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Out On The Lash
Although mascara is one of our staple beauty products, sometimes simply coating your natural lashes doesn’t quite cut the ocular mustard. Hence we have to take the next step of faking it altogether, enlisting the help of Kathryn Popplestone founder of Flutter Eyes who is conveniently able to visit clients in their homes (geographical restrictions obviously apply – see website for details). She applied an Infinite Taster Set (£140), which involves clusters of three lashes applied to each natural lash, giving us the appearance –and dare we say it, sex appeal – of Liz Taylor, which lasted a good six weeks.
For those who don’t want to go down the falsies route, MAC have launched their False Lashes Mascara in two new shades: Counterfeit Brown and Artificial Aubergine, the latter of which we tried and were mightily impressed by. The aubergine-inspired hue is less harsh (not to mention less ageing) than black, it lightly coated out lashes without leaving any spidery clumps of product. Perfect for during the day. £13
M.A.C. False Lashes Mascara in Artificial Aubergine
Face Facts
With two decades of experience (and with a loyal clientele who have stayed with her for just as long) facialist Donna Glazer’s reputation as the “skin whisperer” is not unfounded. Passionate about everything involving the skin, Donna also runs The Skin School with an aim to teach therapists all about the physiology of the skin, not just how to use a specific product range. Her facials (approx. £95) are ideal for those with more serious skincare concerns such as acne, rosacea and pigmentation. Each client receives a thorough consultation, then straight-talking Donna delivers a diagnosis and gets to work on their bespoke facial using mainly Dermaviduals and Environ products.
We always say a good facial worth its salt should incorporate some heavy-duty machinery (yes, even for you sensitive-skinned souls) and Face It has an impressive artillery to rival a Bond villain’s lair, including radio frequency, sonophresis, iontophresis, IPL skin rejuvination and LED light therapy. This isn’t a luxury, relaxing experience but what you do get are results (not to mention some words of skincare wisdom from Donna to take away).
Clarisonic ARIA
Happy Hair
It may be nearly spring in our minds, but the weather seems to have other ideas judging by the recent storms that have plagued London and other cities of late. Hence our rain-battered locks have been needing a little love, so we’ve come to rely on TIGI Reborn Hydra-synergy Shampoo (£17.95) and Conditioner (£22.95). This delightful duo contains sea kelp, aloe vera and the wonderfully named babassu oil to help replenish lost lipids and boost shine, which can be maintained in-between washes with the Restorative Illuminoil (£17.95). Seeing as all three work well in exceptionally cold weather, they’re ideal to pack for your ski holiday too. For salon stockists visit tigihaircare.com
Another hair product we’re feeling the love for at the moment is Bumble & Bumble’s Prêt-à-Powder (£21.50). As an aside, we should mention that up until now, we have categorically detested hair powders in any shape or form. To the uninitiated, this is a powder applied to the roots to add volume (imagine getting icing sugar all over your hair … yeah, that) but the fine texture of this one won us over. Avoiding that yucky “crispy” texture that so many such powders bestow, it boosted our locks like nobody’s business and does the job of a dry shampoo in one fell swoop. Top marks.
Bumble & Bumble Prêt-à-Powder
Skin Savvy
As the seasons change, our skin can go haywire hence it’s wise to invest in a few key products to smooth the transition. For a make-up brand, Bobbi Brown do some seriously good skincare – award-winning in fact. (Their formidable founder Ms Brown doesn’t do things by halves.) Their latest offering is the Extra Bright Advanced Moisture Cream (£62.50), which intensely hydrates and brightens with Bobbi’s SuperCitrus Complex to combat dark spots and endow skin with a healthy glow as if you’ve been walking along a beach in Malibu (as opposed to being hunched over a computer in dreary England). bobbibrown.co.uk
Working on a deeper level is Orico’s Transcend Marine Radiance Serum (£34). This range is ideal for the most sensitive skins and is free from chemical “nasties”, yet still manages to contain some hardworking active ingredients to deliver results. Ideal for mature skin, the new serum contains marine algae and maca root to brighten, hydrate and lift while helping to reduce fine lines. oricolondon.co.uk
Orico Transcend Marine Radiance Serum
And to protect the fragile skin on the lips, one of our favourite brands Aesop (whose unisex packaging makes it less awkward for the guys to use too) has brought out a Protective Lip Balm (£13) with SPF30 to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. As with Orico, undesirables such as parabens and paraffins are thrown out, and replaced with candellila and carnauba waxes together with botanical emollients such as castor seed and jojoba. Pop one in your ski jacket before you hit the slopes. aesop.com
Last but definitely not least is the new Clarisonic ARIA (£155). Cleansing is probably the most important skincare step, getting rid of debris, dirt and dead-skin so that your anti-ageing creams can be better absorbed. Using a Clarisonic compared to manual cleansing is like using a dustpan and brush and then going round with a hoover. Once you see the difference (and smoothness) in your skin, you won’t go back. The new version contains variable speed settings, so you can use the lowest speed for every day use and the highest for when your skin needs a thorough cleanse. It’s definitely our favourite launch of 2014 so far. clarisonic.co.uk
Bobbi Brown Extra Bright Advanced Moisture Cream
by Viola Levy