You're in for a treat with this post readers as Award-winning Freelance PR Consultant, beauty addict and writer about town, Reena Patel shares her Little Black Book for Christmas...
As the countdown to Christmas fast approaches, most of us will be in the full swing of festive celebrations. If you always seem to run out of time to fully prepare for the occasion (that probably goes for most of us too!), here are my top pointers to looking fabulous this party season. I've also shared my favourite eateries and bars to visit in London, plus some beauty gift ideas that never fail to impress.
The hot spot to get you tinsel town ready is celebrity haunt, Neville Hair & Beauty in London. I recently paid a visit to experience a new treatment on the menu; a one hour indulgence that includes a deep hair conditioning treatment, manicure, pedicure and the most glamorous blow-dry ever that saves us from bad hair days and poorly painted nails. They call this the "WOW" and for good reason- I walked out feeling like a real "Pretty Woman". http://www.nevillehairandbeauty.net/. This treatment starts at £150.
If a trip to Neville is out of your budget, try some at-home pampering. If you have dry winter hair, invest in an intense ritual using Kerastase products such as the Fondant Nutrithermique treatment, £17.90 and Elixir Ultime, £32.72 for supreme soft tresses, http://www.kerastase.co.uk/. Also try the Aromatherapy Associates Enrich Hair Oil, £22.50, http://www.aromatherapyassociates.com/, which also deep conditions and adds lustrous shine to locks. Nails Inc also have cute crystal jewels on the tops of their Christmas collection, £15, http://www.nailsinc.com/. I love Royal Arcade and Crown Court. If you're seeking a sun-worshiping glow, a stop at The Chelsea Day Spa for the organic, paraben and streak-free Vita Liberata Spray Tan, £45, does the trick. http://www.chelseadayspa.co.uk/.
Fluttery lashes never go amiss. The Powder Lounge's Nourishing Lash Serum, Long Sexy Lashes, £22, http://www.thepowderlounge.co.uk/ is the perfect primer before a lick of mascara and falsies. I find Eylure's Girls Aloud Party Lashes, £5.95, http://www.eylure.com/ really rock a glitzy winter wonderland look. The perfect party palettes have got to be Bobbi Brown's Pink & Gold Lip Palette, which dips the lips with fresh pinks, deep roses and a golden nude, £35, http://www.bobbibrown.co.uk/ and MAC's 6 Dashing Lassie Eye Shadows, £25, http://www.maccosmetics.co.uk/, soft shimmers in fairy-tale vanilla, coffee and bronze encased in a Tartan tin. These pretty sparklers promise to shine without overdoing it.
LBDs and cocktail frocks by French Connection guarantee feminine party sophistication. I love the Silky Sacha, Graingers and Samantha Sequins designs the most. Check out http://www.frenchconnection.com/ to buy them online.
Christmas would not be the same without sophisticated scents. Florist Jane Packer has just introduced a new alluring fragrance. This crushed floral explosion dips you in a garden of red roses, black violet and cyclamen. Eau de Parfum, £45 http://www.jane-packer.co.uk/.
Now that you're looking and hopefully feeling a million dollars, arrange drinks and dinner with friends in London. Providores- the New Zealand tapas restaurant in Marylebone, http://www.theprovidores.co.uk/, offers a fusion of world flavours to create a unique and sensational menu. If you're East, Viet Grill is yummiest Vietnamese street food in Shoreditch, www.vietnamesekitchen.co.uk/vietgrill. When West and need an escape after shopping for gifts on Oxford Street, hydrate with cocktails at Aqua http://www.aqua-london.com/. The terrace top has great views over London and cosy cashmere blankets to keep you warm when it's cold outside. For the best Earl Grey martinis, set your sights on Hunter 486- the trendy bar in boutique hotel, Arch London, tucked away by Marble Arch. http://www.thearchlondon.com/.
On Christmas Day itself, you never know if a few unexpected guests will suddenly turn up, or worse yet, if they will come bearing gifts for you but you have none for them! To avoid any awkward present swapping moments, wrap up some beauty heroes. Molton Brown's The Three Musketeers should save you, £42, http://www.moltonbrown.co.uk/. This three-piece gift set for men includes the Active Cassia Sportswash, Deoderant and Moisture-Rich Aloe and Karite Ultrabar. Neal's Yard has another rescue remedy for last minute arrivals. The Exquisite Wild Rose Skincare Collection brings together the Beauty Balm, Body Elixir and Beauty Concentrate into one box set, £45, http://www.nealsyardremedies.com/.
Finally, lift into high spirits with scented lights! Fragrance your home with the new Diptyque Oliban and Spicy Orange Candles, £45 each, http://www.liberty.co.uk/. I also like the Crabtree & Evelyn Noel 3 Fragranced Candles, £21, http://www.crabtree-evelyn.co.uk/ and you're ready to celebrate in style! Happy Christmas!
Like this post? Check out Reena's blog at http://www.beautybiscuit.blogspot.com/
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