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Tried & Tested: NEW AUTUMN/WINTER FRAGRANCES (25.09.09)
The shelves are awash with new fragrance launches for the new season. We’ve tried six of the newcomers…

JO MALONE VANILLA & ANISE COLOGNE, £64 for 100ml (www.jomalone.co.uk)
What they say: Vanilla & Anise transports you to the floral valleys of Madagascar and captures the extraordinary, fleeting moment when the rare vanilla orchid blossoms at day break. Blending the delicate scent of this rare orchid with the spicy accent of anise and the warmth of vetiver, amber and clove, creates an unexpected, modern story of vanilla.
The Results: I was pleasantly surprised when I sniffed this fragrance - it was very different to the synthetic vanilla scent I was expecting. This cologne is floral and very pretty – I can detect the vanilla, but it is cleverly blended with sophisticated, floral notes. I think it is best suited to daywear and has great staying power – I applied two squirts before work and I could still smell it when I sniffed my wrists at lunchtime. I’ve tried Jo Malone’s fragrances before and have always been a big fan, but this is the best I’ve smelt yet. I’ve become a bit addicted to applying it and think it’ll be very uplifting for the autumn and winter months ahead.
Best for: Floral fans

 

A SCENT BY ISSEY MIYAKE, from £29.50 (DEPARTMENT STORES NATIONWIDE)
What they say: "A scent by Issey Miyake" encapsulates the essence of a fragrance "a scent as simple and beautiful as the air we breathe" merging technological innovation with nature’s poetry.
What we say: This is a lively, refreshing fragrance, containing notes of Hyacinth, Galbanum, Verbena, and Jasmine. Initially I felt it was better suited to summer, but a few minutes after spraying the scent onto my skin I started to feel quite upbeat and energised. I can definitely see the benefit to wearing a scent like this on rainy or cold days during the autumn – it’s a better ‘pick me up’ than a cup of coffee! It had average staying power – it didn’t last all day, but neither did it disappear too quickly I loved the bottle too – it looks like a piece of art and will look fabulous on my dressing table.
Best for: Lifting spirits

 

DKNY WOMEN LIMITED EDITION EAU DE TOILETTE, £29.85 for 100ml (www.boots.com)
What they say: Limited Edition DKNY Purple is a modern, feminine fragrance that sparkles with urban luminosity. The scent and bottle are inspired by the electric energy of New York City.
The Results: My first thought when I sprayed this perfume was ‘blackberries’! It reminds me of a big bowl of berries, but isn’t at all sweet or overpowering. It is definitely a spicy, warming fragrance and perfectly suited to cold autumn days. I was impressed with how long it lasted on my skin – I could still smell traces of the scent hours later – and spraying it onto clothes (I sprayed it onto my scarf) provided welcome reminders of the scent throughout the day. I liked the packaging – the gold packaging and purple bottle would definitely stand out on the shelf. It’s a good price too. I’d recommend it.
Best for: Cold autumn days

 

MICHAEL KORS VERY HOLLYWOOD EAU DE PARFUM, from £33.28 (0870 034 2566).
What they say: The essence of Hollywood glamour in a bottle. The fragrance debuts with mandarin and iced bergamot as the plot unfolds with wet jasmine, ylang ylang and raspberry against gardenia and topped with Italian orris, creamy amber and soft white moss with vetiver for the perfect Hollywood ending.
The Results: I fell in love with this perfume at first sight. The fuchsia packaging, splashes of gold, and glittering pink bottle appealed to me instantly – and the perfume is just as stunning. The strongest note is jasmine, which is blended with subtle hints of raspberry, mandarin and amber. It’s sweet and feminine, but also very sexy. The scent has enough floral notes to make it suitable for daywear, but is definitely heavy enough for wearing in the evening too. I think it would appeal to most people – although sporty types might find it too girly. The fact that it’s an Eau de Parfum gave it great saying power. I’m officially addicted – the bottle won’t be leaving my side all autumn!
Best for: Glamour

 

THE BODY SHOP LOVE ETC EAU DE PARFUM, £16 for 50ml (www.thebodyshop.co.uk)
What they say: The perfume of love as a universal force…the first ever emotional-led fragrance at The Body Shop. A highly addictive, warm and radiant fragrance which embodies the exuberance and personality of our brand.
The Results: I’ve tried perfumes from The Body Shop before, but they’ve always been quite cheap and cheerful – Fuzzy Peach and Dewberry come to mind… I didn’t have high expectations from the perfume, but I am very, very pleasantly surprised. At first, the perfume is quite fruity and uplifting, but it settles into a sweet, creamy scent (I can definitely smell vanilla and subtle notes of almonds). I think it’s quite a romantic perfume – the name ‘Love’ is very apt – and it would be perfect for wearing on a dinner date. I’ve been wearing it every day for a week and really recommend it. The price is brilliant too.
Best for: Romantic types

 

CHRISTIAN LACROIX ABSYNTHE EAU DE PARFUM, £20 for 50ml (www.avonshop.co.uk)
What they say: Combining the opulence of Christian Lacroix’s couture with the irresistible allure and magic of absinthe, Avon’s new Oriental Green scent vividly evokes the past with a contemporary twist.
The Results: I’ve always aspired to own a little piece of Christian Lacroix, so testing his fragrance is the next best thing. However, I was a bit wary when I set eyes on the bright green bottle and name ‘Absynthe’ – a bad experience at university took the ‘magic’ out of the drink for me! However, one spray made me realise that Christain Lacroix wanted to create something quite different and special when he designed this scent – it’s very unusual, with a blend of Green Anise, Saffron, Myrrh, Amber and Absynthe extracts. It smells green, musky, and very sophisticated. I wouldn’t usually choose a scent like this, but I would recommend it to those who like smelling unique. It reminds me of the perfume that my school art teacher used to wear – she was both incredibly stylish and wonderfully mysterious, which just about sums it up.
Best for: Smelling unique

 

Treatment Review: DARPHIN REBALANCING FACIAL, HOUSE OF FRASER OXFORD STREET (25.09.09)
What it promises: Darphin’s relaxing facial uses the finest of plant technology and botanical aromas to address your skin care concerns and help restore your skin to its natural radiance. Your complexion will be firmer, lifted, and instantly illuminated.
What happens: If I hadn’t been lead to the treatment room by my therapist, I would probably have never known it existed. Situated on the ground floor of House of Fraser’s bustling Oxford Street store, the entrance to Darphin’s single treatment room is hidden behind rows of leather handbags. It’s a quiet corner of the store and offers welcome sanctuary from the heaving aisles and pavements just a few steps away. The interior is small and simple, yet very pleasant, and the addition of soothing music helped to lull me into a deep state of relaxation. I wasn’t expecting a long, intensely luxurious experience – I guess the fact that I wasn’t paying for the facial lowered my expectations (the treatment is free with the purchase of £25 worth of products from the Darphin counter). But I was very, very pleasantly surprised. My therapist began the treatment by cleansing, toning, and gently exfoliating my face – each stage felt like a mini massage and I felt myself drift off to sleep several times. The products smelt divine and the textures felt thick and expensive. At this point, the therapist used hot towels to open my pores, then covered my eyes and switched on a bright light to look closely at my skin – luckily, there was no need for extraction, but it would come at this point if there were pores that needed to be unblocked. After analysing my skin, a mask was chosen to suit my skin type, and it was then slathered generously over my face. The massage that I enjoyed, whilst the mask got to work moisturising my dehydrated skin, was the best part of the treatment and very unexpected. After the mask was whipped off, my skin was further hydrated with a rich moisturiser and application of eye cream. I was then invited to spend a few minutes in the room on my own to wake myself up, before getting dressed and meeting my therapist back at the Darphin counter across the store.
The Results: You could look at this treatment two ways… You are either treated to a free facial, after buying a couple of ultra-effective products – or you walk away with a couple of free products for the price of an incredibly luxurious facial. Either way, this is nothing short of a very, very good deal. The beauty of the treatment is that your therapist can recommend products that will work perfectly for your skin, after she’s worked closely on it for an hour – that’s got to beat walking up to a counter and asking them to recommend products on first-impressions alone. My skin felt incredible after the treatment – as good as it has felt after luxury facials in 5* Hotels. I will definitely be back – just as soon as my products have run out and I need to restock… I’m easily seduced by a freebie – and when it’s this good, there’s really no shame in that…
Price: £25 for 1 hour, redeemable against Darphin products.
Location: House of Fraser Oxford Street, London W1. Book by calling 0207 5294793.

Blog: ATTRACTA COURTNEY – CLINIQUE MAKEUP ARTIST – EXPLAINS HER INSPIRATION FOR THE MAKEUP AT PAUL COSTELLOE’S SPRING/SUMMER ’10 SHOW, WHICH SHOWED AT LONDON FASHION WEEK (25.09.09)
MAKEUP
The collection this season is so incredibly sophisticated and chic and I wanted to bring femininity into the makeup look to compliment it The main way we did this was to add a punch of colour on the lip. The lip colour we used was the Clinique Colour Surge Butter Shine Lipstick in Ambrosia, a gorgeous orange/coral lip colour. As girls were going onto the catwalk, we added a slick of Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Gloss in Mango. I think this gives a really summery St Tropez feel to the look. My inspiration for this look was taken from the clothes and also the importance of colour, not all over the face but either the eye or the lip, and there is no better time than Spring/Summer to do that. The little splash of colour brings a real vibrancy to the skin. For the eyes, it was important to keep them neutral and modern rather than competing with the lips. We used a touch of shimmer on the lids using Clinique Quick Eyes Cream Shadow in Cocoa Shimmer and Truffle. The collection is so immaculately beautiful I wanted to keep it modern and fresh around the eyes by leaving the brows natural, so it didn’t look too polished.I wanted to only use mascara for this look and stay away from false eyelashes as this can look too ‘done’ - I wanted a nice day look that people could identify with and that is very wearable. I used Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara, because it is very black and it makes it look like the models are wearing false eyelashes without actually having to wear them. There was no need for eyeliner with this look because the mascara is so good - you can get right to the root with this mascara which gives definition without it looking too hard around the eyes. The complexion for this look, I would say is semi-matte. I used Clinique Superbalanced Powder Makeup SPF15 on all the models - it is brilliant. This look is all about shimmer around the eye area and nowhere else. To do this we have to ensure that the T-Zone is super-matte otherwise it can become too glittery and shiny all over and this powder is great for that. Just before the girls went out on to the catwalk we gave them a quick dust with the Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Powder to take down any redness on the skin to create a flawless finish.
GROOMING
The look for the men at this season’s show was inspired heavily by a bygone era of grooming for men. A dreamy look, which was very finished, without there being an overuse of product. Think Brideshead Revisited, not Great Gatsby, when it comes to use of product in the hair. For the skin, it was all about the preparation to create a high groomed finish. Exfoliation was key to bring the skin back to life and then product and moisturiser were used to create a matte looking finish. Clinique’s Skin Supplies for Men Face Scrub and Oil Control Hydrator are great products for helping to achieve this look.

 

Feature: AUTUMN/WINTER 2009 TREND REPORT (25.09.09)
Dark eyes paired with bright lips and statement hair - it can only mean one thing – Autumn/Winter has arrived. Sit back, relax and read on as we reveal the top six seasonal trends.
CHOCOLATE BOX BROWNS
Style summary: Melt-in-your-mouth makeup
Seen at: Prada, Chloe, Miu Miu, Oscar de la renta, Proenza Schouler
Trend breakdown: Rich, creamy coloured eye palettes in biscuit beige, chocolate brown and velvety caramel created a classic, elegant look, while skin was kept matte, and lips were filled in with deep, dark browns or left nude and natural. Reflecting the burnished tones of autumn, transform the look from day to night with the addition of a metallic liner under the lower lashes for extra definition.
Expert opinion: ‘Creamy brown eyes that have a bit of a worn-in 90s feel gives a coolness without glamorising the makeup too much,’ explains Diane Kendal, MAC makeup artist, backstage at Proenza Schouler. ‘Apply a dark brown base along the lashline and crease, then blend over the lids towards the brow and outer corners.’
‘I wanted to make the skin look matte so I only used makeup as a corrector and then set everything with translucent powder,’ revealed makeup artist Adam De Cruz for Pure, backstage at Bora Aksu. ‘If you do want to use foundation, make sure it’s super creamy and subtle.’
Base: For a seamless finish, always use a primer before applying your foundation. Laura Mercier’s Mineral Foundation Primer, £27 (Selfridges) is great for keeping skin looking smooth and helping makeup stay put for longer. Follow with Rimmel’s new Stay Matte Mousse Foundation, £6.99 (Boots) with added shine control, or if you prefer a liquid consistency, Max Factor’s Second Skin Foundation, £13.99 (Boots) is a light and creamy formula that compliments your natural skin tone.
Eyes: Eye shadows can vary from matte to metallic and you’ll find a must-have mix in the Nude Eye Palette by Bobbi Brown, £42 (www.bobbibrown.co.uk), or for a pretty, pearlescent effect, choose Estee Lauder’s Limited Edition Signature Eye Shadow Quad in Rose Amethyst, £29 (0870 034 2566). Finish by lining lids in a shimmering brown-gold such as Bourjois’ Duochrome eyeliner pencil in Brun Mordoré, £4.20 (www.bourjois.co.uk) and adding a slick of Diorshow Mascara in 698 Chestnut, £20 (counters nationwide) to lashes.
Lips: Lips can be left product-free or dab on some concealer and lip balm for an understated look. If you can’t bear bare lips, try Burt’s Bees Natural Lip Shimmer in Caramel, £6 (Debenhams), or visit the other end of the spectrum with Clarins’ Joli Rouge in Fig Brown, £14.20 (0800 036 3558.

 

CLEVER CONTOURING
Style summary: Paint-by-numbers perfection
Seen at: Chloe, Balmain, Rodarte, Blumarine, Diane Von Furstenburg
Trend breakdown: Beautifully blended blushers and bronzers created chiselled cheeks and sculpted eye sockets that gave bone structures a boost and flattered the face. Experimenting with shades of light and dark to add definition, copper contours were applied to highlighted skin just beneath the cheekbone, while concealer was applied in a triangle shape under the eyes to generate a spotlight effect.
Expert opinion: ‘This is photoshopping, pre-photoshop, so we need to use technique to get there,’ according to make-up artist Val Garland. ‘The more blending you can do on contours, the less eighties they’ll be. Use brushes, and don’t buy cheap, buy well – this isn’t finger make-up.’
‘It’s a lot to do with different textures,’ says Rachel Wood, celebrity makeup artist. ‘When you’re highlighting the skin, choose a pearlescent foundation that you can play with, then add something like Benefit’s Lust Duster eyeshadow in Nugget down the middle of the nose and on the top of the cheekbones.’
Base: Great for creating a pale sheen, brighten your base with Givenchy’s Acti’Mine Wake-up Skin, £21.53 (01932 233 824), before applying your foundation. Powders work best for contouring, so opt for Maybelline’s Pure Foundation Mineral, £9.99 (Boots) or Benefit’s One Hot Minute, £23.50 (counters nationwide) - both give brilliant coverage. And if you’re in the market for a new concealer, Clarins’ powder-cream Concealer Stick, £15 (0800 036 3558) is a fantastic illuminator and cover-up in one.
Blush: When it comes to sculpting and shading, invest in a specially designed brush - Laura Mercier’s Angled Cheek Contour Brush, £36 (Selfridges) is money well spent - clinging to the side of your cheekbones, it makes shaping them a breeze. Colour-wise, choose a blusher or bronzer that’s only one shade darker than your natural skin tone, otherwise you run the risk of looking like an 80s revival act - MAC’s Sheertone Blush in Gingerly, £16 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk) is a lovely warm amber colour that will suit most skin tones.

 

MIDNIGHT MAGIC
Style summary: Bewitching beauty at its best
Seen at: Vivienne Westwood, Versace, DSquared2, Michael Kors, Karl Lagerfeld
Trend breakdown: The traditional black-rimmed eye has had a revamp, and it’s all down to the addition of deep, dark blues and powerful earthy browns. Sultry, sexy and softer than previous seasons, the mix of metallic shades created twinkling twilight eyes with a revved-up rock-chick feel. The winged eye also made a re-emergence, elongating the eye to epic proportions, while eyeliner was smudged both above and below lids for a smoky effect.
Expert opinion: ‘Experiment with a sweep of gloss on the eyelids or a flash of metallic shimmer over dark smoke-toned eyeshadow,’ advises Pat McGrath, makeup artist for Max Factor. ‘On top of this, add a highlight colour in a brighter shade, concentrating on the lids, the tear ducts or the lash lines to create flashes of interest, then sweep a line of colour on to the inside upper eyelid and blink to automatically transfer colour to the lower lid.’
Backstage at DSquared2, makeup artist for MAC, Gordon Espinet, described the look as, ‘melted yet perfect and gorgeous. Follow the natural shape of the eye with a basic black smear then layer pigments in blue, brown and violet over the top.’
Eye shadow: The perfect excuse to mix and match, multi-tone palettes are a fast and fuss-free way to find colours that complement each other. Paul & Joe’s Sparkles Eye Colour in The Wild One, £16 (Fenwicks) includes a soft, smoky navy blue next to a pretty grey highlighter, while Prestige Cosmetics’ Shimmering Trio in Luster, £9.78 (Boots) contains three blendable browns, and Max-Factor’s Colour Perfection Eye Shadow in Star-Studded Black, £6.49 (Boots) is dark without being overpowering.
Eyeliner: Swap your black liner for electric blue with Lancôme’s Crayon Khôl in Indigo Paris, £14.50 (counters nationwide), or for a brown that won’t budge, try Maybelline’s Kohl Express in Brown Gleam, £3.99 (Boots). Alternatively, put your eyeliner to one side and treat yourself to MAC’s Greasepaint Stick, £13 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk). A jet-black pan-stick, it’s great for colouring in lids and accentuating sockets.
Mascara: Lashings of mascara is a must. If you can’t decide what colour to go for, Bourjois’ new 1001 Lashes Mascara, £8.80 (0800 269 836) comes in black, brown and indigo – it’s as if it was made for the trend!

LOUD LIPS
Style summary: Vivid, vibrant and voluptuous lips
Seen at: Erdem, Nathan Jenden, J Mendel, Elie Saab, Alberta Ferretti
Trend breakdown: A bright, bold, pencilled-in pout was the lip trend of choice across the runways. Red was back with a vengeance – teamed with shoulder pads, it made the perfect power statement – while purples and pinks also lent themselves to the electric eighties. The new twist came with the return of an old trick - lipliner – used to create a fuller, perkier, and altogether cleaner set of smackers.
Expert opinion: ‘Lips should be perfectly lined and exorbitantly coloured this season,’ says Terry Barber, director of makeup artistry for MAC. ‘Lip liner should be used to form a lip rather than outline it. It’s about creating a perfect mouth with a proper, harmonious plumpness to it, without looking injected.’
At Jason Wu, makeup artist Gucci Westman for Revlon created an intense purple lip, ‘A dark lip is so incredibly chic, however it’s very seasonal, and is best worn in autumn/winter with minimal eye and face make up. Violet is a great hue as it’s extremely flattering on most skin tones.’
Lipstick: There’s a red for everyone, it’s just finding the shade that’s right for you. A good test is to apply it and then see if it drains your complexion. If it doesn’t, you’ve met your match. Color Fever Matte lipstick in 151, £17.50 by Lancôme (counters nationwide) is a brilliantly bright shade for the brave, while Barry M’s Lip paint in Pillar Box Red, £4.25 (www.barrym.com) won’t break the bank if you’re still in the experimental stages. For a Popsicle pink, B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful’s lipstick in Bubblegum, £9.80 (www.bnevertoobusytobebeautiful.co.uk) is fun and frivolous, or for a dark purple pout, try Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick in Va Va Violet, £7.13 (Boots).
Lipliner: If you prefer a sharp, pointy pencil, MAC’s Lip pencil in Redd, £10 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk) is for you, while Benefit’s Automatic lipliner pencil in bare your..., £13 (counters nationwide) glides on easily and comes complete with a flat lip brush – the essential blending tool.

 

NEW HEIGHTS
Style Summary: Serious statement hair
Seen at: Twenty8Twelve, Vivienne Westwood Red Label, John Richmond, Marc Jacobs, Issey Miyake
Trend breakdown: Quite literally head and shoulders above the rest, quiffs were a clear autumn/winter winner on the catwalks. Split into two extremes - smooth and perfectly polished, or messy and mussed-up - the looks varied from punk-rock to Parisian chic. Backcombed and bouffed, teased and titivated, they were teamed with up-dos, or left to complement long, loose hair.
Expert opinion: ‘Adapt your quiff to suit your personal style,’ advises Lucie Doughty, celebrity stylist for Paul Mitchell. ‘Straight back is great for a first timer, but adding texture and shape will add interest for a night out. Always use a firm hold spray to keep your quiff in place.’
‘There’s nothing shy about the exaggerated fullness seen on the runways this season,’ admits Guido, Redken creative consultant. ‘It’s strong, positive and empowering to women, but full volume needs a strong foundation. Always blow-dry upwards using a paddle brush before backcombing, and apply root-lifting products and thickening lotions.’
Kit-bag: Start by prepping the hair with Redken’s rootful 06 root lifting spray, £11.50 (www.redken.co.uk) and L’Oreal Professionnel’s tecni.art Volume Riche Mousse, £9.45 (0845 6000 122) for extra bounce before blow drying the hair. Once dry, backcomb the hair using your fingers to open it out and create a fullness, then pull back and secure. The key is not to spend too long on the look, especially if you’re going with the unkempt quiff. Finish by spraying on some Flaunt It Firm Hold Hairspray, £4.99 by James Brown London (Boots). From his new Scandalous range, this will make mile-high quiffs much easier to mould, or if you want your quiff to stay super secure, smooth over some of label.m’s Strong Wax, £8.95 (www.labelm.co.uk) – it gives maximum hold with minimum effort.

 

CURLY WURLY
Style summary: Seventies style sexiness
Seen at: Chloe, Paul Costelloe, Alexander Wang, Emporio Armani, Issa
Trend breakdown: Lusciously loose, tumbling waves floated in and out of the shows across London, Paris, New York and Milan. Influenced by seventies references (think Studio 54 and Upper East Side New York), the hair was tailored specifically to the younger generation and had a certain lived-in look to it. Bringing back crimpers and curlers, clip-in extensions were also used to bump-up the bounce and help create a head of cascading curls.
Expert opinion: ‘The look was inspired by the early seventies, but with a modern twist,’ explained Tim Furssedonn, International Artistic Director for Toni&Guy, backstage at Paul Costelloe. ‘We wanted it to look like the morning-after, so not too groomed. We randomly backcombed the hair and teased the roots (not the ends – that gives a more defined formation), and then we pulled it into a high pony so the waves tumbled down to a bob length.’
‘The cascade of waves has matured from the summery fun-loving locks of last season but it still has that carefree spirit,’ according to Malcolm Edwards, Session Stylist for L’Oreal Professionnel. ‘It’s sexy and seductive and screams “Come and get me”. If I was to predict the most requested red carpet style this autumn, then this would be it.’
Kit-bag: Apply a volumising mousse like Mark Hill’s Style Secrets Va Va Voom Blow Dry Mousse, £4.99 (Boots) to damp hair, rough dry and then curl the hair section by section using rollers or a heated tool. Paul Mitchell’s Pro Curling Wand, £44 (0845 659 0012) is incredibly versatile and will help to create loose waves or glamorous curls. A good guide to follow is that if you want waves, brush through the curls with your fingers to break them up while the hair cools, and if you want structured spirals, set the hair with hairspray before and after you curl it. Finally, finish with a spritz of label.m Shine Spray, £10.75 (www.labelm.co.uk) to give hair a natural gloss.

Tried & Tested: WARMING SHOWER GELS (18.09.09)
Looking for a new shower gel for the autumn months? We’ve tested six shower gels that promise to warm, hydrate and delicately perfume skin.

MOLTON BROWN WARMING EUCALYPTUS BATH & SHOWER THERAPY, £16 (www.moltonbrown.co.uk)
What they say: The perfect early morning pick-me-up, this tempting tonic full of eucalyptus oil, warms weary muscles, tones sluggish skin and clears stuffy sinuses. Cleansing and deodorising, slather onto skin and let the mood-enhancing ingredients work their magic.
The results: Although simply labelled as ‘warming eucalyptus’, on popping open the lid, I could immediately smell hints of lime drifting upwards from the bottle. There was also an underlying note of menthol which reminded me of deep heat, but not in an overpowering, suffocating sort of way – more in the sense of that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when it starts to relax your muscles. Definitely a stronger scent than I was expecting, it also explains the sinus-clearing properties of the potion – great for clearing your head first thing in the morning. A gorgeous green colour, I was more than happy to have the bottle adorning my bathroom shelf as I showered.
Best for: Sporty types

 

KORRES KUMQUAT SHOWER GEL, £7 (www.korres.com)
What they say: A rich, creamy foam, this moisturising mix of kumquats and sweetbitter mandarin keeps skin soft and supple. Also containing antioxidants, vitamins and Active Aloe, expect aging to be put on hold while the cocktail of collagen-stimulating ingredients improves the skin’s immune system too.
The results: I wanted to drink this when I first opened it – think about a juicy fruit punch and you are halfway there. The latest shower gel to be launched from Korres, it’s the perfect antidote if you’re dreading autumn. Zesty and fresh, the gel lathers into a soft, sweet foam on the skin and I could feel its moisturising magic come into play. After drying myself off, I could still smell the subtle fruity fragrance on my skin post-shower and unlike some shower gels, I didn’t feel as though my skin was crying out to be rehydrated with layers of moisturiser either. I also loved the fact that this vitamin-rich rinse was on a mission to leave me washed and wrinkle-free!
Best for: Sensitive souls

 

JO MALONE AMBER & LAVENDER SHOWER GEL, £30 (www.jomalone.co.uk)
What they say: Combining Amber, the exotic scent of the Orient, with the relaxing essence of French lavender and warming notes of myrrh, this subtle-yet-spicy shower gel will leave skin fresh, fragrant and sparkling thanks to its nourishing lather and souk-style ingredients.
The results: On first sniff, this immediately conjured up images of spice bazaars on a balmy summer evening. An invigorating yet warming aroma, the heady ingredients might be too masculine for some, but I’m a big fan of unisex scents - especially in products such as shower gel and hand wash. Odd as it sounds, as I slathered on the shower gel, it almost felt like I was enveloping myself in a big protective power hug – maybe because of the comforting fragrance – but it resulted in it earning itself top marks for warming shower gel of the week. The pump dispenser also got the thumbs up. Making it extra easy to use, it also meant I wasn’t in danger of letting any go to waste - very important when you bear in mind the price-tag.
Best for: Jet-setters

 

NEALS YARD REMEDIES FRANKINCENSE & MANDARIN SHOWER CREAM, £12.60 (www.nealsyardremedies.com)
What they say: 80% organic and with no parabens, silicones and synthetic fragrances or colours, this gentle, skin-softening wash works with each and every skin type. Blending together rejuvenating frankincense with toning mandarin and bergamot oils, skin will be left smooth and refreshed.
The results: Taking me back to my school Christingle where the scent of oranges, cinnamon and frankincense filled the air, this cosy cleanser is quite simply Christmas in a shower cream. A comforting and warming wash, as soon as I smeared it over my skin, I wanted to grab a blanket, hotfoot it to the nearest open fire and snuggle down for the night. A pleasant change from the sometimes slippery gels, this snow-white shower cream has a cashmere-silk consistency that felt lovely and luxurious on my skin, although rather than forming a bubbly foam, it remained froth-free and was more reminiscent of a light moisturiser. Even after I had washed away the rich residue, my skin was left softly scented and feeling smooth and sumptuous.
Best for: Green goddesses

 

MARKS & SPENCER IN BLOOM ROSE & AMBER MOISTURE RICH BODY WASH, £5 (www.marksandspencer.com)
What they say: Full of delicate rose and warm amber, this moisturising body wash gently cleanses from top-to-toe, lightly scenting your skin and leaving it soft to the touch. To create supped-up suds, try massaging over your body using a shower puff or flannel.
The results: I find that rose-scented products can be a tad touch and go, and while I’m well aware they’re currently back in vogue, sometimes they sway more towards talcum-powder territory, rather than earning that cool, cultish status. For me, this shower gel falls somewhere in between. Boasting a fabulous frothiness, the formula doesn’t take long to spring to life, and with it comes the overwhelming fragrance of freshly-picked roses. An alternative autumn scent, the punchy bouquet seems to capture the last roses of summer swaying in the breeze as the sun goes down at dusk. The warm amber definitely adds a stronger quality to the scent giving it more gusto while the creamy consistency really did leave my skin feeling more moisturised and well-maintained.
Best for: Flower girls

 

PHILOSOPHY CRÈME BRULEE HIGH-FOAMING SHAMPOO, SHOWER GEL, AND BUBBLE BATH, £12.80 (0870 990 8452)
What they say: Inspired by the much-loved dessert, this highly indulgent shower gel gives you all the flavour of Crème Brulée without the calorie-coated guilt. A three-in-one shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath, expect both skin and hair to be left clean, cleansed and moisturised.
The results: I’m a sucker for sweet-scented suds so I was delighted to discover that this buttery yellow bathing product smelt as good as it looked – and it looks like rich, velvety custard. The fragrance mirrors the texture too - smooth and silky - and as I doused myself in the delectable shower cream, I can only describe the aroma as akin to that Great British comfort food; warm sticky toffee pudding. A traditional autumn dessert, it felt as though I was showering in thick, caramel cream, making return visits to the shower utterly irresistible. I also found that rather than rubbing my skin vigorously to produce one puny bubble, they multiplied dramatically within minutes. Oh, and a little of this shower gel goes a long way- great if you want your lather to last.
Best for: A sweet tooth

 

Spas & Treatments: DANIEL GALVIN SALON (18.09.09)
Location: Daniel Galvin, 58-60 George Street, London W1U 7ET. 0207 486 8601, www.danielgalvin.com
The Salon: As you approach Daniel Galvin’s hair salon, just moments from Baker Street in London’s West End, you’re immediately struck by the impressive mansion block building. A distinctly decadent awning, similar to the entrances of imposing Manhattan apartment blocks, frames the doorway and sets the scene for the high-octane glamour you’re about to encounter within. The exterior may scream old, Hollywood style, but once inside you’re brought back to the 21st century with its modern minimalism and opulent interior. Home to over 100 staff, the salon’s open plan ground floor is dedicated to the colourists and is jam-packed with multiple rows of sink stations set upon beautiful, glittery floor tiles and surrounded by floor-to-ceiling mirrors. The lower level is equally vast and impressive. Home to the hair stylists, there’s also a boutique nail bar tucked in the corner for anyone after a head-to-toe makeover.
The Cut & Blow-Dry: Hair-cuts are one of my greatest fears. To date I have never found that special someone I can fully trust with my long locks, but I have a feeling that stylist Sasha may have broken the cycle. After complimenting me on such a great head of hair (rule number one: always say how wonderful my hair is even I have three inch roots and/or it’s in desperate need of a wash and cut), Sasha went on to access my hairstyle and suggest improvements. Thankfully nothing too drastic was put on the table, but a simple reshaping around the front to help frame the face and a tidy up split ends. After drawing her attention to the most frustrating aspect, my fringe, I finally discovered why it’s near impossible for me to have the perfect, blunt bang. A self-confessed perfectionist, I have long tested the patience of many a stylist, demanding that my fringe be cut and re-cut until super-straight and my tears dried. But apparently it is near impossible for me achieve this “simple style” because of the natural wave and movement on the right hand side of my hair. It was something of a Eureka moment that, had I been privy to this information in the past, would have saved me the stress and the unfortunate stylists who have had to endure my impossible demands. After this revelation Sasha proceeded to cut my fringe, and sensing my anxiousness she trimmed it repeatedly until my frown had disappeared and I was smiling with satisfaction.
Services: Cut and blow-dries range from £55 to £100.

Blog: CLAIRE BRAYFORD – OF THE DAILY EXPRESS – DISCOVERS A NEW, REFRESHING APPROACH TO EXERCISE (18.09.09)
If, like me, you are allergic to gyms and sweaty impersonal health clubs then a new concept in holistic fitness, situated in trendy Notting Hill, could be just the tonic. Golborne Place, a unique fusion of art gallery, cosmetic treatment rooms and exercise studio is the brainchild of former principle ballerina Monica Zamora and her husband, aesthetic consultant Doctor Miles Apthorp. The theory behind it is to focus not just on exercising the body, but taking care of the mind too, so that you leave feeling balanced, relaxed and invigorated inside and out.
Stepping out of the busy hub of Notting Hill market into the cool neutral centre, I immediately felt a soothing energy. Sitting in the reception, enjoying the arresting photography on the walls and a refreshing cup of green tea, I felt the stresses of busy London life ebbing away; if this is getting fit I thought, then sign me up.
Monica, who has that poker-straight poise of a dancer, took me downstairs into what looked like a room filled with wooden torture devices bursting with weights and pulls - albeit very luxurious ones complete with relaxing heated bamboo floors beneath your feet. These machines were in fact part of a relatively new exercise technique called Gyrotonic, which roughly translates as “circular toning”. Devised by a Romanian dancer Julia Hovarth following an injury, it incorporates the principles of swimming, dance, yoga and Tai-chi in one simple exercise.
It is much less torturous than it looks and gently tones the body improving your posture, flexibility and core strength as well as breathing without bulking up.
The studio also plays host to Pilates classes taken by a stream of inspiringly-lithe tutors, as well as Gyrokinesis classes, a similar exercise to Gyrotnic which works the whole body and stimulates the nervous system, without the use of machines. Everyone is made to feel super-special with no more than three clients per instructor to ensure maximum attention, and if afterwards you are still in need of a little further relaxation, you can enjoy one of the therapeutic treatments including osteopathy, acupuncture, sports massage and reflexology in the fuss-free treatment rooms upstairs. Alternatively, for something a little more intensive, then Dr Miles offers a range of cosmetic procedures including SmartLipo, fillers and Botox.
It is a refreshing, surprisingly infectious approach to looking good, which definitely takes the labour out of working out.
From £35 per class www.golborneplace.com

Breaking News: L’OCCITANE LAUNCHES ITS FIRST PREMIUM ANTI-AGEING CREAM (18.09.09)
Imagine if there was a cream that held the secret to never-ending youth; if fresh faced features weren’t a thing of the past, and if worry lines could be wiped away without the use of fillers, lasers and wrinkle-relaxing injections. Think we’d be living in a dream world? Think again, because L’Occitane have not only launched a premium power cream to fight wrinkles from the off, their revolutionary Divine Cream is made wholly from natural and organic ingredients too. It hit shelves yesterday and we’ll be racing you to the shelves to get our mitts on a pot.
With not a single nasty in sight, this anti-aging elixir has an impressive cocktail of active components to its name. First and foremost is the nectar from the brilliantly bright-yellow Immortelle flower, or ‘sun gold’ if you look at its Greek translation. The superpower of the fauna world, forget about the fountain of youth, this potent plant has been used since ancient times to combat the signs of aging. Most commonly found in Corsica, (where L’Occitane now protect its organic crops), its precious properties help to stimulate the production of collagen whilst boosting the skin’s overall natural radiance.
But that’s not all. This cell-pluming potion also contains its fair share of vitamin C derivatives, parsley, Evening Primrose and Borage oils, as well as a healthy helping of Myrtle. Another Corsican shrub, legend has it that this plant – the symbol of life - is so powerful it can even grow back after a fire. In that case, just think what it could do for your skin. Working to restore the vitality and elasticity found in young skin, it’s the essential oils used from the organic Myrtle which also give Divine Cream its luscious aromatic scent.
Proven to reduce the intensity and size of dark spots for a much more even-toned complexion, the cream also leaves skin feeling soft, supple and fully hydrated – another must if you’re looking to stave off smile lines. And the best bit - you don’t have to find the end of the rainbow to discover this little pot of gold.
Divine Cream has just launched into all L’Occitane stores and online at www.locittane.co.uk priced at £62.

 

Feature: PARIS IS CALLING (18.09.09)
With their fabuleux skin and très chic tresses, it comes as no surprise that beauty features high on the average Parisienne agenda. Look to the nation for inspiration with our round-up of irresistible French beauty.

THE BEAUTY HEROES
Here, we reveal the products the French beauty mavericks just can’t live without.
Nicolas Degennes is Givenchy’s Artistic Director for Make-up and Colours and celebrates a decade with the house this year.
“My latest product, Phenomen'eyes mascara is my favourite to date. The round brush was inspired by every make-up artist’s eternal quest to find a perfect brush that reaches all the lashes, even the tiniest ones in the corners of the eyes. We used advanced technology and innovation to devise the ultimate, revolutionary mascara. Et voilà!”
Phenomen’eyes Mascara, £18.50, Givenchy (01932 233 824)
Now available in new limited edition shades – blue, khaki and plum
Terry de Gunzburg, Founder & Creator of By Terry skincare & make-up; the latest French import to reach our shores, courtesy of Space NK.
"LIGHT-EXPERT! It is a genius foundation brush - with the easiest application; imperfections, dull skin and shadows are swept away, leaving your skin flawless. It is the new beauty step for immediate radiance. I carry it with me everywhere and use it for touch-ups as well! Not only is it very handy but the result is impeccable. Just the kind of product I cannot live without!"
Light Expert, £25.45, By Terry (www.spacenk.com)
Laura Mercier, fêted makeup artist and founder of Laura Mercier cosmetics.
“My drop dead secret weapon is undoubtedly Secret Camouflage. The first concealer of it’s kind, it has never been successfully copied and it’s perfect for that effortless, bare-faced chic look that has become synonymous with French women.”
Secret Camouflage, £25, Laura Mercier (www.lauramercier.com)
Parisian hair stylist, Zacharie Jardin has styled the tresses of the French elite, including Carla Bruni, and is now resident at Knightsbridge hair salon, Neville (020 7235 3654)
“We love to use lots of lacque and the French have been using Elnett hairspray for over 30 years. It is such an amazing product and I’ve yet to find another product that’s so flexible. Perfect for straight or frizzy hair it gives the best protection from humidity whilst leaving the hair shiny and lustrous.”
Elnett Satin Very Volume Supreme Hold Hairspray, £3.39 (200ml), L’Oreal Paris (Nationwide)

 

THE FACE
Skincare
The eternal mission for perfect, flawless skin is paramount to the Gallic lady and explains why every pharmacy across the channel is a beauty addict’s nirvana, with over-the-counter anti-ageing lotions and organic potions aplenty. But, thanks to the internet, French skincare secrets are no more and the cult classics and famous brands can often be bought online.
Take backstage beauty favourite, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré 24-Hour Miracle Cream, £23 (www.screenface.com). Formulated in the 1950’s, this milk-based cream is a low-maintenance favourite with French beauties who use it as both a facial cleanser and moisturiser to leave skin glowing and flawless.
Bioderma’s Créaline H20 eye make-up remover, £8.37 for 500ml (www.leguidesante.co.uk) is another traditional product. A by-word in natural skincare, this water-based cleanser contains cucumber extract and has a neutral pH that makes it perfect for sensitive skin.
Boutique beauty brand, Doux Me is the latest in organic skincare. Feeding the French obsession with anything and everything organic. Its White Rose Comforting Face Mask and Exfoliator, £21.80 (01483 427744) is one of the highlights of the range. Active ingredients include desert rose extracts and Indian jasmine which help to smooth and diminish fine lines and ultimately brighten your complexion.
Luxury anti-ageing products are in abundance too. Caudalie’s Premier Cru Cream. £89 for 50ml (www.caudalie.com) is a new-fangled addition to the Vine-based line. Named after the classification of wine, this formula should be applied morning and night to face and neck to help tackle wrinkles, dark spots, loose skin and dryness.
While Carita’s Fluide de Beauté 14, £38.50 (www.carita.co.uk) remains a true Parisian secret. A beautiful dry oil which was created to nourish both skin and hair, this iconic product is still going strong since its launch in the early Fifties.
Makeup
Although a dewy, fresh-faced complexion is the Parisienne’s prerequisite, there are other beauty traits synonymous with the Femme Fatale.
- For those of you who can’t bear the thought of stepping outside without foundation, François Nars recommends a lighter looking finish: “Mix a small amount of foundation in with your skincare cream and try wearing less powder. Sheer Glow Foundation, £29 (www.narscosemstics.com) is great for every day, for a natural fresh finish.”
- Dust your eyes with Paul & Joe’s limited edition Sparkles Eyeshadow in Breathless, £16 (020 7730 9161 ext: 227) for a subtle shimmer.
- Line your eyes with Laura Mercier’s Kohl Eye Pencil in black, £14.99 (www.lauramercier.com) and smoke in close to the lash line for definition.
- Moisturise your lips first with Guerlain’s hero lip balm, Baume de la Fuerté, £13.50 (01932 233 887).
- And complete the look with a slick of bright red lipstick. Try Givenchy’s Rouge Interdit lipstick in Can Can, £17.62 (01932 233 824) for instant Ooh la la appeal.

HAIR
The Trend
On the autumn/winter 2009/10 catwalks designers paid homage to the Parisienne belle with a host of easy up-dos. With nonchalantly high buns perched on the top of models’ heads at Louis Vuitton and soft, scruffy topknots at Erdem, the D-I-Y, messed up tresses encapsulated the very essence of Leftbank chic.
“This season hair is exciting,” enthuses Zacharie Jardin, Parisian stylist to the stars.
“Hair is up, hair is up, hair is up! For many years now hair has been poker straight and always down but the top knot, classic French chignon and twists are all making a comeback, often referencing Old Hollywood hair styles.”
Get the Look – The French Way
1. The French love to keep everything natural. Klorane’s gentle oat milk shampoo, £5.33 (01582 820 165) is a French bathroom cabinet essential. Two washes with this plant-based shampoo will cleanse the hair without stripping it of any nutrients.
2. If you have treated or dry hair apply Phyto’s Phytojoba Masque (020 7629 9161) to the ends and leave for 8 minutes before rinsing to ensure maximum absorption and towel dry.
3. Prep wet hair with Kérastase Nectar Thermique (www.kerastase.co.uk). Important for heat protection this cult French product will leave hair super-shiny – every Mademoiselle’s prerequisite.
4. Dry as normal and sweep hair upwards into a high ponytail and secure with an elastic band.
5. Backcomb from the base up to the ends of the ponytail and sweep the the hair around the base to form a loose bun. Secure with grips.
6. Juge up the bun until it’s high/messy/secure enough and spray liberally with Elnett, £3.39 (www.lorealparis.com). Et Voilà!

FRAGRANCE
The French have Marie-Antoinette to thank for their sweet-smelling nation. It is believed that the Queen of France brought perfume to the French court in the 1700’s. Previously used to disguise pungent smells, perfume became a sensual device to attract eligible suitors.
The House of Lubin was one of the first perfumeries to introduce scents to the masses. Established in 1798 by Pierre François Lubin, his fragrances were worn by Aristocrats worldwide.
Over the past two centuries, the house has enjoyed many a success including the floral fragrance Nuit de Longchamp in 1934 and the L de Lubin, a heady scent from the Seventies that’s packaged in a divine, gold Art Deco design and still going strong today. But its most celebrated fragrance is Gin Fizz, £89 (020 7730 1234). Concocted for Grace Kelly in 1955, the House of Lubin has recently re-launched it in all its former glory.
Screen sirens were often the muses behind a new fragrance. In 1957, five years after he showed his first Haute Couture collection, Hubert de Givenchy made his perfume debut with L’Interdit. Created especially for Audrey Hepburn, who, upon learning that the scent was to be made public, whispered to Hubert, “L’Interdit” – Forbidden.
Embodying Audrey’s timeless elegance, this is a floral fragrance with top notes of aldehydic and jasmine and pink pepper heart notes and remains true to its original scent, £58.73 (020 7730 1234).
And the tradition continues to the present day. Fashion luminary Kate Moss has been unveiled as the face of YSL’s new fragrance, aptly named Parisienne, £66 (www.harrods.com). With top notes of Damask rose this sensual scent is available exclusively at Harrods and nationwide from October.
Today, a French lady would never step out of her maison without a dab of her signature scent; France’s rich heritage in fragrance has become an institution. Here are our favourites:
Parfums du Jour
Petite Chérie by Annick Goutal, €120 (www.annickgoutal.com)
Chanel No. 5, £78 (www.chanel.com)
Back to Black; Aphrodisiac by Kilian, £140 (www.harveynichols.com)

 

The BODY
Masters of detox, French women work on the premise ‘my body is a temple,’ treating their Estheticiennes (beauticians) as we do Doctors. As the celebrated stylist Frédéric Fekkai observed, there’s an Institut de Beauté on every corner in Paris, where in New York there’d be a Starbucks.
And it’s serious business. A spa visit isn’t a treat or for pampering purposes, to the Parisienne it’s all about body maintenance and delaying the ageing process.
Lipomassage by French laboratory Endermologie, £60 per treatment (C2 Clinic – www.endermologie.com), is testament to the latter. Scientifically proven to increase metabolic activity and lipolysis (fat release), this motorised massage guarantees inch loss and significant cellulite reduction after just 6-8 treatments (3-4 hours) without having to go under the knife.
Facials are also a weekly concern. The Matis Réponse Corrective Facial, £50-£90 for one hour treatment (www.matis-uk.com) is the latest for radiant and wrinkle-free skin. Comprising a series of peeling masks bursting with natural proteins it claims to prevent, correct and smooth expression lines and wrinkles to leave a similar result to Botox.
Or try Anne Sémonin’s Eternal Youth Cryotherapie Facial, £75 for one hour (The Spa at Buckingham Gate, www.51-buckinghamgate.com/spa; 020 7963 8307). Designed to combat the visible signs of ageing, this contouring and firming facial uses a melee of Sémonin’s neurocosmetic ingredients, Active Serums and cryo-therapy ice cubes, leaving mature skin tightened and radiant.
And once you leave the salon it doesn’t stop there. The scientific beautifying continues at home with ultra-strong serums and solutions.
French women swear by Methode Jeanne Piaubert’s slimming products. An established brand since 1948, its hero product Expresslim, £80 (020 7893 8333) is an eight-day slimming serum. Based on the process of chronobiology (whereby fats are assimilated at different times in different ways) it guarantees to whittle away your waistline and reduce signs of cellulite.
Or take a novel approach to your wellbeing, comme les Françaises, and incorporate Delo into your daily routine. Pronounced ‘de l’eau’, Delo, £8 for pack of 4 (www.drinkdelo.com) turns the mantra “beauty is only skin deep” on its head with its innovative water booster caps. Made from 100 % natural herbal essences, the Slim formula contains Yerba-mate and bitter orange to fight stocked fat and green tea to increase energy and reduce assimilation of fat. Simply screw the cap onto any French half litre water bottle (or a Delo shaker-bottle) to release the active ingredients.

 

THE FUTURE IS FRENCH
Not satisfied with the cult classics or conventional French creams? Then check out our head’s up on the most sought after beauty launches from across the Channel.
For the face …
To celebrate its fabulous French heritage, bijou make-up brand, Bourjois has collaborated with Parisian artist Nathalie Lete to create a limited edition ‘Rendez-Vous à Paris’ collection. Featuring divine illustrations of Parisian life on its most iconic product - the little round pots of blush and eyeshadow that Alexandre Bourjois pioneered in the early 1900’s - it’ll make a super-stylish addition to every winter makeup kit.
Exclusive to www.asos.com from November 2009.
For the nails …
With the origins of the French manicure highly questionable coupled with its undesirable WAG undertones, no bona fide Parisienne would dare to indulge. She would, however, be the first to dress her talons in Chanel’s nail colour du jour – Jade.
Selfridges and Chanel Boutiques only from October (£19)
For the body …
The transition from autumn to winter is destined to play havoc with our skin and by November time it’ll be in desperate need of some TLC. Cue Decléor’s Divine Nutrition Dual Action Mask, from £40.00 for 1hr15mins. A direct response to the treatment of dry skin, this ultra-hydrating facial claims to quench your skin’s thirst whilst providing deep nourishment.
For the senses …
Guerlain may be one of France’s oldest Maison du Parfums at 141-years-old but it remains the most revered. Later this month it will unveil it’s new fragrance Idylle, which captures the French joie de vivre with a floral bouquet of Bulgarian roses.
Idylle Eau de Parfum, £55.50.
In store from 21 September 2009.

 

TRIED & TESTED: Mascara Primers (11.09.09)
Looking for a product to dramatically lengthen or thicken your lashes? Try a mascara primer. We’ve put six brands through their paces.

MAC PREP+PRIME LASH, £10 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk)
What they say: Smoothes and conditions the lashes. Intensifies the build and lengthening quality of all formulas. Helps mascara last longer.
The Results: On first impressions, I loved the sleek, sparkly, black packaging. I also liked its quirky name and thought it would make a great gift. When I tested the product, however, I found it quite tricky to apply. It has quite a small, thin brush and the nature of the bristles made it difficult to control how much product went on my lashes, so I ended up with a few clumps of white primer. The solution was simple – I used a lash comb before applying my mascara, which instantly removed the clumps. I was really impressed with how thick and voluminous my lashes looked after applying mascara – it was definitely worth the effort.
Best For: Fullness

LANCOME ÔSCILLATION POWERBOOSTER, £24.50 (www.lancome.co.uk)
What they say: Ôscillation Powerbooster basecoat improves lash surface condition, for visibly strengthened denser and longer-looking lashes
The Results: This is my new favourite product - I absolutely love it. I have quite fine, short eyelashes that struggle to stand out, even with coats of mascara. I’ve tried a few bases, but found they just made my mascara look clumpy rather than dramatic. After just one coat of this primer my eyelashes looked far longer and thicker. I have never seen this kind of result with any other product. The vibrating wand coated my lashes evenly and separated them so I didn’t have to bother with a lash comb. This is pricey, but it’s a good investment.
Best for: Dramatic lashes.

URBAN DECAY EYELASH PRIMER POTION, £10.00 (www.boots.com)
What they say: Lashes are fortified and thickened with Silk Proteins, and conditioned with Panthenol and Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein. No dry or brittle lashes here, just longer, stronger and more bat-able lashes.
The Results: This is such a pretty, fashionable product and looked stunning on my dressing table. When I first used the primer, I thought my lashes looked a bit scary and spidery – they were so much longer than normal when I put mascara on top. I showed my friends and they quickly changed my mind - they couldn’t believe how different my eyes looked and told me that I had inspired them to go out and buy the product. I was flattered by their response and decided to keep using it. I find that if I comb my lashes through after applying the primer they still look thick, but not so long.
Best for: Impressive length

ESTEE LAUDER LASH PRIMER PLUS, £15 (www.esteelauder.co.uk)
What they say: It doubles lash volume and curls and sets lashes. It boosts the special effects of mascara and extends its wear.
The Results: The only problem with this primer is the length of the wand - it’s quite short and chubby which made it difficult to use. However, the results were impressive. After applying the product, my lashes appeared instantly thicker and more luscious – as if I had been given rows of false lash extensions. There was no need for curlers, as the product gave my lashes a natural-looking, subtle curl. The product is expensive and you do need a fair bit to coat the lashes fully, but I would still definitely recommend this to friends.
Best for: False lash effect

BLINC LASH PRIMER, £12 (www.blincuk.co.uk)
What they say: Blinc Lash Primers building properties create a base coat surrounding even the smallest lashes with incredible volume and length that amplifies your mascara's effect.
The Results: I love trying new brands, so was excited to try this product. It comes packaged in a sleek purple tin, which looks great. The brush on the primer is amazing, as it’s so thick and easy to use. It does exactly what it says on the tin, giving me impressive-looking lashes in a flash. I applied two coats before mascara in the evening, as it gave my lashes a dramatic look. For daytime, I applied a single coat, which gave a subtle, yet pretty look. I found that my mascara washed off much easier and quicker when I used this. It’s definitely worth the price tag.
Best for: Ease of use

N°7 LASH & BROW PERFECTOR, £9.50 (www.boots.com)
What they say: This is a caring, conditioning gel to enhance and shape your lashes and brows.
The Results: I was very impressed with this primer – It’s clear, so it’s really easy to cover up with mascara. You don’t have to worry about flecks of white showing through, which I’ve found with other mascara bases. I have very sensitive eyes, so I have to be really careful about what I use. This product was great, as it didn’t irritate me at all. It dries quite fast so you don’t have to sit around waiting for ages before you can pop your mascara on, which makes it perfect for those who get ready in a hurry. The price is great – I’ll will definitely be restocking when this tube runs out.
Best for: Fantastic value

 

Breaking News: CLARINS LAUNCH NUDE INSPIRATION RANGE (11.09.09)
Prefer a natural, fresh-faced makeup look? You’ll fall head over heels for Clarins’ limited edition Nude Inspiration range, which has just hit counters nationwide. With six new pieces and colour collections to pick from, you can call off the search for the perfect autumn makeup palette.
Clarins Artistic Director Thibault Vabre describes the collection as a “carefree collection of soft, nude shades applied with subtle simplicity. Flawless, dewy skin, barely-there rosy blusher, nude or delicate berry coloured lips. And for eyes… a sweep of nude to warm earthy tones with groomed brows and lashings of mascara.”
Highlight post-summer skin with a sweep of the collection’s Face & Blush Duo Collector Compact (£28) – a two tier compact that contains, on top, a transparent beige face powder to even and enhance skin tone, and below, a duo of iridescent coral and chestnut powder blush. Both palettes are super-fine, silky-soft, and embossed with golden ears of wheat. Eyes will look just as pretty when you get your hands on the ‘Nudes’ Colour Quartet for Eyes (£25.44) – in shades of iridescent peach with a hint of pink, satin beige, soft peach, and gold-lit brown.
The trend for groomed, perfect eyebrows shows no sign of abating, so grab the collection’s Eyebrow Pro Palette (£28) – a practical, pocket-sized compact, which contains every essential for shaping and defining brows. Then cover under-eye circles, blemishes, or uneven skin tone with the collection’s Concealer Stick (£15) – a powder-cream concealer stick with a texture that is easy to blend and doesn’t stand out from the skin.
Finally, take your pick from eight beautiful new shades of New Eye Colour Monos (£12.73 each), including a stunning Midnight Plum and sultry Mystery Grey, and six new shades of Joli Rouge Lipsticks (£14.20 each), which contain the flavour and fragrance of autumnal blackcurrant, with a touch of liquorice and vanilla.
Nude Inspiration is now available at Counters Nationwide. Shop online at http://uk.clarins.com

Blog: DEBBIE BEAUMONT-HOWELL – HEAD OF BEAUTY BUYING AT HOUSE OF FRASER – REVEALS A FEW OF HER BEAUTY SECRETS (11.09.09)
Shopping for beauty products within a premium department store such as House of Fraser is a wonderful experience. The non intimidating environment enable customers to experiment with new and classic products from brands with specially trained consultants at state of the art counters.
In an ever changing and expanding market place I believe that the key to a beauty brand’s long term success is delivering on a promise. A great example of this would be Clarins Multi-Active Day Cream. It is a testament to the strength of the brand that they recognised the need for a new formulation of this classic product that would suit the needs of the modern woman and reach a wider audience. Another example YSL’s Touche Eclat has been widely replicated but yet still years after it launched outsells every other concealer/highlighter in the marketplace!
Fragrance is one of the most evocative and powerful memory inducements and a perfect way to remember a special moment in your life. When life is demanding it only takes a spritz of Anik Goutal’s Hadrien to transport me back to my wedding day and things instantly feel more positive.
Correct application of products is key. Often women do not get the best results from their products and shrink their wallets but overload their skin! A perfect example of this is Crème de la Mer where the method of application is paramount.
Don’t be intimidated! Sales consultants are there to assist you so draw on their knowledge to discover new products that will suit you or re-vamp your look. Beauty brands strive to educate their consultants to a high standard to ensure great customer service and free expert advice to the customer.
Never be afraid to try something new! Beauty products are a powerful tool, allowing us to transform the way we feel on the inside, concealing our blemishes to ensure we feel beautiful. If you look good you will feel better and be able to face any of the challenges life throws you head on.

This September, House of Fraser heralds the return of Beauty Confidential, a fabulous event for all beauty fans. Discover the latest beauty trends, tools and tricks to ensure you look gorgeous this season and when you spend £50 or more on beauty products in store House of Fraser will give you £5 off!* Exclusives from some of the most fabulous make-up and skincare brands and activities galore ensure that from the 14th-27th September House of Fraser is the hottest Beauty Destination in town!

Treatment Review: NATURA BISSÉ CITRUS APPEAL FACIAL, AGUA SPA AT THE SANDERSON (11.09.09)
What it promises: Luxe skincare brand Natura Bissé has just launched a series of tempting treatments into Agua Spa, at Sanderson London Hotel. The Citrus Appeal Facial is the perfect choice for post-summer skin, promising to fight the signs of premature ageing and leave the complexion feeling nourished and revitalized. Skin is drenched in 100% pure vitamin C to renew firmness and dramatically transform the overall appearance.
What happens: It didn’t take me long to work out that Sanderson London is a little quirkier than the average hotel – I stepped into the lift and it was as if I’d stepped into another cosmos, with its dark interior and bright, shining planets and stars. The reception area to Agua Spa was directly opposite as the lift doors opened. If I hadn’t known it was a spa, I would have assumed I had stumbled upon the reception to a swish private hospital – everything in Agua Spa is white; from the therapists’ uniforms, to the chairs in the relaxation room, to the white clinical curtains separating the treatment areas. It’s minimalist and ultra-trendy, but the ambience is still incredibly luxurious and calming. The spa describes itself as ‘cloud-like’ and it is very apt. After stepping into my treatment area and being invited to climb up onto the white, towelled bed, my treatment began. The zingy, citrus fragrances of the products as my skin was cleansed, toned, and exfoliated can be described as nothing less than heavenly. As the mask was left to work its magic on my dehydrated, sun-exposed skin, I was treated to a pampering massage to ease my tired muscles and mind. I struggled to stay awake, but was roused by the mask being whipped off, and intensive moisturiser being slathered on. My therapists’ touch was expert – her fingers seemed to dance over my skin, with the whole treatment feeling like an extended (and hugely relaxing) facial massage. As the treatment ended, I was invited to step into the relaxation area, where I tried to drum up some energy to step back onto the bustling pavements of London Oxford Street.
The Results: The Citrus Appeal facial is more than just a treatment – it’s about the experience and it’s worth every single penny. I’d head back to the Agua Spa and climb back onto that bed in a heartbeat. My skin was left looking brighter, more radiant, and more even-toned than I had seen it in a long time. The results were so impressive that I ditched my foundation for the following few days, as I simply didn’t need it. It felt impressively smooth, soft and balanced. I’d highly recommend it.
Price: £90 for 60 minutes
Location: Agua Spa, Sanderson London, 50 Berners Street, London W1T 3NG. 0207 3001400. www.sandersonlondon.com

Feature: SKIN FOOD (11.09.09)
The arrival of autumn means that moisture-zapping months lie ahead. It’s time to brush up on the facial fundamentals to keep your complexion healthy, hydrated and glowing with radiance.

FACIAL FUNDAMENTALS
NUTRITIONAL NOUS
We are what we eat - so it makes total sense that our complexion is the first place to show signs of good or ill health.
Natural nutritionist Kirsten Chick says: “The primary nutrients I’d look at here are water, oils, zinc and a selection of vitamins. A hydrating diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, perhaps as salads in the summer and soups in the winter, would be a good start.
“Nuts and seeds contain high levels of both zinc and omega 3 and 6 oils, although many people struggle to utilise the forms of these oils you would find here, so may need to supplement with fish oils and a little evening primrose oil. Nuts, seeds and avocados also provide antioxidant vitamin E, and egg yolks are a great source of the main B vitamins required for healthy skin.”
Nab Kirsten’s Natural Recipes booklet for just £5. See www.connectwithnutrition.co.uk for more info.
WATER WISDOM
Water, lovely water. Hydration is key to vibrant, glowing skin - so make sure you sip those recommended seven glasses of H2o throughout the day. For a daily kickstart to a sleepy, sluggish system, start the day with a cup of hot water and a squeeze of cleansing lemon juice.
CRUCIAL CLEANSING
Leaving makeup overnight is a fundamental no-no for top skin. We love DHC Deep Cleansing Oil, £16 (www.dhcuk.co.uk), which removes makeup in minutes. The rich blend of vitamin E and olive oil – which, by the way fights free radicals too - is a classic cleanser for unclogging pores and washing off makeup. Surprisingly, this doesn’t feel like you’re subjecting your complexion to an oil slick but leaves skin silky smooth and feeling fresh as… an olive leaf.
If you’re a soap and water kind of girl then this beautifully packaged Papaya-infused Powder from Japan’s no.1 online skincare company is what you want perched on the bathroom shelf, £6 (www.dhcuk.co.uk). Tip: A little of this intriguing powder and soap granule blend mixed with water goes a long way and used with their washing puff will ensure your face is squeaky clean. Tone skin with a toner or splash of cold water to tighten pores and then moisturise, moisturise, moisturise – so important we’ve dedicated a whole section to it!

QUICK FIXES
THREE MINUTES TO GO…
The Balaton Spa Face Mask, £19.99 (www.balaton-spa.co.uk), as adored by style guru Gok Wan, is a beauty essential. This moorland peat facemask, dubbed the ‘mini facelift’, works its magic in just three minutes, adding instant radiance to dull-looking skin. Simply slather the muddy stuff onto a cleansed face, relax, then rinse off for a glowing complexion fast.
FOUR WEEKS TO GO…
Boots have come up with another classic with Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum, £18.50 (www.boots.com), which claims to ‘reveal younger looking, beautifully refined skin’ in four weeks. The light, non-greasy lotion is a dream to apply under your usual moisturiser - plus it’s hypo-allergenic, so perfect for even sensitive skin.
THE FACE LIFT MASSAGE
Facial rejuvenation is a hot new trend in the beauty world. The holistic treatment fuses Eastern and Western forms of massage - acupressure points and Swedish lifting techniques – for a blissful hour of relaxation!
“Facial rejuvenation helps keep skin young because it helps to reduce lines by re-aligning connective tissue; it relieves tension in the facial muscles which can be very aging and give an unhealthy look,” says Face Lift Massage Therapist Sue Littleford.

“It brings a fresh, healthy glow by working with the blood and lymphatic systems to get rid of toxins and puffiness and to increase blood flow and therefore bring extra oxygen and nutrients.”
Sue recommends eight weekly or bi-weekly sessions followed by monthly treatments for ultimate results.
See www.faceliftmassage.com for more info.

MIRACLE MAKEUP
LUMINOUS LOVELINESS
For a sexy sheen, try one of Benefit’s fabulous complexion enhancers. Simply dab onto cheekbones or corners of the eyes for a radiant, warm glow – or try a little on the bottom of your lip for a luscious pout.
High Beam adds a soft, subtle pinky hue and its sister shade, Moon Beam offers a golden glow for warmer skin tones, both £16.50 (www.benefitcosmetics.com).
PORE PERFECT
Packaged in a shiny, purple tube just unscrew the ornate silver top and squeeze a dab of this Pore Perfecting Complexion Primer, £18 (www.urbandecay.co.uk) from cool Urban Decay. This animal-loving brand who say ‘We don’t do animal testing. How could anyone?’ have created this velvety, matte mix to use alone or under foundation for a flawless base and/or finish!
BLOT THAT SHINE AWAY
Sometimes it doesn’t matter how much powder you’re wearing or how cool you’re feeling inside - skin can get hot and shiny in a flash.
These life-saving DHC Blotting Papers, made from natural and sustainable hemp, £6 for three boxes of 160 sheets (www.dhcuk.co.uk) blot shine and absorb excess oil in a few seconds. Packaged in a dinky purse-sized box with pretty pastel Japanese art design, these are definitely what you want to be seen falling out of your bag.
BLING TASTIC SPARKLE
It’s not cheap, but the IV Serum from Rose Joy London does contain bona fide Diamond Dust! (£110, www.caroljoylondon.co.uk)
This luxurious serum claims to “stimulate cellular functions, regulate irregular pigmentation and neutralize day-time damage triggered by UV exposure, pollution and stress” and is enriched with this natural mineral to enhance radiance, add luminosity and improve microcirculation. You heard it here first!

 

MOISTURISE, MOISTURISE, MOISTURISE…
The wintry months ahead can mean harsh times for our complexions, so moisturiser is more important than ever.
“Winter time puts lots of extra stresses on the skin, especially if it is already sensitive,” says skin expert and author Charlotte Vohtz at Green People.
“Cold frosty weather, especially when combined with strong winds, can easily damage the living cells that lie just under the surface of the skin causing redness and irritation commonly known as chapped skin.
This is further aggravated by moving indoors where central heating has a powerful drying effect on skin cells by increasing Trans-Epidermal Water Loss (TEWL).”

Replenish cells with these creamy beauties for a 24-hour moisture fix. They also contain a SPF to protect skin from sun’s harmful rays.
Sanctuary’s Protective 24 Hour Moisture Lotion SPF 15, £11.99 (www.thesanctuary.co.uk) contains plant extracts, bergamot essential oil, organic red bush tea and seaweed extracts and is ideal for quick and constant hydration. Light, quickly absorbed, fresh-smelling, and light textured - what more could you want from a moisturiser?
Raw fans will adore Raw Gaia’s rich facial oil, Cold-pressed, Organic Wheatgerm Oil, £10 (www.rawgaia.com). Co-founder Lisa Lennon says: “The product is particularly high in vitamin E, so helps to improve dry skin complexions.” Perfect for extra cold, moisture-zapping days, this oil will lubricate parched skins in seconds.
Prescriptives All You Need Continuous Action 24-Hour Moisture SPF 15, £21.53 (www.prescriptives.co.uk) offers non-stop hydration and is bursting full with plant and fruity extracts.

 

PROBLEM SOLVERS
ECZEMA HELP

Eczema sufferers will more than appreciate this soothing, rich Barefoot Botanicals SOS Face and Body Cream, £9.95 (www.barefoot-botanicals.com). Developed by two homeopaths, this 100% natural range was created especially for dry and sensitive skin.

SENSITIVE TYPES
Charlotte Vohtz has this advise for those with sensitive skin: “Regular use of a moisturiser rich in plant oils and essential fatty acids will help to reduce water loss from the skin. Combining these with soothing Aloe Vera, and antioxidant-rich extracts from Green Tea and Rosemary can further protect skin cells from climatic and environmental stresses. Avoiding scented products will also help as perfumes are one of the leading causes of skin irritation.”
Sensitive skin will benefit from Green People’s Organic Base 24- Hour Cream, £13.50 (www.greenpeople.co.uk). Rich with evening primrose oil, avocado and hemp, this unscented cream will balance and revitalise complexions.
WINTERY WISDOM

Prescriptives Comfort Cream, £29.36 (www.prescriptives.co.uk) is an intensive, nourishing treat for the cold months ahead. Natural lecithin, Kukui Nut Extract and plant proteins seal in moisture and calm chapped cheeks. Designed for sensitive skins, this rich cream smells as delicious as it feels.

THE ZIT FACTOR

Stewart Long, Boots Skincare Scientific Advisor says: “Despite many old wives tales and inherited wisdom, acne and spots are not caused by poor removal of makeup, late nights or eating chocolate. Acne affects 85% of the population at one time or another and are a common annoyance in adults as well as teenagers.”

What is a spot? “An acne spot is due to how the skin responds to the hormone testosterone”, says Stewart. “Most people react normally to the hormone by producing sebum which passes through the pore onto the skin. Occasionally, the skin becomes blocked by the sebum and skin cells, leading to a spot, which can be nearly invisible, such as a whitehead or blackhead but can be a large, inflamed angry looking spot.”

“It is these larger spots and the formation of even larger nodules and cysts (large, red, tender areas of inflammation) that can most easily lead to scarring of the skin. There are two common types of scars that can form: raised scars, called keloids, and depressed scars, called ice pick scars.

Treatment? “The best advice for preventing scarring is to not pick spots, no matter how tempting” advises Stewart. “You may just increase the inflammation and skin damage, increasing the risk of scarring.

“Keep skin clean but there is no need to use harsh scrubs, as these are unnecessary; have a balanced diet and use anti-blemish products for the occasional spot. Do not pick or squeeze the spot as it only makes things worse.”
Try applying Botanics 100% Pure Essential Tea Tree Oil, £4 (www.boots.com) or Darphin’s ultra-effective Overnight Refinining Lotion and Blemish Clearing Gel, £18 each (www.darphin.co.uk).

 

TRIED & TESTED: PORE MINIMISERS (04.09.09)
Visible pores? Turn to an ever-expanding range of products designed to minimise, unblock, or hide pores. We’ve put six products through their paces.

 

SUQQU PORE PURIFYING EFFECTOR, £32 for 50ml (Selfridges Nationwide)
What they say: The original glycerin-based Sebum Melting Formula leaves skin silky smooth whilst Thymus extract controls sebum production and Carrot extract gently exfoliates the dead skin cells thus tightening the pores.

The Results: I love the sophisticated packaging – it would make my bathroom look far more chic. The product slipped onto my skin like liquid silk and smelt divine – I knew straight away that it was going to become a faithful friend! I massaged it into the pores on my cheeks and nose for three minutes and then rinsed off with tepid water. The massage obviously improved the circulation in the area and plumped up the skin a little, but it was the emulsion itself that really smoothed and softened the skin. I was thrilled with the results after a week of use and will definitely continue to use it.

Best for: Long-term results

 

MNS ROLLER MICRO NEEDLING SYSTEM, £50 (01923 838876)

What they say: The roller creates miniscule pinpricks that encourage the skin to regenerate itself, promoting collagen production to fill the unwanted valleys of wrinkles and minimizing pores.

The Results: This product looks like a mini paint-roller with a pad of micro needles that are so fine, you can hardly see them. I cleansed and then swept the roller gently over my nose and cheeks, but was a little surprised by the painful prickling sensation it caused. After using the roller, my skin did look plumper and smoother, out the product achieved what it promised, despite the red tinge to my skin! But taking into consideration the wincing and whining, I do think the roller is best kept in the hands of a professional in this instance. Ouch!

Best for: Fading deep spot and pore scarring

 

DR BRANDT PORES NO MORE REFINER, £33 for 30ml (www.spacenk.co.uk)

What they say: Tea tree, flax seed extract and a salicylic acid derivative provide continuous breakout prevention, while micro-spheres diffuse light so skin looks and feels smoother and more uniform.

The Results: I dabbed a tiny amount of this product onto cleansed skin – and it instantly matified and smoothed out my complexion. Although it was tinted, it didn’t affect the colour of my skin and worked well underneath foundation. I applied more of the refiner throughout the day on top of my makeup and it filled the pores without causing blockages or blemishes over the coming weeks. It has a slightly clinical scent, but this was more of a comfort – I felt I had the Doctor’s approval! The packaging recommends using the product as a primer, alongside the rest of Dr Brandt’s Pores No More range for long-term improvements – I’ll definitely be taking heed of the advice.

Best for: Pre-foundation primer

 

ESTEE LAUDER IDEALIST PORE MINIMISING SKIN REFINISHER, £34.26 for 30ml (www.esteelauder.co.uk)

What they say: This formula penetrates deep within the top surface layers of the skin, making pores appear instantly a third smaller and, with use over time, dramatically less visible.

The Results: If you’d describe your skin as ‘normal’, I’d definitely recommend investing in this product. It doesn’t necessarily fill the deepest of pores, but it does balance the texture and skin tone, giving the complexion a velvety feel and appearance. I applied the product sparingly after cleansing my face, then applied my makeup. As an added benefit, it gave the makeup great staying power. Better still, my forehead and chin (which admittedly are not as mottled as my nose and cheeks) looked especially flawless - I didn’t even need to apply foundation.

Best for: Smoothing out light pores

CLINIQUE PORE MINIMIZER INSTANT PERFECTOR, £12.50 for 15ml (www.clinique.co.uk)

What they say: On contact, specialised cross-linked silicone polymers drape the skin in an invisible, breathable film that fills in and smoothes out the pore surface.

The Results: This product should be described as ‘Polyfilla for the face’ – it’s a makeup-bag essential for those with a dappled complexion. Before applying my makeup, I dabbed a little of the silky cream on areas where pores were visible. It sunk instantly into the skin, filling the open pores and mattifying my usually-shiny T-Zone. It gave my skin a lovely ‘soft focus’ effect. The tube is small, but would last for months – I only needed to use the smallest amount with each application.

Best for: Instant results

 

CRYSTAL CLEAR CRYSTAL POLISH, £32 for 150ml (Selfridges Nationwide)
What they say: Fine micro-crystals and the precious stone garnet provide the microdermabrasion effect that leaves skin feeling super-smooth and refined.
The Results: The polish is packed with large exfoliating grains and felt slightly harsh at first, so I massaged it into my skin very gently. After washing the polish away, however, my skin felt far softer and smoother. After using the product twice a week for a month, the pores on my nose are far less visible. As I have slightly dry skin, it did make my skin feel a little tight but this would definitely suit those with oily skin, and the more mature pore-warrior.

Best for: Unblocking pores

 

Spas Review: WHITTLEBURY HALL HOTEL AND SPA, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE (04.09.09)
Location: Whittlebury Hall Hotel and Spa, Whittlebury, Near Towcester, Northamptonshire, NN12 8QH. 01327 857857. www.whittleburyhall.co.uk
Facilities: Surrounded by lush, green landscape and not much else, you’re totally oblivious to the fact that just 10 minutes away from this serene setting lies the roaring M1. On the outskirts of a tiny village, Whittlebury Hall is home to a hotel, conference centre, leisure club, golf course, hair salon and of course, an award-winning spa. Although we didn’t opt for an overnight stay, it felt good to know that after a long, hard day of pampering, there was the option of shuffling along the corridor in a robe and slippers and falling straight into bed. More of a destination spa than a small, discreet sanctuary, the spa’s facilities are extensive. Instead of hanging around aimlessly while you wait for your treatment time to arrive, you can wallow away the hours in the multi-million pound heat and ice experience. With heated recliners, foot spas, sanarium, ice cave, experience showers, steam rooms and a bubbling hydrotherapy pool, your body temperature rise and fall with every step you take. Look out for the ice bucket - using a good old-fashioned pull-cord system, it takes a brave person to inflict a barrage of frozen water upon themselves, no matter how beneficial it’s meant to be for the body! There’s an impressive-sized swimming pool to take advantage of if you fancy catching up on a few lengths. And for those who’d prefer to put their feet up, the spa features an ultra-comfortable relaxation area, featuring one of the best chill-out views that we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy - there’s something about the light, bright interior, sparkling marble flooring, and windows overlooking the golf course that immediately cloaks guests in a blanket of calm.
Ambience: Attracting mother and daughter duos, couples, and girlie groups of all ages, the relaxed ambience means that chatty conversations are de rigueur. This is a huge plus point for those seeking a stress-free, enjoyable break with friends or family – you have full permission to enjoy the facilities and fully unwind, whilst catching up on all the latest news and gossip from your companions.
Treatments Tested: Elemis Skin Specific Facial (£55 for 1 hour)
I’m no newbie when it comes to facials, but very rarely do I drift off to sleep mid-way through them - until now. One of Elemis’ signature facials, the treatment combined a thorough cleanse, tone and exfoliation before a lengthy facial massage and moisturise session ensued. While the thought of having someone manipulate your cheeks and forehead with their fingers might not sound overtly appealing, to this date, I still find facial massages one of the fastest and most effective ways to switch off. Unlike a back massage when you’re face is usually left poking through a little hole in the massage bed, a facial-come-face massage really does let you make the most of lying there and doing not much else! Whether it was the soothing aromas of the Elemis products or the midas touch of my therapist, this was one treatment I’d not only highly recommend, but I’d re-book it for myself any day of the week.

 

Breaking News: JO MALONE LAUNCHES VANILLA & ANISE COLOGNE (04.09.09)
Fans of Jo Malone are in for a treat this week, as the brand’s much-anticipated new cologne has just hit shelves. Vanilla & Anise Cologne, available in 100ml and 30ml bottles, aims to capture the extraordinary, fleeting moment when the rare vanilla orchid blossoms at day break. Far more delicate than the scent of sweet, synthetic vanilla, this cologne is deeply floral and very stylish.
One sniff and you’ll fall under the Cologne’s spell. Notes of Bergamot, Neroli, and Star Anise add a touch of spice, above transparent layers of Vanilla Orchid and Frangipani. The warmth of Vetiver, White Amber, and the subtlest hint of Clove complete this unexpected, modern scent.
Dressed in Jo Malone’s classic bottle and irresistible packaging, we predict this is going to be Autumn/Winter’s most desired fragrance.
Vanilla & Anise Cologne is available now, retailing at £64 for 100ml and £32 for 30ml. Call 0870 0342411 for your nearest stockist. Shop online at www.jomalone.co.uk

 

Blog: OUR GROOMING EDITOR – JAMES YORK – REVIEWS B NEVER TOO BUSY TO BE BEAUTIFUL FRAGRANCE: BREATH OF GOD (04.09.09)
B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful BREATH OF GOD, from £15.65 (www.bnevertoobusytobebeautiful.co.uk)
RATING: 4/5
When you first smell Breath of God, you will either love it or hate it. It’s the only way I can describe the reaction. Its use might be limited to those wanting to be noticed or wanting to change their image from ‘boring to boom’, but its style remains unique and is worthy of review despite being a year or so old.
The first minute of this fragrance is such a gathering of ingredients that it threatens to blow your nostrils out five feet from your cheeks. In saying that though, I found something powerfully endearing about it and held opinion back until I could have another smell after an hour.
Unlike some of its peers, it gets better rather than fades. I stand resolute on the need for fragrance staying power. Breath of God sticks around like a secret admirer you never acknowledge, but slowly begin to appreciate.
By the time a return journey home is underway, nothing of the initial bleeding nose explosion endures. Rather something novel, mature, woody and fruity remains. Sadly I can’t give this fragrance a top mark because I don’t think a lot ‘other halves’ or even shoppers will be prepared to wait for the virtues of its creative subtlety to unwind before them.
Sometimes we have to acknowledge when artists make us something brilliantly unique, even if it takes a bit of time to ‘get’ it.
Coming soon!
Look out for our interview with this unique products creator; Simon Constantine. I just had to ask him how the blazes he invented this smell…

 

Feature: FEEL GOOD BEAUTY (04.09.09)
Don’t let the arrival of September wipe the smile from your face. Instead, spend your time stocking up on stress-busting treats, indulging in pampering pleasures, and investing in beautifully bright palettes that will bring back the spring in your step.

SWEET TREATS
As the nights start to draw in and the climate gets cooler, so intensifies everyone’s cravings for a full-on sugar rush. The ultimate comfort food, whether your Achilles heel is a big bar of chocolate or a traditional apple crumble, nothing beats that saccharine high you get from your favourite sweet treat. But these delectable delights don’t always have to be edible. You can now get your flavoursome fixes through an array of pick ‘n’ mix body products instead - and what’s a better mood-enhancer than the thought of cocooning yourself in creamy chocolate lotions, vanilla potions and honey healers without even consuming a calorie!?
Shower: Pudding bears will love Philosophy’s Classic Fudge Cake, £13.60 and Pink Frosted Layer Cake, £12.80 (0870 990 8452) 3-in-1 shampoo, shower-gel and bubble bath in one. Not only do they leave you squeaky clean, you’ll leave the shower smelling like freshly baked cakes from top-to-toe. Alternatively, put a stop to chocolate cravings with Boots Extracts Fairtrade Cocoa Butter Body Wash, £4 (Boots nationwide), the frothy foam it creates is almost as satisfying as hot chocolate itself.
Bath: Soak away your stresses and strains in a comforting haze of warming ingredients. The Sanctuary’s Mandelular Sensuous Bath Creme, £8.99 (www.thesanctuary.co.uk) is an exotic mix of honey, Aloe Vera and coconut milk that has been carefully concocted to comfort and caress your skin, while Bliss’s Vanilla and Bergamot Bubbling Bath and Shower Gel, £16 (0808 100 4151) smells divine and softens skin thanks to the addition of sweet almond.
Body: For sweet-smelling skin 24/7, slather yourself in Babes with babies ‘Sweet Mama’ Organic Chocolate Moisture Mousse, £10.95 (www.babeswithbabies.com). Not solely reserved for new mums, this irresistible organic mousse will whip any chocoholic into an utter frenzy. Containing shea butter and olive oil too, it smoothes on and soaks into skin seamlessly. Another confectionary cream comes in the form of American favourite JR Watkins Natural Vanilla Shea Butter Body Cream, £5.87 (www.superdrug.com) – especially good for dry patches on knees, heels and elbows.

WIND-DOWN WONDERS
There’s nothing worse when you’ve been buzzing around all day than the feeling of not being able to unwind and relax. Enter an array of sleep-inducing treats to prompt peace of mind, loosen tired, aching muscles and accelerate your arrival into the soothing land of slumber. After all, it doesn’t matter what season of the year it is – summer, autumn or the deepest, darkest depths of winter - everyone needs their eight hours of sleep, otherwise you run the risk of waking up feeling frazzled and fatigued.
Bath: A great way to kick-start your relaxation ritual, a long, warm bath can melt away muscle ache and force you to sit still for longer than a second. The Body Shop’s Divine Calm Serenity Milk Bath Powder, £8.80 (www.thebodyshop.co.uk) oozing with pure French lavender essential oils – the number one sleep stimulant – takes away tensions and promotes a sense of calm, or for achy-breaky muscles and bones, sprinkle in some of Burt’s Bees Therapeutic Bath Crystals. The mix of mineral salt and essential oils draws out impurities from the skin making muscles feel spritely and strong.
Body Oils: Body oils are brilliant for getting straight to the crux of the matter as they’re quickly absorbed by the skin and begin working their magic immediately. Elemis’ De-Stress Massage Oil, £30 (01278 727 830) combines lavender, chamomile, rosewood and marjoram essential oils to help relax your mind, body and soul; NEOM Luxury Organic Body Oil in Unwind. £28 (www.neomorganics.com) rehydrates and repairs skin whilst emitting a super-soothing scent, while Dermalogica’s Stress Relief Treatment Oil, is an aromatic skin conditioning oil that swiftly works to de-stress you.
Candles: No matter what mood you’re in, there’s just something about a lit candle that creates a calm, cosy and endearing environment. In all shapes, sizes and scents, if you’re looking for a relaxation-giving glimmer, try L’Occitane’s Relaxing Scented Candle, £15.75 (http://uk.loccitane.com) infused with essential oils, or Green & Spring’s Relaxing Travel Candle Set, £18 (www.greenandspring.com) – beautifully packaged and 100% vegan, they’re perfect for dotting around the room or taking on your travels.
Mists: A natural way to help you drift off to sleep, a quick spritz of Molton Brown’s Relaxing Yuan Zhi Sleep Mist. £25 (www.moltonbrown.co.uk) or L’Occitane’s Relaxing Pillow Mist, £11.75 (http://uk.loccitane.com) will help propel you into a pure and peaceful sleep.

PLAYFUL PRODUCTS
Remember the days when bath-time was an excuse for fun and frivolity and your parents would do anything they could to make the prospects of getting clean as attractive as possible? Thought so, which is why the idea of taking a nostalgic leap back to your childhood via the power of bathing products is so appealing. Think jelly, ice cream, candy crystals and heaps of popping sherbet. With a variety of textures and tastes to choose from (although we don’t recommend you actually taste them), bathing hasn’t been this entertaining since the 80s!
Jelly: Forget wobble on a plate, it’s all about wobble in the shower. Pioneers of fun new products, Lush’s Shower Jelly in Sweetie Pie, £2.27 (www.lush.co.uk) is one fruity little number that’s too tempting not to try, while their sister company B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful also have their own version. For instant refreshment, their Lady Boy Lemon Melt Shower Jelly, £11.75 (www.bnevertoobusytobebeautiful.co.uk) is a must.
Ice cream: The ingenious invention of ME! Bath’s Strawberry Bath Ice Cream, £10 (www.b-avante.co.uk) looks and smells like the real deal, but rather than seeing you into a sticky mess, it gets you out of one. Each scoop is made up of a unique six-oil blend that takes three days to make, but they’re totally worth it. Once submerged in water, they fizz and melt, releasing all their nourishing ingredients whilst swathing your skin in lovely scented water.
Sherbet: So much more satisfying than a liquid bubble bath, sprinkle in some of B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful’s Keep It Fluffy Bath Powder £9.80 for an effervescent bathing experience. The equivalent of adult fairy dust, it even contains tiny pink marshmallow pieces.
Sugar crystals: Lovers of Kali candy rejoice, there’s a bath alternative. Marks and Spencer’s Fruity Beauty Bath Sugar Gift Set, £5 (www.marksandspencer.co.uk) not only look the part, the six bottled beauties smell mouth-wateringly delicious too. A great exfoliator, Fresh’s cult Brown Sugar Body Polish, £42 (www.fresh.com) is another textured treat that will leave you sloughed and smoothed to perfection.
Cream: The only way to top off your bathing session, boost your barnet’s shine and condition with a dollop of Milk_shake’s Conditioning Whipped Cream, £9.75 (0844 840 3040) - the canister even looks and works in exactly the same way as a can of squirty cream – amazing!

CITRUS DELIGHTS
So much more civilised than alarm clocks and repetitive wake-up calls, kick-start your day with a shot of zingy lemon, zesty lime and juicy orange instead. Nothing to do with freshly squeezed smoothies, this is all about citrus-based beauty products. Some of the best energy-boosters there are, your new morning revival scheme will not only ensure you remain on high alert, you’ll smell lip-smackingly good too. As a guide when sourcing your piquant products, oranges are fabulous exfoliators because of their high pH levels, lemons are great cleansers, while limes are the most energising of all.
Shower: The Greeks have got it right when it comes to utilising citrus fruits for that get-up-and-go feeling. Korres Basil Lemon Shower Gel, brings an immediate burst of life to any shower cubicle, while their spin-off brand Kings & Queens and its George III Lime Shower gel, is one of the tangiest products tested. Boots Extracts Fairtrade Bergamot Body Wash, £4 (Boots) also makes a punchy alternative.
Scrub: Citrus fruits are great for lifting away dead skin. Bliss’s Lemon and Sage Body Scrub, £20 is one of their best-sellers thanks to its scouring properties, while Treaclemoon’s Those Lemonade Days Body Scrub, £2.97 (Tesco stores nationwide) is a fizzy, feel-good exfoliator that will leave skin sparkling. Just as sweet is Rituals’ Sunrise Scrub, £7.90 (http://uk.ritualsstore.com), which combines a cleansing scrub and conditioning cream with sweet orange and cedar ingredients.
Body Mist: Swap your mid-morning biscuit break for a citrus spritz instead. An instant pep-up, L’Occitane’s Citrus Verbena Revitalising Mist for Face and Body, £15 can also be kept in the fridge for an even fresher fix while Jurlique’s Citrus Purifying Mist, £13.70 (www.jurlique.com) combines tangerine and lemon with marshmallow and witch hazel to create a gorgeous natural hydrator.
Perfume: Wearing a fruity fragrance can prolong that summery feel, especially if it has citrus base notes. Jo Malone’s unisex Sweet Lime and Cedar Cologne, £29.50 (0870 034 2411) balances zesty fruits with fragrant flowers and spices to create an addictive heady scent, while Willow Organic’s Eau de Toilette Lime and Lavender, £30 (www.willowbeautyproducts.co.uk) offers a more mellow and subdued aroma.

NEON BRIGHTS
Autumn might be on its way, but you don’t have to move your make-up to the dark side just yet; stick to neon brights and vivid hues and it’ll help draw out that sense of summer. Quick, easy and economical, you’ll be surprised to see that just by applying a coat of coral pink nail polish it’ll leave you feeling chirpier, if not a little warm inside. Add to that a ruby-red smile or turquoise lids and your rainbow palette of products will soon become your post-summer saviour.
Nails: The brighter the better, so opt for pinks, oranges and luscious lime greens. POP’s Beauty Nail Glam in Pinky, £6 (www.popbeauty.co.uk) is a fantastic flouro shade that will add pizzazz to any outfit, while Models Own Neon Bright Nail Polish in Tangerine Queen, £5 (www.asos.com) looks great on neatly trimmed talons. A must-have colour for the transitional period between summer and autumn, try Ciate’s Paint Pot in Holiday Blues, £9 (www.ciate.co.uk).
Eyes: Turquoises are the easiest colour to wear as they suit most skin tones and hair hues and will make your eyes look as bright as a button. For beginners, Barry M’s Dazzle Dust in Block Blue, £4.50 (www.barrym.com) is great for experimenting with as the loose powder means you can build up the colour until you’re happy with what you see, or for a pressed shadow, choose Illamasqua’s Powder Eye Shadow in Anja, £14. And if you can’t get enough of the colour craze, why not go the whole hog and spend your pennies on POP’s Lid Neon Palette, £15 (www.popbeauty.co.uk) and its riot of rainbow shades?
Lips: Pouts that pop always get the thumbs up from beauty circles; but make sure you pick a colour you’re comfortable with and that complements your natural colourings. 17 Lasting Fix Lipstick in Hot Chilli, £3.71 (Boots) is a fiery orange that will light up your lips, or for a toned-down tint, DuWop’s Iced Tea Lipstick in Strawberry Kiss, £14.50 (www.asos.com) adds a subtle glaze. Ritual’s Ruby Lips Lipstick in Jaipur, £10.90 (http://uk.ritualsstore.com) is a sophisticated take on a crimson pout.

STRESS BUSTERS
The definitive way to up your feel-good factor, just one hour on the treatment table is often all you need to spark off your perkier side. You don’t even have to block out a full day of pampering to reap the rewards, with most spas now offering a multitude of quick-fix treatments. It’s not all about massages, though, as manicures, wraps and facials can be equally as relaxing. Even a trip to the hairdressers can help dissolve a nasty bout of the blues - you don’t even need to get a cut or colour, with conditioning treatments and blow-dries opening up a 60-minute slot for you to de-stress and unwind in.
Head: Fast fixes are on the up and spas are quickly catching on. As ever, leading the way is Elemis who now have their own unique SpaPod’s in department stores dotted across the UK. Here, you can be treated to a 30-minute booster facial whilst seated in a state-of-the-art massage chair, all for £45. Indian Head massages are another way to indulge in a spot of express escapism with Malmaison’s spa chain – Le Petit Spa – offering 30-minute sessions for £30. Or, show your locks some love at Hershesons Blow-dry bar in Westfield, London where, alongside eight different styles, there are treatments such as the hair manicure too.
Shoulders: Limber up your limbs with a neck and shoulder massage. One of the most traditional treatments, wherever you are in the world, you’ll be able to seek out a spa offering the relaxation remedy. Bliss Spa London’s Rapid Rub, £55 for 30 minutes is an intense rub focusing on the body parts giving you the most jip - ideal for shoulders that have been subject to carrying heavy handbags.
Knees: The somewhat forgotten part of the body, knees need looking after too. Exfoliation therapies are the best treatment, leaving them ready and ripe to show off, but for a real treat, try Waterfall Spa Leeds’ Ahhh That’s Better Leg Relief. £40 for 35 minutes, your legs get treated to a gentle exfoliation followed by a massage and moisturise session.
Toes: Your toes should always be painted and polished, even if winter boots are already on the shelves. Spoil yourself at Cowshed Carnaby where the newly opened treatment rooms have a Speedy Pedicure, £28 on the menu. A half-hour file, tidy and polish, is there a better way to spend your lunch break?