the skin looks smoother and far more even-toned.
Best for: Stubborn cellulite

 

Breaking News: TRESEMME LAUNCHES 24-HOUR BODY COLLECTION (12.06.09)
If you want to add some oomph to your locks, but don’t want to run the risk of being mistaken for Cheryl Cole or Brooke Shields on a bad hair day, you’ll want to try TRESemmé’s new body boosting range. More bounce than bouffant, the carefully constructed products help to pump up the volume without weighing hair down, or leaving it feeling like it’s full of product. Bursting with collagen and protein, think of the range as Botox for your barnet – filling in any gaps you might have in your hair follicles and making each strand stronger and smoother, whilst injecting your style with volume and panache. The clever complex even has a humidity barrier so your hair won’t frizz in the heat.
Alongside the 24 Hour Body shampoo and conditioner (loyal TRESemmé fans will be pleased to hear that they come in the infamous super sizes), there are four styling products - all of which can be used alone or together. The Amplifying Mousse is a great starting point and doesn’t leave hair crispy, while the Root Boosting Spray can be used on wet or dry hair and acts as a volume activator. Don’t be afraid to try the Sculpting Spray Gel either – not a traditional hardening gel, it simply helps keep your style’s structure, and when used on wet hair, gives it that effortless beach combed texture. Just be sure to complete the look with a spritz of Finishing Spray; a light hairspray, forget swirling it over the top of your head and instead lift sections of the hair to add extra va va voom.
The TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Collection is available from late June at Boots, Superdrug and supermarkets nationwide. Prices for the range start at £5.28.

Feature: HERE COMES THE SUMMER (12.06.09)
This summer is set to be a scorcher but as we all know, the dangers of excessive sun exposure can’t be underestimated. Fill your shopping basket with products to protect your skin – and follow our tops tips for staying safe in the sun.

THE JARGON

Forget trying to master the local lingo on holiday – start by getting to grips with the words that are scrawled across your trusty bottle of suncream.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and is a numeric scale that measures the level of protection against UVB rays, which cause burning. The number relates to the time it takes to burn with the cream applied, compared to how long it normally takes to burn without protection. For example, if you tend to burn after 15 minutes in the sun, wearing SPF15 will increase the time it takes for you to burn to 3 hours 45 minutes (15 minutes multiplied by SPF15). However, this only works if the cream is applied 100% correctly. Experts recommend using a minimum of SPF15 regardless of skin type and advise a generous application to gain the full effects. Remember to reapply regularly, particularly after swimming or exercise.

Broad Spectrum. Look for a suncream that has Broad Spectrum protection – that is, protection against both UVA and UVB rays. To remember the difference between the two rays, think B for burning (UVB) and A for ageing (UVA). Whilst the majority of rays that reach the Earth’s surface are UVA rays, the SPF rating on a suncream only relates to the protection a product offers against UVB rays – the major cause of burning. The damage caused by UVA rays occurs deep within the skin and is repeatedly highlighted by dermatologists as a leading cause of premature aging.

Free Radical Protection. A primary cause of ageing is damage to cells’ structures due to ‘Free Radicals’ – caused by exposure to a variery of factors, including pollution and strong sunlight. Look out for sun products that contain ‘antioxidants’, which help to counteract these effects. Experts also advise increasing daily intake of antioxidants in the weeks leading up to prolonged sun exposure by eating more vitamin-rich foods such as tomatoes, blueberries and pomegranates.
Non-comedogenic simply means non-pore blocking. It’s worth looking out for this word when choosing suncare products – they help to avoid a heavy build-up of product on your skin, which often leads to breakouts.

PREPARATION

Plan your sun protection like a military operation. Taking time to prepare in the two weeks before sun exposure not only helps to desensitize your skin when you step onto the beach, but also prolongs the tan when you return to home soils.

Whether you are planning on sunbathing or faking it, the first step is exfoliation. The aptly named Beach Prep by Elemental Herbology, £19 (www.spacenk.co.uk) has a thick, balm-like consistency that literally melts into skin – an excellent choice for dry or sensitive skin. The scrub contains grains of sea salt and papaya fruit enzymes to leave skin feeling soft, nourished and delicately fragranced with a delicious citrus scent. For a purse-friendly alternative, check out Hei Poa’s Black Sand Body Scrub, £11 (www.strawberryandcream.com). It might look like black caviar, but it feels incredibly indulgent to use – and smoothing Tahitian black sand over your limbs can’t fail to put you in the holiday mood. Finish with a generous application of the cult product Creme de Corps by Kiehl’s, £23.98 (0207 240 2411) to ensure skin is in optimum condition.

Institute Esthederm’s philosophy is to train skin into boosting its own defences by using advanced scientific technology. Their Sun Intolerance Spray, £42 (www.spacenk.co.uk) is a worthy investment for those with sensitive skin. Used for two weeks before sun exposure, it helps to prepare the skin and build up resistance.

If you thought suncare products only serve to protect the skin, think again. The newest crop of products go beyond that, offering additional benefits including cellulite reduction and toning. Rodial’s Skinny Beach range is one example with their Skinny Beach Sticks, £48 (www.rodial.co.uk) already proving to be the must-have item for summer 2009. The sachets of powder are diluted with water to make a refreshing citrus drink to be taken once or twice daily in the two weeks before sun exposure. Active ingredients, including betacarotene and lycopene, help to build up natural tanning pigments in the skin to increase UV protection levels, whilst green tea extracts and meadowsweet encourage fat combustion and limit the absorption of lipids.

FACE PROTECTION

Our faces are exposed to the sun’s rays year-round and are unsurprisingly often the first place to show signs of damage. Invest in the best facial suncare you can afford and choose a trusted brand that has products tailored to your needs.

Clinique have reformulated and repackaged their suncare range for 2009, with SPF30 Face Cream with Solar Smart, £15 (www.clinique.co.uk) proving particularly impressive. The Solar Smart technology means that the formula comprises UVB protection at a ratio of 3:1 to UVA protection; the level recommended by experts for broad spectrum protection.

Those with sensitive skin would benefit from choosing a mineral-based protection. Dermalogica’s Super Sensitive Face Block SPF30, £30.35 (0800 591 818) features Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide to defend against harmful UVA and UVB rays, along with soothing lavender, green tea and liquorice extracts.

The new Hampton Sun range, exclusively available at Space NK, has been specifically developed with the Sex and The City lifestyle in mind - think cocktails on the beautiful beaches of Eastern Long Island, New York. Groomed New Yorkers wouldn’t dream of taking risks with their skin so follow their lead with SPF15 Super Hydrating Face Cream, £35 (www.spacenk.co.uk).

For a luxurious route to effective lip protection, it’s hard to beat La Prairie’s Cellular Luxe Lip Treatment SPF15, £24 (Counters Nationwide), which leaves lips feeling nourished without any sticky or greasy residue.

The skin around our eyes is the thinnest on our face and liable to be easily damaged. Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Eye Contour Care SPF30, £15.50 (www.clarins.co.uk) is a lightweight cream that has been specially formulated to offer a high level of sun protection to the delicate eye area. Eye cream isn’t the easiest to reapply throughout the day so its important to always carry sunglasses for added protection. When choosing sunglasses, look out for the CE symbol to ensure that the frames conform to the European Sunglasses Safety standard, with 100% UV protection. The trend towards oversized sunglasses is set to continue this year, meaning a fast track to summer glam is effortlessly combined with eye protection. Beat the credit crunch with Fabris Lane’s vintage-inspired Vegas style, £69 (www.houseoffraser.co.uk).

BODY PROTECTION

With less cash in our pockets to splash, we can be thankful that this summer’s tan trend is a light, honeyed glow – as opposed to deep “just returned from the Caribbean” bronze. Slap on a high-factor sun cream to keep your skin protected.

Lancaster introduces Sun Sport for 2009, a range of easy to apply, fast-drying formulas, which are water and sweat resistant and specially targeted at those who are always on the move. Lancaster Sport Express Mist SPF15, £20 (www.houseoffraser.co.uk) is a dry body mist with nourishing Buriti oil from South America, renowned for its antioxidant and tan boosting properties. The spray is packaged in a 360degree can for ease of application.

Those who prefer natural products may have previously struggled to find suitable sun protection, but there is now a wide range of mineral sunscreens available. Chemical formulas work via filters which absorb dangerous UV rays, whereas mineral sunscreens provide a physical barrier to reflect the rays away from the skin. Unlike chemical formulas, which need to be applied 30minutes before sun exposure, mineral sunscreens offer immediate protection upon application and are an idea choice for families.

Origins Sunshine State SPF20, £15.66 (0800 731 4039) is one example of a mineral sunscreen. It is a rich, menthol-fragranced cream, which is surprisingly easily absorbed and leaves no ghostly white residue.

Green People’s SPF15 Organic Formula Suntan Accelerator, £16.30 (www.greenpeople.co.uk) is an award-winning, natural option with tan accelerators to boost tanning by up to 25% - meaning that the time spent in the sun can be reduced. It also contains nourishing edelweiss, green tea and avocado extracts to boost moisture levels and thereby, extend your bronze glow.

AFTER SUN

Burnt skin is never a good look – nor a clever move for your skin. Be inspired by natural ingredients to soothe and quench the thirst of dehydrated post-sun skin.

Aloe Vera has long been renowned for its healing properties. Cleanse skin with Crabtree and Evelyn’s Hydrating Body Wash, £12 (www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk) before slathering on a generous layer of Dr. Organic Aloe Vera Gel, £7.49 (0870 606 6605), which is best kept in the fridge for an extra-cooling sensation.

Korres Yoghurt Cooling Gel, £15 (0207 581 6455) contains real, edible yoghurt and is inspired by Greek traditions, as founder Lena Korres explains, “Exposure to the sun is associated with dehydrated, stressed skin. The restoration process involves intense hydration. Yoghurt, a natural source of lactose, proteins, minerals and vitamins increases the water content of the top layers of the skin relieving UV-induced redness (erythema) and sensation of burning instantly. The whole idea started from our Greek tradition of putting yoghurt onto the skin to cool and soothe it when we have sunburn... one of my absolute favourites!”
Finally, don’t be afraid to continue to exfoliate regularly once you have a tan to keep it looking fresh.

THE ALTERNATIVE
Our British weather by no means guarantees sun-filled summer days but whatever you do, don’t give in to the temptation of a sun bed. The easiest and safest route to bronzed skin is to fake it. Now is the time to banish any preconceptions about fake tan. Formulations have improved dramatically and the days of tango orange, streaky tans are long gone.
Fake Bake’s Original 3 Step Programme, from £24.95 (www.fakebake.co.uk) is trusted by celebrities including Jemima Khan and gives impressively natural-looking coverage The fake tan formula combines naturally derived DHA and Erythulose, which work with your skin’s natural pigment to develop into a believable tan. For optimum results, use with Fake Bake Passion Fruit Body Polish and Skin Smoothie Oil.
If you prefer spray formulas, Bliss A Tan for All Seasons, £26 (www.blisslondon.co.uk) should be top of your shopping list. The spray needs to be rubbed into skin for an even tan and is best applied in a shower cubicle to avoid covering the bathroom! Don’t be alarmed by the initial maroon colour – it dries quickly and develops into an incredibly natural-looking tan within a couple of hours.
Still scared? Put yourself at the hands of the professionals with a salon tan. Spray tans are ideal for those in a hurry or why not indulge in some pre-holiday pampering with the Guinot Auto Bronzant treatment at Daniel Hersheson, £75 for 1hour 15 minutes (0207 2018797), which begins with a vigorous full body exfoliation. The therapist then gently massages the fake tan into skin and once dry, applies an additional layer to areas that naturally catch the sun, creating a flattering contoured effect.

Want to add a glow to your complexion? Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Self Tan Lotion for Face (£19.57 at www.esteelauder.co.uk) is a fantastic option for those with naturally clear skin, allowing you to forgo heavy makeup on humid days, whereas Benefit’s Talk to the Tan £19.25 (www.asos.com) is a good introduction for first-timers. It’s a facial tint, which can easily be washed off or layered depending on skin tone. Finish with a light dusting of Lancôme’s Tropique Minerals Bronzing Pressed Powder Compact, £32 (www.lancome.co.uk) to highlight the cheekbones.

Alternatively, porcelain skinned beauties such as Anne Hathaway and Nicole Kidman have demonstrated how elegant the pale & interesting look can be. Embrace your alabaster complexion and check out Nicola Robert’s Dainty Doll makeup range, created specially for those with fair skin, from £6 (www.asos.com).

 

Spas & Treatments: LUSH SYNAESTHESIA (12.06.09)
Tested by Louise Emma Clarke
What it promises: You may not have stepped into a LUSH store before, but we bet that you’ve smelt it – that familiar soapy waft as you stroll past on the high street. Now there’s even more reason to walk through those doors, as LUSH has created a spa in its Kings Road store (with plans to expand nationwide). Their signature treatment – the only service on offer at present – is a full body massage called Synaesthesia. The multi-sensory massage is inspired by cognitive synaesthesia – what happens when our minds join different sensations, based on our experiences.
What happens: Arriving at the store on London’s King Road, I was met by a smiling therapist and lead downstairs to what is best described as a twee country kitchen – a huge wooden table and chairs, with Alice in Wonderland-esque glass bottles lining every surface, and a kitchen sink in the corner. After a quick chat, my therapist handed me a clipboard with a long list of words attached, and asked me to pick the word that most appealed. Feeling a little frazzled after a long day on my feet, I plumped for the word ‘ENERGY’. I was then handed a mini chalkboard and asked to write the word in large letters – this was later hung in the treatment room. My therapist explained that by choosing this particular word, I had determined what essential oils would be used in the treatment – in my case, a zingy citrus blend to boost energy levels. Finally, I was asked to pick a bottle from those lined up on a shelf. Each had a label tied around its neck and I chose the word ‘STRENGTH’ – again, relating to my exhausted state of mind. Entering the treatment room, I handed the bottle to the therapist and she poured a little of the oil blend inside into several burners around the bed. Dry ice was then added to the burners, which created a scented-haze around the room. The music – composed by Simon Emmerson specially for the treatment – began to play and I felt myself relax under the therapist’s expert touch. I drifted off several times during the treatment – it was simply too relaxing to stay awake – but as the massage neared its conclusion I started to feel incredibly refreshed and invigorated. A cup of energising herbal tea completed the experience.
Results: This massage is truly unique – and believe me, it’s worth every single penny of the £125 price tag. I felt at ease from the moment I stepped into the LUSH kitchen – it was as though I was in the company of friends – and just when I thought they couldn’t possibly think of anything else, another little quirk came along to impress me further. The massage itself was one of the best I have experienced. Afterwards, my muscles felt relaxed, yet my mind felt awake and alert. I’m already planning my next visit – I’m determined to try every one of those different words and bottles!
Price: £125 for 90 minutes
Location: LUSH Spa, 123 King’s Road, London SW3 4PL. 0207 3499648. www.lush.co.uk

 

Blog: OUR GROOMING EDITOR - JAMES YORK – GETS HIS FIRST TASTE OF MALE PAMPERING AND, IN DOING SO, DISCOVERS THE PERFECT GIFT IDEA FOR ‘FATHERS DAY’ (12.06.09)
Father’s day is a chance to give something a little bit different. To sample some gift options, I wanted to hit my comfort zone hard and explore the alien concept of “pampering” that I constantly see being pitched to ladies. It may sound idiotically macho, but I am not in the business of wanting to be pampered. I was therefore suitably cynical about the merits of giving this as a gift to an even more cynical Father, untested.
I took a couple of treatments at each end of the scale to get a good lie of the land, wincing slightly as my facial was confirmed.
I will confess that I thought I would hate it, but a real man admits when he has been wrong. If I had known exactly what this mystic art entailed, I would have been running with it ages ago on a fairly regular basis.
Women clearly knew this pampering malarkey was totally rock and roll, yet rather than share it with us men-folk; it was perhaps purposefully given a name that makes the average ale drinker likely to avoid it. It’s a conspiracy I tell you!
I think at one point during the first treatment, I had a day dream that I was a pharaoh and that somehow this fragrant attention was a reward for all the noble and sage decisions I had made that week.
Fathers young and old should be nudged from their comfort zones too and handsomely honoured with either of these laid-back, top draw face experiences, fit for a king. They have special occasion written all over them and who knows, he might make it a bit more of a routine…
LA PRAIRIE SWISS CELLULAR MEN’S FACIAL, GLOW URBAN SPA, KNIGHTSBRIDGE LONDON (www.glowurbanspa.co.uk)
RESULT - 4 stars
Glow Urban Spa is one of only two independent spas to offer this treatment, which helps to re-awaken male skin and help to maintain a youthful, fresh face. It’s located on a pretty cool street cornered by an iconic ‘Louboutin’ ladies shoe store and packed with interesting luxury retailers.
Not really knowing what to expect on my facial debut, I wanted to focus on the experience rather than the products and science behind it all. I am, after all, still a relative spring chicken in the facial ageing stakes. I was greeted by Becky, the lady with the daunting task of ushering in a new era of manliness for me.
She had a peaceful tone of voice and neatly explained the order of play, which put me at ease. The experience proceeded with a face and neck massage, a deep cleanse, exfoliation (a scrub, to you and me) and then the exclusive three minute La Prairie face peel, with an arm and hand massage to boot.
To give your face kudos, you do not need all your clothes, so I stripped down to my boxers and lay on the treatment table under the towel as instructed. Becky returned a couple minutes later and in the presence of some chilled yoga music, began changing my mind about pampering.
Head, shoulder, arm and hand massages are just brilliant – I drifted off whilst my scalp (maybe take some extra hair product) and upper body was given some welcome and very professional TLC with an assortment of different products. Whilst the main treatment was working its magic, my arms and hands had their rub down. It is safe to say, I think I would go again for that alone.
Throughout the session my face either tingled or felt soothed, depending on what stage of the treatment we were on. I should have been making mental notes for the review, so it is a testament to the fact this treatment chilled me out so much, that I totally neglected to keep my brain switched on for herb extract snippets and product plus points.
The treatments all felt great and I could really feel the big show treatment having an effect. Once removed my face felt brand new and that lasted well into the next day. Although a polite warning should be heeded, it is fairly intense, so any participant would be advised not to shave on the day of treatment and to avoid the gym until the day after. The skin needs time to adapt to its new state.
Having never had one of these before, I think it’s difficult to give it perfect points. All in all, the vibe was great and the location is great if parents or husband/wife went into London together, as she can shop whilst he grooms. The treatment itself achieved what it said it would; younger feeling skin with total relaxation.
I like it when that happens and so would any Father, trust me.

THE REFINERY SHAVING EXPERIENCE, £60 for 45-60 MINUTES, THE REFINERY AT HARRODS, LONDON (www.the-refinery.com)
RESULT – 5 STARS
Stick a word related to shave into the sentence and all of a sudden, the fact it includes a facial can be ignored. This was essentially a pamper session, but the addition of a cut throat razor meant I was well within my macho criteria, so I took along a challenging four day beard to test it well.
It was a worthwhile hour-long shave experience undertaken by Rafik, the brilliantly friendly Algerian shaving expert. He begins by giving my face the once over with own brand face wash, scrub and massage shaving oil.
Each product presented a brilliant bouquet of manly smells. Lemongrass, Palmarosa (which is a woody nose), Jojoba and Cedarwood all get a showing. I am enjoying it all in the ambience of a room decked out simply, but coolly, with black marble walls and high back leather barber chairs.
Rafik is effectively talking me through the process, he is happy to share the tips of the experience, which really adds value. After all, shaving is a big part of my weekly routine. Note that I recollect this a lot more, because I was not in a trance this time.
The hot towels open the pores; he then cleans them out and removes the gunk that invariably clogs your face when you live in the big smoke. The shaving oil and face massage raise the hairs so that the razor is unstoppable when he begins on the shave.
We have some great football banter through which I learn that England Captain, John Terry, is also a fan of the experience and has dropped by in the past while his other half shopped. A good endorsement if ever there was one (cue rugby players chuckling).
The massaging of my face is for obvious reasons, a different style to Becky’s at Glow- but I would feel a bit weird if Rafik had tried to chill me out too much. Becky wanted to ensure I was relaxed and in a great frame of mind, whereas Rafik has practicality in mind. It helps him give me a great shave.
His blade work is awesome; I don’t even feel it as he whips off the trickier throat hair, lightly pinching the face in places to make a taut surface. The shaving is done in a couple applications of gel cream, which has clove and peppermint extracts and keeps up the good smells.
After the shave, I am a little surprised by the amount of after shave balm he puts on. It’s literally a full coating, not the small amount I usually run with. I am going to follow this as its logical and helped hugely; it contains witch hazel, which keeps the irritations and blemishes at bay.
Next it’s on with the moisturising product, rich in Shea butter and lavender, and then we then polish things off with an awesome kaolin clay based face-mask. I feel like a terracotta soldier as he tells me the mask is white hot at helping with a hangover, whilst he adds a brace of eye moisturiser patches.
I can see that this would be a brilliant gift for any Father, as it’s based in an amazing institution of shopping, it can be the time filler. It is ultimately manly and gives you loads of knowledge to take away, making the shaving ritual more enjoyable.
I finally accept the concept of pampering, but maintain that the re-branding towards kudos and lordly reward is more appropriate.
Each treatment leans either towards the masculine side or the feminine side. If you are going to treat him and want to play it safe this fathers day, I would recommend the shave of shaves, but you equally cannot go wrong with a little bit of yoga trance.

 

Tried & Tested: Fruity Body Scrubs (05.06.09)
Whip your skin into tip-top condition for the summer, with a fruity body scrub. We’ve tested six of the best…

ORIGINS GLOOMAWAY GRAPEFRUIT BODY-BUFFING CLEANSER, £16.15, 0800 731 4039 (www.origins.co.uk)
What they say: In addition to cleansers derived from Palm and Coconut, this multi-purpose exfoliating cleanser also grinds away grime with Crushed Apricot Seeds. Skin emerges soft, smooth, and sweetly scented. Essential oils also included are grapefruit, field mint and sweet orange.
The Results: As soon as I lifted the lid of the pot, I was hit by the most delicious scent. I used the scrub in the shower one morning and instantly felt more awake and positive for the day ahead. The fragrance of coconut and apricot is very refreshing - I felt like I was on holiday! I found the scrub gentle enough to use every day in the shower – it sloughed away dead skin and left my body feeling ultra-smooth and soft. The only downside was it wasn’t quite tough enough to tackle harder areas like my knees and elbows – but for daily use, a rougher scrub would be too harsh anyway. I’d recommend it.
Best for: Daily Use

LIZ EARLE ENERGISING BODY SCRUB, £12.25, 01983 813913 (http://uk.lizearle.com)
What they say: This energising scrub combines specially selected ground olive stones, jojoba beads and nourishing natural source Vitamin E with Damask Rose Water and nine pure essential oils to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells leaving skin feeling super-clean, purified and ultra smooth. The energising blend of geranium, eucalyptus and rosemary stimulates circulation, whilst patchouli and peppermint tone and balance the skin.
The Results: I like the packaging of this scrub - you can easily squeeze it out of the tube without using too much or getting messy. The exfoliating beads removed all the dry skin on my thighs and, with weekly use, I started to notice an improvement in the cellulite in those areas. The best bit for me was the fruity and minty smell – it was refreshing, invigorating, and woke me up within seconds. It did leave my skin feeling ever so slightly dry, but this was quickly remedied with some moisturiser. I also love that this product is so affordable – a little goes a long way, so it works out as great value for money.
Best for: Value for money

L’OCCITANE RUBAN D’ORANGE SOFT SKIN SCRUB, £25 (http://uk.loccitane.com)
What they say: This body scrub gently exfoliates the skin thanks to its blend of sugar crystals. It is rich in nourishing and softening sweet almond oil and apricot oil, providing comfort and suppleness. The skin is soft and perfumed with the fresh and invigorating fragrance of citrus fruits.
The Results: This pot comes with a wooden spoon for you to stir the sugar, oil and exfoliation beads together before you use it. The zingy fragrance of oranges is intoxicating, while the apricot and almond oils tone it down so it doesn’t overpower. I have sensitive skin and was impressed with how gentle the scrub was, but it’s perhaps not suited to those who want a more intensive scrub for rough areas. The soft sugar crystals did a great job of smoothing, whilst the oils soothed my skin afterwards. I used it once a week and noticed my skin was softer after just the first use.
Best for: Sensitive skin

ELEMIS EXOTIC LIME AND GINGER SALT GLOW, £35, 01278 727830; TIMEOTOSPA.CO.UK
What they say: An invigorating body scrub, offering the ultimate gentle exfoliating treat! An array of exotic ingredients like Kukui Oil, Japanese Camellia Oil and Jojoba oil leaves skin silky smooth and positively glowing with health and radiance.
The Results: This is a luxurious product and it was a real treat to use. The packaging looks great – it’s definitely the most stylish pot on my bathroom shelf! I adored the tropical, fruity fragrance and couldn’t wait to jump in the shower and start testing it! It’s a very thick, salt-based exfoliator, which smoothes even the roughest areas of skin. I’d recommend using small amounts at first, as a large handful could be a little too harsh for more sensitive skins. As soon I washed it off in the shower, I could feel the essential oils start to work and my skin was left feeling soft, smooth and supple. I felt fantastic all day!
Best for: Smoothing the roughest skin

CAUDALIE CRUSHED CABERNET SCRUB, £21 (www.caudalie.com)
What they say: The natural formula of crushed grape-seeds blended with brown sugar, pure Gironde honey, and six organic essential oils with draining and anti-cellulite skin properties leaves your skin ultra soft and nourished.
The Results: The first thing I noticed about this product was the fantastic grape smell – it’s really delicious. And as soon as I started exfoliating, I could feel a difference. The exfoliation beads aren’t hard enough to scratch, but they do a great job of softening skin. I used it on my stomach, thighs and bottom twice a week for a fortnight and as promised, the essential oils and natural ingredients have started to smooth and improve areas with cellulite. I’ve already recommended this to friends – it’s now a staple part of my beauty routine.
Best for: Smoothing cellulite

THE BODY SHOP PAPAYA BODY SCRUB, £12.20 (www.thebodyshop.co.uk)
What they say: A moisturising, cream-based scrub that helps remove dead skin cells and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth. Features papaya seed oil that moisturises the skin and kiwi seeds to exfoliate.
The Results: I’ve been a fan of the Body Shop for years – their no-nonsense products are affordable and great quality and this cream-based scrub didn’t disappoint. Papaya is a fantastic moisturiser and this scrub proves it - it’s cream-based and I felt like I was rubbing cocoa butter into my skin. Used once a week the gentle kiwi seed exfoliation beads removed all the dead skin from my elbows, arms and legs – and even my heels - leaving my skin glowing. After I’d washed it off my skin was soft and the fresh fruity smell stayed with me all day.
Best for: Moisturising skin

Blog: LUCY WYNDHAM-READ AT LWR FITNESS SHOWS US FOUR WAYS TO GET RID OF CELLULITE BEFORE WE STRIP TO OUR BIKINIS (05.06.09)
As a fitness consultant for women, I hear this all the time “how can I get rid of my cellulite”
Having helped hundreds of women shift those extra pounds, I have found the only way to shift this stubborn fat cell is by combining activity, nutrition, water and body brushing. So to get your thighs, hips and bottom super-smooth and free from orange peel, just make a few small changes and watch it melt away.
1. Twice a week: focus on Body Brushing is a great way to reduce cellulite. You’ll need a natural-bristle brush. Standing in bathtub (to catch the falling skin), brush the dry skin all over your body, starting with the fingertips and arms and working inward toward the torso. Next, brush your legs and move upward toward the torso. The more often you do this treatment, the less sensitive your skin will become. Once or twice a day is recommended
2. Three times a week: focus on exercise. It burns away the access fat that has contributed to your cellulite problem, and it also firms and tones the area helping your skin regain its elasticity. I provide all my online clients at www.lwrfitness.com with an easy to follow home circuits via a video , this is a great way to get a good workout done at home, not only will this help shift fat but also help to increase the amount of calories you burn daily.
3. Everyday: focus on good nutrition, avoid foods high in salt and refined carbohydrates such as white flour, bread and rice. Eat plenty of fibre and wholegrain foods. Fibre is essential for helping eliminate waste products. Try to eat natural food - this means lots of nuts, seeds, fruit and vegetables and avoids foods with lots of colourings, preservatives and additives.
4. Everyday: drink plenty of water to flush out the toxins stored in fat tissue. It is best to drink six to eight glasses of water daily to help fight cellulite. Avoid becoming dehydrated - once you start to feel thirsty your body is already short of fluids so don't leave it till then to fill up your glass. Also avoid excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol.
To have your own personal Beat the Cellulite Diet and Fitness plan please visit www.lwrfitness.com

Treatment Review: BeauBronz Spray Tan (05.06.09)
What it promises: A natural-looking tan from paraben-free products. Created by tanning expert Abigail Oleck using her own range of self-tanners - Beau Bronz - the tan can be customised to suit your skin tone and your taste, so whether you want a golden Hollywood glow or just an underlying hint of colour, the results will always be to your liking.
What happens: Carried out at the flashy Intercontinental Spa on Park Lane, it’s no wonder that celebrities and socialites feel comfortable topping up their tan here, after all, a quick half-hour spritz is all it takes before you’re looking like you’ve just stepped off your private jet. Alternatively, arrive on foot, via bus or a la tube and you’ll still be treated like a star. Performed whilst standing in a pop-up booth (for those who have ever been camping, picture an empty toilet tent), the spray tans can be executed in any of the treatment rooms, so if you come back more than once, don’t expect to be ushered into the same space. Once inside the seclusion of a room, it’s your job to strip off into a pair of paper pants while the therapist mixes your bespoke shade of bronze. According to the spa, ‘Bronz Forever’ which has a versatile caramely-pink tone is always a hit with clients, but whether you want to pick a ready-made shade, or seek some advice to find one that fits the bill better, the choice is yours. As with any spray tan, the usual turning feet outwards then inwards, lifting arms to the front then side, and turning clockwise then anti-clockwise is expected, but make sure you don’t keep your therapist talking too much like I almost did – if they get carried away and forget which side they sprayed first, you might end up with a ‘Ross from Friends’ disaster. Once the tan is on, you’re left to your own devices while it dries (up to ten minutes), and then you can re-dress before heading back out into the spa’s main reception area. The advice given is not to shower, swim or sweat until the next day, and because the tan can cling to your body hair in droplets, it’s not always a great look to go out immediately afterwards.
Results: You can’t judge a book by its cover and you can’t judge a spray tan until you’ve showered, so always reserve judgement until you’ve cleaned off that initial colour the morning after. I was impressed with my all-over glow which I felt was natural enough not to be commented on, but obvious enough for me to notice. My only concern was my feet – a troublesome area in the realm of fake tans, even after a good exfoliating scrub, sandals would have been out of the question the day following my tannins session. Luckily, after another shower and scrub the subsequent day, my feet mellowed to the same colour as the rest of my body and impressively the tan lasted for almost ten days – longer than some real tans I’ve had!
Price: £45 for 30 minutesLocation: Spa Intercontinental at InterContinental London Park Land, First Floor, One Hamilton Place, Park Lane, London, W1J 7QY. 020 7318 8691. www.spaintercontinental.com / www.beaubronz.co.uk

Breaking News: UK BEAUTY AWARD WINNERS ARE ANNOUNCED (05.06.09)
The-Beauty-Pages.com travelled to London’s Excel Centre to attend Clothes Show Live last Friday, eager to hear the winners of the first ever UK Beauty Awards announced. With George Lamb and Erin O’Connor presenting, the first public appearance of Katie Price since her split with Peter Andre, and a high-energy catwalk show following, it was a platform every beauty brand wanted to be involved in.
The winners were:
Best New Beauty Product of the Year
Gold Award– Garnier Nutritionist Caffeine Eye Roll, £6.78 (www.boots.com)
Silver Award – Olay Regenerist 3 Point Treatment Cream, £22.35 (www.boots.com)
Best New Skincare Product of the Year
Gold Award – L’Occitane Brightening Smoothing Exfoliator, £22 (http://uk.loccitane.com)
Silver Award - Marks & Spencer Formula Instant Fix Midnight Beauty Cream, £15 (www.marksandspencer.com)
Best New Fragrance of the Year
Gold Award – Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau de Toilette, £42.09 (www.debenhams.com)
Silver Award – Berkeley Square Natural Couture Bergamot Eau de Toilette, £20 (www.bsquare.co.uk)
Best Celebrity Fragrance of the Year
Gold Award – Kylie Minogue Sexy Darling Eau de Toilette, £17.05 (www.boots.com)
Silver Award – SJP Covet Pure Bloom Eau de Parfum, £30 (www.boots.com)
Classic Fragrance of the Year
Gold Award – Calvin Klein Eternity Eau de Parfum, £41.11 (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)
Silver Award – Agent Provocateur Parfum, £46 (www.agentprovocateur.com)
The Organic Beauty Award
Gold Award – Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense Hydrating Cream, £20 (www.nealsyardremedies.com)
Silver Award – Essential Care Organic Superfruit Concentrate, £26 (www.essential-care.co.uk)
Best New Bodycare Product
Gold Award – Korres Jasmine Body Butter, £11.50 (www.lookfantastic.com)
Silver Award – Decleor Bust Beautifying Toning Gel, £27.20 (www.feelunique.com)
Best New Cosmetic Product of the Year
Gold Award – Max Factor False Lash Effect Mascara, £7.99 (www.boots.com)
Silver Award – Benefit Posietint, £22.50 (www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk)
Best New Hair Product of the Year
Gold Award – Aussie Frizz Miracle Conditioner, £3.49 (www.boots.com)
Silver – TIGI Catwalk Headshot Intense Reconstructive Conditioner, £9.45 (www.bathandunwind.com)
Classic Beauty Product of the Year
Gold Award – Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat, £23 (www.boots.com)
Silver Award – Weleda Skin Food for Dry and Rough Skin, £6.95 (www.weleda.co.uk)

Feature: SUMMER SCENTS (05.06.09)
Searching for the perfect summer scent?
We’ve spritzed, sprayed and sniffed hundreds of bottles to bring you the ultimate guide to this season’s most desirable fragrances.

ROMANTIC
When to wear them: Romantic dates, weekends away, and days when you’re self-esteem needs a boost. Make the scent last long into the night by spraying a tempting mist over clothes and hair.
What to wear with them: Take inspiration from Armani’s Spring/Summer show – floating silks and chiffons in the softest pastel shades, with the most delicate floral prints. Keep hair loose and flowing – and dust décolletage and shoulders with a subtle shimmer.
The Scents:
Chloé Eau de Toilette, £50 for 50ml (Counters Nationwide): The lady that wears this fragrance is ultra-feminine, with a keen eye for style. The pretty ribbon-tied bottle promises a scent that is pretty, romantic, and irresistible – and you won’t be at all disappointed. The fragrance is best described as ‘bottled rose petals’ and quickly dries to a soft, sparkling fragrance on the skin. Notes of fresh iris mix with the floral notes to create an impossibly romantic, subtle, yet sparkling perfume.
Elizabeth Arden Pretty Eau de Parfum Spray, £26 for 50ml (Counters Nationwide): The bottle is simple enough – pale pink, with a rose-coloured flower embossed on the lid – but the perfume cleverly combines nature’s prettiest and most irresistible scents. Top notes of Mandarin, Orange Blossom and Peach Nectar, floral middle-notes of Star Jasmine, Pink Iris, and White Peony, and musky bottom notes of Jacaranda Wood and Creamy Amber.
DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom Eau de Parfum Spray, £37.19 for 50ml (www.boots.com): At first, this scent has the fresh, fruity, punchy scent of sparkling grapefruit and sun kissed grapefruit – but as it dries on the skin, sensual notes of rose, muguet and jasmine begin to appear. It’s a sweet fragrance and perfectly suited to balmy, summer evenings.

FLORAL
When to wear them: Garden parties, summer picnics, days when you feel feminine, flirty, and summery.
What to wear with them: Tea dresses, of course! Luella sent a plethora of ultra-girly floral dresses down the catwalk for Spring/Summer 09 with fine, uber-colourful prints. Paint your lips in pillar-box red and pull your hair in a loose, effortless up-do.
The Scents:
Miller Harris Coeur de Fleur Eau de Toilette, £39 for 50ml (www.millerharris.com): Miller Harris’ fragrances are both classic and very, very pretty. This sparkling fragrance has a base of Iris, Amber and Madagascan Vanilla, which supports a heart of Sweet Pea, Mimosa, Jasmine, Raspberry and Peach. Close your eyes and you’ll be instantly transported to a blossoming country garden – with a glass of champagne in your hand, of course.
Jo Malone White Jasmine and Mint Cologne, £61 for 100ml (www.jomalone.co.uk). The simple, yet effortlessly stylish, bottle contains an effervescent fragrance that combines elegant floral notes of Jasmine, Lily, Orange Flower and Rose with refreshing, uplifting, and quite surprising notes of Wild Mint. The result is a scent that is summery, unique, and very playful.
B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful Keep It Fluffy, £13.70 for 9g (www.bnevertoobusytobebeautiful.com): Your search for the perfect summer fragrance shouldn’t be confined to the perfume halls of the department stores… Walk into the sparkling, ultra-feminine world of B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful to find an array of fragrances designed by some of the UK’s most talented perfumers, such as the deliciously-girly Keep It Fluffy. The atomiser has a ditsy floral print, which just about says it all. Vanilla, Rose, and warm, creamy musks are blended to create a fabulously-floral fragrance.

EXOTIC
When to wear them: Balmy nights on holiday and days in the UK when you are yearning for exotic shores. Keep the bottle on your dressing table and remove the lid whenever you want to feel a flood of nostalgia.
What to wear with them: Mirror bright blue skies and turquoise waters in this summer’s hottest hue: Aquamarine. Gucci did it best, with flowing maxi-dresses in the brightest blues. Spray hair with shine spray and wear it natural and loose.
The Scents:
Michael Kors Island Bermuda, £41.11 for 50ml (Counters Nationwide): Michael Kor’s latest summer fragrance, Bermuda, comes in a sunset-pink bottle, with notes of Freesia, Hibiscus, Orange Blossom, Passion Lower, Driftwood, and Cedar. Lucky enough to find yourself on a beach in Bermuda at sunset? This is what you would smell – a warm ocean breeze, filled with the scent of exotic flowers and sweet, ripe exotic fruit.
Bobbi Brown Beach, £34.26 for 50ml (www.bobbibrown.co.uk): Spray this deliciously-light scent onto pulse-points and feel your mood instantly lighten. With notes of Sand Jasmine, Sea Spray, and Mandarin, it conjures up memories of laid-back holidays on the beach. It’s a subtle scent, but really quite addictive – you’ll soon find yourself smuggling it into your work bag for secret squirts throughout the day.
The Body Shop White Musk: White Hot Summer Eau de Toilette, £9.75 for 30ml (www.thebodyshop.co.uk): The yellow, orange, and pink-hued bottle is reminiscent of a sunset on a warm summer evening – and the deep, warm scent within is equally impressive. The signature White Musk fragrance is blended with sparkling fruity notes to create a lighter, brighter, and warmer scent for summer.

FRESH
When to wear them: The warmest summer days, when you want to feel instantly refreshed and uplifted – and times when energy levels have slumped dangerously low.
What to wear with them: Flirt with your energetic side in a pair of ultra-short shorts. Cacharel teamed them with bright floral tops at their Spring/Summer 09 show, where as the models at Marc Jacobs wore them with crisp white cotton tops and bright cardigans. Pull hair into a loose pony and keep makeup fresh.
The Scents:
Marc Jacobs Cucumber Splash Eau de Toilette, 300ml (Counters Nationwide): With such a large, chunky bottle, you could be forgiven for thinking that this Eau de Toilette is watered down. Not so – it might be light fresh enough to spritz generously over body, clothes and hair, but the scent is impressively long lasting. There are few things more refreshing than this addictive blend of watery cucumber accord, lotus leaf, cactus flower, blue tiger lilies, freesia, frosted musk and blonde woods.
Missoni Acqua, £29.36 for 30ml (0870 034 2566): The pale blue liquid in this round slanted bottle is instantly reminiscent of the clear, blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea. One sniff and you’ll be transported to the sun-baked streets and shores of an Italian village – juicy fruits sat on a market stall, the fresh sea breeze, and luscious flowers. The scent is uplifting, refreshing, and really quite beautiful. Spray it generously.
Space NK Laughter Solid Perfume, £27.40 for 4.4g (www.spacenk.co.uk): Beauty journalists have described Space NK’s fragrance Laughter as “Prozac in a bottle’ – and they aren’t wrong. One sniff of this invigorating fragrance and a smile quickly creeps over your face. This solid compact might not be a bottle, but the scent loses none of its fresh, sherbetty zing. Citrus notes of bergamot, grapefruit and lime are blended with summery juniper berry, angelica root, rosemary, fennel and coriander. We warn you – it’s addictive.

SOPHISTICATED
When to wear them: Days at work, important interviews, summer weddings, and times when you want to be taken seriously.
What to wear with them: Cinched-in waists were big on the catwalk for Spring/Summer 09, featuring at Lanvin, Celine, Temperley, and Chloe. Cinch a shift dress with a thick belt at your wait – not your hips – and keep your makeup and hair looking polished and slick.
The Scents:
Jo Malone Dark Amber & Ginger Lily Cologne, £61 for 100ml (www.jomalone.co.uk): The stylish black bottle might not suggest this scent is suited to the summer months, but lift the lid and you’ll quickly realise why this scent is the jewel in the crown of Jo Malone’s new Kohdo Wood Collection. The musky blend of spicy Dark Amber and sensual Ginger Lily is unique, but surprisingly light and feminine. Wear it and be prepared to hear the words, “What is that stunning perfume?” as you brush past.
Chanel Beige Eau de Toilette, £160 for 200ml (020 7493 3836). This beautiful fragrance launches in the UK in July, but it’s worth adding to your wish list pronto. The perfume is inspired by Coco Chanel’s love of the colour beige, which she believed evoked elegance and grace. Spray it onto wrists and you’ll immediately detect notes of Lily, Ylang Ylang, Jasmine, and Honey – but as it dries on the skin, it has a powdery musky trail. It’s a grown-up scent, but one that still manages to be ultra-feminine, exceptionally pretty, and perfectly suited to summer.
Miller Harris Geranium Bourbon Fragrance Balm, £34 for 5g (www.millerharris.com): The great thing about a solid fragrance – apart from the fact it has impressive staying power – is that it fits into the tiniest clutch bag and takes up very little space in the depths of your work bag. Better still, this complex blend of Cassis Berries, Lemon Geranium, and Turkish Rose will add a touch of sophistication whenever you smooth the buttery texture over pulse-points.

FRUITY
When to wear them: These fun, fruity fragrances are perfect for wearing when you want to let your hair down and have some fun. Spray generously onto wrists at the weekend to instantly lift spirits.
What to wear with them: Casual doesn’t need to mean frumpy. Playsuits are a big trend for Spring/Summer 09 – from the chic nude hues at Armani, to the bright one-shouldered designs at Marc Jacobs. Team them with flats, nude makeup, and loose, natural hair.
The Scents:
Eau de Sisley 3, £90 for 100ml (0207 591 6380): Of the three new Sisley fragrances (1, 2 and 3), this is the one that stands out for the warmest summer days. It’s a fun, fruity fragrance, with surprising exotic notes that make it both sparkling and addictive. Fruity notes of Bergamot, Tangerine, Grapefruit, and Tangy Lemon are blended with a heart of Purple Ginger, Chinese Osmanthus Flower, Peach and Apricot, and base notes of Patchouli, Vetiver, Vanilla, and Musk. If you aren’t already smiling, this scent will definitely lift spirits.
Burberry Summer, £29 for 50ml (Available Nationwide): At first sniff, this fragrance is sweet and fruity – much like a bowl of ripe berries – but after spritzing the stylish bottle over skin, notes of Freesia and Water Jasmine give it a refreshing summery kick. It’s the perfect way to combine high-fashion with fun.
Calvin Klein CK One Summer, £27.50 for 100ml (Counters Nationwide): The bright blue and yellow bottle hints that this fragrance is bright and energetic – and it isn’t wrong. Reserve this perfume for the hottest summer days – it’s literally bursting with energetic zesty citrus notes, combined with cooling notes of blue mint and cucumber. Pull off the lid in months to come and you’re guaranteed to feel the sun beating down on your back.