Talkin' About My Regeneration

Talkin' About My Regeneration..

I'm a total sucker for anti-ageing creams (actually, if I'm honest, I'm a sucker for anti-ageing everything). I'm a firm believer in the old adage "prevention is better than the cure". Being resolutely anti cosmetic surgery (with the exception of instances such as surgical reconstruction for individuals who genuinely need it). Anyone who tuned in to Channel 4's hard-hitting documentary series "Beauty and The Beast: Ugly Face of Beauty" will know what I'm talking about. How can we justify so many plastic surgeons performing medically unnecessary procedures on the emotionally and psychologically vulnerable, when there are so many people in the world who are living with disfigurement, either through birth, or through tragic accidents. If it was a case of having to decide between changing the life of a car-crash survivor and inflating the lips of an insecure yummy mummy, I know which one I'd choose.

My mother instilled in me at a young age, the importance of a good skincare regimen, wisdom I in turn, extol the virtues of through my writing. For me to have any integrity in my craft, it's of paramount importance to practice what I preach. As such, I cleanse and moisturise religiously, cleansing twice at night, once to remove environmental pollution and make-up, and a second time to clean my pores. On the days when even good skincare isn't enough, I rely on the artful (and subtle) application of sheer illuminating foundation, concealer and bronzer (my cosmetic holy trinity), to fake the glowing skin I wish I had. I'd much rather fake it, than turn to botox and fillers (who wants a frozen chipmunk face). Eyelash curlers and clear mascara are another favourite, to cheat the wide awake doe-eyed look, when in reality I've been up all night writing features.

My fastidiousness is obviously working. I'm hitting the big "THREE ZERO" this year, and on the rare occasions I try to purchase wine for special occasions, I'm more often than not, asked for ID. Even yesterday morning, at a slap up pancake breakfast at Cecconi's in Mayfair, Sasha Wilkins (aka Liberty London Girl) was sat opposite me, while the author of Beauty And The Dirt was on my right. At the end of the meal, Beauty And The Dirt (a woman perhaps in her early 40's at most), turned to me and said; "it was a pleasure meeting you young man". Though in hindsight, the comment was a little patronising, I choose to take it as a compliment, and it only serves to reinforce the fact that it pays to look after your skin.

So naturally, when I was sent a sample of Bakel Oxyregen Regenerating Oxygenating Cream For Aged Skin (pictured above), the beauty geek in me was itching to give it a whirl. Oxygenating treatments have been on my beauty radar for years. When Marcia Kilgore's Bliss Spa launched in London back in 2001, their signature Triple Oxygen Facial soon had A-List stars such as Madonna clamouring for an appointment (the treatment itself was launched in 1996). Bakel Oxyregen promises to oxygenate skin at home (which, quite frankly, is far more convenient).

The cream has a pump dispenser, which I absolutely love, as it prevents waste and is also infinitely more hygienic than dipping your fingers in a pot. As a professional make-up artist, hygiene is of paramount importance. Celebrities such as Alexandra Burke have come to me to make them look like the most glorious versions of themselves, not to walk away with an eye infection! The cream itself is divine, the texture is rich without feeling sticky, heavy or greasy. I have oily skin, especially on the T-Zone, so normally I would opt for lighter lotions, gels or emulsions, but this didn't make my face feel oily at all, just beautifully hydrated, comforted and plump.

I also adore the fact that the product can be used on the delicate eye area, negating the need for an additional eye treatment. It is designed for "aged skin", but I found it to be equally efficacious on mine, and I'm 29. I do think that the late 20's is a good time to upgrade to a beefier moisturiser. I'd rather not wait for the deep wrinkles to set in, again, prevention is better than the cure. The original Creme de la Mer cream is something I'd only use on longhaul flights or at night, however, I found Bakel Oxyregen to be far lighter on the skin, without compromising on the hydration front. As with all cleansers, serums and moisturisers, I always advocate taking at least 3-5 minutes to massage the product into the neck, behind the neck and ears, then working up the face in firm circular motions, ending at the forehead and temples. Facial massage will always boost the efficacy of any skincare product, by increasing blood flow (and oxygen) to the skin. It will also provide an instant boost, relaxing the facial muscles and imparting a youthful glow.

Given the economically strained times, a lot of people not only have less disposable income, they are also working twice as hard, which is why we all need products like this, that work just as hard as we do (if not harder). Why bother with a zillion products for your "basic" skincare regimen, when you can have a serum, moisturiser and eye cream, all in one simple product (and one that actually does what it says on the tin). The packaging is lightweight to boot, meaning you could carry it around with you in your handbag / manbag / professional make-up case, without requiring the services of an osteopath.

Being the holistic whore that I am, I revel in the fact that this wonder product is devoid of synthetic fragrance, silicones, colourants, PPG, preservatives, PEG, alcohol, sulfates and petroleum derivatives. London is toxic enough, the last thing I'd want to do is to smother my skin with all of those nasties. It contains 10 active ingredients and "zero useless substances" (these are my kind of statistics).

Meet The Maker

Dr Raffaella Gregoris (pictured above) is the founder of Bakel. An Italian researcher, specialising in skincare chemistry at the University of Milan, she has a Master's degree in skincare chemistry and cosmetology from the prestigious University of Bologna. She could easily be the poster girl for her own brand, given the remarkably smooth appearance of her own skin (bellissima).

The Ingredients

Saccharomyces Lysate (an oxidising yeast) is the premium ingredient, stimulating cellular oxygenation and skin regeneration, leaving skin perky and plumped. Tocopherol (Vitamin E) nourishes and provides antioxidant protection from free radicals while Pentylene Glycol and Xanthan Gum boost water retention and condition the skin's texture, making it smoother.

Witch Hazel is most commonly used as an astringent, brilliant for soothing redness and irritation as well as for treating blemishes and minor nicks and grazes. An antioxidant, it prevents cellular damage from exposure to free radicals and environmental aggressors, whilst also helping moisture retention by reinforcing the natural barrier function of the skin.

Jojoba nut oil is rich in fatty acids, essential for maintaining smooth, plump and youthful looking skin.

Cetearyl Olivate and Sorbitan Olivate, derived from olive oil, are natural emulsifiers, boosting moisture and skin elasticity.

Avocado oil is a powerful antioxidant, rich in Vitamins A, B and D, protecting against the ageing effects of free radicals and solar radiation. With a higher penetration rate than olive or almond oil, it is more readily absorbed into the deeper layers of the skin.

Roman Camomile is known for its soothing properties, ideally suited for the nourishment of even the most sensitive of skins.

Bakel Oxyregen - £85

Available exclusively from Space NK

www.spacenk.com

Champagne Supernova

Champagne Supernova..

I have to say, I'm rather partial to scrubs. I'm not referring to the unsavoury layabouts that the 90's pop trio TLC sang about. No, in this instance, I'm talking about scrubs of the spa variety. Once you've got into the habit of exfoliating regularly, be it your body, or your face, there's really no going back. There's nothing quite like it for sloughing off dead skin, boosting cell turnover and leaving skin soft as silk and glowing with health. Even the actual process of massaging a scrub into the skin boosts circulation, aiding in the elimination of toxins from the body.

So, when a few weeks ago, I received an e-mail about a new champagne and pomegranate scrub, I have to admit, my interest was piqued. The Natural Spa Factory is a British brand, specialising in the production and supply of spa products to select spas and hotels in the UK. There's a strong emphasis on creating products that are "as natural as can be". The PR blurb rather tenuously ties in this product with the forthcoming royal wedding of Kate Middleton (or Catherine, as she has been ceremoniously re-branded by the palace courtiers)

Granted, the product is called "Royal Scrub". Yes, it contains champagne, and it was indeed conceived to commemorate this grand occasion in modern British history, but what else the impending nuptials of the future king of England has to do with this product, genuinely escapes me. I suppose I do have something of a bee in my bonnet about this particular subject, as every fashion and beauty PR in the land seems to be using it as an opportunity to market something. I'd rather not debase this blog by emulating the tactics adopted by tabloids to boost their circulation figures, so we'll stick to the product, its active ingredients, and most importantly, its efficacy.

The sample I received in the post, was in fact a sachet the approximate size of a pop tart. When I opened it, I managed to squeeze out the scrub contained within, which in reality was no more than two tablespoons worth (and that's a generous estimate). How a serious journalist is supposed to review a scrub when sent a portion of such diminutive size, I'm note sure, but I did give it my best shot. Measuring in at 5ft 9", I'm hardly a hobbit in stature, so it's safe to say that there was enough product to scrub one limb (I settled on one of my legs). I did like the texture of the product, the salt crystals worked their magic, and post exfoliation, the dry patches of skin on my knees and calves were a little smoother.

But the reality is that you could achieve the same results (if not better) by purchasing exfoliating mitts and adopting them once or twice a week in your bath or shower ritual. If you are super serious, why not use the scrub with an exfoliating mitt, you'll reap double the rewards. Dry body brushing is another superb option, I suggest doing it in the morning prior to showering, starting at the soles of the feet, brushing in firm strokes towards the heart. Avoid sensitive areas (unless of course you are partial to a little S&M - hey, I don't judge). When working on the chest area, scrub down towards the heart, and when working on the arms, start at the fingertips, brushing upwards towards the shoulders. This will not only do a fabulous job of eliminating any dead skin, it will also boost your circulation, lymphatic drainage, and the elimination of toxins from the body. If you have cellulite, this is a brilliant way of tackling the dreaded orange peel effect, it really does work wonders. After showering / bathing, I suggest massaging a body oil into skin while its still wet (this locks in essential moisture). Pat dry and you'll be raring to go.

In its defence, the product's unusual ingredients do have documented health and beauty benefits (which, when you cut to the chase, is the genuine USP). Having worked as a fashion and beauty journalist for over five years, I've reviewed countless body scrubs from the world's leading brands (E'Spa, REN and The Sanctuary to name just a few), usually formulated with salt or sugar crystals, but this is the only one I've tried that has been formulated with champagne, pomegranate and fennel. In a market that's saturated with copycat products, it is so easy to become jaded, so I was rather pleased to be surprised.

The Ingredients

Salt, not only the title of a recent action film starring Angelina (adopt-a-child) Jolie, is well known for its positive health benefits. Perhaps not when ingested in large quantities, but certainly when applied topically as a scrub, or used as a soak, be it in bath salts or mineral rich Dead Sea mud. Highly efficacious as an exfoliant, salt crystals are abrasive enough to have a superbly smoothing effect when massaged into skin, in the bath or shower. Personally, I'd suggest opting for a good soak, as salt water not only aids in drawing toxins from the body, it is also superb for treating minor skin ailments such as psoriasis and eczema, not to mention aching limbs and muscles.

While we're on the subject of Dead Sea mud, I can't even write those words without chuckling. I blame this episode of Absolutely Fabulous (Series 2, Episode 2), in which Edina (Jennifer Saunders) has a Dead Sea mud wrap in an effort to shed the pounds, only to find, post treatment, that her body has absorbed the mud, resulting in an unwanted weight increase, to which she exclaims in horror; "I've put on twelve inches all over my body! I mean my body absorbs mud! Every pore is now an over-eater!"

You may think champagne an odd choice for a body treatment (even if Kate Moss and Johnny Depp were alleged to have bathed in it at the Portobello Hotel in the 90's). In fact, champagne contains grapeseed extract and grape resveratrol (a bioflavenoid), which is a formidable antioxidant, more potent than Vitamin C or E, clinically proven to protect skin cells from environmental aggressors and premature ageing (champagne, the fountain of youth, who'd have thought it). It has even been proven to prevent the mutation of healthy cells into cancerous cells, also inhibiting the growth and spread of tumours. It's no wonder then, that Caudalie, the luxurious French skincare brand, has built a formidably successful product line around the humble grape.

I consider myself to be pretty savvy when it comes to the arena of holistic health and beauty, but the only time I'd encountered fennel prior to this, was in herbal tea and certain culinary dishes (specifically Indian cuisine, in which fennel seeds are used to minimise flatulence). Formerly an official drug in the United States, fennel, like peppermint, is known for combating indigestion. When applied topically, it is nothing short of miraculous, with documented benefits including antioxidant and detoxifying properties. It prevents water retention, minimising puffiness, whilst soothing, cleansing and toning the skin (who'd have thought it).

Pomegranate, on the other hand, has been on my radar for years. For one, the luxury beauty and lifestyle brand Rodial has based its entire product portfolio on the antioxidant benefits of pomegranate elegiac, proven to slow down the breakdown of collagen in the skin, in turn, helping the skin to look younger, for longer. When ingested, pomegranate is proven to reduce cholesterol.

In summary, this product excels on the antioxidant and detoxification fronts, so if you are concerned with maintaining youthful looking skin and eliminating toxins, it's definitely worth a try.

Royal Scrub - £18

www.naturalspafactory.co.uk

I Heard It Through The Grapevine

I Heard It Through The Grapevine..

It was an early start today, I was booked in to attend the blogger brunch for Caudalie's new Premier Cru Eye Cream (on the London Eye no less). Given my fondness for writing at night (it's quieter), I'm not always bright eyed and bushy tailed first thing in the morning. But I was up at 7am sharp today. Apparently it took at least £10,000 to get the 90's supermodels out of bed in the morning (according to Linda Evangelista). However, I'm not so greedy, I was perfectly content with the prospect of getting my paws on Caudalie's latest anti-ageing wonder product (some things are just worth waking up for).

I've been a huge fan of this quintessentially French brand since my days as a style & beauty editor. Leaders in the field of natural luxury skincare (hence the attraction), the entire range is built around the miraculous anti-ageing properties of grapes and vines.

Many an A-List glamazon turns to Caudalie to enhance and preserve their beauty (which gives the impression that their products must be pretty fabulous):

Supermodel Helena Christensen

Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow

Pop princess Kylie Minogue

The uber-luxurious Caudalie spas across the globe are frequented by some of the world's most discerning clientele (leading beauty editors included). I once had the pleasure of having a guided tour of their spa in Spain's Rioja region. Ostensibly, I was in Spain as a guest of a leading Spanish fashion brand, but given the fact the trip's schedule included lunch at a Caudalie spa, I couldn't help but be curious. I wasn't disappointed. The staff were beyond courteous and took the time to show me around (actually having a treatment at a Caudalie Spa is most certainly on my list of things to do before I die). Caudalie's Vinotherapie spa in France's Bordeaux wine region recently won Runner Up (Favourite Overseas Spa Retreat) in the Conde Nast Traveller 2011 Reader's Spa Awards, which only serves to deepen my longing to visit and indulge myself.

Pictured above, a shot of the Vinotherapie Spa in Bordeaux. How idyllic does it look?

Eat

Sleep

Indulge

So off I went to the London Eye to see what all the fuss was about.

Stepping onto the pod was like something out of a James Bond film. I couldn't believe it was my first time on the London Eye (but then again, what a fabulous way to celebrate one's maiden voyage).

Brunch was a healthy continental affair consisting of bagels, granola bars, fresh fruit and beverages. I love that beauty brands (unlike fashion ones) actually consider the dietary needs of their guests (fashion party attendees invariably survive on nothing more than champagne and oxygen).

Here comes the science (Part 1)

Here comes the science (Part 2)

Even the sun came out of hiding for the event

The views were spectacular. I actually loathe heights, but it's amazing how much safer one feels in a pod (it's the only way to travel darling).

I was drawn to leading make-up artist Emma White Turle (www.emmaturle.com) like a moth to a flame. We looked like the two resident rockers, her bedecked in All Saints and me rocking my £18 vintage black leather biker jacket from Portobello Market (loving that it's mild enough to wear it again - roll on summer). I was obsessing over her Monica Vinader labradorite cocktail ring and Miu Miu bag.

This girl stopped me in my tracks with her patent brick print Chanel bag (tres chic). The minimal lines of her navy mohair coat complimented the bag to perfection. The epitome of stylish restraint. After all, Chanel said; "elegance is refusal".

Love this girl's take on Marianne Faithfull's 60's style. The leopard print faux fur coat and edgy black leather lace up boots with studded strap detail were a fabulous combo, especially when combined with minimal make-up and hair.

This girl was clearly channelling Kate Hudson in Almost Famous with this fur-trimmed mustard suede coat, tumbling blonde waves and oversized tinted shades. Rachel Zoe would "die" for this slice of 70's rock chick fabulousness.

This girl is cute as a button. The Julie Christie-esque fur hat, shearling coat, pussybow blouse, trophy bag and shoo-boot combo is a definite win. From Russia with love!

"Le Swag" consisted of not one, not two, not three, not four, but FIVE luxury skincare products (merci beaucoup Caudalie, vous etes tres gentil).

First we have the product the entire event was created in honour of, Caudalie's Premier Cru Eye Cream. Having read heaps about this in all the January press, I was so excited to finally try it. When it launched (two days early) at Space NK in January, Caudalie had to send more stock, as Space NK's customers literally bought their entire launch stock (as if we needed further proof that it's a new season must have). The range launched with the anti-ageing miracle that is Caudalie's Premier Cru The Cream, which (after seven years of clinical research) was so good, it went on to win French Marie Claire's Prix de Excellence Award 2010.

Once safely in our pod on the London Eye, with our morning appetites satiated, we were treated to a mini quiz and informative discussion about the brand's ethos and products. We were told that the number 3 is representative of Caudalie. Signifying 1/3 grapes, 1/3 science and 1/3 glamour = 100% Caudalie (I love them already, that's my kind of maths). We all had a play with the eye cream and I have to say, the first thing that hits you (apart from the astoundingly luxurious gold and silver bottle), is the divine texture. It literally feels like velvet on the skin. The sort of sensual, tactile sensation you'd get from stroking a peach (and let's face it, who doesn't want peachy-soft skin).

As for the active ingredients, it's another case of "good things comes in 3's":

Grapevine Resveratrol has been clinically proven (Harvard University) to extend the life of mice and fruit flies. It prolongs the life of cells, and this is exactly the function it performs in the eye cream, helping to ensure the skin remains healthier for longer. If the fountain of youth truly exists, Resveratrol is surely it.

Vineferine from Vine Sap is renowned for its efficacy in treating age spots and pigmentation marks (there's nothing more aesthetically ageing than liver spots). Twice as effective as Kojic Acid and 17 times more effective than Vitamin C, Caudalie cottoned on to its complexion enhancing properties when they came across research from the last century. Legend has it that the women who used to harvest the grapes in France's vine fields had truly beautiful, ageless skin. It seems they were able to turn back time by massaging the sap from the grape vines into their necks and faces. Natural beauty doesn't get much more natural than that.

Grape-seed Polyphenols are the most powerful antioxidants in the plant kingdom (say goodbye to your blueberries, goji berries and acai). Not only do they block 100% of free radicals (environmental aggressors that cause cell deterioration and dysfunction), they are 10,000 times more effective as a cosmetic antioxidant than Vitamin E.

Hyaluronic acid (another key ingredient) is without doubt one of the hottest "of the moment" cosmetic ingredients on the market right now. It holds more than 1000 times its own weight in water, making it an unparalleled source of hydration for the skin.

Iridescent pearl, silver and copper particles instantly correct dark circles, making it an ideal base for eye make-up. If you are feeling particularly scandalous, you could even use it as a primer. The silky texture would make it the perfect base for foundation (how decadent).

If all these facts and figures weren't enough of an incentive to invest in this pioneering skincare brand, they also have fabulously green credentials (a huge thumbs up from me). I try and avoid skin nasties such as parabens and SLS where possible. Plastering one's skin in potential carcinogens is never a good thing. I'm pleased to report that Caudalie is proudly free of them all. So not only is this product resolutely green, it firms the skin, banishes fine lines and wrinkles and eradicates pigmentation marks (is there anything it can't do).

If your eyes tend to be sore or puffy in the mornings, keep the eye cream in the fridge, the cold temperature on contact with the skin will shrink the capillaries, helping to soothe and tighten in a flash. I suggest applying with the tip of the ring finger, massaging in circular motions around the eye with the softest touch. To aid lymphatic drainage (the drainage of toxins) and to tighten the under eye area, I suggest gently tapping around the orbital bone. Do this twice daily and you will soon reap the rewards.

"Le Swag" also contained the glow-enhancing Beauty Elixir, inspired by the ancient "elixir of youth" created especially for Queen Isabelle of Hungary (this centuries old recipe also inspired Hungary's Omorovicza luxury skincare line). Queen Isabelle was no spring chicken, but legend has it that her elixir had men a fraction of her age banging at her door. I'm not sure what the implications of this are for a chap who's going to hit 30 this year (perhaps it would be safer to re-gift this one to someone slightly more advanced in years, I'd rather not get arrested). Come Summer, I shall be keeping this in the fridge, which will only enhance its inherent skin-soothing properties.

The Anti-Wrinkle Fluid is best applied after the elixir. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles whilst nourishing and protecting. These last two products would be especially great in Summer (especially when refrigerated), when heavier serums and creams are just too rich. Packed full of vitamins, this should definitely be part of your "five a day" (my kind of diet).

The Vine Body Butter came in a super-handy 25ml travel size tube. Ostensibly designed for softening the skin on your body, I shall be toting this around in my Chris & Tibor man bag. I know it's going to double as a superb hand and nail treatment (even with weekly manicures, my hands need extra care at this time of year. I'm obsessed with body butters and body oils throughout Winter and Spring. They're the only things rich enough to keep my skin soft and supple during London's never ending cold front. If you suffer from dry skin, I suggest massaging this in after a bath or shower, while your skin is still slightly damp, then pat dry. This will seal in essential moisture. It's also worth investing in Caudalie's divine body scrub, there's nothing better for keeping rough skin at bay.

The Hand and Nail Cream is going to be another essential for my man bag. There's nothing like a great hand cream for prolonging the life of your manicure and ensuring your skin and cuticles are in tip top condition. It's also worth noting that the neck and hands are two areas that so many people seem to gloss over when taking care of their skin. Nothing screams "granny" more than a turkey neck and gnarled hands peppered with liver spots. For the neck I suggest massaging in Caudalie's award-winning Premier Cru Cream, while this Hand and Nail Cream will be indispensable in your battle to keep your mitts baby soft. I've always been a firm believer in the old adage "prevention is better than the cure". Invest in your skin from a young age and you will reap the rewards later in life. Fine wines get better with age, and so should you.

Why have sour grapes when you can have Caudalie?

Premier Cru Eye Cream - £49

Beauty Elixir - £32

Anti-Wrinkle Fluid - £35

Vine Body Butter - £19

Hand and Nail Cream - £11.50

www.caudalie.com

www.spacenk.co.uk

www.selfridges.com