Spotted at the Handpicked Media Suite at One Aldwych during London Fashion Week, I still have my eye on this Embellished Soft Prom dress, £85, Warehouse

It always feels like summer when Marc Jacobs launches the gorgeous Splash collection.  This year’s light, tropical fragrances are possibly the most delicious yet!  Marc Jacobs Splash eau de toilettes, £28.50 (100ml), The Perfume Shop

Perfect for sundowners, Castañer takes espadrilles to the next level with these St Tropez-worthy Two-Tone Espadrille Platform Wedges, £120, Browns

Follow the tales of the Fafinettes and new character Birtak in graffiti artist Fafi’s first comic book, The Carmine Vault, £12.96, Amazon

A limited number of the divine Del Rey bag were pre-released at three Mulberry flagship stores last week.  Launched worldwide on 14 May, the Del Rey is a future classic, much like Lana herself.  I’m lusting after this one in Black Forest Soft Matte, £795, Mulberry

Luxurious, aromatic and highly effective, Vaishaly Cleansing Balm, £69, Vaishaly is the most decadent treat for your skin.  I use it when my dehydrated skin needs a bit of extra nourishment at night.  Another great discovery from the Handpicked Media LFW Suite!

The first two days of my trip to Singapore have proved to be just as exciting and challenging as expected and Sure Maximum Protection certainly stepped up to the mark. Temperatures of 30 degrees and high humidity were a concern, as while I’ve travelled in balmy climes, I was still in ‘winter mode’ and unprepared for extra sun.

Walking across the spectucularly high wooden bridge at Henderson Waves when we arrived and standing just metres away from lions, tigers and bears at the Night Safari also made for a dedicated test of the deodorants! The next day brought more perspiration potential as we took a chairlift through the clouds over to the idyllic island of Sentosa and perched with cocktails on the top of the vertiginous 1 Altitude, the world’s highest rooftop bar. Singapore is only for the brave (or those with a super effective deodorant).

Sure Maximum Protection kept me as dry, comfortable and fresh as possible. It’s perfect for travelling, as it’s light-weight and the click application means it doesn’t make a mess. The scents are subtle and I liked the cream-to-powder texture.

Have you tried Sure Maximum Protection deodorant? What makes you feel out of your comfort zone?

For more info, visit: http://www.surewomen.co.uk/MaximumProtection/

Sure Maximum Protection is a brand new deodorant that promises to keep you feeling fresh, dry and comfortable for 48 hours, even after a shower.

So, what does Sure Maximum Protection do to make it stand out from the pack?  Well, that would be the TRIsolid formula, which has three distinct features:

- Extra strength dryness protection, which works as you sleep to prevent wetness.
- Odour fighting microcapsules that gradually dissolve to absorb sweat.
- Skin conditioning ingredients to keep your underarms comfortable.

There are two deodorants in the range - Confidence and Sensitive – both are priced at £5.30.

This week will surely bring some stressful situations in which I can test the full effects of Sure Maximum Protection.  Check back on Friday when I’ll be reporting on the results of my trial.

SPONSORED POST

Spring/Summer 2012 is the season for blondes, as there are a number of hair trends that look fabulous on lighter hair.

Angelic braided updos were seen on the catwalk at Valentino – a perfectly fresh and youthful look for Spring.  Another great updo for blondes this season is the sixties beehive and retro updos, which featured at Louis Vuitton and Fendi.  This look is all about volume, backcombing and controlled fluffiness.

The feminine trend continues with the Lana Del Rey-inspired glossy waves with a side parting, seen on models at Sonia Rykiel, Cacharel and Anna Sui.  Then there’s the big, bouncy blow-dry seen at Versace for that power Chelsea blonde look.  Of course, if you then want to try dip-dye splashes of sea green at Mulberry or bubblegum pink at Meadham Kirchhoff, blonde is the best starting point.

For hair inspiration, look at stylish blondes Cara Delevigne, Catherine Deneuve in the Umbrellas of Cherbourg and Diane Kruger.

Find out how to get the Garnier Nutrisse British Blonde look with tips from hair expert, Lyndell Mansfield…

For more info and colours, visit: www.garnier.co.uk

SPONSORED POST

Vivienne Westwood Cheeky Alice, £31.50-£54.50 The Perfume Shop

Bath Oil for Glowing Radiance, £45.96, ila spa

Baby Bee 22ct Gold Plate Necklace, £132, Alex Monroe

Hélène Zubeldia Ornamental Earrings, £46, SWAROVSKI CRYSTALLIZED

Animals Party Letter Set, £1.99, Artbox

Hermès 1985 Military Print Silk Scarf, £230, Atelier Mayer

Harriet Shoulder in pebbled beige spongy patent, £695, Mulberry

Stella McCartney Pink Days of the Week Knickers, £130, Liberty

J’aime Les Macarons Gift Box, €26.50, Pierre Hermé

The Director of Viktor & Rolf fragrances introduced Spicebomb, but was quickly intercepted by two dashing ‘secret service agents’ wearing head to toe Viktor & Rolf.  We were immediately escorted out of the building and taken a few blocks away from the hotel to a deserted NCP cark park!

We all piled into an industrial car lift, up to the top floor, to a darkened room with just two large screens.  The first screen showed the Spicebomb campaign video, shot by the wonderful Inez van Lamsweerde and Vinoodh Matadin featuring American model Sean O’Pry.

We all turned to face the next screen and within a few seconds, there was a huge explosion, releasing the Spicebomb scent and a shower of silver confetti – what a way to make an entrance!

The party then kicked off with handsome waiters bringing out Champagne, Martinis and molecular canapes while we spritzed on Spicebomb from the grenade-shaped bottles, presented on solitary plinths.

Spicebomb was created for Viktor & Rolf by Olivier Polge, the renowned perfumer behind Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, Eau Mega and other future classics such as Balenciaga Paris and Dolce & Gabbana The One For Men.

True to its name, Spicebomb opens with a bang – sweet, sparkling and fresh with an underlying woody spiciness.  It brings together two opposing accordings – fiery and and icy.  Warmth comes from a seductive heart of chilli and saffron with the masculine roundness of leather, tobacco and intoxicating vetiver. The bite of the fragrance is down to zesty bergamot and grapefruit with cool notes of elemi and pink pepper.

Spicebomb is sophisticated, incredibly stylish, sensual and intriguing.  The sweetness gives it a unisex appeal and it’s the perfect counterpoint to the heady, gourmand Flowerbomb.

The cool, theatrical launch event was a perfect reflection of the vision of Viktor & Rolf, the masters of illusion and fantasy.

Viktor & Rolf Spicebomb is priced from £45 for 50ml to £60 for 90ml eau de toilette, and the full collection includes a deodorant spray, aftershave balm and shower gel.

Spicebomb is available now exclusively at Harrods and nationwide from 7th March.

Photos by Karen Hatch

My love of ila spa products started slowly when I first tried the rose collection a year ago and since, I’ve become a fan and believer in the karmic element of the brand.

Inspirational founder Denise Leicester is a qualified nurse, aromatherapist, yoga teacher and yogic healer, who combines her knowledge and experience of the medical, holistic and spiritual spheres.  She was moved to create ila spa, as there were few natural products that were 100% organic and committed fully to the practice of healing energy.

Reflecting the harmony of spiritual and natural elements, ila spa was named after the Hindu Goddess of Truth and the sanskrit word for Earth.

The first 12 months of ila spa’s beginnings were spent travelling the globe, researching and sourcing the finest ingredients, followed by creating a sustainable infrastructure with ethical farmers and growers.  This continued support and mutual reliance on global communities has led to viable industries where traditional methods are valued.

The high quality organic ingredients that go into ila spa products are sourced from communities in India, Pakistan, Brazil, Morocco, Tibet and Bhutan.  Processing the raw materials is done traditionally by hand, without the interference of electricity or chemicals.  For example, rose petals are distilled slowly and naturally, yielding a small quantity of the purest oil, which is used in the ila spa rose collection.

The finished products are then securely sealed and sent to barns in the Cotswolds to be packaged and sent out, ready to be used and loved.

One of my favourite things about ila spa products is the vibrant, eye-catching colours and luxurious gold card-lined packaging, contrasted with simple white and gold heavy glass bottles.  The visually pleasing packaging is inspired by the mounds of spices and pigment found in India, particularly during Holi Day.

At a recent Handpicked Media event hosted with ila spa, we were treated to a selection of products to take home and try.  The Incense for an Aroma of Purity and Peace is luxurious and calming, with a more appealing scent than any incense I’ve tried before.  Denise recommends burning the incense when meditating to help concentration and clarity of the mind.

Bath Salts for Inner Peace include a fragrant blend of Himalayan salt crystals, Damascena rose otto and sandalwood.  After a long soak in the bath with the salts, my skin always feels incredibly soft and the aromas help clear the head and unwind tense muscles.

Body Balm for Feeding Skin and Senses is a rich, thick body cream made from Damascena rose otto, wild-grown argan oil and bees wax.  The scent is of natural rose that’s not too sweet or fragrant and the body balm is a luxurious treat, especially at night when you can slather it on, cocooning your body and waking up with fresh, plump skin.

The Fragrant Candle for Inner Peace includes tuberose and rose, so the fragrance is slightly sweet, fresh and light but with an enveloping warmth.

Denise told us that the best way to enjoy ila spa products and to really relax is to make your evening bath a spa ritual.  Before getting into the bath, make a warming drink and place it by your bedside, so you don’t have to disturb your buzz with boiling the kettle!

To boost your body’s natural defences against the winter chill and just to relax, Denise suggests slicing and crushing up some fresh ginger and mixing with freshly squeezed lime juice, honey and boiling hot water.  The ginger adds a real kick and gives you a warm glow, which helps relax the body before sleep.

When used in massage by a professional therapist, ila spa products are incredibly potent and have surprising results.  I tried an ila spa Rejuvenating Rose Indulgence massage at Grayshott Spa and I was so relaxed that I had an unusual ‘out of body experience’.  My second ila spa treatment was an express facial at the Handpicked Media event and I could feel the healing energy flowing through myself and the therapist as she placed her hands on key areas of my head and upper body.

Selected spas across the world use ila spa, including Four Seasons, Chiang Mai, Grayshott Spa and Gielly Green and all therapists are trained to perform treatments according to ila spa’s healing philosophy.  I fully recommend an ila spa treatment, as you benefit not only from the therapist’s expertise but also the healing properties of the products.

ila spa is one of my favourite beauty discoveries of all time and I look forward to seeing the brand thrive and spread good karma and energy through skincare.

For more info and to buy online, visit: www.ila-spa.com

Here are a few products that have stood out and become firm favourites this year…

Nanoblur – After a few application teething problems with the best-selling optical, quick-fix anti-ageing skin cream, Nanoblur is now my beauty best friend!  It works wonders on fine lines and instantly refreshes skin, but most importantly, it slicks away excess oil, so it’s perfect for those of us with combination to oily skin.

Bottega Veneta – The debut fragrance from the Venetian luxury leather and fashion house is unique, captivating and a joy to wear.  It has become my everyday scent and I still get a fleeting moment of euphoria with each spritz!

shu uemura uv under base mousse – This weight-less mousse evens out the skin, conceals redness and tightens pores, ready for foundation.  It’s another discovery that has become an everyday essential.

Shan Rahimkhan – I had the pleasure of meeting and being styled by Iranian, Berlin-based hair expert Shan Rahimkhan this year.  His natural, luxurious and incredibly stylish hair products give unrivalled volume and just make your hair feel great!

Sodashi – This natural-luxe Australian brand has become a fast favourite, as all of the products feel so soothing and nourishing.  The Rejuvenating Face Mist has saved me on long flights and the Vanilla Body Butter is just so nourishing.

NARS Pro-Prime Pore Refining Primer – This incredibly light gel-crème primer calms skin using natural extracts and the mineral powders help control oily t-zones – once again, a good bet for combination to oily skin.

Caudalie Vinoperfect – Caudaline Vinoperfect Cell Renewal Night Cream and Enzyme Peel Mask revitalise and exfoliate skin without any harsh effects.  Used together, they freshen the appearance of skin and definitely help reduce the signs of pigmentation.

Balenciaga Paris – The first fragrance from the French luxury fashion house, Balenciaga Paris is a modern classic of chypre violets, lucid cool florals and metallic aldehyde.  Like Nicolas Ghesquière’s muse Charlotte Gainsbourg, it’s chic and effortlessly cool with a renowned heritage…j’adore!

What was your beauty hero of 2011?  Which product could you not live without?

* Samples

Fleur Chérie and Pivoine Flora are two of my favourite L’Occitane scents, but you guess why the Irresistible Fleur Chérie Collection (£63 £46, L’Occitane) is top of the list!

Resembling a stunning stained-glass window, Stila Dream in Full Colour Palette (£25, Look Fantastic) is not only beautiful but excellent value, as it includes 29 eye shadow shades, 7 cheek colours, a Smudge Stick waterproof eyeliner and a 16-page artistry book.

Christmas lingerie can be a minefield for well-intentioned partners, but the Etti satin longline bra with matching high-waisted or Brazilian style briefs are both girly and seductive (£45, Playful Promises).

I’m not usually a pink handbag kinda gal, but there’s something about the new Mulberry Effie satchel in fuschia with spongy pebbled leather that gets my heart racing (£495, Mulberry).

This adorable retro tin from Covent Garden-based Hope and Greenwood is filled with sweets, a colouring book and pencils – not just for kids! (£17, John Lewis)

Indulge in a selection of 12 chocolate and classic macarons by Pierre Hermé, presented in a sweet Chat Roux box, designed by Nicolas Vial (€26.50, Pierre Hermé).

Balenciaga L’Essence is the vivid, more lucid interpretation of the original eau de parfum with flashes of violet, vetiver and moss and the stunning gift set is hard to resist (£63, Selfridges).

Every year, we kick off Christmas Day with a breakfast of panettone and coffee.  Carluccio’s Panettone Tradizionale is a real favourite and I love the red and gold festive packaging (£16.95, Carluccio’s).

A new routine for sensitive skin, keep the peace focuses on redness, hypersensitivity and irritation with soothing natural extracts and lavender oil.

Antioxidants protect the skin against environmental factors that can cause redness while advanced rejuvenation technology helps maintain a healthy skin barrier to keep skin hydrated and comfortable.

After cleansing, I use a few drops of keep the peace super soothing serum for redness and sensitivity (£42), which is easily absorbed and non-greasy.  The light-weight oil balances skin and smooths over dry patches – particularly helpful for combination skin.

Usually, I would avoid using two moisturising products, but keep the peace super soothing moisturiser for redness and sensitivity (£36) has such a light texture that it doesn’t overload my skin.

The gel-crème formula feels cooling on the skin and it sinks in very quickly, deeply hydrating the skin.  It has a mattifying effect and creates a base ready for make-up.

After two months of daily use, it has definitely reduced the underlying redness in my skin that I often get from exposure to pollution in London.  My main skin concern is blemishes, but keep the peace leave my face feeling comfortable and therefore less stressed and sore.

keep the peace is suitable for all skin types, but it will most benefit those with normal to combination skin (drier skin types may need something richer).

philosophy keep the peace collection is priced from £30-£42 and is available at Selfridges.

* Samples