Surrey Life's Make-up bag with Adele Mitchell - beauty news

Each month, our award winning beauty editor Adele Mitchell delves into her make-up bag to bring you the latest tips, trends and treatments. With the likes of Marie Claire, Marie Claire Health & Beauty and The Independent on her CV, she always has her finger on the pulse.

Abridged versions of Surrey Life's monthly Make-up bag column below. 

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Originally published in Surrey Life magazine April 2012 

Tried, tested and recommended

What: Gelish Magneto gel nail treatment

Where: Chantal, 248 High Street, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8RL Tel: 01483 272822

Why: As a ‘master educator’ in nails (i.e. qualified to train others), salon director Chantal Johnson is one of the south east’s top technicians. Her Cranleigh-based salon specialises in Gelish, a manicure that lasts up to three weeks without chipping or peeling. Magneto by Gelish is a new magnetic gel polish for a ‘nail art’ look. It is available in six shades.

The treatment: After filing and shaping each nail, up to three coats of gel colour are applied like nail polish and then ‘cured’ under a UV lamp. To create the pattern, Chantal places a small magnet above the nail while it is still wet. The result? Nails that are eye-catching, perfectly shaped, super glossy and completely smudge-proof – for up to three weeks!

Treatment time: 45 minutes

Cost: Gelish treatments start from £35 

Verdict: So good that you’ll never have a conventional manicure again!

 

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine March 2012 

Tried, tested and recommended

What: Facial Rejuvenation Massage with Sheila Grob

Where: The Medicine Garden, Downside Road, Cobham KT11 3LU. To book, send an e-mail to: sheila.g@themedicinegarden.com

How much: £40 per treatment.

Why: The closest thing to a natural facelift you’re ever likely to find and the perfect way to brighten skin before a special occasion.

The treatment: This hands-on facial massage is based on delicate stretching and stroking movements that work the acupressure points, tone the face and neck muscles and improve blood and lymphatic circulation. No lotions or oils are used in the treatment as they prevent the necessary friction.

Tip: Sit up half way through to see the ‘lifted’ results on the side of your face that has been treated compared to the untreated side! 

Result: The claims are impressive – exfoliation, lessening of fine lines, wrinkles and under eye bags, and an increase in elasticity and improved skin tone.

 

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine February 2012 

Tried, tested and recommended

What: Bond No. 9 fragrance consultation

Where: Bentalls, Wood Street, Kingston KT1 1TX. Appointments aren’t necessary but for a specific time call 0208 546 1001 (extn. 6080).

Why: Bond No. 9 is a fragrance collection created in homage to New York. Each scent captures the spirit of the neighbourhood it represents and packs up to 40 per cent concentration of perfumed ingredients (one of the highest available). There are 26 Bond No. 9 scents to discover at Bentalls (the only UK stockist apart from Harrods!) and each would make the perfect Valentine’s gift.

The consultation: Fragrance expert Carsten Hansen Wood will guide you through this luxury range – from Wall Street to Brooklyn – and can recite the ingredients – or notes – in each scent with impressive ease. He’ll also help you to choose by type (floral, fruity, oriental, unisex), or mood (romantic, glamorous, powerful, sexy etc). Chelsea Flowers and Astor Place were my favourites and Carsten’s knowledge, enthusiasm and charm made the whole experience a real treat.

Love, love, love: The fragrance trial bottles are wrapped in pretty coloured foil, to look like sweets.

How much: Consultation complimentary, fragrance from £105.

 

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine January 2012

Tried, tested and recommended

What: Dermaquest 3D Facial, £60

Why: Kick-start your New Year skincare routine with a one-off facial that uses high performance products to get beautiful results.

Where: Jill Zander, 96 High Street, Esher, Surrey KT10 9QJ. Tel: 01372 887802 / www.jillzander.co.uk

The treatment: This brightening, skin-plumping treat includes a glycolic wash, vitamin C mask and serum as well as Dermaquest’s Stem Cell 3D Complex, a new and luxurious cream containing botanical stem cells to rejuvenate and protect the skin.

Verdict: A noticeable glow! When I popped into the shop next door post-treatment, they commented on how nice my skin looked! 

One more thing: The salon sells Stem Cell 3D Complex for use at home – each pot costs a jaw dropping £195!

 

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine December 2011

Tried, tested and recommended

What: A visit to the blow dry balcony at Clay in Oxshott.

Where: Clay Salon & Spa, 4/5 High Street, Oxshott, Surrey KT22 0JP. Tel: 01372 844446 / www.claysalonandspa.com

Why? Perfect for a Christmas party hair fix.

The treatment: The ‘blow dry balcony’ in the salon is dedicated to styling and finishing hair and the Clay stylists are experts at creating party looks. Opt for a classic blow dry, ‘Jerry Hall’ waves created with a styling wand, or body and bounce thanks to their revolutionary ‘TheO’ heated rollers. Alternatively, they can crimp, plait or curl your hair into a state of on-trend fabulousness. Prices from £30 to £55.

Verdict: Totally brilliant at adding some serious glamour.

Top tip: Book the latest appointment possible on the day of your party, and hope it doesn’t rain!

 

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine November 2011

Tried, tested and recommended

What: MYscara semi-permanent mascara – a professionally applied lash treatment that lasts up to three weeks with no smudging and that is also a hundred per cent waterproof.

The treatment: A step up from a lash tint, as this treatment lifts, curls and thickens each lash as well as colouring it. MYscara takes 30 minutes to apply in the salon, and you can choose a fairly natural looking three coats or have more applied for a full-on false lash look. Once in place, lashes feel slightly stiff – but no more than they would with normal mascara.

Where: AM Beautiful, 248 High Street, Cranleigh, Surrey GU6 8RL. Tel: 01483 272822

How much: £30

Result: Amazing lift and definition and, once applied, completely faff-free!

 

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine October 2011

Tried, tested and recommended

What: The Grayshott Spa Day experience at Grayshott Spa

Where: Grayshott Spa, Headley Road, Grayshott near Hindhead, Surrey GU26 6JJ. Tel: 01428 602020 / www.grayshottspa.com.

Why: A perfect blend of country house ambience and top spa expertise.

The low-down: Walk into Grayshott Spa and you can’t help but feel relaxed. The building – once the home of Lord Alfred Tennyson – is set in 47 acres and has the air of a bygone age. It became a spa in 1965 and offers 36 treatment rooms, 59 bedrooms, sports facilities, a cinema, restaurant and shop, and (last but not least) a bar called Bubbles.

I started my visit in the gym then enjoyed a full body massage. The staff are wonderful – the head of fitness is an ex-national hockey player who has been at Grayshott for 20 years, while my massage therapist had worked at the spa for 14 years – and their experience shows as well.

Lunch, in the rather splendid dining room, is healthy, tasty and plentiful, although the Grayshott colour-coded healthy eating plate tends to focus the mind on portion control. 

Verdict: It’s a joy to spend a day here, enjoying the ambience as well as the treatments. I can promise you won’t want to leave!

 

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine September 2011

Tried, tested and recommended

What: Lubatti Brightener Facial

How much: £60.50

Where: Brooklands Hotel Spa, Brooklands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 0SL. Tel: 01932 335700

Why: Lubatti skincare was founded by facialist-to-the-stars Tracey Malone and is a beauty insiders’ favourite. Formulations are based on the hand-mixed creams that skincare expert Madame Lubatti used on her high society clients in the 1920s.

The treatment: The Brightener Facial combines beyond-thorough double cleansing (first to remove superficial dirt, second to cleanse more deeply), deep tissue massage to drain the lymphatic system, pressure point work with orchid and jasmine oils plus massage strokes with chilled marble stones to stimulate the skin and close pores. Phew!

Result: 50 minutes of sensory bliss that leaves your skin looking revived, brighter and lifted. This is one very fabulous crème de la crème treatment!

 

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine August 2011

Tried, tested and recommended
Reviewed by Caroline Harrap

What: Holiday Hair Rehab Treatment

Where: John Carne Guildford, 270/272 High Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3JL. Tel: 01483 506402 / www.johncarne.co.uk.

Why: The perfect post-holiday treatment to restore tired tresses, this deep conditioning treatment drenches your hair with moisturisers and smoothes the cuticles to create instant shine.

The treatment: If, like me, your favourite part of going to the hairdressers is the head massage bit, then you’re in for a treat! Lie back and enjoy every moment as hair is first wrapped in a blend of restorative ingredients to deliver intense nourishment and leave it radiant and glossy. Then comes the salon’s energising had massage – 15 minutes of pure bliss! Finally, they rinse your hair with sparkling mineral water to lock in the moisture. Yes, really!

Result: I had reached the point where my hair had turned into such an unruly bush, I didn’t even dare wear it down any more. However, I emerged from the salon with a slinky, swishing curtain of shining tresses! (and yes, okay, I did check it out in the shop windows on the way back to the station; that’s how good it was!).

How much: Prices for the Holiday Hair Rehab treatment start from £25. To add on a cut and blow-dry, prices start from £60.

 

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine July 2011 

Tried, tested and recommended

What: Balayage Highlights

Where: Leo Bancroft, 116 Oatlands Drive, Weybridge, Surrey KT13 9HL. Tel: 01932 844443 / www.leobancroft.com.

Why: Balayage is a celebrity favourite that creates the ultimate ‘sun-kissed’ highlights and avoids noticeable roots as hair grows. An experienced eye and steady hand are essential and the colouring team at Leo Bancroft is highly trained in the technique.

How much: From £46.95 for a section, £65.95 for a half head, and £82.95 for a full head.

The treatment: Balayage (French for ‘to sweep’) involves hand-painting highlights through sections of the hair, without the use of foils, to achieve lighter coloured ends and natural roots similar to sun-lightened ‘beach hair’.

Tip: This look works best on longer, layered styles and on hair that is naturally mid-toned.

Result: A sexy, relaxed, on-trend look that’s perfect for summer!

 

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine June 2011

Tried, tested and recommended

What: A Minx Nail Wrap

Where: Polished, 84 High Street, Godalming, Surrey GU7 1DU. Tel: 01483 427575

Why: Pop into this brand-new ‘nail and beauty lounge’ for full-on, eye-catching nail glamour.

The treatment: Choose designs from a huge selection of patterned and vividly coloured ‘wraps’ (everything from floral to animal print!). Each is smoothed on to your nail and then trimmed to fit. There’s no damage to the nail beneath and the result lasts for as long as a conventional manicure or pedicure.

How much: Manicure, £25; pedicure, £35.

Verdict: Ultra shiny silver or gold metallic wraps will enhance a summer tan perfectly.

 

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine May 2011

Tried, tested and recommended

What: Anti-Stress Back Massage Treatment

Where: The Foundation Beauty Studio, 214 High Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3JB. Tel: 01483 455300 

Why: A relaxing ‘facial for your back’ that is perfect prep for summer’s more revealing outfits.

The treatment: Therapist and studio owner Victoria Davies uses a Dead Sea salts scrub to exfoliate your back before applying a mud pack that heats up to soften the muscles. In the deep tissue massage that follows, Victoria uses citrus essential oils to help release tension and leave you feeling calm and energised.

How much: £49 for one hour

verdict: Victoria is a first class therapist and this treatment is a wonderful way to ‘switch off’ for an hour.

Tip: This would be the perfect introduction to massage if you’ve never experienced one before.

 

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine April 2011

Tried, tested and recommended

What: Bridal make-up by Jodie Hazelwood  (tel: 07538
768705 / www.makeupbyjodie.co.uk)

Where: Your home 

How much: From £100

Why: This is one highly experienced make-up artist who knows the best products to use and some excellent tricks of the trade for the most perfect and long-lasting make-up on the big day.

The make-up: Jodie first visits three to ten months before the wedding to discuss the theme, the bride’s own make-up style and to rehearse the final look. She then returns on the day to transform the bride and, if required, other members of the bridal party – including ‘groom grooming’!

Result: A beautiful bride with flawless looking skin, perfectly defined eyes and stunning lips.

Tip: You don’t just get great make-up – Jodie’s sessions are also an education on how to use make-up to its best effect.

 

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine March 2011

Tried, tested and recommended

What: Genuine Dermaroller

Where: LightTouch Clinic, Guildford, Surrey 

Why: A treatment that stimulates the skin to regenerate and repair
itself naturally, resulting in a smoother, brighter and younger looking complexion.

How much: £315. At lease three treatments are recommended, three times a year.

The treatment: No creams or lotions (other than one to slightly numb the skin), just a prickly roller that is lightly applied across the face by Doctor Natalie Blakely. The tiny needles cause a micro-trauma, which stimulates the skin to produce new skin cells and collagen as it heals itself. It’s all over in half an hour, but expect some redness for a few hours.

Result: Not the most comfortable treatment but if you want to rejuvenate your skin naturally then this is one to try.

Tip: A great option for the difficult to treat under-eye area.

• Light Touch Clinic, 210-212 High Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 3JB. Tel: 01483 568013

 

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine February 2011

Tried, tested and recommended

What: Champney’s Garra Spa Fish Pedicure

Where: Champney’s, Guildford, Surrey. Tel: 01483 455850. 

How much: From £25.

The treatment: Garra Rufa fish can transform tired feet. Their mouths are full of suction cups (not teeth!) that gently lift away dry skin on your feet and between your toes to reveal the soft, supple and smooth skin beneath. Simply submerge your feet for 20 minutes and let the fish do the rest (and no, it doesn’t hurt!)

Verdict: This is no beauty novelty act! My feet emerged super-smooth thanks to these fish therapists.

 

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine January 2011

Tried, tested and recommended 

What: Detox Delivered

Tel: 01428 684293 / info@detox-delivered.co.uk

Why: A naturopath inspired juice detox to kick-start a diet, eliminate toxins and rest your digestive system – delivered fresh to your
front door. 

The treatment: Surrey based nutritionist Melanie Melpas-Sands has created three, five or seven-day detox programmes based around fresh fruit and vegetable juices and smoothies. Each contains natural supplements and they deliver all the nutrients you need, are (reasonably!) filling and taste delicious. What’s more Detox Delivered blends and delivers your juices each day, so all you have to do is drink them. It couldn’t really
be easier!

Result: A natural and delicious way to rest and renew the body, break bad dietary habits and start losing weight! What better way to begin the new year?

Cost: From £179. Gift vouchers are available.

  

 

Originally published in Surrey Life magazine December 2010 

Tried, tested and recommended

What: Festive hair ‘up-do’

Where: Sanrizz, 74 North Street, Guildford, Surrey GU1 4AW. Tel: 01483 577739

Why: Groomed hair is big news and with so many Christmas parties to attend there has never been a better time to have your hair ‘put up’ by a professional (in this case, senior stylist Leizelle Chuidian). 

Cost: £60 with a hair wash, £40 without

The treatment: Allow an hour for a wash, blow-dry and then intricate styling to suit your features and hair, and to match your outfit –  a soft, swept over look is the way
to go this season.

Result: I had so many comments on how good my hair looked – definitely worth the effort for a special occasion.

Tip: Hair is held in place with grips and styling products so if you book an afternoon appointment it should stay looking good all evening.

 

Find more great beauty tips from Adele Mitchell in Surrey Life magazine every month

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