beauty

On my radar: Decleor aromatherapy face balms



Decleor Aromessence AROMA SUN AND AROMA NIGHT balm

I’m a recent convert to Decleor and its deliciously hydrating face balms.

These various oily balms are made from natural essential oils that target different needs and skin concerns. The Decleor Aromessence Neroli Night Balm (£32.50 HERE) is my current favourite, with neroli the hero ingredient designed to hydrate and revitalise tired-looking skin. You use the plastic applicator to take out a teeny less-than-pea-sized amount to warm between your palms and then press into cleansed skin before bed.

I’m a complete aromatherapy freak so this is great for me. Besides the benefits of neroli (for softening and hydrating), you also have basil (to purify and heal) and camomile (to prevent the appearance of dark spots). This isn’t meant as an everyday balm but more for when you feel your skin needs a pep-up. That said, I’ve been using it every day because I love it so much – oops.

There’s also the Decleor Aroma Sun Expert After-sun Balm (£31.50 HERE) for days when I’ve been frying myself in the sun. I know that’s a no-no, but it doesn’t happen often and I do use sun protection. This ‘high repair after sun balm’ contains geranium and frankincense essential oils and does the job of calming and repairing sun-exposed skin, while also claiming to maintain a long-lasting tan (sadly I haven’t got enough of a tan to tell if this bit it true). Because you use such a small amount, it doesn’t leave your skin feeling greasy or cloggy.

I’m new to Decleor but have always admired from afar. While these are beauty samples, I don’t think the prices are bad for the quality of this brand and there are deals to be had if you know where to look (psst, HERE!). I’ve also been trialling a Decleor face moisturiser that launches next month but I’ll save that for another post. Watch this space…

WORDS AND IMAGE: Disneyrollergirl/Navaz Batliwalla



THE DRG STYLE INDEX: SAINT LAURENT, DKNY, MAC, KAREN MILLEN



Here’s the latest weekly DRG STYLE INDEX ranking, a round-up of the brands currently buzzing on my radar…

1. TEAM HEDI
hedi slimane

I’ve read two articles about Hedi Slimane this week. One is a very long interview by Dirk Standen on Yahoo Style, and the other is a critique by Alex Fury in The Independent. Both are very good but I had to disagree with Fury’s negative assessment of Slimane at Saint Laurent. (more…)



RETAIL REPORT: Covent Garden – should a high street be more like a department store?



Oliver Sweeney Henrietta Street Covent Garden menswear destination

In the battle between bricks and clicks, the high street has suffered, but department stores have done well to up their game. They have become nimble at keeping pace with fashion, worked harder to collaborate with brands on pop-ups and events, and just seem more dynamic places to be. It’s something the rest of the high street can learn lessons from and I’m already seeing its influence.

Covent Garden got the memo some time ago. OK, it’s not quite a high street but it’s a shopping district that misplaced its mojo for a while and has since redeemed itself. In the 80s it was incredibly stylish and vibrant. At its peak, London’s cool set gravitated towards the Meccas of Paul Smith, Jones and thrift emporium Flip. (more…)



Christian Louboutin lipsticks are coming



Christian Louboutin Lipsticks

Forgive me, this is utterly gratuitous but I can’t help it. Justlookatthelouboutinmakeupalready!!! I knew there was more Louboutin make-up on the way and I guessed that the next category to be added would be Christian Louboutin lipsticks. (more…)