Nail polish removers and party make-up...

05.12.08

NAIL POLISH REMOVERS

Above left: Chanel beauty products look chic and are very effective. £9 (020 7493 3836).

Middle: Nail polish removers can be too astringent for sensitive skin so try soy polish remover by Priti. Made from soy and corn, it contains no petroleum by-products. £12.50, at Glowgetter (0845 643 0272).

Right: Treat yourself to a pretty bottle of nail polish remover. Paul & Joe's is the pick of the bunch. £10, at Harrods (020 7730 1234).

STAR BUYS

(Far left) Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Treatment Scrub has just been launched and is a joy. Use it in a hot bath and afterwards apply lashings of Vitamin E Body Treatment Oil. Body Treatment Scrub, £59, and Body Treatment Oil, £49 (020 7720 0202). (Left) Brilliant hair colourist Jo Hansford's new range of Colour Care shampoos, conditioners and intensive masques are a triumph. There is something to suit every hair type. Volumising shampoo, £14 (020 7495 7774).

HOW TO DO PARTY MAKE-UP

By Mathew Alexander
• Focus on the eyes, keeping the lips subtle using a nude or lightly tinted lip conditioner.

• Apply Bobbi Brown tinted Eye Brightener, a good base that will ensure eyeshadow stays put. Sweep a soft beige colour, such as Estée Lauder Pure Color in Ginger Drop, from lash line to eyebrow.

• Use a similar shade - I like Cinnamon --from lash line to socket line, blending well and building the colour up to the socket line.

• Using a small brush, line outer lashes with a third colour that's a slightly darker brown and more metallic, such as Bronze Cube.

• Apply black eyeliner to the inner rim of the eyelid.

• Curl your lashes with a heated lash wand and then apply lots of mascara.
Mathew Alexander Bespoke Hair & Make-up, 12 Lancashire Court, W1 (020 7495 1122)

The Tools

(Right) Bobbi Brown Eye Brightener, £21.00 (0870 034 2566); Estée Lauder Pure Color eyeshadow in Ginger Drop, £14 (0870 034 2566); Chanel ultra fine eyeliner brush, £14 (020 7493 3836); Model Co Lash Wand Heated Eye Lash Curler, £25 (www.hqhair.com); Givenchy Magic Khôl black eyeliner £12.50 (01932 233 824).

TRICK OR TREATMENT
The ginger rub at Bliss London

The promise Give your body a complete overhaul with a ginger scrub and full-body massage as you switch off and recharge.

The process Bliss London is a snappy, efficient affair, run like a slick New York spa. After I'd changed into a dressing gown and slippers, my therapist Diana Zuzzulo led me from the lounge area (complete with herbal tea, brownies and fresh fruit) to a clinical treatment room. I lay down on a heated bed and was covered in crushed fresh ginger mixed with warm detoxifying essential oil. I felt like a basted chicken as I was wrapped in foil and left to 'cook' for 20 minutes while having a head massage.Then Diana pulled a piping hot overhead shower across the ceiling to rinse off the ginger mixture, before giving me a heavenly head-to-toe massage.

The verdict It was cold and dreary outside but I left feeling warm, rested and smelling wonderful.That night, I slept heavily and my skin felt soft for a week.

Bliss London, 60 Sloane Avenue, SW3. £165 for 135 minutes (020 7590 6146).

Edited by Sophie Goodwin