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Wondering what to wear to your first massage session? The reality is that what you wear during a massage is up to your personal preference. When it’s time to begin a massage session, your massage therapist will tell you to undress to your comfort level. This can mean either staying fully clothed, remaining partially clothed, or undressing completely. The goal of any massage is wellness, comfort, and satisfaction. Your level of dress is key to experiencing the full wellness benefits of a customized massage.

Fully Clothed

It’s possible to receive a massage while remaining fully clothed. A professional massage therapist has the skills to perform a massage regardless of the attire you wear. You can enjoy the benefits of massage techniques while dressed, however, you may lose out on the thoroughness that comes when a massage therapist has whole muscle contact. Keep in mind that massage therapists use massage lotion or oils to reduce friction during the massage. When you remain fully clothed, you may risk getting some of the massage lotion or oil on your clothes.

Women with large breasts face the challenge of finding a supportive bra that lifts and flatters their curves without creating a uni-boob. When it comes to finding the perfect comfort solution that provides better support than a traditional underwire bra, Soma has the perfect full coverage bra for every body type. Their collection of minimizing bras accentuates your natural shape while providing comfort, coverage, and support. Their unlined bras come in a variety of fabrics, cup sizes, and color options perfect for everyday wear. The perfect match to your unlined bra is comfortable pair of panties in your favorite cut of choice.

Semi-Clothed

Many people choose to remove a limited amount of clothing to allow their massage therapist direct contact with their skin while maintaining a degree of modesty. Again, the key to choosing how much clothing to wear depends entirely on your comfort level. Your massage therapist will be able to perform an effective massage over clothing but if you have a specific problem area that needs to be worked out and it’s covered, you may miss out on the overall calming experience.

Professional massage therapists are trained in a variety of massage modalities such as deep tissue, Swedish massage, sports massage, and prenatal massage. Having completed a massage therapy course, your therapist is skilled at helping you through the power of touch and the art of intention with techniques that target trigger points, energy balance, and lymphatic fluid.

Fully Undressed

For those who want to experience the full therapeutic experience of bodywork, fully undressing allows your massage therapist to perform long, uninterrupted strokes. If you’re comfortable going fully nude during your massage session, your massage therapist will use proper draping techniques with the sheets on the table to ensure your private areas are covered. Only the part of your body being worked on will be undraped during the duration of the massage session.

Whether you choose to be semi-clothed or fully undressed, your massage therapist will ensure your modesty and respect their professionalism by using towels. Some massage therapists use towels when performing dry massage styles to help reduce friction and achieve a deeper pressure without risking the slip of their hands due to massage lotion or oil.

To conclude, there is no one definitive answer to the question of what to wear to a massage. Some people prefer to wear loose, comfortable clothing such as yoga pants and a T-shirt. Others may prefer to wear fewer clothes especially if they are at an all-day spa experience. It really depends on your personal preference. Just make sure that whatever you choose is not too restrictive or uncomfortable.

Amanda Harrington is as unapologetic a boss babe as they come. Sunless tanning and body contour guru to the stars, Amanda Harrington has tanned some of the world’s biggest celebrities (including Jennifer Aniston and Dua Lipa to name a few) and worked on some of Hollywood’s biggest film franchises, before deciding to take a leap and start her own eponymous self-tanning business.

For Amanda, her mission is simple and that is to create a ‘one-stop shop for safe skin.’ She started her business three years ago and has since released several cult sunless tanning products that are not only effective, but also vegan and cruelty-free.

In this latest Girl Bosses of Great Britain interview, we catch up with the sunless tanning queen herself and talk about the benefits of skin health and the importance of pre- and post-tanning regimens. We chat about her incredible career, the ‘Amanda Harrington technique’ and how she is transforming her client’s confidence one beautiful, glowing tan at a time.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background, what inspired you to start your own beauty business?

My name is Amanda and I am known for my sunless tanning body contouring technique. I have travelled the world applying my technique to lots of beautiful bodies on film, fashion, red carpets and on music tours. We have built a beautiful base of tan fans such as Jennifer Anniston, Dua Lipa, Sienna Miller, Cara Delevingne.

I started my career in London as a body artist working on photo shoots and film sets before I decided to go on tour with bands such as the Rolling Stones. I then moved onto movie sets for films like Bond and Tomb Raider, transforming the look and muscle tone of the body. This obsession and passion grew to the point wherein I thought how much I would love for more people to experience a streak-free, vegan and odour free way of applying self-tan at home. I wanted people to feel good and create a beautiful glow that didn’t look orange. That was really when I went into a lab to start formulating back in 2012.

Could you tell us about your mission to guarantee the most natural, long-lasting and safe means to tan, while offering a luxurious, uplifting and sensorial experience to your customers?

My mission is to create a one-stop shop for safe skin. Creating a hub designed to educate on the benefits of skin health, the importance of SPF and share the power of how transformational self-tan is to your mood and body confidence. It really can turn your day around in less than five minutes. People notice how well you look, and you certainly feel it.

I love getting feedback from customers about how they ‘can’t live without the face mist’ or body mousse. It’s just the best feeling to know I have helped a little way towards making that customer feel uplifted. This is what I love so much about working with clients, the result is magical.

What sets Amanda Harrington’s sunless tanning products apart from other tanning products in the market today?

I think two things. The first is that our products are applied with my brushes that are such a game changer in the market. Also, the products themselves (which took me forever to formulate) had never been created before, so we had to start from scratch which took years. I am so so happy with them, and 11 awards later, it seems so is everyone else.

They are vegan, alcohol free (an ingredient which most self-tan products contain), paraben and sulfate free. Most importantly, I use Hyaluronic, collagen and Aloe Vera in all the bases to offer the most hydrated tan which nourishes the skin. I love the tonal tanning tints in Natural Rose, Honey and Olive which again is different in the market as most tan brands use one tone and that’s light, medium and dark – which doesn’t reflect the vast rainbow of skin tones.

Tell us about the Amanda Harrington technique – and why it is just so effective?

First, it is vegan which is so lovely, as you know it’s clean. My technique is based on layering, very much like how we apply make-up. How I explain it is, if you applied concealer all over dry skin and went out, you would feel dry and look rather 2D and that’s the same for sunless tan. I never understood one colour spray all over the body which is filled with drying alcohol that clings to dry skin. The results are variable and uncontrollable, hence why you see a fair few tanning mishaps on hands, ankles and elbows.

I use a Shea Butter-based barrier cream to prep dry areas, then apply a hydration layer called Body Base which has a small amount of gradual tan in it, and then you apply your skin tone appropriate face mist or body mousse that melts into the skin so easily with the wonder tool – a tanning brush. The brushes are the so effective at buffing the hyaluronic based tints into the skin that you create a natural, even base that just matches your skin tone — no matter what shade — so perfectly and lasts for days. It’s like semi-permanent make-up that doesn’t clog the pores.

Amanda Harrington goes beyond self-tanning and into skin health and sun care as well. How important is a proper post-tanning skin routine?

I think pre-tanning and post-tanning are equally as important. The power of prep happens with my fast-acting advanced glycolic body scrub which preps the skin perfectly. Post-tanning is all about topping up colour with my super hydrating gradual tans or tan compatible face and body lotions which help the colour last longer and fade evenly.

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an entrepreneur so far?

The challenges go through phases, based on where you are on your journey. For me it’s gone from formulation woes and ‘will I ever be happy with the products’ to launching, and then having to pivot the supply chain during lockdown, to Brexit and so on. Business is essentially problem solving every single day and finding solutions.

What’s next for you and your business? Any exciting new projects in the pipeline

We are just coming up to our third year and opening with more retailers in the UK, Australia and US which is amazing. We’re also about to grow the professional side of the business into more Soho House sites and in Saudi Arabia where they LOVE contouring. Not forgetting all the new product launches we have planned, which I cannot wait for you to try!

What advice do you have for those looking to take the leap and start their own businesses too?

Please remember that annual leave is a thing of the past ha, be disciplined, committed and consistent. You must remain level-headed, give decisions some time and space, look at all the options and then decide and keep moving forwards.

Most of all – look at your vision and ask yourself ‘will I regret it if I don’t try’ and sit, listen for the answer over a few days, weeks, months – however long it takes. Mine took years. Once you decide you want to, be unapologetic from that moment on about your vision, and always speak from the heart.

WWW.AMANDAHARRINTGON.COM

Every year, people across the world spend more than $70 billion on more than 85,000 different nutritional supplements. These supplements contain a variety of vitamins, minerals, botanical extracts, and other ingredients. You’ve probably heard of them, used them, and even suggested them to friends and family. While certain dietary supplements are well-known and well-researched, others require further research. Continue reading for crucial information about supplements’ safety.

Image Source: https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1624362772755-4d5843e67047

What Are Dietary supplements?

A dietary supplement is a manufactured substance that is taken as a pill, tablet, capsule, liquid, or powder to enhance one’s diet. A supplement can deliver nutrients that have been taken from food or that have been synthesized in order to boost the number of nutrients consumed. Vitamins, minerals, fiber, and amino acids are all examples of nutritional molecules. Dietary supplements may also contain chemicals such as plant pigments or polyphenols that have not been proven to be essential to life but are advertised as having a favorable biological impact. Animals can also provide materials for supplements, such as collagen from chickens or fish. These may be bought separately or in a package, and they can be combined with other healthy ingredients. MCT oils are known for their quick absorption and potential benefits for brain health and energy levels.

Risks And Side Effects

In 2019, about 70,000 calls to poison control centers in the United States were attributed to dietary supplements, herbal medicines, and homeopathic therapies. Over 7,000 people need medical attention as a result of these calls. Over 800 of these cases resulted in moderate to severe consequences. However, most individuals who suffer negative effects, diseases, or drug reactions from food additives don’t call a poison control center or a supplement company. As a result, the figures we have are most certainly lower than what actually occurs.

Dietary supplement side effects are more common when consumers take excessive dosages or use them instead of medications prescribed by their doctor. In addition, some supplements might interact negatively with specific medications. Antioxidants, like vitamins C and E, for example, may reduce the effectiveness of some chemotherapy drugs. Certain drugs may be rendered ineffective by St. John’s wort. Birth control pills, as well as medications for depression, heart disease, HIV, and cancer, are examples. Taking a variety of supplements might raise your chance of experiencing adverse effects and medication interactions.

Quality Issues

Supplement manufacturers do not need permission from the government to market their goods. The administration does keep an eye out for items that are potentially dangerous or make false or misleading promises, but they can only do so after the product has been released. The administration examines supplement labels and other material, such as package inserts, claims, and internet marketing, when resources allow.

However, it is impossible to review all of the goods on the market presently. The honest site, The Supplement Reviews guides you with fact-based ratings. Many dietary supplements are manufactured and labeled according to stringent rules. Others, on the other hand, are badly designed. Some companies do not adhere to the FDA’s requirements for making claims and labeling supplements correctly. When herbal supplements are analyzed, it is often discovered that they contain little or none of the advertised components. Some even include compounds that might be harmful to some persons. Furthermore, some supplements have a larger dose than the label claims.

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Common Assumptions

Nature is both safer and better – this is a common belief. Not only is this not usually true, but certain natural products, even when taken as intended, can be dangerous. Because botanical supplements are manufactured from plant material, they are often marketed as “natural” goods. Plants, on the other hand, are made up of a variety of compounds. Various compounds might be found in different areas of the same plant. Some of these may be beneficial, while others may be harmful to people or induce allergies. All-natural botanicals aren’t usually the most beneficial because they haven’t been processed to remove possibly dangerous compounds.

Some people think that taking megadoses of specific vitamins will help them avoid or cure ailments. However, no scientific research has demonstrated that this is the case. In fact, excessive amounts of some vitamins or minerals might be hazardous. Large doses of vitamin A, for example, cannot be eliminated by the body. When used in excess, it can be hazardous, causing organ damage and interfering with some medications. Before taking excessive amounts, contact your doctor. He should be able to assist you in locating safe dose information.

How to Avoid Unsafe Supplements?

If you want to stay away from dangerous supplements, don’t buy anything that promises to treat an ailment or cure a medical condition, including products that claim to act like prescription drugs. Avoid products that are promoted via bulk e-mail, products that claim to help you lose weight, gain muscle, or improve your sexual performance. Also, don’t buy products that claim to be a safe and legal substitute for anabolic steroids.

Many individuals waste money on products that, in most situations, will do nothing. However, if you buy anything from the wrong people, it may do a lot more than nothing; it could be deadly since it could be laced with genuine medications.

Sachi Skin has launched the States of Change AM/PM Daily Journal; a beauty industry-first initiative to improve wellbeing and happiness, beyond topical skincare. The journal is testament to the brand’s philosophy of prioritising one’s emotional and mental wellbeing when it comes to supporting skin health.

Since its launch in 2020, Sachi Skin has focused on creating multi-functional, effective formulations to address the skin’s ever-changing states. The thoughtful brand is dedicated to empowering consumers through education and knowledge, changing the narrative and reinventing beauty conversations.

Sachi Skin strongly believes in the interconnected approach to skin health and wellbeing. The brand’s founder, Farah Bahir – understands the correlation between the brain and skin axis thanks to numerous studies which have shown how elevated levels of stress and anxiety can negatively affect the skin microbiome.

With this in mind, the brand has launched The States of Change AM/PM Daily Journal, a six month guide of gratitude, positivity and mindfulness, with actionable steps to help establish one’s focus and mindset towards consistently better days. The journal is designed to help address the underlying factors which can affect how one thinks and feels about their skin:

“We believe beauty is a state of mind, and being in a good mental and emotional state is just as important as a well thought out skincare routine for skin performance and greater wellbeing.”

Farah Bahir, Founder of Sachi Skin

The States of Change AM/PM Daily Journal is designed to help the person writing the journal:

– Start the day with gratitude
– Build confidence and resilience
– Reframe one’s mindset
– Set daily affirmations
– Address anxiety with thoughtful prompts
– Reconnect with oneself and others

The States of Change AM/PM Daily Journal is priced at £21.89, from Sachi Skin

The look of a natural tan is desired by many, but the dangers of UV rays have led people to seek out other ways to achieve this look. This has led to the development of new technologies in the form of spray tans, self-tanners, and lotions that can help you get the perfect glow without being exposed to the sun. In this article, we will examine these products and how they work, as well as look at some of the more popular ones on the market.

Tan Accelerators

Tan accelerators are used to speed up the process of tanning. Some of them can be used for both a tanning bed and outdoor tanning. The most effective accelerators are in spray form or look like a lotion. Before using accelerators, you should exfoliate to get the best results (removing dead skin cells) and moisturize your skin before performing any kind of tanning action to avoid flaking or dryness. When choosing the right accelerators for you make sure to look at the ingredients. This way you will avoid getting any allergic reactions.

Spray Tan

One of the most popular ways to get a glow is through spray tans. This process involves spraying something that looks like chocolate syrup all over you which will then tan your skin. The great thing about this option is that it’s temporary, so if you are just looking for an occasional boost in color during the summer months, this can be an excellent choice. Most people choose to use either an aerosol spray or mist to apply the solution, but you should also have an application mitt so that your palms don’t become stained and leave behind “hand marks”.

Self-Tanners

Self-tanning lotions are another way to achieve an even glow without being exposed to UV rays. These products usually come with a built-in bronzer to give you instant color, but many of them also have moisturizing benefits for your skin. One drawback is that these products are applied with your hands, so it can be difficult to get even coverage all over your body.

Self-tanners usually have a more pleasant smell than spray tans. They go on evenly, but it is often difficult to know what shade you are choosing. It’s also important to make sure that the solution gets fully absorbed by your skin for the best results. Self-tanners will not give you an immediate glow like spray tans or tan accelerators because the solution needs time to work and penetrate your skin (usually around 4 hours). This means that they are perfect for people who want something low maintenance that can be done at home.

Lotions With Bronzers

One option is the lotion with bronzer which comes in a bottle. If you are looking for something stronger than a self-tanner, look for one with added bronzers to enhance your tan even more instantly. You should use this product sparingly, as too much of the solution can leave behind streaks or patches on your skin if you’re not careful. These products may be available with either chemical or natural bronzers depending on what you’re looking for and how much tan you’re looking to gain.

Tanning bed

If you are looking to achieve the darkest tan possible, this is an excellent choice. Tanning beds work by applying UV lights within a contained area that will darken your skin in just 10 minutes. However, look out for red eyes or sunburn which can be damaging if you do not wear protective eyewear and sunscreen while using this solution.

Tanning beds are an excellent option if you are looking for a quick solution. This is the quickest way to gain color, but it can also be dangerous because of the exposure to UV rays if not carefully monitored. Another major drawback is that this method does not provide instant gratification like spray tans, so it may be most effective if used only occasionally during the summer months.

There are a variety of ways to achieve a natural-looking tan without being exposed to the sun. From self-tanners and lotions with bronzers, to spray tans and tanning beds, there is an option for everyone. It’s important to choose the right product for you, taking into account your skin type, desired color, and how long you want the tan to last. With so many different choices available on the market today, it has never been easier to get that perfect glowy look all year round – without risking your health in the process! When you decide on a product make sure you use it correctly. Always consult a professional if you are not sure about something! Good luck!

Self-love is more important than ever. Last year has been tough and the last thing we need is all the unnecessary pressure that Valentine’s Day brings. So, this year, instead of Valentine’s we’re showing our gratitude to all the girlfriends that have helped us survive a global pandemic.

Team Coco is all about that supportive female energy – so what better way to say thank you than by treating your favourite gal pals to some of the best self-care, skincare and all-rodn wellness finds this February?

1.The Ultimate Self Love Kit by Bloom Gin available at https://www.bloomgin.com

To help women everywhere on their self-love journey, BLOOM Gin has collaborated with quality sex toy company, So Divine, to create the ultimate self-love gift box – be it for yourself, your friend, your sister, hell, even your mum if you’re so inclined. The limited-edition gift-box, which contains a bottle of BLOOM Gin, a scented candle and a sex toy from So Divine, is the ultimate gift of pleasure and relaxation.

2.Ultra Balm Universal Rescue Cream by Amanda Harrington available at https://www.amandaharrington.com/products/ultra-balm

3.Rejuvenating Body Scrub by Anatomē available at https://www.anatome.co/

4.Jasmine & Evening Primrose Moisturiser by Steam Cream available at https://www.steamcream.com/

Part of Amanda Harrington’s tan-compatible skincare range, the rich, hydrating Ultra balm is designed to prep skin for tan application and combat dryness at the elbows, knees and ankles. Perfect for some self-care this V-day.

Cool wellness brand Anatomē offers a supportive, mindful offering to treat oneself or a loved one with products to help support emotionally and physically. The pink Balance range is perfect for pampering, good health and self-love.

Steam Cream’s Jasmine & Evening Primrose Moisturiser breathes life into spring skin and lifts the soul after a harsh winter. This weightless cream rebalances the skin, helping it to retain moisture and build up its resilience to the changing climate and environment.

This Valentine’s, Nailberry are sharing the love with a complimentary bottle of this bestselling Pop My Berry Lacquer worth £15 when you spend £45 or more with the code POPMYBERRY.

But it doesn’t stop there… Explore Nailberry’s Valentine’s Day limited-edition gift sets to find the perfect present – whether to add to your own wish list, treat a special someone or let your galentine know just how much you appreciate them. The quintessential Valentine’s colours – feminine, flattering for all and a picture-perfect pairing for any daytime ensemble. Nailberry’s iconic fiery red, Rouge, delicate pastel pink, Rose Blossom, and gloss-enhancing Bare Essentials Base and Top Coat. The perfect trio to nail your Valentine’s nail art, that is just too cute to pass up

5.Facial Oil by Amaranthine Beauty available at amaranthinebeauty.com

6.Checkmate Lip Gloss by Vesta London Beauty available at https://www.vestalondonbeauty.com/

7.5-in-1 Acai Elixir by Nailberry available at https://www.nailberry.co.uk/

Vesta London Beauty was created by marketing expert Vesta Boateng, to answer her need for high quality lip makeup that matched her (and others! ) skin tone. She spent 4 years formulating the perfect nourishing blends and has created a range of lip liners and glosses that work on all skin types – like magic!

Nailberry, the ethically focused nail brand with a 12-free, vegan friendly and halal approved L’Oxygéné formula is certainly the nail brand we are all coveting this year. The award-winning Acai Nail Elixir is brilliant and proven to help nourish, harden, protect, boost growth and conceal ridges.

Chāmpo are a South Asian-owned, independentUK-based haircare brand, founded by Kuldeep Knox. Since their founding a couple of years ago, they have become cult favourites in the premium, vegan haircare space, known for their trichologically-driven98%+ naturalformulas that produce tangible results. This results-driven serum combines cutting-edge anti-hair loss actives technology to tonecondition and energise the scalp. This, plus a pioneering complex of biomimetic peptide amino acidslipo amino acids and biochanin a-rich Red Clover Extract, are designed to calm the scalp and prevent hair loss.

8.Pitta Hair Growth Serum by Chāmpo available atchampohaircare.com

9.Pure White Rose Water by Gene in a Bottle available at https://geneinabottle.co.uk/

10.Almond Inga Bralette by Eartha Underwear available at www.earthaunderwear.com

11.Almond Raine Pant by Eartha Underwear available at www.earthaunderwear.com

12.CBD Oil by NICE available at https://mrnicelondon.com/

13. Take Good Care Candle Set by NETTE available https://nettenyc.com/

14. PURIFY: Scalp Cleanse by FFOR available at https://www.fforhair.com/

Eartha Underwear is a wellness inspired and eco-conscious underwear brand. The first collection launched in November 2021 following 12 months of research into sustainable and ethical manufacturing opportunities and natural materials which are more consumer and environmentally friendly than polyester and virgin cotton. Perfect for some guilt-free self-love this Valentine’s Day.

Help your gal pals hit reset on your hair and scalp problems with the latest launch from sustainable, Scandi-inspired haircare brand, FFØR. Designed by eco-conscious hair technicians who know that healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, to allow all of us to achieve that salon-fresh feeling at home this Galentine’s.

Bonus: Here is the perfect gift for the travel-lover in your life. Jet Candy helps weary travellers beat the jet lag blues – along with other ailments associated with the disruption caused to the circadian rhythms. Jet Candy has launched an all-new family of 100% natural remedies, which can be used for long-haul travel, or simply as a much-needed pick-me-up on the ground.

Bonus: The Ensemble by Jet Candy available at https://jet-candy.com/

If it’s kisses you’re looking for this Valentine’s Day then it’s kisses you’ll get! This great selection of swoon-worthy makeup will have you and lover stealing a passionate kiss before you’ve had chance to enjoy a romantic dinner on 14th February.

So, pucker up, flutter your lashes and be prepared to indulge in the most beautiful makeup this Valentine’s.

Burt’s Bees, Lip Shimmer in Cherry, £3.99 from Burt’s Bees. Nourishes and moisturises lips with Vitamin E and Beeswax.

Naturopathica, Sweet Cherry Conditioning Lip Butter, £18 from Naturopathica. A luscious lip treatment, featuring a naturally plumping pomegranate-jojoba complex and antioxidant sweet cherry puree, deeply conditions to reveal softer, fuller, more kissable lips.

ICONIC London, Silk Glow Duo & Brush Bundle, £41.60 from Iconic London. A gel-to-powder highlight and blush compact with dual-ended brush. Perfection in one sweep!

eyeko London, Limitless Eyeshadow Palette, £25 from eyeko London. Beautiful muted toned palette featuring 6 highly pigmented long-wearing shades and matte and shimmer finishes.

Sculpted by Aimee Connolly, Complete Cover Up Concealer in Fair Plus 2.5, £14 from Sculpted Aimee Connolly. Gives an airbrushed finish and stays put all day long. Conceals all blemishes, redness and scarring. Blends perfectly into the skin!

Benefit Cosmetics, Love Me Bright Lip & Cheek Stain + Brightening Blush Set, £32.50 from Benefit Cosmetics. Fiery-red Lovetint and cheek stain for longwearing, kiss-proof colour with a Dandelion baby-pink blush for a beautiful bright look.

OPV Beauty, Metal & Liquid Glitter Liner in Beauty Queen, £10 from OPV Beauty. Water-based Metal&Liquid Glitter contains superfine glitter in a clear base that dries quickly and stays put.

It’s the most romantic time of the year, are you loved up? Whether you’re madly and deeply in love, having a little flirt with someone, in a long-term relationship, or have just started to date your new beau, February is the month to celebrate.

Why not treat your lover to a gorgeous new fragrance? Our beauty writer Rachel has compiled a list of six stunning scents below, to add to the inspired fragrances that our girl Vanessa recently wrote about here…….

Our chosen scents for The Valentine’s Fragrance Edit includes: Matiere Premieree, Rouge London, Miller Harris, Bulgari, Cartier, and Escentric Molecules.

Matiere Premieree

Matiere Premieer, Encens Suave, EDP, £190 (100ml) from Selfridges

This delightful fragrance has been created by renowned perfumer Aurelien Guichard for Matiere Premieree. The scent boasts top notes of coffee and cistus florals, with heart notes of incense for a deep aroma. Base notes include benzoin from the bark of trees and fresh vanilla, which sit perfectly alongside the top coffee notes. A scent that will turn heads!

Rouge London

Rouge London, Oud Vermillion Pour Femme, £150 (100ml) from Rouge Perfumes London

Oud Vermillion Pour Femme boasts a unique blend of tones that come together effortlessly. Floral scents fuse with musk, coconut, and amber moss to create a stunning fragrance that awakens the senses. The statement bottle looks striking with a gold embossed label sat neatly on a bold red luxurious background. This is an exquisite scent where iconic meets contemporary.

Miller Harris

Miller Harris London, LOST in the city, £125 (100ml) from Miller Harris

LOST is intense and sharp, which makes the senses fizz. Bergamot zest, angelica seed, and blackcurrant are the heady additions to the fragrance. The heart notes include rhubarb, rose petals, and geranium for a short snap of sharpness. For outstanding lasting impressions earl grey tea, crisp amber, and musk leave the wearer feeling vibrant and re-wilded.

Bulgari

Bulgari, Splendida Jasmin Noir EDP, £111.50 (100ml) from The Fragrance Shop

While wearing Splendida Jasmin Noir this scent eludes to mystery, elegance and sophistication. The richness of the white jasmin sambac absolute floral sits neatly alongside the dry woody aromas, and patchouli heart in this delicately bold fragrance from Bulgari.

Cartier

Cartier, Déclaration Haute Fraîcheur EDT, £95 (90ml) exclusively from John Lewis (released 7th Feb).

Created by Cartier perfumer, Mathilde Laurent, this new, fresh, light, spicy, woody and vibrant Eau de Toilette is an invitation to escape into nature. Top notes are all citrusy and woody, the heart notes are solely based around the cardamom spice, and the delicious finishing base is deep cedarwood to evoke the feeling of being outside in the open air.

Escentric

Escentric Molecules, Molecule 01 The Story Edition, £72 (100ml) from Escentric

Art + Chemistry is the motto behind the fragrances of Escentric. Molecules 01 sparked thousands of stories worldwide, which inspired the limited edition Story Editions. Iso E Super is a molecule that hovers close to the skin to create an indefinable aura, characterised by hyper-modern cedarwood it produces a sexy, comforting, cocooning scent. Each fragrance shares a story placed across the bottle itself and every purchase will receive a gift of a book of stories.

Not long until Valentine’s Day guys and gals! If, like us you haven’t even thought about buying a gift yet then don’t worry as this is your friendly reminder that you have a couple of weeks until the day itself.

You’ll find a dinky list of five beauty gifts below, especially for the woman in your life. All are lovely bath and body gifts for your lover, girlfriend, wife, bestie, sister, Mum, aunt, niece, daughter or simply for yourself this Valentine’s Day.

Happy Valentine’s!

Lush, Sweet Temptation, £15 from Lush

This beautifully presented Sweet Temptation gift box from Lush consists of an exclusive red apple shower gel packed with aphrodisiac red roses, cinnamon, and ginseng. Plus a brightening sea salt shower scrub packed with vitamin c rich orange essential oils. All vegan and wrapped in pretty foiled paper printed with fig leaf and apple design inspired by the original temptation!

Tisserand, Time To Unwind, £20 from Tisserand

The Time To Unwind gift collection has been designed to let all the worries of the day melt away. Within the gift there is a Total De-Stress Candle, MoodFix Mist, and Pulse Point Roller Ball. The candle is hand poured, made with 100% natural wax, and is housed in a beautiful frosted glass jar. MoodFix spritzed around each room allows all stress to fade away, and after applying the roller ball to pulse points the wearer will begin to unwind.

Gifts Glorious Gifts

ESPA, Connection Bath & Body Oil, £36 from Espa Skincare

A Valentine’s must-have gift! Expertly created to awaken moments that honour tactility, closeness and communication and encourage you to connect beautifully with yourself or your partner, swirl into the bath for a luxurious soak, use it as part of a loving massage ritual or apply it to pulse points and allow the woody sensual aromatic of the essential oils to help create a sense of relaxation.

Noble Isle, Forest Bathing Set, £49 from Noble Isle

A partnership made in heaven, the alpine aromas of white florals and pine make a beautiful scent to indulge in. The Forest Bathing Gift Set contains Pinewood Single Wick Candle and Scots Pine Bath & Shower Gel. Once opened the gift set will release the uplifting scent of Scotland’s ancient forests, Scots pine, and wild heather. Perfect for a relaxing forest bathing journey, without ever having to leave the house!

Subtle Energies, Love Rose Gift Set, £65 from Subtle Energies

A beautiful collection featuring the queen of oils – Rose! A luxurious selection of Subtle Energies finest hydration essentials, the Love Rose Gift Set, is the ideal partner to have at your side to protect, nourish, hydrate and nurture.

The gift set includes Rose Hydrosol, which instantly cools and soothes the body and senses and keeps the body hydrated throughout the day. Rose & Cardamom Hand Cream, which has a calming and soothing aroma and is deeply nourishing. Rose Petal Lip Balm to nourish dry lips and protect against environmental dehydration, it keep lips smooth and hydrated.

Gracing the covers of the top magazines and TV screens across the globe, Lisa Snowdon is a worldwide style boss. A seasoned beauty guru, Lisa has rocked every look imaginable; from smoky, sultry glam, to soft, natural chic. Lisa’s uncomplicated yet fierce approach to beauty and frank, revered voice in the female wellbeing space, has seen her become a leading figurehead, sparking others to live authentically and with confidence.

After the sell-out success of their recent, renowned, ‘Curated By’ edits including Hannah Martin and Danielle Marcan, British-born indie beauty brand Ciaté London are back with a fresh edit for 2022 and it’s a bigger bargain than ever!

Here to remedy our Jan blues, this edit of hand selected Ciaté London best-sellers has been tailor made by Lisa Snowden herself, to allow you to create an endless combination of looks from fresh-faced every day to fully fledged runway.

Launching to celebrate Lisa’s 50th Birthday on the 23rd of January, the iconic style and beauty boss has created this accessible, affordable line-up with the beauty trailblazers at Ciaté London, so you can unlock her best beauty buys for 2022.

For just £45, this seven-piece multi-hyphenate collection (worth £158.50), is a beauty no-brainer and available to buy from 24th January at Ciaté London see below for the full collection.

Included within the collection beauty fans will find; Watermelon Setting Spray (RRP £18) an ultra hydrating, lightweight spray for a dewy finish. Dewy Stix (RRP £20) provides an ultimate glow for the cheekbones. Triple Shot XXL Mascara (RRP £19.50) is a deep black mascara that instantly adds volume to the lashes. Dewy Skin Vitamin C Glass Glow Primer (RRP £28) is a perfect base to leave the skin feeling plump and revitalised. The Editor Palette in St Tropez (RRP £29) is made up of burnt peach tones and fiery rust shades. Glow to Blush Perfect Match (RRP £22) is an illuminating blush that leaves you looking radiant yet au naturel. The final piece of the collection is Pump Plump in Honey Dewy (RRP £22), which is formulated with hyaluronic filling spheres, leaving a sheer wash of natural caramel colour across the lips.