What's NU Pussycat?

What's NU Pussycat?

Given that I'm opposed to invasive cosmetic procedures (do a Google search for Jocelyn Wildenstein and Lesley Ash to see why) - I'm always thrilled to hear about the latest developments in anti-ageing skincare. I've just had a preview of a new cosmeceutical men's range that will have rival brands such as M-Lab, Amatokin, Creme de la Mer, SK-II and La Prairie quaking in their Fit Flops. It's been reported that sales of premium skincare have declined, with devotees opting for the immediate results guaranteed by Botox and fillers. That may be the trend at present but come mid-September the pendulum will undoubtedly swing the other way when the NuBo men's range launches exclusively in the Beauty Apothecary at Harrods. The women's line has already found its way into the beauty arsenary of Harpers Beauty Editor Newby Hands, not to mention Pop Princess Kylie Minogue. I've met the former and trust me when I say she knows a thing or two about hero products. The results oriented range is free of parabens, SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate - a harsh detergent and toxin), synthetic colours, fragrances and irritating petrochemicals. So how does this range differ to others? NuBo's Cell Dynamic technology converts toxins in the skin into energising oxygen and water. Our bodies are 80% water and our cells rely on a regular supply of oxygen for optimum function. In other words, NuBo is effectively a fountain of youth for the skin. I can vouch that this isn't another beauty industry myth. After one application of the Cooling After Shave Moisturiser SPF 20 and The Essence, the back of my hand was so soft and smooth that my fiancee commented on it several hours later. Being a make-up artist, I'm particularly excited about Perfectionist, a translucent tinted cream available in shades to suit various skin tones. It mimics an anti-ageing sheer liquid foundation, blurring imperfections while the hyaluronic spheres effectively "fill in" fine lines and wrinkles. Furthermore, it mattifies the complexion - avoiding skin so shiny your face looks like a mirror. Regular use of the range will boost moisture levels, skin elasticity and radiance. The poet W.H. Auden is famed for his poem "Stop All the Clocks". I'm not sure about stopping all the clocks - but at least with NuBo you've got a fighting chance of stopping the ageing one.

Exfoliating Foaming Cleanser - 120ml £35
Cell Dynamic Cooling After Shave Moisturiser SPF 20 - 30ml £80
Cell Dynamic The Essence - 30ml £200
Perfectionist - 30ml £98
Lifting Eye Serum - 15ml £80

Available exclusively at Harrods Beauty Apothecary from mid-September 2009
www.harrods.com / 0207 730 1234

Bridezilla..

Bridezilla..

What a day! Started with a power meeting with my agent at the Ivy Club. Headed off for a spot of lunch off Carnaby Street with the hubby. Dragged him into Van Den Berg fine jewellery on Newburgh Street and spotted the most gorgeous ring. I tried it on and it fitted like a glove. The shop assistant remarked "Wow! A Cinderella moment" and the hubby said "Do you like it?" to which I replied "I do" - how ironic! The hubby told the assistant to keep it behind the counter as we were going to go for a coffee. We grabbed two lattes from Pret on Carnaby Street then took a seat on a bench on Fouberts Place, sipping our lattes in the sunshine. The hubby told me to guard the coffees as he needed to pop somewhere. Five minutes later he strolled back with a gorgeous bag in hand. He opened the bag, produced a stunning jewellery box and opened it to reveal an even-more-stunning ring. He slipped it on my ring finger and asked me to marry him. Naturally I agreed - how romantic!

www.vandenberg.co.uk

The Burning Question

The Burning Question..

If like me your daily shave leaves you feeling like you've gone five rounds with Edward Scissor Hands, you'll welcome a product that minimises skin irritation. New from Bob Norburn (No Burn would be more appropriate) is a holistic dual-action wonder that not only guarantees the smoothest of shaves but also doubles as a cracking moisturiser. Devoid of nasty Parabens and Petroleum, this cruelty free, vegan product contains antioxidant Grape Seed Oil to nourish skin and protect against the damaging effects of free radicals and environmental aggressors. I've been using it for a few months now and have to say it does exactly what it says on the tin - a definite must for those with sensitive skin.

Bob Norburn 3-in-1 Pre Shave, Shave Cream & Moisturiser £12.95, 100ml
www.body4real.co.uk

All White Still..

All White Still..

It's not surprising our American friends across the pond have such a dim view of British teeth. The "Hollywood Smile" is as ubiquitous in the US as stained and asymmetric gnashers are in Britain. Being one of the last of the dying smokers (literally), nicotine stains are an on-going concern. Thankfully, Beverly Hills Formula have come to the rescue with their Dentist's Choice toothpaste. Its triple action formula gently lifts stains, combats gingivitis and helps prevent teeth sensitivity. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate free, it contains anti-bacterial Glycerin and Xylitol to promote healthier saliva flow. Permethol, Panthenol, Vitamin E and Folic Acid nourish and heal gums while Zinc Ions keep breath fresh for up to 18 hours. A higher Fluoride level of 1450 ppm F helps to strengthen, remineralise and harden tooth enamel for cavity protection. Used regularly, the Potassium Citrate formula builds a protective layer on tooth nerve endings, protecting against painful sensitivity.

Beverly Hills Formula Dentist's Choice - £3.99, 75ml
Available at ASDA stores nationwide
www.asda.co.uk
www.beverlyhillsformula.com

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor..

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Sailor..

With autumn around the corner, it's time to invest in some key transseasonal knitwear. Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana cited Surrealism as the key inspiration for their AW09 women's collection - specifically the work of Man Ray, Salvador Dali and his collaborator, couturier Elsa Schiaparelli. Indeed, the Schiaparelli influence seems to be popping up all over the place - with Stephen Jones featuring her "Shoe Hat" (a collaboration with Dali) in the exhibition of millinery he curated for the V&A earlier this year. The kitsch and quirky London based design duo Antoni Burakowski and Alison Roberts (aka Antoni & Alison) have been delighting those in the know for years with their irreverent take on fashion. Their AW09 women's jumper collection is delightfully naive, featuring trompe l'oeil prints. The bows are reminiscent of Schiaparelli's iconic "Bow Jumper". Comprising of five playful styles, my favourites are the red "Tin Soldier" and navy "Bow Jacket" jumpers. Toughen up your Toy Soldier sweaters with a pair of super-skinny jeans and killer heels to keep things directional. With Nautical style a perennial trend for spring, the navy "Bow Jacket" is a great investment piece as it's bound to be something you'll wear again and again.

Red "Tin Soldier" jumper £210
Navy "Bow Jacket" jumper £198
Stockist: 08450 944 012
www.antoniandalison.co.uk