General Tips

Marc Jacobs Daisy

1. Everyone has a personal “scent circle”: approximately an arm’s length from the body. No one should be aware of your fragrance unless he or she steps inside your “circle.” Fragrance should be one of the most subtle, personal messages you send to those with whom you come in contact.

2. For a long-lasting effect, fragrance should be layered all over the body, starting with toilet water or eau de parfum, next in strength to perfume, to build the fragrance foundation. Because fragrance rises, spray or smooth fragrance onto skin from the feet to the shoulders. If fragrance is applied only behind the ears, it will eventually rise and disappear.

3. The wearer’s diet can affect the way a fragrance smells and lasts on the skin. If the wearer is on a high fat, spicy diet, for example, fragrances will be more intense. A dramatic change in diet can alter skin chemistry, causing fragrances to smell differently.

4. Skin type will also affect the way a fragrance smells on a person. Fragrance wearers with oilier skin should remember that fragrances interact with the oils in their skin to create a more intense scent. Dry skin does not retain fragrance as long as oily skin, requiring the wearer to re-apply the fragrance more often.

Wedding Tips

Vera Wang for Woman EDP

1. When choosing a fragrance for your wedding day, wear one of your favorites that he especially likes — this is no time for surprises!

2. But, if you’re determined to wear something new, be sure to start experimenting at least a month before the wedding so that you are certain it is a scent you’ll both enjoy.

3. Apply the same fragrance in all its many forms and layer it — starting with the bathing products and ending with your perfume application to the pulse points (wherever you feel the beat of your heart).

4. For an especially romantic effect, apply fragrance to the palms of your hands. From the moment he slips the ring on your finger…till the last dance…you’ll communicate an exquisite sensory message he’ll adore.

5. If you’re wearing fashionable sheer lacy gloves take a cue from Queen Elizabeth I and accent them with fragrance.

6. Just before you put on your veil, spray fragrance and surround yourself in a halo of scent. Then, spray the same fragrance on your veil to create a magical aura of scented pleasure.

7. Orchestrate your bridesmaids’ scents to complement each other — and you — for perfect harmony. Their scent should be in the same fragrance family as yours — oriental, spicy, floral, floral blend, green, modern blend, citrus.

Marc Jacobs Lola Velvet Edition EDP

Fine fragrances are compiled and sold in varying strengths, a factor which influences price, packaging and even the way a scent will smell once applied.

The main ingredient in any fragrance is an alcoholic water solution, in which the notes are suspended evenly, to keep the scent potent. After this, the percentage of perfume relative to the water, will determine its strength and status.

The strongest concentration is Parfum, sometimes called simply ‘perfume’ or ‘perfume extract’. The scent concentration in a Parfum will be between 18% and 25%, and will comprise a potent blend of essential oils, pure fragrance and alcohol. Parfum is also the most expensive variant in any fine fragrance range. The retail price of a Parfum can easily exceed £100, while beautiful, elaborate packaging, often quite different from the less expensive concentrations, usually reflects its luxury status. Parfum is compiled to provide exceptionally long-lasting fragrance from very little liquid, and should be dabbed sparingly on the skin.

Eau de Parfum (EDP) is the next strongest version, with a concentration of 15% to 20%. Edp can be presented in a spray or a pour format and is designed to give a more enduring scent for a more accessible price.

The most popular and affordable concentration is Eau de Toilette, or simply EDT. With a fragrance content of up to 14%, edt will not last as long on the skin as Parfum or edp. It contains fewer essential oils, a greater percentage of water and is nearly always presented in a spray, rather than a pour format, adding to its convenience and appeal. Most self-select fragrances are only available in edt.

A recent development in the Eau Fraiche, sometimes called ‘perfumed mist’. The Eau Fraiche has a very low fragrance content and many are alcohol-free. The format is designed as a light, scented refresher and proves extremely popular in the warmer weather.

Eau de Cologne is weaker than edt, with a fragrance concentration of around 5%, while for men, Aftershave splash will have a similar concentration.

View Escentual’s full range of fragrances

Fragrance is very clearly set apart from the rest of the beauty sector. After all, perfume has no cosmetic effect on its wearer; it won’t give you a clear complexion, it won’t create glossy, flowing hair, nor help disguise the signs of aging. Yet fragrance remains the most inspirational and glamourous beauty item you can buy, its very ethereal qualities capturing the imaginations of consumers and manufacturers alike.

To wear a fragrance is to wear the image surrounding it, and to smell wonderful too. As you know, feeling confident about yourself is the elusive key to beauty, and the end to which we all strive.

Fragrance has a language all its own; a code that is defined by the unique qualities of its compilation. Each fragrance consists of three layers, and the ingredients in each layer are described as its notes. The layers of a fragrance emerge and fade in succession, and the combination of individual notes within each layer is responsible for the change in scent from the time the fragrance is applied, to the point where it has dried completely.

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Top notes are evident as soon as the liquid touches your skin. If you are spraying your fragrance you will first smell the alcoholic solution in which most fragrances are carried. You must allow this to disperse before attempting to sample a new perfume. Top notes can be floral or fruity. They are usually lighter than the other ingredients, and function by shaping the primary fragrance burst. Shortly after application, the top notes give way to middle notes, sometimes called ‘heart’ notes or ‘the heart of a fragrance’. These are usually floral, as most fruity notes are too light for this layer.

Middle notes make up the core perfume as it sits on the skin, and it is these layers that define the ultimate dry down, when the perfume settles on to the skin.

The bottom layer, or base notes determine how long a fragrance will last, and provide a background on which the heart notes can be appreciated. Interestingly, most fragrances are similar base notes, popular ones being sandalwood, amber, musk and vanilla. This is because there are only a certain number of notes that will last long enough on the skin to form the base of a fragrance.

Louise Emma Clarke

By Louise Emma Clarke, Founding Editor of The-Beauty-Pages.com

OK I admit it: I hate my feet. I hide them away in sheepskin boots during the winter months – and to be honest, that’s the best place for them. Come summer, however, and I am forced to reveal them to the world.

To make them a little more presentable during the warmer months, I follow a strict home-pedicure regime. If you are equally cursed in the foot department, you may want to give it a go…

1. Firstly – soak them! This is the best bit, as you get to sit back and do nothing while the warm water gets to work on softening your soles. It’s easy enough – fill a washing-up bowl with warm water and submerge feet. For extra-indulgence, add a few drops of essential oil to the water. I alternate between peppermint, which is beautifully refreshing, and lavender, if I’m pedicuring just before bed.

2. Take a generous dollop of foot scrub – I recommend Vichy Podexine Karato Reducing Scrub, £7.54 – and massage it into feet in a circular motion, paying special attention to heels. If your skin is particularly hard or dry (mine is both of the above), you can exfoliate further with a foot file when your feet are dried off.

3. Treat your feet to an application of ultra-intensive foot cream. Massage it into toes, soles, ankles, and the top of each foot. It’s a bit of an indulgence, but I’m a big fan of Clarins’ Foot Beauty Treatment Cream, £19 – it absorbs quickly and leaves feet feeling impressively soft and silky.

4. There are few things on earth more ugly than long toenails – even my feet aren’t guilty of this sin – so now is the time to tidy them up. Use sharp nail scissors and cut straight across the nail (which avoids the chances of them becoming ingrown). Afterwards, file the sides of nails to create ten soft curves.

5. Finally, paint your nails… Start with a bottom coat and allow it to dry before moving on to your chosen colour. If you find painting your nails tricky, try applying the colour in three strokes – one down the middle of the nail, and then one either side. I can’t get enough of deep purples and plums this summer, so am currently coveting Dior Vernis Long-Wearing Nail Lacquer in Black Plum, £16. Finish the transformation with a glossy top coat, such as Dior Top Coat, £12.50.

Voila! Fabulous flip-flop feet!

Take a look at the new Davidoff Champion bottle – as modelled by Escentual’s own Alan!!

Pretty unique I’m sure you’ll agree! (Both Alan and the bottle!)

Prices start from £34 for an Aftershave Splash.

Clarins have launched a new range of make-up products for the Autumn season. The range consists of a Rouge Prodige Lipstick, Palette Prodige Face & Blush Powder, Instant Blush Magic Colour and Kohl Eye Pencil.

The ‘hero’ product is Rouge Prodige – a new lipstick with a high performance formula which offers rich colour, stunning shine and long lasting comfort. The lipstick is available in a whopping 24 shades, and comes in a beautiful gold case.

Palette Prodige Face & Blush Powder is a silky soft pressed powder for an even toned complexion with a radiant glow and velvety finish.

Instant Blush Magic Colour is currently the talk of the beauty industry. A sheer, transparent baby pink gloss which deepens to a rosy glow when applied to the skin. It recreates a flush colour reminiscent of a natural blush.

Kohl Eye Pencil is a gentle pigment rich formula which glides on easily to beautifully highlight and define eyes.

Everyone has their weakpoint, the bits of their body they don’t like, the features that mother nature has cruelly cursed upon you. Yes my bum is bigger than I’d like and I have the hands of somebody 20 years older, but these aren’t the things that bother me. The one thing where I feel nature has played a cruel trick on me is my ankles. They’re not sleek smooth slender ankles like everybody else’s, they’re puffy and lumpy and rather unsightly. I’d even go so far to say…. .(it brings on a cold sweat even saying it)…….I believe I have a slight case of ‘cankles’!

So when I heard Méthode Jeanne Piaubert had bought out a product specifically aimed at calves and ankles, my holy grail had arrived. It’s already been recommended in Easy Living, Glamour, OK, Stylist and Tatler Magazines, so of course I leapt at the opportunity to trial it myself.

So what is it?

“SlimSculpt is the combination of four potent slimming actions, which effectively attacks the microcirculatory cellulite found on both the ankles and calves.

The slimming and firming functions include three high performance anti-cellulite actions targeting microcirculatory, which it focuses on, as well as fibrous and fatty cellulites. A firming action completes the anti-cellulite treatment, followed by a refreshing effect which enhances the draining action and leaves legs feeling light.

The roll-on head massages during application which heightens the effectiveness of the ingredients by stimulating the blood supply to the skin and therefore improving absorption and assimilation.”

“Methode Jeanne Piaubert’s SlimSculpt Slimming Gel For Ankles And Calves” – to give it it’s full name – comes in a roll-on, so it’s really easy to apply. In terms of the product – the lotion smells pleasantly fruity, is non-sticky, dries quickly and leaves a refreshing tingly sensation. A good tip is to put the bottle in the fridge for an added icy tingle.

I got rather carried away in the first few days applying at least 5 times a day – in the miraculous hope my legs would turn into Elle McPherson’s, but now I’m using morning and night as suggested. I’ve been using the product for a week now, and in terms of the results I’m not Elle yet, but I do see a difference. The silhouette seems a little sleeker, my ankles don’t feel as puffy, and my skin feels lovely and smooth.  So I’m happy with the results (which in the case of my ankles – takes a lot!).

This isn’t a miracle overnight cure to lose inches from your ankles, but if you suffer from fluid retention and puffy ankles, then this product is definitely for you.

Plus SlimSculpt is a great travel companion – to help reduce that temporary swelling experienced on flights.

SlimSculpt is available from Escentual.com for £55

Louise Emma Clarke

By Louise Emma Clarke, Founding Editor of The-Beauty-Pages.com

OK, I’ll admit it… There are certain benefits from having a fiancé living and working in Dubai. Monthly trips to the sunshine is an obvious up-side – especially when the weather is so unpredictable at home – as are the endless shopping opportunities and glamorous nights out in sparkling, gold-plated bars.

Travelling, however, is certainly not one of the bonuses. I have sat through 14 long-haul flights in 2010 alone – and for that reason, I have become an expert at how to endure them. The pressurised air cabin literally sucks moisture from skin, hair and nails, so if you are lucky enough to be jetting away to the sunshine this summer, I strongly recommend following the tried-and-tested solutions below…

1. The night before you travel, prepare hair for the moisture-sapping atmosphere with an intensive treatment. Look out for ingredients like ‘Shea Butter’, ‘Almond Oil’ and ‘Honey’, which will leave locks feeling ultra-soft and nourished. My hair tends to suffer from static on flights, so I always pull it into a loose ponytail before take-off and keep a small tube of serum in my hand luggage to comb through before we land.

2. Generously apply an intensive night cream to your complexion just before take-off – even if it’s a day flight. Night creams are packed with ingredients to hydrate, nourish and repair skin over a 7-8 hour period, so work perfectly for long-haul flights. It’s pricey, but if you can afford Clarins Super Restorative Night Wear, £66, I would highly recommend it.

3. Without lip balm, your pout will become dry, flaky and potentially cracked. Nuxe Reve de Miel, £8, is the best lip balm I have ever tried (and I have tried a lot…) At the end of the flight, my pout still feels soft and supple.

4. Don’t forget hands and nails! I keep a small bottle of cuticle oil in my hand luggage and reapply regularly throughout the flight. For hand cream, pick the richest, thickest, best hydrating formula you can lay your mitts on. I never fly anywhere without the travel-sized version of L’Occitanne’s Shea Butter Hand Cream, £6.75.

Find out more about Louise Emma Clarke

Written by guest blogger, and fragrance enthusiast, Colin Murchie. Find out more about Colin

Guerlain was founded in 1828 by Pierre Francois Pascal Guerlain.  His philosophy was to make good products and to never compromise on quality. This is still the philosophy of Guerlain today, more than 170 years on. In 1840 he created Eau Imperial, which is still in production!

The family tradition was carried on with Aime Guerlain who originally trained as chemist but began making perfumes in 1870. One of his most famous creations still popular today is Jicky. This was the first “abstract” perfume ever made i.e. one that doesn’t smell of a singular note. This fragrance is said to have been named after an English student that Aime fell in love with. In reality, it was made for his nephew, Jacques Guerlain. This fragrance is said to be one of Sean Connery’s favourites.

The next perfumer of the Guerlain family was Jacques Guerlain. He is known in the perfumery world as one of the best noses of the 21^st century, producing the beautiful classics – Mouchoir de Monsieur, L’Heure Bleu, Mitsouko, Shalimar and Vol Du Nuit. These are all still in high demand to this day.

Next to venture in the family business was Jean-Paul Guerlain. Highly respected in the perfume industry as a very talented nose. He is responsible for some outstanding creations such as – Vetiver, Samara, Parure, Chamade, Nahema and some of the Aqua Allegorias.

In June 2008 Thierry Wasser joined Guerlain to be the first in house “nose” that was not a family member. His first creation was Guerlain Homme. Although Thierry was indeed the in house perfumer, Jean Paul Guerlain was still having an influence on this perfume. It is said that when Thierry was having difficulty in find a note to give freshness to the fragrance which would last from “top to bottom” Jean Paul lent his expertise and suggested green rhubarb. This indeed was what Thierry was looking for and is in the final composition which is available today.

Unfortunately, Guerlain is no longer a family run business. In 1994 Guerlain was sold to LVMH who are now in charge of fragrance creation and production. Fortunately, Jean Paul was still kept on in a “creative director” type of role, to oversee the transition and, I assume, to ensure the fragrances would live up to the expectations of the Guerlain name.

Colin Murchie