An Olfactory Journey from No5 to Les Extraits and Les Exclusifs
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of taking part in a Chanel Grand Parfumer Masterclass. a complimentary, bookinng-only one-on-one service conducted at elite spaces such as the the Harrods Perfume Salon in London and Brown Thomas in Dublin. The first thing that caught my attention is that, instead of being asked straight away, "What do you like?" I was asked something much more interesting and intriguing: "What, exactly, are you smelling?" I was expecting a workshop in which one mixed a perfume or identifies its ideal scent. I could not have been more wrong. This was not so much about fragrance discovery but about taking part in a comprehensive, guided investigation of the House’s olfactory world. Through scent and storytelling, guest were led from the flower fields of Grasse to two of Chanel’s most important collections, Les Extraits de Chanel and Les Exclusifs de Chanel. The point was to understand how a great perfume is conceived, constructed and kept alive. That continuity is unusually literal at Chanel. Gabrielle Chanel placed Ernest Beaux in charge of the House’s perfume laboratory, and...
A day at a beach club may feel wonderfully carefree, but sun, salt water and chlorine can quickly leave their mark on both skin and hair. High-factor protection is essential, as is regular reapplication after swimming, while hair needs its own defence against UV exposure, dryness, salt and pool chemicals. Cleansing, hydration and nourishment all […]
Looking for Father’s Day grooming gifts for men that feel useful, luxurious and genuinely effective? This edit brings together skincare that delivers, smart shaving tools and refined fragrances designed to upgrade his daily routine. LA PRAIRIE Prairie Skin Caviar Liquid Lift For men already invested in skincare, this is a serious Father’s Day upgrade. La […]
For those not quite ready for needles, fillers or anything with a recovery diary, Thermage FLX may be a very interesting proposition. This skin tightening and contouring treatment for face and body uses radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper, collagen-rich layers of the skin, prompting a tightening response and encouraging new collagen formation over time.
As skin ages, collagen breaks down and even in those who follow careful skin routines and exercise regular will notice laxity and wrinkles appearing where firm and toned skin used to be. Thermage FLX approaches that problem with heat. The treatment delivers radiofrequency into the skin while cooling and vibration are used to help make the procedure more comfortable. The causes an immediate contraction of collagen fibres, while further collagen formation and remodelling continue over the following months.
Some patients may see a degree of immediate firmness, but the more meaningful result tends to develop gradually, usually over two to six months after a single session.
Thermage FLX is a non-surgical, non-invasive treatment that uses radiofrequency to tighten the skin on both face and body.
The science behind radiofrequency in aesthetics is not new. A review published in Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology in 2020 found that radiofrequency works by heating the dermis while preserving the epidermis, causing immediate collagen change followed by the formation of new collagen, which can improve tightness and elasticity. In real terms, that means Thermage FLX is best understood as a skin-quality treatment.
The experience itself is usually manageable, though not entirely sensation-free. In areas closer to bone and ligaments, the treatment can be painful, while in more cushioned parts of the body and face, it is hardly noticeable. However, each patient feels discomfort differently.
A session takes between 30 and 90 minutes depending on where it is done, as the therapist does several passes over the treated area for optimal results. The most commonly reported after-effects include temporary redness or swelling, although I experienced none. As always, the device is only as good as the practitioner using it, and mine at Montrose Clinic, was excellent.
Thermage FLX at Monrose Clinic London For more information, click HERE. For bookings, click HERE. Tel. +44 (0) 207 112 82 98
Hair loss can have serious effects on mental health. Hair is closely linked to personal identity, youth and attractiveness, and its decline can have a profound impact, causing depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, social withdrawal and even body dysmorphic disorder.
The main causes of hair loss in both men and women are genetics, ageing and hormonal changes. Men typically face receding hairlines or vertex baldness due to dihydrotestosterone, better known as DHT, while women often experience overall thinning, triggered by hormonal shifts, pregnancy or menopause.
Although better known as a non-surgical treatment for the skin, mesotherapy can deliver remarkable results for hair. It improves scalp health, supports weakened follicles and encourages growth, as well as thicker, healthier-looking hair. It is particularly relevant for men and women beginning to notice hair thinning, loss of density, increased shedding or a scalp that no longer feels as vigorous as it once did. Rather than replacing hair surgically, the treatment works by improving the environment in which hair grows.
Before and after six sessions of hair mesotherapy, showing improved density and a fuller-looking parting. Results vary depending on the individual and the cause of hair thinning.
Leading specialist Dr George Roman explains, “My Meso Hair treatment uses microinjections into the scalp to deliver nutrients and growth factors directly where they are needed. These injections aim to stimulate hair growth, strengthen the follicles and improve the quality of the scalp. The result is a renewal in hair growth.”
No two cases are the same, so Dr Roman starts with a complimentary consultation in which he assesses the specific needs of the patient and designs the most appropriate mesotherapy protocol.
A course of four to six sessions is recommended. Generally, results start to be noticed in women after four sessions and in men after six, with the improvement developing gradually in the months after the final treatment. The procedure itself is painless and takes 10–15 minutes per session, with no downtime at all.
The main attraction of hair mesotherapy is its focus on restoring vitality, improving density and supporting the scalp before thinning becomes more advanced. For those with hair implants, this treatment stimulates the implanted hair and helps preserve it.
From £180/session Dr George Roman Aesthetics London drgeorgeroman.com Tel: 020 7323 2123
Spring calls for a shift towards freshness, lightness and renewed vigor. As such, this edit moves away from the heavy and spicy scents of winter and replaces them with citrus and green notes, soft florals and sunlit ambers, each one chosen to bring a different mood to the season.
TOM FORD Soleil Blanc Parfum
A richer, more lingering floral amber, it opens with bright Mediterranean bergamot and pistachio, moves through creamy white flowers, then settles into vanilla, benzoin and woods without losing any of its initial freshness. A sensual fragrance with a polished warmth that stays close to the skin. £222 (50ml) | tomfordbeauty.co.uk
BALMAIN Destin de Balmain
A vibrant floral fruity blend of ripe strawberry and rosy peony, this formula is energised by pink pepper and grounded in sandalwood, patchouli and musky Ambrexolide. There is also a creamy lychee facet and soft lily note beneath the fruit, which gives the scent a smoother, more skin-like warmth than the opening first suggests. £130 (100ml) | selfridges.com
GUERLAIN Tabac Sahara
Evoking starlit Saharan dunes, this smoky tobacco scent glows with raspberry sweetness and molten amber, unfolding in sensual swirls of desert-like warmth. Its raspberry accord brings a tangy brightness that cuts through the smoke, creating the pink-at-nightfall contrast Guerlain imagines around the dunes. £165 (125ml) | guerlain.com
MAYBACH Radiant Green Eau de Parfum
A glorious ode to the green brightness of spring, enhanced by the freshness of neroli, soothing fig notes and the clean aura of iconic Savon de Marseille for a shimmering finish. Inspired by the crisp, herbal feel of dewy leaves at first light, it has a cool, polished freshness that makes the fig and neroli feel even cleaner and more luminous. £330 (100ml)| maybach-luxury.com
ERIS Mother’s Milk
A subversive gourmand fragrance that explores fantasies of the “Good” and “Bad” mother through scent. This extrait has real bite, wrapping milky vanilla, precious Bavarian orris and rose in suede, cacao and musk. Comforting at first, then quietly darker, it turns softness into something far more sensual, strange and grown-up. £187 (50ml) | wild-iris.com
Endolift is a non-surgical medical treatment that brightens, tightens, and promotes collagen production, with a hair-thin laser fibre reaching targeted layers to restore tension and lift from the inside out.
Dr Maria Faria, from Nova Aesthetic Clinic in London, explains: “Think of your face like a building: skincare paints the walls, fillers add furniture, but the beams and the bricks are your collagen architecture. When that weakens, no amount of paint will stop the structure from shifting.”
The laser heats water and fat in different tissue planes, tightening them all the way down to the muscle and encouraging the production of collagen, which leads to further reduction of skin laxity, softening of jowls and contour improvement. In fact, Endolift continues to promote the production of collagen for many months after treatment.
Endolift works not only on tightening the skin but also on getting rid of localised unwanted fat. “The lipolysis setting in the machine melts adipose tissue and even stubborn pockets of fat, such as below the chin or in the knees,” explains Dr Faria, “which uses more energy than the setting used to stimulate the production of new collagen, designed to help with skin laxity.”
In the body, Endolift delivers fabulous results in the triceps area (bingo wings), abdomen, knees, buttocks, love handles and ankles. “This is not a liposuction treatment,” Dr Faria clarifies. “We remove adipose cells, but it is up to the lymphatic system to get rid of that dead fat.” Drinking plenty of water and going for a lymphatic massage can help flush those cells.
The Endolift procedure starts with a pre-consultation to find out the medical history of the client and if there is any reason for which the treatment may not be right for that person. Once at the clinic, it takes around 45 minutes, and a local anaesthetic is applied to avoid pain. Slight swelling (from the anaesthetic fluid and the inflammation caused) is to be expected, but there is very little downtime, and you can get back to your daily routine within a couple of days.
Dr Faria inserting the hair-thin laser fibre into the skin at the start of an Endolift treatment. Notice the areas in white marking the limits so as not to affect nerves.
Visible improvements will be evident after a couple of weeks, but Endolift works gradually, rebuilding from the inside, so the full result will reveal itself four to six months later. “This is a treatment that stimulates fibroblasts to produce new collagen, and the body takes time to build it up,” says Dr Faria.
Particularly interesting is the fact that Endolift works to treat malar oedema, an accumulation of fluid – often chronic – that happens below the eyes and that is particularly difficult to correct.
Remember that it is crucial to go to an experienced, fully qualified doctor for Endolift. Dr Faria warns, “Certain areas should not be treated, as there is a risk of damaging nerves. These include the forehead, around the eyes and close to the mouth.”
In the body, Dr Faria alerts, “People must consider that there is a limit to how much anaesthetic and light [from Endolift] we can apply in one session. So, we can’t do everything in one day.”
Although you may not be able to do everything you want in one session, Endolift delivers such good results that you should think of it as the closest thing to a surgical lift or localised liposuction you can get without going under the knife.
From £1,500 at Nova Aesthetic Clinic Tel. 020 8293 1070 Find out more HERE. Book your consultation HERE.
Cold weather, festive indulgence and disrupted routines can have lasting effects on the skin. Dr Georges Roman, leading cosmetic doctor and skin specialist, explains how to repair the damage and reset skin health within weeks.
“It is all due to inflammation and dehydration,” states Dr Roman in a very matter-of-fact manner. “Everything about winter and the excesses of Christmas exacerbate those two issues, which in turn, have a domino effect on the skin: acne, red blotches, rashes, dryness and even dark circles under the eyes.”
In winter, the sharp contrast between cold, low-humidity outdoor air and warm, heated indoor environments rapidly dehydrates the skin on both the surface and deeper layers. Dr Roman notes, “Let’s not forget our beloved hot showers. They are terrible for the skin as they strip off its natural oils. The consequence is dry, itchy skin, which could even progress to eczema.”
At I-M Inquisitive Minds, our team recently tested Bio Velvet, a cream that proved to significantly reduce symptoms of eczema such as inflammation, redness and itchiness. The key component is deer antler, which is reported to support skin repair and natural cell renewal, potentially strengthening the skin’s barrier.
On the other hand, we have the Christmas “treats”. Alcohol, carbonated drink and sugar all contribute to ruining our skin. The feared dark circles under the eyes are more often than not, caused by sugar. Dr Roman explains that dark circles under the eyes can signal liver issues.
So, is it possible to reverse the damage? How long will it take? How hard will it be? According to Dr Roman, not as hard as I thought. “Assuming you have not gone completely wild over Christmas, avoid alcohol and sweets for a few days should be enough to help reset your liver. And drink plenty of water. That should be your baseline.”
Dr Roman suggests we include in our daily routine exposure to sunlight early in the morning to activate our melatonin (crucial for regulating sleep), serotonin (mood-boosting) and vitamin D synthesis (crucial to most metabolic processes). All of the above help strengthen immunity and promote skin health by regulating oil production and reducing inflammation.
The next step is to rebuild your skin from the inside. The most effective way to do this is with treatments such as mesotherapy and bio-stimulation.
Not all mesotherapy treatments are the same, though. Dr Roman has spent years perfecting his. He uses different protocols for different issues. For this specific case, he combines a high-quality hyaluronic acid with amino acids and peptides to stimulate collagen, maximise hydration and improve overall skin tone.
Bio-stimulation, Dr Roman explains, “deeply hydrates the skin cells from the inside and triggers the production of collagen and elastin, which leads to gradual, natural-looking rejuvenation for concerns like wrinkles, sagging, and poor skin quality.”
What you do in the clinic will not yield its best results if you don’t accompany it with the right skincare routine.
“Start with a good cleanser,” Dr Roman recommends. “One that is gentle on the skin but also removes dead cells and the grime accumulated during the day. Use also in the morning, to clear away sweat, sebum, dead skin cells and any residue from night creams.
When tested by the I-M Inquisitive Minds team over a two-week period, Crystal Clear Wipe Away The Years performed really well. It is formulated with complex peptides and precious stones, delivering a deep cleanse that leaves the skin brightened and hydrated.
The next thing Dr Roman warns against is the use of hot water to wash our face. Use cool water and start your routine with a serum. “Serums are very important because they contain highly concentrated active ingredients in lightweight formulas designed to penetrate the skin quickly and deeply.” Serums hydrate, brighten and have anti-ageing properties. More importantly, they allow heavier creams applied afterwards to seal in their active ingredients and maximise their effectiveness.
I-M Inquisitive Minds recommends Bioeffect 30 Day Power Treatment. This intensive triple-action serum programme is powered by three barley-derived growth factors (epidermal, fibroblast and immune-regulating). Expect a visible overall improvement on your skin by the end of the second week.
Next is the moisturising eye-cream and face-cream, both of which Dr Roman advises should be rich in hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or both. “Hyaluronic acid attracts and retains water, keeping the delicate eye area and face plump and smooth. Ceramides reinforce the skin’s natural barrier, preventing moisture loss and shielding against environmental stress. Used in both eye cream and day moisturiser, they help maintain long-lasting hydration, reduce sensitivity and keep skin looking resilient and well-rested.
As a tip, Dr Roman adds, “If your skin feels very dry to start with, feel free to use a night cream during the day, instead. They are normally richer in moisturising compounds.”
At I-M Inquisitive Minds, we are very fond of Avant Ceramides Soothing & Protective Day Cream SPF20, a moisturiser formulated to plump skin and enhance moisture retention, while shielding against pollution and environmental aggressors.
For ultimate luxury skincare, La Prairie Life Matrix Haute Rejuvenation Cream. Enriched with high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, it retains water on the surface layers of the skin. Other exclusive compounds work at the molecular level to help rejuvenate the cells.
The Irene Forte Olive Eye Cream with Penta-Phyto Complex is a hydrating eye treatment rich in hyaluronic acid. It visibly plumps and smooths the skin, reducing appearance of fine lines. Infused with antioxidant-rich olive extracts, it also helps brighten and soothe the under-eye area .
Especially formulated to work overnight is La Mer The Rejuvenating Night Cream, a cult classic with a high concentration of hyaluronic acid and La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth, which promotes skin renewal.
Last bit of advice from Dr Roman, “If possible, avoid using foundation for a few days and reapply moisturiser several times during the day.”
So thankfully, it seems that a few mindful resets, clinically driven treatments and a disciplined routine are all it takes to restore our skin to its healthiest, most luminous state.
Author: Julia Pasarón
If your problem is pigmentation, you may be interested in this article, Can a Leopard Change Its Spots?, also featuring Dr Roman.
To mark the launch of Chanel’s Rouge Noir limited-edition makeup collection by Ammy Drammeh, we have created three visual interpretations exploring how the range performs across different skin tones.
Designed as a genuinely multi-use wardrobe, Rouge Noir centres on a palette that adapts to complexion, mood and moment. From day to evening, subtle to sculpted, we highlight the key products worth keeping close, alongside Ammy Drammeh’s guidance on how to wear them.
INDISPENSABLE IN YOUR MAKE UP BAG
At the heart of the Rouge Noir collection is a tightly edited set of multi-use products designed to work from day to evening. These are the essentials that underpin all three looks, working across the face and adapting to mood, moment and complexion.
Rouge Noir Confidence Multi-Use Palette: this versatile quad is designed for eyes and cheeks, spanning pearly rose tones to deep reds.
Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick: a sheer, light-reflecting balm to enhance key points on the face.
Noir Allure MascaraRouge Noir: subtly infused with red, this black mascara adds warmth and depth to both skin and eye colour.
LOOK 1: ROUGE NOIR NUIT OBSCURA
A sculpted, sensual look designed for olive complexions, leaning into warm undertones, depth around the eyes and a softly lacquered mouth. Think evening elegance rather than graphic drama: diffused reds, rosewood lips, skin kept luminous but restrained.
COMPLEXION: Rouge Noir Confidence Mauve pink – No. 4 lightly sculpted on the cheekbones. Baume Essentiel Cute, dabbed subtly on the high points of the face for warmth and glow.
EYES: Rouge Noir Confidence Sienna red with Pink Shimmer – No. 3 swept across the upper lid. Ombre Essentielle Gris Rose softly blended at the inner lid for contrast and dimension. Stylo Yeux Waterproof Rouge Noir smudged along the lash line and extended slightly outward. Noir Allure Mascara Rouge Noir.
LIPS: Rouge Allure Velvet Audiacieuse, a warm brick brown that complements olive skin and golden undertones.
LOOK 2: ROUGE NOIR BRONZE DUSK
A radiant, jewel-toned evening look for dark skin that plays with bronze warmth andrich burgundy gloss. In this look, we lean into golden shimmer and plum depth, anchored in the elegance of the Rouge Noir universe.
COMPLEXION: Rouge Noir Confidence Pearly Rosy White Highlighter – No. 2 applied subtly to cheekbones, brow arch and bridge of the nose to bring light and structure; Mauve Pink – No. 4 very lightly diffused as a soft flush to add warmth and dimension. Baume Essentiel Cute used sparingly to enhance glow and give a healthy, polished finish.
EYES:Rouge Noir Confidence Sienna red with Pink Shimmer – No. 3 swept across the lids to create a bronze-red depth. Stylo Yeux Waterproof Rouge Noir, smudged along the lash lines for definition. Noir Allure MascaraRouge Noir.
LIPS: Rouge Allure Laque Rouge Noir, the glossy finish brings light to this sophisticated shade.
NAILS:Le Vernis Rouge Noir, a deep, inky burgundy that helps anchor the look.
LOOK 3: ROUGE NOIR MORNING WHISPER
A soft, balanced look designed for very fair, porcelain complexions, built around cool rose tones and subtle definition. Sheer colour, gently defined eyes and muted mauve lips, with skin kept luminous but light.
COMPLEXION: Rouge Noir ConfidenceMauve Pink – No. 4 used sparingly on the upper cheekbones to warm and contour without heaviness. Baume EssentialCute applied on the high points of the face for subtle luminosity that still reads soft and modern on very light skin.
EYES:Rouge Noir Confidence Magenta Pink – No. 1 blended very lightly across lids for a cool-rose shimmer wash. Ombre Essentielle Gris Rose, pat inner lids to brighten and cool. Stylo Yeux Waterproof Rouge Noir diffused softly along upper and lower lash lines for depth with no harsh edge. Noir Allure Mascara Rouge Noir.
LIPS: Rouge Allure Velvet Irrévérente, the hint of mauve in this velvety shade complements light skin and ties back to the eyes without overpowering.
NAILS:Le VernisModerniste, a neutral grey that brings a touch of sobriety to this look, while still working harmoniously with the rest of the colour palette.
Taken together, Rouge Noir reveals itself as a collection built on adaptability. A compact edit of products, reworked across very different skin tones, proves how versatile it is and that the key lies in knowing how to use it.
As winter settles in and the festive season gathers pace, fragrance becomes one of the most evocative ways to shape the mood of the months ahead. From standout new perfume launches to candles and home scents that bring warmth and atmosphere, this curated edit highlights the scents defining Christmas 2025.
CHANEL Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif
Bleu de Chanel L’Exclusif builds on the house’s signature style, dialling up the depth so the bright “fresh-blue” vibe gives way to a richer, more resinous wood-amber profile. Think cedar, sandalwood and labdanum with leathery, resinous undercurrents. This is a mature and atmospheric fragrance that conveys conviction, reaffirmation and a deep sense of self. Read more about Bleu L’Exclusif and the man who created it, Olivier Polge, HERE. £158 (60ml) | chanel.com
GUERLAIN Shalimar L’Essence
Marking 100 years of Guerlain’s legendary fragrance, the new Shalimar L’Essence pays tribute to the world’s first ambery fragrance while reimagining its intoxicating sensuality for today. Inspired by the fabled love story behind the original, this anniversary edition deepens the signature blend of bergamot, vanilla and opulent woods into a more luminous, contemporary seduction. A confident take on a classic icon, it captures everything that has made Shalimar a timeless emblem of desire. £137 (90ml) | guerlain.com
ACQUA DI PARMAGelsomino a Freddo Ambrosia
Described by the house as “an intense woody-floral interpretation of the jasmine flower,” this captivating fragrance is created using the ancient cold-enfleurage technique so that every delicate nuance of jasmine, from the sparkle of its petals to its ethereal depth, is preserved for a radiant, long-lasting trail. Mythical intensity captured in chiaroscuro elegance. £234 (50ml). acquadiparma.com
JUSBOX London Hall
A deep, enveloping extrait de parfum inspired by London’s music scene, blending spicy saffron and cumin with rose, freesia, jasmine heart, finishing with leather, vetiver, and enigmatic patchouli trails. £250 (78ml). harrods.com
JO MALONE for DISNEY x SELFRIDGES Midnight Musk & Amber Cologne
A smoky-toned amber classic, Midnight Musk & Amber unfurls with crisp juniper and a whisper of mandarin, before mellowing into warm, golden amber. Dry-down reveals a soft midnight musk that cushions the scent in powdery sensuality. Elegant, gender-neutral and perfect for winter evenings or festive nights. This limited edition is topped with a blue cap inspired by Alice’s dress and comes in a special checkerboard box. £128 (100m) | jomalone.co.uk
BENAMÔR Laranja Brava
A radiant Portuguese cologne that begins with bright, juicy orange and warm cardamom, blossoms into a spicy-aromatic heart of ginger, nutmeg and rosemary, then settles on creamy sandalwood, cedar and soft musk. The result is a fresh fragrance with an earthy citrus-spice signature. An olfactory sunbeam for day or evening wear. £54 (100ml) | fiole.co.uk
LA BOUGIE Fir Baby! Candle
Following its sell-out debut last Christmas, La Bougie’s Fir Baby! candle returns with its nostalgic blend of fir resin, currants, and soft musk, capturing the warmth of a crackling fire and the freshness of a Christmas tree. Housed in its signature burgundy jar, this limited-edition scent brings festive comfort and timeless charm to any home. £30 (220gr) labougie.co.uk
CONNOCK Winter Scented Ceramic & Mist Set
A low-maintenance way to perfume every corner of your home, from wardrobes and bedside tables to bookshelves and linen drawers. The set pairs a beautifully aromatic room mist with a porous ceramic disc that slowly releases its notes. This season Connock has introduced Winter, a rich, woody-spiced scent that oozes comforting warmth. Great in your luggage too, bringing a bit of home wherever you travel. £20 | connockengland.co.uk
ORMONDE JAYNE Festive Trio of Candles
A refined set of candles that brings the elegance of Ormonde Jayne’s fragrances to your home. Each candle reveals its own personality as it burns, moving from bright citrus (Étoile) to warm woods (Nocturne) and gentle spice (Infini). They come in a jar with the House’s luxurious bauble design and champagne gold lid. £160 (3 x 170gr) |ormondejayne.com
JO MALONE Pine & Eucalyptus Diffuser
Create an instant sense of festive freshness with the scent of crisp pine needles and cooling eucalyptus. Simply insert the reeds into the oil-filled vessel and allow them to absorb and release the aroma, turning them occasionally for a continual, uplifting winter atmosphere. £78 (165ml) | jomalone.co.uk
This year’s holiday makeup celebrates glowing skin paired with bold, expressive colour. Celebrity Makeup Artist Dani Guinsberg guides us through the season’s standout trends: radiant complexions, dramatic eyes and lips dressed in berries, nudes and reinvented reds. Here, we present three festive looks and the products that bring them to life.
LOOK 1: FESTIVE MIDNIGHT MYSTIQUE
CHANEL Les 4 Ombres Nuit Astrale
Multi-Effect eyeshadow palette featuring cosmic hues: a silver-toned dark purple shimmer, a blue shimmer highlighter, a matte blue-grey and a satin lavender. Embossed with the Maison’s emblematic symbols: the lion, the camellia, the comet, wheat and pearls. For an enigmatic effect, apply the matte blue-grey shade to the eyelids, then layer the satin lavender shade on top. Blend from dark to light, working from the lower to the upper edge of the eyelid. £60 | chanel.com
CHANEL Noir Allure Mascara Anthracite
The new mascara by Chanel that works on four fronts: volume, length, curl and definition. Enrichened with provitamin B5 to strengthen the eyelashes and infused with a touch of red to intensify and add depth to the eyes. The new brush is slim and flexible and catches every last lash, creating an fabulous fanned-out effect. Apply from the base in a slight zig-zag motion. £40 |chanel.com
GUERLAIN Mad Eyes Intense Liner Glossy Black
A water-resistant liquid eyeliner with an extremely fine tip inspired by calligraphy brushes. Its richly pigmented texture is resistant to water and humidity and guarantees 24-hour wear. However, it is easy to remove. For a graphic look, position the applicator in the outer corner of the eye, at the root of the upper lashes and draw a line along the lash line, going from the outer corner toward the inner corner. £37 | guerlain.com
TOM FORD Vanilla Sex Lip Rosy Nude
Wrap your lips in a soft, velvety finish with a warm, sensual undertone. The creamy matte formula delivers full, even colour in one swipe while feeling plush and comfortable. Rosy Nude flatters every complexion, offering a polished, modern neutral that works from boardroom to ballroom. £50 | tomfordbeauty.co.uk
LOOK 2: WINTER RUBY MAGIC
DIOR Diorshow 5 Couleurs Fiery Circus
Dior’s festive eyeshadow palettes are always collector’s pieces and this one is no different. Fiery Circus blazes with golden hearts and flamboyant reds. The ultra-creamy, long-wearing textures blend like a dream. Apply the mattes as your structure, then press the metallics on top for instant luminosity, building intensity from day to night with ease. £62 | dior.com
DIOR Backstage Rosy Glow Fiery Red
This vivid powder blush with pH-activated colour that is long-wearing and buildable, from soft glow to bold intensity. It gives your skin a customised flush as it adapts to your specific pH for a fresh, naturally lifted look. Its featherlight texture brightens the complexion instantly. £39 | dior.com
DIOR Rouge Dior Velvet Finish
Rouge Dior arrives adorned with delicate star engravings, a celestial touch for this limited-edition release. Offered in four shades, we highlight the house’s iconic Dior red in a sumptuous velvet finish. The formula, infused with hydrating floral lip care, delivers 24-hour comfort and a soft, long-wearing veil of colour. £45 | dior.com
LOOK 3: HOLIDAY SHIMMERING MIRAGE
TOM FORD Eye Color Quad Nude Dip
Four radiant neutrals that melt onto the lids with a smooth, metallic sheen. Blend the taupe and bronze tones for soft definition, use the champagne shade to highlight the inner corner and press the deepest hue along the lash line for subtle depth. It can be applied dry for a soft, sheer look, or wet for a bold, dramatic finish. Long-wearing, crease-resistant, utterly covetable. £74 | tomfordbeauty.co.uk
GUERLAIN Météorites Midnight Glow
Give your complexion ethereal radiance with this illuminating powder, which blends pastel pearls and light-correcting pigments to blur, brighten and enhance the skin. Its velvety texture imparts a soft, moonlit sheen for a perfect, festive glow finish. £59 | guerlain.com
GUERLAIN Rouge G Le Rouge Étoilé Satin
Lip care doesn’t get much more luxurious than this. The satin finish offers a silky-soft texture and a gentle sheen, leaving lips plumped, smooth and luminous. Its formula is enriched with lily flower extract and natural waxes for hydration, smoothing and 16-hour comfort without drying. Transform it into a little jewel with the star-studded “Tale of Wonders” golden case, which can be engraved. £35 (Rouge G)+ £34 (Tale of Wonders case) | guerlain.com
Products That Bring Strength, Shine and Style to the Festive Season
Healthy hair starts long before styling, it begins with the scalp, the right textures and products that genuinely work. In this edit, we spotlight five formulas that target the issues most of us face: flakiness, dullness, breakage, frizz and flatness. Consider it your shortcut to stronger, shinier, better-behaved hair that will turn heads wherever you go.
AVANT Serene Scalp Recovery Exfoliating Treatment
A gentle but effective pre-wash formula designed to reset the scalp, remove product build-up and soothe irritation. Using a blend of chemical exfoliants and calming botanical extracts, it lifts dead skin cells, reduces flakiness and helps create the ideal foundation for healthy hair growth.
Apply to dry scalp, massage in, leave for 5–10 minutes, then rinse and shampoo. Ideal for stressed, flaky or congested scalps needing a weekly reset. £72 (80ml). avant-skincare.com
CHES The Ultimate Oil Edition 11
A 100 percent natural botanical hair oil designed to nourish the scalp, soften strands and boost shine without silicones. Use it as a pre-wash treatment by massaging a few drops into the scalp and working through mid-lengths to ends before shampooing or apply a tiny amount on dry hair as a finishing gloss to tame frizz.
Ideal for dry, textured or dull hair, it supports healthier growth by improving scalp condition and restoring lasting moisture. £45 (30ml)| cheseditions.com
DR BARBARA STURM Anti-Hair Fall Shampoo
A strengthening, science-led formula designed to reduce breakage and support fuller, healthier-looking hair. Powered by cress and purslane extracts, it nourishes follicles, calms the scalp and reinforces the hair shaft, helping to minimise shedding caused by stress, styling or dryness.
With consistent use, it restores vitality, boosts resilience and leaves hair feeling cleaner, stronger and more balanced. £50 (250ml) | drsturm.com
If your main problem is frizzy hair, this is your dream product. A lightweight, moisturising mist that shields hair from heat styling while keeping it soft, smooth and frizz-free. Formulated with hydrating botanicals and nourishing oils, it conditions strands, improves manageability and protects against breakage caused by dryers, straighteners and curling tools.
Mist evenly onto clean, damp hair before styling, comb through, then blow-dry or heat-style as desired. It delivers a silky finish without weight or residue. £24 (290ml) | rehabyourhair.com
AVEDA Abundant Blow Out Spray
This is a game-changing volumising spray ideal for fine or flat hair. It lifts hair from the roots, enhances body and creates a fuller, bouncier blow-dry. Powered by botanical actives and Aveda’s signature clean formulation ethos, it adds flexible hold while protecting hair from heat and humidity up to 24 hours.
Spray generously onto clean, damp hair, focusing on the roots before blow-drying with a round brush. Expect salon movement without stickiness. £29 (150ml) | aveda.co.uk
Whether your concern is breakage, frizz, lack of volume or a tired scalp, these targeted treatments offer real solutions. With the right tools, every day can be a good hair day.
