June 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treatment Review: THE DIGITAL PERM™, ELEVEN HAIR, LONDON (26.06.11)
What it promises: The Digital Perm™ is an innovative curling technique that was invented in Japan and is taking the global market by storm. Much like a traditional perm, chemicals are used to change the structure of the hair; however, the Digital Perm employs digitally controlled infra-red heat to set the curl. And unlike old-fashioned perms, curls are shown off to best effect when dry, meaning that no heat styling is needed. The technique creates larger, softer and more voluminous curls or waves without frizz. Different sized electric rollers are used depending on the effect that you want to achieve – from boho beach babe waves to glamorous 1950's pin-up style curls. Once you've had the treatment, styling is low-maintenance; hair can be left to dry naturally, blow-dried with a diffuser or twisted into ringlets. The Digital Perm™ is ideal for those with curly or frizz-prone hair too, as it creates a smoother, softer look. The curls last three to six months, depending on how well you take of your hair.
What happens: Unlike my straightener-addicted friends, I have always lusted after bouncy, voluminous curls à la Brigitte Bardot. Even left to dry naturally, my super smooth and frizz free hair looks like it has been slicked through with straightening irons. Yes, this might sound covetable - but I think that my hair is B.O.R.I.N.G. And so The Digital Perm™ sounded like Christmas and my birthday all rolled into one. Eleven’s co-founder, Christian B. Toth is the go-to guy for Japanese chemical treatment techniques, so I knew I was in good hands when I walked into the Mayfair salon – nay, the best hands. My hair was given a quick trim to get rid of any split ends, washed and conditioned, and then we were ready to begin the Digital Perming process. Christian discussed what effect I wanted to achieve – sexy Giselle-style waves please! With the Digital perm, root-to-tip application isn't necessary; solution is only applied where it's needed – in my case from the mid-lengths to ends, meaning less chemical damage. Hair is then placed on large electrical rollers, which helps to create a more defined curl. Each roller is individually connected to a special unit, which 'sets' the curl memory using infra-red thermal heat. After leaving the heat to do its magic, hair is carefully washed and dried; Christian and his assistant finger-rolled curls to create the look I was after.
The Result: The whole process does take some time - but achieving a style that would otherwise require blow-drying, tongs or heated rollers means that it's definitely worth the wait! It's best not to wash hair for 48 hours after the treatment so that the chemical solution can work properly. Fast forward two days of anxious waiting and the ultimate test – styling my hair myself. It took some time to get used to having curly, rather than poker straight hair – and quite a bit of practice to get the look right. However, after experimenting with new products (yes, an excuse to invest in a whole different range of styling goodies) and drying techniques, I can achieve natural waves or curls worthy of Cheryl Cole with minimum fuss.
Price: Varies according to hair type and length, starting from £250.
We visited: Eleven Hair, 11 Blenheim St, London W1S 1LL. 020 7491 2390 or visit: http://www.eleven-hair.com/
Alice Revel is the founder of Running in Heels, the pan-European online magazine for women with style and substance.
Link to http://runninginheels.co.uk/

 

Feature: PAMPER ME BEAUTIFUL (30.06.11)
Dreading bikini season? Want to inject some life into your locks? Lie back and think of summer – and this week, we’ve rounded of the most innovative in-salon treatments for the months ahead…

 

THE TREATMENT: IGORA Vibrance Shine Double Gloss Blowdry, £37.
Best for: Out of condition hair that lacks shine.
How it works: This two-part treatment combines the application of a super conditioning gloss treatment with a blow dry that is worked and reworked on a cool setting to pack in masses of shine without the heat damage. The colourless shine gloss adds a mirror-like finish to every strand of hair with luminous-boosting results that can last you up to six weeks - great if you’ve got hard to handle hair that is normally flyaway! As a bonus, you’ll love the super relaxing head massage that you’ll receive at the basin while you wait for gloss to work its magic.
Expect to see: Super shiny hair that feels soft to the touch and is far easier to manage. As well as the clear version, IGORA also offer the Vibrance Shine Gloss in 43 semi-permanent shades: perfect for adding depth and shine to natural hair colour.
Where to go: Lisa Shepherd Salon, 24 Morton Street, London W1T 3JP. www.lisashepherd.co.uk. For details of national salons offering the treatment, call 01296 314000.

THE TREATMENT: The Strawberry Laser, from £100 for single treatment to £800 for course of eight.
Best for: Wobbly bottoms and thighs.
How it works: This super fast treatment takes just 10 minutes per treatment to zap fat cells. It’s non-invasive, with no downtime or anaesthetic and instant results – and unlike some laser treatments, Strawberry Laser won’t affect the skin, blood vessels or nerves around the treatment area. Instead when the laser paddles are placed on the skin, the cold red laser beams penetrate just deep enough to reach the layers of fat. Then, when the light hits the fact cells, tiny pores form on the cells causing them to spill out the contents of the fat cell, including water, fatty acids and glycerol which are then drained away via the lymphatic system – the same way our body digests fatty foods.
Expect to see: Inch loss can be anything from one to five inches after just one treatment - but a course of eight is recommended to maintain a good result. Sticking to a low fat diet and increasing your exercise will help to boost results.
Where to go: To find out more and to book a consultation, visit www.strawberry-laser.com.

THE TREATMENT: The Hydrafacial, £175.
Best for: Sluggish skin in need of a moisture boost.
How it works: A whole host of celebrities - including Eva Mendes and Paris Hilton – can’t get enough of the glow-getting properties of this clever new facial, which combines all the benefits of a chemical peel and microdermabrasion, without any discomfort or downtime. Developed to deep cleanse, exfoliate, and rehydrate skin all in one quick and easy treatment, the key to its success is the use of specially formulating serums used with a vacuum-based skin abrasion tip that removes dead cells while bathing skin with all important moisture. Add to this a burst of rejuvenating red light to stimulate the production of healthy new cells and collagen fibres and you’re on course to younger, fresher looking skin with results that last for days.
Expect to see: A smoother, healthier looking complexion with definite improvement in texture and tone. The antioxidants in the serums, including vitamins A and E, Tea Tree and Hyaluronic Acid help pump back lost moisture so skin looks plumper with visible results that can last up three days after treatment.
Where to go: Beyond Medispa, 4th Floor Harvey Nichols, London 020 7201 8595. www.beyondmedispa.co.uk. For treatments nationwide, call 01209 617146.

THE TREATMENT: Semi-permanent Lash Definer Treatment from Tracie Giles, £475.
Best for: Those with pale, sparse lashes - and pre-holiday to guarantee pool-side glamour
How it works: Lust after Cheryl Cole’s lashes? Leading semi-permanent makeup artist Tracie Giles new Lash Defining Treatment should be high on your beauty wish list. A fully waterproof alternative to mascara or kohl pencil the process takes less than one hour and gives you the illusion of thicker, darker lashes that help to lift your whole look. A mineral pigment specially hand-blended to compliment the colour of your natural lashes (either brown, deep grey or black) is mixed together then applied along the lash line in lots of microscopic dots between each eyelash helping to boost the appearance of pale skinny lashes. The colour will fade away naturally but results should last anything between nine and 18 months.
Expect to see: A thicker, fuller looking lash line. The tiny dots help to fill in the spaces between your natural lash hairs to give you more defined, wide-awake looking eyes. A must for holidays, Lash Definer is swim and shower proof and lasting you through the summer and beyond, gently fading after time.
Wheer to go: Tracie Giles. Visit www.traciegiles.com for further details and to book a consultation.

THE TREATMENT: Soprano XL Hair Removal Laser System, from £80 to £1000.
Best for: Anybody that is keen to remove unwanted hair from face, arms, legs and bikini line for good.
How it works: Savvy beauties, including Kim Kardashian and Victoria Beckham, swapped the razor for laser a long time ago - and companies like Soprano have been busy developing systems to make it even quicker and easier ever since. The Soprano XL laser is the world’s first pain-free laser, with the patented InMotion technology allowing the hand piece to actually come into contact with the skin. Massaging over the treated area while emitting laser to kill the hair at the root means you don’t get the painful flicking elastic band feeling usually associated with laser hair removal. Unlike other lasers, the Soprano is suitable for darker skins and fair hair – and as it’s pain-free, it’s quickly becoming a popular way to remove hair from upper lip, underarm and bikini area. So if you’re thinking of trying a cheeky Brazilian this summer, the new Soprano XL could be the smart way to achieve it.
Expect to see: The treatment needs to be repeated every four to six weeks for up to six sessions – and unlike other hair removal systems, you can shave in between times. After this time, you should be completely hair-free for good, as the laser kills the hair at the root.
Where to go: For further details, visit www.abclasers.co.uk

THE TREATMENT: Celebrity Secrets Sunless Tan, from £30.
Best for: Pale faced beauties in search of a quick bronzing fix.
How it works: There are a whole range of spray tan treatments available, but Celebrity Secrets sunless tan promises something a little different... The UK based company have spent years developing a range of spray tan solutions formulated with Vitamins A, B and E that help protect and nourish the skin as they develop. And the tan doesn’t contain parabens, which can cause the kind of reaction that can spoil your tan. The tan is available in six strengths from 6% DHA - the sugar-based compound which produces the tan – which provides just a hint of colour, up to 16% DHA for a serious Caribbean-style tan. Each strength can be customised with Celebrity Secrets Booster drops, which contain 34% DHA to match different skin tones. The whole spray treatment takes around 15 minutes to do - you’ll love the tropical scent - and you’ll need to leave 6-8 hours before washing off.
Expect to see: Beautiful bronzed skin with results that last up to five days. Keep skin moisturised after every bath or shower and results will last longer.
Where to go: For details of salons and mobile practitioners call 0845 456 4678.

 

Tried & Tested: INSTANT LINE FILLERS (24.06.11)
Disguise fine lines and wrinkles in a flash with an Instant Line Filler… We’ve put six to the test.

NIP+FAB FROWN FIX, £10.25 (www.nipandfab.com)
What they say: Wrinkles and expression lines will be no more with this revolutionary instant line filler! The concentrated formula plumps and smoothes the appearance of expression lines, fine lines and wrinkles; hydrating and moisturising skin to leave your face smooth and instantly younger.
The Results: Frown Fix includes the word 'miracle' on the box, so I'm not sure what I was really expecting – maybe an instant Botox-type effect, a furrow-free brow and people saying 'Ooh you look 10 years younger'? So did it deliver? I loved the scientific packaging and the applicator – a nice twist-it-round-to-dispense-the-product-through-a-soft-brush affair with a satisfying 'click'. The product was very easy to apply and went on smoothly: it's a very light gel/cream formulation and although you put it on only where needed (more of my forehead than I'd first imagined) it doesn't leave those areas looking 'tight' or shiny. The effect as claimed on the pack is instant and although I’m pleased with the results I wouldn’t call it a miraculous difference in my frown lines – more a moderate one. But it does also contain lots of lovely moisturising ingredients that also help the skin where it needs rehydrating, so perhaps there will be longer-term benefits.
Best for: Frown lines

CLARINS INSTANT SMOOTH LINE CORRECTING CONCENTRATE, £24 (http://uk.clarins.com)
What they say: In a flash, Instant Smooth Line Correcting Concentrate fills in wrinkles, smoothes and evens the skin. The result is both spectacular and long-lasting, and ensures flawless makeup.
The Results: I was impressed by the pen, which comes in a very smart red metallic case, about the size of a mascara. The applicator itself is a very soft plastic material that is pleasant to use and applies the product very smoothly. You twist the bottom, rather like a propelling pencil, and the correct amount of concentrate appears on the applicator (which can be cleaned after use with a face wipe). The concentrate, or cream really, is flesh coloured and it makes the skin feel really silky. I’m very sceptical when it comes to claims about reducing wrinkles and the information leaflet in this case talked about lines being optically corrected, which I was dubious about – but I have to say there is some truth in their claims! It definitely lessens the appearance of fine lines and appears to plump them up and add a radiance to my face. It’s also lovely to use and blends well with my usual foundation. A definite thumbs-up!
Best for: Radiance boosting

M&S ADVANCED FORMULA SOLUTIONS TARGETED DEEP WRINKLE CONCENTRATE, £12 (www.marksandspencer.com)
What they say: This smooth concentrate contains microspheres and light diffusing particles to fill deep wrinkles and reduce the appearance of the lines left by time, leaving the skin visibly smoother and younger looking.
The Results: I felt that there was probably a little too much packaging for this small product, but it certainly made it seem more expensive than it was. Fragrance-wise, it didn’t really smell of anything but I was quite happy with that, as I don’t like perfumed products on my face. The texture of the pen is very smooth and velvety and the product feels concentrated and nourishing. It’s very easy to apply and although I’m not entirely sure about any of the grand claims on the box, it feels so nice on your skin I can actually believe that it's smoothing out my fine lines! A pleasure to use and a very affordable price. I’d certainly buy it.
Best for: Great value

SKINMEDICA TNS LINE REFINE, £50 (01209 617146)
What they say: The unique formula has a rapid filling and smoothing action to visually reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, eyes and crows feet while providing long term anti-ageing benefits.
The Results: I really like the simple, minimalist packaging, which had more of a ‘medical’ feel to it, which I found reassuring! The pen style of the packaging worked really well: you just had to twist the bottom to get the exact amount of product you needed. It feels like there's a lot less wasted than you’d have with a jar or tube – and it's more hygienic. The product didn't have much of a smell, which is a positive thing as the instructions are to apply it on top of your moisturiser and I think an additional perfume could conflict. The cream itself felt very light and was absorbed really quickly into the skin, so I could put makeup on straightaway. And although I haven't noticed any miracle results, several people have told me I'm looking very well in the last couple of days, so I think it’s having the desired positive effect!
Best for: Anti-ageing

GUINOT ACTI-RIDES FLASH, £81.25 (www.salonskincare.co.uk)
What they say: Acti-Rides Flash instantly erases wrinkles and fine lines, so you can give Botox the boot. With its dermo-roller pen technology, it contains unique active ingredients to plump the skin and replenish much needed nutrition.
The Results: My first impressions were of the expensive-looking packaging, which I liked. It is about the same size as a mascara tube, with a pump action at one end and three metal nodules at the other end. You pump the serum onto the nodes and massage the wrinkles gently in a circular motion and then up and down the length of the wrinkle. The serum itself was freshly scented with a light texture, but I thought the massaging action was probably just as much help to my wrinkles as the serum itself. There was no tingle or immediate plumping of the region, which was slightly disappointing – I wanted more bang for my buck! However, over a couple of weeks, I did see an improvement to my lines and this is something I will definitely stick with using. The technology is impressive and I’m willing to be convinced!
Best for: Luxury buy

DANIEL SANDLER MAGIC WAND, £10.50 (www.feelunique.com)
What they say: A long-lasting line filler with a waterproof and creamy texture in an automatic pencil. It dispenses the liner easily without sharpening and is preservative and mineral oil-free. The wand helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and the eyes or anywhere on the face.
The Results: I really like the packaging – and I love the fact that you can chuck an anti-ageing product in with your eye pencils and mascaras. It’s the way forward! The product itself had quite a waxy texture to it though – I was hoping for something creamier. What this meant was that you had to press down quite hard for the product to come out on your skin – too hard really and it dragged a bit. I managed to get some of the product to dispense on some of the fine lines in the corner of my eyes where I it did seem to do a nice job of smoothing, but around my mouth it seemed harder to apply. A nice product but maybe let down a bit by the style of applicator.
Best for: Funky packaging

Breaking News: PRE-LAUNCH OF OLAY PROFESSIONAL SELLS OUT IN 39 MINUTES! (24.06.11)
Sponsored Post
Last week, we told you about the arrival of Olay Professional in the UK after its sell-out success in the US – and about how a strictly limited stock of 300 Olay Professional The Anti Wrinkle Kits would be available online to buy at Boots.com on Wednesday 22nd June 2011… Well, that pre-launch has now been and gone – and we’ve just heard that it sold out in an incredible 39 minutes!
So what’s all the fuss about?
Olay Professional has been created in consultation with a team of leading dermatology experts from around the globe. In an independent long-term clinical study, a panel of women aged between 40-65 tested the regime over 6 months against a leading anti-ageing prescription ingredient.
The results of the study, which was published in renowned medical journal, British Journal of Dermatology, proved that the Olay range was as effective as the prescription ingredient, Retinoic Acid (the most powerful form of Vitamin A) at reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
Before bringing it to the UK, Olay experts also conducted a month-long trial of Olay Professional with some of the UK’s own dermatology experts. This revealed that of the 195 UK dermatology experts who trialed the Olay Professional Anti-Wrinkle Kit for at least 28 days, 80% confirmed that not only would they continue to use it themselves but they would also recommend it to a friend.
Missed out? Don’t worry, as the rest of us will be able to get our hands on the products when they hit shelves and Boots.com in August. And we will be at the front of the queue!
http://www.boots.com/en/Olay/

 

Blog: SESSION MAKEUP ARTIST JULES CARDOZA-MARSH TALKS THROUGH HER FAVOURITE COLOUR TRENDS FOR SPRING/SUMMER (24.06.11)
Contrasting colours in eyes, lips and cheeks were storming the catwalks for Spring/Summer 2011, with Warhol-inspired eyes and bold, bright lips taking centre stage. Take advantage of the explosion of rainbow brights this season and get experimenting with this season’s hot and exciting trend!
Mustard Eyes
Kenzo, Christian Dior and Derek Lam introduced splashes of cobalt blue, neon pink and jade green to emphasise eyes this season, offering a fresh and fun approach to brightening your complexion and adding a rave-inspired edge to pretty Summer florals. Mustard yellow suits most complexions and is incredibly easy to wear.
• Create a flawless complexion by applying a liquid foundation using a synthetic foundation brush, then sculpt cheekbones with a matte cream-based colour one shade darker than your skin tone to define your features.
• To keep emphasis on the eyes, coat lips with a nude lipstick. Avoid lip gloss to maintain a matt finish.
• Prep eyelids with a translucent powder to eliminate shine and ensure colour is applied evenly. Using a soft, ponytail eye shadow brush take a matte, mustard yellow, powder eye shadow and apply carefully all over the eye, spreading along the lash line and building up towards the eyebrow.
• Define eyes by applying a subtle lick of eyeliner to the upper lid, teamed with a light coat of mascara.
Orange Lips
Tangerine lips were seen at Temperley, Sonia Rykiel and Prada this season - and demonstrated a great way to wear colour without having to rely on the usual pinks and berries. To carry off this fresh, youthful look, keep skin radiant and bronze-free and highlight eyes with defined, black lashes.
• Your lips should be the main focus, so aim for flawless, sheer skin using a touch of tinted moisturiser and translucent powder over the t-zone.
• Subtly enhance your eyes with a slick of mascara to keep them looking bright and wide then frame the face by defining your brows with a waxy eyebrow pencil. Use a brow brush to enhance the natural arch of your brow for a polished finish.
• Coat lips in a primer to give a smooth base for even lipstick application. Next, fill in the lips neatly with a liner that matches your chosen lipstick shade to give it something to adhere to, and extra lasting power.
• Using a lip brush, carefully apply your lipstick starting from the centre of the mouth working your way out towards the corners.
• Finally, use your lip liner to define your cupid’s bow, the corners of the mouth and the middle of the lower lip for extra impact and a flawless shape.
For more information on Jules Cardozo-Marsh visit www.JulesCardozo-Marsh.com

Editor’s Letter (24.06.11)
My cousin’s baby has been very poorly recently – and while he was at hospital, she and her husband stayed on the premises to be closer to him. The hospital accommodation – known as “Homes from Home” – is run by The Sick Children’s Trust, with seven located around the country. The chance to be closer to your sick child is obviously invaluable – but when families arrive (often after an ambulance journey and long night in Intensive Care with their child), they discover that there are no toiletries provided for them to use to brush their teeth, wash their face, or jump in the shower with. I would love to change this… It is already such a difficult experience – whether the hospital visit is planned or not – and having a little gift pack waiting would make all the difference. If you can help – or provide a raffle prize for my cousin, who would like to raise money for Homes from Home, please email me at louise@the-beauty-pages.com

 

Elie Saab. Mark 2nd July firmly in your diaries, as it’s the date that my top fragrance launch for 2011 is hitting shelves… Elie Saab Le Parfum (from £22.50) is the first scent from the Lebanese designer, whose name has become synonymous with grace and femininity. Contained within a simple, yet elegant bottle, the scent boasts notes of orange blossom, jasmine, cedar, and rose honey. It’s the perfect balance of florals and woods – and I guarantee that it will be love at first sniff. Exclusively at Harrods from 2nd July, at Selfridges and Harvey Nichols from 25th July, and Nationwide from 22nd August.

 

Rimmel. I’ve been using Rimmel’s new Glam’Eyes Quad Eyeshadow (£6.99) for a while now and am only just getting around to sharing my thoughts. There are eight colour varieties available and I was sent “State of Grace” – a combination of silver, pale blue, turquoise, and violet. The thing I am most impressed with is the pigment – the colours are as bright on eyes as they are in the palette, with a super-soft, blendable texture. They aren’t the longest lasting shadows I have tried, but neither do they disappear in minutes. If you like blending and building colour, you need to get your hands on one pronto. www.boots.com

 

The Chelsea Day Spa. New reality drama ‘Made in Chelsea’ is my guilty pleasure – I have been totally addicted since I started watching it a few weeks ago. So when I heard that The Chelsea Day Spa, located on King’s Road, had created a series of treatments inspired by the show, I couldn’t wait to pop in. The three treatments are named after stars of the show – ‘The Cheska’ (Vita Liberata Tan, £27.50), ‘The Binky’ (Manicure + Pedicure, £31), and ‘The Gabriella’ (Oxygen Facial, £150). I can personally recommend the spa itself too - stylish, but very relaxing. www.thechelseadayspa.co.uk

 

The Beauty Maze. I love the concept behind The Beauty Maze – an initiative set up by two ladies in Bath (Tina Gossage and Pauline Sinkins), who figured that if they were struggling to feel and look good about themselves as they got older, there must be countless other women out there in the same boat. The Beauty Maze runs events where beauty retailers can meet groups of women, teach techniques, and show off their new products. It might only be happening in one corner of England – but I can see real value for beauty brands in talking to these women and finding out what they need and want. www.thebeautymaze.co.uk

 

Shewee. Heading to a festival this summer? Booked a camping trip? Got to endure a car journey across Europe? If the answer is yes to any of those questions, I strongly recommend that you enter our competition this week to win one of 25 Shewees… What is that, I hear you ask? Well, it’s a quirky little device that allows ladies to go to have a wee standing up – thus avoiding the need to squat over holes or put up with hideous toilets. The genius device was designed by Samantha Fountain and is now sold in over 20 countries worldwide. At the MoonWalk a few weeks ago, Jennifer Saunders and Ruby Wax even revealed they were fans. You can enter to win a Shewee by clicking here

 

 

Breaking News: OLAY PROFESSIONAL HITS BOOTS NATIONWIDE! (17.06.11)
Sponsored Post
Get ready to rush to your local Boots store, ladies – as we’ve just heard that Olay Professional is hitting UK shores! We’ve been desperate to test the range since hearing that a limited release had sold out in the States in an incredible 17 minutes ahead of its launch in 2008!
If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for us – so we are counting down the days until a strictly limited stock of 300 Olay Professional The Anti Wrinkle Kits will be released onto shelves at Boots on Wednesday 22nd June 2011.
The Anti Wrinkle Kit is the ‘hero product’ in the Olay Professional line-up. The recommended three-part daily-regime contains products designed, tested, and proven to deliver a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in 28 days – guaranteed!
The kit includes: Age Defying Day Moisturiser SPF30 (designed to hydrate and fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, whilst protecting skin from UVA and UVB exposure); Wrinkle Smoothing Cream (designed to combat the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles); and Deep Wrinkle Complex (containing Pro-Retinol and Niacinamide, it penetrates deep into the skin’s surface to intensely hydrate and combat the appearance of wrinkles).
With the rest of the range still weeks away from launch, the pre-release in Boots on Wednesday 22nd June offers the perfect opportunity to get our mitts on the products first! Register now exclusively on www.boots.com/olay

 

Tried & Tested – SPF FOR BODY (17.06.11)
Protect your skin for summer with a broad-spectrum sun protection cream. We’ve put six products to the test…

SUN SHOTS SPF 25, £9.95 for 10 x 20ml sachets (www.beautique.com)
What they say: Handy, pocket-sized pouches of SPF25 sun lotion, ideal to carry at all times and to use exactly when needed or wherever you are. The advanced formulation is dermatologically tested and enriched with sunscreens to protect against harmful UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays.
The Results: I have pale skin and am always wary in the summer, which means that impromptu lunchtime trips to the park or coffees in the sunshine are usually off limits. Having these pouches in my handbag, however, means that I am always prepared – and it’s much more practical than having to lug around a heavy bottle of sun cream. The pouches are easy to open and the cream has a thick texture, which absorbs quickly into skin. There’s a generous amount in the pouch, which means there’s a fair bit left over when you only need to apply to shoulders and arms. They’re impractical to keep once open and it did feel a waste to throw the spare away – but that problem could be solved if you share with a partner or friend. For 10 pouches, I think it’s good value. Such an ingenious idea!
Best for: On the go

INSTITUT ESTHEDERM ADAPTASUN BODY MILK FOR EXTREME SUN, £41 or 250ml (www.spacenk.co.uk)
What they say: A creamy body lotion, ideal for tanning safely in the most extreme sun conditions that offers optimal tanning quickly and safely.
The Results: I found the labeling of this suncream quite confusing. Instead of a SPF rating, it goes on a star rating – this specific product has the maximum 3 stars, which is for ‘extreme sun’. Despite knowing that, I was still a bit nervous using it on my sun sensitive skin, but maybe that’s because I’ve become accustomed to the idea that SPF is the only way to judge it. Nevertheless, I gave it a go – and instantly fell in love with the luxuriously silky lotion, which had an amazing, expensive fragrance. My skin felt moisturised, soothed, and silky soft, so it would be an ideal product for those with dry skin. The cream advises to reapply regularly, so I’m not sure if it is very water resistant – but with regular top-ups, I didn’t burn at all. It’s very expensive, but I would definitely buy it again for a special holiday. In fact, I have already decided I will be using this on my honeymoon next year – it’s luxurious and kept my skin beautifully moisturised.
Best for: The luxury choice

CLARINS SUN CARE SPRAY OIL-FREE LOTION, £17.50 for 150ml (http://uk.clarins.com)
What they say: Sun Care for the great outdoors. An ultra-sheer, mist texture with an oil-free formula, perfect for more active sun-seekers.
The Results: We’re heading off on a city break to Rome this summer, so want to find a sun cream that will protect myself and my husband while we’re walking around the city. It was a treat to be handed this expensive-looking Clarins Spray and I was pleased to see that it is suited to active holidays, meaning that we would stay protected even if we got hot and bothered walking around the city. I liked the consistency of the product, which was similar to a dry oil - it immediately absorbed into my skin leaving it feeling dry within seconds. For this reason, it was quite hard to know where had been covered and where hadn’t, so I probably applied more than I needed to be sure The spray bottle made application very quick and easy – and it worked equally well held upside down. It also has a really luxurious scent, which is always a bonus.
Best for: Active Holidays

DERMALOGICA SOLAR DEFENSE WIPES SPF15, £22.50 for 15 WIPES (0800 591818)
What they say: Hygienic, pre-moistened sunscreen towelettes for the face and body that provide very water-resistant (up to 80 minutes) protection from the sun’s most damaging UV rays.
The Results: I wasn’t sure about these wipes at first, as I was worried they wouldn’t cover my skin properly. After testing them, however, I am a total convert and have been recommending them to everybody I meet! The wipes are very large and saturated with sun cream – I only needed one to cover my arms, chest, legs, and face completely. My skin felt slightly sticky after using them, so it was easy to tell where I had applied the cream. Applying sun protection couldn’t possibly be easier, quicker or more convenient. I don’t usually spend a lot on beauty products and these aren’t cheap – l but now I’ve tried them, I don’t think I could go back to messy bottles. I’ll take them on holiday with me and guard them with my life – nobody else is touching them!
Best for: Convenience

NEAL’S YARD LAVENDER SUN SCREEN SPF 22, £13.70 for 150ml (www.nealsyardremedies.com)
What they say: Organic shea nut butter, sesame and sunflower oils create the base for our high-protection sun screen. Skin-soothing herbs and lavender essential oil are combined with sunscreens to block UV rays.
The Results: This sun screen smells delicious, like a rich, lavender-scented body butter. The texture is quite thick and looks very white when it’s first applied – but after massaging it into skin for a few minutes, the whiteness disappeared. Spending time working it into the skin was reassuring, as I knew each patch was covered. My skin was left beautifully scented and, thanks to the shea nut butter, felt richly moisturised too. I’d recommend this product to people with dry skin, as this cream kept my skin feeling supple and comfortable in the sun. It feels expensive and luxurious, so I was surprised when I saw the price – I think it’s great value for money.
Best for: Hydrating skin

ELEMIS BODY GLOW SUPER PROTECTION SPF25, £20.50 for 125ml (www.timetospa.co.uk)
What they say: Elemis Body Glow Super protection is a luxurious treatment cream with sun filters and plant extracts to deliver the ultimate in sun protection and prevent skin premature ageing. Vitamin-rich Milk Protein, Jojoba and Camelia extracts leave the skin soft to the touch.
The Results: I have very fair, sensitive skin, so was pleased to be asked to test a sun screen with a high SPF. I love Elemis products and wasn’t disappointed by this thick, creamy sun screen. It took a while to massage it into my skin, but once absorbed, it was left with a gorgeous sheen. The scent was very pleasant – a green, floral fragrance, which smelt luxurious. Despite being a thick cream, it didn’t feel at all heavy. My skin felt nourished and soothed, so I would recommend it to people with sensitive skin. A little goes a long way – for my upper arm, for example, I only needed a 50p size blob to completely cover it. The tube would last a long time, which makes the £20.50 price tag seem more affordable.
Best for: Sensitive skin

 

Blog: RUSSELL STEVENS – FROM ELEVEN HAIR, LONDON – DISCUSSES THE SALON’S LATEST CAMPAIGN: INNER GRACE (17.06.11)
Like all top salons, we produce various collections throughout the year to keep us inspired and creative with our work. We produced the Inner Grace collection at the end of 2010 for release this summer. Our inspiration was the statement ‘embrace your inner lady’. As a salon, Eleven Hair isn’t interested in sending our clients with ‘identikit hair’ so we wanted a spectrum of looks. We always want to make women feel sexy and desirable. We believe colour should look better than natural and the overall effect we wanted for this collection was rich, sexy and confident.
Our four models worked the camera and loved the looks we created. As well as me, the other stylists on the shoot were Ben White and Rebecca Turner with Vasiliy Tumaev assisting. Jason Welch had coloured the models’ hair in the salon the day before. We created a dozen images, all shot by talented beauty photographer Billie Scheepers. The team used Redken styling products throughout, including Guts 10, Satin Wear 02 and Pure Force 20. Makeup by Hannah Wynne simply enhanced the models natural features and let the hair steal the show.
For me, the new collection was all about big, sexy, classic hair that makes women feel ultra feminine. I sculpted model Lucy’s ice blond hair into a classic 1960’s Bond girl shape, which everyone loved. Once that shot was captured, I worked the hair into a sleek ‘rich bitch’ bob that looks deceptively simple. Becky and Ben worked together to give model Julianna a cascade of curls that needed little dressing and looked effortlessly sexy. Becky took the look forward with a clever asymmetric take on two side buns which were loose, fun and perfect for the girl who doesn’t take her hair too seriously.
Becky worked with red head model Keely whose blunt fringe gave her pre-Raphaelite curls a modern edge and a second look was created by brushing out the curls and creating sculpted waves that wouldn’t look out of place on the set of Mad Men.
www.eleven-hair.com

 

Spa Review: LUCKNAM PARK HOTEL AND SPA, BATH (17.06.11)
Location: Just six miles from the historic Roman city of Bath, Lucknam Park Spa is situated in the Wiltshire countryside, at the end of a stately mile-long, tree-lined drive. Although the site has been lived on around 1,000 years, Lucknam owes its splendour to the Georgian period – and it’s easy to imagine you are in a Jane Austen novel as you make your way up the drive. While the hotel itself is very much an English country manor, the spa is bright and airy with a modernist feel; there is an almost industrial inspiration in the curved glass and steel roof, but the marble and wood finishing within the spa itself ensures it is comfortable as well. The 20-metre swimming pool feels airy beneath the shuttered glass ceiling and it has an abundance of loungers, as well as a relaxation area with lots of glossy magazines to read. The heated hydrotherapy infinity pool has both indoor and outdoor sections, with views over the 500-acre grounds and the walled gardens. The thermal cabins include an Amethyst room to begin your journey of relaxation, a Japanese salt room, aromatic steam and sauna, as well as experience showers. The outdoor salt-water plunge pool was closed for the winter, but would be perfect on a summer’s day. If you want your hair coiffured before you dine in the one-Michelin starred restaurant you can pay a visit to the hotel’s hair salon, whilst for more relaxed dining, the Brasserie has lighter meals from its wood-fired oven and open kitchen and an excellent range of steaks.
Ambience: The sophisticated spa is a popular playground for London’s young professionals and the surrounding counties’ well-heeled set. It’s very glamorous; your Missoni swimwear would not go amiss amid the couples on romantic getaways. In the hotel itself, prepare to immerse yourself in stately home chic; the drawing room and library were rather sumptuous, capped by magnificent open fireplaces, with incredible views across the rolling countryside. Quite simply, it was the epitome of Georgian living, and the only thing missing from my afternoon tea of scones, cakes and finger sandwiches was a Mr Darcy to share them with.
Treatments tested: Top-to-toe treatment. (1 hour, £90)
There was no lengthy questionnaire to fill out just a brief form, which interestingly asked me to pick which music I would like – a lovely touch. Trying to be cultured, I chose Beethoven - but perhaps they only had his unfinished symphonies as, despite my request, I got the classic spa tunes volume 1, which seemed a shame. The back massage was incredibly relaxing. It started with Tahitian Black Sand exfoliation, followed by an aromatic oil massage. It was very soothing, but could have been firmer. This was followed by a radiance-boosting facial, which left my skin wonderfully soft and smooth, using Anne Semonin Exfoliator and Mask. The treatment promises a scalp, hand, and foot massage so it seemed a shame to only be able to pick one of the three promised but it was delicious none-the-less, and I would certainly recommend it.
Afterwards I was keen to invest in the Semonin treatments to try at home. And back in my room I collected up the abundant samples to bring a little piece of Lucknam Park back to London.

 

Feature: FIRST LADIES OF BEAUTY (17.06.11)
From new kids on the block to old hands, we take a look at the women that have put passion and hard work into creating their own beauty brands…

ANTONIA BURRELL
Who is she?
Antonia Burrell is a respected skin expert whose career first flourished at famous Covent Garden spa The Sanctuary. Her talent saw her escalate from Junior Therapist to Retail Manager in just one year. She later became Business Manager of holistic beauty brand Aveda, scooping three international awards for the brand. And it was at Aveda that Antonia became fascinated with the science of plants in beauty and skincare regimes and its pivotal role in promoting wellbeing, both inside and out.
After more than four years of research and development, she launched her own holistic skincare collection in 2010. It reflects her expertise and passion in helping those who suffer from ‘problem’ complexions to achieve radiant, flawless skin through naturally potent plant based remedies that work and help harmonise the body with the mind.
Hero products from her range:
Cream Supreme Facial Moisturiser, £68; Radiant Light Facial Serum, £58.80; Natural Glow Cleansing Oil, £59.50 (www.beautique.com).
What our tester Sophie, 32, said:
“I have dry skin – of Sahara-like proportions. Just finding cleansing products that don't make my skin look like a shedding reptile is a struggle. Imagine my glee when I was asked to test Natural Glow Cleansing Oil. It’s an oil that you massage into your skin, which smells divine. After adding water in turns into a milky fluid and it removes all traces of makeup, including waterproof mascara. After rinsing, my skin felt smooth, plump and soft – and most importantly I didn't feel the need to submerge my head in a vat of moisturiser. Highly recommended. “

JO HANSFORD
Who is she?
Known as the ‘First Lady of colour’, Jo Hansford opened her eponymous specialist colour salon in 1993 on Mount Street in the heart of London’s Mayfair, with just eight staff. Today, the salon boasts a team of over 40 colourists, stylists and assistants, all of whom have been personally trained by Jo, and houses some of London’s most talented and industry-leading hairdressers. The salon also boasts an extensive clientele, including high profile personalities such as Elizabeth Hurley, Yasmin le Bon, Natasha McElhone, Natalie Imbruglia and Nigella Lawson.
As a world leading authority on hair colouring, it was only a matter of time before Jo launched her own products. She spent three years perfecting her Colour Care range until it finally met her meticulous standards and was launched in 2009. The high performance range leaves hair looking radiant, glossy and healthy, and all products have been designed to work in conjunction with one another.
Hero products from her range:
Intensive Masque for Fine Hair, £27; Everyday Shampoo, £15; Protect & Shine Leave In Conditioner, £17 (all from www.johansford.com).
What our tester Jemma, 29, said:
“I tried out Jo Hansford Intensive Masque for Fine Hair, which is creamy, fluffy, dense and light at the same time. It looks like a serious conditioner. A little smear of this stuff goes a long way and after five minutes on my head, it took a little persuading to leave. But eventually it did, and my hair was glossier, smoother, and didn’t smell of anything. Now that, I really like. I’ve used it every day for a week, and it is leaving my hair feeling nicely plump and well-watered. It comes in a chunky, squat glass container, and when I knocked it to the floor (steamy bathroom, shortsighted, despectacled) it bounced. Beautiful, hardworking and hardy, this masque has made me a lot more into my hair than I used to be.”

LIZ EARLE
Who is she?
Liz Earle, together with Kim Buckland, created Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare in 1995. Liz and Kim met at the start of their careers when they both worked together before embarking on different paths within the beauty industry. Liz, through her in-depth research, became a specialist in botanical ingredients, natural health and well-being. As a beauty editor, author of over 30 books and TV presenter, she became a well-known and respected authority in beauty.
The renowned and respected range was the first skincare line to be launched on television (on QVC) and remains their best-selling beauty collection. The pioneering, botanically based, skincare brand uses natural, ethically-sourced ingredients produced in the UK. The company has grown from small beginnings into Britain’s best-kept beauty secret, employing over 400 people, the majority of which are women. It has also achieved a multi-million pound turnover with active customers in over 90 countries around the world, and MBEs for both Liz and Kim.
Hero products from her range:
Cleanse & Polish, from £5.10; Superskin Moisturiser, from £12.25; Botanical Shine Shampoo, from £4.10 (all from http://uk.lizearle.com).
What our tester Emma, 34, said:
“I was lucky enough to try Liz Earle’s Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and I can honestly say I don’t think I can ever go back to the type of cleansers I’d been using in the past (foaming, rinse-off style). My skin is combination and my first impression of this was that it would be too creamy. Not so. It has a strong, herbal smell, which is lovely and invigorating. The muslin cloth feels like it’s getting into every pore of my face and my skin has never felt so clean and my complexion never looked so bright. I’m converted.”

EVE LOM
Who is she?
Eve Lom is one of those names everyone knows, whether you’re into beauty or not. In fact she’s one of the most respected and sought-after beauty professionals in the world. Born in Czechoslovakia, Eve met the renowned skin specialist Georgette Klinger in Hollywood in the early 1980’s and began her career as a facialist, building up a devoted following of her now legendary facial. Eve subsequently relocated to London where she studied anatomy, nutrition and massage techniques and in 1984, the first Eve Lom salon opened there. Today, Eve Lom skincare products and the signature Eve Lom facial are available in stores and spas around the world.
The Eve Lom skincare range evolved from her cult Cleanser, which Vogue called "probably the best cleanser in the world". The pared-down regime Eve recommends is based on deep, thorough cleansing and the philosophy that less is more when it comes to effective skincare.
Hero products from her range:
Cleanser, £50; Dynaspot, £20; Kiss Mix, £14 (all from www.evelom.com).
What our tester Emma, 34, said:
“I had read about Eve Lom’s cleanser before I tired it and I was expecting some kind of miracle when I did. It’s not a miracle – but it is very good as a makeup remover and cream cleanser in one, with a lovely aromatic fragrance and a thick, gloopy texture. You don’t need much and it has quite gentle exfoliating particles. My skin feels soft and clean afterwards, although I still need to use a separate eye makeup remover sometimes if I’ve worn a lot of eye makeup. I found the cleanser slightly tight-feeling on my (usually quite dry) skin so I’ve chosen to use it most evenings but not every evening (it’s recommended to be used only once a day).”

ANGELA LANGFORD
Who is she?
Angela Langford lives in Somerset and makes all her products herself in small batches in her home. If that sounds too good to be true, it’s not. It doesn’t stop there, either. Her range contains no parabens, petrochemicals, sulphates or artificial colours or fragrances, and everything is tested on Angela's own friends, family and herself.
A new brand, Angela has spent the last two years working on her ‘baby’ and was trained by one of the best industry experts who has worked with some of the leading natural skincare brands in the business. The range of natural face products uses the best natural and organic ingredients and includes cleansers, exfoliators, toners, serums, face oils, balms and moisturisers. There is also a selection of natural bath and shower products, including body washes, shower gels, body scrubs and creamy body butters.
Hero products from her range:
Sweet Cheeks cleanser, £15.45; Perfect Pores serum, £26.55; Balanced & Beautiful natural face oil, £22.55 (all from www.angelalangford.com).
What our tester Elle, 38, said:
“I don’t think I’ve ever used anything that smelt and felt this truly ‘natural’ in my life. The cleanser I tried, ‘Sweet Cheeks’, didn’t foam up much, but I didn’t really feel it needed to. It smelt of hedgerows and left my skin squeaky clean but comfortable. I spritzed on the gorgeously zingy ‘Freshen Up’ toner, and then used ‘Perfect Pores’ serum, which my skin drank up gratefully. I topped off this with a few drops of ‘Balanced & Beautiful’ natural face oil – not oily at all really, even on my combination skin. For days I haven’t been able to do anything but stroke my incredibly soft cheeks and look forward to using the products again. A real find, this brand deserves to be a success.”

JEMMA KIDD
Who is she?
Jemma Kidd is not only a countess and sister of international supermodel Jodie Kidd, but she is also a world-renowned makeup artist. After a few years of modelling herself, she realised she was more interested in the makeup than the clothes. In 2003, Jemma opened her own ‘Makeup School’ in London, and a range of cosmetics of the same name was launched in 2006 and is available in the UK (in Boots), as well as in America, Australia, Hong Kong, and Canada.
The Jemma Kidd Make Up School range combines high performance with simplicity, innovation and luxury. The collection makes Jemma Kidd’s professional skills, experience and extensive knowledge of makeup application available to all women.
Hero products from her range:
Rosy Glow Lip & Cheek Tint, £15.95; Skin Perfection Kit, £17.50; Dewy Glow All Over Radiance Crème, £13.50 (all from www.beautybay.com).
What our tester Kate, 26, said:
“I tested Jemma Kidd Make Up School Skin Perfection Kit. My first impression of this was that it seemed quite expensive - but once I got to grips with how much it actually did, I realise it’s a complete bargain! It contains a ‘Citrus Colour Corrector’, a yellowy shade with a greeny tint to it that corrects purpley tones around your eyes. There’s also an ‘Apricot Colour Corrector’ for around the eyes, which even has added collagen for a firming effect, and ‘All Over Radiance Creme' which is just gorgeous, a sort of highlighter. Finally, there’s a section of ‘Lip & Cheek Flush’ – a perfect berry shade for lips and cheeks. I can’t believe they squeezed all this under one lid and wonder what I ever did without it!”

 

Editor’s Letter (17.06.11)
I’m no fan of Katie Price, but her soap opera life is really none of my business. This week, however, I couldn’t turn a blind eye… She has over a million followers on Twitter – most of them no doubt impressionable young girls – but that didn’t stop her sending a tweet saying: “Nice warm sunbed with new cream... I can see a lobster coming off oops.” Her irresponsibility makes my blood boil… Recent research has revealed that regular use of sunbeds can increase the risk of skin cancer by up to 75% - they are, in fact, just as likely to give you cancer as smoking and asbestos. Given her attitude, you may be surprised to hear that Katie has suffered from cancer in the past, having a tumour on her finger removed in 2002 – but even that doesn’t stop her bleating on about how much she loves sun beds, saying recently: “We’ve all got to die of something, so that’s just my choice.” My advice? Keep your dangerous hobbies to yourself love, before another generation of young girls is lured under dangerous UV lamps.

 

Bobbi Brown. It’s not often that I fall head over heels in love with a makeup palette – but Bobbi Brown’s new Tortoiseshell Eye Palette (£48) is worth the adoration… Available in Sand or Bronze (pictured), the palette was inspired by Bobbi Brown’s tortoiseshell spectacles – with the colours designed to compliment, rather than compete with our own frames. It’s not an idea often touched upon by cosmetic houses – despite the fact that so many of us wear glasses – and I think it’s a genius concept. The shades are neutral, yet very pretty – and the tortoiseshell casing of the palette is a stunning addition. www.bobbibrown.co.uk

Jo Malone. I’m not generally a fan of the taste or scent of grapefruits – so when I was sent Jo Malone’s Grapefruit Cologne (from £34) amongst a selection of their other scents, I must confess that it took me a good few weeks to test it. I wish I had bothered earlier, as this scent is surprisingly moreish – in fact, I think it’s my favourite of the whole selection sent. It’s zesty and uplifting – but without the bitter notes I was expecting. Notes of tangerine and peppermint give it a really soft and refreshing edge, which makes it perfect for balmy evenings on holiday. www.jomalone.co.uk

Rimmel. Nail polish that smells like fruit might sounds a bizarre and pretty pointless concept – but I’m a big fragrance junkie and things like this get my beauty pulses racing… So this week, I tested Rimmel I love Fruities Lasting Finish Nail Polish (£2.99) in Lemon Drop. It only smells when dry and I must admit that it’s very subtle, but it’s still quite nice to catch a whiff of lemons whenever my hand passes my face. The best bit, however, was the incredibly glossy colour – it looked like I had applied a top coat. It lasted well too – and for the price, that’s not to be sniffed at (if you can forgive the pun). www.boots.com

M&S. I’m hearing some really good things about Marks & Spencer’s new Step-Tone flip-flops – a more affordable alternative to FitFlops. The innovative design of Step-Tone promises to tone legs, reduce leg fatigue, and protect feet – and their price tag (starting at just £25) is a big bonus. I really like the fact that they are so lightweight, as I can find FitFlops a bit heavy and clompy – and whilst the styles aren’t quite as strong, there are some still some really lovely colours and textures to pick from, including snakeskin and denim. I’m looking forward to trying a pair to measure their toning power! www.marksandspencer.com

Frederic Fekkai. Beach waves are big news this season – but if you have straight hair like me, they aren’t easy to come by… So last week, I grabbed a bottle of Frederic Fekkai Summer Hair Beach Waves (£20) and sprayed it through my hair when wet, after washing and conditioning. It did amazing things to my hair, creating really natural-looking loose waves as I left it to dry naturally. I’d advise you to spray with caution initially, as too much left my hair looking a little lank – and you only need a few quick spritzes to create effortless curls. Definitely one for summer. www.spacenk.co.uk

 

 

Salon Review: TREVOR SORBIE, HAMPSTEAD, LONDON (10.06.11)
Location: Trevor Sorbie, 42 High Street, Hampstead, London NW3 1QE. 0207 112 1712. www.trevorsorbie.com
The Salon: Trevor Sorbie Hampstead has just opened its doors – and walking from the tube station at the top of the high street, I could very well understand why the hair supremo had chosen this part of London for his latest venture… With its tree-lined streets, traditional red brick buildings, and village-esque feel, I could quite happily retreat to Hampstead on a long-term basis myself. And as I swung open the glass-fronted door and caught sight of the sleek monochrome interior, I seriously started to consider a permanent relocation.
The salon is as appealing as its location – with a team of top stylists and colourists relocated from Trevor Sorbie’s Covent Garden salon and a relaxed (but super trendy) vibe.
My colourist for the afternoon was Natalie – and I knew instantly that I was in good hands. She discussed options for my hair, taking into consideration my skin tone and the fact I would be spending time in the sun over the following weeks, and showed me colour options on a chart. After agreeing on a semi-permanent colour, I sat back and allowed her to do the hard work, whilst I flicked through the latest copy of Vogue and sipped herbal tea.
After the colour had developed and my hair was washed (a special mention must go to the incredible head massage – if you are offered it, you must say yes!) I returned to the chair and met Laura; my stylist for the afternoon. Once again, I trusted her from the moment she started to discuss options – and within an hour, I had a cut that suited my face far better than the boring one-length style that I stepped into the salon with.
If you are looking to visit a salon that will transform your style, without stepping too far away from your current look, I would highly recommend a visit. The staff are highly experienced and it was a real pleasure to sit back and watch them work their magic. If you live in North London, this salon should now be firmly marked in your address book. And if you don’t – you may well be plotting a move after you have made the quick journey to Hampstead on the tube and experienced what Trevor Sorbie (and this beautiful part of London) has to offer.
Services: Cut and Blow-Dries, from £55. Blow-dries, from £30. Sorbie Style Solution, from £170. Colouring, from £115 (for half head).

 

Feature: GOLDEN GLOW (10.06.11)
Give your skin a break from the sun with our pick of self-tanning products. We’ve asked six readers to try them out, giving their verdict on colour, ease of use, and value for money…

THE SELF-TAN MOISTURISER
If you are pale skinned or want to boost an existing tan, moisturisers with a hint of self tan will give a welcome boost to skin tone. Built up over several days, they allow you to control the level of tan – so this is the perfect choice for those who are just starting out with home tanning.
We gave Dove Summer Glow Nourishment Lotion, £5.10 (Supermarkets Nationwide), to Katie Millgory, 34, to test.
She says: “I’m really pale but hate the thought of using a sunbed and fake tan scares me - I can never seem to apply it without streaks. After using this moisturiser for the last few weeks, I am now totally hooked. I’ve been applying it to my face, arms, legs and chest every couple of nights and letting it absorb overnight before showing it off the next morning. It doesn’t make you anywhere near as dark as regular fake tan, but I’m only looking for a subtle, natural glow so it’s perfect. Plus it’s affordable, has a mild smell, and doesn’t rub off on your pillow! “
Ease of use: 3/5
Colour: 3/5
Value for money: 5/5
Score: 11/15

 

THE PROFESSIONAL SPRAY TAN
Even the most confident self-tanners opt for a professional spray tan every now and again. If you are jetting away on holiday, attending a big event, or walking down the aisle, the result needs to be perfect – and the only way to ensure that is to head to a salon and get a professional therapist to take care of it. It’s more expensive, but you can rest easy that it will develop into a deep, natural-looking, streak-free tan.
We asked Claire Wright, 29, to test Fake Bake Professional Spray Tan, £25 (Benefit Boutiques).
She says: “My therapist Lisa was really friendly and put me at ease instantly – and the provided paper knickers spared my dignity, so I didn’t feel too self-conscious during the spray. As I stood on a spot marked on the ground, Lisa sprayed me with a light, slightly cold spray, and showed me how to move around to ensure my entire body had an even tan. The whole process took just 20 minutes - and although it’s quite pricey for a one-off, it’s much cheaper than other spray tans I have seen advertised. Lisa told me to wear loose clothes for the next hour and not to shower for the rest of the evening. I went to bed looking ridiculously brown and worrying that I’d look ‘tantastic’ – plus I stank of fake tan, which my boyfriend didn’t appreciate. When I showered the next morning, however, both the darkness and smell faded away, leaving me with a deep gorgeous all-over-glow.”
Ease of use: 5/5
Colour: 5/5
Value for money: 3/5
Score: 13/15

SELF-TANNING GEL
If you want a deeper colour than moisturisers offer, but are still scared about streaks and smudges, a self-tanning gel offers a great compromise. The lightweight, cooling texture won’t absorb straight away, allowing you time to rub it in properly and ensure that every area is covered. As an added bonus, it leaves skin feeling soft, nourished and hydrated.
We asked Lesley Stafford, 46 to test Origins The Great Pretender, £15 (www.origins.co.uk) – an oil-free gel, which is suitable for even sensitive skin.
She says: “I really liked using this gel-based fake tan - it made a nice change from runny lotions and out-of-control sprays. It glides on just like moisturiser and left my normally-dry skin feeling soft and well moisturised. The colour wasn’t very deep on the first application, so I’d recommend going over it the following day to achieve a richer colour, which means you do end up using quite a lot of the product up in just one go. But I loved the final result and especially the scent when you first apply it - it has orange, peppermint and rosemary, which really reminded me of the sunshine. My only complaint is that it rubbed off on my clothes, but that was my own fault for not reading the instruction, which says to wait half an hour before getting dressed!”
Ease of use: 3/5
Colour: 3/5
Value for money: 3/5
Score: 9/15

BRONZING STICK
Feeling nervous about tanning your face? A bronzing stick is the perfect alternative to fake tan, allowing you to build up the colour gradually and see the results instantly – and at the end of the night, you can wash it straight off with your regular cleanser. It can take a little time to get the hang of it and obviously offers a far more temporary option than other tanning options, but with a little practice, a bronzing stick can give the illusion that you have jetted away to St Tropez for a long weekend in the sunshine.
We asked Jess Smith-Floyd, 31, to test the limited edition MAC Skinsheen Bronzer Stick, £23 (www.maccosmetics.co.uk).
She says: “This bronzer is easy to use, but you need to be careful not to overdo it and look unnaturally brown – I only needed a couple of dabs on the top of my cheekbones. The stick has a smooth texture, which makes it really easy to blend into skin. It’s quick, easy and mess free. I also really liked the fact that I could wipe it straight off after a night out and reapply the next day if needed. I would definitely recommend it to anyone that wants a quick blast of tan in a matter of minutes! It’s expensive, but would last a long time.”
Ease of use: 4/5
Colour: 3/5
Value for money: 3/5
Score: 10/15

SELF-TANNING MOUSSE
Despite offering a deep tan worthy of a few weeks on a Caribbean beach, fake tanning mousse doesn’t often streak. So what’s the secret? It’s all down to the tint of the mousse, which allows you to see where you are applying it and to therefore check skin for telltale white patches before it starts to develop. It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, so this option is perfect for those that don’t like the sticky feeling of fake tan applying. If you are a fake tan first-timer with pale skin, however, it might be a daunting to start with a product that offers such a deep level of colour.
We gave Simone Prior, 39, a bottle of St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, £20.50 (Boots Nationwide) to test.
She says: “I liked the fact that the mousse has a dark colour. You can see exactly where you’re putting it, unlike experiences I’ve had with lotions or mists. The mousse glided onto my skin easily and absorbed straight away, without leaving me feeling sticky or greasy. Three hours later I could already see the colour developing and the next day, people actually commented on how well I looked, which was a real confidence boost. I think it’s quite pricey, but I didn’t need to use much to cover my arms, legs and chest so I think one bottle will go a long way.”
Ease of use: 3/5
Colour: 5/5
Value for money: 3/
Score: 11/15

TAN ENHANCING AFTER-SUN
If you are heading away on holiday, it is well worth packing a tan enhancing After-Sun alongside your bottles of SPF. The highly moisturising lotions contain low levels of fake tan to boost and build up your tan over the weeks that you are away – whilst also soothing and nourishing sun-kissed skin after a day on the beach. If you have the time and patience to build up the colour, they are a great idea – but don’t forget to wash hands after each application, as it’s easy to forget you are applying a self-tanning product!
We asked Sarah Wright, 29, to take Soltan Aftersun Tan Prolonger, £2.74 (Boots Nationwide) on holiday with her for a week in Lanzarote.
She says: “I went on holiday for a week, but wore SPF50 every day, as my skin is very sensitive to the sun. The upside of this is that my skin doesn’t burn or feel uncomfortable, but the downside is that I never have much of a tan when I get home. So this lotion, which promises to maintain a tan whilst also building a subtle colour, is perfectly suited to me. I slapped it on every night on holiday and carried on for a week while I was back. My skin felt hydrated, smooth and developed a light golden glow, but I’m not sure it actually prolonged my tan any more effectively than using Soltan’s regular Aftersun. Still, I would definitely choose it again as I liked the fact it helped me achieve a little holiday colour – and it’s really affordable too.”
Ease of use: 3/5
Colour: 2/5
Value for money: 4/5
Score: 9/15

 

Blog: JACK HOWARD OF LONDON’S EQUUS HAIR EXPLAINS WHY HE LOVES THE COLOURING TECHNIQUE BALAYAGE (10.06.11)
Hair trends come and go, but for most women colour is an intensely personal experience. They want to look natural and individual, not like the woman sat next to them at the salon - and that’s is why I became a Balayage specialist.
The first time I saw Balayage, I was struck by the artistry and softness of the result. For me, hair is about freshness, the illusion of youth, and sex – and Balayage offered all of this, so I went on courses and studied the technique so I could introduce it to my clients.
People often ask what exactly the technique is… It originated in France and means “to sweep or paint”. Highlights are painted onto the hair following the hair’s natural wave and growth patterns. This allows a truly personalised set of highlights that are both pretty and soft – all the things I believe hair colour should be and something that cannot be achieved with foils.
The difference between foils and Balayage is that Balayage is painted onto the hair, the regrowth is softer and less of a tell-tale when hair is pulled back and parted. Foils are perfectly placed but Balayage is more organic. The brightest pieces are always placed around the face and ends of the hair, as would happen naturally in the sun
Balayage and Ombre (a similar technique) are popular with Hollywood stars and models because it's easy to maintain and allows them to go lighter without looking cheap - these are very good reasons to choose it as a highlighting technique, as it fits so well with all of our busy lifestyles.
With summer coming Balayage and Ombre are the perfect way to get that sunkissed beach look. The sun wind and sea can be hard on hair and hair colour look after it ... nothing looks sexier than shiny glossy bouncy hair. My top tips to keep your colour looking at its best:
• Only use products with UVA protection such as the Brocato line
• Soak hair in fresh water before going into the pool, as the chlorine can damage and change your colour
• Use a colour protection line and treatment range of shampoos and conditioners. I adore Brocato
• Have regular treatments – and for that extra special feel, have a shine service. They last up to 4 weeks and can add that touch of gloss I like so much
If you can’t make it to Equus Hair to see me, a good way to find a Balayage specialist is to do some research on Google, then book to see them for a consultation. If you like what they say and what they have to offer, go with your gut reaction. If a hairdresser tells you they can achieve a Balayage look with foil, it’s just not true, and I would advise you to find another salon. I will be offering more classes and certify hairdressers throughout the UK in Balayage as I did in North America for L'Oreal professional.
Equus Hair – 176 Brompton Road, London SW3 1HQ. 0207 5840105.
Visit www.equushair.com/

Editor’s Letter (10.06.11)
So, what does everyone think about Wayne Rooney’s hair transplant? Personally, I think it’s great that he has gone ahead and done it – and even better, that he has been so honest and upfront. Lots of men lose their hair early in life and it can be stressful, upsetting and confidence-draining. So if you have the spare money (and admittedly, it’s not a procedure that is available to the masses, at £30,000 a pop), then why not? There’s absolutely nothing to be ashamed about. I don’t know if Wayne would have admitted to the procedure if he hadn’t been caught by paparazzi leaving the clinic, but I like to think that he would have come forward and told the public anyway. It’s about time that men stop feeling embarrassed about things like this – and if I was a man with a sparse barnet and the available funds, I would be first in the queue… Let me know what you think at editor@the-beauty-pages.com

GOSH. Nail art is a big trend this season – and whilst I love the idea, I’m a bit bored of crackle polishes and cutesy stickers. So when I saw this new GOSH Glitter Nail Dust (£3.99 each), I wanted to get my mitts on a pot as soon as possible. Application is easy – simply paint the nail with clear polish, dip it into the glitter, and then dust off the excess. It can be applied to the whole nail or as a French polish, with sparkling tips. The bad news is that they aren’t available until July – but the 10 sparkling shades are well worth the wait. Superdrug Nationwide.

Lastminute.com. There are just a couple of days left to book beauty treatments with the fabulous 2-for-1 deal that is currently running on Lastminute.com, run in conjunction with the Good Spa Guide. There are more than 200 treatments to pick from, including facials, body wraps, and manicure and pedicures at some of London’s top spas – but you need to be quick, as the offer wraps up on Sunday (12th June). Team up with a friend and get ready for some serious pampering over the weekend, as this offer is way too good to miss! www.lastminute.com

Marks & Spencer. I love switching to zingy citrus shower gels over the summer months – and my latest favourite is Marks & Spencer Ingredients Sicilian Lime & Bergamot Shower Gel (£3). I don’t the packaging is quite exciting enough to tempt me to pick it up off the shelf, so I am very glad that it took a sample landing on my desk to get me to take it into the shower. This stuff smells incredible. It’s refreshing, uplifting, and has a silky texture that hydrates and softens skin. I would pay two or three times the price for something that smells this good so am going to stock up. www.marksandspencer.com

ARBONNE. I’ve not tried products from premium cosmetics brand ARBONNE before – but since testing the brand’s Makeup Primer (£25), I wish I had discovered their collection a long time ago. The primer is the lightest, silkiest I have ever used, creating a smooth surface for foundation – but without feeling even the tiniest bit greasy. I’ve been using it every day and the coverage of my mineral powder appears far more natural and even-toned. The packaging is also fabulously stylish. I definitely recommend investing. www.arbonneinternational.co.uk

TrixanBody. Got a holiday booked? Now it’s time to get your swimwear sorted. And you’re in luck, as we have teamed up with online boutique TrixanBody.co.uk to offer readers an exclusive 20% off Seafolly, Jets, and Baku swimwear. The offer is valid until 20th June, so make sure you get your order in soon. I’ve been browsing the site myself and there’s some really stunning pieces on there. Click here for all the offer details.

 

Tried & Tested: COLOURED EYE PENCILS (10.06.11)
Define your eyes with a soft eye pencil – and this season, make sure it is bright and colourful. We’ve put six to the test.

MARKS & SPENCER EYELINER PENCIL IN TURQUOISE, £2.50 (www.marksandspencer.com)
What they say: Available in three fashionable shades, this smudge-proof eyeliner pencil adds the perfect finishing touch to gorgeous smoky eyes.
The Results: The design of this pencil is plain and simple – and although it might not jump out at me from the shelf, I liked the fact that the outside of the pencil was a perfect colour match for the product itself. After the initial few uses, the nib becomes quite thick, so you’ll need to sharpen regularly if you like a finer line. It’s soft and easy to blend, but there’s no sponge included so you need to use a finger. The colour is really stunning and I think it would work well for every colour of skin and eyes. Perfect for summer! And the price is fabulous – I would like one in each colour!
Best for: Budget buy

NARS SOFT TOUCH SHADOW PENCIL IN CELEBRATE, £16.50 (www.narscosmetics.co.uk)
What they say: These jumbo sized pencils have versatile functionality to shade the lid, line, or highlight the eye. Smooth, creamy texture delivers a smooth, velvety feel to the eye and make for easy blending and an ideal base for layering with a powder shadow for increased color intensity.
The Results: I love the versatility of these pencils, which can be used as eyeliner or eye shadow. They are quite chunky, with a thick nib, but a thinner line can be drawn with care if you choose to use the pencil as a liner. The texture is soft on application, but it gives a dry, matte finish on skin. I liked that, as I’m not keen on a glowing, cream texture on eyelids. I also found that the matte texture gave it great staying power – it quite literally lasted on my lids all day (over eyelid primer). The colour is zingy, summery, and fun – but probably best suited for darker or tanned skin tones.
Best for: Long lasting results

BOURJOIS METALLIC EYELINER IN BLEU CLINQUANT, £4.99 (www.boots.com)
What they say: To create maximum impact at a party, dazzle everyone with a flash of metallic colour on your eyes, with these waterproof metallic pencils.
The Results: I always envy girls that walk into parties with striking eye makeup – but I don’t have the skill or creativity to do much with my own. However, this small, ultra lightweight pencil in a bright, metallic blue was so easy to use that I am already excited about the next night out! The pencil is incredibly soft – so soft in fact, that fragments picked up in my lower lashes, so you need to be careful as that can cause smudges. But the bright, metallic pigment is incredible and my eyes were transformed with just a line drawn under the lower lash line in seconds. I highly recommend it!
Best for: Evenings out

CLARINS WATERPROOF EYE PENCIL IN VIOLET, £15 (http://uk.clarins.com)
What they say: Ultra-easy to apply, its soft, supple texture makes it really simple to blend. In and out of the water, your eye make-up stays in place all day.
The Results: I think purple makeup looks good with brunette hair and brown eyes – so if I ever venture away from black or brown for my eyes, it would be along these lines. This particular purple is bright, without being too attention-grabbing, so I was excited to try it. I wouldn’t describe the texture as ‘soft’, but it’s not exactly ‘hard’ either, but somewhere in the middle. It was easy to draw a line across my lash line and the handy sponge on the end of the pencil allowed me to blend it into a softer line. I think it’s pricey for a pencil, but I did notice it lasting longer than high street brands I’ve tried. If you want to try colour, but without going too bold, this would be perfect. The look is soft and pretty.
Best for: Subtle splash of colour

MODELS OWN EYELINER PENCIL IN NEON BLUE, £5 (www.modelsownit.com)
What they say: Rework your look with our built in sharpener and smudger, perfect for beauty on the go. Define and line to create smokey sultry looks in six super-sexy shades.
The Results: This pencil has a cellophane wrapper around it, which was really fiddly to remove – but it was good to know that it was hygienic and hasn’t been used by anybody before me. I loved the fact that it has both a sharpener and a sponge for blending – all for such an affordable price! I must admit that I was a bit disappointed by the colour though. I definitely wouldn’t describe it as an attention-grabbing neon – it’s more of a mid-blue. It does have a lovely, easy-to-blend texture though and looks great across the upper lid. It’s a long pencil, so would last a long time.
Best for: Added extras

ESTEE LAUDER STAY-IN-PLACE EYE PENCIL IN BRONZE, £19 (www.esteelauder.co.uk)
What they say: This long-wearing eye pencil lines and defines eyes with smooth, even colour that looks fresh all day.
The Results: I don’t think if I could ever hand over £19 for an eye pencil – but I must admit that it does look very luxe with its expensive-looking design and gold lids. And the texture is the creamiest I have ever known for an eye pencil, literally gliding onto skin and blending effortlessly with the sponge at the other end. I like the metallic bronze colour too, which offers an alternative to black or dark brown for the summer months – especially if you are little daunted by the idea of wearing brighter colours on eyes, but still fancy a shade. It lasted well, with the line on my upper lid still visible when I removed my makeup that evening, but faded. I am impressed by this product – I can’t wait to take it on holiday, as it will look great with a tan.
Best for: Luxury buy

 

 

Treatment Review: L’KERABELLE PERMANENT BLOW DRY TREATMENT (03.06.11)
What it promises: L’Kerabelle: a permanent blow-dry treatment that uses a unique Kera Optimum keratin with amino acids formula that is formaldehyde free – even when heated - and guarantees smoother, straighter, frizz free hair. The formula, when ironed through hair, triggers a keratinisation process that locks in moisture and reduces the effects of humidity. Results last for up to five months, depending on how often you wash and style it. One big step on from the original Brazilian blow dry treatment which uses formaldehyde in the formula, L’Kerabelle uses the same keratin-based formula, but with none of the nasties. You can not only achieve sleeker, smoother hair in a matter of hours, but you can also have it coloured on the same day without any problem.
What happens: For someone who blows half her monthly beauty budget and a good many salon hours having her frizzy barnet blow dried sleek and smooth, the prospect of having a treatment where I could wake up with kink-free locks seemed too good to miss... The first step was to rinse my hair through with clarifying shampoo to get rid of any styling product build up, and then my stylist (and creator of L’Kerabelle) Lorraine blasted hair 70% dry and carefully painted on the keratin formula in small sections, taking it up to the roots to ensure bump-free results. The keratin is left on hair for 15 minutes and then blow-dried - I could see that my hair looked straighter and smoother, even at this stage. The super-conditioning formula is then painstakingly ironed in using irons to seal in the keratin, so results last longer (up to five months if you’re lucky) and with no obvious re-growth. You can leave the salon at this stage and simply wash your hair 24 hours afterwards and style it as normal using L’Kerabelle Shampoos and Conditioners, which are sodium chloride free – important, as salt can break down the keratin ingredient. Or do as I did and wait a further hour, then have it rinsed and blow-dried into shape. You then leave it for around 48- 72 hours before washing out once more and styling as normal.
The Result: I usually set aside a good 40 minutes to dry and style my hair – but after this treatment, it took half as long to and I was impressed with the volume and shine too. Eight weeks down the line and I'm still thrilled with the results. I haven't booked a professional blow dry for eight weeks and it's only now that I'm starting to get a little re-growth. Time for another treatment? You bet. Worth the money and some.
Price: From £120. For nationwide salons contact 0208 207 2591 or visit www.lkerabelle.co.uk
We visited: Colour Nation, 5 Winsley Street, London W1W 8HG 0845 8888333 or visit www.colournation.com

 

T&T: NEW SUMMER FRAGRANCES (03.06.11)
Looking for a scent for the summer months ahead? We’ve put six newly launched fragrances to the test…

 

ISSEY MIYAKE L’EAU D’ISSEY SUMMER EAU DE TOILETTE, £33.60 for 100ml (www.feelunique.com).
What they say: Fresh and crisp, this fragrance radiates irresistible top notes of rose and pear water that blossom on floral notes of peony and carnation. At the base, a delicate harmony of osmanthus and precious wood enhances the velvety notes of the scent.
The Results: I love this bottle – the deep blue colour and coral orange reminds me instantly of holidays, which is uplifting before I’ve even sprayed it! And the scent didn’t disappoint either, being instantly reminiscent of salty ocean water and juicy summer fruits. Although the sweet scent is quite punchy and strong, it’s really refreshing, so ideal for hot summer days and holidays. For an Eau de Toilette, I’m impressed by its staying power. It stayed on my skin for hours without fading.
Best for: Hot summer days

 

PAUL SMITH OPTIMISTIC FOR WOMEN EAU DE TOILETTE, £38 for 50ml (www.boots.com).
What they say: The fragrance has an incredible burst of citrus energy with mandarin and pink grapefruit. The heart is very feminine with cranberry and sweet pea to create a soft fruity floral note, but it's the base has that classic Paul Smith twist...raspberry macaroon!
The Results: I didn’t find the packaging particularly inspiring, but it’s what inside that counts – so I was pleased when I sprayed onto wrists and sniffed a soft, addictive, feminine scent. The top and middle layers fade quickly, leaving the unique bottom note of raspberry macaroon. It is very sweet, but not at all sickly. Within an hour, it had faded quite a bit – so I would recommend regular spritzes. The name is apt – it really does make me feel happy and optimistic and I would recommend investing in a bottle for warmer weather.
Best for: Fans of sweet scents

ESTEE LAUDER BRONZE GODDESS SOLEIL EAU FRAICHE SKINSCENT, £38 for 100ml (www.esteelauder.co.uk)
What they say: Inspired by the warmth of the Mediterranean, a citrus floral blend with notes of Bergamot and Orange Blossom. 

The Results: There’s something really simple about Bronze Goddess Soleil – from the chunky square bottle (which reminds me of an exotic shoreline) to the delicious fragrance. The scent itself is hard to describe, but is best summed up as ‘holidays’. I can smell salty ocean water and juicy citrus fruits. It manages to be refreshing and warm in equal measure. Don’t be too precious with this scent, as it’s quite light and fades quickly. Apply it generously and reapply whenever necessary.
Best for: Conjuring up memories of holidays

THIERRY MUGLER ALIEN SUNESSENCE EAU DE TOILETTE, £40 for 60ml (www.houseoffraser.co.uk).
What they say: Thierry Mugler Alien Sunessence Amber Gold edition is a new Eau de Toilette légère non-refillable inspired by the sun-soaked fruits and flowers.
The Results: Although I’m not a regular wearer, I have smelt Thierry Mugler’s Alien in the past and found it quite overwhelming and strong – so I was pleased that this summer scent was lighter and far easier to wear. I can definitely smell floral and vanilla notes – and whilst I can’t specifically identify them as kiwi, the fruity notes give it a summery twist. It starts off quite zingy and punchy – but quickly fades to a softer, more exotic scent, which is ideal for summer nights out. The bottle is unique, summery, and eye-catching.
Best for: Summer nights

KORRES WHITE TEA / BERGAMOT / FREESIA FRAGRANCE, £24 for 50ml (www.bathandunwind.com).
What they say: White tea; an indulgence solely for aristocrats of yesteryear China, is one of the most exquisite tea varieties. An invigorating yet sensual blend due to its fresh, delicate, sweet-toned aroma.
The Results: I hate synthetic-smelling fragrances, so being given this to test was a real pleasure. It’s light and uncomplicated, with just three key floral notes. For that reason, it makes a brilliant everyday fragrance for the summer months. It’s not at all overpowering, so it is perfect for days in the office too. I can’t say that I love the packaging, which is a little boring – but the price is surprisingly affordable. If you like florals, this should be your scent for summer.
Best for: Everyday scent.

 

ACCESSORIZE BUTTERFLY EAU DE TOILETTE, £10 for 30ml (www.boots.com).
What they say: An effortlessly chic clean fragrance with floral hints.
The Results: Everything about this fragrance screams ‘teenage girl’. From the bright packaging, to the name ‘butterfly’, to the affordable price tag, to the sweet notes of the fragrance. It’s not something I would ever usually pick up from the shelf – and as much as I don’t want to like it, it is really enjoyable to wear. Light, wearable, and sweetly floral, it really does uplift the mood. I could happily take this on holiday and wear it every evening for cocktails and dinner. And when I’m back at home, my niece can take over the bottle!
Best for: Holidays

Editor’s Letter (03.06.11)
If you catch flights as often as I do, you will be well aware of the 100ml rule for liquids in hand luggage. My packing routine is well honed these days, with the last minute stashing of a see-through bag in my cabin holdall, full to the brim with regulation-size bottles and balms. So I was surprised when I heard that a recent survey conducted by QVC reveals that British women are expected to lose over £10,000,000 worth of liquid products this summer by failing to meet the regulations. Wow, that’s a lot of wasted money… In fact, nearly half of all women surveyed (47%) admitted they had no idea what the rules are regulations were – so I am taking this opportunity to reiterate the 100ml rule. If it’s bigger, pack it in your suitcase and send to the hold (with sellotape holding the lid down to prevent spillage). 100ml and no bigger in the cabin. 100ml - got it? Don’t let the security staff walk away with your favourite products and cosmetics (I think I would cry if they confiscated my Crème de La Mer…)

NARS. Lip pencils are a big trend at the moment – and this week, I’ve discovered that NARS Velvet Gloss Lip Pencils (£17.50) is the best of the bunch. The glosses are a pleasure to apply, with a formula enriched with Vitamin E and a blend of emollients to condition and hydrate lips – but the big bonus is the colour, which stays for hours without needing to be reapplied. I tried Baroque; a bold raspberry sorbet, which isn’t a colour I would usually reach for on the shelf, but was surprisingly flattering against pale skin and would work equally well on darker complexions. I recommend! www.narscosmetics.co.uk

Benefit. It’s pretty essential that eyeliner is waterproof in summer. At home, it’s warmer and stickier, so there’s every chance it will slide – and on holiday, just a glance at the pool or sea can leave you with panda eyes (and if you have ever emerged from the waves and wondered why everyone is staring, you will understand my point). So I was pleased when Benefit sent me their latest launch – Bad Gal Liner Waterproof (£14) in gorgeous smoky Charcoal grey. The soft formula applies and blends easy – and it stayed put for me, even through a shower. www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

St Tropez. I haven’t had the chance to try it yet, but I love the sound of St Tropez’s new SPF range (from £15). The products combine high sun protection with the ingredient Melanobronze, which helps to stimulate skin’s natural melanin production to safely enhance a natural tan. It’s a concept that is becoming more popular with sun creams – Nivea, for example, have launched a similar product – but as St Tropez are the leaders in self-tanning, I have high hopes that these products will deliver. When I try them, I will fill you in… www.st-tropez.com

 

Eyesential. Suffer from puffiness under your eyes? I tested a product this week that you should be adding to your beauty wish list. Eyesential (£34.65), which was developed for the Hollywood film industry, temporarily lifts the area under eyes. I don’t have huge bags, so couldn’t test it to best effect, but it visibly lifted the little swelling that was there – and it’s instant, you can see the puffiness disappearing as you smooth it onto skin. The bottle is huge and you only need a small amount for each application. www.feelunique.com

 

Bourjois. I’m very excited about our new monthly competition for June, which is offering readers the chance to win one of 10 kits to recreate Kate Middleton’s Royal Wedding look by Bourjois, worth £70 each! One of my favourite celebrity makeup artists Cassie Lomas has created an amazing video, showing how easy it is to recreate Kate’s bridal look with Bourjois makeup – and all you have to do to be in a chance of winning is to watch the video and count how many products she uses – you’ll also pick up some great makeup tips! Want to enter? Click here

 

Blog: DR DARREN MCKEOWN SHEDS SOME LIGHT ON WHETHER ‘ANTI-AGEING SKINCARE’ CAN EVER REALLY WORK… (03.06.11)
The world of skincare can be confusing. There are now so many products on the market that promise miraculous results, backed up by impressive sounding pseudo science – but we all know that miracles simply do not come in jars…
From a scientific point of view, there is now a reasonable body of evidence to show that some active ingredients can have a genuine rejuvenating effect on the skin. I don't think you could describe the evidence as being conclusive, but it is certainly becoming increasingly convincing and improving all the time with at least some double blinded, randomly controlled trials - which are considered the gold standard in human biological research.
Some actives included in products (e.g palmitoyl-pentapetide-4, retinol) may be able to stimulate new collagen and over time and reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles. The key message here however is 'over time'. Palmitoyl pentapetide-4 was shown in one study to reduce the depth of wrinkles by up to 60%, but this study was carried out over a six month period and realistically that
is how long you would need to use it before seeing similar results. Although this may sound like a long time, it makes sense that if it has taken your face 40 years to age, no cream is going to reverse that over night. It is also worth pointing out that most studies have be done looking at finer wrinkles around the eye area and so deeper lines, for example the nose to mouth folds, are unlikely to have a similar level of benefit.
Active ingredients are not cheap - and to be effective, most need to be used at higher concentrations so it is never possible to make a good product at a bargain basement price. That being said, the cost does not need to be astronomical either – and just because a product is more expensive, it doesn’t mean it is necessarily better. The important thing to look for is what active ingredients are in a product, and if you can find out, what concentrations are present.
The Naked Truth brand brings together some of what I believe to be the most scientifically proven active ingredients, but without making false promises of "botox in a bottle" or "facelift in a jar" which I know cannot be delivered. The range is an advanced skin care system, without the hype and exaggerated claims.
Naked Truth Dr Darren McKeown is available from Superdrug stores and online at www.superdrug.com

 

Feature: MY SUMMER (03.06.11)
Who better to ask about summer beauty essentials than a group of Beauty PR’s? This week, six share their must-haves for the warmer months ahead…

 

Stella Stone, PR Consultant at Alison Jameson PR (www.alisonjamesonpr.com).
I try to have a complete clean out in preparation for summer and change over my entire makeup/skincare regime to prepare myself for the summer months. I’m not a particularly high maintenance kind of girl, but I do like good products that work quickly and save me time overall.
I try to go a little lighter and more dewy with my makeup, as I have the tendency to stick to a matte foundation with a lot of coverage so I really make the effort to lighten this up. I use MAC Strobe Cream as a base; it gives a gorgeous iridescent, almost ethereal feel to the skin. I then apply a tinted moisturiser for coverage as I can be quite blemish-prone – I always add a drop of tea tree oil to my foundation/tinted moisturiser to give it a medicated property. I could not live without Barbara Daly Concealer from Tesco – it costs about £4 and it’s the best concealer I have ever come across. After my base, it’s a quick dust of St Tropez bronzer, a slick of liquid eyeliner and some smudgy mascara.
As for summer skincare, I can fully admit I’m a tanning addict and my regime revolves around obtaining the deepest, healthiest glow. Thanks to improvements in self-tan, I do this at home in my bedroom and wake up bronzed without spending hours in the sun. I love Tantruth Lotion with Colour Guide – I am blessed to have them as a client and have endless supplies of this liquid gold at my disposal. It can be buffed off for instant wear meaning I’m always prepared no matter how short notice an event is! In between tanning I use Johnsons baby oil gel on wet skin after showering, which keeps me soft and supple and gives a lovely sheen to the skin.
And last, but definitely not least, my hair. The day Nanokeratin System became a client of AJC is the day my hair dilemmas were banished forever. Since having the treatment is smooth, and doesn’t frizz when wavy. I currently have the blonde ends/dip-dye look and the deep conditioning treatment has strengthened and nourished my ends so although they’re bleached, they’re in great condition. I use Nanokeratin System shampoo and Magic Touch conditioner to compliment my treatment, and as for styling it’s a quick mist of sea salt spray before leaving it to dry naturally. KMS Sea Salt Spray is second to none.

 

Claire Allanson, BECCA PR Manager and Makeup Artist
I grew up in Australia so using an SPF is ingrained into me – and now that I’ve turned 30 I’m even more particular as I am starting to notice my skin changing. In summer, I like to be extra cautious and layer up the SPF products (moisturiser, primer, foundation). I am currently loving the Aesop Sage and Zinc Facial Hydrating Cream which has SPF15 and is also really nourishing – it’s great, as my skin always tends to look dehydrated leading into summer. It smells really fresh and natural.
I always feel like I’ve totally neglected my body when it comes to summer and feel a mad rush to get my skin looking OK before I bare legs and arms. I try to body brush every day, which is great for getting rid of dead skin cells and boosting the blood circulation. You can really see the change in the skin’s tone. I’ve also started to use a body scrub weekly and I love the Liz Earle Energising Body Scrub, which smells so invigorating and really works.
The BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector is a product I use all year round, but in summer I feel it is even more essential. It’s a beautiful luminous liquid highlighter that really makes the skin look healthy and glowing, without looking like you’re wearing highlighter. I use it on the high points of the face (cheekbones, brow bones, cupid’s bow), and in summer I also use it on my collar bones, arms and legs – using it to slightly contour my body at the same time. I don’t like a lot of product on my face during summer, as I like it to look really casual and effortless. I always wear blush though and I use the BECCA Beach Tint to stain cheeks and lips – being a sheer stain, it looks like a natural flush, and because it’s waterproof, it doesn’t move even if I’m at the beach.
My hair seems to get frizzy in summer so I use Moroccan Oil religiously when my hair is wet. It makes it feel silky and it hangs really well loose without looking limp. I don’t use many styling products as I like hair to look more tousled and beachy, but I do use a little Bumble and Bumble Texture, which messes hair up without being crazy messy!

Reena Patel – Freelance Beauty PR Consultant
My ultimate summer beauty prep has got to include a trip to my client on London's King's Road, The Chelsea Day Spa. I'm addicted to their New York Manicures and Pedicures - just ask Christina or Pinky; the fantastic nail technicians. For just £12.50 or £18.50 respectively, you get a warm soak, cuticle clean, file, shape and polish using a gorgeous selection of shades by quality brand Jessica.
I swear by Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer SPF15. It's got all-important sun protection, you don't need much to get an even skin tone and it gives you a luminous glow. For a beautiful blush on the cheeks and sparkly sunshine eyes, I couldn't do without the help of Bobbi Brown's Shimmer Bricks. Bronze and Nectar are my favourites. As colours go, coral works magic during the warmer months. I love Tom Ford's Lipstick in True Coral. His luxury collection of Private Blend Lip Colors are all so mouth-watering and have serious staying power.
If you're like me and your hair gets dry, unruly and fuzzy in the heat and humidity, try Kerastase Huile Celeste. This protective oil gives a beautiful shine and a full-bodied boost. Don't forget to change over to a light, crisp and fresh fragrance. I love Annick Goutal's Eau Du Sud, which has a fruit mix of bergamot, grapefruit and lemon with vervain, basil mint.
Finally, my client at well-being delivery service Nosh Detox has just the solution for skin radiance, body cleansing and shifting that unwanted weight around your midriff. Pre-holiday, I like to order the Juice Fast; delicious, freshly prepared fruit and vegetable smoothies that are conveniently sent straight to your door for about £42 per day.

 

Sarah Vrancken, Founder of SVPR (www.svpr.co.uk)
As I have combination skin and am prone to breakouts, I'm always grateful when summer has arrived as I find that a bit of a tan and exposure to sunshine is really beneficial to my skin. Therefore, I don't use heavy makeup, but prefer a tinted moisturiser. My current favourite is MADARA Tinting Fluid in Sunflower (one of my clients), which blends in easily and reflects the light. I also use this product to hide my spider veins on my legs in summer.
As my skin is quite oily in places, I don't need a heavy facial moisturiser. Instead, I massage a few drops of the Oliv Radiance Elixir before going to bed, which doesn't clog my pores and provides moisture and radiance to my skin.
I'm currently completely in love with the hair care range of Faith in Nature. Its Chocolate Shampoo and Conditioner is great for brunettes and it keeps my hair soft and healthy, even in high summer. It's one of the best natural haircare range I've come across and it's great value for money too.
When it comes to body lotions, which are key to prolong your tan in summer, I prefer thick creams that keep the skin hydrated for hours. I'm currently using the Yes To Carrots Body Butter, which is definitely thick and creamy. It may take a while to sink into the skin, but it does keep it nice and soft until the evening.
And one of my summer handbag essentials is the Colour Caramel Light Bronzer, which is subtle enough for my skin tone and gives my face a lovely sun kissed look. I prefer a natural look so always go for products that enhance my best features, but don't make it obvious that I'm wearing make-up and this bronzer is definitely one of those must-have products. It's completely natural, which I prefer as I have sensitive skin and prone to spots on my cheeks.

 

Persephone Walton-Clark , Senior Account Manager at KILPATRICK PR
I love summer and my beauty regime is definitely full on, which means I spend a lot of time in the bathroom!
I love to be bronzed most of the year, but in the summer I make sure I fake tan every week. I find the key to a good tan is making sure you exfoliate properly and making sure you apply tan precisely and evenly over the body. I love St Tropez and I always buy in Bulk from Debenhams Beauty Hall.
I don’t wear much makeup during summer and I hate wearing foundation, as it’s just too heavy. I use a tinted moisturiser instead, as this keeps to keep my skin looking fresh and dewy. Laura Mercier is my favorite and I am absolutely obsessed with it!
I have quite bad sun damage on my forehead from excessive tanning as a youngster and when my freckles come out in the sun, it becomes more visible. So I have just started using the Vitamin C range by Institut Esthederm (one of Kilpatrick’s clients), which is great for uneven skin tones and pigmentation problems. I have only been using it for a month or so but my skin looks amazing and my sun damage is definitely not as prominent as it used to be.
I am obsessed with my nails and I love bright colours in the summer. I always make sure my toenails and fingernails match. Nails Inc is my favorite brand as they always have a great selection of fabulous colours. I also make sure I treat myself to a pedicure during the summer months - there is nothing worse than sandals with crusty feet poking out the ends!
Overall I believe summer is all about natural beauty - glowing goddess is definitely my aim this year!

 

Lauren Mills, Junior Account Manager at Beauty Seen PR (0845 241 8514)
During the summer months, I am an avid moisturiser! I love coming out of a hot bath and moisturising with a mix of body oil and moisturising lotion, which leaves skin so soft as it hydrates deep down. Jergens Naturals Cocoa Butter (one of our clients) is amazing as it sinks in so quickly.
Whilst on the beach or by the pool I slather on a hair mask and tie up for the day, by the end of the day my hair is crazy shiny and really soft – not a lover of dry coarse hair, Ojon Intensive Repair is amazing for this.
I love a fresh dewy complexion in the summer, all year round actually, so am dying to try Givenchy's Mister Radiance to see if this will help me achieve the ultimate in fresh summery skin.
My newest summer essential this year is Lash Perfect's Semi Permanent Lash Extensions, no need for mascara and panda eyes poolside. They are so natural and fluttery, only the keenest eye would notice they weren't real.
Pedicures are an absolute must, best of the best being Cowshed's Ultimate Pedicure or a super quick lunchtime Cowshed Speedy Pedi (another one of our clients), with gorgeous Essie Fifth Avenue red polish as it goes with every type of sandal and wedges.