We’re thoroughly enjoying supermodel Agyness Deyn’s new online magazine, Naag.com. A collaboration between herself and friend Fiona Byrne, the site covers everything from fashion, beauty and culture, to travel and music. It’s great for tips like the perfect red lipstick (it’s MAC’s Ruby Woo apparently) and the hottest summer nail polish (Nars Versailles), as well as hip new bands and super-chic holiday destinations. But best of all, it’s an addictive insight into the world of quirky cool Agy.
After years of alternating shaving, waxing, shaving, waxing – and now with the summer months finally hitting London – I happily agreed to try the latest epi lady: the Braun Silk-épil Xpressive Pro.
I’ve only ever used an epi lady once and it was an utterly painful experience that totally put me off… until, well now… I decided one last shot wouldn’t go amiss. I started by using the wipes enclosed with the epi lady to cleanse my pins and remove any residual grease left from body lotions. I then used the applicator head to trim my hair – this was very quick and easy to fit and remove. The convenient light really helps too as it shows up every hair follicle and is especially useful for badly lit bathrooms.
The silk-épil is quite noisy, but the lower (less painful!) setting is much quieter and I stuck to this one the whole time. I won’t lie – it was pretty painful to begin with (it feels a bit like a zillion tweezers are plucking the hair out all at the same time) – but after a couple of minutes the pain did ease off… thankfully. A word of warning: it definitely works better on shorter hairs as I tried it above my knee – where my hair is longer – and I couldn’t help but yelp!
For 12 hours afterwards my legs looked very sore and bumpy – similar to a freshly plucked chicken! – but the next day, after the redness had calmed down, and the following day, they were back to normal. It’s now two weeks since I used the epi and I can only just feel a new layer of hair growth coming through – I presume in another fortnight’s time, there will be enough growth for me to use it again.
So, overall, I am definitely very pleased with the results; it’s much easier than shaving every other day and it’s so easy to use. My rating would be 9/10 but this could well become a 10/10 after a few more test runs!
Cult beauty classic Vaseline Petroleum Jelly, loved by women around the globe, is celebrating its 140th birthday this year.
As part of the celebration, the iconic pot has been redesigned and now features a sleek new pot. Possibly the most versatile beauty product out there, Vaseline Petroleum Jelly can be used for anything from soothing lips to taming eyebrows. Use it to smooth down flyaway hairs, or apply to pulse points to make your favourite perfume last longer.
StyleJunkee has teamed up with Vaseline to give one lucky reader the chance to win the exciting new redesigned Vaseline Petroleum Jelly pot and an exclusive,money-can’t-buy crystal-encrusted version (not even available in shops!).
The new Vaseline Petroleum Jelly pot is priced at £1.12 for a 50ml pot and is on shelves now. For stockists call the Unilever Customer Careline on 0800 085 1548.
For a chance to win simply email the answer to the question below to editorial@stylejunkee.com:
Q: How old is Vaseline Petroleum Jelly?
a) 4 years old
b) 87 years old
c) 140 years old
We love Bobbi Brown’s shimmer brick compact so the new, limited-edition Beach Shimmer Brick Compact is right up our alley. Featuring five complementary shades giving a pearlized shimmer for a tanned seaside style, it’s perfect for creating sun-kissed looks. The four new Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadows come in frivolous summer shades, ranging from pretty pink to oyster blue. The Beach Shimmer Brick Compact is £29.50, and the Metallic Long-Wear Cream Shadows £16 each.
From Oscar de la Renta to L’Wren Scott, grey talons were all over the autumn/winter 2010 catwalks. Good old Marks and Spencer are already hot on the look with these smoky metallic and pale shimmering silver nail varnishes. Perfection Long Wear Nail Lacquers come in Gunmetal (left) or Rainbow (right). £7.50 at Marks and Spencer.
Famous Dave’s Self Tanning range is well worth stocking up on – even if only for the funky name. It’s fragrance-free (which, as those that regularly use fake-tan will know, is a huge plus), easy to apply and totally natural looking. Plus, it’s endorsed by beauty gurus from pretty much all the top magazines. Famous Dave’s Moisture Tan, £24.99, at Debenhams and online via Famousdave.co.uk
These handily sized travel essentials kits are perfect holiday companions whether you’re off to a weekend retreat in the country or a long-haul holiday to a far-flung destinations.
Life NK’s travel essentials kit is packed with all your beauty basics. Awaken your senses with Jump Start Shower Gel, then bring your skin to a healthy balance with Balancing Body Lotion. Massage and soften with All Round Body Scrub and apply liberal helpings of Mighty Mitts Hand Cream to create super-soft silky hands. £25 at Space NK.
Splurge out with this deluxe ReVive travel kit. The Cleanser Gentil Gelee will remove makeup, dirt and impurities. Tonique Preparatif creates the purest skin. Eye Renewal Cream improves the appearance of sagging skin and wrinkles in the eye area. Sensitif Cellular Repair Cream SPF 15 diminishes the visible signs of aging and helps prevent further damage, and Moisturising Renewal Cream renews skin and gives it a luscious glow. £145 at Space NK.
If you thought parks were for picnics and ball games, think again. FitParks are slowly transforming our green open spaces into fitness boot-camp venues. Offering non military-style training sessions, FitParks are fast gaining popularity, with participants benefiting from a weight loss and fitness programme delivered by a top-quality sports science personal trainer. Aside from the training, nutritional information is also given along with a log book to monitor success and telephone text message exercise reminders are also sent to participants phones regularly. Prices start at £5.60. For more information see Fitparks.co.uk
What hairstyle should we all be sporting this summer?
The one that works on almost everyone is the chunky braid – the one big plait that can be worn during the daytime or out for dinner. It’s very 70s inspired and has a nod to icons like Bo Derek and Brigit Bardot. The trick is to give it that imperfect, ‘lived in’ look, like you’ve slept on it and woken up in it and it still looks great.
Which celebrities’ hair do you most love styling?
It’s hard to choose just one as everyone has different style – Natalie Portman and Bjork are interesting because they’re always up for a new idea.
Which styling gig has been your favourite so far?
Although it was a while ago now, I went to Bob Marley’s house to style the whole family – that was pretty great! I’ve worked with Pele more recently – another legend – and working with Cynthia Nixon for the SATC2 premiere was great too.
What was it like working for Vanity Fair on the World Cup cover?
It’s always great working with Annie Leibovitz. She’s a consummate professional and makes the job so easy with her immense talent. It was a real joy to get all the guys to sign my kids’ football shirts!
How easy is it to get an appointment at your Studio?
It’s simple to book an appointment – just go online to www.johnniesapong.com and you can email us on the contact page to book or call us on +44 (0) 844 412 7620. There’s about a four-week waiting list, but you can always give us a call to check availability if you’ve something more urgent coming up.
How long have you had dreadlocks?
About 23 years.
What’s your fashion motto?
“It’s not what you wear it’s how you wear it.” This came from my Dad – normally when we didn’t have the latest trainers! – and it’s stayed with me forever. I now say it to my kids.
How would you describe your style?
Casual chic.
What’s been your greatest achievement so far?
Getting married and having three beautiful kids.
What are your best and worst qualities?
You should speak to my wife for this! She would say that my best is that I never say no to anything and that the door’s always open. My worst qualities are probably time keeping and that I am a perfectionist; generally about hair!
When are you happiest?
When I’m hanging out with Karen (my wife) and the kids and I’m totally chilled out.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
At the moment, having my youngest kid who’s two and a half we use the words ’smelly’ and ‘poo’ quite a lot!
Johnnie Sapong is one of the world’s most in-demand hairdressers – regular clients include Jude Law, Gemma Arterton, Natalie Portman and Sienna Miller. Click here to read more about Johnnie Sapong.
The Sanctuary in London are offering special pampering sessions specifically aimed at girlies desperate to escape the ensuing World Cup football frenzy. Their Deluxe World Cup Getaway package costs £120 and includes a 50-minute treatment and an Afternoon Tea of summer cupcakes and macaroons with a glass of pink Prosecco. You’ll be able to use the spa’s facilities all day and you’ll go home with a complimentary Sanctuary Spa Body Butter worth £9.99. See Thesanctuary.co.uk for more World Cup escape packages.
Perfumistas will love the delicate scent of nasturtiums, mixed with a lingering green pepperiness, of Chloé’s new Capucine fragrance – one of three new fragrances in the Eau de Fleurs collection by Chloé. In a pretty, green bottle, this intensely floral perfume also boasts notes of bergamot, lemon, rose and jasmine. £75, at Debenhams.com
Treat yourself and a loved one to a super-relaxing 2 for 1 Pamper Day at one of the nationwide Bannatyne Spas for just £59 (50% off the usual price). A Swedish back, neck and shoulder massage will be followed by a scalp massage and access to the club’s facilities, including an extensive air conditioned gym, Pool, Jacuzzi, Sauna and steam room, and classes such as Tai Chi, Pilates, Boxercise and Aerobics. See wahanda.com for more details.
International hair stylist Johnnie Sapong is one of the world’s most-wanted hairdressers – regular clients include Jude Law, Gemma Arterton, Natalie Portman and Sienna Miller – and this week he is opening his conceptual hairdressing space to provide his wonderful services to everyone (i.e. not just the glitterati, magazines and commercial brands). Nestled in an art gallery in London, there’s just one basin, one chair and one Johnnie so expect a waiting-list far far longer than Johnnie’s flowing Rasta locks. See johnniesapong.com for contact details.
Fans of cult beauty brand Yes to Carrots will be vegging it up with the news that Yes to Tomatoes has just been launched! The range of skin, hair and body care is enriched with the anti-oxidant powers of organic tomatoes and the goodness of Dead Sea Mud and Minerals. 99.6% natural and Petroleum, SLS and Paraben free, it’s a veritable smorgasbord of goodness for your skin and hair.
Yes to Tomatoes is available at Debenhams and Victoriahealth.com
On Wednesday 9th June makeup maestro of the moment, Ellis Faas, will be at Liberty department store in London from 6pm, when she’ll be interviewed about her work and brand, and afterward the audience will be given the opportunity to meet Ellis herself. There’ll be a chance to have a play around with the Ellis Faas’ products too and even get expert advice on application and looks.
A booking fee is require but this will be redeemable against sales on the evening itself. For more information call 020 7734 1234 ext. 2506.
Of all the cities you’ve been scouring for Frock Me, which do you think has so far been the most stylish and fashionable?
Each city has something inherently unique about either the architecture, new local music scene or one-off boutiques. But if I had to choose I would say that Scotland is pretty damn on point. We did Edinburgh this season and Glasgow last, neither disappointed.
What’s your fashion motto?
Find the humour.
How do you describe your style?
Ever evolving.
What’s your number one fashion tip for spring/summer 2010?
Floral prints will give you flower power.
Which are your favourite designers at the moment?
I salivate on a regular basis over the Ashish collection (sequins will never die as far as I’m concerned). Plus, nothing would give me greater pleasure than to sport one of Burberry’s flight jackets from A/W10.
What’s been your greatest career achievement so far?
Urmmm… remaining sane and moving into a cute little flat with no flatmates, or boyfriend, or anything like that – just me.
What fashion item could you not live without?
My ‘Gemma’ boots, named after me by Terry de Havilland, the most magical shoemaker in the world.
What are your best and worst qualities?
Best is my unshockable nature, worst is not giving in to tiredness!
When are you happiest?
Having a lie in.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
“I’m tired” Getting up at 5am everyday for the 1Xtra Breakfast show doesn’t get easier.
What’s on your iPod at the moment?
A new band called Strangeways, Erykah Badu’s new album New Amerykah Part 2 and the new Kate Nash album My Best friend is You.
Frock Me with TK Maxx is on this Sunday at 1pm on Channel 4.
Puffy, tired-looking eyes are a no-go and anything that helps reduce dark circles and brighten peepers is worth checking out if you ask me. However, let’s face it, we all know puffy eyes probably can’t be miraculously cured by something in a bottle, but, that said, Clinique’s new All About Eyes Serum does have something over many other eye serums – its handy roller-ball applicator. Throw it into any handbag or clutch then pull out for immediate, on-the-go assistance as and when required… Priced at £29, it launches on 1st June at Clinique counters nationwide, including in department stores such as John Lewis and House of Fraser. It can be used over or under makeup and is safe for contact lens wearers.
Selfridges are offering to help you put your best Facebook and social networking face forward by hosting a special online identity photo shoot event today and tomorrow. Head to Selfridges’ London Oxford Street store to have their beauty advisers make you over before their on-site photographer gets snap happy to achieve the perfect portrait shot. They’ll even give you a complimentary print and USB key with the photo on ready to upload to your online profile.
Call 020 7318 3702 to make an appointment. A £15 booking fee applies, which is redeemable against any Estée Lauder purchase made during the event. Click here for more details.
What could be more perfect than having all your makeup needs covered off with just the one handy compact? Laura Mercier’s limited-edition Zen Face Palette is the beauty-world’s bees knees so far as compacts go, offering four eye colours, four lip glazes and one co-ordinating blush shade in a neat custom palette. It’s lovely jubbly for experimenting with both day and night time looks. £40 at Space NK.
Most people know that beauty and radiance doesn’t just come from what you put on your skin, it also comes from what you feed your skin from within. And Australia’s scientifically researched Qsilica Colloidal Silica supplement helps promote strong and healthy skin, hair, nails and connective tissues by feeding the body and skin with the nutrients it needs to shine. The clever, scientific part is that the supplement is a “colloidal suspension of microscopic particles of mineral silica”, which basicallt means it can be more easily absorbed by the body. Qsilica can be taken orally as a dietary supplement or in convenient capsule form. Available at Harrods Pharmacy in Harrods, Knightsbridge.
