Picture the scene: it's a glorious sunny morning, you stroll out onto the balcony of your self-contained, all mod-cons flat, to have a coffee in the sunshine. Your best friend, who's moved in next door, is out on her balcony so you have a bit of a catch up. The two of you wave to some friends who are walking across the communal landscaped gardens below, on their way to a morning yoga class. (Top left Sian Sutherland with brother Nick and on the right is the redeveloped Television Centre) ...read
Personal shopping is big business these days. The concept travelled here from America, where there are now an estimated 28,000 personal shoppers propping up a £600 million industry.
Personal shopping is big business these days. The concept travelled here from America, where there are now an estimated 28,000 personal shoppers propping up a £600 million industry.
IN FEMAIL TODAY...
- Women DESPERATE for a proposal confess to feeling 'insane'
- Peple reveal the secret they would NEVER share with their parents
- Three cancer survivors tell their astonishing - and heart-warming - stories SPONSORED
- Mark Austin admits he thought his anorexic daughter was selfish
- Man is given just three weeks to find his partner's dream home
THIS WEEK WE'RE LOVING...
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Get thicker and beautifully lengthened lashes with the La Roche-Posay Respectissime Extension Length & Curl Mascara. Created especially to suit the unique needs of contact lens wearers and those with sensitive eyes, this sumptuous polymer-rich mascara works to beautify the lashes whilst improving their health.
We can't get enough of Jo Malone's scented soaps - Lime Basil & Mandarin, English Pear & Freesia, Blackberry & Bay, Red Roses and Pomegranate Noir which come wrapped in a unique design that celebrates each fragrance, created by renowned British artist and designer Michael Angove.
When it comes to nude lips, it's time to think beyond one-size-fits-all colour. Meet the next generation of nude with bareMinerals' Gen Nude range. With 60 shades and four finishes, there's something to suit everyone.
Much-loved celebrity beach brand Boardies Apparel has launched a line for ladies. Bikinis are set to follow but for now there are snazzy shorts on offer fashioned out of quick dry fabric. To make heads turn on the sea shore there are a range of sunny prints to choose from. Tropicano print and a splash of polka dot are sure to get you in the holiday spirit. Sizes are availble in S, M and L with prices starting from £39.
SADIE WHITELOCKS
With restorative yoga forecasted as a big trend for the New Year, Virgin Active has introduced a brand new yoga programme. One of the classes launched in the run up to 2017 includes Calm by Candlelight, designed to reduce stress and focus the mind. Each 60-minute session takes place in a candlelit studio with emphasis placed on very long holds and breathing techniques. Other classes to try out are the Anti-Gravity Suspension courses which will see you strike poses while hanging upsidedown. If youre a music fan the Yogabeat sessions might be just for you. Virgin Active membership rates vary depending on location.
SADIE WHITELOCKS
USPAAH is an on-demand mobile spa app bringing qualified beauty and wellness professionals to clients within an hour of booking. The idea was born out of founder Iglika Ghouse's own need to fit treatments into her busy schedule. Iglika was working as an investment banker in the city of London for over ten years and always struggled to find last-minute bookings or good quality, reliable providers of services at home. She assembled a team, and set out to create USPAAH to make it easier for busy people to treat themselves. By disrupting the traditional spa model, the app is giving men and women something theyre increasingly short on - time.
If you have problem skin and want to conceal your blemishes without clogging your pores and making matters worse, snap up Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation. Loved by countless celebrities and make-up artists around the world, this is the most breathable foundation on the market, allowing oxygen to reach the skin, but still providing the most amazing coverage.
Our go-to hair salon, Hershesons, are introducing a genius new hair cut that makes fine hair look instantly fuller and naturally thicker; and who wouldn't want that? The brand recognised for setting the hair trends have eschewed conventional fine hair styling rules - opting instead to design a haircut that looks relevant right now, is easy to style, easy to maintain and has built-in volume. If that wasn't enough, they're also launching The Antibob - a cool new shape and hair texture that doesn't need styling. Check out the website for more information.
FOREO ISSA's combination of Sonic Pulse Technology and unique silicone design helps clean and whiten your teeth like never before. The ISSA electric toothbrush has an all silicone brush that gently cleans your teeth and gums, while the ISSA Hybrid's combination of silicone and PBT polymer brush is stronger on plaque and still gentle on your gums. £149.
Whitworths Full of Super range New superfood range from Whitworths, Full of Super. Enjoy Cayenne Chilli or Garlic and Herb Flaxseed Crisps, Vanilla or Cacao Maca-roons and Cacao or Coconut Raw Bars crammed with 'super' ingredients and offering a tastier, healthier and more nutritious way to snack. RRP £1.49 from major supermarkets
Since first laying eyes on this velvet, star-patterned jacket, we haven't stopped swooning over it. The delectable design from Guess ($248) is everything you could want in a warm winter layer - chic, figure-flattering and with a bit of added flair in the form of the starry print. And another bonus? As the warmer Spring months arrive, this blazer will serve as the perfect light layer to throw on over a dress for a night out, making it an ideal multi-season must-have.
MUST READ
Catch me if you can! Competitive Kate tries to outrun her husband but gets royally beaten by Prince Harry as they take part in a relay race at London's Olympic park
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge went head to head in a race this afternoon as they took part in a training day for the London Marathon at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park (QEOP) in London. The pair were joined by Prince Harry at the training day for Team Heads Together which is the campaign to change the conversation on mental health which is spearheaded by the royal trio.
WHERE TO EAT THIS WEEK
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If youre looking for a stellar slice of steak then the Jones Family Project will satisfy your cravings. The slick basement eatery close to Old Street in London is pretty unsuspecting from the outside but inside, it's a feast for the senses. Chic furnishings, upbeat music and delicious food will keep you busy. The steaks are cooked to perfection, thanks to a special charcoal cooking technique. The meat is also delivered fresh from the renowned Ginger Pig farm in North Yorkshire. The perfect spot for a Sunday lunch, with two courses served up for £14.50 and three courses priced at £17.50.
To mark National Pisco Day on Saturday February 4th, London Peruvian-inspired eateries Ceviche, Casita Andina and Andina will be offering a snack and a cocktail for £9 from 4-6pm. Special drinks rustled up for the appetizing extravaganza include an Avocado Sour and the Paddington Sour which features marmalade-infused pisco. On the food front, tuck into 'Amarillo Poppers' or 'Pork Chiufa Tequenos'. Definitely a way to warm up in the current cold snap!
SADIE WHITELOCKS
Scandinavian cuisine has an unfortunate reputation for being a compilation of pickled fish and Ikea meatballs. Well prepare to see your flat pack opinion vanish with Texture's all-star Scandi inspired dishes. Chef Aggi Sverrisson combines beautiful ingredients sourced from Iceland to create beautiful food in both appearance and flavour. The restaurant's name lends itself to the surprising yet harmonious pairings on the plate. King crab bites back with a coconut and ginger sidekick that is more than sublime. The ribeye is presented in its very own forest (I kid you not) and delivers both the melt-in-the-mouth consistency that you long for but also an intriguing and highly impressive flavour that exceeds above and beyond the expectation of a Michelin star. I absolutely urge you to book - and you will need to - 7pm on a Tuesday and the restaurant is deservedly full.
MARTHA CLIFF
We all have a curry house that we are fiercely loyal to. And while under normal circumstances I would encourage you to avoid straying, Talli Joe may just be my exception to the rule. The all-day drinking and dining venue on Shaftsbury Avenue is buzzing with spice lovers and after my visit its not very hard to see why. Providing the perfect sized half-plate it is almost the Tapas of the curry world giving you more opportunity to let loose on a whole host of fantastic flavours. The Kochi Beef Fry and the Bohri chicken both provide the rich and warming flavours you would expect from your curry but the taste is on steroids. Absolutely stay for pudding, the traditional Kulfi is shunned in favour of a dish named Black Gajar Halwa black carrots with salted peanut brittle and easily one of the most moreish puddings I have had in months.
MARTHA CLIFF
To gamble is, by definition, to take a risk - but there's one spot that's risk free at Leicester Square's Hippodrome Casino and that's its restaurant: Heliot Steak House. Though some may be put off by the idea of dining in a place where sexy dancers perform downstairs and people lose thousands, the restaurant is set away from the noise and bright lights of the casino floor, while still affording you a view of the action below. As for the food, it comes close to faultless. Smoked salmon came in a cloche filled with smoke, the haggis (for we dined on Burns Night) was peppery, meaty and an excellent introduction to the traditional dish, and the steak was up there with the best I have eaten in London. Mains start at £11, steaks at £14.
IMOGEN BLAKE
When you imagine yourself eating one of the best lobsters of your life it is likely that you see yourself, abroad, perhaps overlooking the sea, am I right? Well, how about around the back of Oxford Street without a waterfront in sight? Dickie Fitz is the capital's answer to Australian cuisine and their menu is set to give even the Aussies a run for their money. I ordered the lobster with wild garlic and chilli with some trepidation. Nothing breaks my heart more than a disappointing lobster which the capital has cruelly subjected me to in the past. However, I can honestly say that their offering tops many of the crustaceans I have eaten in the world, let alone London. Fuss-free, buttery and fresher tasting than many I have enjoyed with an ocean view - seafood lovers the hunt is over. P.S. For those of you not quite ready to part with £34 for a whole lobster I plead you to have the fries with chicken salt. Warning: extra portions may be required.
MARTHA CLIFF
Thrill seeking diners head to the Sky Garden's Fenchurch restaurant offering spectacular views and spectacular nosh to match. No compensating required at either end, enjoy breath-taking landscapes over the capital with a dinner with as much to offer as the building that hosts it. The Rabbit bolognaise tastes like the fabulous comfort food you have been yearning for - on steroids, while Dover sole has the fine-tuned flavours that are becoming increasingly difficult to find in the city's seafood. Absolutely finish with the cheese - the in house expert will blow your 'I'll just have the brie' attitude out of the water. Be prepared to do some serious waddling - thank heavens there's a lift
MARTHA CLIFF
Innovative sushi isn't always easy to find in London and if you're bored of a bog standard California roll, head to Murakami in Covent Garden, which has just had a re-launch. The setting is pared back but feels luxe enough for date night or dinner with clients and the service is second-to-none. As for the food, expect mouthwatering sushi rolls with a difference. We loved the Aburi Sushi (flame seared) and Oshi sushi (flame seared pressed); they were super fresh and light but exploded with flavour. The Rib Eye with shiitake and yuzu sweet soya sauce literally melts in the mouth and the puddings are delicious; be sure to sample to mochi.
Multi-award winning snack makers, PROPERCORN, have joined forces with culinary architects, Bompas & Parr, to bring their pursuit of flavour perfection to life, revealing the pop behind their packs. Journeying through the spice shelves, bitters and sweets of the flavour library, all who enter will experience the crescendo of the anechoic popping room, before tumbling their precious popcorn in the kitchen. Each person will sniff, spray and sprinkle their way to their own signature seasoning, before it is pinned to the wall of pop. This flavour experience from the masters of maize, continues in the popcorn museum, housing some of the oldest grains on the planet and concludes with a perfectly shaken popcorn cocktail at the colour bar. The Institute of Flavour pops up on 17th June, open to the public for 2 days. To get hold of tickets or create a flavour visit: www.instituteofflavour.com
Next door to, in my opinion, some of the best Italian available in the capital there would have to be something significantly special at The Ninth on Charlotte Street to tempt me away from my usual haunts. London based chef Jun Tanaka offers a mash up of French and Mediterranean cuisine- which I admit at first, I was a little flummoxed by. However, a great thing happened as I was handed the menu - I didn't know what to order. It wasn't that the menu was overcrowded but rather everything was causing me salivate. After much dithering I settled for rabbit confit lasagne which cannot be faulted, followed by roast quail, perfect in size and taste. The waiters will suggest that these are sharing dishes, which I have to say I struggled with (halving a roast quail is not the most elegant dinner etiquette). I would recommend choosing your own main which is all the better to enjoy the spoil-you-rotten food. My favourite Italian may have to step up its game.
MARTHA CLIFF
Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know that The Nice Guy in Los Angeles is THE place to see and be seen. The latest offering from the h.wood Group is the city's answer to London's Chiltern Firehouse and with Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift and the Kardashians gracing the haunt night after night, it's easy to see why. But it's not just the plush Mafia-inspired decor, relaxed vibe and celebrity clientele that draws in the crowds, the food is something to write home about, too. The kitchen serves up good, hearty LA grub; think succulent burgers, juicy meatballs, the tastiest truffle fries and sweet apple crumble, which Gigi Hadid loves so much they named it after her. The delicious food is washed down by creative cocktails and the finest whiskies and the waiters really know their stuff. If you want to dine at LA's trendiest eatery, get on the waiting list ASAP and then be sure to get a snap in the in-house photobooth to prove you were there.
The Botanist in Trinity Leeds offers a wondrous concoction of botanical cocktails, craft beers and ales, Champagne and wine. A sublime social spot like not other, you also get live music and gourmet food inspired by European delis, rotisserie and BBQ.
Tibits is a vegetarian and vegan restaurant offering up a guilt free, comprehensive menu that changes daily, with dishes inspired from the Mediterranean through to Asia, all produced with largely organic and all GM-free ingredients. Check out any of their seven branches in London and Switzerland - or you can recreate eighty of their most coveted and mouth-watering recipes at home with their new book co-written with Rolf Hiltl, Vegan Love Story.
Celebrate the arrival of Spring in style at luxe Japanese haunt, Sake No Hana. The restaurant from the Hakkasan family houses a beautiful and Instagram-friendly sakura cherry blossom garden from 21st March to 18th June. Inspired by hanami, the centuries-old Japanese tradition of celebrating the fleeting cherry blossom, Sakura at Sake no Hana offers guests the chance to enjoy the transient beauty of the flowers in the heart of Mayfair. As well as an aesthetically pleasing interior, a limited edition seven course menu has been created for guests to enjoy, featuring a cocktail, a bento box created by Executive Head Chef Hideki Hiwatashi, a dessert and macarons. Sakura at Sake no Hana¿s limited edition menu is available for lunch and dinner in the bar and restaurant sushi counter from 21st March to 18th June, Monday to Saturday, for £34 per person. To book a table call 020 7925 8988 or email reservations@sakenohana.com.
When it comes to foodie buzz words in London the Bluebird is definitely up there. The go-to eatery of the MIC crew is certainly one to tick off the to eat list. And those who have had their fill of the restaurants menu will be pleased to hear that exciting new plates have arrived in SW3. The Queen scallops are fully deserving of their name with the combination of salty chorizo and sharp apple enough for the finest palette. The sharing Chateaubriand is not to be missed but certainly to be shared with what I can only imagine to be half a cow served up on a wooden block. While the crème brûlée and profiteroles are not to be missed make sure to save room for one of the Bluebirds famous cocktails that really cant be beaten. If you are looking for a reason to return to the toffs haunt this menu is it top drawer darling.
MARTHA CLIFF
- At last! High St personal shoppers who know EXACTLY what you should wear (because they’re 50+)... and top trends our expert shoppers say you need this spring
- Bonkers wrinkle busters that really work (Just make sure you take them off before you leave the house)
- Dry January’s over at last! So what will your first drink be? Make it a good one with our guide to 2017’s top tipples!
- How the stars show February’s TWIN eclipse will change YOUR life by moonologist Yasmin Boland
- Want a happy old age? Get your friends to be your neighbours! That’s just what empty nesters are now doing — swapping a lonely retirement for a life near companions who really do care
- On the couch with Janet Ellis: I’ve lost my job — and my identity too
- Best books on fading beauty: Bestselling author GILL HORNBY suggests key novels to help you through the trickier times in life
- Catch me if you can! Competitive Kate tries to outrun her husband but gets royally beaten by Prince Harry as they take part in a relay race at London's Olympic park
- Are these the best recipes EVER? Pinterest crowns the winners of its first ever food awards (including the ultimate chicken tikka masala and Fearne Cotton's goji berry bars)
- ‘I won't spend the rest of my life as just the girlfriend’: Women who are DESPERATE for a proposal confess to feeling 'insane', jealous and depressed
- Why we should ALL be following the Scandi lifestyle for a happy, healthier life (and this stunning blogger is walking proof that it really works)
- 'I told her to starve herself to death': Newsreader Mark Austin admits he became frustrated with his anorexic daughter and thought she was 'selfish and pathetic' because he didn't understand her condition
- Psst, fancy a Gucci handbag for just £25? Just go to M&S;! (Well can YOU tell the difference?)
- 'That month I was living in Spain was actually spent in jail': Grown-up children reveal the one secret they would NEVER share with their parents
- MOST READ IN DETAIL
FEMAIL BLOGS
CELEBRITY STYLE WATCH...LUCY MECKLENBURGH
CELEBRITY STYLE WATCH...LUCY MECKLENBURGHLucy worked the trend for colourful fur this weekend while she attended The Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury Racecourse. While her Paul and Joe jacket costs an eye-watering £1552, we show you where you can bag an almost identical one for £20...
Lucy Mecklenburgh showcased her eye for good style at Newbury Racecourse
SHAPE UP: The latest fitness news and products
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- Buy FE FITNESS
- Buy MISSFITS PROTEIN
- Buy LEG GOALS
- Buy FASHIONABLE FITNESS
- CASH IN OLD TRAINERS
- Buy HIKING BOOTS
- Buy SCHOOL OF STRUT
- Buy BERRY BOOST
- Buy BRA-VO!
- Buy PROTEIN ON THE GO
- Buy STYLISH SUPPORT
- MASTER THE MARATHON
- Buy WIRELESS EARPHONES
- Buy RUN YOURSELF FIT
- TIME FOR TENNIS
- Buy PUMPKIN PROTEIN
- Buy NEW BALANCE
- Buy IGNITE YOUR WORKOUT
- Buy FE FITNESS
- Buy MISSFITS PROTEIN
The Multitasker from MissFits Nutrition is the first perfectly portioned, lean-pea protein shake designed just for women. Presented in a nifty single sachet, it will help you feel stronger and recover faster after a workout. With four flavours to choose from, Chocolate, Vanilla, Berry and Coffee, there's a treat for every taste bud - with no added sugars. The superfood sachets are also packed with cacao powder, vanilla beans, fruit and coffee beans. Suitable for vegans, the shakes are gluten and GMO free. Prices start at £16 for 12.
Inject some sunshine into your next workout courtesy of these new leggings from Terez ($72), created in collaboration with photographer Debby Hymowitz. Famed for capturing images of some of the world's most beautiful and exotic locations, Debby offered two of her most well-known images to the workoutwear brand - a picture of palms from Flamands Beach in St. Barths, and an image of umbrellas in Positano.
Fashion blogger extraordinaire Danielle Bernstein of We Wore What lent her sensational sense of style to a workoutwear collaboration with Strut This, available exclusively at Bandier. And while all of the pieces are sure to wow your fellow gym-goers, it's this marble-print sports bra ($88) that has our heart all aflutter. Stylish and comfortable, it's a must-have for any and all fashionable fitness fans out there.
Ever wondered that to do with your old running trainers? Instead of throwing them in the bin or keeping them buried at the back of your closet, you can now recycle them thanks to Runners Need. The running store are inviting people to bring their old trainers in to their stores across the country from October 9th to be recycled. As an extra incentive, anyone bringing old trainers in before 9 November will get a £20 voucher to spend in store towards a new pair. Visit www.runnersneed.com/about-us/recyclemyrun.html for more info.
Structure, stability and suspension define this women's hiking boot, designed for all-around trail comfort while you head further past the horizon. It's reinforced at the heel and toe, and the high-traction, low-profile lugs let go of debris for lighter travel. KEEN WOMEN'S APHLEX WATERPROOF BOOT, £119.99
In this sassy dance class attendees, aka 'strutters', are taught a dance routine while wearing trainers. But once the routine has been mastered, they can slip on their high heels if they wish! There's some strut practice (the strut-off) and then the routine is performed in heels. It's designed to help women find their inner diva and embrace their femininity. Find out more about Strutology classes, launching soon, as well as how to become an InStrutter Trainer, on Zoe McNulty's website.
9BAR have introduced a new fruity flavour to their range of energy bars. Carob Hit Chia Berry combines sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, hemp and chia seed and the flavour of raspberry and a chocolate carob coating. It's high in fibre, vegan-friendly, gluten-free and made with no artificial colours or preservatives. RRP: £10.80 (16 x 50g
When it comes to choosing the perfect ensemble for your next sporting adventure, nothing could be more important than finding the ideal sports bra to provide you with ample support - while also adding a fashionable flair to your outfit. Enter Aerie's latest sports bra offering, a chic zipped number ($39.95) that will not only ensure total comfort, but also inject some extra style into your look. Snap (or zip!) it up quickly, and who knows, this chic addition to your workoutwear wardrobe may provide you with the extra boost of motivation you need to hit the gym...
While all the workouts in the world might not be able to help you achieve the enviable physique of a Victoria's Secret model - you can at the very least steal their sporty style courtesy of Pink's chic new range of sports bras ($24.95 each). Show off your figure to full effect in one of the flattering and colorful designs, all of which are sure to have you eagerly awaiting your next trip to the gym.
iFrogz Charisma are a brand new type of fitness headphone. They're wireless, bluetooth, sweat resistent, lightweight, and have been designed by female athletes to suit the needs of active women. They deliver solid bass and chiming highs for awesome sound. £29.99
If you want to start running to get fit in 2016 and don't know where to start, then buy a copy of Run Yourself Fit, out now published by Summersdale. The book is written by former editor of Women's Running magazine Christina Macdonald, who practises what she preaches having completed a number of races from 5k to marathon distance. The beginner-friendly tome has training plans, tips and advice on how to avoid injury. RRP £6.99
Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder offers more organically certified vegetarian protein than hemp or soy, and has more than twice the protein content of raw pumpkin seeds. The nutrients help to support red blood cell production and the immune system, maintain healthy skin hair and nails, and repair cells which have become damaged through injury or exercise. Amazing! Pumpkin Seed Protein Powder costs £23.75 for 600g from greensforhealth.co.uk
Sportswear brand New Balance just opened its European flagship store on London's Oxford Street (near John Lewis) meaning we can all look amazing in the gym. Shop for your new workout outfit in the largest New Balance store in the world, which stocks the full range of products over three floors, including running, football, the uber-cool lifestyle ranges, women's tech training and even kids' shoes.
Ignite is a new ebook from fitness expert Julia Buckley, the author of the bestselling, The Fat Burn Revolution. The series of six 30-minute workouts claim to deliver astonishing fat loss and fitness gains after just four weeks. Best of all, you don't need to join a gym as you can do all the workouts in the comfort of your own home.
A slick new gym in the City will make sure you stay on track with your progress - because if you don't, you may be suspended. You can sign up for their 12-week Metamorphosis Membership at Fe Fitness for a reduced rate of £960. As if you needed more motivation. In January, it goes up to £1,450.
IN GOOD HEALTH TODAY
- WE'RE PROOF DRY JANUARY IS WORTH IT: Five drinkers who gave up alcohol for a month reveal their astonishing results
- TRAGIC TOM AND THE 50 LIVES HE SAVED: Tom, who was so full of life before his death in a hockey accident at 22:, has given his organs to 50 people
- NO CHRISTMAS WITHOUT OUR DONORS: The uplifting stories of 12 patients who received help just in time
- HOW YOUR COLD COULD BE A SKIN INFECTION: While Mark thought he was just feeling under the weather, he was suffering from deadly cellulitis
DON'T MISS
From a humble terrace on Coronation Street to the stately Downtown Abbey, can YOU guess how much it would cost to buy your favourite TV home?
From Downton Abbey (top left) to the houses of Albert Square (top right), TV shows homes can often become as well-known as the characters who live in them. A terraced home on Coronation Street (bottom right) would set you back just £100,000.On the other end of the scale is Buckingham Palace (bottom left) - as seen in Netflix series The Crown - which would cost an staggering £2.2billion, if it was ever put up for sale. Here, FEMAIL reveals the cost of eight of the most famous TV homes.
BEAUTY FAVOURITES
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- Buy FAIRY SKIN
- Buy SMART COLOUR
- Buy SCENT LIBRARY
- Buy BARBER + BLOW
- Buy GIFTS ALL YEAR
- Buy HAND TREATS
- Buy PLUMPER LIPS
- Buy HIGH-TECH CLEANSE
- Buy SKIN SAVIOR
- Buy FAKE TAN BE GONE
- Buy SWEET SCENT
- Buy HAIRCARE HEROES
- Buy PAMPER AWAY
- Buy CLEAN SCENT
- Buy COVERPROOF SKIN
- Buy MIRACLE MOISTURE
- Buy SUPER OIL
- Buy AIR PATROL
- Buy HAIR RESCUE
- Buy MAGIC SOAP
- Buy CONDITIONER OF KINGS
- Buy FAIRY SKIN
- Buy SMART COLOUR
SMARTBOND is L'Oréal Professionnel's new smart ingredient added to hair colour to minimise potential damage. The additive is 'better than Olaplex' and protect bonds deep within the hair and strengthens them during colouring and lightening processes. This makes hair stronger, touchably softer, and shinier. The new two-step process is used by Donald Black at Neville's hair salon in London.
Fashion label Rag & Bone has branched out into beauty with the launch of its first range of fine fragrances. The eight-strong collection, which features a series of beautiful scents, are available as individual fragrances ($140 each), or all together in a sample library ($95) - the perfect pick for anyone who simply can't make up their minds. From floral Neroli to deep and musky Amber, there is certain to be at least one scent to suit even the most discerning of fragrance lovers.
A new barber and blow dry service launches at 1Rebel, St Mary Axe, London, allowing fitness fans to leave the gym with awesome hair. 1Rebel are know for revolutionising London's fitness scene since their launch in 2015. With centrally located studios, their latest innovation is based at 1Rebel's flagship studio, St Mary Axe. Partnering with Barber + Blow to bring gym-goers a unique concept, they can now have a quick, luxury blow-dry or gentleman's cut after working out (and showering!). Barber + Blow, from £10 for a beard trim, or £15 for a braid.
If you don't want the gift-giving of Christmas to end, check out the chic Parisian subscription service MyLittleBox.co.uk. The company, set up by stylish French blogger Fany Péchiodat, delivers a gorgeous package of two lifestyle items, from a mix of boutique and luxury brands, and one exclusive and full-size beauty product from the Parisian brand's lusted after cosmetics range, My Little Beauty. The subscription box £14.95 a month and makes getting mail fun again.
This little luxury set features shea butter hand cream, refining hand scrub and a cuticle and nail cream. It's perfect for a relaxation boost if you want to treat yourself. William Morris Hand Care Treats, £15.95, Joe Browns
The Dr Rakus Organic Natural Lip Plumper is designed to work with or without lip fillers to give lips a fuller appearance. It is paraben-free and made entirely from natural and organic ingredients including capsicum to increase blood flow and enhance the Cupid's Bow and volume, Vitamin A to increase cell turnover, Vitamin B to reduce the appearance of fine lines and Vitamin E to keep lips hydrated - plus so much more.
Dr. Levy's amazing new synergistic cleanser helps to progressively eliminate dullness from the outer cell layer. It encourages renewal of deeper, healthier cells and facilitates a deeper penetration of the youth-enhancing so-called ArganCellActiv ingredients. Thanks to its unique creamy texture, 3DEEPTM further helps to fortify the natural moisture barrier of the skin, leaving the skin silky and soft. The new 3DEEPTM Cell Renewal Micro-Resurfacing Cleanser costs £39 for 150ml. Head to drlevyswitzerland.com
With the colder months in full swing, it's only a matter of time before the chilly weather starts to take its toll on your complexion. Thankfully, however, help is at hand. Enter the Amway Artistry Supreme LX Regenerating Cream ($365), an incredibly rich and luxurious anti-aging product that promises to regenerate and plump the skin, leaving it smooth, soft and healthy, whatever the weather. Plus, the rich formula will nourish the complexion and protect it against the elements.
In world-first, Antheia is an express fake tan remover that removes orange, streaky tans with a simple spray and wipe formula.
With Mother's Day just around the corner, the hunt is on for the perfect - and most unique - gift to give your mom. But while flowers and candy might be nice, we suggest you look no further than this fabulous fragrance by Odin. Inspired by the romance of exotic destinations and long-forgotten places, Odin New York¿s Black Line No. 12 scent ($165), which draws on the rich landscapes of India, features a spicy mix of black pepper, rare Lacha saffron, warm nutmeg and carnation flower, which is intended to evoke images rich in color and beauty. The unisex scent also contains middle notes of suede accord, which is mixed with bottom notes of patchouli, sandalwood and musk to create a long-lasting earthy base. The deep scent is sure to make this Mother's Day one she will never forget.
New to Unite's iconic 7SECONDS range is this shampoo ($33) and conditioner ($35) duo. Offering powerful, all-day moisture and enviable shine, the products also promise to ensure long-lasting protection against heat and environmental aggressors.
Unsure of what to buy your mom this Mother's Day - but want something that you know she will never forget? Why not forget the more traditional treats and opt for something that will help her to enjoy the day even more? That's where the New York-based Julien Farel Restore Salon and Spa at the Loews Regency Hotel on Park Avenue comes in. With several pampering packages designed especially for mother's of all ages - from moms-to-be to moms with teenage children - there is something on offer to suit even the most hard-to-please of parents, be it a massage, manicure, make-up or even all three. And, best of all, there are plenty of opportunities for the kids to get in on the pampering session too - making Mother's Day all the more enjoyable for everyone involved, not just mom!
Moschino's latest Fresh fragrance might just be its most fun-filled. Encased in a quirky bottle which looks just like your average cleaning product, the scent itself is anything but ordinary. A beautiful blend of mandarin, bergamot, ylang ylang, raspberry, peony, osmanthus, woods, patchouli and ambrox makes for an enticing scent that will linger for hours after application.
WUNDER2'S new foundation is a breakthrough: water-proof and transfer-proof. CoverProof features a revolutionary Tri-Plex 24hour-plus, long-wear formula that works on three interconnecting levels to deliver a flawless finish that's comfortable and nourishing for the skin. £24.95
Aesop's Rind Concentrate Body Balm is no fable. The after-shower balm smells delightful and will bring dry skin back to life in no time. £69 500ml.
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Those who are unfamiliar with Kiehl's Superbly Restorative Dry Oil get ready to make it part of your winter beauty routine. Use it as a treatment for dry hair or sooth winter chafing. £37.50, Selfridges
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Benefit¿s Air Patrol is one of those miracle products that actually works. The eyeshadow primer has kept the FEMAIL desk¿s eyeshadow smudge free even during the most stressful of work days! £21.50 Benefit
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With damp weather bringing with it the dreaded winter frizz many of us will be turning to our straighteners this winter. To avoid damaged hair perk it up once a week with the Rosemary & Cedarwood hair treatment from Neal's Yard. £6.50
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Dr Bronner¿s pure castile soap is rightly dubbed magic soap. It has a myriad of uses from shampoo and face cleansing to floor cleaner and even tooth paste. We love the lavender scent, add a few drops to your bath for a relaxing soak. £8.50 ASOS
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Look to Scandinavia for your latest hair product obsession. We love the L:A Bruket Balsam Citrongräs conditioner with detangling properties leaving you with soft silky hair. £26.90
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Pixi's makeup melting wipes are FEMAIL's most coveted product of late. Removing makeup up with ease and with a goregeous scent it makes the job a real joy. £10 Pixi
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Reality star addicted to surgery reveals she's spent £155,000 on creating her dream body - including chin contouring, five nose jobs and SIX breast augmentations
Reality star Laura Alicia Summers, 32, (left, now), from Nottingham, appears on Celebrity Botched Bodies (inset) where she undergoes her sixth breast enhancement to get corrective surgery after a botched op left them asymmetrical. She has spent £155,000 since she had her first cosmetic procedure age 18 years old and doesn't plan on stopping. (Right) Laura before her operations when she was still at school.
FOOD, RECIPES & COOKING
SUPER SALMON recipes by Signe Johanson for the Norwegian Seafood Council, www.seafoodfromnorway.co.uk
Click on image for recipe
FOOD BITES: This week's wish list
Click on each image for the full story...
- ICE CREAM DREAM
- Buy RARE CHOCOLATE
- Buy ARTISAN TEQUILA
- Buy NEW ZIZZI MENU
- Buy CHEFS GO VEGAN
- Buy VEGAN BACON
- Buy NEW MEXICO
- Buy GIN TWISTS
- Buy CABANA KICK SAUCE
- Buy MATCHA GREEN TEA
- Buy MUSHROOM MAGIC
- Buy BLACK RICE
- SPRING CORDIAL
- Buy BIG BUNNY
- Buy FINE WINE
- Buy CHAMPERS FOR ALL
- Buy JUICE TIME
- Buy CAKE CUPPA
- PERFECT MATCH
- Buy COOL WHITE
- SPICE UP YOUR DRINK
- FLAVOURED CROISSANT
- Buy PECULIAR POPS
- Buy CHOC SAUSAGE
- VALUE FINE WINE
- SUPER SHLOER
- Buy COCONUT BREEZE
- Buy COMPTOIR COOKING
- ICE CREAM DREAM
- Buy RARE CHOCOLATE
Hotel Chocolat is launching a brand new collection, Rare & Vintage. Coinciding with National Chocolate Week (10th-16th October), it consists of 20 single origin brand new chocolate slabs, each set in a beautiful new casting. Made with some of the most sought-after cocoa in the world, each priced at £3.85, or 3 or more for £3.15. The more cocoa, less sugar collection has something for everyone, from milk and dark chocolate lovers to vegans and even a sugar-free option. The range climbs from an exceptionally creamy 45% milk to a heady 100% dark.
Using the fresh and earthy base of the Blanco, Cazcabel Coffee blends a roasted sweet hit of luxury coffee to the spirit. Cazcabel Coffee Tequila boasts a dark, rich brown colour, chocolate and coffee aroma, and a taste profile of rich sweet freshly roasted coffee, chocolate, vanilla and agave. It's a stunning short that can be used in innovative cocktails or enjoyed neat over ice. £25.99 for 70cl.
Zizzi has just launched their new autumn menu. Since launching their vegan options in March, the restaurant has sold almost 100,000 vegan dishes. Their comprehensive research found out veganism is on the rise, so their three new vegan dishes - a lentil ragu, a calzone pizza dessert and a bruschetta - will be well received.
A raft of celebrity chefs, including Christine Bailey, Pasquale Amico and Simone Remoli, are going vegan before performing cookery demos in front of anticipated full houses at the upcoming VegfestUK London event at Olympia London on October 22nd 23rd 2016.
Save some piggies and pick up some vegan bacon (made from wheat!) from 'the vegan butcher' at the Sgaia stall at The West Midlands Vegan Festival. It's on 29th and 30th October from 10-6 at Wolverhampton Civic Hall and it's just £1 to get in for adults. You can also buy the 'mwheat' direct from sgaiafoods.co.uk.
Mexican restaurant Chiquito unveils its new menu, full of quality and fresh ingredients. A highlight is undoubtedly the new range of Street Food. Packed full of flavour, Chiquito has taken inspiration from the traditional and lively markets of Mexico to offer Spicy Crispy Tacos, Croquettes with sweet Jalapeño Jelly and a Five Bean Tortilla Stack. Yum.
It's Gin O'Clock somewhere. That somewhere is in London at Sway, where Gin Twists are taking over this April. Ginspiration at its finest, you can sip on the simply refreshing Raspberry and Basil Twist, which includes Bombay Sapphire, a handful of raspberries, basil leaves and premium Schweppes Lavender tonic.
If you like the spicy things in life, you'll love the latest offering from Cabana. The legendary Spicy Malagueta Sauce can be slathered on chicken or steak for an extra kick. Dip your fries in it or get creative and toss it on a salad - it'll add pizazz to even the simplest dishes.
Pukka's Mint Matcha Green tea is a yummy blend of organic Sencha and Matcha with spearmint and fieldmint. It gives a refreshing lift while easing your digestion after food. Great if you're feeling sluggish or weighed down. Both matcha and green tea boost your metabolism, too. Mint especially hels ease bloating and gas.
Pukka Mint Matcha Green Tea, £2.79 for 20 tea bags, pukkaherbs.com
From drinking mushroom tea, eating dried mushrooms or taking a supplement, mushrooms - with their endless health and wellbeing benefits - are the hottest new foodie trend. Hifas da Terra's specialised supplement MicoSalud range has been developed to boost the immune system, target IBS, immunity and cholesterol. The Mico-Rei supplement pictured is said to help with anti-ageing the skin at a cellular level. Hifas da Terra Mico-Rei, £55.50, exclusive to Harrods.
Organic Sprouted Black GABA Rice is made from top quality whole grain homnin rice which is naturally germinated before milling. The germination process encourages production of vitamins, nutrients and amino acids in the rice kernel in preparation for growth. When the maximum possible nutrition level is reached after 24 hours, they parboil it, locking in all the added vitamins, nutrients and amino acids, especially gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA Black Rice, £5.99, minvita.co.uk
The Lindt Gold Bunny is an Easter must-have but could you consume a 1kg version? Guaranteed to make a big impression, the giant milk chocolate Lindt Gold Bunny costs £39.99 and is so large it needs its own carrier case!
D&D; Wine is an online shop with a difference. Run by a team of sommeliers from restaurant group D&D;, some of whom have won the industry's highest awards for their lists. This all-round red will impress at any dinner party. Byron; Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County, 2012 - £16.25
National Champagne Week (1st 7th October), founded in 2011 by Searcys, is a week-long festival celebrating the UKs thriving champagne scene. This year, Searcys will be re-launching Searcys St. Pancras Grand champagne bar, the longest bar in Europe. Find out more online.
Dedicated to natural cleansing by way of delicious, organic and healing juices, 42 Juice is created by a hot young female duo in Brighton. The cold-pressed juices are said to minimise toxins and maximise nutrients so that the digestive process is eased and energy is able to be sent to other areas of the body, helping to heal, protect and boost cells from the inside out. Book a Cleanse (or opt for a Juice Box if you want to boost the immune system but don't want to commit to anything too hardcore) and these saintly yet tasty juices will be delivered straight to your door. Or if you find yourself in Brighton, visit 42 Juice's super-chic bar there.
If you're having a dry January then you might find it hard to resist the Corder Cool Climate Sauvignon Blanc from Cape London. But fear not, you can keep your New Year resolution to avoid the booze by letting it mature for at least four years. If you can't wait that long, enjoy it now for the subtle, clean and fresh flavour that complements chicken and salads. £11.99 from www.capelondon.co.uk
This Autumn sees the launch of PAUL's Limited Edition croissant range. Enjoy the authentic and buttery homemade French treat filled with fresh and flavoursome fillings and topped with a choice of flaked almonds, hazelnuts, pistachio and raspberries. Highlights include the Croissant Framboise, bursting with raspberries and frangipane cream. Other options include Praline, Pistachio and Almond, priced at £1.95 each.
Beetroot might not sound an obvious choice of baking ingredient but in the capable hands of Soho bakery Foxcroft & Ginger, the humble vegetable has been transformed into a key part of their new chocolate cake pops. Made using Fairtrade chocolate, the sweet treats are deliciously moist and ridiculously moreish. You¿ll never look at beetroot in the same way again! £2.50, Foxcroft & Ginger
Carpo Chocolate Tubes are heaven shaped like a sausage. The dark ones contain 55 per cent cocoa and are dairy free and suitable for vegans and chocoholics. This Dark Chocolate Tube with Almond Croquant is our favourite. Carpo London is the first store abroad of Greek family company Carpo Hellas, specialists in premium nuts, dried fruits, chocolate, honey and coffee - basically all the indulgences in life. Visit the store on 16 Piccadilly street, buy online at http://www.carpolondon.co.uk/contact/ or call Carpo on 0207 287 7233.
Château Lagrange is going into Lidl stores on November 27 as part of a new 36 wine collection. It's the most expensive wine the budget retailer has ever sold, and it comes from an estate well known to claret lovers. The elegant, flavoursome wine provides satisfying drinking earlier than other Grands Crus Classés and will stay at a delicious level for several years to come. Who knew Lidl did so upmarket? £39.99
Rum is our guilty pleasure but we're not always mad keen on the pirate stereotype that comes with it. Enter Koko Kanu. The crystal clear rum has a subtle coconut taste and a wonderfully smooth and velvety texture and best of all it has really pretty packaging so you can avoid any Long John Silver jokes! RRP £19.99
Tony Kitous has had the whole of London flocking to Comptoir for his Lebanese cuisine for over a decade and it can often be a struggle to get a table. But now fans of his food can enjoy it from the comfort of their own home as Comptoir has released its second cookbook, Comptoir Libanais Express. Tony brings you 80 new simple but delicious ¿express¿ recipes, perfect for pulling together fast after work, or for a quick but impressive feast for guests. £20, Random House