Evian launches first ever spa in Japan

Household name Evian have opened their first ever spa in Japan - only the second Evian spa outside of its European home.

Successfully combining Japanese minimalism with French savoir faire, the Palace Hotel Evian spa perfectly evokes serenity amidst the congestion of urban Tokyo - a metaphorical two fingers to those who doubted the original urban jungle’s ability to hop aboard spa culture.

And I really mean it when I say it’s a combination – think walls plastered with alpine-inspired scenes, clashed with origami bird ceiling instillation. Oh, and sauna-based LED light therapy technology that mirrors a 24-hour cycle of natural light in the French Alps - every 10 minutes.

Palace Hotel Tokyo’s spa debuted last month, with a treatment menu paying homage to the French theme - Paris-based Omnisens and Anne Semonin products are featured throughout.

Aside from the French references, the Hotel’s Executive Director Masaru Watanabe has also enforced the significance of the Evian collaboration with a design concept that evokes ‘journey of water’, from the water-source inspired loose stone garden, to the pool’s resemblance to a deep blue mountain pond. 

Masaru says, “The journey of Evian water through the French Alps, which leads to its purification and balance, is the same metaphorical journey we’re endeavouring to embark upon with our guests.”

Japanese heritage, however, is not forgotten. One of the spa’s signature experiences - the Vitalizing Signature is inspired by the Japanese philosophy of seitai, whereby pressure is meticulously applied to ‘master’ trigger points using fingers, thumbs and elbows to intensely stimulate and improve the flow of energy throughout.

And the panoramic views of the Imperial Palace Gardens and mystical Mt. Fuji in the distance are perhaps the most Japanese of all backdrops.

We think Japan might just be an explosive player on the spa-lovers map – watch this space, darlings! 

Lara Bohinc unveils Lydia Hearst for new campaign

 Who on earth is qualified to front an international campaign for a brand so synonymous with luxury that Sam-Cam gifted it to the First Lady of the United States?

Why the international Crème de la crème supermodels, of course.

Lydia Hearst (crowned International Supermodel of 2008, no less) has been announced as the face of Lara Bohinc’s latest fine jewellery palladium collection.

In a pleasing urban-meets-rural collaboration, the super-luxe 5-piece collection (cuff, choker, earrings, ring and pendant) takes inspiration from both the architectural shapes of London’s skyline (the campaign’s backdrop) and natural constructions such as spider webs and trees.

The best part? The weightlessly strong palladium metal allows several hundred diamonds and luminous south sea pearls to be displayed on each piece.

Swoon – we’ll take all five, please.

The collection will be sold exclusively at Harrods and Lara Bohinc

Noble Isle's Glorious Greens

 

If you don't fancy braving the elements for the inevitable disappointment of Wimbledon this year (and frankly, who would blame you?), here's another way to get your green fix. 

Seeped in historic English heritage, Noble Isle's Glorious Greens collection showcases oak, bark and water lilly extract from the far reaches of the English countryside. 

The candles, lotions and shower gels start from £18, available from Fortnum & Mason, Liberty, and Fenwick of Tunbridge Wells

Game, set, match, we think!

Merder Beauty launches Jamaican Voyage Spa Ritual

To hell with this topsy-turvey weather, darlings! Lady C has found a way to stay looking hot and feeling divine – and all with a little culture thrown in. The best part, though? Unlike other warmth and relaxation options, this one is - quite wonderfully - 100% jet-lag free.

Meder Beauty at Harrods’ Urban Retreat has just launched its Jamaican Voyage Spa Ritual, celebrating all the best that the sun-seekers’ destination au choix has to offer And no, it’s not just the rum, darlings (although we wouldn’t turn down a Mojito right now..) – we’re talking coffee, sugar cane and precious spices..

Meder’s signature Jamaican Voyage Body Potion begins the process with a double-pronged attack: it physically exfoliates, stimulates and energises the skin, whilst the powderful ingredients (remember: not rum) deeply penetrate the skin, creating an intense warming sensation. The result is boosted circulation and metabolism, which instantly revive dull, lifeless skin – and that’s before you’ve even got started.

The ritual proper then commences with cellulite-busting massage using Jamaican Voyage Massage Honey (sans sucrose, you’ll be pleased to hear – no-one likes a sticky masseuse) and classic ayurvedic teachings, renowned for their ability to stimulate weight loss. You’re then cocooned in an Aqua Capsule wrap, which is basically a heated glycerine gel containing skin-saturating micro-capsules bursting with active ingredients (such as extract of coffee beans, would you believe?!).

The full spa ritual is £155 for 1hr20mins, and can even be re-lived from the comfort of your own bath tub should you choose to DIY it (Body Potion, £69) – just maybe enlist the assistance of your own Mr C, first…

Caudalie to launch Urban Spas

If the month-long pop-up at Harrods simply isn't long enough, you’ll be pleased to know that luxury skincare brand Caudalie have just announced that they will be landing at a city near you, as they launch their Urban Spas across the UK.

CAUDALIE POP-UP AT HARRODS

Offering a capsule collection of four facial and one body treatment, the spas will initially launch in London, Liverpool and Dorset, before rolling-out to locations including Essex, Cambridge, and Lancashire.

This is the first time the luxe Français brand has ventured into our urban cities - we think we'll put their anti-oxidant know-how to excellent use..

If you can’t take the girl out the city, at least give her a good spa – thanks, Caudalie!

Lady C talks to the pros

A vibrant pop of lip / cheek / eye colour may look like hard graft to perfect, but according to the NARS backstage stying team, statement make-up is a doddle compared to nailing the no-make-up make-up trend. A flawless face will never betray a high maintenance regime – your best compliment should be “who is your facialist”, not “who did your make-up”.

A look that screams au natural even if you’re wearing more slap than ever before? How on earth does one achieve that fabled “dewy” skin without straying into the dreaded “shine” territory?

Trust in your Lady C, darlings, for I have done my homework.

Backstage at Christopher Kane, the models had their face massaged to increase blood circulation for a natural glow. But if you don’t have a masseuse to hand (and why-ever not?) NARS’ International Lead Stylist, Jane Richardson, suggests a mega-hydrating over-night mask the before a big event. Or get the pros in and indulge in Crème de la Mer’s The Facial at Urban Retreat, £120 for 60mins.

Next, choose your cosmetics wisely. Opting for brand continuity is a good idea, since varying proportions of oil and water can cause make-up to slip or “fall off” as you layer-up, which does not a natural look create.

Burberry’s latest cosmetic collection references the effortless elegant of the brand’s Autumn/Winter 2012 ready-to-wear, with colour limited to wearable English countryside hues, and an emphasis on matte, velvety textures. Think lightweight foundation, rich velvety eye shades, gently contoured cheeks, and natural dusky pink lips. They’ve done it all for you, really.

Top tip? Wendy Rowe, Burberry Beauty Artistic Consultant suggests applying foundation from the centre of the face, blending outwards, for truly natural coverage. Lady C fully endorses getting your fingers dirty for this – the skin on skin contact warms foundation, allowing it to blend more seamlessly. 

The Burberry collection isn’t available til August, so bide your time and brush up on application skills. And woe betide the unprepared come Autumn - this look is going to be huge!

New Digital Protein Treatment

Anyone can recreate the soft, sexy waves all over the Spring / Summer’s catwalks right? 

Wrong. 

Hair shaft damage - courtesy of over-zealous styling, humble brushing, and a whole host of other styling sins - can put paid to dreams of flowing those sexy, beachy waves seen at the likes of Isabel Marant, Calvin Klein and Givenchy.

But all is not lost. Lady C’s over served locks were treated to protein boost on Wednesday, thanks to the New Digital Protein Treatment at Mayfair's Eleven hair, £60. The treatment infuses the hair with conditioning proteins and leaves hair set into waves or curls (the choice is yours), which last between 3 and 5 days.

And last it does…

Day one

Day two

Day three

It’s curl-tastic, darlings!

Royal Ascot's annual Fashion Show gets underway

 Handbags at the ready, ladies: drenvy [read: dress envy] just hit the big-time.

12 perfectly coiffed and impeccably clothed girls are being unleashed to trot down the runway with frightening regularity as the annual Royal Ascot fashion show gets underway.

And just incase your Mr. C needs a touch of inspiration, 2 male models have been thoughtfully thrown in too. Swoon.

Fabulous frocks and the most haute of hats are sitting pretty atop the work of Akgun Manisali’s RMK make-up team, and fashion week regulars Toni & Guy.

Lady C has been putting her Bolly quaffing time to good use, and snapping the hottest looks backstage.  Enjoy, darlings…!

Backstage at Royal Ascot fashion show

If you’re heading to Royal Ascot this weekend, look out for the annual Royal Ascot fashion show in the Bessborough Suite. Designers from Vivienne Westwood to Todd Lynn will be sending their girls down the runway with bespoke looks created by RMK make-up. 

 

 

 Akgun Manisali, head of RMK make-up artistry says the looks are “elegant and sophisticated, complimented by a silky, flawless finish to the skin”. Watch this space for all the backstage goss as Lady C goes behind the scenes..

Review: Eve Lom facial

As any facial fan will no doubt assert, the hallmark of an hour well spent is judged not by face-time itself, but by the satellite treatments encompassed into your time on the therapist's couch. Note to brands: the odd foot scrub / head rub / shoulder massage will never go a-miss.

At Eve Lom, this message has been clearly been received loud and clear: from a gentle earlobe massage to the application of lip-balm as I semi-dosed (a first EVER for me and surprisingly well-received for an area I considered the sole domain of Mr C's nashers), this treatment was all in the detail. AND there's not a plinky plonk sound in sight (if you catch my poorly described drift) - Eve Lom's violin soundtrack is simply calming.  

The neck, shoulder and decollete massage was firm and - quite unusually, actually - very results-driven. I can tell you this because of the dull ache (good pain - satisfying. A bit like poking a bruise) that ripped through my shoulders as she worked on my knots. Oh, and the fact that I heard her knuckles crack with strain of de-knotting me.  Love a therapist who's not afraid to get stuck in. But, just as the age old "beauty is pain" mantra was beginning to form on my tongue, it was over. Just as quickly as it had started. One stroke later and her hands simply glided up my shoulders  - the tension had totally and quite literally melted. Well I never: knots be gone! 

At the end, I asked what she thought my face type was. Far from the generic one word-ers we tend to associate with skintype, I received a brief but encompassing break-down of the individual parts of my face and their specific needs. Dry, oily, combo? Pah. That's so last decade..

On leaving, I was presented my very own posy in a jar. I felt like the Queen. Oh, and I left fresh faced rejuvenated, and totally sans redness. I felt no need for make-up, and in fact my skin felt so ludicrously clean that I quite specifically chose to avoid it (and wondered if I should re-learn some cleansing know-how..)

The facial was based around a new launch for the luxe skincare brand - watch this space. And in the meantime, head to the Sanderson's Agua spa for their latest treatments. 

Bioeffect goes sky-high with body serum launch

A super-dedicated following includes Jennifer Aniston, Una Therman and Kelly Preston; first production sold out in 10 days; and it is the latest to secure a place on the infamous mile high club. Well, sort of..

That’s right, jet-setters – celebrity favourite Bioeffect has hit the big time, and will now be available in the sky as you fly (aka on British Airways long-haul flights).

 Born from the challenging climes of Iceland, Bioeffect is a hard-working skincare range, sealed with the Derms’ stamp of approval – renowned Professor of Dermatology, Dr. Ronald L. Moy says, “best results I have seen during my 30 years of practice”. Well, if it’s good enough for the pros..

So what’s all the hype about? Well, darlings, yours truly has done her research and here is the low-down. [full disclosure: this is the science-y bit]

Bioeffect contains EGF cellular activator, an ingredient which naturally occurs in skin, where it activates biological processes involved in maintaining radiant looking skin.

While the skin is young, it produces enough of its own EGF to maintain its youthful radiance. As we age, the skin slows its natural production of EGF and begins to lose firmness and elasticity. This is when fine lines appear, skin grows thinner, and the surface epidermis becomes duller in appearance.

So by stimulating this natural process of cell renewal, the visible signs of ageing are reduced and skin appears plumper, firmer and more youthful.

The line-up (available at Bioeffect), comprises a serum, £125, cream, £55, and now… the body serum, £70. Following in the footsteps of Crème de la Mer’s The Body Crème, Bioeffect's body serum is super hydrating, to the extent that daily use may even be unnecessary…

You heard it here first!

ONCA beauty supplement trial

 This week, Lady C will be trying out the latest craze in beauty supplements: Onca. The “beauty & energy” mix is designed to be taken twice a day – in the morning to cleanse and detoxify, and in the evening to support the body’s nightly recovery ritual. Boasting no fewer than 21 all-natural ingredients from the exotic to staple heroes like Acai, Onca is has a fair few benefits up it’s glossy sleeve. 

Here goes… boosts collagen, increases skin elasticity, improves hair, teeth, bone and nail health, speed metabolism, supports the immune system, increases energy and concentration, regulates digestion, protects cardiovascular health… phew. Is there anything it doesn’t do?!

More to the point, this super-exclusive supp (it will only be sold to 3,000 people, to maintain production ethics) is apparently mega-tasty – we’ve heard mutterings of “chocolate replacement” being bandied about…

Well. We shall leave that accolade to yours truly to deliver.

Watch this space, darlings – the proof will be in the (healthy alternative to) pudding!

Sarah Chapman Skinesis at The Capri Palace Beauty Farm

Renowned for her attraction of a discerning and loyal clientele from beauty editors to a-list celebs, Sarah Chapman has built up a reputation as the facialist in the know. Anyone who’s anyone will have the skincare super on speed-dial – or at least they will claim to: time with Sarah is as strictly limited as it is sought after.

So what better destination for her inaugural move out of London than the spa quietly considered to be one of Europe’s most prestigious spas?

The Capri Palace Beauty Farm has recently welcomed the skincare super and her signature Skinesis treatment into its super-luxe haven high in the hills of Anacapri.

Fusing science with luxury, the treatment is the result of 20 years of research and experience, and is an anti-ageing miracle combo of traditional French massage techniques, state-of-the-art technology, and super-strength serums. The rejuvenating results must be seen to be believed, leaving skin impossibly radiant and glowing with youth.

Was ever there a better reason to get out of London?

24k Gold Facial

Your beauty girl-about-town has some juicy news for you, facial fans. Hot off the Japanese trend-wagon, we spy Victoria Beckham has been enjoying gold flake-enriched facials.

Finally: the secret to Vicky B’s age-defying success? We’ll take three…

Lucky ladies in NYC can head to The Spa @ Equinox for their iconic 24 Carat Gold Facial, but for the Londoners amongst us, there just isn’t a suitable alternative.

Unless you DIY it…

Jamela Skin Care have just launched 24k Gold Collagen Face & Neck Masks, £37.50, which use pure mineral gold infused with high-strength natural plant collagen and turbo-powered anti-oxygen. The result is a rapid collagen and elastin synthesis, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, whilst firming and hydrating the skin.

The addition of gold means the plant collagen is absorbed at 10 times the rate of a traditional face mask. So our BFF metal is more than just a pretty face, then.

Jamela recommends wearing the mask for up to a whopping 5 hours – that’s our afternoon taken care of, then..

Biodroga launches new Golden Caviar Mask

If we may be so bold, the down-side of a fabulous facial (and yes, there truly is one), is that one must watch the inevitable decline of said fabulous results with every moment that goes by.

But all is not bleak, facial fans. Lady C was excited to learn that German skin-whizz brand Biodroga are launching a new Golden Cavier Mask, £34.80, to rival the results delivered at The May Fair’s treatment by the same name, £99 for 60 mins.

The rich cream mask contains precious caviar extract and vitamins that penetrate deep into the dermis to intensely nourish skin, boosting moisture levels and balancing skin’s lipids to fortify its barrier function. Fine lines and wrinkles are smoothed, and the subtlest deposits of shimmering pigments deflect light for a thoroughly flawless finish.

It’s not a facial, but it’ll tide you over until you can see you therapist. And who doesn’t love a bit of DIY?!

Lalique launches 20th anniversary limited edition

 First impressions count. That’s obvious.

But add to that the whizzy science bit that 70% of all communication is non-verbal, and suddenly the scent you choose (or don’t, for that matter) becomes a powerfully influential tool.

Our point? Lalique’s signature scent - the formidably elegant Lalique de Lalique of circa 1992 - is back. And better.

A floral steeped with femininity, the scent opens with an elegant bouquet of Bulgarian Rose and radiant Jasmine, concealing a fruity heart of Blackcurrant, Blackberry and Pear. It is the olafactory equivalent of an English garden, and about as quintessentially British as it gets.

So – quel surprise, darlings – the fragrance feast is back once more, this time in special 20th Anniversary limited edition bottles. The Chevrefeuille crystal carafe from 1992 comes in two exquisite forms. 350 limited edition 40ml bottles – each signed and numbered, and laced with 24k gold honeysuckle leaves. Oh, and 50 deluxe bottles, £5,800 for 600ml.

The deluxe is, to be perfectly frank, a sheer vat of scent (for want of a less vulgar phrase), and is overwhelmingly elegant, showcasing of the work of no less than eight master glassmakers. Swanky. This is the crème de la crème of fragrance. The pièce de résistance for your dressing table. The pièce maîtresse for just-about-anywhere… Ooh la la, the fabulosity has made us come over all en Français…

Suffice to say, your dresser looks naked without it.

Head to Harrods or Fortnum or visit Lalique

St Tropez launch Spraycation tour of UK

P.s. if achieving a faux glow yourself is a little too much to handle, head to London's Westfield this weekend, where luxe bronzing brand St Tropez are launching their Spraycation tour of the UK's hottest cities.

The month-long tour will shower our sun-starved skin in pop-up booths from London to Glasgow, as part of a campaign to paint the nation bronzed. It's fronted by MIC's perma-tanned Millie Mackintosh, who is super excited about spreading the tan-love: "Having a golden tan is one of my favourite things about the summer so I'm thrilled to be the ambassador for St. Tropez's Spraycation campaign". Bless her. 

Lady C  will be visiting on Friday - see you there, darlings?

For more information, visit the website.

One can work up a sweat and stay chic

I, Lady Chartwell have decided to get into the Olympic spirit by upping one's game in one's aerobics class, something one had previously put off due to one's fake tan not agreeing with such energetic excitement. The new Fake Bake sport eliminates ghastly tan smudging, so one has a rather healthy looking "Barbados" glow even after physical exertion. My athletic glow lasts around 5 days per application.

Shhh... this is a real beauty bargin at circa £15 a tube http://www.fakebake.co.uk/

Ushvani launches Kaffir Lime Reinvigorating Ritual

With that frightful Made In Chelsea lot parading round the streets of SW3, it is easy to forget the hidden gems that lie just off the trodden track. But to the intrepid amongst you, Chelsea’s rewards are still there for the taking. 

Ushvani is a luxurious 6-star holistic spa nestled just off Sloane Street, a stone’s through from Harrods (should you be so indulgently inclined). The holistic spa is guided by the principles of nurture, well-being and relaxation.. and of course some serious indulgence. The best part, though? It is completely and utterly unique.

Quite apart from the staid, clinical feel of some day-spas, Ushvani is as one-of-a-kind as it gets, from contemporary mandi baths, to specially commissioned Malaysian artworks. Oh, and there’s the gentle aroma of ginger that wafts about the place (in a good way), too. The treatments themselves continue the immurement into the orient: all products contain potent active ingredients native to Asia.

Ushvani’s latest launch is the Kaffir Lime Reinvigorating Ritual (£180 for 90 mins), which begins with a thorough scrub-down before a results-driven massage. We say results driven because this does not only relieve tension: it stimulates a non-invasive colonic cleanse. You have been warned..

The results? Aside from the obvious relaxation benefits, Lady C noticed an immediate decrease in bloating, thanks to the aforementioned methods. The treatment claims to stimulate metabolic rate, too, so we treated ourselves to that skinny latte we’d been craving..

Visit www.ushvani.com

Dig deep into your Mulberry for a good cause

Join Lady Chartwell as I reach deep into my Mulberry for the 2012 CLIC. Sargent Midsummer party. In 2011 the Midsummer Party raised in excess of £400,000 which was used by CLIC Sargent to provide clinical, practical and emotional support for young cancer patients . Money raised at the 2012 Party will be used by the charity to reduce the practical and financial impact of cancer treatment on a child, or young person, and their family.

Lady Helen Taylor, CLIC Sargent Ambassador, says: "In 2011 we were able to raise more than £400,000 for a charity very close to my heart and with the continued support and generosity of guests in 2012 we hope a significant amount of money can, again, be donated to CLIC Sargent. Money raised at this year's party will make a real difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer, at what is likely to be the most difficult time in their lives."

Every day, 10 children and young people across the UK are told they have cancer. CLIC Sargent is there to respond to their individual needs and the needs of their families too. 

Over the last year CLIC Sargent has supported more than 6,500 children with cancer, and their families. Additional support was provided through CLIC Sargent's other services such as our Homes from Home and holidays, and we also reached thousands more children, young people, families and the public through our information service.

Purchase Tickets for the Masterpiece Midsummer Party now

For Box Office information and further details on the Masterpiece Midsummer Party in aid of CLIC Sargent, please telephone +44 (0)20 8752 2883 or emailmasterpiece@clicsargent.org.uk

Harrods to host Caudalie pop-up spa

Sod the English “summer”, Lady C has a little treat for those planning a July Staycation..

From Monday 25th June to Monday 23rd July, Harrods’ aptly named Urban Retreat is bringing a tranquil slice of the French countryside to central London.

Since it’s debut in 2008, the Urban Retreat Pop-up Spa Festival has brought world-wide spas to the world’s largest super salon, from The Forte Village in Sardinia to The Pangkor Laut in Malaysia. Simply: if you can’t get to a spa, UR will bring it to you..

Caudalíe’s pop-up is an indulgent treat inspired by the Smith Haut Lafitte vineyard in Bordeaux where the brand was born and with all their signature anti-oxidant prowess. A world apart from the drizzly sky outside, Caudalíe’s pop-up is a temporary haven of French bucolic paradise, and a breath of fresh country air in the heart of London. Sigh.

Choose from five uber-luxe signature Caudalíe treatments for face or body, or the exclusive Urban Retreat Combo Express package. Lady C was treated to the super-speedy Express D-Vine Facial, £50 for 30mins, which whipped our tired, lack-lustre skin into luminous, radiant shape with the perfect cleanse-mask-massage combo. We hear this is one for Mr Chartwell, too..

Visit www.urbanretreat.co.uk/harrods to book.

Fellow ladies... A VIP invitation for you

Join Heidi Gosman and Penny Klein, as we invite you to celebrate the opening of the Heidi Klein boutique at Bicester Village, Oxford. The VIP celebrations, which include lunch are happening this Wednesday 1-4pm.

Please contact Victoria Sheppard for further details victoria@chartwellmagazine.co.uk

The May Fair's Moroccan Steam Cleansing Ritual

There is a reason why the May Fair Hotel is routinely chosen to house the international glam pack each season throughout London Fashion Week. And it’s not the inclusion of the largest private theatre in London, nor the rooftop penthouse with 360˚ views of London, or even the banquet facilities that house the largest Baccarat chandelier in Europe.

We have one word for you: Spa.

Offering bespoke treatments and treatment packages from traditional Swedish massage to the jet-setter’s BFF Jetlag Reviver (£330 for 3hr40), the spa is a haven from the hustle of city life, and an exercise in elegance and luxury.

Lady C was treated to the iconic Moroccan Steam Cleansing Ritual, (or the May Fair Mud Bath to those in the know). The toning muds and natural salts seep deep within the skin thanks to cleaning steam that is continuously jetted out of a crystal ball. And to calm your mind while you’re at it, tiny optic fibre lights imitate the feeling of a warm summer night.

The experience is enjoyed from the privacy of an individual steam chamber (or chamber pour deux if you fancy some fun-in-the-mud with a special someone).

Our skin was left wonderfully softened, and our mind perfectly at ease. It is the perfect remedy for busy city life (if you have the time, that is..).

Trevor Sorbie launches Booster Menu

Hair-dressing was robbed of a defining man last month when it was announced that industry grandfather Vidal Sassoon had died. Described by Vogue (aka our Bible) as “a byword for excellence in hair," Sassoon is credited for transforming hair-dressing not only in his sixties hey-day, but forever after – spot the difference between Mia Farrow and Emma Watson’s pixie cuts. We spy a trend.

London’s best have paid homage, and all eyes are turning to those who worked closely with the pioneer, as they embark upon the task of continuing a legacy of hairdressing excellence.

No small feat.

But out of the haze has stepped none other than hairdresser du jour Trevor Sorbie, who worked under Sassoon as Artistic Director in 1973.  So Lady C was delighted to be invited to test-drive Sorbie’s latest venture: the Booster Menu.

The boosters (shine, colour or volume – take your pick) are a genius idea, designed to tide your hair’s condition and appearance over until your next salon appointment. The speedy service takes an hour from the moment you step in the salon to your perfectly coiffed exit. The perfect lunchtime excursion.

Our over-served locks were quite a handful – “goodness, darling. I think we’ll be needing two” – so we tried out both the shine and colour boosters.

We left the Covent Garden salon with hair that felt refreshed and ready to face the music til we can next make it into the salon. Highlights it is not – but it is a serious time saver and a must for hair that’s in the spotlight.

Because, after-all: would you wear a faded, lackluster hat?

New Sisleya Anti-Ageing Body Treatment

Since opening its legendary doors in 1898, Claridges has been the discerning traveller’s hotel de choix, and their iconic roof-top spa has long been on the spa-lover’s map – all the moreso since this year’s partnership with pioneering botanicals brand Sisley.

The spa’s latest addition is the Sisleya Anti-Ageing Body Treatment – aka a month’s worth of Pilates in just ninety minutes. This is the lazy girl’s answer to that phrase beloved by trainers everywhere: “time to tone up?”

Focused on tightening problem areas such as inner arms and buttocks, a unique firming massage sequence visibly reduces skin slackening, while exclusive Phyto-Aromatic body oil eliminates toxins and energises skin. With circulation stimulated, the body is left with a younger, more toned, appearance. Without so much as breaking a sweat. Et voila. 

Now. While Lady C doesn’t endorse going sans gym, this is a must for pre-holiday regimes, or for those needing a little boost as they begin a weight-loss campaign. Oh, sod it – there’s reason enough for us all to book in!

Something refined for Lord Chartwell

On my way to Urban Retreat in Harrods, I noticed this rather dashing new fragrance for Lord Chartwell. Londinium by Molton Brown, the latest product to be added to the 'Navigations through Scent' collection, embodies all that makes a quintessentially English gentleman. Inspired by Savile Row suit linings, whiskey cocktails and street style, I can see why this suits Lord Chartwell down to the ground.

The warm whisky note of the lead ingredient malt accord, gives this woody fragrance a spicy heart. Blended together with peaty oakmoss and myrrh, and refreshed with top notes of wild juniper and bergamot, Londinium echoes the brilliant juxtapositions of the busy metropolis.

A truly capital blend, the limited edition LONDINIUM (51° 50’N, 0° 09’W) fine fragrance is set to surprise and delight.

LONDINIUM (51° 50’N, 0° 09’W) - £75 (50ml) 

www.moltonbrown.co.uk

[Comfort Zone] launches Adamina Spa

Fans of luxury Italian skincare brand [Comfort Zone] will be delighted to know that they’ve just launched their debut UK concept spa, right in our very own Kensington. 

The spa has put a chic twist on homely – think art deco meets French Riviera – paying homage to CZ’s heritage of ancient cultures.

The best part though? The period building’s façade is wholely unimposing, which is enough to deter opportunist spa-grazers. That means exclusivity, spa-lovers!

The basement levels of the spa are a sensory journey that should be experienced to be believed – turns out the perfect balance of colours, sounds and smells equals total relaxation. You could loose days in here..

Don’t be fooled, though – this is no spa for the sake of spa-ing. Treatments are results-driven and targeted, from anti-aging to muscle repair. We treated our sensitive skin to a bespoke Skin Resonance facial, £80 for 60mins. Our skin felt smooth, refreshed and deeply calmed from the inside – if you suffer from redness or sensitivity, get Adamina on speed dial, immediately.

Pick a treatment (or preferably two) from Adamina’s extensive list. You can thank us later..

YUMI lash treatment launches at Harrods

With refreshing news that Royal Ascot has upped the ante on the Royal Enclosure dress code for this year’s meet comes a welcome sigh of relief that the WAG craze has finally passed. And since where fashion goes, beauty follows (backstage at fashion week, models confessed “now, everyone wants to be the Marant girl”), it’s time to turn understated. So that’s Swedish-model gorgeous but totally and utterly natural. Right. What’s an English Rose to do? 

 

Head to Harrods, that’s what. Because (oh, rejoice) that coveted au-natural look has just taken a gigantic leap toward being achievable.  

You see, Lady C was invited to test-drive Urban Retreat newbie Yumi Lashes. The latest Swiss export promises to take lashes from zero to hero in 45 minutes, lasting for up to 12 weeks, and with no glue or falsies in sight. We understandably had our doubts.

But we were wrong. Essentially, the treatment lifts, straightens and tints lashes (you pick your shade) in a one-er, before the results are sealed using a gentle serum. During the process, eyes are brightened and revitalised thanks to potent co-enzyme Q10 pads that smoothe fine lines and wrinkles, which quite literally knock the years off.

Similar stand-alone treatments are available, but the 5-in-one combination is staggering.

Your lashes are less Bambi, more Beauty, and it’s finally a classy answer to falsies. 

It’s our time to shine, ladies – let’s make extensions a taboo.

P.s. if you must fake it, choose your materials wisely – nothing screams glue-on like synthetics. The latest lashes use mink – head to the Away Spa at the W Hotel.

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