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

Throughout November, L’Oréal Casting Crème Gloss has been offering the chance to ‘cast yourself’ to star alongside Cheryl Cole in the next Casting Crème commercial and on 25 November the first part of the competition will come to a close.

The Casting Gallery already shows some serious competition from glossy-haired Casting fans across the UK and ROI, but L’Oréal could be waiting for you, so enter sharpish!

Even if you’re not taking part in the colour contest, you can see the profiles of all entrants and get ready to vote for your favourite Casting girl (from 28 November – 4 December).

Here’s a quick recap of the competition details and how to enter…

Three Casting fans will be able to cast themselves in the roles of deep brunette, fiery redhead or honey blonde and have the chance to speak those famous words, “because you’re worth it”!

From now until 27th November, fans can enter the competition by visiting the L’Oréal Casting Crème Gloss Facebook Page and uploading a photo of themselves.  Once your picture is online, you have from 28th November to 4th December to pester your nearest and dearest to vote for you.  The most popular brunettes, redheads and blondes will go through to the next round.

The highest voted entrants will be shortlisted for a L’Oréal Paris Casting Day where they will receive a makeover by L’Oréal’s hair and make-up artists in preparation for a live audition, in front of a panel of judges.  The winners will then join Cheryl in an exclusive new L’Oréal Paris advert for all the nation to see!

If you’ve had a positive Casting Crème Gloss experience and would like to share your L’Oréal love on TV, now is your last chance to enter the competition.  You could be the UK’s next colour crush!

Competition terms & conditions:

Opens to female UK and ROI residents aged 16+. Entrants must register with L’Oréal Insider, colour their hair using Casting Crème Gloss and upload a photo on facebook. No purchase necessary. Closing date 27/11/2011. For full Terms & Conditions and to enter visit this page.

Having naturally curly hair, I usually leave my hair to dry without heat styling and finish with hydrating products, but when I want my hair to look a bit slicker, I use a ceramic curling wand.

I was invited to try Instyler, a new rotating hot iron that is an all-in-one combination of brush, flat iron and curling iron.

At first, the prospect of a revolving barrel at over 300° was slightly unnerving, but after watching the tutorial DVD and having a quick practice trial, I found that it was actually quite simple.

The ultimate test of Instyler was whether it could straighten my curly hair and keep it straight by the end of the day.  I used the highest setting and sectioned my hair with the hairbrush-clip provided.  After using Instyler, my hair became straight and shiny and only curled up slightly by the end of the day.

Curling my hair proved slightly more difficult, as I’m used to gripping my hair from the bottom and twisting up into the curler.  With Instyler, you have to take hair from the roots and wrap around the barrel manually before closing in the brush and rotating.  With a bit of practice, I’m sure this will become easier.

At £99.99, Instyler is worth investing in, as it can create multiple styles, whether you want poker straight, soft waves or revitalised curls.  You won’t need to clutter up your bedroom with straighteners, curlers and rollers – Instyler does it all.

For more info and to buy online, visit the Instyler website.  For Instyler tips and advice, follow on Twitter, Facebook and Youtube.

]]> http://cheriecity.co.uk/2011/11/22/reviewed-instyler-rotating-hot-iron/feed/ 0 http://cheriecity.co.uk/2011/11/04/cast-yourself-competition-by-loreal-casting-creme-gloss/ http://cheriecity.co.uk/2011/11/04/cast-yourself-competition-by-loreal-casting-creme-gloss/#comments Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:35:04 +0000 cheriecity http://cheriecity.co.uk/?p=11729 Continue reading →]]> SPONSORED POST

L’Oréal Casting Crème Gloss are offering the chance to ‘cast yourself’ to star alongside Cheryl Cole in the next Casting Crème commercial.

Three Casting fans will be able to cast themselves in the roles of deep brunette, fiery redhead or honey blonde and have the chance to speak those famous words, “because you’re worth it”!

From now until 27th November, fans can enter the competition by visiting the L’Oréal Casting Crème Gloss Facebook Page and uploading a photo of themselves.  Once your picture is online, you have from 28th November to 4th December to pester your nearest and dearest to vote for you.  The most popular brunettes, redheads and blondes will go through to the next round.

The highest voted entrants will be shortlisted for a L’Oréal Paris Casting Day where they will receive a makeover by L’Oréal’s hair and make-up artists in preparation for a live audition, in front of a panel of judges.  The winners will then join Cheryl in an exclusive new L’Oréal Paris advert for all the nation to see!

So, what is so good about Casting Crème Gloss and what gives it the edge over home hair dyes?  Here’s my account of hair dye horrors from the past…

In my teen years, I had some nasty run-ins with DIY highlights that turned a nauseating shade of orange.  Another hair fail was choosing permanent dyes that were far too dark for my hair, resulting in some very visible root regrowth – anyone who had a goth or rock chick phase will be nodding knowingly!

It has taken many years to realise that semi-permanent dye is infinitely more flattering, as it allows your natural tone to shine through, stopping the hair looking dull and avoiding the dreaded root regrowth line.

Since having this hair epiphany Casting Crème Gloss (colour that lasts up to 28 washes) has been a reliable choice when my cash wouldn’t stretch to salon visits, particularly as it has a good selection of ash and cool colours.  My main bugbear with home hair dyes was that the colour always brought out red undertones when they faded (which doesn’t suit my complexion one bit).  The short colour test on the Casting Crème website instantly suggested Iced Mocha – a cool, light brown with not even a hint of redness.

If you’ve had a positive Casting Crème Gloss experience and would like to share your L’Oréal love on TV, enter the competition sharpish!  You could be the UK’s next colour crush!

Competition terms & conditions:

Opens to female UK and ROI residents aged 16+. Entrants must register with L’Oréal Insider, colour their hair using Casting Crème Gloss and upload a photo on facebook. No purchase necessary. Closing date 27/11/2011. For full Terms & Conditions and to enter visit this page.

]]> http://cheriecity.co.uk/2011/11/04/cast-yourself-competition-by-loreal-casting-creme-gloss/feed/ 1 http://cheriecity.co.uk/2011/10/28/wong-kar-wei-holiday-collection-for-shu-uemura/ http://cheriecity.co.uk/2011/10/28/wong-kar-wei-holiday-collection-for-shu-uemura/#comments Fri, 28 Oct 2011 21:55:56 +0000 cheriecity http://cheriecity.co.uk/?p=11668 Continue reading →]]> Handpicked Media recently hosted a wonderful bloggers evening with Shu Uemura, Kiehls and Biotherm at Vanilla.  Ever the magpie, I was instantly drawn to the sparkly corner of the room and fell in love with Shu Uemura’s limited edition holiday collection by Hong Kong filmmaker Wong Kar Wei.

Wong Kar Wei is best known for his stylised, beautifully-shot films such as 2046, In The Mood For Love and My Blueberry Nights and Quentin Tarantino is particularly influenced by his work.

Wong Kar Wei’s first foray into beauty was directing the film campaign for Dior Midnight Poison, featuring Eva Green.

Wong Kar Wei collaborated with Shu Uemura artistic director Mr. Uchiide on a cosmetics collection called rouge et bleu.  The red and blue tones reflect the contrast between hot and cold and are inspired by the breathtaking use of colour in his films.

The luxurious packaging features a cool hologram image that is shot in the typical Wong Kar Wei style.

The collection features two eye and cheek palettes, mascara, a glitter premium false lash, partial false lash, face powder, three lipsticks, two mini nail polish sets, cosmetics pouch, mini brush set and a cleansing oil in limited edition packaging.

Wong Kar Wei has directed a stunning short film called ‘Mask’, featuring award-winning actress Sandrine Pinna to introduce the collection…

For more info, visit: www.shuuemura.co.uk