Lancome Teint Miracle

RRP: £27

# of shades available: 18

--What does the promo say?--

"Lancôme invents its 1st foundation that helps to recreate the aura of perfect looking skin. Instantly complexion appears flawless and luminous, as if lit-from-within. See yourself in a new light."

--Packaging--

The opaque glass bottle dispenses the product in a very controlled way so that application can be achieved with realistic amounts of foundation at a time. Sophistication is added to by the minimalistic black and white decoration and characteristic Lancôme flower.

--Application--

Once you've applied any requisite primers, use a foundation brush or your fingers to blend evenly across skin. There are no problems with blending at all and you can apply concealer before or after foundation as required.

--Appearance--

With 18 shades available it isn't difficult to get the shade that's right for you. Mine matched my skin tone perfectly and blended well for an even finish. Coverage is excellent, but if needed Lancôme's concealers provide the perfect match if you need to top up. Luminosity is definitely achieved as promised and yet the look still remains matte. Looks good in photographs too.

--Scent--

Nothing much is discernible; perhaps slightly chalky but nothing else of note.

--Texture and consistency--

On the runnier rather than creamier side maybe, but still pleasant and easy to use. Not sticky, watery or greasy.

--Longevity--

Lasted excellently even on my wedding day, so it's safe to say that it definitely survives plenty of tears and kisses on cheeks!

--Value for money--

While £27 sounds ouchy, the quality is faultless, a little goes such a long way, and a bottle subsequently lasts ages. Generally you get what you pay for with Lancome and it's certainly true of this product. Try purchasing online (with reputable retailers only of course!) or with store loyalty points though if you want to bring the price down.

perfect partners

Effet Miracle Primer, £26

Teint Miracle Compact, £34

Teint Miracle Perfecting Concealer Pen, £26  

Eclat Miracle Complexion Illuminator, £21

La vie en rose: introducing Melvita's new range

I always love meeting new bloggers and seeing new products. So whenever a press event comes up that I'm able to attend (which invariably involves combining these with two of my other loves: free stuff, and free food), I'm delighted to get stuck in, and this was certainly the case with French organic beauty brand Melvita's launch of its new line of rose products, which took place in Paris on the evening of May 3rd, 2012. 

I'd never tested Melvita's products, but my aunt is a big fan, and she's also very knowledgeable, living in the vicinity of  Melvita's headquarters in the south of France and having attended a few of their events from time to time as well. To get the chance to try out the products for myself, then, and to get to know the brand better, was an important thing. And Melvita definitely give a very good first impression: they surely know how to entertain their guests, welcoming them in style at an exclusive cake shop in Paris' luxurious 16th arrondissement, La Pâtisserie des Rêves.

The brand had really gone the whole nine yards with this event. Not only were full-size samples of the products available to take home, but a professional florist had been hired to help us make our own flower arrangements of five roses, a photographer was on hand to take pictures of us (not-so-)artfully chucking rose petals in the air, and the patisserie had taken the theme completely to heart by serving us rose shortbread and rose nougat, as well as chewy sweets tasting of rose and lemon that seemed scarily addictive. En plus, this was all washed down with rose water and rose lemonade.
 
But what of the products themselves? After we'd been filled with delicious cake, it was time to take off the rose-tinted glasses and critically analyse the products. We'd each been given three full-size products from the new Nectar de Roses line: Gélée Fraîche Désaltérante (a light moisturiser), Eau Fraîche Micellaire (a 3-in-1 cleanser, toner and makeup remover), and the standard Nectar de Roses (a moisturiser for drier skin types). All are worth roughly €20 each and are completely organic.

The product that appealed most to me was the Eau Fraîche Micellaire, even if I didn't fully understand what 'micelles' actually are or what they in fact do. (It turns out, science buffs, that they're molecules diffused within a liquid that keeps them all together. There are two types, water-in-oil and oil-in-water, of which the Eau Fraîche Micellaire appears to be the latter. This creates a soapy solution which allows lipids and vitamins A, D, E and K to be retained - always handy for more youthful and less dry-looking skin!) In any case, a 3-in-1 product which can help save time, money and space, particularly when travelling, is always a plus.

I've also been testing the light moisturiser, which has a heavenly fragrant smell and seems to absorb with ease. The heavier moisturiser will be sent to my auntie, who has drier (and - sorry - older!) skin, for testing. More detailed assessments of these products will therefore be available shortly.

The Nectar de Roses range allegedly provides a full three-step regime no matter what your skin type. Firstly, you need to clean your skin - with the 3-in-1 product mentioned above if you have oily skin, or with their cream cleanser and makeup remover if your skin is dry. You then tone, either using rose flower water or rose oil. Finally, hydration is provided through the two moisturisers I already talked about.

Ultimately, I left the event with an excellent impression of the brand and its products, which are clearly crafted with care and attention. This care and attention is evidently also lavished on its bloggers, in the hope of providing the most positive launch possible. Even if I don't end up using Melvita's rose range long-term, their other products for oily and acne-prone skin, especially the anti-blemish roll-on and their tinted healing concealer, look very tempting too. As do all the cakes and biscuits and sweets that I ate at the launch. (Note to self: drag husband to said patisserie for tea on Saturday.)

Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic

RRP: £28.50

--What does the promo say?--

"Embrace your inner concealaholic! Why deny it when you can hide it, conceal it, camouflage & cover it? This concealing & brightening kit has EVERYTHING you need to satisfy all your concealing cravings!

Kit contains: “that gal” brightening face primer, boi-ing industrial strength concealer in 2 shades (01, 02) for custom concealing, erase paste (02 medium) brightening camouflage for eyes and face, lemon aid colour correcting eyelid primer, eye bright instant eye brightener, concealer brushes and a step-by-step lesson."

--Packaging--

Very cutesy, in Benefit's usual vintage style. Everything inside the kit is nicely laid out, and brushes, while perhaps not strictly necessary for this particular kit (I just get in there with my fingers), are provided. The mirror is ample and the amounts of Lemon Aid, Eye Bright, Erase Paste and Boi-ing are generous (That Gal is a bit more piddly). Some magnetic closures or attachments would be nice: a number of times the That Gal tube has tried to make a quick getaway while I've been on the move and scraped the Boi-ing pans on its way through.

--Application--

Full instructions are included inside the compact, but essentially it goes as follows: apply Lemon Aid to your eyelids and Erase Paste underneath your eyes. That Gal goes all over your face. Mix the shades of Boi-ing to create your own custom shade of concealer (or just use one, as I do), and finally use the Eye Bright around the edges of your eyes to make them look more awake. There's nothing tricky about anything here and the enclosed instructions are detailed yet concise to ensure you can't go wrong.

--Scents--

Slightly chalky in places, but nothing offensive overall. The only one I didn't like much was That Gal, which seems to have a touch of that artificial strawberry type scent about it.

--Appearance--

I was already familiar with Lemon Aid and Boi-ing and continue to be happy with these for the way in which they even out skin tone and blend easily to create a long-lasting base. Eye Bright I was already familiar with but don't use much, as I find it doesn't do much for me. I found the same with That Gal and Erase Paste - I don't have that many dark circles to speak of, and it seems a faff to use one product under the eyes and another on the eye lids when Lemon Aid smooths out both just as well. That Gal just seemed to make my skin look pinker unfortunately (not brightened) - which is not really the effect you're after when you're already sporting the English rose look to begin with, and suffering with acne on top. Overall, the effect provided is that of a good base: you'd look a bit plain without something else to pimp your look (e.g. lip gloss) - so ultimately you do need other products in addition.

--Textures and consistency--

No problems here: Boi-ing, Lemon Aid and Eye Bright are heavy-duty but still blend well and don't weigh your skin down or clog pores. That Gal could be a little creamier perhaps but is ultimately not too runny and still goes on easily. Erase Paste is perhaps a little greasy on the fingertip but again gives a good result in the end without causing any discomfort when worn.

--Longevity--

Erase Paste is very impressive in that it doesn't settle into creases at all, so top marks there. Lemon Aid lasts quite well but begins to waver in this respect. Did not notice much degradation with any of the products, truth be told; this is something that Benefit does well.

--Value for money--

While the price may initially make a potential buyer wince, it's still the best way of trying out several Benefit products in one go without breaking the bank. It really helps to confirm which products suit you and which ones don't - and personally, I'll know to stick to the products from this kit that I already know and love (Boi-ing and Lemon Aid), with the rest just not being that suitable for my purposes. The Benefit kits are always handy, good value, and great fun to have and would make an excellent gift for others (or indeed for yourself...!).

perfect partners

Posie Tint, £24.50

Bad Gal Lash Mascara, £16.50

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow!

 RRP: £24.50/30ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Hello…it’s flawless time! Our new oil-free brightening liquid foundation builds from light to medium coverage for a natural complexion you can believe in. It’s you…just more luminous & healthy looking.

• broad-spectrum SPF 25 PA+++ protection**
• oil-free formula
• natural finish
• hydrating benefits
• light-diffusing properties
• available in 9 shades

**What does PA+++ mean? SPF stands for the protection grade of the UVB filter. PA stands for the protection grade of the UVA filter. The highest standard of sun protection rating is the three-star PA rating. Our foundation has three stars, which translates to the highest protection."

--Packaging--

Perhaps in a slight departure from Benefit's vintage theme, the font used on this bottle suggests something even more glamorous. The writing on the pump-action plastic bottle is easy to read and gives you all the information you need as well. The opaque plastic adds mystique but still enables you to see how much you have left; the white background also makes it seem clean and simple while the bright pink font pops off the bottle.

--Application--

Benefit recommends starting with their Porefessional primer all over your face for an even application, but any primer will do (I've been using their brightening That Gal of late, alternating with Witch's primer). I also apply eyelid primer before going on with the foundation. A pea-sized blob will do your whole face, and application is easy: just smear it on for effortless blending before finishing off with concealer and powder if needed.

--Appearance and coverage--

I'm using their palest shade, Ivory (what a surprise) and for me it's a perfect fit. I wouldn't say that I could go out with *only* this on, but then again I've had acne problems for years (although it seems that it is starting to clear up now - yay!). Even then, only a light touch with concealer and powder is needed for that sought-after flawless appearance. For others, it's a medium to light coverage and should be sufficient alone if you don't have any major skin problems. Gives a dewy finish that can be desirable, but is probably not too good for those with very oily skin who are seeking a more mattifying look (again, powder helps with this).

--Scent--

Nothing discernible, in truth: if you don't like those chalky or otherwise chemical smells that can be present in foundation you'll be fine here.

 

--Texture and consistency--

Surprisingly runny for something containing an SPF, perhaps even overly so - although this is certainly better than it being too sticky or difficult to blend.

--Longevity--

Lasts quite well on the skin, although powder touch-ups can be needed every now and again.

--Value for money--

I always baulk at Benefit's prices as it can seem rather a lot for an initial outlay. HOWEVER - the products always last a long time as a little goes such a long way. On the whole, with a few exceptions, they are of high quality. Having a high SPF in a product is always a good thing (even if it's not exactly the same as using regular sunscreen). It's a good colour match in this case, lasts well, and offers a youthful finish, as well as being hydrating and oil-free so as to not aggravate the skin. Even though I bought mine in the US on this occasion (where it retails at £21, rather than £24.50), I would consider paying full price for this one.

perfect partners

Porefessional primer, £23.50

Speed Brow brow gel, £12

Hervana face powder, £23.50

They're Real! mascara, £18.50

Total Moisture facial cream, £26.50

Caudalie Nourishing Body Lotion

RRP: from £18 for 250ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Packed with extremely nourishing active ingredients, this product immediately and moisturizes the skin, which regains its softness and elasticity. Grape-seed Polyphenols prevent premature ageing of the skin, gingko biloba activates microcirculation. Protected and revitalized, your skin is firmer and more luminous for all day moisture. Its luxurious texture is quickly absorbed and wraps the skin in a delicately perfumed, velvety veil."

--Packaging--

The opaque plastic allows the white body lotion to be clearly seen, meaning you've always got an idea of how much you have left. The pump-action is easy to control (although offers no extra protective lid for travel) and visually it's clear yet understated, with the grapevine imagery fitting well with the rest of Caudalie's products and philosophy. The white and green colour scheme helps to make this a unisex offering.

--Application--

Massage into clean dry skin in the morning and/or at night and leave to soak in. It's as simple as that!

--Appearance--

The white lotion leaves no visible residue on the skin once the product has been rubbed in.

--Scent--

Clean without being chemical; along the lines of cotton and soap, so it should appeal to all. A shame none of the main ingredients seem to be detectable. A neutral scent that doesn't interfere with perfume.

--Texture and consistency--

Creamy and completely luxurious. Not at all greasy. Sinks into skin extremely well.

--Effects on the skin--

Definitely reduces dry skin on the body and leaves you feeling soft and stroky :)  No comments from the beautician during my waxing sessions at how dry my skin is (which they have commented on in the past). Now, if I could just find something so balancing for my facial skin, all would be well!!

--Value for money--

At £18 for 250ml (and £26 for 400ml) it's certainly not cheap, but it's still an affordable treat for sure, giving your life a little bit of salon luxury every day. L'Occitane is the main competitor in this price bracket and I feel Caudalie have pitched their product well here. The scent may not be that exciting, but it's a simultaneously luxurious and effective product. Wrap yourself in a big white fluffy towel and enjoy!

perfect partners

Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel, £9

Hand and Nail Cream, £12

Clay and Herbs Purifying Acne Masque

RRP: £15.70 for 50ml; £32.50 for 100ml; £29.50 for a 110ml refill

--What does the promo say?--

"A therapeutic blend of highly absorbent and detoxifying clays, zeolite mineral, healing herbs and essential oils to deeply cleanse blemished skin."

--Packaging--

Definitely utilitarian and functional rather than glamorous or glitzy, the white and clear plastic pot is adorned with a simple black and white printed label detailing the ingredients and application instructions. No advertising to be found here, or cheap tricks to lure in buyers; in fact, this proves rather refreshing. You will need a second pot into which to decant your powder and mix it with water, though; it won't last well if the whole lot is mixed at once in the pot the powder comes in.

--Application--

Mix a small amount of the powder with water or toner to create a paste-like consistency. Spread over a clean dry face, leave to dry and then rinse off with a damp flannel. Follow with moisturiser.

--Appearance--

The greyish-brown powder turns greener when mixed with liquid. When wet, it is dark green, but it dries on the face to a paler green. This doesn't leave any visible residue when washed off.

--Scent--

A lemon and seaweed type smell gives the impression of this being a clean, natural, efficient and unisex product.

--Texture and consistency--

The powder is smooth and sandy rather than grainy, although grains become more obvious once the powder is mixed with liquid. On the skin it feels soothing and non-irritating.

--Effects on the skin--

Skin is immediately calmer and less red once the mask has been removed. Blemishes visibly begin to clear up much more quickly and do not recur so easily. Wunderbar!!

--Value for money--

While £15.70 for 50ml seems pricey, very little is needed at once for your whole face (maybe 1-2 teaspoons) and the product is extremely effective. Easily competes with and often exceeds the performance of others in its price category - which includes brands such as Dermalogica and Clinique. Although I was sent the product for free on this occasion, I would definitely spend my own cash on it in future.

perfect partners

Peppermint Pumice Hand and Foot Scrub, from £35

Gentle Facial Scrub, from £26.70

Exfoliating Body Scrub, from £36.70

Purchase from www.greenleavesherbalhealth.co.uk

Broadway Nails Impress Press-on Manicure

RRP: £7.99 

# of designs available: 36

--What does the promo say?--

"Get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds with the revolutionary imPRESS Press-on Manicure by Broadway Nails. Endorsed by the stunning Nicole Scherzinger who was quoted in Look Magazine as saying that her imPRESS nails were one of three things she’d take with her on a desert island, these sass-o-licious instant nail art products require no drying time as no messy glue is involved in application. Not only that but they last up to a week, have a superior and lasting shine and are easy to remove. The funky pack contains 24 Nail Covers in 12 different sizes as well as a Preparation Pad to ensure your nails are in optimal condition for applying the imPRESS Press-On nails. To prepare, remove any nail polish, cleanse and buffer the nails with the Preparation Pad, select the perfect fitting cover for each nail and line them up in finger order. To apply, one-by-one leaving the thumbs until last, simply peel off the clear plastic tab from the back of the nail cover, firmly press into place on the finger and apply pressure. Voila! A gel manicure-look in mere seconds that you can match to any outfit!"

--Packaging--

The nails come in a see-through nail polish style plastic bottle, which is a cute but slightly more wasteful way of displaying them compared to the foils. Still, it's definitely distinctive and I can see why they've done it this way. The nails are not sorted by size.

--Application--

Remove all old nail varnish, make sure your hands are clean and dry, and prep your nails using the cleansing pad provided. Choose the correct nail sizes for your nails (if in between sizes go for the smaller one as 100% adherence to your natural nails is needed) and then lay out your 10 chosen nails in sequence. The rounded ends with the clear plastic tabs on them show where the nail is supposed to meet the cuticle (bottom of the nail). Peel off the clear plastic tab and stick the artificial nails onto your natural ones, pressing down regularly for the first few hours to ensure complete adherence. Apply finger nails first, leaving thumbs until last. While a little fiddly, there is nothing difficult about any of this. It's a darn sight easier than foils and doesn't involve any drying time either, making it more convenient than polish in this regard too.

--Appearance-- 

I didn't really like the colour I was sent (neon pink!) but with 36 shades available this was just the (bad) luck of the draw - I can see many other shades and designs that I would like, as Impress has everything from French manicure to leopard print. The nails are not too thick and easily pass for a professional gel manicure look as promised. At their original length they looked a tad ridiculous on me but once cut and filed down they looked perfect. In addition, it's worth knowing that if you are ever gifted some of these and don't like the colour, you can paint over them with regular nail polish with no problem (which I know goes against the point of the nails, but just saying it is possible). The appearance is easily customisable not just through the range of designs but also in terms of shape and length.

--How well do they stick?--

Very well; I'd give them 9/10 in this regard. Occasionally the bottoms of the nails would 'catch' as I was doing something, but not frequently, and only on one or two nails. I'd put this down to my inexperience at applying such products rather than an inherent fault with the product itself. 

One slight problem with this is that the adhesive goes nearly all the way to the edge of the nail; this means that underneath the artificial nail any sort of dirt, grime, dust etc that you come into contact with gets stuck there and is difficult to remove. Not very sightly or hygienic.

--How long do they last?--

Easily stand up to the "up to one week" claim on the box and perhaps even exceed it; the nails are definitely durable.

--Removal-- 

While not as easy or quick to remove as conventional nail polish they are definitely easier to remove than the foils that are also popular in the current market. Damage to natural nails is also minimal to non-existent.

--Value for money--

At £7.99 these are a bit expensive for everyday wear, but I would definitely buy them again for a night out or special occasion, or to indulge in their more intricate designs - anything that I couldn't possibly recreate at home with regular polish. They're also a lot cheaper than getting the same effect in a salon. A very good product overall :)

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Moisturiser

RRP:  £4.99/50ml 

--What does the promo say?--

"NEUTROGENA VISIBLY CLEAR^® Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturiser is a daily facial moisturiser with a fresh fragrance that leaves skin looking beautifully clear and healthy.
1. Hydrates: the light oil-free formula provides 24hr hydration without clogging the pores. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling smooth and soft.
2. Clears: enriched with MicroClear^® technology, used daily, it helps to reduce and prevent spots and blemishes. Skin looks more smooth and even, the complexion is visibly improved.
3. Refreshes: the lightweight formula with its delicate hint of pink grapefruit quenches your skin with hydration and uplifts your senses so you look and feel fresh."

--Packaging--

Sticks with the pink-and-white theme on the tube as with the rest of the range, giving it a clear sense of calmness, grapefruit, and of belonging to a product family. Information on the tube is brief, concise and clear, and the screw-top lid is secure and easy to use.

--Application--

After using the pink grapefruit scrub and/or cleanser, rub the moisturiser over your face and neck. No need to rinse off - just let it sink in.

--Appearance--

A pale pink cream which leaves no visible traces on the skin after application.

--Scent--

Very obviously of pink grapefruit without being overbearing (although it is a synthetic fragrance according to the ingredients rather than being a natural extract). A very pleasant and awakening smell.

--Texture and consistency--

Creamy without being heavy, although it stops just short of luxurious. Sinks into skin easily; is not at all greasy.

--Effects on the skin--

Skin is visibly smoothened, brighter and clearer than before. Funnily enough I found I saw a greater improvement with this product than with the cleanser or the scrub; will need to ask the experts why...!

--Value for money--

Probably one of the most effective high street moisturisers on the market for this money for those suffering with acneic skin. While my skin has already been improving for some time, I think this product has definitely helped. Would purchase again.

perfect partners

Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash, £4.94/200ml

Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Daily Scrub,£4.95/150ml

Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Cream Wash, £4.49/150ml

Spa Review: spa LONDON

Bianca's Beauty Blog was invited to new spa, spa LONDON, ahead of its official launch tomorrow (April 3rd). Blog representative Gillian reports on her experience.

--What does the promo say?--

“spa LONDON provides the perfect escape. Combining the best of traditional, thermal therapies honed over centuries, with leading contemporary treatments, there is nowhere better to indulge yourself and restore harmony to your life. An oasis of calm, where you can leave the stresses and strains of modern life behind you. spa LONDON offers the perfect environment in which to restore both mind and body, lifting your spirits through each experience.”

--The reality--
I arrived at spa LONDON in Marshall Street W1, to a very sunny and as usual busy London town. Situated close to Regent, Oxford & Carnaby Streets it offers the perfect escape and possibly a welcome addition to a perfect girls' day out. The men who work and live in the area will also find that essential pick you up or wind down that is often needed in a busy city life too.

Upon entry, the receptionist on the ground floor telephoned to announce my arrival. This was a nice touch, as despite being early, at the bottom of the stairs (lift also available) I was welcomed by my beauty therapist, the charming Fatima. Knowing that I was there to look around the facility for the first time, I was also introduced to the manageress Lisa, and given the opportunity to look around the thermal spa area and ask questions about the facilities.

I was not disappointed: spa LONDON welcomes its clients to a clean and modern “easy on the eye” environment and a pleasing ambience, with scented candles burning and fresh green apples for the taking. I particularly liked the spacious named treatment rooms, many with showers, and the thoughtful frescos in reception (Peaceful, Energising, Calming, Tranquillity, Serene, Uplifting, and Soothing) and comfortable sofas provided to relax in while awaiting your treatment.

I then embarked upon nearly 2 hours of sheer bliss, which delivered several of the above fresco promises. All the important things were in place: a warm low lit room, enough instruction, privacy and change time to get ready for my treatment. I was also provided with the music of my choice, which could have been my own iPod if I’d liked, and a heated treatment bed; the scene was set.

Firstly I experienced the Spa London Body Massage, £59. Fatima made sure to ask me how I liked my massage - most important for a girl who likes a firm hand and who is prone to bouts of “tickleness”! (If you can’t press hard please don’t touch my neck and feet!) Thankfully what followed was one of the best 50+ minutes ever, with every moment well spent. I have experienced everything from the ex-Army deep muscle massage of a sport physiotherapist to a limp wristed massage which should have been called a body “stroke.” What a joy to experience just what was requested. I’m particularly sure, after my circuit class earlier that morning, my upper back will have really enjoyed this as much as I did. Along with the peppermint aroma of the treatment room I felt relaxed and moisturised all over - heaven. Another bonus following this treatment was that a shoulder joint that I have been experiencing some minor problems with certainly felt better the next day.

Next followed my first Elemis Skin Solutions Modern Skin Facial, £57. I think it’s probably the first facial in which I nearly fell asleep - maybe that was the lavender aroma of one of the products used? Elemis use pure extracts in its products, another being rose, and neither of which was too strong. Whatever this facial delivers it certainly relaxes you, and was extremely enjoyable. In addition your hands, head, arms and neck also get a massage - utter bliss & probably one of the best facials I’ve experienced. Afterwards advice, not sales pressure, was offered. This was welcome and I purchased an Elemis eye mask, which will also be reviewed soon on Bianca's Beauty Blog. The following day, looking in my mega magnifying mirror, the open pores on my nose were most definitely diminished. A few Elemis sachets were also given for trial (some may also be reviewed here at a later date, but only if the samples are big enough to allow this). My one regret was not taking along a hair brush, as this facial included some head massage, so one would have been useful.

Spa LONDON has also decided to offer dedicated male & female times in the Thermal Spa relaxation sauna and steam room areas. What an excellent idea for those of us who still feel that men are from Mars and women from Venus! For those of us who prefer to glow alongside each other, mixed sessions are evening from 4pm to 9pm & and all day at weekends. This ruling does not impact on the private treatment rooms

Spa LONDON W1 has its official launch on the 3rd April between 6 & 9pm. I urge you, be you visitor, worker or resident of W1, to visit; I doubt you will be disappointed. For further infomation, see here.

If you live or work further afield in London, spa LONDON also have venues in York Hall E29, Swiss Cottage NW3, and Wimbledon SW19, as well as in Epsom KT17. If these locations offer therapists with the same skills, I would like to recommend you give them a try also, and see if they offer the same city haven. ENJOY! I did, and although I don’t live in the area I would return, most probably added onto a girls' shopping day.

Prices for treatments can be found here.

The Perfume Lover: A Personal History of Scent (Denyse Beaulieu)

 --The blurb--

"What if the most beautiful night in your life inspired a fragrance? Denyse Beaulieu is a [...] fragrance writer; it is her world, her love, her life. When she was growing up, perfume was forbidden in her house, spurring a childhood curiosity that went on to become a[...] passion. It is this passion she pursued all the way to Paris, where she now lives, and entered the secretive world of the perfume industry. But little did she know that it would lead her to achieve a fragrance lover’s wildest dream …When Denyse tells a famous perfumer of a [...] night spent in Seville under an orange tree in full blossom, wrapped in the arms of a beautiful young man, the story stirs his imagination and together they create a scent that captures the essence of that night. This is the story of that perfume. As the unique creative collaboration unfolds, the perfume-in-progress conjures intimate memories, leading Beaulieu to make sense of her life through scents. Throughout, she weaves the [...] history of perfumery into her personal journey [...]: the masters and the masterpieces; the myths and the myth-busting, down to the molecular mysteries that weld our flesh to flowers…[...]Your world will never smell the same."

--The review-- 

I always enjoy receiving books for review, but I especially enjoy receiving titles that are relevant to the multiple audiences of my very different blogs (and not only so that I can cross-post the review!), as such books quite frequently offer insights "behind the scenes" of the world we often get only limited glimpses of - in this case, the complex world of perfumery. Beaulieu's privileged position as perfume writer and general expert (she teaches courses on perfume in institutes in London and Paris) means that we are allowed access to this world at last, in a candid yet approachable fashion.

But there is more to it than this. This beautifully-presented edition of The Perfume Lover, which came wrapped in black tissue and pink ribbon, and with a sample of the perfume created by Beaulieu in the book, is a truly interdisciplinary adventure. Not only does Beaulieu effortlessly blend the history of perfume with her own selective biography, she also takes us on a rich journey through religion, art, literature, and etymology. By combining this with perfumers' secrets of the industry and the mechanics of making a perfume, we almost feel like she is doing the latter herself in book form as she mixes all of these 'notes' to make a unified whole.

We are certainly not disappointed by the amount or quality of insider information that Beaulieu gives us: we are let into how far celebrities are really involved in creating the scents bearing their names (answer: it varies!), told which perfumes are favoured by luminaries such as Michael Jackson (answer: Bal à Versailles), and told why you'll never find a bad review of a perfume in a magazine or newspaper (answer: you'll have to read The Perfume Lover to find out). All of this sets us up for an intriguing read - but none of it is the main part of the story.

Throughout the book we are given tantalising views not only of the laboriousness of the perfume-making process (hundreds of formulae can be conducted in the creation of just one perfume, in the hope of hitting on the right combination) but also into the perfume that Denyse herself created, leaving us wondering what the perfume (whose sample is given with the book) will finally be like when we sprinkle it on our skins. When I finally did, I can't pretend it was completely as I had expected, and obviously reactions, likes, and dislikes will vary from person to person. But there is certainly a thrill to be had not only in knowing that you're testing a perfume that's not due out for another 6 months (it will be released by L'Artisan Parfumeur in the autumn), but also that you know the entire story and process behind it, in intimate detail.

This brings us to the only negative that I detected in this book. While Beaulieu is a master of beautiful description and detail, this does at time lead to too much information regarding her own sex life and what I perceive to be her personal levels of promiscuity (do readers really need to know that as a young girl she practised fellatio techniques on ice cream cones?!). Indeed, for someone who is clearly intelligent and talented, this promiscuity is disappointing; while perfume clearly has a sensual aspect, and Beaulieu is not wrong to emphasise this in the book, in some aspects of this she does take it too far for my liking.

This also means that despite her literary talents I am unlikely to read any more of the books that Beaulieu has worked on as a translator. I mention this because as a translator myself I wouldn't ever associate my name with anything I would be ashamed of or was contrary to my morals and interests. People see that a translator is associated with a work and it can influence their views on that person, even if they did not write it. With empty-headed chick lit on offer (mostly in French, but also in English) and a book about sex games and the history of sexuality (available in French and in English) among Beaulieu's translation repertoire, I somehow have the feeling that our interests don't coincide much, and it therefore doesn't endear me to her in terms of what she may put out in future. This is a great shame, as The Perfume Lover itself makes for an enjoyable and fascinating read. I'll therefore be very interested to see what Beaulieu has waiting in the wings for us.

This review has been cross-posted to Bianca's Book Blog.