A beach goddess body sans gym membership!

Whether it’s sipping cocktails at an art gallery, or browsing the boutiques whilst emailing and toting an extra large latte; it’s fair to say we’re big fans of multi-tasking. Which is one of the reasons we’ll be smirking wth satisfaction whilst applying Rodial’s rather clever Skinny Beach suncream.

If you haven’t managed to factor in a last minute holiday slim-down plan, the revolutionary cream with SPF 15 is one item you should definitely remember to pack. Not only does Skinny Beach ensure you’re protected from the sun’s harmful rays, it promises to firm, tone and lift tummy, thighs, derriere and any other bits of you that aren’t emanating beach goddess perfection. This is thanks to a combination of caffeine, carnitine complex and saccharide salt which blast cellulite and combat water retention.

With a light, floral scent, the cream adds a sexy sheen to skin, which will perk up even the palest of complexions. If you’re extra pale and lovely, fear not – Rodial offers a tinted version of the product, which will make hitting the beach a little less painful. And as if that weren’t impressive enough, Skinny Beach also contains tan-boosting peptides which mean that you’ll get that sun-kissed glow in double-quick time, and stay gorgeously golden for longer. Hooray!

For maximum bikini bod perfection without hours of treadmill pounding, we advise combining the cream with Rodial’s Skinny Beach Sticks. The powder is dissolved in water and taken once or twice a day a couple of weeks before you hit the beach for best effect – how easy is that?! These teeny wundersachets contain a powerful mix of vitamins, minerals and plant extracts which simultaneously slim, help build your body’s UV protection levels and boost tanning pigments in the skin. We won’t list all of the Hollywood residents who are apparently fans of the Skinny Beach range, but suffice to say anyone who is getting papped in a two piece probably has Rodial on speed dial…

The Rodial Skinny Beach range is available to buy online here.

Dynamic Duo: Silhouette and Tonus B12

“Hi, my name’s Alice and I’m a beauty product addict.”

Looking at the mass of bottles and tubes jostling for space on my bathroom shelves, you could be forgiven for thinking that you had stepped into a branch of an upscale cosmetics boutique. Obviously I remonstrate with myself and issue instructions that I MUST finish the lotions and potions I already possess before purchasing any other goodies. Unfortunately I am not very good at listening to my own recommendations. The latest advice I have issued myself with is that when I find a product that works and that I really like, I will stick to using that and get rid of my home beauty counter display.

It’s just possible that I may have found that. Karin Herzog’s catchily-titled ‘Dynamic Duo’ are two cellulite-busting creams that work in tandem to combat the dreaded orange peel effect. Looking at the before and after photographs on the dedicated Anti-Cellulite site, they’re pretty impressive. And if you’re not sold on the treatment by those, the creams have a fan in the owner of perhaps the most revered posterior in world: Kylie. Wow.

So just how does this wonder cream work, and can we all really get a derriere to rival Ms. Minogue’s? The Dynamic Duo is made up of two products: Silhouette and Tonus B12. On beginning using the kit, you are advised to choose whether you’re opting to treat cellulite only or if your aim is to slim and tone too. All this actually makes a difference to is which product you apply first. As my figure is not entirely similar to Kylie’s, I decided to slim/tone/treat cellulite – I’m a big fan of two-in-one treatments.

The first step, Tonus B12, is made with Vitamin B12 and other body-toning ingredients including slimming favourite green tea, as well as conditioning sesame, avocado, jojoba and jasmine. You may be more used to taking B12 in supplement form; it’s a vitamin which aids digestion  and helps the body convert carbs and fat into energy.

Silhouette uses a patented formula which increases O2 levels within the skin: Karin Herzog’s unique method of harnessing oxygen in order for skin to function at its best. The cream is designed to act on those wobbly bits that are most liable to fat deposits and it forces oxygen deep into the tissues to shift the toxins which cause cellulite.

The  potent ingredients in the Dynamic Duo work together – the oxygen and energy rush reaction from Silhouette means that skin uses the toning power of Tonus B12 to best effect. The products ensure that skin remains hydrated all day long, as well as improving regeneration and repair. Is there anything that the Dynamic Duo don’t do?

Application is advised twice daily for optimum results – a little diligence is required if you want smooth, firm skin you’d be happy showing off in Spinning Around-style hotpants! I am not the most patient or assiduous individual, but I did stick to the morning and night application plan.

Products work to slim, tone and firm

The instructions state that a little goes a long way with these creams and they’re not wrong – it’s absorbed easily (Silhouette cleverly self-absorbs in fact) and you won’t have to stand around in the buff for ten minutes. In terms of ease of application, my only real criticism would be the screw top format to the tubes, which makes things a little more fiddly.

There isn’t a strong aroma to either of the products, but the scent is reassuringly non-floral – these are serious creams for serious cellulite-busting after all. Having diligently slathered myself with Silhouette and Tonus B12 for two months, my skin is noticeably smoother, firmer and more bump-free. I can’t say that I’ll be popping on gold lamé micro shorts in the very near future, but I will be definitely be happier in a bikini this summer – which is what most of us are looking for after all.

And I will not be adding anything to my product collection for the moment. Although I have just realised that Karin Herzog also offers a version of the Tonus B12 with self-tan. Well, maybe just one more then.

The Dynamic Duo is available to buy online on the Karin Herzog website, plus readers of Running in Heels can get a 15% discount with code KIDNI1114. Hooray!

Karin Herzog products are not tested on animals. For more information or advice, take a look at the brand’s Facebook page. Their discussion board is open to anybody who may have any questions or comments about their products. You can also follow Karin Herzog on Twitter @KarinHerzogUK.

The way to silky, fuzz-free pins

Each year women spend impressive amounts of cash on hair removal. Whether you’re paying professionals to keep you fuzz-free or tackling your pins at home, removing hair is a costly and time-consuming business. In recent years, laser hair removal has sky-rocketed in popularity as women look for long-term solutions to keeping hair at bay. However, as desirable as this option may be, it certainly isn’t cheap – costs vary, but if you’re planning on treating large areas, such as your legs, you should expect a four figure price tag.

In addition, multiple sessions are required, meaning hours of appointments when you could be doing other more interesting and life-enriching activities. Cocktails with the girls or laser hair removal? Erm…

Thus when we heard about the TRIA Laser Hair Removal System we were pretty intrigued. Hair free? Forever? Erm, yes please! Goodbye ungainly positions in front of beauticians we’re not on a first name basis with. Goodbye shaving cuts. Goodbye trying to find a successful way to apply depilatory cream without getting it all over the bathroom. And most importantly, goodbye unwanted fuzz and hello smooth, sexy legs!

So what is this wonder gadget?

TRIA is a proven laser hair removal system that you can use at home. With the same advanced technology that is used in professional devices, TRIA promises to disable hair growth in 6-8 sessions. Yes, that does mean no more hair. Ever.

How does it work?

The system functions by targeting the dark pigments in hair; in not-so-scientific terms, the laser works with the black or brown hair to generate heat which disables the hair follicle. This means that the hair will gradually fall out and stop growing back. Finito. Kaput. Au Revoir.

TRIA suggest one treatment every two weeks for the first three months and then one every four weeks for the next 3-5 months. The device has five power settings so that users can select the best treatment level. The highest level is the most intense and painful, so if you’re squeamish you should start at the lowest setting.

How to use

Harnessing all that powerful technology we can perhaps be forgiven for thinking that the TRIA was going to resemble something out of a Bond film. In fact, it looks distinctly unscary and rather slick ; in a smart box, it’s more like a travel hairdryer. The TRIA comes with a charger and full instruction book which answers any questions you might have about the device, and explains exactly how to tackle the process, step by step.

The system needs charging for three hours before use and then you’re ready to begin defuzzing. Instructions advise using the TRIA on clean, shaved and dry skin for best results, as this minimises discomfort.

The neatly packaged TRIA

The process is surprisingly easy – the device is placed over the area to be treated, ensuring that the screen is in full contact with the skin. A beep is emitted which signals that the TRIA has done its magic and then you can move onto the next area.

Trying out the TRIA

Although some people experience a tingly, painful sensation, a little like a rubber band snapping, I found the TRIA wasn’t really painful at all.  I am usually a bit of a wimp, especially when it comes to waxing, but the only place I experienced any discomfort with the TRIA was on my underarms.

The process is very simple although I would suggest using coloured tape or white eyeliner to section off the areas you’re treating so that you don’t zap the same spot twice -perhaps not entirely scientific, but it does work. One session down and a few more to go, so we’ll update this when there are (hopefully) some fuzz-free results for you! Although the initial outlay may seem considerable, when you add up the cost of all of those Brazilians, razors and creams, perhaps not. If this baby works, it has to be worth it…

The TRIA Laser Hair Removal System costs £575 and is available to buy online here.

Within the hotel is the recently opened Spa de la Reine by Carita, comprising 250m² of treatment space as well as a gym, jacuzzi and steam room. With cool, contemporary deco and top class services, the spa is a haven of tranquility and relaxation in the bustling and busy heart of central Paris.

Get into regal shape with Carita's Corps Parfait at the Spa de la Reine

Carita first opened their first salon in Paris over 60 years ago, basing their tailor-made treatments on a philosophy of ‘Haute Beauté’, so if any spa can claim to be fit for a Queen, this is it! There’s a full range of spa services on offer, but we recommend getting your body into regal shape with Corps Parfait; over one and a half hours of relaxing body treatments designed to tone and firm from top to toe. Carita recommend a series of five sessions for best results but at €160 a go, you may want to start with just one!

Corps Parfait promises to reveal glowing skin with a full body exfoliation using Rénovateur; a legendary product blended from sunflower seeds and essential oils. Initially a liquid, Rénovateur tranforms into a powder through a slow, draining massage which allows vitamins to penetrate deeply; refining texture, regenerating tissues and leaving you with radiant skin.

The next step uses Idéal PRO-LIFT; high performance technology which works with vibratory waves to flush out toxins and decongest and deep cleanse skin. This step also boosts cells and muscle fibre. The technology is used in combination with Carita’s Perfect Concentrate; an intensive firming serum containing active anti-ageing ingredients.

Thoroughly firmed and toned, we suggest taking some time to relax a little more in the spa’s steam room and jacuzzi and if you’re feeling too blissed out to step back into the real world straight away, the Spa de la Reine offers hair and make-up services too. Once you have a blowdry and powdered complexion worthy of Marie Antoinette, we recommend a dignified afternoon tea and macarons in the hotel’s stylish lounge. Or you’re in the heart of the Marais and all of the quartier’s chic boutiques, so some extra extravagant shopping is definitely necessary. And who knows: perhaps post-Corps Parfait, you may be smugly pleased in the changing rooms. Let them eat cake!

www.pavillon-de-la-reine.com

The equivalent of a 3-day detox in your bath...

Detoxing? In the bath? Forget about vegetables and linseed teas, it is entirely possible to take the lazy approach to detoxing and do it in the bath. You can try tackling a detox the indulgent way with INA Crystals White Gold Detox Bath Crystals.

And how, pray tell, does this wondrous substance work? As part of the INA Crystals skincare range, this magical elixir contains what alchemists apparently reverently refer to as ‘The Fifth Element’: white gold crystal salts from the Himalayas. The salts are totally pure and unpolluted, having formed over millions of years.

Minerals and trace elements in the bath salts penetrate cells deeply, allowing the body to expel any toxins that it may have accumulated over time, such as pollutants in the air and alcohol. So if you’ve been downing the cocktails recently or just live in a large city, this revolutionary stuff is for you!

The intensive detoxifying effect is alleged to be equivalent to a 3-day detox and lazing in the bath has got to be easier than devoting time to chomping on crudités. The crystals also contain essential oils of basil, fennel and juniper which aid the detox process.

The people at INA say that your body will feel ‘lighter, brighter and radiant with a heavenly moisturised softness.’  And if the celebrity fans of the salts (Jude Law, Sophie Dahl and Kylie) are sources to be trusted, they may be right! The bath crystals also help sufferers of eczema, bath pain and insomnia. Unfortunately they won’t do the washing up for you, or bring world peace. But we wouldn’t be surprised if they did!

INA Crystals White Gold Detox Bath Crystals, £45/€50 are available online here.

Luxurious apres-ski relaxation

Glorious Gstaad: playground of Europe’s jeunesse doré. And where, pray tell, do the élite ski-bunnies congregate apres-ski to discusss who is doing who, and which Euro-royal has the best sunglasses and most sumptuous furs? Why, at the Gstaad Palace of course!

All of that gossiping can be tiring stuff (never mind the skiing), so if you’re heading to the resort, make sure you book some me-time at the Palace’s rather luxurious 1,800sqm spa. Designed with the Palace’s discerning clients in mind, the spa boasts incredible views, indoor and outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art gym, a pilates studio and a unique hammam experience with seven rooms. Wowee.

And if you’re heading to the best hotel in the best destination, it would seem rude not to choose the spa’s best treatment! The Royal Moments package is almost three hours of treatments that will leave you looking and feeling like a princess and ready to hit the Palace’s oh-so-exclusive nightclub, GreenGo.

The package kicks off with a soothing foot bath – perfect for easing those aching tootsies after hours en piste. We then move onto some divine treats for the body; feel the tension oozing away and your muscles relaxing with a full body scrub and aroma massage. Only the best products are used at the spa, and the ranges currently on offer include Cinq Mondes, Sisley and Niance. Will you go for Cinq Mondes’ exotic Savon Noir exfoliation or perhaps a scrub with Edelweiss-enriched alpine salts? The menu of massages takes in oriental techniques, tropical Balinese methods, hot stones and shiatsu, so relaxation is guaranteed. With your body in glowing, de-stressed perfection, we move onto the face; the Royal Moments package offers a classic facial as well as eyelash tinting and a quick eyebrow tidy.

Et voila! All that remains now is to work out who was really sporting the most stylish sunnies and whether a private jet really is a reasonable investment in these troubled times.

Find out more about the crave-worthy treatments on the Gstaad Palace’s website.

YESforLOV's Caress Cream

So the New Year brings with it certain popular resolutions…  Perhaps be more thrifty?  Get that promotion?  Find true love? Focusing slightly more on the latter here, I can promise a 100% increase in your success in the bedroom (and there surely follows success in love, oui?) with the addition of some new friends between the sheets.  By this I urge you to make friends with nos amis francais, YESforLOV.

Combining innovative product ideas with beautiful packaging and many, many scientific credentials, YESforLOV aim to offer their clients intimate products to boost sensations and give you ideas for new sexual escapades…  With products like Titillating Massage Oil and Caress Cream for Buttocks, YESforLOV wants to help you prepare for your liaisons sexuelles just as much as they want to help you enjoy the act itself.

Now, now, you may say, sexual smexual; but if this stuff doesn’t do the job then it is but a marketing man’s dream: spicy names and beautiful packaging.  Please think of me as a good friend who’s letting you in on a bit of secret, come closer and I’ll tell you what I think…

THEY WORK.

Pleasure-intensifying gels that touch you where few men (or women) can, creams that smooth out that not always blemish free posterior of yours, feather-light but tough condoms that won’t stop you (or him) in your tracks, fragrances that heighten your desire and hypoallergenic lubricantssto that moisturise and care for you.

Play Hide and Seek with YESforLOV

Along with the range of creams, gels and potions come novel ideas for bedroom frolics.  Think amorous Hide and Seek with an invisible marker and mini-UV light, or two contrasting lip balms to offer both ice cold and fire hot sensations to that lucky individual (or individuals) on the receiving end of your kisses.

If this all sounds rather overwhelming then why not dip your toe into the world of YESforLOV with the Week-end Kit: a five-piece smorgasbord of titillation featuring a satin blindfold, cherry-flavoured body pencil, massage oil, excitement gel (this is the main attraction, please believe me) and lube (very important if you’re expecting to be sexually deviant all weekend long…)

There are enough sexual aides, creams, lotions and potions on the market to make choosing the best rather tricky; what you’ll be looking for are affordable but luxurious products that make you (and other interested parties) feel amazing.  YESforLOV is top of the class, proving that perhaps what people say about the French dans la chambre is true after all…

Find out about stockists on buy online on the YESforLOV website.

Get ready to relax with Lutetia Reborn

Deluxe art deco Hotel Lutetia will commemorate its centenary in 2010, but ahead of the celebrations, the Left Bank palace is opening Spa Lutetia – an address St. Germain fashionistas will undoubtedly be noting in their little black books.

As well as gloriously luxurious massages and facials, various packages are on offer to relax and pamper; our favourite has to be the “Lutetia Reborn” experience. Three hours of treatments promise to transform you from top to toe and the package even includes another French luxury treat, champagne – hooray!

The spa experience begins with a full consultation and is tailor-made to each client and their skin’s requirements. Like any capital city, Paris has its share of polluted air; begin with a facial which will leave you glowing and prepare skin for some serious party make-up.

Christmas shopping can be hard work, so relax with a massage; Spa Lutetia has chosen to work with renowned spa specialists Monmasseur Paris and all body treatments use their 100% natural and organic product range. Your therapist will diagnose which areas need most attention and relieve tension accordingly – the package isn’t called “Lutetia Reborn” for nothing.

The experience also includes a pedicure, manicure and blow dry too so this is the ideal pre-party treat – invite your pals! Before you head off into the night, sip a glass of  ‘1910 – 2010 Lutetia’ Taittinger Champagne, which was exclusively created for the centenary in the Lutetia Bar, which is apparently a favourite haunt of Dita von Teese and France’s First Lady, Carla Bruni, no less!

More celebrations for the centenary will be announced, but what better way to enjoy the anniversary than with pampering and champagne? We’re sure Carla would approve…

For more information, see Hotel Lutetia’s website.

If you’re really busy and want to multi-task on the pampering, try Dior’s “anti-cellulite offensive” treatments designed for legs and bottom or for waist and stomach. You can opt to have the anti-cellulite blast with the brand’s state-of-the-art “secret weapon”: micro-abrasion. The innovative concept combines high-tech functions including peeling, red or blue photostimulation and lymphodrainage which apparently means that you can delay any plastic surgey that you might have envisaged. So that’s how the Parisiennes manage to stay so svelte!

If you fancy relaxing à deux, the Institut offers a VIP double treatment room which means you can bring Monsieur along too! And considering the Dior Institut’s proximity to the chichi boutiques of the Avenue Montaigne, this may not be such a bad idea…

http://www.plaza-athenee-paris.com/spa-fitness

Nars’ Monoï Body Glow II set is the ultimate in luxurious body products and all you need for sexy summer skin. The set contains Nars Body Glow which is perfect for adding a touch of shimmer to arms, legs and decolleté in the evening. The divine elixir contains Monoï along with a vanilla essence and a hint of chocolate shimmer ensuring a golden glow which will accentuate tanned skin whilst moisturising intensely.

If you’re a packaging junkie, you will love Nars Monoï Body Glow II; the rectangular bottle contains a pretty Tiare flower – a reminder of the origins of Monoï de Tahiti. The transparent beauty oil itself can be used as a moisturiser or massage oil and is absorbed quickly for total hydration.

With a Nars Monoï glow, as Gainsbourg concluded his summer chanson, “C’est sur que tu es un hit”!

You can buy the Nars Monoï Body Glow II set online here.