Beat the winter blues

by Laia

A great way to feel good in the bleaker winter months and ensure your immune system is in tip-top condition is to have a detox massage at the start of the season. If you're into aromatherapy, Decleor’s Aroma Mosaic Body is a range of treatments that include an aroma envelopment detox designed to do just that. Paris-based brand Decleor uses 100 per cent natural aromatherapy products that are designed to work with your body and stimulate your senses.

The treatment starts with a therapist exfoliating your entire body, followed by the application of an algae mask. You will then be wrapped up in a heated plastic blanket – which will help you detox as the mask warms up – and you'll be left lying in this ‘cocoon’ for about half an hour, while your scalp is being massaged. After a well-deserved shower, a contour refining cream with a heavenly smell will be applied to your body. The treatment will not only make you feel relaxed and full of life but it will also tone your skin, drain away toxins, as well as aid water retention. Remember that it is recommended that you drink plenty of water throughout the day of the treatment to encourage the detox process. And don’t forget that it’s a mind, body and soul experience.

The Perfect Contour goes from £45.00 UK wide, for one hour. Benefits are visible after five sessions. www.decleor.co.uk

Shine like a star

by Sarah-Jane

There is nothing better than discovering a truly amazing hair product, so can you imagine my delight when I found a whole range of products that are fantastic?!
The brand I am talking about is Alfaparf and the range that I have fallen in love with is called Semi di Lino Diamante, that’s Diamond Shine to those of you whose Italian isn’t quite up to scratch! You’ll be forgiven for not having heard of Alfaparf – I hadn’t either. It has come over from Italy where it is the best selling professional hair-line and has launched in the UK this year. Try the products for yourself as there are lots of ranges that are great for every hair type, but for me Semi di Lino is the way forward.

I have hair extensions so my hair needs a lot of moisture and conditioning to make it look silky and shiny, and Semi Di Lino delivers. I am particularly fond of the illuminating shampoo and conditioner, £8.95 and £10.95, which smell amazing and the liquid crystal hair serum, £9.95, which I apply on my soaking wet hair and then a little more once it is dried and styled. Look out for Alfaparf, you won’t be disappointed I promise. Alfaparf is available from www.salonfocus.com 01942-886000

Nailing the issue

by Sarah-Jane

Every season we’re told that there’s the new ‘it’ colour for our fingers and toes, and to be honest even I find it hard to keep up. We’ve had grey, white, peach, coral and plum, which is not to be confused with amethyst, berry or plain old purple.

This season we should all be coating our talons raspberry or metallic black. But if you’ve had enough of sticking with the on-trend nail crowd then why not just settle for some classic nail colours. Essie’s ballet slippers, £8.50 from www.nailsbymail.co.uk, is a great place to start and perfect for those of you that favour a French manicured look. It is just the right shade of pink – pink enough to make your nails look healthy but pale enough to still look subtle.

If colour is more your thing then classic red will always be in style. Chanel do amazing reds but the one that really stands out for me is Revlon’s Red, it manages to look classy and at £6.29 is a bargain.

Remember, whatever colour you choose then always start and finish with a good clear coat – my particular favourite is Seche Vite, £8.95 from www.nailsbymail.co.uk, wish is also great if you want to go au natural on your nails. As for me, I’m off to get a quick mani/ pedi, and what colour will I be choosing – raspberry of course, I’m a sucker for an on-trend colour!