May 2010

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Breaking News: TREAT YOURSELF TO A PAMPERING WAHANDA SPA BREAK!

Work hard, play hard – if only. With most people living stressful lives, squirreling away day and night, it’s hard to switch off. Some holidays require so much effort that you come back feeling more exhausted than before. Step forward the one and only Wahanda Spa Break - guaranteed to whisk you away from the rest of the world and cocoon you in luscious treats and sumptuous surroundings.

An entirely new experience for some, Wahanda Spa Breaks play the ultimate part in ‘getting away from it all’. They aren’t just for the ladies, either; men are welcome too, with most spas providing tailor-made packages to suit the gents. See what a spa break with Wahanda can do for you.

Wahanda.com is your one stop shop for online health, beauty and wellness, with hot deals, honest reviews, and the latest news for spas, salons, gyms and more. With over 45,000 venues available nationwide and one night stays including treatments starting from just £85, you’re guaranteed to find a spa break to suit you. Their mission is to find you the very best spa break offers and pamper break deals at leading destination spas, hotel spas, health spas and spa resorts throughout the UK & Europe. So whether you’re looking to detox at a spa retreat and health farm, or simply for a relaxing spa weekend away, Wahanda can help you find the perfect spa break and spa break vouchers.

Check out Wahanda for all the latest deals and spa breaks www.wahanda.com

 

Feature: BEAUTY TOOL KIT (28.05.10)
Forget D.I.Y this bank holiday weekend. The only tools we’ll be picking up are those sat on our dressing table…

 

SKINCARE
Skincare products and tools may seem an unlikely pairing, yet savvy beauty aficionados have realised that the right tools can enhance their regime and optimise the effects of those pricy lotions and potions.
Cleansing is the all-important first step, so it comes as little surprise that the beauty world has been abuzz since the UK launch of the Clarisonic Skin Cleansing System. £150 (www.spacenk.co.uk) last autumn. Developed by the inventors of the famous Sonicare toothbrush and based on the same concept that sonic micro-massage aids cleaning, this professional calibre yet easy-to-use, handheld gadget is quickly becoming a must-have. Clinical trials have shown that the sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second remove up to six times more makeup than manual cleansing and helps to diminish the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores.
If you prefer a more traditional approach to skincare, look no further than the Ying Yu Jade Facial Roller, from £28 (www.cultbeauty.co.uk), which is reported to have earned a place in Kate Moss’ beauty bag. Touted as a natural anti-ageing tool, the facial roller is crafted from pure jade which has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries and is purported help the body eliminate toxins. When rolled around the face (the main rule being to roll away from the nose), lymph drainage and blood flow are stimulated, with the visible effects being that wrinkles are plumped, puffiness reduced and facial muscles tightened. It can be used alone, with a facial oil, or for extra soothing results, straight from the fridge.
Looking for the purse-friendly way to tend your skin? The Body Shop Double Ended Blackhead Remover, £3 (www.thebodyshop.co.uk) can be used for home extractions when you can’t afford to visit a professional. Use it with care, following a steam to open pores.

 

MAKEUP
Taking time to apply makeup with the correct tools is often the fastest route to a polished, professional appearance.
The range of brushes available can be overwhelming – there are so many different styles, sizes, and choices of natural or synthetic bristles. It’s worth investing in the best tools that you can afford, particularly if you wear makeup every day. Clinique offer a comprehensive selection, from £10 (www.clinique.co.uk), crafted by hand and made using natural and synthetic hair to aid blending and contouring. Ideal for regular use, they feature anti-microbial technology to protect from the fungus and bacteria that can quickly accumulate on brushes, especially when stored in humid bathrooms. In particular, the foundation and concealer brushes are worthy of mention for enabling coverage to be built as required and achieving a flawless base.
For fantastic value brushes, check out Revlon, from £5.99 (exclusively at Superdrug). The professional appearance gives no hint to the bargain price and the quality is impressive, with ultra-soft natural hair bristles and wooden handles.
If you have eco tendencies, you’ll love the range of brushes from Ecotools, from £3.99 (Superdrug nationwide). One of the first brands to use sustainable resources to minimise negative effects on the environment, the brushes have been recognised by PETA as the best cruelty-free makeup brushes and count Alicia Silverstone amongst fans. The brushes incorporate bamboo handles, synthetic taklon bristles and recycled aluminium brush heads and are presented in handy reusable pouches.
Once you’ve invested in your choice of brushes, it’s important to care for them to maintain their expected lifespan and avoid build-ups of bacteria. Bobbi Brown knows a thing or two about caring for a makeup tool kit and offers her tips: “Every month or two, give your brush heads a good clean. To do so, take a drop of brush cleaner, gentle soap, or my favourite, baby shampoo, into your palm, wet your brush and swirl its bristles around in your palm until they’re saturated in soap. Rinse the bristles in water, taking care not to submerge the brush head. If you do, the bristles will become loosened from the glue that secures them (I’ve seen it happen to even the most expensive brushes). Squeeze out the excess moisture with a clean towel, reshape the brush head and let the brush dry with its bristles hanging off the edge of the counter, not on a towel since brushes can become mildewed if they rest on a towel while drying. In between these cleanings, mist your brush with a spray brush cleaner. Spritz it onto the bristles and swipe them back and forth on a tissue until you see the brush is free of make-up residue. ”
It’s a well-known fact that using eyelash curlers prior to applying mascara helps to intensify the look and open up eyes but how many of us actually take the extra 30 seconds or so to include this step? Talika Heated Eyelash Curlers, £20 (www.beautyexpert.co.uk) will appeal to the gadget savvy. This handy battery operated tool heats up, incorporating a colour change pad signalling when it is ready to use, and swiftly curls even poker-straight lashes with impressive day-long results. For impromptu nights out, no beauty tool kit is complete without a pair of false eyelashes to add drama to eyes. Stock up at www.eyelashesdirect.co.uk (from £3.25), which carries the UK’s most extensive range of falsies, from fun, festival styles to human hair and mink lashes.

 

HAIR
Other than a laptop and mobile phone, hair tools such as straighteners and hairdryers are likely to top most girls’ electrical can’t-live-without lists. It’s worth researching tools before investing- you are, after all, looking for something that needs to stand the test of time and endure regular usage. Be sure to shop around, as there are often good offers to be had.
Skye Norman, of Anita Cox Salon, Chelsea, London (0207 7514 527) offers her top tips for purchasing and gaining the best from a hairdryer, “Ionic hairdryers are by far the best- the negatively charged ions help to prevent static and they are far less damaging. Use the nozzle attachment which comes with your hairdryer and aim towards the ends of the hair to smooth and give a much more polished finish. Medium temperature and medium speed are the best settings to use to ensure that hair doesn’t lose shape and control whilst the best brush to use is a large round brush when blow drying long hair or for short hair, the smaller, the better! Finally, remember to always use a good styling cream to protect your hair when using heat!”
Love to try new styles but afraid of the commitment of going for the chop? Why not try experimenting with hair extensions? The first step is to push aside any preconceptions you may have. www.lovehairextensions.com offers a comprehensive range of both synthetic and ethically sourced human hair extensions, which are surprisingly wearable and easy to use. Available in a range of shades, there are styles to add length, create volume or experiment with trend-led haircuts such as fringes.

 

BODY
It’s easy to neglect bodycare in the winter months, but the knowledge that bikini season is looming acts as the perfect motivation to resume good habits.
The body should be exfoliated a couple of times a week using a scrub to slough off dead skin cells, maintain smoothness and optimise the effects of moisturisers. However, those who have tried manual exfoliation, using tools, are quickly converted.
Devotees of dry body brushing incorporate a couple of minutes per day in the quest for smooth and dimple free skin. Elemis Body Brush, £18 (www.timetospa.co.uk) - a natural, cactus bristle brush designed for daily use - is a good option. It’s easy to forget that the skin acts to eliminate toxins, just like the kidneys and colon, and in order to remain effective, blocked pores must be cleared through exfoliation. In turn, circulation is stimulated, lymphatic drainage improved and cellulite dispersed - in fact, when practised regularly, you can expect to feel an improvement in overall wellbeing!
Every once in a while, a product comes along which makes you wonder how you ever lived without it. Dermalogica The Ultimate Buffing Cloth (£10.80, stockist number: 0800 591818) is one such item. It’s a simple, slightly abrasive blue cloth- very unassuming in appearance yet it cleverly transforms even the smallest amount of shower gel into a luscious lather and gently buffs skin to leave it glowing with health. It stands out from standard exfoliating gloves as its length makes it easy to use to prep backs ahead of the summer.
After exfoliating, it’s time to slather on the moisturiser and that summer essential, fake tan. Louise Emma Clarke, Founding editor of The-beauty-pages.com, explains that the key to achieving a believable fake tan is down to the method of application. “I’ve had a lot of fake tan disasters in the past... streaks, bright orange hands, patches that I’ve completely missed... .A couple of years ago, however, I had the eureka moment. I was sent a fake tan mitt by a press office, which cost just a couple of pounds, and started to apply fake tan with that. Not only did it ensure that the tan was even and streak-free but it also completely removed the worry about my hands turning an oompa-lumpa shade of orange. You can even apply product to the backs of your hands (which is usually always washed off). I wouldn’t now fake tan without one.” Follow Louise’s tip and get your hands on Famous Dave’s Tanning Mitt, £3.99 (www.famousdave.co.uk) before you dare to bare this summer.

 

HAIR REMOVAL
Hair removal is a beauty necessity, which can be expensive, time-consuming and downright painful. Forking out for the right tools can mean a pricey initial outlay yet once you find your method of choice, you’ll save money and time cutting down on salon visits.
Never underestimate the power of a perfectly groomed brow. It’s the cheaper and relatively pain free route to an instant facelift. One use of Ms. Manicure Spotlight Brow Lighted Tweezers, £9.99 (Boots nationwide) and you’ll wonder how you ever plucked without a light. The spotlight is situated between the two points of the tweezers to allow precision plucking of even seemingly invisible hairs.
To add a luxurious element to this beauty chore, pick up the ultimate in heritage and quality with Rubis Sweezers, £8.35 (www.cultbeauty.co.uk). Swiss brand, Rubis originally produced tweezers exclusively for the country’s famous watch industry where precision is essential in the crafting of Patek Philippe, Cartier and Rolex timepieces. 25 years ago, they branched out into beauty tools using the same meticulous craftsmanship. The brightly coloured tweezers are easy to find in cosmetics bags and the lightweight aluminium material prevents rusting. These are tweezers that are designed to last for life – just be careful not to drop, as it throws them out of alignment.
The idea of using an electric hair removal tool may prove intimidating, with a pricey initial outlay being off-putting - but once you’ve invested, this is one tool which will more than pay for itself, especially during the summer months. Philips Body Perfect Bikini Trimmer, £40 (www.beautyexpert.co.uk) is a good budget option, comprising six changeable heads including an epilator that provides lasting results.
Is shaving your preferred method of hair removal? Check out the new BIC Soleil Mini Shaver, £3.49 for a pack of four (Sainsbury’s nationwide). The brightly coloured razors have the same pivoting, premium shaving head as other BIC shavers but with a 10cm handle, no bigger than a lipstick, making it ideal for holidays and gym trips.

HANDS & NAILS
In any other circumstances, all this talk of tools and manual labour could be cause to break a nail. After months tucked up in cosy mittens, it’s vital to show hands some tender loving care.
Arguably the UK’s foremost nail technician, Leighton Denny’s signature Crystal Nail File, from £12 (www.leightondenny.com) is regarded as the pre-eminent manicure tool. Unlike traditional emery styles, the file can be used in a back and forth motion, making it quick and easy to use. It seals the ends of the nail, making snags a thing of the past and helps to prevent peeling and splitting. Once a week, after filing, buff nails to smooth ridges, remove stains and encourage growth. The action stimulates blood flow, ensuring the health of nails - but be careful not to overdo things as it can weaken nails. Buffing adds an unbelievable shine, making it a good alternative for those wishing to avoid polish. Check out Nails Inc Miracle Buffer, £5 (www.nailsinc.com), which features an ornate pattern to glamorise your kit.
Busy lifestyles mean that no nailcare kit should be without an aid to speed polish drying, be it a spray, dry-fast top-coat or drops such as Hurry Up Drops by Zoya, £11.52 (www.zoyapolish.co.uk).
One item that you should omit from your set of implements is a cuticle trimmer. This is best left to the professionals as cuticles, even though they are effectively dry skin, serve an important purpose. They protect new nail growth and act as a barrier against bacteria. Cutting cuticles can cause them to harden and begin to grow up the nail. Instead, care for cuticles by gently pushing back with a rubber tipped pusher and massaging with oil every night. Finally, slather on a rich hand cream and for the best results, pop Soap & Glory Marvellous Moisture Gloves, £8 (Boots nationwide) over moisturised mitts and allow the product to get to work for twenty minutes, or overnight if possible.

 

Breaking News: CHANEL LAUNCH EYES 2010 COLLECTION (28.05.10)
Eyes, so they say, are the windows to our souls, expressing and communicating every emotion. If that’s the case, it makes sense to enhance and define them as best we can – so we strongly recommend investing in Chanel’s glamorous new Eyes 2010 Collection when it hits shelves on 11th June.
The collection is made up of two new key products – Ombres Contraste Duo Eyeshadow and Inimitable Intense Mascara. Both are timeless and sophisticated.
The collection of Ombre Contraste Duo Eyeshadows combine two wearable, contrasting shades with a creamy, easy-to-blend texture. Start by applying the lighter colour over the entire eyelid, to smooth, and illuminate the eye. Then, apply the darker shade to the outer corner of the eyelid, to sculpt, add depth, and define. On dressed-down days, apply the lighter colour only for a casual, yet elegant look.
Chanel launched its original Inimitable Mascara in 2006 – but has taken glamorous lashes one step further with the launch of Inimitable Intense in 2010. The mascara offers the perfect balancing act of extreme volume, absolute length, bold curl, and ever-perfect definition. Look out for the rouge Rouge-Noir shade – it’s set to be a sell out!
Ombre Contraste Duo Eyeshadows, £29, and Inimitable Intense Mascara, £21.50, will be available at Chanel counters nationwide from 11th June 2010.

 

Editor’s Letter (28.05.10)
A survey conducted by event Glam in the City (www.glaminthecity.co.uk) has revealed that women in Scotland would rather eat less than miss out on their favourite beauty products. When I received details of the survey, I pondered the situation myself. Would I survive on baked beans for a month to ensure I could still use my beloved Clinique, Crème de la Mer, YSL and Chanel? It’s a tricky predicament… I love my food, but those beauty products have become as essential to my daily routine as breakfast, lunch and dinner. The answer, I have decided, is to prioritise. I couldn’t survive without good quality cleanser, mascara, foundation, eye liner, or concealer – but shower gel and body product, meh, I could settle for something a lot less expensive (and usually do…) I’m equally protective of expensive cheese, good quality red wine, and tomatoes (strange, I know…) – so they would also be high up the priority list. How do you feel? Let me know by emailing editor@the-beauty-pages.com

 

Firebox.com. Friends and family know that I’ve got a bit of an issue with toothbrushes. I can’t bare the thought of people sharing them and the thought of bacteria growing in the bristles really does turn my stomach. So when I heard about Firebox.com’s new Hi-Ya Ninja Toothbrush Sanitiser (£24.99), I knew I had to have one. The clever battery-operated gizmo uses ‘germicidal ultraviolet light to annihilate the germs on toothbrushes’. Simply insert the brush, press the button, and hey presto, the brush is germ, bacteria, and virus free. Brushes can be stored in it – and it’s compatible with both manual and electric. www.firebox.com

 

Prestige. Black khol eyeliner is one of my desert island essentials. I use it to line my bottom lashes, but I can rarely find a pencil that stays put for longer than an hour… This week, I discovered Prestige’s Soft Blend Khol (£4.49) and it was quickly promoted to my makeup bag. It gives a really deep black line, but because it’s soft and easy-to-blend, it still looks lovely and natural. On the other end, the sponge tip is perfect for smudging – so the pencil is the perfect tool for smoky eyes. It has impressive staying power too. www.boots.com

 

Une. I love the idea of wearing lipstick, but I just can’t get on with it. The colours never seem to suit me and I find them very drying. Une Sheer Lips Balms are the perfect compromise. The highly moisturising formula enhances the natural colour of lips, rather than changes it – and as the balm formula is packed with moisturisers, the surface of the lips is left looking smoother and plumper. I love the fresh tomato leaf fragrance too – a refreshing change to the sickly sweet scents we’re used to finding with balms and glosses. www.boots.com

 

Liz Earle. I get really hot feet during the summer months, especially at night, so I love the sound of Liz Earle’s new Special Edition Foot Spritzer (£7). The fast drying spray is packed with cooling menthol, hydrating aloe vera, and invigorating rosemary and peppermint essential oils to revive and energise. It also contains a key ingredient called farnesol to keep odour causing bacteria at bay – so is the perfect partner to smelly trainers and closed-toe shoes. It’s available from May to September. http://uk.lizearle.com

 

Glominerals. Groomed, tidy brows make all the difference to our appearance – and now mineral makeup brand Glominerals have made it a lot easier, quicker, and less painful to achieve. The GloBrow Collection (£37.50) is available in blonde, taupe and brown, and contains four brow stencils, brow powder duo, spoolie brush, brow wax, tweezers, highlighter, and an angled brow brush. I’m always impressed by the quality of Glominerals products, made with high pigment and pharmaceutical grade ingredients – and I predict this product will be another sell out. 0800 121 8116

 

Treatment Review: BODY REVIVAL, ERB THAI FESTIVAL, HARRODS (28.05.10)
What it promises: Body Revival – only available at Urban Retreat until 6th June, at Erb’s luxurious pop-up spa – is about as indulgent as spa treatments get… During two-hours on the treatment bed, the experience combines a sweet-scented mild scrub and a Thai ritual full body massage to loosen tight muscles, improve circulation, soothe, and nurture. Body Revival promises to work on both the physical and physiological to rebalance body, mind and soul.
What happens: After arriving at Urban Retreat at Harrods, I was lead to a beautiful Thai-themed treatment room, filled with the scent of rich spices, the sound of Buddhist chanting, and the rich jewel colours of the orient In fact, at times on the treatment bed – swathed in thai silk, of course – I could believe I had been transported to a spa in Thailand… The treatment began with a cup of herbal tea, while I enjoyed a foot-bath and scrub. I was then invited to hop onto the treatment bed, where my therapist applied a creamy exfoliating scrub to my whole body, working in deep strokes that were relaxing yet effective. After a quick shower to rinse away the scrub, I was back on the bed and enjoying a long, incredibly relaxing full-body massage. At times, I was roused from my sleepy state when the therapist hopped up onto the bed – believe me, this is no ordinary massage! She used beautifully-scented oils, along with hot herbal compresses to soothe and loosen muscles – a relief, as the only unauthentic aspect of this Thai experience was that the air conditioning was shiveringly-cold. The treatment concluded with a heavenly head massage.
Results: Despite being close to dropping off to sleep for the entire two hours, I felt surprisingly awake and refreshed at the end of the treatment. The knots in my shoulders and back had completely disappeared and my skin felt beautifully soft and silky. This treatment certainly gets results – but it’s so more than that… It’s about disappearing from the real world for a blissful two hours and emerging from the cocoon of the treatment room feeling more balanced, energetic and positive. If Erb returns to Harrods, I will definitely be back.
Price: £180 for 2 hours
Location: Erb Thai Festival – until 6th June, Urban Retreat, Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road, London SW1X 7XL. 0207 8938333. http://harrods.urbanretreat.co.uk

 

Blog: JANEY LEE GRACE – AUTHOR OF LOOK GREAT NATURALLY – TELLS US WHY SHE LOVES FACIAL OILS (28.05.10)
‘I’m NOT ditching my moisturiser or makeup in the name of natural beauty ,’ I hear you cry, but please hear me out. If you’ve never tried face oils before, let me persuade you to try them. When I was younger and had greasy skin, I was convinced ‘oil upon oil’ would be a disaster. To my surprise, however, I found that a tiny amount made all the problems I’d had over the years disappear. I now recommend everyone give facial oils a try. Most people find that oils regulate their pores where creams can sometimes aggravate.
This could be because rich protective creams take a long time to be absorbed by the skin. They are designed to shield the skin from the elements. Too much hydration, though (which can happen if we laden on the creams), means the skin becomes a bit lazy and doesn’t produce as much sebum. So it feels dry, we reapply cream, and the end result is precisely the sagging, drooping look we were trying to avoid!
The ideal is to nourish the skin’s layers, and then protect. Oils nourish, but don’t put any water in and because there is no water, this removes the need for a preservative – the very ingredient that can prove most tricky to replicate with natural sources.
Best Facial Oils
If you want to buy facial oils there are some excellent ones on the market. They last for ages so don’t be put off by a seemingly high price as you need only a tiny amount.
Look at facial oils from:
– www.inlight-online.co.uk,
– www.forestsecretskincare.co.uk
– www.annemarieborlind.co.uk
– www.greenpeople.co.uk
Going DIY
This is one area, though, where it’s very simple, cheap and effective to go DIY.
In truth any oil will do. Virgin olive oil works well, though it can be a little heavy. Apricot kernel or jojoba oils also work well. You can combine your chosen oil with a little salt, too, to turn your facial treatment into a more exfoliating scrub.
To your base oil add up to 25 drops of essential oil to 100 ml carrier oil.
Here’s a simple recipe.
Oily Skin healing oil.
50 ml almond oil
5 drops lavender oil
2 drops rose oil
2 drops geranium oil
Adapted and extracted from ‘Look Great Naturally – without ditching the lipstick’ Hay House books. Janey runs a thriving forum and website at www.janeyleegrace.com

 

Tried & Tested: DRY SHAMPOO (28.05.10)
Heading to a festival? Got a camping trip planned? Or simply pushed for time in the morning? Get your hands on a bottle of dry shampoo. We’ve put six to the test…

 

FEKKAI AU NATUREL DRY SHAMPOO, £19 for 83g (www.spacenk.co.uk)
What they say: Fekkai Au Naturel Dry Shampoo employs cotton fibers, rice starch, and corn starch to effectively eliminate excess oil from the hair – no shower necessary..
The Results: I was a bit worried when I spotted the packaging. I was expecting a spray can and instantly assumed that the nozzle applicator would be messy and difficult to use. I was wrong though – it was surprisingly easy to direct into roots and then I simply shook the bottle to apply the product. There’s no fragrance, which is a big selling point for me. If you have dark hair, be prepared to do a lot of brushing, as the powder is very white and seems to stick to hair! The results, however, were impressive – every trace of greasiness had disappeared.
Best for: Absorbing oil

 

BATISTE BLUSH DRY SHAMPOO, £1.49 for 150ml (www.boots.com)
What they say: This essential beauty product that will leave your hair smelling fragrant and looking fabulous in seconds. Batiste Blush has a beautifully delicate fragrance and is perfect for in between washes.
The Results: I’ve used Batiste’s original dry shampoo before, so the oil-absorbing powers were no surprise to me (but no less impressive). The sweet, floral scent, however, was a lovely addition – and it clung to my locks all day. It’s perfect for freshening up locks between washes, but also great for concealing horrible smells when you’ve stood too near to somebody smoking or a BBQ. The product has a powdery, white texture, so I’d recommend spraying sparingly at first and building it up. I’m always surprised by how cheap Batiste products are – I would pay a lot more.
Best for: Budget Buy

 

BUMBLE AND BUMBLE HAIR POWDER, £15 for 28g (www.hqhair.com)
What they say: Use to create instant fullness, enhance colour, blend roots, add grip when pinning up and dry cleanse. These powders are great for hiding roots and getting an extra day or two from a blow-dry.
The Results: Bumble and Bumble hair powders come in five colour variations – Brown, Red, White, Blondish, and Black – so they can blend perfectly into your hair colour. I’m a brunette, so was sent Brown to test. I sprayed the product onto my roots and waited for the powder to dry, before brushing through with my fingers. It was quite messy, as some of the product came off on my hands. However, I loved the fact that I wasn’t left with white roots – in fact, as my hair is due a re-colour, the product actually helped to disguise the regrowth! Better still, my hair looked cleaner and refreshed.
Best for: Matching colour

 

OJON RUB-OUT DRY CLEANSER, £16.50 for 185ml (www.johnlewis.com)
What they say: Treats hair and scalp by instantly "erasing" impurities, excess oil and product. Formulated with Amazonian White Clay, Silk Powder, Rice and Potato Starches.
The Results: I’ve not tried dry shampoos for a while – I used to apply them regularly, but I got fed up with white roots and sickly scents. When I tried this, however, I realised how far they’d moved on. This product is clear and has no obvious fragrance. I followed the instructions and shook furiously for a minute (not admittedly very convenient when you’re in a hurry), then sprayed over my hair, especially paying attention to roots. After a few seconds, I brushed it through. I was very impressed. My hair felt as clean as when I’d first washed it – and better still, had nearly doubled in volume! There was no residue on my hair – it felt soft and silky, and had a lovely shine. This is my new must-have product!
Best for: Boosting volume

 

LABEL.M DRY SHAMPOO, £8 for 200ml (www.lookfantastic.com)
What they say: The time saving Label.m Dry Shampoo refreshes between shampoos to disperse oil and product overload. Using natural rice starch it reinstates your look without the need to shampoo and also gives a soft touch of velvet finish to the hair.
The Results: I have blonde hair and dry shampoos often make it look grey at the roots, so I was pleased to discover that this product was clear. I have quite greasy hair and decided to take this product to work to touch-up my hair before I headed out that evening. I sprayed it generously over my hair and was looking forward to transformed locks, but sadly it didn’t happen. Those with dry or normal hair might find that it refreshes between washes, but I definitely need something more intensive. However, I loved the way it gave my hair a brilliant glossy shine. I even double-checked the bottle, as I was convinced it was a shine spray! I’ll definitely use it again before nights out, but will invest in a different product for oil-absorption.
Best for: Adding shine

 

ANGELFISH FRESH ANGEL FRAGRANCED DRY SHAMPOO, £2.97 for 75ml (www.boots.com)
What they say: Angelfish Fresh Angel Fragranced Dry Shampoo will quickly and easily revitalise and fragrance lacklustre, greasy hair between washes.
The Results: As soon as I sprayed this product onto my hair, I fell in love with the stunning scent. It reminded me of exotic holidays – fruity, with definite traces of coconut. Despite having dark hair, there was no obvious trace of powder in my hair and it appeared instantly refreshed. My hair suddenly had volume and looked as clean as when I blow-dried it the day before. The small 75ml spray fits easily in a handbag, so it’s great for taking to work to refresh locks before a night out. The only downside is that it’s small and the can has nearly run out already.
Best for: Feel-good fragrance

 

 

 

Blog: TRISH LOMAX GIVES A FASCINATING INSIGHT INTO LIFE AS A TOP SESSION NAIL TECHNICIAN AND CELEBRITY MANICURIST (21.05.10)
My life….
Firstly I'd best introduce myself to you! I'm a Session Nail Technician & Celebrity Manicurist, I'm lucky to be in a position I love and thought I'd provide you with a snippet on what's going on in the frantic yet exciting world of Trish Lomax
The last couple of weeks have been pretty hectic. I’ve been all over the place working on ad campaigns for Burberry, Jaeger, Rimmel and Boots No7. I’ve done quite a few editorial shoots for Glamour and US Vogue, which I’m really excited about. A recent highlight has been working the music video for my dear friend and client Alexandra Burke’s new single, ‘All Night Long’ where I used Minx nails.
As a nail technician it’s important my nails are well-groomed at all times – and it’s not easy keeping nails perfectly-painted when you’re a full time manicurist! So having my essential products at all times helps - I mean who wants their nails done by someone who appears to barely look after their own. I guess it’s the same line of thought as 'never trust a skinny chef'!
My recommendations...
Hands are always on show, so it’s imperative to keep them looking their best. To keep my hands in tip-top condition, I always carry a nail file to tidy rough edges or snags and I regularly use a nail strengthener, such as Mavala Scientifique or OPI Nail Envy. I also swear by Mavala’s Mavapen (Cuticle Oil Pen - so handy for when your on the move) to keep my cuticles moisturised and to prevent hang nail. I’m slightly obsessed with moisturising my hands and my favourite hand cream at the moment is L'Occitane Rose Shea Butter, which is beautifully scented and sinks through the skin without leaving oily residue. If you’re in a hurry, apply a neutral nail colour to the nails to give them an instantly manicured finish. Liberty and Izmir nail polishes from Mavala are ideal for this. The latter is a gorgeous milky white hue. NB: White nails are going to be everywhere next season! I worked on a few London Fashion Week shows where I used white on the models and Lady Gaga is rarely without her white talons.
Feet are due to be exposed soon, as spring has sprung, I recommend you start primping and preening straight away by using the best foot file known in the industry: The Diamancel Classic Buffer. Made with real diamond dust, it removes dry rough skin like no other file, leaving feet soft and smooth with minimal effort. Follow with Bliss Foot Patrol a peppermint and salicylic acid foot softener. It exfoliates whilst it hydrates cracked heels and toes. I’d also recommend regular use of Bliss Softening Socks – the unique moisture-gel padded socks are a must-have to ensure feet are always in tip top condition by simply wearing them for 20 minutes a few times a week.
My basic rules to looking after your nails…
Keep nails filed short into a soft square using a Dove Spa White Emery Board, then apply Mavala Cuticle Remover. Using a rubber hoof stick, gently push back cuticles, wipe away product and residue, gently buff nails using a Bio Sculpture Sponge Board to remove any ridges and staining, and then wipe nails with acetone. Then apply a base coat, such as Mavala 002 Base, then two coats of polish, and finish with Seche Vite; the fasted drying top coat in the industry!!!
With summer, so will come a selection of great new nail shades. From vibrant candy hues, multiple greens, statement purples and your usual coral and hot pink selections, there is bound to be a colour for everyone. My top selections are Chanel’s Riviera and Nouvelle Vague, Mavala’s Candy Pink and Aqua Blue, and Essie’s Lapis of Luxury and Granadine.
If you have any questions or want more tips and trick log onto www.trishlomax.com

Breaking News: TOPSHOP LAUNCHES MAKEUP COLLECTION (21.05.10)
Topshop, already firmly established in the nation’s consciousness as THE destination for affordable catwalk-inspired fashion, finally launch their much-anticipated beauty collection this month.
Following the tried and tested formula of their clothing range, Topshop Makeup is purse-friendly and includes essential basics, such as lipsticks and mascara, punctuated by trend-led seasonal capsule collections in shades to complement the fashion styles of the moment.
Mary Homer, Managing Director of Topshop, explains why she feels the range will prove successful, ““As we constantly strive to offer up-to-the-minute trends for our customers, we felt that make-up was an area where the Topshop aesthetic could also be applied. The Topshop customer loves to experiment with her style, demanding the hottest trends combined with the very best in quality and it’s safe to say she will not be disappointed. Topshop makeup is beautifully crafted and marries incredible formulations with the most directional colour.”
The range has been developed over two years, with research trips to far-flung hotspots, including New York, Tokyo, Rio and LA, to seek inspiration. The store has appointed makeup artist, Hannah Murray, known for her London-cool style and regular at publications such as Vogue and Pop, as brand ambassador.
Presented in playful packaging, with hand-drawn spots, stripes and smudges created using the range’s kohl pencils, Topshop Makeup boasts an individual vibe reminiscent of schoolbook doodles, yet won’t cause the same level of embarrassment when noticed by your crush!
If Topshop can do for beauty what they have done for fashion, this is most definitely the brand launch of the year.
From £4 at selected Topshop stores and online at www.topshop.com

Tried & Tested: SMOOTHING HAIR SERUMS (21.05.10)
Style, gloss, and soften your hair with a smoothing hair serum. We’ve put six brands to the test…

AVEDA SMOOTH INFUSION GLOSSING STRAIGHTENER, £18 (www.aveda.co.uk)
What they say: This glossing serum provides all-day straightness and shine
The Results: I have naturally curly hair and constantly straighten it, so I need a product that helps to protect it from heat and stops it drying out. The serum smelt amazing when I opened the tube and lent my hair a delicious fruity scent. It has an easy-to-use texture, which spread through my wet hair smoothly and evenly. After drying and straightening, my hair felt incredibly soft, looked shiny, and still smelt amazing. My hair can sometimes feel a bit brittle after using hair straighteners, but I noticed that it felt stronger and far better conditioned.
Best for: Smooth, sleek hair

BUMBLE & BUMBLE DEFRIZZ, £19.50 (www.spacenk.co.uk)
What they say: This lightweight humidity-proof barrier calms and smoothes frizz, leaving an unexpectedly smooth and silky texture
The Results: When I poured this onto my hand, it ran out the bottle quite quickly and I ended up using more product than I’d wanted too. It has quite a thick, sticky texture so I was concerned that it would make my hair a bit greasy, so I applied it mainly to the ends where I get fly-aways. I then patted a small amount onto the top. After I blow-dried, my hair looked quite sleek and the product appeared to have absorbed nicely, as I couldn’t feel any serum residue at all. My hair stayed smooth all day and the serum kept the style nicely in place. My frizzy ends were completely controlled, so I think this will be a good product in the summer to protect against humidity.
Best for: Controlling flyaway’s

PHILIP KINGSLEY PREEN CREAM, £13 (www.philipkingsley.com)
What they say: Protect your hair from daily environmental onslaughts with this lightweight, leave-in emulsion containing moisturisers, shine serums, sunscreens and antioxidants. Preen Cream will protect and condition, leaving fine to medium textured hair shiny and frizz free.
The Results: The thing I love about Philip Kingsley products is that they come in simple, non-trendy packaging and the products seem to do exactly what they say on the tin. Preen cream didn’t disappoint. I used a tiny bit on my hair after blow drying to add shine and smooth down any whispy strands. I used slightly more on my fringe to keep it straight as I find that after I’ve washed my hair, the fringe is the first part to start frizzing. This kept my fringe perfectly in place, even after a day out in wet weather. I like the fact that it contains sunscreen, so it will be great for keeping my hair hydrated and protected on holiday.
Best for: Eliminating frizz

L’OREAL PROFESSIONEL TECNI ART LISS CONTROL+, £11.09 (www.activebeauty.co.uk)
What they say: Gives up to 24 hour anti-frizz protection, softness, and natural-looking shine to any style. Best for thick, frizzy, wavy or difficult to manage hair.
The Results: I have really thick hair with a natural kink, so I’m constantly battling with straighteners and products to keep it looking straight and sleek. I normally use a lot of product in my hair to keep it under control, so was surprised that a little bit of this product went a long way. I used a fifty pence piece amount and it was enough for my entire head of hair. The texture of the serum is light and smooth, so this helped it cover my hair easily. After drying and straightening, there were no kinks at all and it felt soft and silky. I was concerned that the pump bottle may leak in my bag if I took it away, but the nozzle does turn and lock securely.
Best for: Straightening hair

TOMMYGUNS WEATHER PROTECT DEW DROPS, £6 (www.asos.com/tommy-guns)
What they say: A little drop of miracle dew will help make your hair stronger, smoother and silkier
The Results: When I was given this product to try, my first impression was that although it is affordable, you don’t get very much for your money. The bottle looks like it will run out after a few uses. However, when I tried it I found that I only needed a few drops to style my hair. I’ve used it a few times now and have barely noticed the bottle emptying. I loved the smell of the serum and its rich texture. I’ve been using it when my hair is wet, so that I can protect my hair when blow drying. My hair felt lovely and soft afterwards and stayed perfectly styled for my entire day at work. I’m impressed – it works as well as the expensive brands.
Best for: Good value

FRÉDÉRIC FEKKAI CONTROLE IRONLESS STRAIGHTENING BALM, £18 (www.lookfantastic.com)
What they say: Frédéric Fekkai Coiff Contrôle Ironless Straightening Balm is a salon blow-dry, sans stylist. This miraculous, non-chemical balm helps hair go straight while you dry, leaving you with sleek, chic hair that resists frizz and flyaway’s.
The Results: I have very long, thick hair that usually needs a lot of product to manage it. I usually blow-dry and straighten my hair in tiny sections to keep it sleek, which is very time consuming. I used this serum after towel-drying and it took hardly any time at all to blow-dry my hair straight. My hair had no kinks at all once dry, so I simply ran the straighteners through my hair without having to take it in sections. All my friends asked where I had been to have my hair blow-dried and were amazed at how perfectly straight it was. Not one hair moved out of place all day and my hair even stayed straight after a night’s sleep. I absolutely love it and will never use anything else on my hair.
Best for: Managing long hair

 

 

Feature: READY TO BARE (21.05.10)
No more hiding under tights and jumpers. It’s time to dig out your bikini and start getting ready to bare all on your summer holidays. Frightened? Don’t worry – we’ve got the products you need to make you the Belle of The Beach...

SCRUB
Before you get down to the serious business of cellulite busting, toning and tanning, it’s time to slough off your winter skin and prepare your body so that your products work effectively – and your fake tan doesn’t streak. How? By exfoliating. And feet need particular attention – especially as a summer holidays demand the strappiest of sandals!
Peter Thomas Roth Botanical Buffing Beads, £21.25 (www.cultbeauty.co.uk) is a great preparation for facial fake tan products. The solution removes dead skin cells using ultra-fine jojoba beads that partially dissolve as they touch warm, wet skin – minimising the risk of irritation. Don’t just take it from us, either – the beads have won ‘Best Exfoliator’ category at the InStyle Beauty Awards for the past four years running.
For your body, try Clinique’s Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream, £18.50 (www.clinique.co.uk), which has a unique, creamy consistency and none of the roughness of some body scrubs. The perfect preparation for fake tan, this gets to work on elbows, knees and feet – and leaves skin feeling cool but never dry. A new classic…
Back to those feet. Leighton Denny Sole Mate Foot Scrub, £11 (www.beautybay.com) is a tingling 3-in-1 treatment that will uncover softer, smoother, more beautiful feet. Its rinse-off formula, rich in vitamins and minerals, softens and polishes even the roughest of toes, leaving them primed for fake tan and ready for those sandals! Another treat for feet is Rituals Yogi Secret Foot Scrub, £9.90 (www.rituals.com), a softening, cooling scrub designed to speed up the natural cell regeneration process for silky soles and deep cleansed feet.

TONE
Cellulite. It doesn’t affect everyone, but if you do suffer from the orange-peel effect (usually on your thighs, bottom and upper arms), you probably do all you can to get rid of it. And although exercise, massage and a healthy diet can go a long way towards making you dimple-free, a little help from some expert beauty products can make a big difference, too.
The Elemis Body Sculpting System consists of two products; the Body Sculpting Lipo-Refining Serum and the Body Sculpting Firming Cream, both £40 (www.timetospa.co.uk). Backed up by both awards and impressive clinical trials, the two products work together to minimise the appearance of stubborn, fatty deposits and to reduce the visible signs of cellulite.
It might seem pricey but just look what you get in Mama Mio’s Bootcamp for Butts, £97 (www.cultbeauty.co.uk). It’s a great kit for those who are determined to have Kylie’s bottom before they step foot on the sand, and consists of a three-minute exercise programe plus three power-products. Supersmooth Body Buff softens skin, removing dead skin cells, stimulating circulation and improving cell regeneration. Tummy Toner plumps and tightens the skin's matrix, and Shrink to Fit increases micro circulation and helps to break down any fat deposits that make your skin look lumpy.
At the top end is RéVive’s Cellulite Erasure, £130 (www.harrods.com). The RéVive range was created by American plastic surgeon Dr Bays Brown, and Cellulite Erasure contains Cyclic AMP, a molecule critical for the improvement in the appearance of cellulite-affected skin and the latest addition to the RéVive arsenal of technologically advanced ingredients. Problem areas really do appear slimmer and more energised, and dimples reduce as the skin becomes tighter and more youthful in appearance.

FIRM
Achieving a sleek silhouette isn’t just about banishing cellulite. Without the right care, skin can appear slack, flabby and dehydrated – not a good look when you’re in a glamorous bikini. Tone your body all over with some of the specialised products out there designed to help you look good (nearly) naked!
Smooth on REN Wild Yam Omega 7 Firming Body Repair Cream, £32.50 (www.renskincare.com) - a rich body cream formulated to nourish, regenerate and firm dry and mature skin. The product smells delicious, but it is not overpowering – and because it sinks in easily, it’s perfect to use in the morning. A summer must-have, it leaves skin feeling hydrated, supple and toned. Or try Inlight Organic Firm & Tone Oil, £34.50 (www.inlight-online.co.uk). This powerful combination of oils and herbs invigorates tired skin anywhere on the body and restores tone and elasticity. It will make your bathroom smell like a spa, too.
Nuxe Tonific Fermete Intensive Firming Cream, £36 (www.spacenk.co.uk) is a deliciously soft cream that makes improving the appearance of skin an absolute pleasure. Enlisting the help of almond, elder and chestnut tree extracts, it improves the skin’s elasticity and prevents the appearance of visible signs of skin ageing and slackening. A great budget alternative is Jergens Naturals Skin Firming Body Moisturiser with Pomegranate, £4.99 (www.boots.com). It’s made with a hefty 96% natural ingredients, and claims to visibly moisturise and firm skin in just two uses, thanks to its antioxidant-rich pomegranate and inflammation-fighting white tea extracts.

SMOOTH
Everyone’s got a favourite method of hair removal. And whatever your pain threshold, there’s something out there that suits your needs – whether you prefer waxing, threading, or plucking... But what we’ve all got in common is the desire to make hair removal hassle-free and to do it less often. So why not invest in one of the new products out there designed to reduce ingrown hairs and minimise growth?
Skin Doctors Ingrow Go, £9.50 (www.beautybay.com) lets you say good riddance to ugly ingrown hairs in as little as 24 hours. It’s ideal for legs and underarms and also improves the appearance of razor bumps and rashes from shaving, waxing or electrolysis. Or try Tend Skin In-Growing Hair Solution, £22.95 (www.beautyexpert.co.uk) - a unique and effective new treatment for shaving bumps and ingrown hairs. It’s also highly effective before and after electrolysis, and used before waxing it will ease the pain and minimise any reaction.
Avon’s Skin So Soft Soft & Smooth Hair Minimising Body Lotion, £5.40 (www.avon.uk.com) promises that after just two weeks, you’ll notice a reduction in the need for shaving. It’s might not happen as soon as that, but it certainly softens and minimise growth after about a month and has a light, summery scent. It is a vital product for your summer beauty kit.
Collin Resultime, a salon brand, has a great post-hair removal treatment with active ingredients that effectively slows down hair re-growth. It’s called Propil, £21.05 (www.collin.ltd.uk) and uses a highly effective complex of active re-growth-combating ingredients (5% Pilinhib) to weaken hair resistance. The result? Softer, finer hair and less irritation after depilation.

TAN
It’s safer, more natural, and easier than ever before. So if you aren’t faking it yet – then this summer is the time to start! With a natural-looking fake tan, you can start your holiday bronzed, top up as you go along, and swap your tanning time for leisure time instead. Why not give these fakes a try?
New in the UK in 2010 is Ireland’s leading self-tanning range, He-Shi. The brand boasts a comprehensive range of easy-to-use face and body products, and because they give sun-kissed colour on contact with the skin, you can see where you’re applying so there’s no risk of streaks. Try Express Liquid Tan, £20 (www.he-shi.co.uk), which really is foolproof – drying in about two minutes with virtually no smell and lasting around five days.
Old hands at helping us get ready to bare all, Clinique has introduced its Self Sun Collection with a variety of formulations and easy-to-use solutions for every self-tanning need. The Body Daily Moisturizer, £15.50 (www.clinique.co.uk) doesn’t just nourish your skin, it gradually creates a natural, healthy glow. Just one application is enough for a light colour – keep building up over a few days for a uniform tan. Another gradual tan is Du Wop’s Revolution Body Bronzing Moisturiser, £27 (www.cultbeauty.co.uk), which evens out and enhances your skin tone with a subtle bronze glow and slight shimmer, and even has an SPF 15 built-in. Perfect for your first few days on holiday.
Elemis have come up trumps with their award-winning Total Glow Self Tanning Cream, £22 (www.timetospa.co.uk). It smells great, gives a lovely, healthy glow (as promised by the name) and contains amino acids to guard against free radical damage. You’ll wonder why you ever bothered to sunbathe!

SHINE
Your body is buffed, toned and tanned to perfection. But what about your hair? After spending the cooler months under a woolly hat, it’s time to get your locks beach ready. And that doesn’t just mean making hair as shiny as your glowing skin – it means protecting it from the sun, sand, and salt too.
First, deep condition with Enrich Hair Oil from Aromatherapy Associates, £22.50 (www.aromatherapyassociates.com). An absolute joy to use, this oil is made of natural plant extracts and essential oils with nothing else added. Applied before washing and then shampooed out, the extracts of ylang ylang, geranium and rosemary leave hair looking and feeling smooth, sleek and revitalised. You can leave it on overnight for a really deep treatment – or take it with you to the beach. It smells divine, too.
Or why not invest in a hair masque for the weeks leading up to your holiday? Bumble and bumble’s Deeep, £20 (www.spacenk.co.uk) is a once-a-week, 20-minute protein masque that repairs hair, softens, smoothes and adds shine and elasticity. And because it’s designed for sun-damaged hair, as well as locks that are chemically treated and undernourished, you can also use it when you come back from your holiday.
Best for the beach itself? KMS California SolPerfection Beach Protectant, £12.75 (www.salonskincare.co.uk) is a top performer when pitched against hair enemies like sun, sea and swimming pool water. The water-resistant styling crème contains a UV filter and an anti-oxidant, and styles while it protects – meaning you can keep your hair in place while you show off your fabulous beach body!

 

Editor’s Letter (21.05.10)
I was testing fate when I wrote last week’s Editor’s Letter about jetting off 14 more times before the end of year… Since I typed it, British Airways announced their strike and the ominous cloud of volcanic dust drifted back across the UK… If you had a flight planned, you can probably blame the disaster on my over-confident typing… As I write this, however, things are back on track and it looks like we’ll get to the States to attend the ultra-important family wedding after all (phew). It does make you think though… What would happen if everybody did get stranded here all summer? We wouldn’t need all those bottles of sun cream (unless we get a scorcher here, of course) and would instead rely on copious bottles of fake tan to get the glow we all desire (safely, of course). Hair removal product sales might dwindle – nobody cares as much when they are in the privacy of their own garden – but feel-good products might soar, such as fragrance and luxury body products, as we attempt to boost spirits after scores of cancelled holidays. We can only guess how the beauty industry would fair – but I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we never find out. Stay away ash cloud! Go to work cabin crew! We need our holidays!

ghd. There’s nothing like a pair of coloured ghd straighteners to get the beauty industry excited. Pink ghd’s – launched to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness month – sell like hot cakes and I predict a similar fate for the brand’s fabulous new MkIV Stylers in Red Lust, Blue Serenity, Purple Indulgence, and Green Envy (£119). Not only do they look amazing, but they also feature a new-improved design. The new rounder barrels make curls, flicks and waves even easier – whilst improved control circuitry ensures that optimum temperature is maintained. I’m itching to get my hands on a pair. www.wantthelook.com

Kent Brushes. I thought it was some kind of joke when I received an email this week about Kent Brushes’ range of AirHeadz Glo brushes (£6.95 each), which contain energising Ion’s derived from Volcanic Andosite quartz crystals (not from Iceland, I hope…) The product, however, is deadly serious – and the volcanic crystals apparently help to protect locks from UV and environmental damage, whilst locking in natural oils to leave hair soft, glossy and revitalised. They are small enough to carry around in handbags – and I love the bright acid shades of aqua, lime, raspberry, orange, purple and apple. www,kentbrushes.com

Lush. Everybody loves the summery smell of freshly-cut grass (from £4.45)– so the clever people at Lush have bottled the scent and created an uplifting shower gel. Containing antioxidant wheatgrass juice, bergamot, and neroli oils, the gel lathers easily, instantly boosts spirit, leaves skin feeling soft and hydrated, and leaves traces of the scent lingering on skin all day. It will be loved equally by men and women – so make sure you padlock the lid if you don’t want your other half to steal it in the shower. www.lush.co.uk

Liz Earle. I’d never go without SPF in the summer months, but the skin on my face disagrees with heavy creams, which tend to block the pores and result in breakouts. When I heard that Liz Earle had launched a new Mineral Sun Cream SPF20 (from £6.50) I was keen to get my mitts on it – and I wasn’t disappointed. The cream felt light and non-greasy and after a week of daily use, my skin was still as clear and blemish-free as when I started. The 30ml tube is ideal for travelling too, fitting within hand baggage allowance, and also small enough to throw into your handbag for days when the sun catches you by surprise. http://uk.lizearle.com

Bourjois. I haven’t tried it yet, but I am itching to get my hands on Bourjois’ new Elastic Mascara (£8.99), which promises 130% more visible length to lashes (that’s whopping lengthening power) with an innovative elastic formula and lash-extending brush. The innovative formula is enriched with hevea (the plant used for rubber), a stretchy gel complex, natural waxes and Vitamin E derivative. The brand also promises that it’s easy to remove, as it contains special polymers that blend easily with water. I’m sold – and I will keep you updated with my progress. 0800 269836.

 

Spa Review: CHAMPNEYS GUILDFORD (21.05.10)
Location: Champneys Guildford, 194 High Street, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 3HZ. 01483 455 850. www.champneys.com
Facilities: The beautiful listed building on Guildford High Street may appear small from the outside – but once you step inside, the town and city spa is as big on space as it is on ambience. The treatment rooms are just as inviting, with ultra-comfortable beds, heated blankets, dimmed lights, and even an iPod dock in every room. The treatment menu offers every possible basic, such as massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and of course waxing – but they also offer specialist treatments, such as like pregnancy treatments and CACI Non Surgical face-lifts.
Ambience: The reception area is warm and inviting, with a tempting selection of Champneys and Elemis products on display for purchase. Whether you are popping in for a lunch-hour manicure or a full afternoon of complete relaxation, you will receive the same warm, friendly greeting from staff. The Guildford spa is the perfect environment to immerse yourself in incredibly relaxing surroundings and indulge in a little ‘me time’ for an hour - or even a full day of indulgence.
Treatments Tested: Spa Heaven Cocoon Full Body Massage, £50 for 55 minutes. This all over body massage helps to increase blood and lymphatic flow, whilst promoting a sense of general wellbeing and relaxation. The treatment can be tailored to your needs – I simply told my therapist my particular areas of concern and she concentrated on those aches and pains. Afterwards, I felt light, ache-free, and ready to face the week ahead.

 

 

Editor’s Letter (14.05.10)
I’ve just got off my tenth flight of 2010 – and I have another 14 in the diary before the end of the year. I’ve made a deal with the earth to pay it back for my whopping carbon footprint in the future – as with a fiancé in Dubai, a dog in the UK, and a hectic work schedule anywhere in between, I seem to be spending as much time above the clouds as I am below them. The up side is that I’m an authority on every film release in recent history – but the down side is that my skin is suffering from dehydration, sun damage, and sheer exhaustion as I flit between time zones. I’m not, however, prepared to give up that easily… I’ve been using Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex for a while now at bedtime and have been uber-impressed – but it has only recently occurred to me that it would have the same repairing, nourishing, and hydrating effects on my skin when I’m flying. This trip, I experimented – applying a generous slathering to skin before take-off (underneath an equally generous application of moisturiser) and allowing it to work its magic as I kicked back and watched the inflight entertainment. And the results? Just before passport control, I nipped to the toilets to check… My skin was soft, even-toned, and quite literally glowing. Fellow passengers would be forgiven for assuming I had spent the last seven hours snoozing in first-class (nb – that couldn’t be further from the truth…). Buy a bottle for your travels this summer – your skin will be very thankful.

 

Diva. If you haven’t yet tried them, Diva Professional Styling hair appliances are well worth the investment. The straighteners and dryers are impressively quick and effective. In fact, I’m such a fan of the brand, that one of their neon pink hairdryers has been sat on my dressing table for the past six months. The brand’s new Tribal range (from £29.99), however, is set to relegate it from the top spot. With bold colours and quirky animal prints, the appliances make a serious style statement – without, of course, compromising any of the efficiency. www.sallyexpress.co.uk

 

Jo Malone. I’ve always loved the simplicity of Jo Malone packaging – the combination of clear glass and monochrome labels is effortlessly stylish, classic and elegant. When I set eyes on the brand’s collaboration with traditional paint and wallpaper company Farrow & Ball, however, I realised the products looked even more fabulous with a splash of colour. Designed to create a scented ambience, whilst enhancing the décor of any room, each of the five signature candles (£42) match a classic Farrow & Ball paint shade. My favourite – Lime Basil and Mandarin – comes in zesty Breakfast Room Green®. www.jomalone.co.uk

 

Nails Inc. I’m loving the recent collaboration between Nails Inc and Diet Coke, where customers can pick up a free bottle of limited-edition nail varnish with the purchase of two 500ml bottles on Diet Coke. The set of four colours are inspired by the four fashion capitals of the world, including New York (a vibrant fuchsia pink), London (a fashionable greige), Milan (a fiery red) and Paris (a deep, romantic purple). The collection is available at selected Boots Stores Nationwide until 30th June.

 

Pro Lash 8. Pro Lash 8 (£67) isn’t the first eyelash enhancing serum I’ve tried and I doubt it will be the last, but that doesn’t make its performance any less impressive. The products are all applied in a similar fashion, by painting the serum across the top and bottom lash line twice daily (in the same way you would apply a liquid eyeliner). After a week and a half of applying the vitamin and peptide-rich serum, I was convinced that my lashes were longer – and by the end of the first month, the lengthening effects were impressive. This isn’t a cheap product, but I can vouch for its efficiency. www.prolash8uk.com

 

Liquorice Balm. I don’t suffer from cold sores, but lots of my friends and family do (along with 30 million other people in the UK) and know that summer sunshine is a major trigger. So I was interested to read this week that applying a simple lip balm infused with liquorice extract (£10.99) could dramatically reduce the frequency and intensity of outbreaks. The magic ingredient in liquorice is glycyrrhizic acid (known as GA), which interferes with proteins that feed the infected cold sore cells. Better still, the balm keeps lips kissably soft and smooth – so in my opinion, it is well worth a try. www.skinshop.co.uk

 

Breaking News: NEW ORGANIC MAKEUP RANGE UNE NATURAL BEAUTY LAUNCHES (14.05.10)
Natural, organic, and eco-conscious cosmetics are more in demand than ever before – so when we heard about new brand Une Natural Beauty, our ears instantly pricked up. The brand, backed by high-street favourite Bourjois, uses 98 to 100 per cent and, wherever possible, organic ingredients, which are approved by French organic certification organisation ECOCERT (a kudos usually reserved for far more premium brands). We have just got our hands on the entire product range – and to say we are impressed is an understatement.
Une Natural Beauty is the brainchild of Christophe Durand, who has used years of experience as a top makeup artist to develop a range that is affordable, eco-friendly, kind to skin, and above all, highly effective. There are 25 products in the range, in an impressive 164 shades – so there truly is something to suit everybody. There’s lots of choice too – for example, foundation is available in fluid or mineral formulations, whilst concealer is available in a fluid or pencil.
Highlights from the range include the incredibly easy-to-blend Breezy Cheeks Blusher; soft, smudgeable Absolute Black Kohl; tinted, green-tomato scented Sheer Lip Balm, and the beautifully dewy Skin-Glow Foundation.
With prices between £4.99 and £13.99, it is well worth restocking your makeup bag.
Une Natural Beauty is available exclusively at Boots

 

Blog: SARAH GIBBS – CO-FOUNDER OF TRILOGY SKINCARE WITH SISTER CATHERINE DE GROOT – EXPLAINS HOW THE DISCOVERY OF ROSEHIP OIL INSPIRED THE LAUNCH OF THE NATURAL SKINCARE BRAND (14.05.10)
My sister Catherine and I grew up on an Avocado orchard in Australia. We have always been great friends, but after school our careers took us on different paths and to opposite sides of the world. We never dreamed that one day we’d start a skincare company together.
Like many new ideas, our story began with a discovery. I had worked in corporate finance and accounting in London for years, but I always knew I wanted to come home and work for myself. So I did just that and started a company manufacturing ingredients from plants for the natural supplement and cosmetic industries.
It was here I struck oil. Rosehip Oil to be precise – a pure honey-coloured oil extracted from Rosehip seeds. Rich in skin-loving nutrients it has been used for centuries to heal and rejuvenate skin. I developed a new way to extract the purest elements from this oil and was excited by the results.
My sister Catherine had been working for many years as a journalist writing about food, fashion, beauty and design and we'd begun chatting about how we might combine our different skills in a business. I gave her a sample to see what she thought.
It was like nothing we'd ever tried before. Pure, natural, un-fragranced oil, which absorbed effortlessly into the skin leaving none of the greasy feel one expected from oil – only soft, smooth skin. After several months of trials and research into the science behind it, we were hooked.
Catherine and I knew we'd discovered a future cosmetic star. Back then, natural skincare was still using old-fashioned formulas, heady overpowering scents and heavy oily textures. Catherine and I believed that like us, people wanted to make more natural and ethical choices, but didn't want to sacrifice quality. The opportunity was obvious.
We had a wonderful ingredient and a niche market in need of a contemporary makeover. We knew what we wanted to do. Trilogy was born.
Our first office, with its make-shift walls and tin roof, was freezing in winter and unbearably hot in summer. About as far from the glamorous cosmetics world as you could imagine.
But this low-key environment sat perfectly with our vision for Trilogy. We wanted to spend our meagre budget on quality product, design, sales service and innovative ways to market and grow our brand.
We had no intention of splurging on advertising, big salaries, or high-tech offices. Although we were grateful when one day, our father arrived chainsaw in hand to carve a great hole in the wall between our two offices! Trilogy headquarters had become 'open-plan'.
Catherine and I began to take on the cosmetics industry in the spirit of our father's renovations. We had no experience and little concept of what it would actually take to get our product out there. Somehow this made us fearless. After all, you only fail when you stop trying, right?
With a tiny launch budget, we optimistically figured we could just cover the cost of our first production run and its packaging. So we set about finding the people we'd need to help us.
We divvied up the jobs; I would use my finance, sales and accounting experience to concentrate on developing the business plan and establish channels to market via distributors and retailers; Catherine would put her efforts into product development and branding.
With grand ambitions and absolutely no contacts, we started picking up the phone. Hundreds of conversations and meetings later we'd assembled a great team including cosmetic chemists, fragrance experts, designers, packaging experts and a sales team we work with to this day to get our products to market around the world.
That first year was an absolute rollercoaster. We'd paid ourselves a pittance but by the end of it our first range of products had rolled off the production line, several hundred stores were stocking our range, we'd made a profit and had great fun working together.
For further information, visit www.trilogyproducts.com

Tried & Tested: LIQUID EYELINERS (14.05.10)
This week, it’s all about eyes as we put six liquid eyeliners to the test...

YVES SAINT LAURENT L’EYELINER, £22 (www.houseoffraser.co.uk)
What they say: The creamy, fluid formula goes on smoothly providing even coverage and exceptionally long-lasting wear. The applicator brush provides precise control for either a fine or wider line.
The Results: I’m not used to wearing eyeliner and was worried this product would be hard to apply when I saw it had a traditional brush tip, rather than felt-tip pen styles I’ve tried occasionally in the past. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover how easy it was to apply. I found that the best results were achieved when I lightly rested the handle along my lashes and swiftly drew a single, complete line as close to my lash line as possible – there’s no room for error as the liner dries quickly to a tattoo-like finish! This product is all about glamour- from the signature YSL gold packaging to the striking results, which tend to be associated with bold kohl eyeliner. This has exceeded my expectations and although I’ll never be a regular eyeliner user, I’ll certainly be reaching for this when I want to add extra definition to my eyes.
Best for: Luxury

 

BARRY M METALLIC LIQUID EYELINER, £4.50 (www.barrym.com)
What they say: Barry M’s new Metallic Liquid Eyeliners add a sophisticated, complex metallic effect and make eyes gleam with a sleek chrome finish. The handy applicator makes the unique look a breeze to apply, plus it is quick-drying and super long-lasting.
The Results: I’ve been using the same brand of eyeliner for years, so this trial offered the ideal opportunity to experiment with something different! I was given the shade “Green Mile” to try – a delicate apple green with flecks of gold, which brought out the colour of my hazel eyes and will look great against bronzed skin when holiday season arrives. The liner was easy to apply, with a felt-tip style applicator. The smooth formula meant that it was easy to control how much was used, enabling the creation of a subtle line or build-up of colour. I received so many compliments when I wore this out for drinks with friends, who commented that my eyes looked opened and my overall appearance freshened and modernised.
Best for: Experimenting with colour

 

CLINIQUE EYE DEFINING LIQUID LINER, £11 (www.clinique.co.uk)
What they say: A quick drying, water-based gel eyeliner that delivers full coverage and a dramatic line in one stroke. An ultra-comfortable, luxurious, easy-to-apply lightweight eyeliner that won’t smudge or budge.
The Results: I was surprised at how discreet and natural-looking the result was. The pin-point tip creates a fine line, which defines eyes without being overpowering. The long handle of the applicator made it easy to apply, whilst the fluid formula meant that it didn’t drag and felt soothing on my skin. The only downside is that the felt-tip applicator picked up pigments from my eyeshadow and had the effect of diluting colour intensity over time. I expect that this is the case with any liquid liner and although regular replacement is necessary for hygiene, I would normally sharpen my usual pencil liner rather than having to buy a whole new product. However, the liner had great lasting power throughout the day. with no need for re-application.
Best for: Daily use

 

SMASHBOX CREAM EYELINER PALETTE, £37 (www.qvcuk.com)
What they say: This convenient, slimline palette holds ten bestselling cream eyeliner shades and a mini liner brush. Our cult favourite putty liner provides totally customizable eye definition that doesn’t flake, run or tug.
The Results: I always stock up on Smashbox makeup when I’m in the US as I love the quality and variety of colours in the range but I had never tried their eyeliners before. When I received this palette to try, I was surprised at how slimline the palette is – the same size as a business card holder and therefore, very portable. It has a generously sized mirror, making it handy for touch-ups during the day. The palette comprises a combination of metallic and elegantly muted shades such as classic neutrals and deep colours such as forest green and navy. I really like how versatile this palette is for creating different looks. I was a bit apprehensive about using a brush to apply the liner, but it was surprisingly easy. The bristles are firm, providing good control. A little goes a long way and the effects are impressively long-lasting. I’m hooked!
Best for: Professional results

 

THE BODY SHOP LIQUID EYELINER, £8.50 (www.thebodyshop.co.uk)
What they say: Line and define. With felt-tipped brush for total control, Liquid Eyeliner is water resistant to keep the look perfect. This product contains Community Trade Marula Oil, a very effective moisturiser that also helps to condition the skin over time.
The Results: My first impression was the sleek packaging, so I was impressed from the start. The felt-tip applicator made it really easy to apply, despite my less than steady hand. At first, I found it difficult to control how much ink was dispensed as the brush dips into the ink, rather than being dispensed from the main body of the pen. However, I quickly got used to this and simply adapted my technique to wipe off the excess before applying. The ink dries quickly and has a powder-like finish once set. The line is bold and thick, so it might not be the most suitable product for daywear, but it creates a really stylish effect for evenings. It’s also perfect for applying with false eyelashes, as it disguises the join on the lash line.
Best for: Dramatic effects

 

EYEKO GRAFFITI EYELINER PEN, £4 (www.asos.com)
What they say: A draw-on black liner for thick or thin lines. Make your mark with ink black, long-lasting colour. Wing it, flick it, have fun with it.
The Results: I’m always in a hurry in the mornings, so usually opt for minimal eye makeup, with a slick of quick-to-apply lipstick. I’ve got not experience at applying liquid liner, so when I was asked to try this liner, I assumed I would need to set my alarm clock at least ten minutes earlier every day! The product, however, proved me wrong. The felt-tip style applicator meant that it was easy to control the line and therefore, very quick to apply. I liked that it could be used for a defined ‘40s style flick or smudged for a smoky effect. The black pigment really stood out. I’m guilty of the beauty sin of rubbing my eyes a lot, so towards the end of the day, I noticed that much of the effect had rubbed off – but I’ll definitely be reaching for this when I’m heading out for a few hours and want a quick refresher. I’m really impressed by the price.
Best for: Ease of use

Spa Review: STRIP, CHELSEA (14.05.10)
Location: STRIP Chelsea, 102 Fulham Road, Chelsea, SW3 6HS. 0207 590 0050. www.2strip.com
Facilities: STRIP is the answer to your waxing prayers. Sisters Danielle and Maria-Louise Featherstone have created the ultimate boutique salon, offerering virtually pain-free waxing by experienced staff in the most luxurious, relaxing surroundings. Take your pick from one of six stylish treatment rooms – Chocolate, Lavender, Berry, Gold, Black & White or MANifico. The MANifico room is designed specifically with men in mind – and the spa even offers male Brazilians! Treatment rooms are kitted out with a TV and remote so you can watch the channel of your choice on the flat screens and relax on the ultra-comfy treatment beds whilst your treatment is being carried out. You might even see a celebrity when you are down there, considering that Victoria Beckham, Emilia Fox, Emily Blunt and Rosie Huntington Whiteley all count themselves fans of STRIP.
Ambience: The reception is warm and inviting, stocking a tempting selection of lingerie from top designers, including Stella McCartney and Calvin Klein. They also sell hair removal products from South Seas, Lycon Spa and of course STRIP’s own brand. The highly skilled and friendly staff instantly put you at ease and make the waxing experience enjoyable throughout. The boutique is visually stunning, set in a beautiful old town house on the Fulham road, with furniture sourced from all around the world.
Treatments tested: Chocolate-Hazelnut Brazilian Wax, £45.
All the celebs are raving about STRIP’S famous Chocolate-Hazelnut wax, so I was keen to try it for myself. I’m impressed. The treatment leaves skin smooth and shimmering, making it look and smell good enough to eat! After the treatment, I headed straight to the boutique’s Brow Bar for eyebrow threading. It is well worth a visit.

Feature: NAIL IT (14.05.10)
Not got the time or funds for an expensive salon manicure? We’ve spoken to a panel of nail care experts to devise a step-by-step guide to perfectly polished nails at home…

 

SHAPE
After removing old traces of polish with non-acetone remover, start the manicure by shaping nails.
Faye Fasan from The Chelsea Day Spa (www.thechelseadayspa.co.uk) advises: “Scissors encourage splits and fractures, so start by trimming nails with nail clippers. Next, gently file each nail in one direction (do not “saw”) towards the tip. The most flattering shape is not long or short or square; it is in between. Get the look by filing nails into a shape that mirrors the curve of your nail base.”
Nail guru Leighton Denny adds: “File nails using soft grade, natural nail file - emery boards can be damaging to the nail and cause it to split and peel.”
The Products:
OPI Non-Acetone Polish Remover, £6.10 (www.hqhair.com) conditions, hydrates and soothes nails with extracts of Aloe Vera.
Tweezerman Combo Clippers, £12 (www.boots.com) are easy to maneuver, very effective, and boast a built-in case to catch clippings.
Treat yourself to Leighton Denny Crystal Nail File Set, £27.50 (www.leightondenny.com). Known as ‘The Rolls Royce of Nail Files’, the set contains two files (one small, one large) made from the finest lead crystal.

 

SOFTEN
Nails can be filed and painted beautifully – but if the skin around the nail is rough, dry and flaky, the manicure is never going to look immaculate.

Lynda-Louise Burrell, from London’s nailgirls Nail Spa (www.nailgirls.co.uk) states simply: “Conditioned cuticles lead to the perfect manicure.”

Session Nail Technician Trish Lomax continues: “I personally don't believe in soaking nails in water. Nails are like sponges and absorb so much water that they become dry and brittle when it evaporates. Instead, I recommend massaging a cuticle cream, serum or oil into the base of each nail.”

The Product:
Add Margaret Dabbs Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Serum, £10 (www.cultbeauty.co.uk) to your bathroom shelf. The serum, created by podiatrist to the stars Margaret Dabbs, contains Emu Oil to soften the cuticle, moisturise dry skin, and leave nails with a glowing, buffed appearance. Emu Oil has used by Aborigines for thousands of years because of its healing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties.

 

TIDY
Wait at least three minutes, to allow the cuticle product to soften the skin – and then begin work on tidying nails.
“Take a hoof stick and gently push back the cuticles in tiny circular movements all around the nail plate,” says Leighton Denny. “Then simply wipe away the excess from the nail.”
Jo Parker, Spa Director at Champneys (www.champneys.co.uk) warns: “Never use anything sharp and don’t be too rough, as any damage caused to the base of the nail will have a lasting effect on future growth.”
Leighton Denny adds: “Never cut your cuticles, as the cuticle is a barrier to keep bacteria from entering the body.”
The Product:
A hoof stick – an easy-to-use plastic stick with rubber tip for easing cuticles back – is the gentlest and quickest way to keep nails tidy. It is also inexpensive and, with care, with last for years. Leighton Denny Hoof Stick, £1.10 (www.leightondenny.com) is as good as they get.

 

POLISH
Nails are now ready for colour – so ensure that all traces of old polish are gone and grab your chosen shade.
Faye Fasan from Chelsea Day Spa (www.thechelseadayspa.co.uk) advises: “Instead of shaking the nail polish bottle, roll it between your palms. This mixes the polish without causing air bubbles. While painting, hold the brush between the thumb and middle finger while resting your forefinger on the top of the cap.”
“Always start with a base coat, then apply two coats of your chosen colour,” says Jo Parker, Spa Director at Champneys (www.champneys.co.uk). “You are looking to achieve an even finish, with no streaky brush marks. Try not to ‘flood’ the cuticle with polish.”
She continues: “After the first coat has been drying for a couple minutes, repeat, then follow with a thin layer of topcoat.”
The Products:
Start with a good base coat, such as Leighton Denny’s Undercover, £10 (www.leightondenny.com) – and finish with a glossy, long-lasting top coat, such as nailgirls Super Finish, £10 (0207 3592772)
For colour, look out for this season’s must-have shades of ‘greige’ – shades that lay between grey and beige on the colour spectrum. The colour makes a statement, but surprisingly pretty and wearable for spring. Fashionistas are fighting to get their hands on the original ‘greige’ polish - Chanel Particulière, £16 (Counters Nationwide).

 

DRY
You’ve spent time shaping, softening, tidying, and painting… But move too quickly and you will be straight back to square one. The golden rule for manicures is to be patient – allow your nails to dry completely before even thinking about moving.
Lynda-Louise Burrell, from London’s nailgirls Nail Spa (www.nailgirls.co.uk) says: “Don’t flap your hands around to dry them, as it can cause the polish to bubble. Be patient – and when the nails are touch-dry, apply oil to the cuticles as it will protect against smudging.
She continues: “At this point you can run your fingers under the cold tap, as the freezing water will dry the top layers of nail colour.”
The Product:
Not known for your patience? Apply a drop of Jessica Quick Dry Oil, £9.20 (www.lookfantastic.com) to each nail after the top coat to dry the polish in just 60 seconds. It prevents smudging, scratching and wrinkling – and once you’ve got a bottle, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.

 

CONDITION
To maintain your manicure, Faye Fasan from The Chelsea Day Spa (www.thechelseadayspa.co.uk) recommends: “Apply a fresh swipe of topcoat every other day to prevent your colour from chipping. When cleaning and gardening, protect your manicure by wearing rubber gloves.”
Jo Parker, Spa Director at Champneys (www.champneys.co.uk) adds: “Nails should be filed gently every one or two weeks (depending on how fast they grow) to help maintain your desired shape. Cuticles can be pushed back every couple of weeks to keep them in check.”
Jo continues: “Use a hand cream daily to ensure your hands are always soft and supple. It is also good practice to apply nail oil at night before going to bed, to nourish the nails, encouraging strength and growth.”
The Product:
Invest in a rich, luxurious hand cream – and you will be far more likely to use it religiously. You can’t go wrong with Liz Earle Hand Repair, £19.25 (http://uk.lizearle.com) – it smells incredible and contains Pro-Vitamin B5, Echinacea, Antioxidants, and Vitamin E to condition nails, soften cuticles, and protect against dehydration.

 

 

Feature: INSIDE OUT (07.05.10)

You can slather on as many creams as you like, but if your body’s not getting the right nutrients, you’re never going to look – and feel – as good as you could. Boost your skin and looks from the inside, with our selection of health-boosting supplements.

 

SKIN
You eat healthily, you exercise, you follow a beauty routine – but are you doing everything you can to get the best from your complexion? With a busy life, it’s not easy to make sure you’re getting all the right vitamins, minerals and nutrients to make your skin glow with health. The answer? Help it along a bit with supplements designed to make your face flawless.
Seven Seas Femibion Radiance, £9.99 (www.boots.com) is a great investment as the warmer weather approaches. Why fake a blemish-free complexion with makeup when Femibion Radiance is designed to boost the body’s natural processes, helping you achieve strong nails, shiny hair and flawless skin with minimal effort – and maximum results. Packed full of zinc, grapeseed oil and vitamin C, Femibion Radiance is a one-a-day capsule that’s a fast way to boost your natural beauty.
A delicious alternative is Skin Nutrition Omega 3 Shake, £43.95 (www.beautybay.com), a meal supplement designed to promote beautiful skin, hair and nails – as well as a lean body. Rich in Omega 3 essential fats, fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals, antioxidants and skin enhancing ingredients, it also contains wholegrain complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, only 100% natural flavours and no sugar or artificial sweeteners.
Perfectil Platinum Skin Radiance, £39.49 (www.boots.com) is a revolutionary new beauty supplement to help keep skin looking youthful and glowing. It takes the science of beauty to the next level with a specialist formula comprising bio-active nutrients – including high-grade marine collagen complex, pine bark extract, blackcurrant seed oil, lycopene and alpha-lipoic acid – which can play a vital role in helping to protect ageing skin.

HAIR
Blow-drying, straightening, chlorine, sunbathing... The list of crimes against our hair is endless – and as much as we slather on conditioners and hair masks, we can only do so much. What’s the answer? Strengthen hair at its source, by taking supplements designed to revitalise locks and add shine.
Try Perricone Omega 3, £30 (www.perriconemd.co.uk), the ultimate multi-tasking health and beauty supplement. Addressing a host of concerns from loss of skin radiance to brittle hair, Omega 3 is the simple way to tackle a multitude of sins. One of a range worth investigating, this supplement is derived from Wild Sockeye Salmon, a fish oil that is the purest and most powerful resource of Omega 3 and DMAE. It provides a multitude of health benefits while equally improving the health of both hair and skin.

Philip Kingsley PK4HAIR, £21 (www.philipkingsley.com) is a unique protein capsule, which helps encourage healthy hair growth from within. Created as a vegetarian alternative to traditional gelatine-based proteins (from cattle), PK4HAIR is a combination of amino acids derived from soy protein that help hair to grow at its best possible density.
Hair supplements aren’t just for those looking of a bit of extra shine. If you’re experiencing thinning or hair loss due to ageing or natural hormonal changes (during menopause or after pregnancy), a supplement such as Kerastase Nutrients Densitive, £21, (www.lookfantastic.com) could really help. Containing an exclusive complex (Amino-Végétal, which combines taurine with two plant extracts, green tea and grape seed, both rich in polyphenols) the two-a-day tablets help maintain the stability of the hair bulb and promote the production of thicker, denser and healthier hair.

EYES
Bright, sparkling eyes give a youthful look to any complexion – but when you’re tired, busy and perhaps not eating right, it’s difficult to make sure you’re getting all the nutrients you need to make your eyes look as good as they could. Try a supplement – they’re a great way of insuring your eye health for the future, too.
Holland & Barrett Vital Eyes, £7.15 (www.hollandandbarret.co.uk) has been developed to help support the health of the eye. Vital Eyes contains lutein, which is one of the most abundant carotenoids found in the macula of healthy eyes. Surprisingly, most western diets are deficient in this antioxidant, which is found naturally in foods such as dark green leafy vegetables and egg yolks.
Or try Visionace, £6.95 (www.vitabiotics.com), a comprehensive, research-based nutritional supplement designed to help maintain healthy eyes and vision. The research-tested formula contains balanced levels of antioxidant vitamins, bilberry extract, natural carotenoids, and minerals such as selenium and zinc, plus Lutemax lutein esters, which are all vital for the health of the eye.
Astaxanthin is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants available – and it’s actually what gives flamingos their brilliant pink plumage and colours wild salmon. Like lutein, astaxanthin can enter the eye, where it provides antioxidant support to the retina and supports sharp vision. Top up your levels and maintain healthy eyes with Astaxanthin & Blackcurrant, £6.75 (www.highernature.co.uk).

DETOX
Nights out, junk food, city living – who doesn’t feel the need to detox now and again? It’s not all about raw food and mineral water these days, though. Get a little extra detox assistance with these supplements and rid your body of the toxins that could be slowing you down – and stopping you look as gorgeous as you could!
Nude Detox Supplement, £17.95 (www.beautybay.com) contain a gentle detoxifying formula that helps purify the body and aids digestive function, for visibly clearer skin and a re-energised body. Liquorice, ginger and probiotics balance hormone levels while supporting the body’s natural detoxification process, and a powerful blend of chlorella, Holy Basil and turmeric defend against free radicals and support the liver, for radiant skin.
Or choose Elemis Deep Drainage Body Cleansing, £26 (www.timetospa.co.uk), which contains a unique combination of natural marine and land plants, as well as herbs, that all work together to have a tonic effect on the intestines. The supplement is gently stimulating and helps to eliminate toxins and improve sallow complexions.
A build-up of unnecessary toxins in our bodies can result in the emergence of free radicals that can leave you feeling sluggish and your skin looking lacklustre. To combat this, take Acai Daily Cleanse, £19.99 (www.hollandandbarrett.com), which not only contains superfood Acai Berry but is also packed with ingredients to help digestive issues and eliminate the body of toxins, such as ginger, green tea and wheat grass.

ANTI-AGEING
Investing in skincare products is a great way to protect your complexion from damage and maintain a youthful appearance. But why not take on the ageing process from all sides and try a supplement to help keep the years at bay, too?
Comvita has just launched a Broccoli Extract, £19.54 (www.comvita.co.uk) which contains a standardised extract of New Zealand grown broccoli seeds – the source of a powerful antioxidant called Glucoraphanin that kick-starts the body’s own defence mechanism. Once started, this triggers an ‘antioxidant cascade’ that helps neutralise harmful free radicals, which may cause damage to cells and tissues. A great way to fight skin cell damage and the ageing process from within.
IMEDEEN produces some of the best-known and best-trusted anti-ageing supplements. Whatever your concerns, you can find a formulation to suit you. Whether you’re in your thirties and looking to boost radiance, in your forties wanting to keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay, or aiming to reduce the effects of the menopause on your skin.
IMEDEEN Derma One, £34.50 (www.imedeen.co.uk) combats loss of radiance and hydration associated with the first signs of ageing, increases radiance and makes the skin on face and body feel softer and more supple. IMEDEEN Time Perfection, £39.95 (www.imedeen.co.uk) fights visible signs of ageing, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves skin quality and moisture balance. IMEDEEN Prime Renewal, £53.95 (www.imedeen.co.uk) takes on the effects of hormonal ageing, stimulates regeneration of collagen and renewal of skin cells and reduces the visibility of hyper-pigmentation and age spots.

VITALITY
Vitality is all part of looking your best – because if you feel good on the inside, it shows on the outside. So boost your immune system, your digestion, and your all-round health – and you’ll be smiling at every mirror you pass!
Holland & Barrett Papaya Enzyme Chewable Tablets, £4.09 (www.hollandandbarrett.co.uk) are a great way to improve sluggish digestion and boost energy levels. Papaya enjoys a reputation as the perfect 'after meal' supplement and is the ideal complement to a busy breakfast, on-the-go lunch or formal dinner. These delicious tablets are made from beneficial ingredients including ripe papaya fruit, papain (a papaya enzyme), protease and amylase.
Dr Brandt Antioxidant Water Booster Blueberry, £26.95 (www.beautybay.com) is a convenient way to increase health and vitality with three potent antioxidants, green tea, white tea and grapeseed extract. In fact, one dropper full is equivalent to 15 cups of decaffeinated green tea! It boosts immunity, maintains younger looking skin and helps fight free radicals. A new – delicious – essential.
Or choose Multibionta Immune Support, £12.82 (www.boots.com). Designed to combat the ill effects of a busy, hectic lifestyle, this supplement contains Tribion Harmonis, a unique blend of probiotics proven to help support the immune system. Specially formulated with bioflavonoids and green tea extract, the effective combination helps you stay healthy whenever you are eating fewer foods that are rich in immune-supporting nutrients.

Editor’s Letter (07.05.10)
Make the most of the television girls, as the boys will soon be searching for the perfect hiding place for the remote control. This time next month, World Cup fever will be getting ready to engulf the nation – and I’m afraid that Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives, and alas, even good old ‘Enders will be strictly off limits in most households for a month from June 11th. In normal circumstances, I despise football and everything about it – the way that men are hypnotised for the entire 90 minutes, the shiny cheap-looking tops, the ridiculously inflated salaries, and the way that the players behave off-pitch. But during World Cup season, even I am ready to stand up and support the nation. But an email that reached my inbox this week was One. Step. Too. Far… A Beauty PR informed me that ‘England Eyelashes’ were now on shelves, waiting to be snapped up – nasty, white, shiny false lashes, emblazoned with a bright red St George’s flag to flash patriotically as you wink. I don’t think there’s a place in the beauty industry for football-themed products – but if you disagree, you can find the offending articles at W7 by calling 01753 639137 for your nearest stockist.

label.m. I love nothing better than high-fashion beauty collaborations – so I naturally squealed in delight when I caught sight of these Giles for label.m bags. Available with the purchase of any label.m haircare product during summer, the bags are available in three sizes – cosmetic bag, medium handbag, and large tote (perfect for lugging things to the beach on holiday). To decorate the bags, Giles has created an abstract-inspired print of pen and ink-style drawings – and I am predicting now that fashionistas will be fighting to get their hands on them as the weather hots up. Available from June at Toni & Guy, essensuals and label.m salons nationwide.

Sisley. If you are looking to lighten your base for the warmer months, look no further than Sisley’s Tinted Moisturiser (£56). The thick cream blends effortlessly into skin, balancing skin tone in seconds and leaving the complexion looking matte, refreshed, and very natural. Better still, skin feels supple and hydrated from the moment of application– a feeling that lasts throughout the day. I will be ditching my heavier foundations and sticking to this throughout summer. 0207 5916380

Frederic Fekkai. Hair products don’t come much more luxurious than Frederic Fekkai’s Shea Butter Hair Mask (£19). With a thick, buttery texture and a scent that reminds me of vanilla ice cream, applying the mask has become one of the highlights of my week. It’s easy to use – I simply slather the mask over hair in the shower, after shampooing, then rinse off 10 minutes later. Afterwards, my locks feel as soft as silk, are far more manageable, and boast an impressive shine. A little goes a long way, so the tube will last and last. www.spacenk.co.uk

Philosophy. If you are a fan of Philosophy’s delicious Field of Flowers bath and body collection, you will be thrilled to hear that the brand have added a Perfumed Body Spritz to the range (£18) – just in time for the balmy days of summer. The beautiful scent (which reminds me of a lighter, more wearable version of Jean Paul Gaultier’s Classique) clings to skin for hours, whilst the ultra-hydrating ingredients leave the body feeling soft and nourished. Take it away with you when heading to festivals and camping trips – you will be more than happy to bypass the shower queue and refresh your body with this addictive stuff. www.qvcuk.com

Cath Kidston. Talking of festivals and camping trips… I am coveting the Spring Navy Wellington Boots (£38), Cherry White Cag in a Bag (£25) and Shooting Stars Birdcage Umbrella (£22) from Cath Kidston’s Summer Essentials collection. I know we’ve been promised a long, hot summer – but I’m British through-and-through and know not to believe the hype. If it’s going to rain (and lets face it, it’ll happen at some point between now and the end of summer), I want to look stylish on my wet, windy British break. I will be heading to Cath Kidston pronto to stock up.

Treatment Review: ESPA SKIN BRIGHTENER FACIAL (07.05.10)
What it promises: A rejuvenating facial, which is beneficial for all skin types, but especially suitable for stressed-out skin. The treatment includes a special application of the Skin Brightener complex, which contains skin-buffing AHA’s and BHA’s from Hawaiian Algae and Meadowsweet to give skin back its glow.
What happens: My therapist began the treatment by thoroughly cleansing my skin from daily grime and makeup using ESPA Hydrating Cleansing Milk, which contains geranium to soothe and hydrate skin. Lemon-scented Refining Skin Polish was then massaged in, which tingled in a pleasant way. Next, the Gentle Deep Cleansing Balm was smoothed over face, neck and bust area for an extra deep cleanse – this stage smelt delicious and I was impressed with the amount of grime that still came away from my skin. Before the treatment, my therapist had explained that this is the type of deep-cleanse that skin needs at least once a week to stop toxins from blocking pores. My eyes are one of my worry areas – there always seems to be a new line appearing – so I was pleased that the treatment included a mini-massage using ESPA 24 Hour Eye Comples, which contains gingko biloba to boost sluggish circulation. Next, I enjoyed a facial massaging, using ESPA Super Active Skin Brightening Complex – a luxurious serum with cell boosting vitamin and minerals that seemed to temporarily erase wrinkles and felt dreamy on my skin. Thankfully, the massage went on for a full 20 minutes – despite there being a fire alarm right in the middle – and the treatment was concluded with an application of ESPA Essential Protective Serum to help seal in moisture and protect skin from the stresses of the day.
Results: I walked in to the salon with dreary, dull skin and walked out with a wonderfully glowing complexion that looked smooth, youthful and refreshed! This treatment is the perfect spring pick-me-up. My skin looked and felt amazing for a good 48 hours afterwards.
Price: From £40
Location: Heaven V Spas at Virgin Active. Visit www.heavenv.co.uk or call 0845 6800 772.

Blog: JOHNNIE PATTULLO – FROM HEALTH SPECTRUM EUROPE – GIVES THE LOW-DOWN ON ANTI-AGEING (07.05.10)
It was in 1990 whilst living and working in Los Angeles I met Richard Helfrich (now one of the world’s leading health and anti-ageing gurus). At the time we were both working independently in the film industry, but both shared an avid interest in health and nutrition. I was diagnosed with a life-threatening condition only a few months after our ‘by chance’ meeting. From then on I followed a strict diet and daily regimen of nutritional supplements and, under the direction of Richard, quite literally turned my health and life around.
Interestingly, I am often asked about the appearance of my skin, which has become rejuvenated without ingesting hormones or miracle youth drugs. The need to want to share with others how the body works, how it defends itself, and how nutrients are absorbed into the body to help reverse the ageing process has led Richard and I to join forces and set up www.healthspectrumeurope.com - a unique NATURAL health program that has already succeeded in helping thousands of individuals attain optimum health and wellbeing (anti-aging, weight loss, detox etc).
Working as medical advisor to an A-list clientele including many celebrities in Beverly Hills, Richard’s success has been phenomenal particularly in tackling anti-ageing.
Following reports that Dannii Minogue has quit botox in an attempt to look more natural, evidence suggests that more and more people are seeking natural ways to maintain their youthful appearance from the inside out.
The reason we do not have wrinkles in our teens and twenties is that the collagen matrix that makes up 40% of the skin and it is still full of elasticity. As we age that 40% of collagen that makes up skin and vascularity - and the 80% that makes up all our tendons and ligaments – becomes wrinkled and hard. The reason this happens is that unless you are getting the nutrients that build collagen in the body daily and the body makes none of them then the wrinkles are inevitable as collagen looses its elasticity.
The three nutrients that build collagen in the body are the amino acids, Lysine, Proline and Vitamin C. Take these every day, twice a day and watch your skin transform
L-Lysine produces the collagen in the skin - the skin contains 40% collagen, when we loose the collagen in the skin which happens naturally with age, L-Lysine helps to rebuild
L-Proline works in concert with L-Lysine to build the collagen in the skin and elastin fibres which tightens and 'fills' the 'fallen' appearance (lines and wrinkles) in the skin, both facially and other area's of the body.
Vitamin C is responsible for many reactions in the body, specifically acting as the glue in the formation of collagen
Other supplements to consider include L-Carnosine which is a rejuvinative amio acid which repairs sun damage, damage from smoking and the environment and also L- Theanine - a derivative from green tea which promotes a natural relaxed state at the same time gets rid of dark circles and puffiness from under the eyes which gives a younger fresher appearance to the delicate skin around the eyes.
Visit www.healthspectrumeurope.com

Breaking News: LIME CRIME LIPSTICKS LAUNCH AT SPACE NK (07.05.10)
Summer is just around the corner – and right on cue, Space NK has launched a range of lipsticks in the brightest hues imaginable to highlight sun-kissed skin. The range of ten shades, by cool brand Lime Crime, combine the highest quality technicolour pigments with a touch of humour and a splash of fantasy!
Lime Crime’s intensely pigmented lipsticks come in a daring colour palette from bubblegum blue to luminous orange. Using unmatched colour payoff and saturation, the look is vivid and quirky.
Founded by Doe Deere, a NYC-based makeup artist, model, and lifestyle blogger, Lime Crime bridges the gap between whimsical, never-seen-before lip shades and the industry’s most luxurious ingredients. Lime Crime’s creamy formula is long-wearing, hydrating, and lends lips a lustrous, opaque finish. Better still, Lime Crime Lipsticks are not tested on animal and certified cruelty free.
The collection includes: Centrifuchsia (a vivid, fuchsia pink), Cosmopop (a buttery, softened orange), Countessa Fluorescent (a bright neon ‘Barbie’ pink), D’Lilac (a creamy lavender), Great Pink Planet (a strawberry milkshake-esque pink), My Beautiful Rocket (a pure luminous orange), No She Didn’t (an opulent bubblegum blue), Retrofuturist (a bright red with a soft sheen), Styletto (a creamy, luscious black with 100% coverage), and Airbourne Unicorn (a soft, medium purple with a hint of neon).
Lime Crime lipsticks are available at Space NK, priced £14 each. Visit www.spacenk.co.uk

Tried & Tested: UNDER EYE CONCEALERS (07.05.10)
Banish dark circles with a creamy, under-eye concealer. We’ve put six to the test…

SOAP & GLORY TRICK & TREATMENT, £9 (www.boots.com)
What they say: Soap & Glory Trick & Treatment® Under eye dark circle concealer has a special yellow-tone engineered to hide blush-purple undereye circles.
The Results: I loved the fun, retro-style packaging of this product – and I was equally impressed with the creamy, easy-to-blend texture. I’m lucky that I don’t suffer from bags under my eyes, but the skin is fairly dark and I’m always looking for the perfect product to conceal it. The coverage is quite light, but the iridescent finish reflects the light, which instantly brightens and lightens the area. The only negative is that it settled a little in the fine lines that are starting to appear at the corners of my eyes – so I think the product is best suited to younger skin.
Best for: Young skin

ELIZABETH ARDEN CERAMIDE SKIN SMOOTHING CONCEALER, £17 (0207 5742714).
What they say: This ultra creamy concealer contains anti-aging Ceramide technology that visibly softens the appearance of fine lines, smoothes imperfections, reduces dark circles and evens out skin tone for a luminous soft look that lasts all day.
The Results: I hate the dark circles under my eyes – they’ve been there since I was in my teens, but seem to be getting darker as I get older. I’ve tried dozens of regular concealers, but they are usually too heavy for delicate under-eye skin and end up settling in the lines. The first time I used this lightweight, silky concealer, I knew I’d found the perfect product. It felt cooling and soothing as it was applied and hid the dark circles in a matter of seconds. Better still, the concealer is long-lasting and very natural-looking. I’m really impressed!
Best for: Delicate, mature skin

GARNIER ANTI-DARK CIRCLES 2-IN-1 EYE ROLL-ON, £9.99 (www.boots.com)
What they say: Garnier Caffeine Anti-dark Circles 2-in-1 Roll-on has a 2-in-1 formula: 1) Moisturising eye cream & a cooling roller ball: refreshes and hydrates tired-looking eyes. 2) With mineral enriched pigments it instantly covers dark circles.
The Results: This product comes in two shades. The lightest shade matched my skin tone well, but I don’t have the palest skin, so it might be too dark for other skin tones. My favourite thing about the product was that it felt lovely and cooling as I rolled it over my skin, which instantly soothes and de-puffs eyes when they are tired. The lightly tinted cream helped to disguise dark circles – with the help of a finger to blend – and my skin felt hydrated and smooth throughout the day. The coverage would be too sheer for very dark circles, but it works well as an every-day brightener.
Best for: Soothing and de-puffing

KORRES WILD ROSE CONCEALER, £18 (0207 5816455).
What they say: High coverage of the eye area imperfections, such as dark circles, capillaries, blemishes, sunspots. With Wild Rose and vitamins C and E that add radiance, moisturise and offer antioxidant benefits.
The Results: The dark circles under my eyes really bother me. I was pleased when I tested this product, as the texture is thick enough to completely conceal them, but it smoothed easily onto skin and looked very natural. It has a light-reflecting texture, so my eyes instantly looked brighter and more awake. I used powder to set the concealer and it had impressive staying power, lasting well into the afternoon before I needed to reapply. The skin around my eyes often feels tight, but this concealer left it feeling supple and moisturised.
The Results: Very dark circles

LAURA MERCIER SECRET BRIGHTENER, £24 (0800 1234000)
What they say: Laura Mercier Secret Brightener is a color-correcting highlighter that brightens dark circles, reduces shadow and minimizes discolorations.
The Results: The chrome silver pen looks very chic – and I was just as impressed with the concealer, which has a lightweight, silky texture. I’ve used under-eye products in the past that have a sparkly texture, so I was relieved when I discovered that there was no shimmer in this product. Instead, the iridescent concealer smoothed nicely onto the skin, without gathering or settling in the creases. It probably isn’t thick enough to cover the darkest circles, but for those looking to brighten the area and balance skin tone, I would highly recommend it. The only downside is the steep price tag.
Best for: Brightening

ART DECO PERFECT TEINT CONCEALER, £13 (0207 6320232)
What they say: Light reflecting pigments cover shadows, lines and wrinkles. The complexion appear more even and radiant. The light and pleasant texture is water-repellent and long-lasting. The brush applicator with practical rotating mechanism provides a very precise application.
The Results: I never used to suffer from puffy skin under my eyes, but in the last few years I have noticed it happening more and more – so I have been looking for a product that will lift the area, whilst hiding dark circles. I am very impressed with this thick, heavily tinted concealer. Dark circles were instantly hidden and fine lines appeared smoothed. The whole area looked brighter and more youthful. I was pleased to discover that the product is water resistant and protects skin from damaging UV rays too – so great for holidays!
Best for: Anti-ageing