As the beauty industry becomes more and more technologically advanced within individual product categories, I find it extremely interesting to watch companies fade the boundaries between them. Multi-tasking has been the watch-word ever since Vidal Sassoon launched their Wash&Go hair range back in the late 80’s, but now it has become an essential requirement.
In June M LAB is launching a great multi-tasking product, an unfortunate sign of the times with Noughties skin, but an excellent product none the less. Blemish Control Spot Treatment (pictured) combines portability, anti-ageing and anti-blemish effects. The handbag-sized rollerball delivers a formula of 82% active ingredients straight to the ‘spot’ where you need it. It reduces sebum production, contains an anti-microbial peptide that kills the blemish causing bacteria and gently exfoliates the surface of the skin leaving it smooth, with a youthful appearance, £26 - Alexia Inge
M LAB is available exclusively at www.mlabonline.com and Harrods
27 May 2009
M LAB Anti-aging Blemish Control Rollerball
19 May 2009
The New Dorchester Spa
The Dorchester Spa has just re-opened after a £3.2 million refurbishment and expansion programme, Cult Beauty brings you the interior shots hot of the press. Uber-facialist Vaishaly Patel's signature facials (loved by Sophie Dahl, Elle Macpherson and Nigella Lawson) are the star attraction in her first foray outside her perma-booked Paddington Street Flagship clinic. The whole space was designed by award-winning interiors consultancy Fox Linton who have not fallen for the usual check list:
- Minimalist, Japanese inspired decor...tick
- Extremely expensive single flower in asymmetrical vase...tick
- Jo Malone Candles...tick
- Tastefully quiet, panpipe-inspired background music...tick
They have drawn their inspiration from the 1930s, creating an easy space to hang out in, no chairs that look like you need a physics degree to sit in them. The spa has nine treatment rooms including two double suites for friends or couples, a manicure and pedicure suite and an elegant deep relaxation room.
The Dorchester Spa, Park Lane, London, W1K 1QA, Tel: +44 20 7629 8888
E-mail: spa@thedorchester.com
14 May 2009
Urban Green Peel Facial at Urban Skin
I have learned two things from this experience - this treatment works, and I need to listen more closely when somebody talks to me.
In my usual style, I heard only one in every four words, in this case - Neville's Salon, New, Facial, Thursday. I was keener than mustard to go to my favourite salon and visit Vanda Serrador's new base. I started to think something was amiss when the lovely Vanda greeted me with the words, "You sure you are OK with this treatment - not using water on your face for 5 days?" Now full of trepidation, I was handed over to the delightful Delia, who explained the treatment fully, including the possible effects and results.
Urban Green Peel is an intensive treatment - a chemical-free alternative to micro-Dermabrasion or glycolic skin peels - using enzymes, phyto-hormones, salicylic acid, proteins, mineral salts and algae. This process is designed to increase blood circulation, inducing the regeneration of the skin cells and collagen fibres.
It involves 2 salon visits over 5 days, and the first part ain't pretty. The first part of the treatment involved having the herb composition massaged into my skin, left for half an hour, then removed. I was then sent away for an interim period where my skin literally peeled off (five upper epidermis layers to be exact) and tingled like hell. Do not organise any hot dates between the two treatments!
The part of the Green Peel process I found most difficult is that you are not allowed to put water on your face; daily cleansing is done with a special treatment lotion. I found this quite difficult, although my skin neither felt nor appeared dirty at all. I was also advised not to wear any makeup other than a tinted balm, provided to compliment the process.
The best part of the treatment happens when you return after 5 days for the kinder second half of the peel; an after-care facial where excess old skin is massaged off. I emerged with skin look noticeably glowing, more refined and lines were minimised.
The Urban Green Peel is meant to be great for treating oily acne-prone skin, sagging face contours, wrinkled, sun-damaged skin, scars, slack abdominal wall, thighs, upper arms and cellulite - Stacia Prince
Urban Green Peel at Urban Skin - 1 hour / £300.00 - the price includes after-care products.
5 Pont Street, London, SW1 9EJ, Tel: 020 7235 3654
13 May 2009
Stay safe in the sun with the right sunscreen
Spring is quickly turning in to summer. Have you taken the necessary steps to prepare for backyard BBQs, sailing and sunbathing? I’m not talking about updating your bikini collection or hitting the gym for an extra fifteen minutes to sculpt your abs. Start prepping for summer by picking up the must-have beauty item of the season: sunscreen.
Sunscreen disperses, reflects or absorbs the sun’s rays from your skin. It is available in multiple forms – from lotions to sprays to wax sticks – to make application easier and more efficient. Sunscreen manufacturers produce several styles of treatment to serve the many needs of active individuals. Waterproof, hypoallergenic and even hair sunscreen keep you safe during outdoor and indoor activities. Varying degrees of SPF (Sun Protection Factor) promise that there is a sunscreen to fit your skin type.
The sun is strongest between 10am and 4pm and everyone, regardless of age, should apply sunscreen at least thirty minutes prior to outdoor activity during this time frame in order to maximize the effectiveness of sunscreen. SPF is the variable that defines the strength of a sunscreen and it ranges from 2 to greater than 50. SPF compares the amount of time it takes a person to burn while wearing sunscreen to the time it takes her to burn without protection. In other words, if you apply SPF 15 to your skin and it takes you five minutes to turn red without sunscreen, then it will take you 75 minutes to burn while wearing SPF 15 sunscreen.
It’s important to recognize that not all sunscreens protect from UVA and UVB rays, which are the two types of rays emitted by the sun. It’s easy to remember the difference between the two types: UVA rays cause Aging, UVB rays cause the skin to Burn. All sunscreens protect against UVB rays, but only broad spectrum sunscreens help your skin fight UVA and UVB rays. Consider investing in a broad spectrum ointment this summer; it is an easy way to fend off pre-mature aging and skin cancer simultaneously!
THE BEST SUNSCREEN FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE
The American Academy of Dermatology recognizes six different types of skin. They include:
- Type I – always burns
- Type II – usually burns
- Type III – sometimes burns
- Type IV – barely burns
- Type V – rarely burns
- Type VI – never burns
Let’s explore the best sunscreens according to consumers.
BEST SUNSCREEN
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock
This dermatologist-tested sunscreen is contains Helioplex, a broad spectrum formula that fights against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s gentle on sensitive skin and dries quickly so your skin stays oil free and pores remain unclogged. You can pick up Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock in SPF 55, 70 or 85.
No-Ad Sunblock Lotion
No-Ad sunscreen is safe and, best of all, an exceptional bargain. An average bottle of No-Ad sunscreen costs less than and contains more lotion than leading brands. It contains zinc oxide for added protection and is water as well as sweat proof. No-Ad is packaged in bottles and tubes and comes in three lines: Baby, Sport and Original. SPF ranges from 15 to 50, and there is also an SPF 4 tanning oil for less sun-sensitive skin types.
Bullfrog Marathon Mist Continuous Spray Sunblock
You’ll get hassle-free application from this Bullfrog product. Simply press the knob at the top of the 6-ounce can to release the lotion in to a fine mist and coat your skin. There’s no need to rub the lotion in to your skin because it will be absorbed without your help. You can say goodbye to greasy hands! The lotion sprays on clear and is water proof for up to 8 hours. Bullfrog Marathon Mist is available only in SPF 36.
Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus
If you’re a hiker or camper, look no further than Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guar Plus for your sunscreen needs. You might consider the gnat, no-seeum, mosquito, and deer tick repellant that’s mixed in to this sunscreen as a plus, but the best part is really its color: blue! You’ll have a hard time not covering every inch of your body in sunscreen when you use the Avon Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus.
Remember – your personal needs and preferences will largely come in to consideration when sampling the many varieties of sunscreen available to you. Try several to determine which one meets your needs and protects you from the sun before settling on your best sunscreen.
Sources – The American Academy of Dermatology and Viewpoints.com.
Katie Braun is the content and SEO manager at Viewpoints.com – a leading consumer generated ratings and review site. You’ll find more sunscreen tips and thousands of beauty product reviews at Viewpoints.com.
12 May 2009
Prescriptives Comfort Night
Now, as a ginger ninja, I find, as do many others of my superpower gene, that my skin is perpetually red. I have also, after continued research, found that my ilk tend to turn a brighter shade of red at the drop of a hat.
I asked the lovely Janine at the Comfort Cream Press launch if this cream would help tone down these uncontrollable bursts of unwanted blush.
The answer is that it can’t stop the involuntary influx of blood, but it will benefit those with irritable and blotchy skin due to the Tumeric Root and added vitamins A and E. It also has extracts of Algae and Kola Nut which help skin look calm, soothed and relieved - a perfect anti-dote to a night on the tiles but not to embaressing moments like farting in a meeting.
Stila is back
Loved for funky packaging and brilliant colour classics like Lip Glazes and Convertible Color, this one-time innovative, youthful brand has failed to keep up with the likes of DuWop and Jelly Pong Pong who have effectively run with their baton. We at Cult Beauty look forward to seeing what the new owners do with Stila, it could be a very exciting brand to watch over the next year - Alexia Inge
11 May 2009
The Foundation Effect
The term, "The Lipstick Effect" - coined by Leonard Lauder during the last U.S recession - has been bandied around for months now in reference to the beauty industry’s Teflon-like ability to avoid the worst of the financial melt-down.
According to a recent survey by market researcher TNS Worldpanel it is time to update our lingo to, ‘The Foundation Factor’. In the UK, foundation sales rose by 23.5 percent this spring, whilst sales of lipsticks fell by 5.7 percent during the same period. Foundation has traditionally sold well in the UK but this is a big shift, have we fallen out of love with lippy? - Alexia Inge
The Organic Pharmacy Deluxe Pedicure
Cult beauty blog contributor Elspeth Waters had a preview of the new Deluxe Pedicure Treatment last week and is here to tell you that even the most pedicure averse person should stop in for this treatment.
"Being rather disturbed by feet – mine in particular – a pedicure is not something I’ve ever really contemplated. But when the chance to test The Organic Pharmacy’s newly-launched Deluxe Rose Pedicure fell in my lap, I decided it was time to fight the feet fear. After all, maybe if I prettied them up a little, I wouldn’t dislike them so much? Sure, I have a slight bunion on one side and my nails are cut any which-way but straight… but I figured whoever was going to get the pleasure of seeing my little piggies must surely have seen worse… right?
And it turned out she – the delightfully and aptly named Rose – had indeed seen worse. She even called my feet beautiful. Now, I’m sure she was just being kind, but I certainly feel a lot better about my little stumps after 75 minutes in this girl’s company!
So, to the treatment. Well, I have absolutely no experience in this arena, of course, but I suspect you’d be hard pressed to beat it. While I sipped delicious rose petal tea and reclined on the bed, Rose bathed my feet in a basin of piping hot Cleopatra Milk Bath and rose buds, scrubbing them with Cleopatra Body Scrub. It wasn’t entirely relaxing at this point but I’m sure my dull, hard skin needed a good seeing to.
Then came the indulgent reflexology and lymphatic drainage with essential oils for the feet and calves – heavenly. And, apparently this can help flush out toxins and alleviate water retention to leave calves looking slimmer (perfect for cankle-proofing in time for summer). I’m not sure I lost any width off my trunks but they sure looked glowing and full of lustre afterwards.
And finally we came to the traditional pedicure treatment – file, shape and polish. Although inclined to go for my trusted dark red, as I knew I’d be wearing a purple dress at a wedding the next day I chose a light pink, which looked pretty good in the dimly-lit treatment room. Unfortunately, by the next afternoon it was already a bit streaky. Perhaps it hadn’t dried before I left despite Rose dabbing on some protective Lemon and Neem Nail Oil after the quick-drying top coat. I was a bit disappointed but my toes still looked pretty neat and groomed, which is not a state my friends are used to.
All in all, a perfectly luxurious Rose experience. Rose body lotion, Rose body spritz to refresh, Rose chocolate to compliment the sweet tea… and of course, the lovely Rose herself.
I am very happy with my new digits – even my feet-phobic boyfriend had to admit they look far less offensive. But then as he has a fleshy growth on one of his toes that he insists is “perfectly normal”, I suppose I probably shouldn’t pay too much heed to his opinion, really."
The Organic Pharmacy Deluxe Pedicure launched on May 1 and costs £70 for 75 minutes. For more information call: 020 7351 2232 or visit www.theorganicpharmacy.com.
05 May 2009
The Quay Hotel & Spa reviewed
Recently I was treated to a weekend at the the Quay Hotel & Spa in Deganwy, Wales... and now I just want to go back. Situated on the Conwy Estuary, the hotel has breathtaking vistas of Conwy Castle and, even more breathtaking than the vistas, a luxurious yet affordable spa. The spa is minimal, stylish and calm (as a spa should be) with an extensive treatment menu comprised of Aromatherapy Associates and ESPA treatments.I was served an herbal tea in the chill out room overlooking the marina on arrival, which was followed by my ESPA back, face and scalp treatments. My therapist chose aromatherapy oils for me based on the level of stress I had (high). The back treatment started with exfoliation and was followed by a moisturising massage. After this came the ESPA facial, which was pleasantly punctuated by a scalp massage with ESPA pink hair and scalp mud. The entire treatment was 90 minutes and £55, but don't be deceived by the affordable price tag. This (series of) treatment(s) is a relaxing, pampering treat that easily holds it own against more pricey (some would even say overpriced) treatments available in central London's top spas.
Hot tip: If you find yourself at The Quay Hotel, book your spa treatments in advance because the spa fills up quickly.
Between May and June 2009 rates start at £39.50 pppn (reservation line: 01492 564 100 or www.quayhotel.com).
Nouveau Semi-Permanent Lashes reviewed
Does anyone else look at pretty twenty-somethings like Cheryl Cole and Mischa Barton and wonder why they insist on wearing so much bloody make up? It ages them 10 years, leaving them looking waxy and fake when in reality they are both natural beauties.
I have just discovered a brilliant way to create the glam look they are both going for sans 4 hours in make up and an ‘essence de drag queen’ finish. Semi-permanent lashes are definitely the way forward for people with minimal time in the morning to prep with a thirst for glamour.
A set of Nouveau Lashes will set you back anywhere from £75-£150 depending on what sort of semi-permanent lash treatment you have. The treatment is available in 2,000 salons nationwide (0845 644 3994).
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