L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme Sport
Issey Miyake just added a new fragrance to their product line; L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme Sport. The launch took place at the Issey Miyake store on Conduit Street recently.
“Intended by its creator Jacques Cavallier to embody “the deep breath of satisfaction that a mountain climber takes when he reaches the summit,” L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme Sport is a fragrance inspired by life. THE vital breath that sparks and impels every movement, from the roughest gesture to the most polished sporting manoeuvre. With bergamot and grapefruit, L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme Sport takes on the freshness of the open air and high altitudes. The middle note emanates a spicy note of nutmeg like a winning embrace.
Although Air is its element and Water its active principle, it is from the Earth that L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme Sport derives the smoky notes of vetiver roots and the woody essence of cedar to impart character and elegance. A fresh, woody eau de toilette that enriches the L’Eau d’Issey pour Homme line with invigorating energy.”
We like it!
Fit Retreats: Training the military way
Rediscover a new you at a Fit Retreats luxury weekend in the Cotswolds. Just an hour from London and set amongst 2.5 acres of original farmland and a former quarry, with stunning views over the Windrush Valley, it’s the perfect location for week or weekend’s training regime.
Accommodation is set within a modern and elegant eco barn conversion which has all the mod cons one would expect from a luxurious country retreat. Exercise classes are taken by the best military physical training instructors. Classes are kept varied and fun, and the instruction is second to none. Fitness levels fast become markedly improved, which will leave you feeling lighter and brighter, energised and recharged. Guerlain spa treats are also available on site, although at an extra cost.
The menu follows a delicious low GI diet plan, high in nutrients and protein. Thoughtfully compiled using locally sourced ingredients, it is designed to aid your body in recovery and help you get the most out of your stay. Fit Retreats has a real ‘family’ feel, and Kate (founder/manager) cannot do enough to make her guests feel welcome and at home. You leave the fold bursting with confidence and armed with the tools to continue your diet and exercise plan at home, and the feeling you can conquer the world. Highly recommended!
A weeks stay with Fit Retreats costs £1195, weekends from £495.
www.fit-bootcamp.com
Fit Retreats was reviewed for the March edition of the magazine, which you view here.
Chi Yu – Japanese wellness in the heart of London
Therapists are a mixed bag; they all look great in brochures but very few actually leave you feeling like your money has been well spent. On this occasion however, I am pleased to say that a session with Mami Tsang, the founder of Chi Yu, was more than worth every penny and extremely memorable!
After an initial 15 minute consultation; more thorough than any I’ve had to date, I opted for a signature massage using aromatherapy oils. Using a combination of Shiatsu, Swedish and Thai massage techniques, with a bit of reflexology, I was treated to one of the best and most effective treatments to date.
It’s easy to mix brute force with technique, and as much as sometimes you just need a little ‘abuse’ to disperse all that pent up tension, nothing compares the former with the latter. And it is this skill set that many therapists lack, especially when dealing with stressed out individuals like me who lead hectic lives along with all the negative effects it has on our bodies. Suffice to say, I walked out feeling completely de-stressed and completely rejuvenated following my session. Mami has set the bar pretty high, and will be hard to beat. I know I will definitely pay her another visit soon, and most definitely recommend you do so too. You will not be disappointed!
Chi Yu signature treatments start from £67 for an hour.
www.chi-yu.co.uk
Chi Yu was reviewed for the March edition of the magazine, which you can view here.
Sacramento Plastic Surgeon on the Possibility of Breast Implant Bombs!
Sacramento, CA August 11, 2011 (press release): The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was recently briefed by the federal government on new intelligence that shows terrorists could be using breast implants as surgically implanted bombs. At his Sacramento plastic surgery practice, Dr. Charles Perry discusses the likelihood of such an event, and how a terrorist could turn a procedure like breast augmentation into a potentially destructive threat.
The federal government recently briefed the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) on the potential threat of breast implant bombs [1]. While the information does not constitute an immediate threat, Sacramento plastic surgeon Dr. Charles Perry says the ability to turn breast implants into bombs is a real possibility. “Conceivably, a sterile device could be manufactured that would detonate inside a breast implant. All it would need is a propellant, an igniter, and a detonating receiver.”
However, Dr. Perry says he finds it extremely difficult to believe any doctor would so blatantly ignore their Hippocratic oath to do no harm. He adds that even if a doctor were to cast aside his extensive training and commitment to helping people, the breast implants turned explosive devices would have a different appearance and feel.
Despite the ability to conceal a device from the naked eye, Dr. Perry believes the advanced body imaging devices used by the TSA would be able to detect a breast implant bomb. However, he adds that while a device someone had swallowed or implanted elsewhere on the body would look suspicious, a device within a breast implant may not warrant a red flag.
Regardless of the potential that exists for using cosmetic enhancement procedures such as breast augmentation to carry out a terrorist plot, Dr. Perry says he remains doubtful. While this may be a viable option conceptually, now that the TSA and federal government are aware of the threat, he says the ability to successfully implant and detonate a breast implant bomb seems unlikely.
About Charles Perry, MD, FACS
Dr. Charles Perry earned his medical degree from the University of Washington. He then completed his general surgery residency at the University of Arizona, and his plastic surgery residency at the University of Massachusetts. Dr. Perry is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Perry specializes in an expansive spectrum of cosmetic enhancement procedures, ranging from laser skin resurfacing to liposuction, to the mommy makeover in Sacramento.
Ditch the Botox: The first collagen drink is launched in the UK to combat ageing skin
Press Release: The first ever drink supplement to combine hydrolysed collagen, hyaluronic acid, borage oil and vitamins, to tackle ageing skin is being launched in the UK.
Pure GOLD COLLAGEN® is one of the new wave of nutracosmetics to be launched in the UK, which offers an alternative way to combat wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin from the inside out. Pure Gold Collagen combines hydrolysed collagen and hyaluronic acid, which work together to add moisture and plump the dermis; the deep levels of the skin. Hydrolysed collagen has been proven in clinical trials to improve the skin’s elasticity, moisture levels, smoothness and prevent the formation of deep wrinkles and fine lines.
Collagen beauty drinks are already being snapped up in Japan by women, but until now haven’t been available in the UK.
Pure Gold Collagen’s key ingredient is 5g of hydrolysed collagen, or Peptan, which is highly digestible and helps the skin preserve its strength elasticity and firmness. What makes Pure GOLD COLLAGEN® unique is the addition of hyaluronic acid which encourages the efficient adoption of collagen by the dermis (lower layer of the skin).
One of the main benefits of taking these ingredients orally, in a drink, is that they get to work on the lower levels of skin or dermis, so is far more effective than skin creams which only work on the epidermis (outer skin layer). Pure GOLD COLLAGEN® comes in 50 ml bottle and should be taken every day preferably for 4 weeks to see the best results.
Clinical trials that were carried out in 2008 in France, on the use of 10 ml per day of hydrolysed Collagen Peptan for 12 weeks, produced noticeable results. The 47 participants showed a 28 per cent increase in skin hydration, 19 per cent increase in skin suppleness, 26 per cent smoothing of micro relief furrows and 30 per cent decrease in wrinkles.
Pure GOLD COLLAGEN®contains 5g of collagen (and not the 10 ml used in the trials) and its next generation formula with several active ingredients including hyaluronic acid, borage oil and vitamins, increases the bioavailability of collagen and absorption into the dermis.
The benefits of drinking a supplement over tablets are that a drink can include about 50 times more nutrients and active ingredients than pills because it is bigger in volume. A drink is also more appealing than popping a pill and the taste is far more pleasant. This is because the process that is used to extract the ingredients is very advanced so the flavour from any ingredients, like fish is not present.
This is from a press release issued 11th August 2011. (We have not tested or reviewed this product)
Penninghame – a weekend’s residential at the home of macrobiotics
Located in a 36 hectare estate in Dumfries and Galloway, on the banks of the River Cree, Penninghame is a beautiful Baronial Edwardian house, steeped in history. A macrobiotic learning and training centre, it’s focused on health and understanding the effects of food on well-being. Marie and Raymond Butler, the founders and owners of Penninghame House, run several different courses with another husband-and-wife team; Bill and Marlene Watson-Tara, offering lectures on nutrition, cooking with macrobiotic ingredients, health remedies and one-to-one health assessments. Together, the two couples have more than a century of combined experience in the field.
Developed by George Ohsawa in Japan in the 1920s, macrobiotics literally means “long life” (from the Greek makro, meaning long, and bio, meaning life). It is a lifestyle choice rather than a diet. Since Gwyneth Paltrow, Tom Cruise and Madonna became the advocates of macrobiotics it has become a strange, but otherworldly media fascination. The idea of macrobiotics is that you choose fresh, locally produced foods, that help to prolong your life and balance your body and mind, rather than force your organs to deal with processed food and sugars that can knock your system out of sync. “When you see how good Tom Cruise and Madonna look, you have to wonder about their diet. It’s no surprise that it’s macrobiotic. All that vitality and energy comes from somewhere” Says Marie.
A macrobiotic diet should re-ignite the body’s energy, and consists of whole grains, beans, plants, proteins, steamed vegetables, seaweeds (super rich in minerals we no longer get from land sources) and an endless supply of miso soup. It avoids all processed foods, additives, meat, dairy, caffeine and alcohol. Macrobiotics is not about being vegetarian or not allowing yourself treats. It’s about finding balance and harmony with what you eat and who you are. A six-course dinner was served on the first evening, cooked by their top residential macrobiotic chef. We dined on a delightfully creamy mushroom risotto, delicate miso soup, crispy tempura with tangy shoyu sauce, delectable adzuki bean burgers and a delicious agar chocolate mousse. We are told stories of how The Butler’s discovered their love of macrobiotics and how it has changed their lives. Even better, we’re told that everything passing our lips at the beautiful banquet is helping our bodies in some way – from our kidneys and liver to our skin and energy levels.
Each morning, after an early session of Chi ball or a yoga class and a walk through the grounds, the group head to the classroom for lectures by Bill Tara. The beauty of the Penninghame program comes from the sheer volume of education you are exposed to during your stay. Daily lectures on the why’s and wherefores of macrobiotics, advocating, sourcing fresh local seasonally appropriate produce and constant how-to cookery classes, which even novices can partake in. The NHS has begun to embrace macrobiotic philosophy, and during our stay, we met with a woman that was diagnosed with bowel cancer. The NHS said there was nothing that could be done about it, but four in ten cases of cancer could be avoided by a better diet. Ken and Marie disagreed and took her under their wing. The change, even after a few days was noteworthy, gone was the sallow skin. And there were plenty of other miracle fixes and cures. Marie herself was a long term eczema sufferer, cured only after years of anguish by changing her diet to a macrobiotic one. Furthermore, Bill claims that the country is sitting on a diabetes time bomb, unless we change our way of living and thinking, we will have a very sick nation on our hands. He tells us that in the US, 30 percent of the population is classified as obese and that the UK will have the same statistic in eight years if we continue the way we are. Following the program, I managed to lose four lbs over four days. Yes REALLY! Better still, with my Penninghame pack I could carry on the diet at home, buying the fresh produce I needed daily. I continued to lose weight following the diet, feel energized and overall healthier all-round. I will continue to follow a macrobiotic diet as much as possible, following the 80:20 rule advocated by the course leaders, allowing a little of the bad stuff in now and again, but only in moderation.
Penninghame offers a number of courses throughout the year – check the website (www.penninghame.org) for details.
Accommodation is in the main house or in various lodges in the grounds. Rooms are comfortable with cotswold-produced organic Ila bath products chosen for their health benefits. All food served fits with macrobiotic principals. A health mini-break costs from £495. Tel +44 (0)1671 401 414 for more details.
Marlene Watson-Tara’s Living with the Seasons – The Human Ecology Diet is available to buy in bookshops now.
Raw Fairies – Mini B Cleanse: Detox in a box, delivered to your door, daily.
Raw Fairies is headed by Cordon Bleu trained chef Anya Ladra. She produces delicious detoxifying recipes, available for home delivery throughout the UK. The Raw Fairies detox promises to re-boot and clean up your whole system, with wholesome, tasty vegan menus full of fresh, organic ingredients and juices packed with super-foods. These nutritionally rich, energising meals are delivered to your door in biodegradable packaging daily and include an easy to follow, extensive, nutritionist-designed supplement programme to further boost energy levels and complete the detoxification process. It’s no secret that raw foods are better for you, as you get more of the vitamins from fresh, uncooked produce. The benefits of adding more raw fresh foods to your diet are far-reaching and include; weight loss, reduced cellulite, increased energy, healthier skin, hair and nails, and improved mental clarity. “Eating the botanical cuisine is a fantastic way to improve your overall physical and mental wellbeing and naturally detox” claim Raw Fairies.
I embarked on the five day Mini B Cleanse ahead of my holiday to see if these promises were true. The daily deliveries made sticking to the diet fairly easy and for the first two days I was sent food parcels containing a selection of juices, smoothies and salads; delicious examples of which included the melon, lime and parsley smoothie with barley grass, the green smoothie with chlorella (marine algae) and spirulina – spaghetti made from courgette ribbons, red pepper and walnut bolognese. On day two I felt a little lethargic and suffered with a minor headache, so didn’t quite feel like a salad in the evening. But, by day three, which was my one-day ‘juice fast’, I was over the hump and bursting with energy. My skin was already brighter, I felt lighter and found my weight had dropped a few pounds. I didn’t find the one-day ‘juice fast’ problematic, seven smoothies was more than enough for the day. My body had quickly become accustomed to the smaller portions. I won’t profess to this being the easiest cleanse I have ever partaken in, probably because I was on the go a lot and not sat on a beach in Thailand relaxing. However, it is relatively easy to follow the plan. I had minimum hunger pangs the first four days and the benefits of not having to think about what I was going to eat each day more than made up for these.
Sadly, on the last day of the cleanse, I was in the unfortunate position of having to go to Goodwood with the Ed. If I didn’t know what hunger pangs were before, I certainly did afterwards. Burger joints screamed at me, luring me with their 100% organic grilled cheeseburgers. Cruel place to put me! No problem though, as after a minor fall off the wagon (a few strawberries and cream started me off); I found that I didn’t actually want that slab of greasy beef I had taken a few bites from. My stomach had shrunk to accommodate proper portion control and my body didn’t thank me for a carbohydrate and fat overload, however much my senses tried to convince me otherwise. I skipped back to the car to my final salad, feeling holier-than-thou and fabulous upon completion! The moral of the story is quality over quantity, much of what we eat and drink is superfluous, as I discovered. The most difficult part of the plan is in the actual implementation of the change; in realising that what we need is smaller amounts of a balanced menu of fresh foods that offer proper nutritional value, not the toxic, processed foodstuffs we are faced with each day. It’s all about making informed choices. The weight loss after the Mini B Cleanse was a great side effect, but the major benefit certainly came in the form of the increased vitality and improved mental clarity I felt afterwards, and a body that functions correctly rather than being lethargic, overworked by the toxins it needs to eliminate.
This was an easy plan to follow if you have NO social engagements and remain in one place, preferably not surrounded by jovial, beer drinking burger buyers! A little more resolve is required if you are. Raw Fairies was most certainly worth it in the long term, the perfect urban detox for busy Londoners.
For more information, log on to www.rawfairies.com
Urban Retreat’s Urban Spa
Review
Urban Retreat Manchester was my next destination; a one-stop beauty shop and super-spa in the city centre. And seeing as it was my birthday weekend, where better to prepare for a night out than at this über glamorous location?
Urban Retreat is located on the first floor of Harvey Nichols Manchester. The spa is total luxury – allowing for time, space and comfort, away from the hustle and bustle of my favourite department store below. You will find some of the world’s great beauty brands at Urban Retreat, and they boast the very best, including Dermalogica, Shu Umuera, ESPA, Bumble and Bumble to name a few.
As a regular at Urban Retreat, I already knew the drill. After a few frantic phone calls to and fro, as the salon is always busy, we managed to get everything scheduled in on a busy Saturday afternoon. I chose to have the Spa Ritual (£80 for 1hr 30mins), as I needed to be in and out fairly quick with all the party preparations I was booked in for. It began with a relaxing foot soak, whilst my therapist discussed the treatment. Cocooned in warm towels I was treated to a lovely relaxing massage. Following this my skin was prepped, cleansed, steamed and moisturised with some fabulous products and then a serene scalp massage completed the treatment. I emerged glowing, feeling gorgeous and relaxed ready for my next treatments.
Every girl should know the importance of a well groomed brow and I swear by the technicians at Urban Retreat to get my eyebrows in tip-top condition. Expertly shaped brows can immediately lift your features, taking years off you, and frame one of your most important features – the eyes. The Lash and Brow Boutique uses a threading technique to groom the brows. Urban Retreat describe it as ‘the equivalent of a mini face-lift in less than 15 minutes’. I would have to agree, after 15 minutes in the chair, which is located discreetly in the corner of the salon. I emerge a little red and just ever so slightly sore, which was easily resolved with a little aloe gel. The redness quickly disappeared and my brows were back to their best once again. Urban Retreat offers a range of Brow and Lash treatments at The Boutique; including brow shaping and tinting, eyelash tints, lash perms and extensions. Prices range from £17 – £100…
Read the full review online here, or subscribe to the magazine here
Home spa products
ESPA
Spas are where ESPA products began, and remain an integral part of their product range. Each product revitalises the face and body, providing the ultimate indulgence. ESPAS new formulations boast over 99% natural ingredients which work with the skin; delivering soft, smooth and beautifully supple results. ESPA Hydrating Cleansing Milk cleanser soothes and hydrates
tired skin, gently lifting make-up and impurities. Sweet almond oil and soya bean oils lightly moisturise whilst rose geranium, marshmallow and camomile sooth the skin. Use with the Floral Spafresh Toner, a pure and gently soothing naturally comforting tonic, which rejuvenates, refreshes and hydrates.
Treat yourself to a long languid soak and rediscover your emotional equilibrium at home using the Restorative Bath Oil, which contains sweet orange, rose and lavender to help relax, comfort and lift the spirits, whilst the sweet almond oil works it’s magic, deeply nourishing the skin. The palma rosa tones and firms, for beautifully smooth and thoroughly moisturised silky skin.
Hydrating Cleansing Milk: £22.50, Floral Spafresh Toner: £22.50 and Restorative Bath Oil: £42. www.espaonline.com
THALGO OCEAN MEMORY DEEP SEA SCRUB, 200ML: £36.75 
The luxurious, replenishing and purifying Ocean Memory Deep Sea Scrub is a perfect home spa treatment, which combines a powerful blend of marine ingredients to cleanse, soothe and rehydrate the body.
Thalgo are leaders in marine beauty; their home spa scrub uses volcanic sand, mineral salts and algae to leave the skin smooth, soft, revitalised and hydrated. Used once or twice a week this spa-in-a-jar will leave skin with the subtle scent of citrus fruit, algae bloom, mandarin, bergamot and iris, leaving the skin with an all over glow.
SANCTUARY YOUTH BOOSTING FACIAL IN-A-BOX
From the famous Sanctuary Spa in Covent Garden, the Facial In-a-Box is a step-by-step 30 minute spa facial treat that can be
taken anywhere. Designed to be used in conjunction, each product is enhanced by the other. Having taken the time to apply this facial whilst relaxing in a candlelit tub, my skin looked and felt firmer and visibly younger. A real treat!
Sanctuary Youth Boosting Facial In-a-Box (£16.34)
The Sanctuary Covent Garden: www.thesanctuary.co.uk
SPA FIND SCULPTED SILHOUETTE BODY CONTOURING GIFT SET
The luxury Bath Shower Gel is loaded with precious plant extracts, including aloe vera, grapefruit, camellia, ginger, rose and coconut to cleanse the body from top to toe. Use with the Heavenly Hydration Salt Brushing Scrub for positively glowing skin all over. The harmonious blend of pure Dead Sea Salts, vitamin E and coconut oil, with a citrus aroma, make a wonderfully pampering body exfoliation experience. Perfect for a relaxing yet energising home spa experience. Afterwards skin can be further nourished with the Hydration Mineralising Body Lotion.
As an extra treat there are also six Heavenly Hydration Body Treatment Oils to choose from. 100% natural aromatherapy oils including geranium, hazelnut, peppermint, clary sage, geranium and rosemary. These naturally scented oils deeply nourish skin
and relax the body, aiding the appearance of slackened skin, improve circulation and have a toning and tightening effect.
Spa Find Sculpted Silhouette Body Contouring Gift Set £38.00
www.spafindskincare.com
COWSHED
The Cowshed range was born at the Cowshed Spa in Babington House, Soho House’s sister spa in Somerset. The range of allnatural,
therapeutic botanically based products all contain a herbal infusion sourced from the walled garden at Babington House. We love Cowlick gentle shampoo. It’s mild, refreshing and freshly fragranced – like summer meadows. With 100% natural lemon, lavender and rosemary essential oils that keep the hair and scalp in great condition, it works to soothe the soul and still the mind, and leaves hair super-soft and shiny especially when used with the Saucy Cow Softening Conditioner.
This conditioner is revitalising and refreshing, containing shineimparting plant extracts and essential oils that leave hair super shiny, smelling naturally clean and alluring. The evening primrose oil protects and nourishes the hair, leaving hair baby soft. Cowlick Gentle Shampoo and Saucy Cow Softening Conditioner are suitable for use on all hair types.
Cowlick Gentle Shampoo, 300ml: £14.00.
Saucy Cow Softening Conditioner, 300ml: £16.00.
www.cowshedonline.com
DOVE SPA DE DIMPLE MINIMISING SCULPTING SERUM £50.00
For striking spa results in the comfort of your own home Dove Spa De Dimple Minimising Sculpting Serum is a targeted two week treatment for unwanted lumps and bumps. Used twice daily the Micro-Algae Ferment enhances skin regeneration and evens out the skin’s surface. Coleus Forskohlii Root Extract and Caffeine work together reducing accumulation of fat deposits for more supple and smooth skin. Carefully formulated to improve skin’s appearance and your body confidence.
Ragdale Hall
Review
After a long harsh winter nothing works better than a spot of pampering for a little pick-me-up. And, where better to recharge ones batteries than at the award-winning Ragdale Hall, in Leicestershire.
It was the perfect choice, offering an unrivalled range of spa treatments to satisfy every whim. But of course, this wasn’t my first trip to Ragdale. In fact
the last time I was there was probably a decade ago, so whilst planning a little trip up north to Manchester, I decided I needed some me time and booked in for the Overnight Reviver Break (£190). This was just what I needed to get body and soul back on an even keel.
I was warmly welcomed by the super friendly staff, who greeted me like an old friend. Conscious that I was super stressed out, and it showed, they couldn’t do enough to help get me settled in. Once changed, I headed straight for the pool area and took a swim and a steam. It had been a beautiful warm spring day, and later as the sun was setting, I took a stroll in the beautiful grounds. Perhaps it was the fact that I was out of London or the tranquillity of Ragdale, but whatever it was, I was already feeling relaxed and happy again, albeit absolutely exhausted. Hungry and tired I decided to take dinnerin my room that evening, a delightful smoked salmon salad, and cosied up in bed with a lovely book and an old movie. Finally some peace and quiet.
Following a healthy breakfast at 8am, I hit the gym. It was fairly busy, but staff were on hand to assist when needed. In the past, Ragdale has been renowned for its amazing menu of treatments, yet these days it is working hard to get its name on the map as a top fitness destination. The fitness class timetable boasts everything from hatha yoga to hula hooping, pompom workouts to pilates and everything in between. There are over eighteen classes per day in two separate studios, so there is something for everyone. In addition, there’s a dedicated exercise pool and a number of aqua fitness classes are held there, although more specialist private sessions can also be arranged.
After a good workout, it was time for the first of my treatments (Ragdale’s beauty and treatment menu must be one of the best in the world. Products used include all the top tier brands you would expect to find in a high-end spa of such calibre). I was given a choice of essential oils by my therapist. I chose relaxing, given the circumstances and within a few minutes I was in the zone. Deeply relaxed, at times almost asleep, my therapist worked my tired muscles and eased the stresses and strains of the previous weeks. A cocktail of essential oils were applied to my body, along with unique massage techniques. I emerged energised and glowing from top to toe…
Read the full review online here, or subscribe to the magazine here
Melvita
Melvita men’s shaving range
The men’s shaving range from Melvita is definitely amongst some of the best products we’ve tested to date!
Used in conjunction with one another, the shaving cream and after–shave balm leave your skin feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. With active ingredients including birch sap, shea butter, cypress nuts and olive leaves, the skin is left feeling refreshed and invigorated. Highly recommended.
Shaving Cream £14.00
After shave balm £15.00
Available from Harrods and John Lewis, as well as their new flagship store in Covent Garden.
www.melvita.co.uk
Nougat
Nougat Cherry Blossom bath range
For a truly pampering bathtime experience, try these products from Nougat. With active ingredients including bergamot, cherry blossom, sandalwood and musk, you will feel intoxicated with the light fragrance and left with skin as smooth and soft as a baby’s bottom!
Soothing Bath Pearls in Cherry Blossom: RRP £25.00
Nourishing Bath Velvet in Cherry Blossom: RRP £25.00
Available from the Nougat Spa and Salon: www.nougatlondon.co.uk
All For Eve
All For Eve – The Colour & Bath and Body Collection
We love ‘Eve Red’ lipstick, created by make-up supremo Daniel Sandler, which is perfect for this spring/summer’s signature red lip. Team this with a matching ‘Eve Red’ nail polish, created by world class manicurist Sophy Robson, to really finish and perfect the look.
‘All for Eve’ bath and body has been created by our favourites at Urban Retreat. The range includes an award winning hand cream, refreshing cucumber bath and shower gel, body lotion and body butter, and a richly moisturising body scrub, with jojoba beads, for silky smooth skin all over. Good for you, and for a good cause!
For pricing and more information go to: www.allforeve.co.uk
Jason Shankey
Jason Shankey Expert shaving range
Grooming maestro Jason Shankey has just launched his ‘Expert’ line of shaving products, which are designed to make the ritual a little less painful and a little more pleasurable!
We tried the Exfoliating Face & Scalp Scrub, Smoothing Shave Cream and Skin Soothing Moisture Balm, which did the trick. Active ingredients include cocoa, margosa leaf, sesame extracts, olive stones, pumpkin seeds and beet extracts across the range for a clean, refreshing finish to the usually mundane process of personal grooming.
Exfoliating Face & Scalp Scrub £15.00,
Smoothing Shaving Cream £14.00
Skin Soothing Moisture Balm £16.00
For stockists and further information, visit: www.jasonshankey.com
Liposonix
Liposonix – non-invasive liposuction
The Cadogan Clinic, one of the leading day hospitals in London, is the only clinic in the UK offering the seven most effective forms of liposuction. We recently got excited about one of their new treatments; Liposonix – the non-invasive liposuction treatment, which uses ultrasound to destroy the underlying fat in those stubborn areas that no amount of exercise can fix. ‘As part of the body’s natural healing process the destroyed fat tissue is eliminated via the liver, which processes the fatty acids as energy. Targeted fat is permanently reduced. Good for abdomen, hips and loins’.
It sounds great on paper, but when we tried this the results unfortunately did not quite hit the ark (our subject was female, late 20s and physically very active and fit – a gym goer at least 3-times a week). We were told it’s a one-off treatment, and that the results would be seen almost immediately. However, any noticeable reduction is yet to be seen following treatment. “This may well take a bit of time”; our subject was informed by one of the nurses. “Also it might be a course of treatments before you see a difference”.
The treatment itself was painful. There was bruising in the abdominal area where this was applied, including on the ‘love handles’. As far as treatments go, we’re on the fence with this one, however, we will let you know if something happens after we’ve gone to press with this edition.
The Cadogan Clinic 0207 901 8500
www.cadoganclinic.com
Trevor Sorbie
Trevor Sorbie – Shu Uemura Intensive Treatment with a cut & blow dry
Being able to put aside a couple of hours in a day for a visit to the salon is one of life’s little luxuries, and something that every woman (and man) should do on a regular basis.
And, Trevor’s team don’t do things by half! The Shu Uemura Intensive Treatment included a head massage using essential oils (you get a choice of two or three), which lasted for around 30/40 minutes (who can keep a track of time when you’re in bliss?). This is followed by a shampoo and conditioner wash, then a cut and blow dry. Both Juan and Lee were amazing and made it all look so effortless.
The salon also offers a whole host of other treatments, including aromatherapy treatments to facials and waxing, which means we’ll definitely be back for some more…
Shu Uemura Intensive Treatment – from £64
Cut & Blow Dry – from £55
0207 379 6901
www.trevorsorbie.com
Green People
Green People’s range is inspired by nature, and suitable for all skin tones and types. Our favourite products include the superrich Volumising Mascara £13.99, which contains almond oil to condition the lashes and it’s non smudge formulation lasts all day. Their Pure Blush £18.99, highlights cheeks naturally, giving the perfect rosy glow, without clogging the pores.
For more information visit: www.greenpeople.co.uk
