Stephanie Darling tries a skin-tautening facial and finds a body spray inspired by a magical part of the world.
Trend
Poker-Straight Hair Take inspiration from Bella Hadid's sharp new bob at New York's Met Gala. Begin with a leave-in conditioner or smoothing cream to protect your hair from heat and smooth down the cuticle, then start your blow-dryer.
Cult Following
Tom Ford's Fleur de Portofino body spray is a delightful homage to the beautiful town on the Italian Riviera. His inspiration was the white acacia tree, which is translated here with notes of lemon, violet leaf, jasmine and honey. Tom Ford Fleur de Portofino All Over Body Spray, $110, davidjones.com.au.
Road Test
This week I try ... a collagen-boosting facial
The lowdown I'm all set to try the latest treatment on the spa menu at Melbourne's Langham Hotel – the Babor Collagen-Booster Facial. Th e treatment begins with a double-cleanse, followed by an enzymebased exfoliation. My therapist then alternates between warm and cool towels to remove the excess product and stimulate circulation. Now my skin is ready for the deeply relaxing facial massage that targets tired face muscles. Next comes Babor's unique, collagen-infused facemask.
While this is doing its magic, my therapist works her fingers over pressure points on my face. To finish, she applies a moisturiser and eye cream. From here I hop straight off the table, catch the lift upstairs, jump into bed and order room service. Bliss.
Pain factor The cold compress, following on from the deeply soothing hot towels, took a little getting used to.
Downtime One hour.
Results My skin felt as if it had had a good workout, especially with the hot and cold towel treatment. The next day, my face felt and looked tauter.
Where to get it Melbourne and Sydney: Th e Langham; langhamhotels.com. Cost: $189.
At home Try Doctor Babor Collagen Booster Cream, $254, babor.com.
Ask Stephanie
Should I change my foundation in winter?
As shine isn't such an issue in winter, embrace the joys of a dewy foundation – a dose of hydration will help combat the drying eff ects of wintry air. Try Jane Iredale Liquid Minerals A Foundation ($80, adorebeauty.com.au), which is loaded up with hyaluronic acid to combat dry skin.
Send beauty questions to stephanie@darlingbeauty.com.au.
Follow Stephanie Darling on Instagram @mrssdarling