December 2010

Treatment Review: VITA LIBERATA TAN AT THE CHELSEA DAY SPA, LONDON (17.12.10)
What it promises: It was the sight of Emma Watson’s glorious honeyed limbs against that beautiful black lace dress at the recent premiere for Harry Potter And the Deathly Hallows that reminded me how invigorating a winter tan can be. So I decided it was just the boost I needed and headed to The Chelsea Day just off London’s King’s Road to enjoy a red-carpet glow courtesy of Vita Liberata for the party season. One of the most organic on the market, the odourless spray tan is billed as a breath of fresh air. DHA - the smelly active ingredient that is present in all self-tanning products - is obtained from organic sugar cane, instead of the usual sources, making the tan odourless. It is also enhanced with extracts of silk proteins and seaweed to leave the skin feeling smooth - and soft and it’s free from nasty parabens, alcohol or perfume. It also has a long line of devoted bronzed beauties including Kelly Brook, Sienna Miller and Yasmin Le Bon.
What happens: I was given clear instructions to exfoliate, but not to moisturise for 24 hours before the treatment, I was also advised to wear dark clothing and underwear. At the luxurious surroundings of the day spa, I had a thorough consultation about what colour I would like to achieve. There were three options Hawaii/light, Equador/medium or Brazil/dark. I plumped for Hawaii, and stripped down to a pair of disposable pants while the therapist applied barrier cream to the palms of my hands and soles of my feet. I was then gently and methodically sprayed with a tanning gun twice all over. Minutes later, I was ready to get dressed.
The Results: Apart from the seamless colour, the thing I loved most about this tan was there was no nasty soggy-biscuit odour that my boyfriend always complains about. It wasn’t sticky either and by the next morning, the tan had developed into a gorgeous natural colour with no streaks, which was a first as my skin is so pale. However, by the fourth day, just as I was getting used to all the compliments on my new healthy radiance, the tan had all but disappeared and I cursed myself for not choosing Equador rather than Hawaii so that I could have prolonged my sunkissed dream a little longer.
Price: Introductory price £45. Regular price £55. A course of five £220.
Location: The Chelsea Day Spa 2nd & 3rd floor, 69a King’s Road, London SW3 4NX (020 7351 0911) thechelseadayspa.co.uk

Tried & Tested: SOLID PERFUME JEWELLERY (17.12.10)
Let your jewellery and fragrance work together this festive season, with a fabulous piece of jewellery containing a solid perfume. We’ve put six to the test…

THIERY MUGLER ANGEL PERFUME IN A RING, , £30 (0207 307 6700)
What they say: Hailed as the Mugler Show’s must-have accessory, this silver zamak ring is encrusted with 70 CRYSTALLIZEDTM Swarovski crystals and conceals the Angel solid perfume.
The Results: I was intrigued to discover if my love/hate relationship with the sweet-smelling scent of my youth remained. Presented in a Cinderella-esque Perspex cube with barbed wire design, the signature scent seeped out before I even opened it. However, the silver star-shaped ring encrusted with sparkling Swarovski crystals proved a pleasant surprise. It was well made and chunky but without the finger-aching weight you might expect, and it fitted snugly. The solid perfume was the palest shade of blue but the chalky scent absorbed and faded instantly. It successfully masked a sneaky post-dinner cigarette and impressive still, lasted until the following morning.
Best for: Angel aficionados

BEYONCE HEAT SOLID PERFUME RING, £20 (Debenhams Nationwide)
What they say: A sexy, new statement accessory that allows you to carry the sensual Heat fragrance with you everywhere.
The Results: A self-confessed perfume snob I was a little dubious of the diva’s debut fragrance. But I was actually quite taken by the subtlety of this warm, fruity musk. I had to reapply the scent several times and it left a little greasy residue on my fingertips - but as far as ‘celebrity’ fragrances go, it was inoffensive and my boyfriend grunted approval. The ring’s ‘statement’ size is certainly no exaggeration – the faux ruby baguette is huge and remarkably heavy. It lasted all of five minutes on my index finger after nearly coming to blows with a wine glass but its accompanying pouch was super-handy - I even managed to squeeze in some loose change and my lippie!
Best for: All the single ladies …

MARC JACOBS DAISY SOLID PERFUME RING, £30 (0800 652 7661)
What they say: Another must-have gem from Marc Jacobs, the Daisy solid perfume ring comes enclosed in a velvet pouch and the ring has a fun, swivel lid for easy access.
The Results: Since its launch, I’ve relied on Daisy to keep me refreshed during the day, so you can imagine my delight when I received this reincarnation. The uplifting floral fragrance is a given, if a little heavy at first but it softened after 30 minutes and lasted for several hours before I needed to reapply. And the ring itself didn’t disappoint. The dome, daisy adorned ring is as cute as a button and although substantial in size it didn’t get in the way when I was going about my daily chores. In fact the monochrome colour palette meant that it worked with most of my wardrobe too (all-be-it black and navy). I’d certainly recommend wearing it to add an element of fun to your workwear.
Best for: Daytime

JUICY COUTURE ‘COUTURE COUTURE’ SOLID PERFUME RING, £35 (Exclusive to Selfridges.com from mid-December, available nationwide 1st February 2011)
What they say: A decadent fragrance for Juicy girls on the go, this solid perfume ring is designed for at-whim perfume touch-ups.
The Results: Famous for its ubiquitous tracksuit, the US brand is after world domination with its latest perfume bijoux hybrid. After hearing the hype I was über-excited to unwrap it. Expecting a heavily branded ring I was pleased as punch to find a stunning piece of wearable jewellery. Aesthetics aside, the perfume had just the right balance of citrus and fruit flavours with notes of orange flower, blushed plum and rich vanilla. I pressed it lightly onto my skin twice at the beginning of the night and although I had it close to hand I didn’t need to reapply and spoil the illusion of my new cocktail ring. Now a worthy addition to my Christmas jewellery box it’s the only ring and scent I plan to wear during the party season!
Best for: Evening bling

MARC JACOBS LOLA PERFUME BRACELET, £30 (0800 652 7661)
What they say: An essential for all Lola lovers, this perfume is housed in a chic pouch and is flagged up as this year’s perfect present.
The Results: This bracelet is testament to its high fashion heritage. Modern, girly but by no means tacky, pendants and gold chains are hot on the style scene at the moment and this clever piece takes wearing jewellery to a whole new level. Initially unsure of its durability and comfort I layered the gold link bracelet over another chain I’d previously wrapped around my wrist, and it rocked! Concerned that the oversized bloom would fall off on the dance floor, I found it still dangling some hours later. In between admiring my new wrist candy I became a little obsessed with layering the heavy floral blend but fortunately it wasn’t too overpowering and surprisingly didn’t melt. One of my friends was so impressed she’s already added it to her Christmas wish list! And I think I’ve found a new friend in Daisy’s bolder and more confident sister too.
Best for: Young fashionistas

M.A.C AND MARCEL WANDERS AIR OF STYLE CONCENTRATE, £22 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk)
What they say: Based on the idea that your tools can be jewels, the acclaimed Dutch designer, Marcel Wanders has joined forced with M.A.C. to deliver a limited-edition, avant-garde necklace with a solid perfume heart.
The Results: What’s not to love? The sleek, futuristic design is so unlike its market rivals, it was one of only two that I might mistake for a serious piece of jewellery, making the modern, almost masculine scent within a mere bonus! The multi-faceted, jet black metallic pendant could easily be mistaken as part of a mainline jewellery collection and further proof that if a brand pushes the boundaries, it can still progress and break into the fragrance market in style. The musky vanilla and citrus scent was a sensory cocktail in its own right - unusual but utterly gorgeous. And all for only £22. I’m sold!
Best for: Statement style

Feature: STEP-BY-STEP PARTY LOOKS (17.12.10)
Follow our step-by-step guide to the perfect party looks this season – leaving yourself plenty of time to enjoy the festivities!

SMOKY EYE
M.A.C. Senior Artist, Cher Webb talks us through five easy steps to creating a sultry, modern smoky eye.
1) Begin by applying a cream base eyeshadow onto clean eyelids. Try MAC Blackground Paintpot, £13 - a fantastic base for eyeshadow, as it prevents creasing and gives eyeshadow colours more intensity. Apply the base onto eyelids and go up to the eye socket. Make sure that the product is as close to the lash line as possible. Use your blending brush to softly blend out the colour, using small circular motions, and go back and forth over the socket line in a windscreen wiper motion. This will soften any hard lines and the colour should start to fade, going from darker at the lash line to lighter towards the crease of the socket.
2) Now press a smoky eyeshadow onto the base with an eyeshadow brush. By pressing the product onto the lid, you will get more longevity. Choose a colour that is semi-dark, depending upon how dramatic and smoky you want it to be. Greys and deep browns are very popular colours for smoky eyes. Try MAC Smut Eyeshadow, £11, for a deep grey-brown look.
3) For a more dramatic look, take a darker eyeshadow and apply this along the outer lash line. Use the darker colour through the socket to increase intensity on the outer corners. Use your blending brush once again, in the same way as the base, and marry the colours together.
4) Apply a soft black eye pencil into the waterline and around the top and bottom lash line. MAC Smoulder Eye Kohl, £12.50, will dress up an eye in seconds! Gently smudge the liner and softly pull the kohl pencil to the outer corners and into a wing shape for a more feline look.
5) Curl lashes, then apply a generous coating of mascara from root to tip. Be sure to groom every single lash, especially the inner and outer fair ones that often get lost! MAC Pro Longlash, £12.50 is the perfect product for a dramatic flutter.
Top Tip: You can create a smoky eye with many different colours - the choice is really up to you! It’s vital that the products you are wearing are softly blended together and not sitting apart with hard lines - so make sure you have a good application brush along with a blending brush when creating a smoky eye.
www.maccosmetics.co.uk
Image courtesy of MAC Cosmetics

GROWN UP GLITTER
Sarah-Jane Froom, National Makeup Artist for Bare Escentuals explains, “To create the perfect party look for the Christmas season, think ‘Grown-up Glitter’ for eyes to make them really sparkle.” Here, she shows us how...
1) Start by prepping the eyes with bareMinerals Primetime Eyelid Primer, £14- this will ensure your eyes stay looking flawless throughout the day and even into the evening.
2) Follow with a wash of bareMinerals Eyecolour in Queen Phyllis, £13 - a sheer champagne sheen. Take this from the lash line all the way to the brow to highlight and open up the eye. This will act as a base colour. If you want to go all out, then use our brand new HighShine Eyecolour in Frost, £14, with metallic pearl mineral pigments to add an amazing highlight and sheen.
3) Now switch to bareMinerals Eyecolour in Sex Kitten, £13, a rich bronze rust sheen. Tap the minerals into the eyeshadow’s lid and using this as your palette, add a small amount of water and wet the minerals into a paste, mixing using our Wet Dry Shadow Brush, £13. This technique is called foiling and adds much more intensity. Now paint onto the eyelid from lash to crease line. When this is completely dry, take the Double-Ended Precision Brush, £24, and blend the edges so you have a soft smoky effect with no harsh lines. For beauty on the go and an instant dramatic effect, use our new HighShine Eyecolour in Bronzed, £14, to add more of a glow and sparkle.
4) To define the eye, take bareMinerals Liner Shadow in Coffee Bean, £13 - a rich dark brown – and swirl your Liner Brush, £10, into the Liner Shadow. Tap out the excess and line around your lash line to frame the eye. This will make your eyes look bigger.
5) To make your eyes really pop, take bareMinerals Eyecolour in Beautiful Autumn, £13, a rich autumnal gold sheen and foil (wet). Paint over the centre of the eyelid on top of the eyeball. This will pop the eye and make it really stand out. For even more intensity and shimmery finish, try HighShine Eyecolour in Glisten, £14. For a real wow factor, take HighShine Eyecolour in Frost again and pop a little on the tear ducts for show-stopping party eyes. Finish with a sweep of mascara.
www.bareescentuals.co.uk
Top Tip: For the perfect grown-up glitter look, reserve the shimmer for your eyes only. Applying shimmer to your skin, nails, and lips would be a step too far.

RED LIPS
Chase Aston, International Makeup Artist and Beauty Representative for The Body Shop suggests a few simple steps to ensure longer lasting, kissable and smudge proof red lips.
1) Ensure that the surface of lips is smooth and free of dry and flaky skin. Take The Body Shop Lipscuff, £8, and rub this minty exfoliator over lips once a day then wipe lips with a damp tissue. Smooth over a lip balm to moisturise.
2) Once the lips are prepped, take The Body Shop Lip Liner Pencil in 13-Rosy Red, £8, and -following the natural line of your lips - line and define all around the edges then fill in the whole lip area.
3) For precision and flawless lips, use a Lip Brush, £9. Smooth lip colour – such as The Body Shop Colourglide Lipstick in 53-Brilliant Red, £8 – all over lips, starting from the corner of the lip and working inwards. Use the tip of the brush for the edges and the flat side to fill in larger areas. If you smudge your red lip look when applying, don’t panic. Take a cotton bud and dip it into either a little concealer or foundation and gently wipe away the offending smudge. Then pat a little powder over the corrected area to set.
4) Then take a tissue and blot the lips and lightly dust a little translucent powder over. Finally, holding the tissue again over the lips, pucker down to seal lipcolour and powder and then reapply a final coat of lipstick. Gloss, satin or matte, whatever texture of red lips you decide to wear, this bold hue will always be the focus so keep the rest of your makeup minimal.
Top Tip: The only way to find the right red lipstick shade to complement your skin tone is to go along to your nearest beauty counter and sample shades before you buy. Remember, cool blue-based reds tend to suit pink-toned complexions whilst warmer orange-reds flatter yellow undertones, and rich, succulent reds look amazing on darker skin.
www.thebodyshop.co.uk

NAKED MOON MANICURE
Celebrity Nail Expert, Leighton Denny advises, “For the ultimate party look, take the lead from Dita Von Teese, who always requests that I paint her nails in the Naked Moon style. The Naked Moon Manicure simply leaves the moon at the base of the nail naked and is an easy look to achieve.” Follow his top tips...
1) Apply Leighton Denny Under Cover Base, £11, but leave the half moons naked.
2) Apply two coats of Leighton Denny High Performance Colour, £11, also leaving the half moon naked. Make a statement with bold, strong colours, such as Embellish Me or Indulgence to achieve the colour contrast.
3) Now use the Leighton Denny Precision Brush dipped in Corrector Liquid, £9, to draw the naked moon. The look can be easily achieved by a non-expert with the shakiest of hands! Use small, circular motions to gently smooth and correct the half moon curved line until perfect.
4) Finish with Leighton Denny Crystal Finish Top Coat, £11, for a mirror-like shine.

Top Tip: If you are low on time but want to create a quick party look, simply apply my Angel Dust Polish, £11 over your daytime colour to create a shimmering top coat.
www.leightondenny.com

PARTY PIN-UP HAIR
Achieving party-perfect hair that stays in place all night long is no mean feat – but the experts at Headmasters have shown us how to create their Party Pin-Up Masterclass in five easy-to-follow steps.
1) Begin by spraying L’Oreal Professional techni art Volume Architect Spray, £11.60, onto damp hair - and finger dry to create body with a beachy texture. Once dry, part your hair to the side or the middle (side is flattering and glamorous, middle is cool and young).
2) Take a large triangular section from ear to ear around the crown. Split this into three sections and tease the roots using a Pintail Comb to create height.
3) Pull hair together, midway between the nape and crown and secure with a pin.
4) Take all hair from behind the ear and twist together. Repeat this on the other side and wrap the sections into a pleat shape and pin.
5) Top with an Alice band to complete the look.
Top Tip: To make this look bang on trend, why not add a little lace? Place a thin length of lace two inches deep along the hair line to create an Alice band shape and tie at the nape of the neck. Cut off the excess and for added security, weave a pin in between the lace and hair.
www.hmhair.co.uk

BEAUTIFUL BUN
Celebrity hairstylist, Errol Douglas takes time out from tending the tresses of clients including Emilia Fox, Uma Thurman and Thandie Newton to offer his tips on creating an on-trend look for the season. He explains, “The bun was all over the catwalks this season- for a really modern twist, wear with a quiff at the front. Height at the front of the hair also has the effect of slimming the face.”
1) Lightly backcomb the top section of your hair at the root with your brush. If you want the quiff, section off the front section of hair at this point, push forward and pin down into a quiff. Then take the remainder back with the hair in step 2. You can get the height by backcombing but you can also use a hair sponge if your hair is very fine.
2) Smooth your hair down into a ponytail with a soft brush. Use a little hairspray as you go.
3) Hold the ponytail with one hand as centrally as possible and secure with a bungee hook.
4) Gently twist the hair and then wrap around itself into a bun.
5) Secure the hair with a couple of pins, hook them up, in and then down to secure properly. Finish with a little hairspray and shine spray.
Top Tip: If you haven’t got the lift you want in the crown when you have finished, slide a pin through the hair in that section and gently pull upwards.
Errol Douglas, Knightsbridge, London. Tel: 0207 235 0110

Blog: KATIE MALOY – MANAGING DIRECTOR OF TOUCH MEDIA – TALKS ABOUT CHRISTMAS BEAUTY HALL HEAVEN… (17.12.10)
I have been told by more than one person that heaven is actually the place where you are happiest on Earth. For me, heaven is Selfridges beauty hall at Christmas time. For two integral reasons…
Firstly the decorations… I love the Christmas trees and all the sparkly bits, the atmosphere is uplifting, and if I’m lucky, there may be a distant jingle of some old school Christmas carols. (this really feeds my inner sentimental nostalgia) But mostly it is the gift sets that get me. The old trusted trio of Eau De Toilette, Body Lotion and Shower Gel.
When I was very young in Australia (OK early teens) you use to be able to buy what was called the ‘Beauty Blockbuster’. The fact they are no longer produced is the most heinous crime our industry has ever seen (running only slightly ahead of when Estee Lauder discontinued Honeysuckle Splash the most divine fragrance ever created) The Beauty Blockbuster consisted of a full collection of makeup, fragrances and nail varnishes in a big box with a felt insert where each product popped in and out of their little home perfectly. Elizabeth Arden, Chanel and Estee Lauder all produced one per Christmas and for a 13 year-old beauty obsessed girl like me, they seemed like the ultimate mecca. I remember spending hours stalking the counters, wishing I were old enough to afford one and old enough to wear a full face of makeup. Some years, they even came in mock croc vanity cases that flowered out with little detachable trays with small holes for the lipsticks… Ahhh heaven.
Now the day of the Blockbuster seems to have passed - but I will never fall out of love with the Christmas beauty gift set. This year I have my sights set on Micheal Kors and I will be interested to see if Mr Ford produces sets that are as magical as everything else the man touches - if so, I will have one of each thanks.
I do love the ritual of fragrance layering a new perfume at Christmas and seeing the New Year in whilst smelling gorgeously divine. Experience would also tell me Mums, Sisters and friends everywhere would never turn their nose up at a fragrance gift set. It’s the dedicated boxes that also get me – usually the embossed snowflakes and silver and gold metallic designs.
Nothing gives me greater joy than giving beauty gifts at Christmas - it makes me feel all is well in the world.
If anyone needs me, I will be at Selfridges…
Visit www.selfridges.com/en/Beauty/

Editor’s Letter (17.12.10)
Ladies and gents, I hope you can forgive me, but this is my last Editor’s Letter of 2010. I am giving myself – and The-Beauty-Pages.com – a three-week break, as I am heading off to beautiful Greenwich to get married to my even more beautiful fiancé. From the moment that I announced my far-fetched plan to leave the staff of a national newspaper and launch my very own website back in 2008, he has been nothing but supportive – listening to me endlessly rant about beauty products, coping with me working 24/7, and dealing with rocketing stress levels. So I owe it to him to put my laptop down and focus on him for the next three weeks. I hope that you all have an incredible Christmas and New Year – and I’m looking forward to seeing you all again in 2011!

Rococo. With the price of gold hitting a record high, you may not be treated to a trip to the jewellers this Christmas – but you can bring gold to your grasp with this amazing Gold Leaf Nail Varnish by Rococo Nail Apparel. The hard-wearing polish (£22.50) contains flecks of 24 carat gold leaf, which can be applied over coloured varnish as a topcoat of alone for a quick-drying, glossy finish. Perfect for Christmas, perfect for New Year, and perfect for bringing a little sparkle to those dull January days ahead. www.cultbeauty.co.uk

Crystal Clear. Skin starting to suffer from endless partying? The Crystal Clear Face Mask (£22) is a swift and simple solution to perking up skin – think of it as the DIY alternative to a professional salon based treatment! An intensely hydrating and lifting mask, it firms and smoothes as well as deep cleanses, all within 30 minutes. It’s great for after the party season too, helping to get skin back to its sparkling best! I shall be buying bottles by the crate load! www.crystalclear.co.uk

Lush. It’s traditional to crack open a tin of biscuits at Christmas time, but my pre-wedding diet hasn’t allowed it. Instead, I have been delving into this beautifully illustrated Bathtime Favourites Tin (£24.95) from Lush, which contains nine of the brand’s most popular bath ballistics. The set will definitely bring a smile to the face of Lush fans on Christmas morning – and as an added bonus, they can reuse the tin when they’ve used them all up! www.lush.co.uk

Clinique. Know somebody who loves the chic, sophisticated scent of Clinique Aromatics Elixir? Treat them to this fabulous Aromatics Candle Set (£20), containing three mini Aromatics Elixir Candles. Light the wick and the room with quickly fill with beautiful, mysterious notes of Rose, Jasmine, Ylang Ylang and Vetiver, as the candles flicker. It comes in a chic gold gift box – and I can hardly believe the affordable price tag. The perfect way to add a bit to luxury to the festive season! www.clinique.co.uk

Marks & Spencer. Tess Daly’s beauty collection for Marks & Spencer has been a hit with top beauty editors – and I know plenty of women who would love to be given this Daly Glamour Gift Set (£19.50. It’s packed with makeup essentials for a big night out, including eye liner, eye shadow, mascara, lip plump, and a fabulously sparkly makeup bag. Lets face it – if it’s good enough for the impossibly glamorous host of Strictly Come Dancing, it’s good enough for me! A fabulous price too! www.marksandspencer.com

Treatment Review: MODELS OWN LAUNCH THE MOST EXPENSIVE NAIL POLISH IN THE WORLD – EVER! (10.12.10)
Looking for a gift for the girl who has everything? Let us turn your attention to the most expensive nail varnish to ever be produced, which costs a whopping £83,000!
Picked yourself up off the floor? This is no ordinary nail varnish. Created by makeup brand Models Own, the opulent Gold Rush polish looks like gold leaf when it’s painted on the nails – it glistens, glimmers and sparkles as if it contains tiny diamonds, yet is absolutely smooth to the touch.
But the real luxury is the bottle itself. The gold lid is handcrafted from a solid ingot of yellow gold and weighs nearly 4 ounces. A total of 1,118 diamonds have been precisely inset, weighing over 14 carats. Long lasting and easy to apply, the weight of the gold and diamond encrusted lid makes nail painting a doddle – even after a few glasses of Cristal.
Gold Rush is available exclusively from Frost of London, 108 New Bond Street, London W1. To order, contact Frost of London by calling 0203 3720108.
If funds are a little below the £83,000 price tag, however, do not despair – as Models One is launching Gold Rush Ready to Wear, which will be available from mid December at www.modelsownit.com and from 23rd February 2011 at Boots Nationwide.

Treatment Review: MICHELINE ARCIER AROMATHERAPIE MASSAGE, THE SPA AT BLUEBIRD (10.12.10)
What it promises: This unique Signature treatment for the face and body works on the autonomic nervous system and reflexology points along the spine. It induces a state of relaxation, whilst stimulating blood and lymph circulation resulting in ultimate stress relief for mind and body.
What happens: Located within London’s hippest fashion emporium on King’s Road, the Spa at Bluebird is a discreet pampering hideaway for all beauty aficionados! Not only is it the only UK outpost to offer Micheline Arcier Aromatherapie essential oils and spa treatment techniques, but it also houses a great beauty retail section of niche cosmetic brands. Having arrived a little early for my appointment I had a chance to get stuck in to a bit of Christmas shopping at the beautiful Shop at Bluebird – and after being met by my therapist, I was led through from the shop into a peaceful, darkened corridor which literally felt like stepping into a sanctuary compared to the music and chatter of the shop. First stop was the changing room, which although small was decorated with scrumptious colours and textures, heated floor and shower with gorgeous Ole Henriksen products to use. In my robe and slippers I was taken through into the warm, peaceful treatment room – think dark chocolate colours, warm dim lighting, gorgeous smelling candles and relaxing music – and was asked to lie initially on my back for my face to be cleansed and massaged with the amazing smelling Michelne Arcier Aromatherapie oils. My arms, legs and face were all massaged, but the treatment focused on my spine, as the aim is to re-harmonise my energy channels through the pressure points. The technique is incredible and I had trouble not drifting off due to the complete sense of relaxation and gorgeous smell from the oils – I didn’t want it to stop!
Results: As I left the treatment room I felt fully relaxed and smelt amazing, plus my skin was glowing from the oils. As I left the spa to go about my day, I felt quite groggy and lethargic, which my therapist had warned me I might. If I had had a later appointment it would have been great to feel this way to go home and have the best night sleep, but unfortunately for me I had to go and run some errands! The next day though, I felt incredible – high in energy and spirit completely rejuvenated. My skin was still soft and I just felt a great sense of wellbeing. This is a fantastic treatment to have post Christmas shopping, or for a stress relieving pamper to get you ready for the festive holidays.
Price: £95 for 60 minutes
Location: The Spa at Bluebird, 350 King’s Road, London, SW3 5UU. 020 7351 3873

Editor’s Letter (10.12.10)
Have you heard about the £83,000 Models Own nail polish? If not, click here to read our Breaking News story. It turns out that the cost is in the bottle – which is encrusted with a total of 1118 diamonds – rather than the nail polish itself. And that totally baffles me… If I had £83,000 to spend on diamonds – and what a fabulous day that would be – I would not be spending it on a bottle of nail polish. I would want jewellery spilling out of my jewellery box! I would want my décolletage, ear lobes, and fingers dripping with the sparkliest, most beautifully cut jewels! So Santa, if you are feeling particularly generous this year, please take a trip to the jeweller and steer clear of Frost of London – otherwise, I will spend most of January prising the sparklers from the lid…

Korres. Right on cue for the festive season, I’ve just been sent Korres Party Survival Kit (£18) – and I’m sure it’ll come in very handy over the weeks ahead… The energising selection, designed to be used the morning after the night before, contains everything from Guava Shower Gel to Lemon Refreshing Gum. If you haven’t get discovered the luxurious Greek brand, this is the perfect introduction – and believe me, you won’t look back... www.cultbeauty.co.uk

Art Deco. I love the brand Art Deco – and their Christmas collection is as fabulous as ever! Top of my wish list is the Glam Stars Eyelights Palette – a luxurious highlighter and eyeshadow in one, embossed with a delicate shimmering pearl in elegant hues. I also love the Glam Star Eyeshadows – especially in White, which gives a frosted, winter wonderland look. I’m always pleasantly surprised by what this brand has to offer and urge you to check it out too. www.garden.co.uk

Firebox.com. Cold weather getting to you? This muscle-soothing Lava Pillow (£24.99) is the perfect remedy. Filled with lava mineral particles, it delivers steady, dry heat wherever you choose to place it. Simply pop it in the microwave for two minutes then let it work its volcanic magic! It lasts far longer than a hot water bottle, retaining heat for up to an hour. Mine has become my new best friend over recent weeks! www.firebox.com

The Body Shop. I love this quirky selection of lip balms from The Body Shop, contained in a lollipop-shaped gift box (£7). The set contains pots of Strawberry, Raspberry, Shimmer Satsuma, Watermelon, and Passionberry Lip Balms to soften and smooth pouts for those magical mistletoe moments - and it’s great value for money too. Buy one for each of your friends – if there are any left when I get hold of them! www.thebodyshop.co.uk

Stylish Hounds. If you are a dog lover, please check out my new blog; Stylish Hounds. It will feature lots of guest appearances from the most stylish dogs in the media world, alongside product recommendations for our canine friends – and those, of course, for the humans too. I’ll be posting regularly, so check back for dog-mad posts. http://stylish-hounds.tumblr.com/

Blog: DEBORAH JOHNSON – ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AT PURE PUBLIC RELATIONS – GIVES US AN INSIGHT INTO A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BEAUTY PR (10.12.10)
I guess the title is a bit misleading as this is not an account of a DAY in the life of a Beauty PR but more like a few MONTH in the life of a Beauty PR as she preps for one of the biggest events in my industries calendar; Christmas in July.
For those that are nor too familiar with the consumer PR world, Christmas in July is a press day that is hosted to showcase a brands (or in my case many brands) newest launches for the Christmas period.
Preparation for this day starts months in advance, usually around March, where I attend meetings with clients to discuss their initial ideas for Christmas gifts and product launches. During this time things such as packaging, product selection, photography, prices and launch dates are discussed.
For the next few months emails are passed back and forth between the PR team and brand until everything is finalised.
Once the gifts are agreed with clients, the Pure team get together discuss ideas about how we should present our Christmas in July this year. As most CIJ events are themed we decide to hold a Pure Circus Extravaganza! We hire a set designer to suggest different design ideas and settle on a blue and white theme representative of the Pure colours. During the week running up to our CIJ, a circus top, bunting, tinsel, candy-floss machine and 12 bales of hay pass through the Pure offices.
During this week the team discuss how each individual client will be dressed and which space they’ll be allocated, and we get to work transforming our beauty room into the interior of a circus tent, which lasted late into the evening.
On the day itself, we all get in extra early to add the finishing touches and make sure food and beverages have all been organised.
Our first guests arrive at 9am and we receive a continuous flow of press coming in until 5.30pm.
The look on their faces when they stepped into our Pure Extravaganza was priceless and we receive a lot of positive feedback about the whole experience.
I spend my time showing press around different beauty sections, noting which products they’re interested in for Christmas features and making sure follow-ups are done as soon as they get back into the office.
Tottering around in 4inch heels around a room full of hay is a bit of hassle but being the consummate professional I persevere until mid afternoon…. And then slip into my trusty flats.
As things wrap up everyone is extremely knackered but in good spirits as we close the chapter on another successful Pure Christmas in July.
My top 3 Christmas Picks from Pure Clients:
Malin+Goetz Candles – These candles smell absolutely divine plus the package ticks all the boxes for me in terms of aesthetics. £36 www.liberty.co.uk
Mavala all that glitters kits – I’m a huge Mavala fan and always look forward to their Christmas offerings; these duos come in various colour ways and are the pefect way to spruce up a festive manicure. £9.75 from John Lewis
I discovered Philip Kingsley when I first started working at Pure and have been hooked on his Elasticizer Extreme ever since. His 1000ml Shampoos and Conditioners are top of my shopping list; I’m hoping he launches his new Moisture Extreme Shampoo and Conditioner in these sizes as they work miracles on my hair. From £36.50 www.philipkingsley.com

Tried & Tested: FALSE EYELASHES (10.12.10)
Want to add a bit of drama to your look this party season? We’ve tested six sets of false eyelashes…

ARDELL ENCHANTING LASHES, £5.79 (Boots Nationwide)
What they say: Festivities on the horizon and looking to add a little bling to a special party outfit? Look no further than the new Ardell Enchanting Lashes. Made using 100% human hair and super easy to apply, Ardell Enchanting Lashes are soft and comfortable to wear and are encrusted with sparkling rhinestones to ensure lashes look sensational.
The Results: The sparkles are dispersed across the lashes, rather than just along the lash line. I liked this effect - it was different, yet still subtle, and the sparkles made the lashes a little sturdier and therefore easier to apply. The lashes are high quality – not surprising given they are made from 100% human hair – and offer very good value for money. They lasted well throughout the evening, which was a relief - I’d happily wear them again without fear of them starting to peel off. I’m not sure how regularly I’d use this specific style - I’d probably save the sparkle for the festive season - but I’ll definitely be checking out the rest of the range to see what natural styles they have available! I’m very impressed!
Best for: Adding sparkle

GIRLS ALOUD BY EYLURE LASH SET WITH LIMITED EDITION MOCK CROC COSMETICS PURSE, £25 (www.asos.com)
What they say: Featuring all five sets of eyelashes design by each member of the band, comes with glue adhesive and a mock croc zipped cosmetic purse.
The Results: I wouldn’t describe myself as a Girls Aloud fan, so probably wouldn’t have chosen this set if I’d seen it in a shop – but I was actually really impressed. It’s presented beautifully and there’s a good variety of different styles. The natural “Kimberley” style is my favourite, which enhances eyes without looking obviously false. I have to admit that applying them was a bit of a challenge, but with practise and a steady hand, certainly not impossible. They held in place all night, yet were easy to remove when I was ready, without irritating my sensitive eyes. Better still, they’re a great price and I’ll definitely be investing in the Kimberley set in future.
Best for: Variety of looks

TOPSHOP FEATHER EYELASHES, £8 (www.topshop.com)
What they say: Gorgeous fluttery lashes made from real feathers
The Results: I’ve worn false lashes before, but usually opt for natural styles, so these feather lashes were a bit of a change for me! I was quite nervous about applying them, as they seem more delicate – and in the end, I enlisted a friend to help! Despite them taking a bit longer to apply, I could keep the rest of my makeup to a minimum and once applied, they stayed in place throughout the night. This certainly isn’t a look for wallflowers - I received plenty of attention and compliments – although I will admit that my boyfriend was pretty flummoxed by them! It’s one of those looks that girls appreciate but men simply don’t understand!
Best for: A dramatic

URBAN DECAY URBAN LASH, £11 (Selected Debenhams stores)
What they say: Take a gander at the first line of lashes designed with you in mind! Love life on the fritz? Time to focus on your lash life! For real life... and then some. Urban Lash by Urban Decay takes gawking to the next level!
The Results: I’m a total novice when it comes to false eyelash application, but had heard that these lashes were so easy to apply that an eight year old could achieve it! The lashes didn’t disappoint and the application was a lot easier than I had anticipated. The glue seems to be quite good quality - it’s latex-free and became tacky quickly, aiding application and keeping the lashes in place all night. I liked the natural look of these and would recommend them to a first-timer as an easy introduction. They are more expensive than other brands, but I was so impressed with the results that I’d be happy to spend a little extra. Plus they were still in good condition after my night out so I can reuse them!
Best for: Easy application

GET LASHED FALSE LASHES IN GET STUNNING, £10 (www.getlashedlondon.com)
What they say: From the brains behind successful nail bar chain, nails inc. Get Lashed is a dedicated eyelash service at selected salons and department stores across the country. Get Lashed strip lashes are available in sixteen styles, with a free application service offered.
The Results: I’ve always loved nails inc, so I had high expectations. I’m not used to wearing false lashes and I probably would have chosen a cheaper style if I was selecting myself. These were sent to me to try at home, although I was informed at selected outlets, you can have them applied in store – a great idea for those who want to take their look from day to evening, but don’t have time to go home. I loved the way they made my lashes look far, far thicker and drew attention to my eyes, which are my favourite feature. The lashes lasted well throughout the night and I only had to apply a little extra glue to the corners - again, this could be because I’m not used to wearing them and couldn’t help fiddling to check they were still in place!
Best for: Added application service

EYE CANDY DRAMATISE STRIP LASHES, £4.49 (Boots Nationwide)
What they say: Try the eye CANDY Dramatise Strip Lashes once and they’ll become your new best friend and an absolute must-have for evening makeup, party looks and va-va-voom dramatic eyes.
The Results: I loved the illustrated packaging, which has a retro feel – very cute and girly! The lashes felt very delicate and almost resembled individual lashes with their very subtle lash line. The back of the packet has clear instructions on how to apply and remove the lashes, which came in handy. After I’d got around the dilemma of how to remove them from the packet, they were surprisingly easy to use. Once on, the lashes live up to their name of being dramatic with quite a retro feel due to the length and classic shape - although I’ve been told that there are other styles in the range for those wanting something more natural.
Best for: Value for money

TRIED & TESTED... False Eyelashes
Want to add a bit of drama to your look this party season? We’ve tested six sets of false eyelashes…

Treatment Review: LUMENIS THREAD VEIN TREATMENT (03.12.10)
What it promises: To minimise and potentially erase the appearance of thread veins, which are damaged veins and capillaries just below the skin. The treatment is non-invasive and has a minimal risk to the skin, as it involves no needles and no cutting. The Lumenis laser is the very latest in technology – it can do everything from removing scars and tattoos to laser hair removal and tightening wrinkles. It’s 3.5 times faster than other machines, which means you can see the results even after two or three sessions. There is minimum redness afterwards so you can even slip this treatment into your lunch break.
What happens:. During these treatments, light energy is delivered through a special handpiece to the targeted vein. The energy is then absorbed by the blood vessels. The heat/energy absorption causes the blood vessel to clog. The clogged vessel is then slowly absorbed by the body. Before I could have the treatment I had to have a small patch test on the areas that I wanted to have treated. I did not have any reaction to this so I was able to start my course 2 weeks later. I lay on the treatment couch and the therapist and I donned special wraparound safety glasses before she could get to work. She applied a cold, conducting gel to cool down and protect the skin, which also acts as a conductor to direct the light energy. She pressed the head of the laser firmly onto the skin around my nose and chin where I had the spider veins and deftly zapped them. My eyes watered slightly from the short bursts of heat due to the sensitivity of the skin under my nose but the discomfort only lasted for a few seconds. The treatment took about 10 minutes and afterwards the therapist applied a cold gel to cool down my skin and reduce any redness. With the extra protection of some sun block which is still necessary in the winter, I was able to leave the clinic straight afterwards with no trace of redness to give me away.
The Results: Months later after my course of 3 treatments the smaller veins have disappeared and the larger ones have faded and are definitely not so noticeable so I am pleased with the results. I would probably invest in more treatments to see if the more stubborn veins would disappear completely as further treatments are recommended depending on the severity of the veins.
Price: £130 per session (cheeks and nose area) and a course of 3 treatments is recommended which is priced at £350.
Location: www.lumenis.co.uk 020 8324 4200

Blog: AS TEMPERATURES PLUNGE, FACIALIST EMMA HARDIE GIVES WINTER SKINCARE TIPS (03.12.10)
Skin behaves differently from season to season, and my client’s complexions in the colder weather tend to appear more parched and dehydrated - the skin is environmentally challenged by the harsher elements just as much from damage in the summer months. Skincare routines should adjust with the weather – a winter skin craves to be restored and protected too.
Make sure you drink plenty of water to rehydrate the skin and keep it moist, as the harsh elements will dry your skin out. Increase your intake of essential fatty acids and always take Vitamin C and a good Multi-Vitamin for extra protection and to also help rebuild the underlying tissues of the skin
Our award winning Moringa Cleansing Balm is my hero product for winter. Rich in Grape seed oil, the product helps keep my skin super soft, moisturised and hydrated. You can also apply this multi- purpose nourishing balm over your daily moisturiser for added protection, as a lip balm and at night for an extra deep moisturising treatment to re-condition and brighten your skin.
I’ve just discovered PhytoCitrus hydrating mask, which is great for my blonde highlights – smells delicious and not only helps to protect and prolong my colour but also hydrates and helps with any dry frizz – I apply once a week and Moroccan Oil! Love it!
I suffer from SAD due to lack of light and so become more prone to tiredness and depression. To help combat this I have a lot of body massage which helps me feel more energized. But my secret weapon is an amazing woman called Carol Love who is my healer and I see her once a month, in Oxford where I live.
To be honest I am not a big follower of fashion trends, I am passionate about creating or having an individual style and looking unique. I do like to ‘stand out from the crowd’, but am quite partial to a touch of leather and am admiring the leather and fur flying jacket styles this season!
Swimming is a known tonic for beating the winter blues, I swim every week. Eat lots of warm soups and cosy warming foods. Plenty of sleep. It is natural in winter for the body to want to go to bed at an earlier time, don't fight this, listen to the natural changing rhythms of your body and its natural ‘clock’.
Visit www.emmahardie.com/

Editor’s Letter (03.12.10)
Brrrrrr! It’s – quite literally – freezing! For the last week, I have cracked out my intensive skincare kit, which I save for the coldest times of the year. For body, I have been drenching skin in Aromatherapy Associates Enrich Body Butter, which is packed with hydrating essential oils. For hair, I am generously applying Moroccan Oil, which deeply nourishes and lends locks a mirror-shine. For hands, I am delving mitts in Lush Helping Hands Hand Cream, which contains oodles of Shea Butter and Almond Oil to keep skin and cuticles soft and supple. And for lips – and this is the area that is really suffering in the plunging temperatures – I am applying Nuxe Reve de Miel Honey Lip Balm, which leaves them kissably soft. It might be too cold to jump out of bed every morning – but when I do manage it, there’s lots of treats waiting to make it worthwhile…

Dior. As always, Dior’s Christmas collection is totally irresistible. Inspired by the elegance of the Belle Epoque, the range features sparkling shades of gold, alongside deep, smoky blacks. My highlights from the range are the striking 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow in Gold Edition 001 (£39) and this dazzling nail varnish Dior Vernis in Czarina Gold (£17) – a mysterious black embellished with gold. Forget tacky coloured glitters this Christmas and choose this ultra stylish, sophisticated collection instead. Exclusively at Selfridges.

Model’s Own. Cool London nail salon WAH has been the talk of 2010 – and their success looks set to continue into 2011... Famous for fashionable nail art – including leopard print and candy stripes – the salon has just joined forces with brand Model’s Own, to launch a collection of Nail Art Pens (£6 each) so that the innovative nail designs can be recreated at home. The pens are currently only available in two colours – Black or White – but the range will soon be extended to include all 99 nail colours of the Model’s Own collection. I’m just off to try leopard-print… www.modelsownit.com

Philosophy. There are certain things that are synonymous with Christmas – the Coca Cola Adverts, Elf re-runs, Starbucks Red Cups, and of course, Philosophy’s Holiday Collection. I’m a big fan of Gingerbread Man Bubble Bath and Shower Gel (£13) and treat myself to a bottle every year to get into the festive spirit. I love the packaging for 2010 – and can only imagine the excitement of finding one of the gift boxes under the tree. Treat all your friends and family – they will thank you for it! Department Stores Nationwide.

Original Source. While we’re on the subject of shower gels… Chocaholics will be delighted to find a pouch of Original Source Chocolate & Mint Shower Melt (£1.99) in the bottom of their stocking. Inexpensive, but the smell packs a punch – and will have them drooling for the sweet-stuff with just one sniff. Don’t be deceived though – the silky gel does a fabulous job of cleansing skin and leaves it feeling soft, supple, and laced in delicate traces of their favourite scent. Yum. Boots and Tesco Nationwide.

Samsonite. I travel a fair bit – and my case of choice has always been Samsonite. So I was excited to hear that the label had launched a limited edition Gold Cosmolite (from £239) to celebrate their 100th Anniversary. The Cosmolite is Samsonite’s lightest ever suitcase, featuring shell-like ridges using the latest Curv® technology – I’ve wanted to own one of these cases for a while, so the fact that it’s now available in Limited Edition gold makes it even more appealing. I can’t help thinking it would look very chic when I head off on honeymoon at the end of this month… 0208 5614043

Tried & Tested: CHRISTMAS CANDLES (03.12.10)
There are few better ways to get into the festive spirit than by filling your home with the scent of Christmas… We’ve tested six candles.

NEOM LUXURY ORGANICS XMAS WISH 2008 CANDLE, £40 (www.bathandunwind.com)
What they say: A signature scent of warming Cinnamon, Mandarin, Frankincense and Tonka Bean. As always, £1 from each candle sold will go to the Make-A-Wish children's charity, granting the wishes for children with life threatening illnesses.
The Results: I’m a big fan of NEOM and have been desperate to get my hands on their Christmas Wish candle since I first heard about it. I wasn’t at all disappointed – the combination of fragrances work perfectly together, with the Tonka Bean giving the scent a velvety smoothness. The candles are holistic and the packaging advises to never burn for more than four hours at a time – this was ample time for the sweet festive scent to fill my living room, but I couldn’t wait to light it again the next evening. I love the fact that the candle is completely organic and the fact that £1 has been donated to charity from each sale is a great incentive for me to run out the door and buy lots more. Pricey, but the large size means that it burns for 55 hours, which is over two weeks of burning.
Best for: Natural fragrance

JO MALONE PINE & EUCALYPTUS HOME CANDLE, £38 (www.jomalone.co.uk)
What they say: The Pine & Eucalyptus Home Candle infuses rooms with the fresh yet embracing scent of the pine tree. An elegant and aromatic fragrance that’s perfect for festive season.
The Results: Receiving this product was a real treat – the packaging is ultra-stylish and I’d be thrilled to find this waiting for me under the tree. It’s pricey, but the candle is large and promises 45 hours of burn time. I liked the scent – it was green, fresh and a nice change from the clove and cinnamon scents that usually accompany the festive season. It isn’t the most powerful scent, so I was worried that it wouldn’t fragrance the room – but within a few minutes of lighting the wick, the scent of Christmas trees filled the room. This would make a great gift – people would be impressed from the moment they see the stylish box.
Best for: The luxury choice

AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES RELAX CANDLE WITH MYRRH AND WEST INDIAN BAY, £24 (www.aromatherapyassociates.com)
What they say: Create the most relaxing space with West Indian bay and emotionally grounding myrrh. Perfect for peaceful nights in or as part of a deeply calming bathtime ritual.

The Results: This candle has a hint of spice, but doesn’t smell overpoweringly of Christmas – which makes it a great gift, as it can be burnt in January when the festivities have passed. It burnt very cleanly, with no black smoke and no drips thanks to the jar container. The thing I was most impressed with was the intensity of the scent, which lingered in the room long after I blew it out. It’s a very warming fragrance – and obviously contains a high percentage of essential oils, as the scent is detectable after only a few minutes of lighting it. The packaging is simple, but stylish – and would suit any home décor.
Best for: Intensity of fragrance

NAPIERS CINNAMON, ORANGE, AND BERRY BOTANICAL CANDLE, £15 (http://shop.napiers.net)
What they say: Handmade botanical candle with pure essential oils for a truly festive Christmas. Burning time 40 hours average.
The Results: This candle looks fabulous, with orange slices and sticks of cinnamon melted into the wax. It’s a big candle, so represents great value for money – I’d definitely buy this for a friend or relative. The only downside is that you need to buy a plate to burn it on – it was mess-free though, with no drips and a clean-burning wick. I really liked the fact it contained pure essential oils, as I knew the scent would be noticeable and long-lasting – and I wasn’t wrong. The sweet, spicy fragrance is very nostalgic and made me feel very festive! I’d definitely recommend buying the candle early in the season to get maximum benefit.
Best for: Getting into the festive spirit

AVEDA GROUNDING RITUAL, £20 (www.aveda.co.uk)
What they say: Aveda Christmas 2010 collection launches eight limited-edition gift sets that take you on a sensory journey of harmony and tranquillity - and bring hope to 400 families and 400 acres of rainforest in Colombia. This beautifully ready-wrapped box includes: Grounding Ritual Candle and Tagua Hair Band.
The Results: I liked this candle – it didn’t smell that Christmassy, but I first lit it at the beginning of the cold snap last week and I found the sweet scent very, very warming. The jar makes it easy to burn wherever and whenever – so I’ve been moving it between the living room and bathroom. I didn’t find that the scent lasted as long as other candles I’ve tried – but on the plus side, the gift box (also including a cute hair band) makes a perfect ready-made gift. I was really pleased when I found out that purchasing the set helps families in Colombia – perfect guilt-free shopping!
Best for: Charity shopping

L’OCCITANE WINTER FOREST SCENTED CANDLE, £12.50 (http://uk.loccitane.com)
What they say: Notes of pine needles, peach and cinnamon recall the scent of a yule log burning in a Provencal fireplace.
The Results: This candle is small, but the tin packaging makes it very easy to transport – I took it away for a weekend to a friend’s house and it made the whole visit feel very festive! The tray also made it clean and easy to burn. I loved the green scent – it has a hint of spice, which is very warming. It promises 20 hours of burn time, which is pretty impressive for such a small candle. I didn’t find it filled the room as quickly as bigger candles, but at this price I could afford to buy a couple of them.
Best for: Transporting

Feature: PRE-PARTY BEAUTY FIXES (03.12.10)
There’s still time to squeeze in a beauty treat to ensure you look – and feel – fabulous during the party season… Check out our top-to-toe guide.

GLOSSY LOCKS
You want: Fabulous, touchable tresses
Salon solution: Bespoke Organic Spa Treatment, £70, available from Daniel Galvin salon (www.danielgalvinjr.co.uk)
If all that pre-party styling and product build-up has left your hair looking dull and dry, then giving it an all-natural conditioning boost could be just what’s needed to bring back the shine.
Organic hair maestro Daniel Galvin Junior came up with the idea after taking Redoxin vitamin tablets during a stressful time and noticing the immediate effect the effervescent treatment had. By mixing refined amounts of Cider Vinegar and Vitamins B and E in a sparkling cocktail, not only does hair get a detox, but it also helps invigorate and stimulate the scalp and leaves hair looking super shiny.
Once cuticles have been opened, a herbal hair mask is applied before you’re popped under the steamer for 20-30 minutes so that active ingredients have more chance of working their magic on damaged locks.
Keep it going: Check out Daniel Galvin Junior’s brilliant Hangover Hair Range, made for party going hair, available at Waitrose.

GLOWING COMPLEXION
You want: A gorgeously glowing complexion
Salon Solution: The sk:n Pre-Tox Festive Facial
Price: £70 (www.sknclinics.co.uk or 0800 028 7222).
OK, so it’s not easy keeping your skin looking glowing when you’ve been wall-to -wall partying, which is why TV presenter Nicky Hambleton Jones’ favourite sk:n Clinics pre-tox Festive Facial is the ideal choice…
Quick enough to fit into your lunch hour at around 30 minutes, this facial begins with a skin analysis to discover what your skin needs to look good again. A cleansing treatment follows, removing surface impurities, before a gentle micro-dermabrasion – hundreds of tiny crystals are fired at your face and neck to bring back your natural glow. If you have sensitive skin, a glycolic peel will be applied, which works in the same way, but is slightly genter – plus it has the added benefit of plumping out fine lines. Next comes a clay mask for a final detox, before an application of SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel, which drenches skin with moisture. Finally, the Derma Performance Repair Serum is applied, which helps protect again UV damage – still important on bright winter days.
Keep it going: No7’s best selling Perfect and Protect Salon gives skin a silky smooth base for colour, £19 for 30ml (www.boots.com)

NATURAL-LOOKING TAN
You want: A tan that looks oh-so-natural
Salon solution: The Sienna X Spray Tan, from £20, available at Harrods, Urban Retreat, as well as select salons and mobile therapists nationwide (www.sienna-x.co.uk or 01905 27070).
This is the preferred tan of hit show Strictly Come Dancing, with each of the contestants and presenters treated to a Sienna treatment every week.
Sienna X Spray Tan Formula is loaded with natural conditioning ingredients, including aloe vera, which not only help your skin stay soft so it’s less likely to “crack”, but means the tan should last longer too – up to five days if you take the time to moisturise regularly.
Available in three strengths, your therapist will advise you on the shade to suit your skin tone. It has a delicious coconut smell and the colour was touch-dry in seconds, so doesn’t migrate over my sheets that night.
Keep it going: Sienna –X has a range of tan enhancing and products available online and from salon outlets - or try Marks & Spencer’s Body Formula Radiance Body Lotion, £6.99 (www.marksandspencer.com)

GROOMED NAILS
You want: Nails that would score a perfect 10.
Salon solution: Gelac Gel Polish in a Bottle, from £30 (available from spas and salons nationwide. 01827 280080 or www.ibdbeauty.com)
Having fabulously glossy nail colour that won’t chip – or need reapplying – is the stuff of dreams. For the whole of the party season, it’s more of a must-have – so turn to this ingenious nail polish.
The new Gelac system works using a super light UV Gel Polish to provide long-lasting colour and coverage to all lengths of nails. It’s the promise of masses of shine and the fact it won’t chip or smudge, however, which makes it the perfect beauty fix. It won’t yellow, stain or damage your nails either and takes just minutes to dry. Party nails are ready with a mirror-gloss finish before you know it. As nails grow through, you might need fresh colour application. The removal process is fairly painless and takes just 10 minutes before you can start over.
Available in 12 shades, including Purple Reign, which is perfect for toes, and our favourite; Red Velvet.
Keep it going: Keep hands and nails moisturised between salon visits with Nivea’s Skin Energising Age Defying Q10 Hand Cream, £4.69 (www.boots.com)

DANCING FEET
You want: Soft as you like dancing feet
Salon solution: Dr Spa Fish walk-in pedicure therapy, from £10 with party bookings available. There are Dr Fish venues nationwide (www.drspafish.com).
This natural pedicure treatment originated in Turkey over 400 years ago when someone wondering along the shore discovered that the garra rufa fish, or Kangal fish as they better known, could nibble away at dead skin cells that spoil the look and feel of your feet.
Walk-in centres, like Dr Spa Fish, mean that we can now try the treatment whenever we want… Treatment time is around 10 minutes – and once feet have been pre-rinsed, they can be plunged into their own dedicated pod with dedicated fish (which are changed regularly).
The fish nibble, rather than bite – so the treatment feels very pleasant work. It works on acupuncture points of the feet, so should take away some of that festive stress as well as improve circulation and energy levels. And best of all you’re left with super smooth feet!
Keep it going: Scholl’s party feet have a whole range of skin conditioning treats including moisturising Party Beauty Cream to help keep calluses at bay, £4.99 (www.boots.com)

POLISHED BODY
You want: You want: Perfectly polished skin:
Salon solution: Finder’s International Spa Find Marine Miracle Algimud Body Contouring Treatment, from £46 (www.spafindskincare.com)
Want to lose an inch or two? Spa Find Marine Miracle Algimud Contouring Treatment, which uses body-balancing Dead Sea minerals as its base, is well worth a try.
The treatment begins with a deep exfoliation to remove surface cells using Dead Sea salts, which add an instant glow to skin – a real bonus for party girls. This is followed by an application of Algimud Dead Sea Mud and the “modelling” Seaweed Mask, which is applied to problem areas like backs of arms, tummy, waist and thighs.
It’s the natural detoxifying ingredients of seaweed, combined with fat mobilising caffeine, which help to flush out impurities and eliminate water. Minerals, including magnesium and zinc, help restore the natural balance of skin cells so you could lose inches during the treatment – and any contouring results you do have should last beyond the first cup of tea!
Keep it going: Spa Find have a range of body contouring products available to use between salon visits and for body polishing between salon visits try St Ives Apricot Body Scrub, enriched with apricot kernel to condition and soften skin, £4.99 (www.spafindskincare.com)