Beauty snippets: Nars nails, Clinique, YSL, Carol Joy, Faberge, hotel beauty


I really need to hurry up and get my hands on the Thakoon for Nars nail collection. Inspired by Indian festivals (when is Tim Walker going to do a Holi-themed shoot?), there are six of these searing bright colours to try. (Hmmm, in the UK the red is mysteriously missing…) [EDIT: OK Hafsa just pointed out in the comments that the red is exclusive to the Nars site. Clever!]


I’ve been seriously impressed with Clinique’s Lid Smoothies. The Current Affair is a pretty lilacy-grey that I use for days when I have back-to-back meetings so want to look a little bit ‘done’. They’re super-easy to put on (I use my fingers) and literally do not budge. I also have to recommend Clinique’s brushes. [Full disclosure: I was given all these products to trial but I would absolutely pay for them.] I’ve been converted to using brushes for foundation and cream blusher, and have two lip brushes, one of which I use for lipstick and the other for concealer – the handles are a bit longer than other lip brushes but I find they give me more control.


Somehow I missed this magical YSL animation to launch its Rouge Pur Couture Vernis a Levres


Should you ever find yourself in South Ken, legs weary from the Joseph-Chanel-Stella-McCartney circuit and eyes tired from gazing at the delights of The Conran Shop (adore the makeover btw), you’ll love the refuge of Carol Joy‘s salon in Draycott Avenue. I was invited for a facial and would tell you all about it except I fell asleep in about five seconds flat (reader, I may have snored…prettily). The bits I can remember include the sleek monochrome surroundings, the heated loo, deeply relaxing bed (complete with cloudlike duvet) and the indulgent comfort of endless hot towels. My signature Diamond Facial took 90 minutes and usually costs £135, which is actually not bad when you consider that each of the products used cost from £75-£340. I don’t have that kind of money to spend on beauty products but I think £135 for a blissfully destressing 90 minutes is a pretty fair deal.


This isn’t strictly beauty but how fab are Tanya Ling’s painterly illustrations for Faberge? Actually, a Tanya Ling make-up line for Faberge could be quite good, no?


Finally, here’s a fascinating read from the New York Times that explores the new upgrades in hotel room toileries. Forget the miniature Molton Brown shower gel, soon you can get an exclusive Uslu Airlines lipstick next time you stay at Hotel Costes…

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