10 Words of Desire

01. 3.1

02. Phillip

03. Lim's

04. Accordion

05. Pleated

06. Necklace

07. Is

08. A

09. Must-have

10. Piece

Beauty T.I.Y (Tan It Yourself)

Say it and Spray it!

I go to Italy at least once a year and am annually called ‘Miss White.’ This could be because my name technically means ‘white’ in Italian or it could also be down to the fact that I am simply so much damn paler than those Mediterranean dreamboats. They call one English chap ‘Mozzarella’ so I suppose I get off lightly. Anyway, I digress.

This year I need some pre-sun tanning armour. I hate sun beds so in this section, I test the best DIY spray tanning options on the market and rate them 1 – 5 (1 being mozzarella white, 5 being bella bronzed). Here are the crème de la crème in my humble opinion:

Best for Your Body: Boots Soltan Beautiful Bronze Non-streaking Dry Mist Spray
Rating: 4.5

This was really amazing (and really cheap, less than 4 quid) and would have been super-simple to use had I not have instantly broken the bottle with my cackhandedness. After I had managed to re-attach the spray nozzle, things went swimmingly and I took myself from pale to brown in not very long at all. Only complaint? It took a little while to dry. It left a lovely bronze colour with a quite nice smell though, so I didn’t mind.

http://www.boots.com/

Best for Your Face: Garnier Ambre Solaire Dry Face Mist Original No Streaks Bronzer (RRP: £9.92)
Rating: 4

Your face can be so blummin’ difficult to tan but this made it really easy. Simply exfoliate, properly removing any residual traces of make-up, hold this can about 30cm from your boat race and spray. Please, for goodness’ sake, make sure you are holding the Garnier can and not your travel Elnett. That would be really unpleasant.

It could do with being a bit darker, in my opinion (but then I am a complete tanorexic).

http://www.garnier.co.uk/

Best if you are in a Rush and Your Legs Look Pasty: Sally Hansen Airbrush Spray
Rating: 5

If you’re too hot to wear tights but your legs resemble a pot of rare corned beef, this is the wonder spray for you. All you have to do is shave/wax your pins (you know you have to) and then spray this stuff over them evenly. Hey presto: tanned, even-looking legs are yours in a second. I get through cans of the stuff.

http://www.sallyhansen.com/product.cfm?product=149


Best if You are Far Too Lazy for DIY Tanning: Australian Gold’s Naturally Advanced Spray Tan (RRP: from £25)

I went to Solaria (http://www.solaria.co.uk/, t: +44 (0) 2079019009) on the Kings Road for this tanning treatment. Ela sprayed down my flabby, pallid flesh with the aloe-vera-rich, 70% organic Australian Gold formula.

I was instantly left with an absolutely gorgeous deep brown colour without so much of a hint of ‘Tango.’ I was going to post a photo of my ‘paper pants tan line’ but thought better of it (bearing my bum on the beach is scary enough, readers – I don’t want it to be on the net too!).

Take my word for it, if you want a rich, long-lasting tan and desire someone else to do it for you, this is the place to go. Their website is: http://www.australiangold.com/. Their moisturisers make for a great holiday boost, too.

Okay you gorgeous Italians, I am on my way, lovely and brown! Readers, I will be back next Wednesday…

(The pic at the top is Liz Hurley shot by the legend that is Mario Testino - I intend to look like this on the beach - will let you know how I get on!)

Loving Your Beautiful Work: DARPHIN

I took a trip to the very swish Estée Lauder offices to find out exactly what Parisian brand Darphin has up their cosmetological sleeves for the upcoming months. It turns out they have a lot of exciting new launches on the way – here’s the goss:

Darphin was founded in 1958 by Pierre Darphin, a French specialist in cosmetology. He launched an in-depth research program using only the finest plant extracts, botanical aromas and active skin treatments to develop a unique customised skincare range. Darphin are all about creating personalised skin “rituals” to fit in with your skin’s “needs and feelings.”

I’m Using it Now, LOVING it: Hydraskin Light Replenishing Moisturising Cream Gel (RRP: £25.00)

I had a rather high-tech ‘skin scan’ to determine the needs of my boat race. What looks okay in my make-up smeared mirror looks decidedly worse when super magnified with Darphin’s special computer-mouse-looking device. My skin was determined to be both ‘combination’ (read: greasy in some bits, dry in others) and ‘dehydrated.’ You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to realise that neither of these qualities are particularly desirable in skin. I was prescribed this rather lovely-smelling concoction which richly moisturised my parched visage without clogging my pores.

Hydraskin Light is a fabulous post-holiday moisturiser which leaves skin looking plumper, more matte and more even. I have noticed a difference after using it for just a mere few days.

The limited edition 30ml size of this hydrating wonder cream will be available to buy at the end of August. Perfect for keeping in your hand luggage on the plane!

(If you like this then you’ll also enjoy using the matching serum underneath it, Hydraskin Intensive Moisturising Serum – it gives thirsty skin an added quench.)

I’m Going to Try it Because it Sounds AMAZING: Darphin Stimulskin Plus Lift Renewal Series (RRP: £195)

Yes, I know it’s a little pricy and yes, I know I am but 24 years of age but if I want to use something that will make me even younger then my goodness I will. I can never resist a miracle serum and this “high-potency, 30 day intensive regenerating program addresses the concerns of ageing skin.” Well now!

Recommended for use 3 – 4 times a year, your skin is left feeling lighter, moisturised and deliciously scented. The system helps to stimulate natural skin cell turnover in 30 days.

Definitely one to hide from your housemates and keep as a special treat under your bed.


Find out more about Darphin here: http://www.darphin.co.uk/
Darphin is available to buy in Harrods, for more stockists check the website above.