Winter Scent-sation

Now that the nights are getting colder, the afternoons are getting darker and I have well and truly unpacked all my winter clothes: I am also doing the same for my perfume and makeup.
There is something about blustery wind of this yellow and orange season that also makes me want to wear more 'grown up' makeup and scents.
I am in the mood for more spicy scents, so my flowery, sweet perfumes from summer can have a rest for now. One of my front-runners is Sisley's Eau de Sisley 2, which is a sparkling, clean scent with cardamom, bergamot and basil. Water lily and rose add a feminine edge, but I love the 'leafiness' of this scent at this time of year.
And Neal's Yard debut fragrance is surprisingly elegant. Pure Essence Eau de Parfum No.1 Frankincense smells like a deliciously warm waft of spa. It's a deeper fragrance than Sisley's and heavier in its ingredients: frankincense, patchouli and pink pepper.
Both add a touch of warmth on a cold winter's day.
Sisley Eau de Sisley 2, £97.00
Neal's Yard Pure Essence Eau de Parfum No.1 Frankincense, £35.00

Imagine all the Relaxation...

Funnily enough, I measure how good a spa trip was by how tired I am when I return home. I had the pleasure of discovering the new Imagine Spa Thames Valley at Hilton Terminal 5. And I returned home one sleepy bunny.

Although next to an airport may seem like a strange place to relax with a spa package, funnily enough, it is quite the haven. A fully equipped fitness centre, a generous-sized Jacuzzi, a fragrant steam room, sauna and experience showers will leave you feeling revitalised from head to toe.

I also had the mandatory manicure and pedicure (which I NEVER have when I am at home, so it felt like a real treat) and walked away almost a new woman. The spa also offer some truly indulgent packages for very reasonable prices such as a treatment and full use of spa facilities for the day for a couple from £55. Money well spent, I say.

It is worth the ride on the Piccadilly line (and even the commute on the Hoppa shuttle too).

Find out more… You can call 01753 766476 or email on thamesvalley@imaginespa.co.uk

It's Super

It's incredible how sometimes you can come across something that you never had before, but suddenly, it becomes something you can't live without. This is what the new beauty range from Dr Perricone, Super, has become for me.
He's the doctor who put 'super' in to superfoods. And now, he's putting 'super' in to a younger, cuter and more fun skincare collection than the more grown up Perricone MD range.
First up, I am in love with Sweet Clean. It's a yummy cleanser that smells like a fruit jam and is my new favourite morning wake-me-up. The dose of superfood Acai Berry is enough to get me and my skin ready for the day. In the evenings, I tend to need something more powerful to remove makeup, though.
Then, the Hyper Hydrator, which is made with Coconut water is pure indulgence. Not only does it quench my appetite for coconuts, which seems to be eternal, but it quenches my skin's thirst for moisture. A surprising little side effect is that it also mattifies the skin. It's interesting, as although I have dry skin, I love a matte effect on my skin. Products for dry skin usually have the promise of 'dewy' skin, which shouldn't always be a given.
And last but not least, the price tag is not as hefty as the Perricone MD main line, but still all the expertise of our favourite superfood doctor.
The final verdict: it's Super.
Super Hyper Hydrator £29.50
Super Sweet Clean £25.50

One Hell of a Skin Saver

I had professed my love of this product before already. But I will say it again: this product is a life saver. Say your skin is dull, it’s maybe even spotty – it’s basically upset that it’s winter and doesn’t like the wind and rain. In comes Sisley’s Gentle Buffing Cream, which much like a hero swinging from a chandelier will sort out all your skin woes in one easy swoop.

First, you massage on to dry skin, thereby starting the gentle exfoliating process. Then, you leave to dry on your face, like a mask, and afterwards, scrub off gently. Honestly, it’s like little fairies have been giving you a facial all the while. I really like to then slather on lots of serum and moisturiser, which sinks in immediately. I also love to then stroke my face and marvel at my baby-soft skin.

Sisley Gentle Buffing Cream, £50 from Harrods

Beat Hat Hair

As it starts to get more chilly, the one thing that I cannot stand is hat hair. And don’t get me wrong, I love a good hat. The best remedy that I have found to combat hat hair is a good old spritz of dry shampoo. My favourite is Batiste. And if you want to go for a real bouffant, I challenge you to try their new volumising formula. I will give you hair so full, thick and puffed up that it will give any 60s diva a run for her money.

Hat hair be gone. Get yourself to your nearest Superdrug! For less than £3 a bottle, you can get a different fragrance for every day of the week.