The best reviving treats for eyes...

It’s no secret that the eye area is incredibly fragile and shows signs of lifestyle and ageing well before any other area of the face. Give your eyes some intensive TLC, plus a healthy dose of hydration, with our pick of the most effective eye care…

Kiehl’s Cryste Marine Firming Eye Treatment

Refresh, hydrate and firm with the help of Kiehl’s high-performance botanical formula, ideal for super sensitive eyes that are in need of soothing care. The key ingredient in the treatment is Padina Pavonica, an extract from the protective coating surrounding brown algae, sourced from the Mediterranean Sea; this helps to dramatically improve elasticity and tone, while vitamins C and E soften fine lines and promote cell turnover. Criste Marine (another type of sea algae), is added for its antioxidant and rejuvenating properties, and caffeine assures enhanced brightness and vitality, while banishing that dreaded puffed effect. Simply pat the luxurious cream along the contour, using light pressure.

Aromatherapy Associates Rich Repair Eye Cream

The perfect remedy for extremely dry and parched eyes, Aromatherapy Associates’ rich treatment contains nourishing pure plant extracts and essential oils to plump the eye area and intensively replenish lost moisture. Rose and Frankincense work to lift and tighten the skin, stimulating blood circulation, while honey and Sodium Hyaluronate (a form of vegetable pulp), hydrate the target area, aiding the skin to retain moisture naturally. There are anti-ageing benefits too, as oligopeptides increase the release of collagen, leaving skin beautifully plump and youthful.

Anatomicals Eye Cream You Scream, We All Scream For Eye Cream

If you are looking for a fuss-free, uncomplicated eye treatment, suitable for everyday both morning and night, look no further than Anatomicals’ wonderfully effective and super economical regenerating eye cream. This gentle cream is great for normal skin types, and anyone looking to protect and hydrate the under-eye area – without any specific concerns.  The formula effectively balances moisture levels and addresses the first signs of ageing, including fine expression lines. We’ve found that the results are as refreshing as the quirky name…

Elemis Pro-Collagen Intense Eye and Lip Contour Cream

Lifestyle factors and enivironments that put the skin under stress all result in dull, dry eyes and premature ageing – think air condtitioning, sun exposure, prolonged computer use and smoking. The same factors can affect the delicate lip area too. Luckily for us, the skin care experts at Elemis have formulated this multi-use wonder cream to combat the dreaded lines we all want to erase or prevent. A combination of active plant cells, including Mafane Flower, Edelweiss and Wheat Amino Acid strengthen collagen fibres and protect the skin cells, allowing it to regain density, while hydrating and smoothing.

The Body Shop Elderflower Cooling Eye Gel

For those who favour a more lightweight texture, choose this cooling gel to awaken the eyes, first thing in the morning. The enlivening formula immediately gives a wide-eyed look, perfect to fake others into believing you’ve enjoyed eight, blissful hours of sleep. Although dark circles appear lessened with regular use, we particularly rate this product for its refreshing benefits. For an extra zing, try storing the gel in the fridge to enjoy a more intense, cooling sensation. Excellent for hay fever sufferers, too.

A luxe selection of treats from Glossybox

The thrill of receiving parcels never really wears off, does it? And there’s nothing like arriving home to post you’re actually looking forward to – it might almost make you forget that your day in the office felt like spending eight hours running up the down escalator. Enter Glossybox; for a monthly fee, subscribers are delivered a chic pale pink box of beauty treats from luxury brands such as OPI, Illamasqua and NARS. Tearing off the delicate tissue paper, you’ll find a curated selection of five miniature products spanning skincare, body care, make-up, hair care and fragrance.

If you haven’t got time to spend browsing department stores and niche beauty boutiques, a Glossybox subscription provides an easy way to ensure you know about the latest products, plus the the sample size gives you the chance to try before committing to buy the full-size item. And the company guarantees that the box will always contain from high end brands – some of them household names, some new ones to discover. Once you’ve explored your package, you can head over to the Glossybox online magazine, where you’ll find tips and video tutorials on how to use your new products, as well as links to shop the brands included in the box.

Glossybox’s packages have previously included themed boxes such as the London Fashion Week box, and thanks to a collaboration with Harrods, a box containing a collection of  products hand-picked by the luxe department store’s beauty buyers. The most recent selection was inspired by natural beauty and Earth Day on April 22nd, containing goodies from ethical, sustainable and organic brands including Caudalie and Burt’s Bees.

You can order a Glossybox subscription online here. Glossybox is also available across Europe in Austria, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

Glossybox’s Smoky Eyes tutorial

Ellis Faas' irresistibly pretty Spring Set

Before we’re seduced by summer’s sultry tones and tropical brights, we’ll happily take a little time to flirt with spring’s subtle shades, offering an easy way to freshen up your make-up and fall in love with some pretty new colours. Whereas heatproof textures and colours to offset a sunkissed glow are de rigueur during summer months, products for spring are all about a lighter, more luminous look.

Running in Heels’ favourite make-up artist Ellis Faas never fails to knock our socks off with her innovative, creative products and the Spring Gift Set is no exception. Featuring three beauty treats hand-picked to satisfy mid-season cosmetics cravings, the set is presented in irresistibly chic packaging that just begs to be shown off and take pride of place on your dressing table.

Faas has selected three colours to suit eyes and lips, which used in combination offer a beautifully polished, understated look for spring. Smoky eye devotees will adore the taupe-accented parma violet shade – Creamy Eyes E106 – a liquid eyeshadow which glides on smoothly to create a long-lasting finish. It’s a refined colour and perfect for day wear – add a slick of dark liner to up the ante come evening, along with a flash of Light E304, a softly shimmery lilac shadow that’s sophisticated rather than girly.

Finish the look with a wash of velvety Milky Lips L207,  which marries pink and nude tones resulting in an illuminating hue to enhance natural lip colour. Spring is most certainly here.

The Ellis Faas Spring Gift Set is available to buy online here.

Adjust make-up to work with your glasses

A few weeks ago, my optician informed me that I had to give my eyes a ‘day off’ from my contact lenses and wear my glasses for one day a week. Upon hearing this damning verdict, my heart sank; being incredibly vain, and having had to wear glasses since the age of two, I’ve always hated them, and signed up for contact lenses as soon as I hit 16. Admittedly, some people look stunning in glasses – they have the face shape and cheekbones to carry them off. I unfortunately don’t, so I have to be careful with what make-up I wear. On the rare occasions I do wear glasses, I usually sport a bright red lippie, hoping that it will attract attention away from the specs. Plan B? Follow some simple tips from the experts to adjust how you wear make-up to work with your specs.

For Daniel Sandler, make-up artist and founder of his own cosmetics line, it’s about working with the type of frames you have. “If your frames are large then avoid heavy eye make-up, but opt for a bold lip so that you don’t seem completely make-up free. For smaller graphic shaped frames, keep smoky eyes well defined, but then go easy on a strong mouth as the eyes will be the main focus.” But for Sandler, it’s the lashes you need to pay special attention to. “I would say not to overdo mascara or false lashes as these can rub against the lenses if you wear your glasses quite high on the bridge of your nose. Also, a little humidity can build up behind lenses, so wear long-lasting, waterproof formulas.”

Beauty entrepreneur and artist Bobbi Brown – best known for her trademark tortoiseshell specs – suggests adapting your make-up to your lenses. “If your prescription makes your eyes look bigger, use a light hand, and be sure to blend everything carefully – the last thing you want is to magnify any mistakes. For shadows, go with neutral shades like my Gold Nugget Sparkle Eye Shadow. Liner should be delicate and thin, with one coat of mascara to open up the eyes. If your glasses make your eyes look smaller, be sure to line your eyes all the way around. Use a liner that is darker than your natural eye colour to create contrast, which will help define the eyes.”

Make-up artist Zoe Walters has this advice. “If you’re a statement glasses wearer, go for a strong bold eye but steer clear of going too dark and avoid blending up to the eyebrow – stick to just above the socket bone. Highlighting the inner eye and under the eyebrow will create a really polished look.” But what about those (like yours truly) who would rather draw attention away from their glasses? “If you feel self-conscious about wearing glasses, opt for a subtle clean look, nothing heavy or bold that will draw attention to the eye area. Choose subtle colours that complement the skin tone and eye colour, and use clump-free mascara such as Lash Power by Clinique in Chocolate Brown.  Where anyone has a hang up about something in their face or body, the idea is to draw attention to something they feel good about.”

Top Five Products for Glasses Wearers

● Illamasqua’s Intense Lip Gloss in Façade – Brown ‘nineties’ lips are definitely having a moment, and this densely pigmented, cocoa brown lip gloss makes thin lips look fuller, deflects attention away from heavy frames and is more wearable during the day than a statement red.

● NARS Ramatuelle Trio Eyeshadow – Ideal if your eyes are magnified by your specs, NARS’ latest eye trio is ridiculously easy to wear. The silver and icy peach shades in the palette delicately highlight the eye, while the apricot shade provides subtle definition – resulting in a polished look that’s a fresh, more subtle alternative to a harsh smoky eye.

● New CID Cosmetics i-glow Shimmer Powder in Coral Crush – A blusher and highlighter in one, this marble pink and gold powder provides a beautiful shimmer to cheekbones. Plus if you feel like your bold frames make your jawline look heavier, this will counterbalance the effect.

● Daniel Sandler Long-Lasting Waterproof Eyeliner in Green Velvet  – Great for adding definition if your glasses make your eyes look smaller. The waterproof formula means it’s less likely to smudge when humidity builds up behind lenses, and the vivid green colour makes it less ageing than black, but more interesting than brown.

● Shiseido Eyelash Curler – Few things are more annoying to a glasses wearer than having mascara smears on the inside of their lenses. But rather than forgo it altogether, these babies give lashes a much-needed spring in their step so that you don’t have to go overboard on the mascara afterwards.

Our essential make-up products for glasses wearers from NARS, Shiseido, Daniel Sandler, Illamasqua and New CID Cosmetics

Origins' new Youthtopia Lift Firming Cream

When it comes to railing against the ravages of time, truly wrinkle-defying ingredients are usually the Holy Grail of anti-ageing skincare. But in the past few years, as experts continue to learn more about skin and how it functions, they’ve been setting their sights on a new goal – combating the effects of gravity.

Here’s how the skin boffins explain it… Imagine the outline of your face is the shape of an inverted triangle when you’re a teenager. Throughout your 20’s, the triangle slowly flips over until by the time you hit your 40’s, there’s no denying your face is more like a triangle right way up. Oh yes, by then cleavage isn’t the only thing heading south. And because sagging effects the contours and density of the face, that means a lack of youthful definition and plumpness as well as slack skin.

Enter lifting formulas aimed at creating a kind of invisible mesh over the face that pulls it back into shape. The latest comes from nature-meets-science wizards Origins as part of their Youthtopia range of serums, moisturisers and a foundation to firm and tighten. The new additions, however – Youthtopia Lift Firming Cream and Ultra-rich Firming Cream – are specifically dedicated to undoing sagging.

The star ingredient is Commiphora mukul, taken from the stem of the commiphora plant that has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to improve circulation and cholesterol levels. Origins found it also contains different grades of hyaluronic acid, which holds moisture in the skin and works like a mattress, pushing out folds and creases. The effect is a triple whammy of benefits that re-contour the face: plumping it up, boosting hydration levels and protecting moisture from being drawn out of the skin.

The creams themselves have a delicious clotted cream texture that gives skin a satiny soft feel. Even the ultra-rich version for seriously parched skin wont leave behind a heavy, greasy finish. And this being Origins, the essential oils added aren’t an afterthought on scent but have mood-boosting benefits too. The blend of geranium, cardamom and sandalwood is as calming and comforting as a cashmere blanket, but at a fraction of the price.

The Youthtopia Lift Firming Cream and Ultra-rich Firming Cream are available to buy online here.

Indispensable tried-and-tested products...

Thanks to the bundles of new beauty products (and my bewildered but understanding postmen) that arrive daily, I’m never short of a shampoo, lipstick or body lotion to put through its paces. And yet, a bit like finding the perfect white t-shirt or ultimate cookie recipe, certain have become favourites I always default to, no matter what newcomers seem tempting…

MAC Cremeblend

Where a make-up bag edit used to reveal my predilection towards Prescriptives, the much-missed label has been replaced by MAC. And given my obsession with cream blusher, it’s wasn’t a surprise that at last count I had four on the go. It’s not just that they melt on your fingertips and smooth over cheeks like velvet, but that the colours really work, whether my complexion looks like I’ve been holidaying in Ireland or India. My favourites are deliciously peachy Posey and darker, duskier Tea Petal, but I can’t wait to get my hands on Florida, an eye-popping pink coming in March that already has me thinking of sunnier days and the promise of a summer tan.

Gielly Green Argan Rescue

The beauty industry has been buzzing about Argan oil so loudly of late that you could probably hear it from space. And although it seems completely counterintuitive to put oil onto freshly washed hair, this version from the Mayfair salon is nothing short of miraculous. Years of highlights, top-knots and bouts of restless sleep have seen my hair take a rebellious turn by breaking and frizzing up against my will. But two pumps of oil before blow-drying makes it feel so smooth and strong that I can see the lustrous light at the end of the hair repair tunnel.

NUDE Advanced Cellular Renewal Moisturiser

Being a bit prone to the midday make-up slide if I use a moisturiser that’s particularly rich, I tend to stick to lighter fluid formulas that let my skin feel supple without encouraging it to shine. This one however, floored me (in a good way) from the first time I used it. With a texture like whipped double cream, I expected it to feel too heavy for my confused complexion, but in fact it’s light as air and gives a satiny soft finish from the get-go. The high calibre line-up of anti-ageing ingredients don’t fail to deliver either.

Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes

The wand on this mascara may look worryingly like a medieval wrecking ball, but when you know it was inspired by a make-up artist’s trick, is actually genius. Backstage at the shows and on shoots, savvy professionals have been spotted trimming down bristles to get a shape that catches the smallest lashes right down to the root. And this spherical brush does just that. It defines peepers perfectly with glossy black colour, creates a fabulous fan shape and gives easy access to hard to reach lashes at both corners.

REN Omega 3 Night Repair Serum

I’ll admit I rocked up to the serum party a bit late, but since giving them a go in the interests of research (and hitting late 30’s), I’ve been converted by their power to deliver serious anti-ageing benefits. My go-to is Ren’s overnight version which, aside from smelling divinely soporific, has the ability to instantly inject moisture into my skin no matter how shrivelled it’s feeling. And it’s been making my complexion look brighter too, despite the grey winter days. I’ve also discovered that it’s brilliant at treating little patches of psoriasis, as the star ingredient – omega 3 – is anti-inflammatory.

Gielly Green’s Shai Greenberg explains the Argan Oil, plus the other Boutique Collection Repair Set products

Essential products for covering blemishes...

Bare Minerals SPF20 Bisque Concealer

From Bare Minerals – one of the most established companies in the mineral make-up market – comes Bisque, a loose-powder concealer available in five shades, suitable for all skin types.  Not only does it conceal dark circles under the eyes, age spots and even out skin pigmentations, it also contains zinc oxide to help prevent and heal spots. And if that weren’t enough, the UVA protection helps counteract further skin pigmentation.

Diego Dalla Palma Lifting Effect Fluid Concealer

Diego Dalla Palma may not necessarily be a familiar name, but in his native Italy, this make-up artist’s cosmetics line is known as the ‘MAC’ of Italy.  The Lifting Fluid Concealer (available in four shades) is suitable for normal to dry skin and gives lightweight coverage to minimise imperfections and smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. And here comes the science: the hexapeptide plumps the skin to minimise fine lines, with lipo-siliconic compounds and a moisturising complex giving a comfortable natural look. The result? No drying or settling into the fine lines around the eyes.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer

Bobbi Brown is well known for her huge range of shades, making the face products perfect for all skin tones.  The Creamy Concealer is no exception – and it’s available in 16 different shades, all of them yellow-based. Long-wearing and creamy (as the name suggests), the rich formula blends easily, whether with fingers or a special concealer brush, while skin conditioners in the formula help to protect the delicate under-eye are. To help the concealer stay put even longer, follow with the one-shade-suits-all setting powder.

Cover FX Camouflage Concealer

Cover FX was founded by a camouflage make-up expert, so you just know the concealers are going to be great.  Available in six shades, the Cover FX Camouflage Concealer is a 3-in-1 multi-functional formula that contains a built-in primer; it’s also water-resistant and contains emollients to soften and hydrate delicate skin.  The lightweight, long-lasting product is free of oil, fragrance and parabens too, so there’s no danger of putting nasties close the the vulnerable eye socket area.

True Concealer by Alison Raffaele

If you love the idea of a mineral concealer but can’t be bothered with the loose powder format, then the creamy Alison Raffaele True Concealer could be the answer.  Available in 7 shades from the lightest ivory through to the darkest mahogany, the creamy formulation dries to a soft powder finish, and disguises even the darkest circles after a hard night’s partying.  Useful for both under the eye and on facial blemishes, the concealer contains Vitamins A, C and E to fight skin damage from radicals, while the Pomegranate and Resveratrol contain further antioxidant properties.

Our Top Concealer Tips

● The most common mistake when using a concealer is choosing a shade that’s too light for the skin, in the hope of covering up dark circles. In fact, your concealer should only be one shade lighter than your foundation, otherwise you’ll just draw attention to, not hide, those dark circles.

● The key to getting the right perfect application (when using a cream concealer) is using a concealer brush to apply, before patting in with the tip of the ring-finger to ensure perfectly blended, flawless application.

Alison Raffaele’s own tutorial on how to apply her True Concealer

Dior's chic Garden Party nail colours

‘After women, flowers are the most lovely things God has given to the world.’

These are not the only words Christian Dior spoke on his appreciation of flowers; his love of the botanical, stemmed throughout his life and career. His first collection, unveiled in 1947 and referred to as the New Look, due to its influence on the fashion world at the time, was called Corolle – or corolla, which roughly translates to way petals fan out from the flower’s stigma.

The famous collection was inspired by the plants growing in the gardens of his family home, Villa les Rhumbs. Perched overlooking the sea in the French coastal town of Granville, it’s now a museum, boasting among the archive of his past haute couture collections, a beautiful rose garden Dior planted as a young man.

The new Dior Garden Party nail polish collection is inspired by his roses and the gatherings he hosted among the gardens; ’Grand Balls of the Century’, he called them. The scent of rose emanates from each lacquer, most detectable after the nails are completely dry and the varnish fumes gone; which is likely the healthier time to sniff them too.

The two Dior Vernis nail shades, created by Director of Dior Make-up Tyen, are punchy and universally wearable, providing a pop of spring, whilst in reality we’re still in the ghastly grips of winter. Waterlily, an iridescent, minty green, is my favourite of the two, and the one that drew the most spontaneous compliments from friends and colleagues. Forget-me-not, a pretty mauve hue, is the more grown-up of the two, and pleasingly flattering even on my pale winter skin. Both, with the added preservation of a clear base and top coat, remained chip free for a week; only shifting then because I was ready for a colour change.

The limited edition duo launch this month, and much like other coveted designer nail colours out there, are likely to be snapped up

Dior Vernis: £18 each. Available to buy online here from 16^th January.

Perched overlooking the sea in the French coastal town of Granville: Christian Dior's Villa les Rhumbs and its glorious gardens

ila spa's rejuvenating bath salts and body scrub

Currently trying to follow a long list of resolutions? Among the numerous positive changes you planned, did you resolve to make more ‘me time’ in 2012? Dedicating time to oneself might seem a little less revolutionary (not to mention virtuous) than that health and fitness zeal, but it’s just as important. With our busy, rushed lives and endless to-do lists, taking time out can seem like a selfish choice – and a way of losing precious minutes and seconds when you could be doing something else. But if you can commit to one night a week of true, blissed-out relaxation and indulgence, you’ll find that tackling that task list and dashing around town seem a whole lot easier. Pour yourself a glass of your favourite tipple, dig out that novel you’ve not managed to read mid-commute and run a deep, soothing bath. And exhale…

ila spa’s natural products are a luxurious complement to an evening spent looking after number one; the ethical, sustainable beauty brand is dedicated to  emotional and spiritual wellbeing. First stop? The Bath Salts for Inner Peace. Pure mineral-rich Himalayan salt crystals aid the detoxifying process, so those healthy intentions get an extra boost, hurrah! Add in heady damascena rose otto and sensual sandalwood, and you’ve got a serene blend guaranteed to soothe – and make you feel like the moments spent on ‘me time’ are definitely worth it. The Bath Salts are designed to balance emotions and give a sense of calm and tranquility, while rejuvenating skin and boosting natural radiance. Simply add a generous measure of the salts to your tub, lie back and soak for at least twenty minutes, to give your body enough time to absorb the rich minerals.

Alternatively try the Body Scrub for Energising and Detoxifying; a cure-all solution if you’re feeling run down or tired after a particularly arduous week. Once again, there’s a high concentration of those magic Himalayan salt crystals, along with juniper berry, rose geranium and wild poppy essence – the scent alone is uplifting. Intoxicating fragrance aside, the scrub promises to stimulate the lymphatic system, easing those muscular aches and pains. Tend to wear vertiginous heels and carry heavy totes? This one’s for you. First massage the scrub onto damp skin, for a wonderfully revivifying effect that really wakes skin up, before sinking into a deep bath to let the mineral salts do their work. Both products are best served in a candle-lit setting, preferably with a glass of Malbec…

For more information, see ila spa’s website, or shop products online here.

Body sculpting essentials for svelte, smooth contours...

Bliss FatGirl Treatment Kit

Inspired by its signature, body toning spa treatment, Bliss have created a cellulite-busting kit to enable you to recreate the same benefits at home. Included are three of the brand’s most popular formulas fight to firm and diminish cellulite with the help of caffeine, a scrub to stimulate circulation and a rich overnight cream to soothe, decrease water retention and tighten skin.

Plus, you alsoreceive the most efficient hand-held body massager I have ever used, the FatGirlSlimulator, which vigorously attacks stubborn fat cells. Ideal for use on the thighs, love handles and buttocks, where circulation is lacking, simply use circular movements in the shower, to prep for your cellulite treatment.

Decléor Aromessence Sculpt Balm

If slackened skin and general loss of firmness is your primary skin concern, head straight to Decleor for natural, highly effective body sculpting. The wonder balm contains a cocktail of eight, 100% pure and natural essential oils, which help to drastically improve and maintain skin elasticity whilst correcting the appearance of stretch marks – perfect for use during or after weight loss.

The beautiful aromatic scent and velvety texture make it a luxurious treat to apply, as dry skin is comforted. Warm a small amount of the balm into palms and apply over body, concentrating particularly on problem areas. It’s also completely safe to use during pregnancy.

Liz Earle Energising Hip and Thigh Gel

The hips and thighs are notoriously difficult areas to improve and slim, so once the dreaded dimples appear, it’s time to take action with a serious skincare product. The Energising Hip and Thigh Gel by Liz Earle utilises highly stimulating plant extracts to tone and firm the skin, whilst detoxifying and revitalising the overall appearance and surface of these troublesome areas.

Ivy, horse chestnut and butcher’s broom have been carefully selected to naturally invigorate. Combined with essential oils of grapefruit, sweet orange and rosemary to uplift the senses and leave skin feeling ultra smooth. It can also be used daily, to tighten the stomach and upper arms.

Mama Mio Get Waisted Body Shaper

Specially formulated to shrink fat cells around the waist, Mama Mio’s Body Shapper diminishes those wobbly bits and boosts fat-burning,  through seven silhouette-enhancing ingredients. Derivatives of brown and red algae, alongside amino acids, break down stored fat cells and heighten micro-circulation, which also contributes to the destruction of fat.

By massaging two pumps of this clever cream into the skin for half a minute, the waist immediately feels much tighter. Use long, sweeping motions, in a clockwise direction to reduce tummy bloating and improve digestion. Free from horrid synthetic substances, you can be sure you are applying a skin-friendly formula.

NIP + FAB Cellulite Fix

To battle the appearance of orange peel on the legs and arms, NIP + FAB’s Cellulite Fix, is the answer to your worries. It really is made for the lazy girl, as you don’t even need to massage the gel into your skin, simply smooth over targeted areas, for fast action.

With three key benefit – releasing fatty acids, reducing fat deposits and improving an irregular skin surface – it’s all you need in one tube. Indian forskolin and caffeine combine to remove waste substances, which can be enhanced by dry body brushing, prior to application.