Aromatherapy Associates Facial

It is difficult to describe the utter comfort and super-human results that come as standard with an Aromatherapy Associates treatment - you'd need the tactile equivalent of smelly telly just to get started. But I'll do my best… 

So, the nice thing about an AA treatment is that you're not backed into a corner when you book weeks in advance by having to specify your chosen ritual. Instead, you talk through exactly how your skin has been feeling and behaving over the past few days on arrival, highlighting areas of concern for your therapist to focus on. It means the treatment is totally bespoke and you don't waste time having a mask, massage or melt (tenuous, I know) that frankly your skin doesn't need. 

Obviously, the whole experience is simply divine. But what really tickled my fancy, darlings, is the magical bed. With its sumptuous duvet and squiggly mattress, it feels more like you might be going for a nap than a treatment. And it just keeps getting better. Inexplicably, the bed forms the perfect wiggle underneath you in the exact shape your body secretly craved without even telling you. You begin to wonder how you've ever before been comfortable without this robbo-bed. This is a see (or feel)-it-to-believe-it jobby. 

Aside from the genuinely results-driven treatment (my blemishes have literally packed their bags and left since my deep-clean facial yesterday), the whole experience is all about the details. You're treated to any number of upper-body massages, from head and shoulders to hands and arms, maximising your time as a treatment mask sets. And once in the post-treatment vanity room, there are ghds, hairdryers, and massive mirrors - it'd be rude not to preen! 

We tried out our technical expertise and booked through wahanda.com, which is an online interactive directory for where to go and what to do. Kind of like Facebook for beauty. Fabulous.

T: 020 7838 1117, www.wahanda.com.

Christian Dior Golden Jungle

Calling all jungle divas. The delectably Parisian Parfums Christian Dior has unveiled its Autumn Winter collection, and it's a little bit wild. Golden Jungle is feline, sensual, and exotic - a luxe take on the glamorous urban jungle.

Leopard print (one of Christian Dior's favourite themes), is given a sophisticated twist with the brand's signature infusion of gold - 5 Couleurs Designer (in khaki, of course), 3 Couleurs Glow Palette (Ivory Glow or Nude Glow), the 3 Couleurs Smokey Palette, Dior Vernis in Amazonia and Bengale, and the Golden Jungle Crocodile Leather Effect nail duo. 

You might be spotting a trend here, darlings. 

The collection's piece de resistance, though, is the Golden Jungle Palette, an on-trend texture clash of shimmer and matte, teamed with a mini gloss. The palette is available in Golden Browns or Golden Khakis.

It is ultra-chic, wearable, and the perfect addition to Autumn Winter's layer-tastic fashion. Play, build, and wear with that signature Christian Dior suave. Grrr. 

VitaBella DIY Face Mask Treatment

DIY facials have come a long way from those slightly despicable-smelling pharmacy-bought sachets of our youth (go on, admit it - remember that uber-drying, cracking effect? There you go..)

VitaBella Face Mask Treatment is the very latest - an all-natural, soft fabric mask. It’s super hydrating, delivering active ingredients direct into the dermis thanks to pure Aloe Vera gel (which contains 20 minerals, 18 amino acids and 12 vitamins, FYI). 

In user trials, skin hydration and moisture content was increased by more than 20% within the first hour, and we can vouch for the terrific skin-softening restults. 

The mask contains all the usual suspects – Hyaluronic Acid (doesn’t everything, nowa-days?), potent antioxidants and a host of vitamins and minerals; but it also adds a skin-softening proteins and repairing Argan Oil.

It's the perfect antidote for sun-sensitised skin – this one’ll be making the cut onto our ever-growing holiday packing list. 

Holiday essentials

As promised, darlings, here are my holiday must-haves. Efficient, hard-working, and pleasingly all 100ml or under, so carry-on friendly.. Vichy After Sun SOS Balm - the perfect antidote for over-indulgence in the sun. Apply to localised areas or all over for a seriously cooling experience. Or maybe enlists Mr C's massage techniques? Lancaster Multi Protection Easy On Gel - the perfect partner for an active holiday (even if that activity is limited to occasional cocktail-supping). Glides on easily and is completely sans that oh-so-vulgar commercial sun lotion smell. St Tropez Everyday Body Moisturiser - we all know we should fake it not bake it - top up your tan each night with a go on this for a guaranteed glow come home-time Label. M ProteinSpray - you wouldn't go out without SPF on your body, right? So why do it to your hair? Protect condition, colour and strength with a few spritz's of this lightweight spray and reap the benefits later. LAB Series BB Tinted Moisturiser - this may be strictly for the Mr C's, but it's the best BB I've found. Truly un-detectable, this is the only way to cheat flawless on your hols without risking a face melt-off. MAC Fix+ - A divine little Multi-tasker, this mini-spray will stop your make-up sliding south of an evening, and is also a handy refresher on the beach. Don't hit the heat without it. Treatment - The holy grail of haircare. Use as a serum, UV protection, treatment mask... Basically, leave this at home at your peril. And this mini 10ml bottle will keep you sitting pretty for a week

What's in my beach bag?

I have arrived in sunny Spain darlings, and the weather is fabulous. But with a stonking 30 degrees of heat from 10am (phew!), I've been searching for the creme de la creme of sunscreen. Thus far, top of my list is Clarins Sun Control Stick SPF30, which is super handy and won't wreak havoc at the airport in your hand luggage. I'm also loving (read: slathering on) Ultrasun once-a-day SPF30. It's the easiest ever to apply, and re-application is VERY infrequent. And finally, for when I fancy a gentle jog with Mr C, I'm reaching for my Lancaster sweat, water and generally any nasties-resistant SPF20. The tan is progression nicely, sans burn. Stay tuned for other holiday must-haves...

Clarins Eau Dynamisante 25th anniversary

Legendary super-scent (read: fragrance that doubles as a body treatment – genius) Clarins Eau Dynamisante is 25 years young this year. 

And what better way to celebrate her quarter-centurian than with a bit of sparkle?

The signature blend of 14 derm-friendly aromatic essential oils is now available in limited edition 100ml sparkle bottle, £29.  

The multi-tasking scent inspired Clarins' original Most Dynamisante Woman of the Year Wards, which recognises exceptional British women who work with underprivilidged children around the world. 

Wholesome and sparkly? Now that’s our kind of anniversary. 

Mazel tov, Clarins!

Jamela Skin Care 24k gold breast masks

It is an excrutiating experience, known by women the world over - the pang of desperation when you realise: "oh, hell - saggy sideboob!" This season, boobs are taking centre stage (the world’s biggest ever strapless bra has just be created – a whopping 42K), and we're getting our t**s out all over the place - just look at bare-all stars like Rihanna, Jessica Biel and Lauren Conrad. 

So it was only natural that skincare would follow.

Mineral collagen experts Jamela Skin Care has extended its uber-luxe 24k gold line to include masks specifically for boobs (sorry, breasts), £42.50 for 5.  The masks contain pure mineral gold infused with high-strength natural plant collagen and anti-oxidants including Vitamin E and rose essence which helps stimulate the skin’s own collagen production, which means production increased skin thickness, elasticity and smoothness. So everything you’d want from a breast, really.   

Plus, the brand’s unique combination of active gold and plant collagen helps to increase cellular metabolism and tighten the skin, resulting in the supporting skin of the breasts feeling smooth and firmer.

When the slightly torturous-looking (but terrifically comfy, I can assure you) masks are applied to the skin, the ingredients perform like a liquid pillow in the tiny layers between skin cells and produce a continuous non-surgical skin augmentation.   

Saggy sideboob, be gone! Welcome to the next generation of skin tightening. It can take a gold star... 

Anne Semonin joins Michaeljohn Medispa

Parisian beauty brand Anne Sémonin has announced a partnership with brand new London medispa, Michaeljohn Beauty & Medispa.

The uber-luxe day spa, nestled right in the heart of our very own Knightsbridge, has been designed as a retreat from hustle and bustle of everyday city life. 

The super-indulgent Anne Sémonin treatment collection combines a blend of aromatic essential oils, trace elements and marine ingredients. The brand's classic French touch and holistic approach to treating the individual needs of a client’s body and skin delivers bespoke treatments, designed to create an atmosphere of maximum comfort, absolute luxury and outstanding results. 

The spa follows the brand’s renowned ‘tailor made’ ethos with individually designed treatment room, each of which has been given a character of its own - spa owner Katie Noble; says they have set out to bring "life and character to the spa”. 

Choose from super-charged facials, or mega-relaxing body treatments, or pick them all. Well, they don’t call it a day spa for nothing… 

Waterhouse Young Clinic Hydrafacial

From the pleasingly imposing “dentist’s chair” that fully reclines to form a comfy treatment bed; to the doctors and nurses who are all introduced by first name - the Waterhouse Young Clinic has established itself as a unique hybrid of scientific and luxurious. 

And the real beauty is that whilst it is incredibly results-driven, it doesn’t feel at all clinical. 

Adhering to the theory of beauty from the inside out, the waiting area is a well-stocked haven of fruit, nuts and super food health drinks (detox, anti-ageing or vitamin boost – take your pick). The water is pleasingly icy, the sofas are mega comfy (and adorned with only the glossiest of mags - nice touch), and you are offered a luxe-looking blanket should you feel a tad chilly. You feel healthier just for being there.

I chose a Hydrafacial, which essentially does exactly what it says on the tin. It is a bespoke treatment that involves a series of acids (hyaluronic and glycolic are key) being infused into the skin via a small suction machine. Crucially, the nurse delivering your treatment is able to identify areas that are dry or oily (or indeed anything in-between), and target these with the appropriate acid. 

And for those quite strong of stomach, all of the sebum and bacteria extracted from clogged pores, blemishes and blackheads is available for inspection post-treatment. I must admit thought, darlings – I deigned to overlook that part of the process. 

Curious as to what else the clinic could tell me about my skin aside from a reasonably gross bacterial build-up, I had a facial analysis, which involves a series of photographs being taken by a machine much like that curious iris scanner-machine at the airport these days. The machine reads deep into your skin, revealing problem area such as pigmentation, fine lines, UV damage and enlarged pores. And why, aside from a masochistic tendency, would you subject your skin to this? Simply: prevention is better than cure. It reveals areas that – without due care and attention – may cause a problem in ten or twenty years’ time. FYI: it is scientifically proven that skin degeneration begins as early as age 25.. 

For my enlarged pores (who knew), I was advised to switch to a glycolic –based cleanser, and to treat two minor pigmentation clumps with an anti-oxidant rich serum.

Aside from the pre-requisite glowingly dewy skin, I left the clinic an hour later with a far greater understanding of my skin’s health, and with the confidence to choose the correct skincare (let’s be honest, who doesn’t get dazed by the vast array of lotions and potions available, and their veritable smogorasboard of promises?)

The Waterhouse Young Clinic is a must-visit for anyone who is truly interested in their skin and would rather be a driver than a passenger in their journey through skin ageing. 

The Hydrafacial treatment leaves skin soft to the touch and pleasingly supple – in fact, I defy you not to surepticiously attempt some Am Dram warm-up expressions on the tube ride home.. And it passed the kiss test with Mr. C – soft soft soft! 

ONCA trial results

Darlings, I promised I would tell you how I got on with ONCA. And since yours truly always delivers, here goes..

The thing with ONCA, though, is that it's very difficult to measure. I didn't loose inches, run a marathon, or grow my hair past my knees. What I did notice, however, was a feeling of extreme well-being. Things that I hadn't noticed before suddenly became noticable by their absense. I no longer felt the constant ache of fatigue, for example, My nails felt stronger (or was that just my imagination?!), and the inevitable 4pm bloat never came.

ONCA is the sort of supplement that could happily co-exist in your daily life, along-side any other supplements you choose to take. It is not as concentrated or as results-driven as a detox, but the anti-oxidant benefits are similar.

I really think seeing (or indeed feeling, in this case) is believing - give it a go, darlings. Think of it like Berocca, but without the fluorescent wee..

And if you don't see results, at least you can say you've been one of 3,000 try-ees..

Vita Liberata pHenomenal - the three week tan

Self tanning is a little bit like Marmite. You’re either too warry / disgusted by the idea of it, or you simply cannot get enough. To the later, I sympathise. To the former, I ask: what is it about self tanning that turns your nose up? The smell, the toxins, the inevitable patches a few days later regardless of how stringently you exfoliate and moisturize?

I’ve been there, darlings. I’ve followed all the rules and suffered all the pit-falls.

So my fickle attentions were turned understandably to a new launch from a-list tanners Vita Liberata. They’ve launched pHenomenal, which is the first EVER self-tan that lasts up to 3 weeks. The tan contain a unique moisture lock system that brings water molecules to the skin’s surface, which is important for achieving that perfect coverage and preventing un-even colour fade.  

And it’s all perfume, alcohol and paraben free, so suitable for even the most sensitive of skins. 

Now, Boots and Debenhams have sold out within the first week, so a long-term tan is clearly a popular promise. But does it work? 

I got my mitts on a sample a couple of months back and gave it a go for myself. And yes, it lasts. You understand though, darlings: to achieve a truly noticeable colour the full duration, re-application is definitely necessary. But even if you apply just once, the joy of pHenomenal is that the fade is perfectly even – just like a natural tan. 

Finally, cheat a holiday glow without getting caught out when it starts to go patchy. 

Happy tanning! 

REGAL arrives at Daniel Galvin

Uber-chic hair and beauty salon Daniel Galvin has announced that it is the exclusive new home for the latest generation of spray-tan know-how. 

LDN:SKINS introduced their tanning range earlier this year, and has built a well-deserved rep for delivering natural-looking colour, thanks to a delectable formula that is free of all the usual tanning pit-falls: it is organic, smell-less, and paraben-free.

The REGAL is is a sophisticated booth that delivers a soft mist of tanning spray, designed for optimum coverage and natural tone. And the best part? Like all LDN:SKINS products, the colour adapts to match your skin tone. So, no orange. No green. Just tan. 

Why did no-one think of this before?


We had a one-to-one with tanning guru Carole, who whipped our pasty pins into shape. Post-guide colour wash-off, the tan is natural - kind of like us but airbrushed. We like!

Conrad Hotels & Resorts personalised toiletries menu

Picture the scene. You retire to your bathroom to indulge aching limbs after a hideous day. You run a hot, indulgent bath (avec candles and sans man. Obviously.) You reach for the bubbles and *groan* - they've given you that frightful brand you just can’t stand. 

Sound familiar? 

Of course it does. Taste is a personal thing - there is many a brand on Lady C’s black list (although of course one would simply never divuldge the contents, darling). 

But fear not, hotel-goers - a solution has finally been offered by our friends at Conrad. The luxury Hotels and Resorts chain have announced a new service for the hotel guest who craves everything: personalised toiletries. 

Prior to check-in, guests will be able to choose from a pre-arrival menu, from the selection of Aromatherapy Associates, Shanghai Tang, and Tara Smith. 

So whether you have sensitive skin, have gone organic, or simply want the luxury of choice – this replaces the need to lug around a weighty vanity in your luggage. 

Happy bathing! 

Selfridges launch MAC on 3

Fashion hub Selfridges is launching a new fashion-cum-beauty experience with a sleek, urban MAC showcase space on the third floor. 

Breaking away from the traditional counter space on Selfridges’ ground floor Beauty Hall, the inivotive cosmetic brand will provide the perfect synergy between fashion and beauty shopping, taking you that bit closer to the high-octane atmosphere backstage at London Fashion Week. 

The space will offer fully interactive services, including eyelash application, tutorials, and make-up applications by appointment (choose from bridal, express or standard), as well as walk-in demos and product purchase. 

The aim is to really engage customers and get them involved in the process. MAC has always been the go-to brand for professional make-up artists (I defy you to find one that wouldn’t sell their soul for the quick-fix that is MAC Face & Body), and that world just became approachable. 

“MAC has always brought a cutting edge make-up service to the consumer straight from the runway” says MAC’s head Make-up Artist Terry B. “MAC’s heritage is firmly rooted in fashion and beauty and this new location is the perfect environment to give our customers an outstanding beauty offering”. 

It’s everything that make-up has been missing – bespoke, personal, and totally individual – all hail MAC on 3!

The Goring Hotel London Via The World menu

The phrase “keeping up with the Jonses” has gained a few extra syllables of late. There’s a new name on the block and you may even have heard of them: they’re called The Middletons. 

And as the Kate Effect gathers steam (you must have noticed the impromtue popularity of nude L. K. Bennetts and Reiss wrap dresses), we hear it has spread to even the hotelier world. 

Selected as the Duchess’ pre-nuptial bed, the quintessentially English Goring Hotel has been out firmly on-the-map by K-Middy’s stay. Think the Princess and the Pea: it is an accolade and a half. 

So it was only a matter of time before the historic 5-star-er (FYI it is the only one still owned by its founding family) capitalised on it. 

They’ve teamed up with uber-luxe bathing specialists Molton Brown, to create London Via The World. The menu is inspired by the brand’s new Global Heroes MMXII collection of five body washes, each based on an exotic location from China to Madagascar. 

From 15th July – 15th September, hotel guests can visit their destination au choix  (via their bathtub), thanks to the services of a Goring Bath Butler who will draw their decadent bubble bath avec special destination-themed cocktail, all by flickering candle-light.

And if you must leave the tub (although we simply cannot fathom why you would), take the travel-sized Global Heroes Collection, £36, with you. 

Maybe Mr. C can play Bath Butler?

Philip B Oud Royal Forever Shine

It's not every day that you bump into hair guru Philip B himself at an appointment. But then, it's not every day that a launch so exciting lands in our laps.

The new Philip B Oud Royal Forever Shine range is (despite an absolute mouthful) simply a heaven-sent line up of shampoo, £60, conditioner, £70, gel £20 and shaping fibre, £21. 

It contains time-released botanical hydrators, which are basically miny-molecules that're tiny enough to pass through the fibre of your hair, moisturising each strand from the inside out. What does that mean? Quite simple, a single use leaves hair stronger, more manageable (and I really mean that. Philip used a comb on me - a comb!), and - quite unfathomably - longer. And the effect lasts a good week, even if you wash with off-brand products in-between. 

The miracle about this new range is that while it pumps hair with hydration, volume and mega-watt shine, the clever ingredients (such as the pleasingly named Mongogo Oil) revive parched strands without adding drab-making weight. Oh and it's colour safe. 

LA-based Philip is an a-lister's best friend (we hear Gwyneth has him on speed dial, and a certain other a-lister sends him periodic gushy emails of thanks).

Try it - visit Philip B