Results-driven relaxation at OSKIA

Air conditioning, central heating, wind, rain, heat, cold, detox, retox; your skin doesn’t half get a hammering over the winter months.  We’ve tried and tested a selection of the best London facials for glow-getting results.

Dr Murad – Redness Therapy

I first discovered the benefits of Dr Murad’s skincare range on a recent long haul flight, and after trying a selection of the products in-flight, stepped off the plane looking positively glowing. With such impressive results I was excited to try a Dr Murad treatment for size. One of six Dr Murad facials on offer at the Smooth You salon in Islington, Redness Therapy is designed for the most sensitive of skins, and treats ailments from broken capillaries to rosacea. Key ingredients used in the facial include goji berry extract (anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory), seaweed and green tea extract (to soothe and comfort), and skin-cooling peppermint leaf extract.

The treatment lasts over 75 minutes, and is of one of the most relaxing and gentlest facials I’ve had. It is the only treatment in the range in which skips extractions and steaming, so as not to push blood flow to the skin; a recipe for redness for those who suffer from sensitivity. Results are noticeable immediately, and I left feeling very much the VIP, thanks to the complimentary champagne, herbal teas and iPads on offer – not to mention the goodie bag of chocolates and Dr Murad samples. For more information, see the Smooth You website.

Review by Gabrielle Sander.

OSKIA Signature Glow Facial

Having tried and tested many skincare brands in the past, I can attest that the British natural and active range OSKIA is one of the few that actually delivers the goods. So when I discovered they had started offering facials, my heart did a loop-the-loop and I promptly headed down to the brand’s newly-opened Boutique Spa to try one out.

Located in central London, the pretty, softly lit treatment room was cosy enough to curl up and fall asleep in, while my therapist was friendly and knowledgeable. I opted for the Signature Glow Facial which includes an AHA mask to speed up skin cell renewal and rose oil to provide a protective barrier during the cold winter months, involving plenty of in-depth massage and acupressure to improve skin tone and help flush out toxins. I was once told that when it comes to facials, you get the most value for money when a good deal of massage is administered – and after my OSKIA facial it was easy to see why. The stress-induced tension in my face had disappeared, and my skin had taken on a radiant glow, as opposed to its usual ghostly pallor. Sent on my way after a soothing cup of herbal tea, I floated out of the door feeling supremely relaxed, with my skin looking and feeling the best it had ever been – an effect which lasted well over a month. For more information, see the OSKIA website.

Review by Viola Levy.

Dr Alkaitis Skin Food Facial

In the heart of quaint, villagey Marylebone, Content is a apothecary, as well as a spa; all products on sale and used in the treatment room below must adhere to strict criteria – expect the crème de la crème of organic and natural skincare. After deliberating over the range of treatments on offer, I opted for the Dr Alkaitis Skin Food Facial. Dr Alkaitis proclaims, rather boldly, that you should be willing to eat anything that you use on your skin, so all of the products in the range are natural and organic; with the doctor even ethically cultivating his own plants to ensure the highest natural standards.

Starting off with a double hot cloth cleanse, I was treated to an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory oatmeal enzyme mask followed by an exquisite massage of my arms, hands, face and neck. At this point I believe that I had fallen into a semi-catatonic state, having been transported into another world of relaxation and luxury (all organic, naturally). The mask was soothing and calming, smoothing the skin before a layer of Manuka honey – an antipodean treat full of antibiotic goodness – was applied. My therapist then rubbed her honey-covered hands over my honeyed face to remove any impurities. Dr Alkaitis’s cooling moisturiser rounded off the treatment, and I opened my eyes 60 minutes later, feeling fresh and blissful. For more information, see the Content Beauty & Wellbeing website.

Review by Nina Smith.

ARK Skincare – Power Facial

ARK salons serve up boutique style skincare treats, with salons in Wimbledon, Putney and Fulham. One of the most popular on the menu is the 45-minute Power Facial; a signature therapy that uses your age, not skin type, as the key to younger looking complexions. As the title suggests, the facial is less about luxury and more of an energising pick-me-up, and after the dip in temperature, I was more than ready to fuel up with a healthy helping of hydration.

Intraceuticals uses hyperbaric oxygen

We started with a cleansing routine that included an exfoliation and masque application using ARK’s very own Age Awareness skincare line, followed by a steam application and examination for any existing problems or concerns. Purified and prepped, my skin was set for the final flourish; my therapist applied a gentle massage to the face and neck to maximise the absorption of ARK’s enriching Age Repair serum and moisturiser, yielding a healthy, long lasting softness and giving a zingy sensation. For more information, see the ARK Skincare website.

Review by Julie Vuong.

Intraceuticals Infusion

This Australian-developed treatment uses hyperbaric oxygen to deliver a skin-repairing serum containing hyaluronic acid, vitamins A, C and E, and calming green tea. Oxygen ensures that the serum works deep below the surface for the skin, but without the use of needles. After discussing my main skin concerns with the therapist (touch sensitivity, redness, blocked pores), she suggested the Opulence course (there are three other options: Rejuvenate, Atoxelene and Clarity), which is designed to brighten and replenish.

Make-up removed and skin cleansed, I lay back as an airbrush-like contraption was swept over my skin to encourage lymphatic drainage and deliver the key ingredients, while the gentle whirring of the machine almost sent me off to sleep. After one treatment, my skin looked immediately fresher with none of that post-facial redness, which meant I could go out afterwards without attracting concerned stares. Cleansing the next morning, the bumpy congested pores I’d had around my chin and t-zone were completely gone; in their place, smooth, healthy-looking skin.  For more information, see the Renew Medica website.

Review by Gabrielle Sander.

Only 1% of trades people are women

You can see the original version of this feature on Women’s Views On News.

Women make up 49% of the UK workforce, but just 1% of its trades people. While progress is being made in getting women to enter traditionally male-dominated fields such as science and engineering, the stereotypes of blokey builders, plumbers and electricians have proved harder to shift.

Diane Johnson, the outgoing president of the Electrical Contractors Association, thinks she might have the answer in the form of a new training scheme, which she describes as a “blueprint” for getting women into the manual trades. Wired for Success will train 12 women over two years. Unlike a conventional four-year apprenticeship, the scheme harnesses a new qualification allowing electricians to enter the profession at a domestic rather than industrial level after two years.

A key part of the scheme’s accessibility is its childcare flexibility. Instead of a normal apprenticeship, which is fulltime, Wired for Success takes place during term time and coincides with the school day. When a child is sick and cannot attend school, trainees can get their childcare costs refunded. However, unlike an apprenticeship, the women taking part in Wired for Success are not paid. Instead the participants are all unemployed tenants of London and Quadrant (L&Q) social housing. Under the government’s New Deal plan, they are eligible to complete training while continuing to receive state benefits.

As Johnson explains, L&Q are ideal partners for the scheme since “it’s part of their remit to enrich the lives of those living in their properties.” The association owns 66,000 homes, presenting many opportunities for the kind of electrical maintenance jobs the scheme trains for. And, as Johnson stresses, this is a familiar and non-threatening environment for women to start working in rather than a building site which typically has a more macho atmosphere.

The view that women can be deterred by a male-dominated industry is shared by Niki Luscombe, chief executive of Women and Manual Trades (WAMT). “There are huge cultural issues accepting women into trade roles, despite changes to legislation and equality policies,” she says, citing common prejudices such as women not being strong enough to lift heavy objects.

WAMT runs regular workshops and work placements enabling women to gain skills in a supportive atmosphere. Luscombe argues that this “crucial experience” can be key to helping women get their foot in the door. While there are preconceptions to be overcome, Johnson also maintains there is a gap in the market that could be met uniquely by women.

“The UK’s ageing population and varied cultures create customers who would feel more comfortable with having women, rather than men, visit them at home,” she says. “There are some religions that don’t permit women to be alone at home with a man from outside the family, for example.”

Another opportunity that Johnson identifies is weekend and evening work, arguing that in an economic downturn, people are less willing or able to take time off work to wait while tradespeople come round. Luscombe also dismisses the idea that women are unable to work antisocial hours as “rubbish”. “Care roles are often antisocial and involve long hours. Women have creative ways of building support networks from family and friends.”

Johnson explains that her motivation for launching Wired for Success came from meeting unemployed women who were repeatedly offered temporary cleaning and administration jobs with little opportunity for promotion or progression. “I want to state that there is nothing wrong in itself with these jobs, but when there are a million women of working age unemployed in the UK, it its time that more of them are encouraged to work in skilled sectors.”

But while self-employment has the advantages of flexibility, there are definite downsides including foregoing the stability of sick pay, holiday allowances and a guaranteed income. Luscombe agrees that setting up alone, particularly in a time of economic downturn, can be daunting. “90% of first businesses fail, and women seeking to enter the trades face additional prejudices. So it’s not surprising that tradeswomen can find self-employment difficult” she says. According to Office for National Statistics data, there is an average 9% pay disparity between the earnings of male and female trades people. Luscombe attributes this to women feeling compelled to under price their work in order to win contracts.

Training just 12 women, Wired for Success is a drop in the ocean. However, what it does is seek out an alternative to the apprenticeship model by partnering with a housing association – though cost of training is met by the taxpayer in the form of benefits. And while women continue to account for just 1% of all tradespeople, it is clear that something needs to change to create a flexible route into the industry.

Women’s Views On News is the women’s daily online news and current affairs service, operating on a ‘not for profit’ basis. The site provides up to date news on all the major national and international stories of the day, in much the same way as any newspaper or online news service, but the stories featured are always about women.

An video explaining ECA’s Wired for Success

Oddfellow’s Casino – The Raven’s Empire

Beginning things with a locational bias, a nibble on a little Brighton-based eccentricity is perfect potion to get the coastal blood a-pumping. Described by Les Inrockuptibles as Britain’s answer to Sufjan Stevens, David Bramwell and his company of orchestrally inclined bandmates furnish us with Oddfellow’s fifth and newest album to ensure that 2012 is an Edward Gorey themed year. Expect the Brighton and Hove Concert Band, un-living memories of the West Pier before it became a stack of matchsticks, Victorian freakshows and vignettes, and the ghostly smell of pipe tobacco to assault the mind’s eye and ear.

Karen Dalton – 1966

Karen Dalton came back on the scene posthumously around 2008 after her last release, In My Own Time, in 1971. The latest Dalton-shaped offering comes in the form of never-before heard, recently unearthed tracks, featuring cover versions of songs by the likes of Fred Neil and Tim Hardin. Latterly recognised as one of folk’s most important voices, Dalton, if she were alive today, would stand shoulder to shoulder with the aforementioned heavyweights plus Bob Dylan, who credits her as an inspiration for his own career. Gravelly, raw and oh so folky, if that classic Greenwich Village vibe is your thing, you need 1966 in your life.

Hooded Fang - Tosta Mista

I love – LOVE I tell ye – that garage surf thing, so with all of this classic reverb going on, surf guitar and  ’60s style drum breaks, I think I might have found a new obsession. But behind all the elevating this and that, this record actually has quite a sad concept behind it all: surprisingly it documents the disintegration of the Hooded Fang’s Daniel Lee and April Aliermo’s five-year relationship. Stand out track ‘Den Of Love’ supposedly typifies it all. Whatevs, heartbreak or not, Tosta Mista has been described as “the whole of the Nuggets box set condensed into an album that’s just 23 minutes long.” That’s a win on my watch.

Department of Eagles – The Cold Nose

From The Department of Eagles, The Cold Nose is a re-release seven years after its original outing. What 2012 has that 2005 didn’t is up for speculation, but what this record has that 2005′s version didn’t is six bonus tracks, featuring remixes from Tunng and Deadelus. That’s a whopping 19 tracks to get stuck into! What’s it like? Well, if the kind of thing DJ Shadow does floats your boat, then you might be setting merry sail. Time Out, however, have another specific on it all: “Imagine if Thom Yorke woke up one sunny spring morning and realised that actually, everything was going to be OK after all.” Imagine if he did! 1997 would have sounded very different…

Diagrams – Black Light

One man show, Sam Genders, otherwise known as Diagrams, serves up audio delights with his debut album. Truth be told, I was expecting a well-synthy, wanky LP (I confess; I judged a book by its cover). But pleasantly, where it is a bit synthy now and then, it’s not wanky. It’s actually pretty lyrically rich, and in places, bluesy, funk-peppered and psych (the old and new variety) a-plenty. Diagrams has been likened to Hot Chip and Metronomy, which I think is where I formulated my preconceptions, but quite wonderfully – and strangely – The Guardian had this to say about Mr Genders’ work: “Like Sufjan Stevens and a parliament of owls in a feathery group hug, happily tumbling down an upwards escalator in slow motion.”

Rochas' exquisitely pretty Borsa Tote bag

Collections for Spring/Summer ’12 floated onto the catwalks on a soft cloud of dreamy pastel shades; from the palest buttercup to pretty powder blue and delicate rose – the colour palette for this season is subtle, seductive and ineffably charming.

How to work the look? We suggest experimenting with sheer and lace fabrics or colour-blocking and combining pastel tones. And so the Borsa tote bag from French brand Rochas provides a pitch-perfect starting point for easing a little spring colour into your wardrobe. Made in buttery soft leather in contrasting sugar pink and ice cool aqua (and delivered with a miniature zipped pouch), it’s an accessory that makes a statement – quietly.

For Rochas Spring/Summer ’12, designer Marco Zanini delivered a collection infused with elegant 1950′s femininity; think New Look silhouettes, exquisite midi skirts and gowns in duchesse silk, and semi-sheer organza pieces. It was a catwalk show that seduced the onlookers with its understated sophistication, and we’re similarly won over by the brand’s roomy tote. For now, pair with classic winter separates; come spring, wear with an array of those achingly soft pastel tones. We can’t wait!

The Rochas Borsa Tote is available to buy online here.

A brave face for PM, Lucas Papademos

Not been paying attention to the news this week? We’ve helpfully rounded up the need-to-know events making the headlines in Europe of late…

Greece under pressure to hand over budget control

Greece is facing increasing pressure as its ability to manage its budgets is called into question. At the annual World Economic Forum, which took place from January 25 to 29 in Davos, Switzerland, Germany suggested that Greece be stripped of part of the power it holds over its fiscal policies. In particular, the appointment of an EU budget commissioner with veto powers was proposed. Greek officials angrily rejected the proposal.

Meanwhile, Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos continued to show an extremely brave face and continued with assurances that Greece is very close to signing a debt deal with private creditors. Over the past weeks Greek officials have repeatedly announced that deal was very close. This has, however, clashed with reality. Debt talks continue intermittently, with the Institute of International Finance (IIF), representing the creditors, refusing to agree with the government on the interest rate of the newly issued bonds, which should replace its current debt. The Greek situation does not seem likely to improve any time soon, especially after European inspectors announced the discovery of a new €15 billion black hole in the country’s finances on Thursday 2.

EU forms “fiscal compact”

Even though Germany’s plan to strip Greece of its financial independence has failed for now, a possibly greater achievement in terms of fiscal regulation was reached on Monday 30, when 25 out of 27 EU member states agreed to sign the new Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union. The agreement was reached during a summit held in Brussels and stipulates the creation of a “fiscal compact” with very strict rules in terms of budget deficit.

The Treaty is expected to be signed in March, and would give the European Court of Justice the power to monitor compliance with fiscal rules and to fine those countries who are found in breach of them. UK and the Czech Republic, however, refused to sign up.  British Prime Minister David Cameron said that the UK would take legal action if the treaty proved to threaten Britain’s interests. While the summit was taking place, Belgium was also hit by its first general strike in six years. People in the streets protested against the new austerity measures introduced by the government, which aim at saving €11.3 billion.

Death toll rises in cold snap

At least 220 people died since the arrival of a wave of freezing weather in Europe. The country with the highest number of victims so far is Ukraine (around 100), but many other are having to deal with subzero temperatures. In Poland the mercury went down to -38C, whilst about 11,000 people were trapped in Serbia’s remote villages due to heavy snowfalls. Romania, the Czech Republic and Croatia were also severely hit by the bad weather. Even Italy experienced some pretty harsh temperatures, with historical lows registered in Rome and other cities around Europe.

Sarkozy announces new financial transaction tax and other stories

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has recently launched a package of measures aimed at stimulating growth and the creation of new jobs, which is seen by many as a desperate move to increase his dwindling popularity – ahead of the presidential elections in May. The tax on financial transactions is part of the package and will be introduced in August. Later in the week Sarkozy had to face accusations that he had spent £30,000 of French taxpayers’ money to repatriate his son Pierre from the Ukraine, after he was admitted to hospital for food poisoning in Odessa. Elsewhere, Prime Minister Francois Fillon was forced to cut France’s growth forecasts for 2012 from 1% to 0.5%. However, Sarkozy has still the solid shoulder of German Chancellor Angela Merkel to cry on; Europe’s Iron Lady has pledged she will help the president in his campaign with joint appearances scheduled in spring.

Julian Assange appeals to Supreme Court against extradition

Wikileaks’ founder Julian Assange and his legal team went before Britain’s Supreme Court this week to appeal against his extradition to Sweden, where is wanted for questioning over sexual assault allegations. Assange has previously failed to convince a lower court that the cross border warrant for his arrest is invalid, since the prosecutor who issued it was not a valid judicial authority. The hearing started on Thursday 2 and ended the following days.  Seven judges of the Sumpreme Court decided to adjourn and Assange will now have to wait several weeks before finding out what fate awaits him.

To fly. To fail

It was a bad week for European airlines. On Monday 30 Spanair, Spain’s fourth largest airline, filed for bankruptcy. Two days earlier the company had left more than 20,000 passengers stranded, after it abruptly suspended all its flights. The company could now be fined €9m over the collapse for breaching rules on continuity of services and passengers’ rights. On Friday 3 it was Hungarian airline Malev’s turn. The decision to cease all its operations came after Malev was ordered by the European Commission to repay €130 million the company had received in state aid from 2007 to 2010.

Jennifer Robinson, the legal advisor for Julian Assange and Wikileaks gives an insight into the extradition proceedings

The amazing elephant on show in Nantes

With the worst of the winter behind us, this month we suggest packing your bags for a weekend break and celebrating the best of European art, traditions, music and cuisine. From parties en piste to otherworldly outdoor exhibitions, there’s lots to see and do to chase away those wintry blues…

Discover Les Machines de L’ile

You’ll find a variety of weird and wonderful mechanical creatures wandering along the Loire River, including 12-metre (and 2.5 million euro) high Giant Elephant. Welcome to the the Galerie des Machines de L’ile; a unique display to check out on a visit to France’s sixth largest city, Nantes. Re-opening after winter closure on 12^th February, the artistic project was created by Francois Delaroziere and Pierre Orefice, influenced by the visions of French sci-fi author Jules Verne and the mechanical drawings of Leonardo da Vinci, and is designed to take visitors on a fantasy journey through ‘imaginary worlds’. Unveiled for the first time this year is The Marine Worlds Carousel; measuring 25-metres high, it features 35 underwater animals over three levels.

Caper at Carnival

Spain’s temperate climate attracts crowds of holidaymakers over the sweltering summer period, but insiders know that to really get a taste of the Spanish spirit, the best time to head to the Iberian peninsula is during carnival time. Taking place in cities and towns (including Malaga, Alicante, Cadiz and Barcelona)  across the country this month, carnivals will see fantastically-attired Spaniards and imaginative floats parade through the streets, accompanied by music, dance and theatrical performers. It’s a feast for all the senses, with bright colours and rhythmic beats creating a festive ambiance. This year, Madrid’s carnival is inspired by characters from mediaeval and classical mythology, with a mysterious faun as protagonist – encouraging participants to lose all inhibitions. You have been warned!

For more information, see the Madrid Carnival website.

Book The Big Snow

For those seeking more in the way of après ski, than actual ski, then next month’s Big Snow Festival might just be the ticket. From 23^rd to 30^th March, the powdery slopes of Kopapnik, Serbia, come alive with the sounds of musicians and DJs including Ms Dynamite, Judge Jules, DJ Fresh, Eddy Temple Morris and Freestylers – among many others. The annual festival has moved from its former home in Andorra, bringing the biggest line-up yet of avalanche-inducing reggae, jazz, dance and electronica spread across ten stages and set among the resort’s 62km of ski runs.

Self catering packages, including flights, start at £449 per person. For more information visit the Big Snow Festival website.

Try Croatian Cuisine

 24^th February to March 4^th marks Zagreb Restaurant Week, an annual celebration of the Croatian capital’s culinary offerings. The first event took place last autumn with just a few venues on board; the second instalment promises to be bigger and better, running over a fortnight and featuring around 50 restaurants. Each one is offering their signature specialities through three course menus at a discounted price of 100 Kuna (around £11/13€). Dobar Tek!

For the full list of restaurants taking part, visit www.tjedanrestorana.com

Get a Fashion and Food Fix

The two words aren’t usually used positively in the same sentence, but swish restaurant Quaglino’s in London, is offering just that. The venue is collaborating with established and up-and-coming photographers for a series of temporary exhibitions in 2012, kicking off with glossy fashion snapper Marc Rogoff. Coinciding rather nicely with LFW, and running until 20^th March, Rogoff’s Augmented Reality collection is adorning the walls of the restaurant, providing a feast for the eyes with beautifully-dressed models suspended in surreal backdrops. Quaglino’s serves up a special lunchtime menu, as well as a full evening a la carte boasting an impressive selection of fresh fish; making it a good place for the fashion crowds to re-fuel after the shows.

Food for thought: at Quaglino's in London, photographer Marc Rogoff's Augmented Reality shows incredible, evocative images

The Ten Commandments: wise counsel?

In the long grey winter months, it’s easy to be negative and hard to act cheery, but just as you are what you eat, so too you feel what you focus on. Choose to change your focus.

You can’t really argue with the Ten Commandments. I mean, as rules for happy and harmonious living go, they’re a pretty solid base: don’t kill; don’t cheat on your spouse; don’t steal; don’t lie. So far, I’m on board. Have a day of rest every week. Yep! Take care of your parents. Absolutely. Without wishing to labour the point, I don’t think many people would take exception to any of the above, whatever their religious leanings. Sadly, however, I have often felt that one commandment was missing.

Don’t get me wrong. Ten is a great figure – it’s even, pleasingly round, fits with our decimal currency, can be nicely spaced out into two five-item lists on a couple of handy stone tablets. I can totally see why Moses would get to the end of dictation, see a nice symmetrical pair of lists, and casually decide to leave commandment Number 11 at the top of the hill, but honestly, I really think he dropped the ball. Our lives would be infinitely more pleasant had he just added one last rule to the list:

Thou Shalt Not Whine

The addition of those four little words to that fateful list would have made such a difference, wouldn’t it? Whining is perhaps one of the least attractive traits in a person, and is certainly one of the most draining. I have an acquaintance – let’s call her Wendy – who, whenever I ask the innocent question, “How are you?” replies with some permutation of, “Oh, I’m so tired. Yep, really shattered – I worked until 10 o’ clock every evening last week. It’s just crazy.”

When I first knew Wendy I made the mistake of trying to help her with this apparent problem – suggesting she speak to her boss about her workload, asking whether she was eating properly, that sort of thing. Recently, however, I had an epiphany (I don’t know why I’m on such a religious theme today, I’m on a roll and I’m just going with it). I realised that Wendy isn’t actually asking for help, nor does she need to talk. The bottom line is: Wendy likes whining. And she particularly likes whining about being tired.

You Feel What You Focus On

I don’t actually know anyone who isn’t tired right now. In the bleak midwinter, it’s dark when you go to work, dark when you leave work. You’re trying to lose the Christmas bulge, keep that resolution to go to the gym, maybe even give up or cut down on something – cigarettes, chocolate, wine…

The post-Christmas winter months can feel grim at times, and yes, they’re tiring. But does saying you’re tired all the time help at all? If, every time someone asks me how I’m doing I answer, “Crikey, this rain is getting me down, I just can’t seem to get warm, and I have a splitting headache”, all I can think of by the end of the day is the rain and the cold and the headache and, lo and behold, it’s all actually worse than at the beginning of the day.

But if I reply, “I’m great, thanks! Looking forward to a quiet night in, that’s for sure”, miraculously, I can actually convince myself that I do indeed feel full of beans, and that quiet night has become a choice I’m making in order to take care of myself. I find that I feel what I talk about; which means that I don’t also choose to talk about what I feel.

We're ALL tired and a bit stressed now!

Accentuate The Positive

Now, I’m not suggesting we bottle up our feelings or lie, but unless mentioning aches, pains, gripes and groans will actually do some good, why go on about them? Now, whenever I see Wendy, I avoid asking how she is and instead pose very specific, fact-based questions: What did you do this weekend? Did you go jogging like you wanted?

It’s not that I don’t care, it’s just that not only does Wendy’s whining about being knackered exacerbate her own tiredness, it also exhausts me! If only she could take her focus off the negatives she’s feeling and concentrate on something – anything – positive, that good feeling would be increased instead of the bad.

The mind is like a magnifying glass – whatever we choose put under the lens is what our eyes will see enlarged; whatever feeling we choose to talk and think about is what we’ll feel magnified. Luckily, we get to pick what we train our lens on. So, it’s precisely when I’m tired and a bit hungry and maybe a little paranoid that I try hardest to remember to apply the 11th commandment and silently order myself not to whine.

Indispensable tried-and-tested products...

Thanks to the bundles of new beauty products (and my bewildered but understanding postmen) that arrive daily, I’m never short of a shampoo, lipstick or body lotion to put through its paces. And yet, a bit like finding the perfect white t-shirt or ultimate cookie recipe, certain have become favourites I always default to, no matter what newcomers seem tempting…

MAC Cremeblend

Where a make-up bag edit used to reveal my predilection towards Prescriptives, the much-missed label has been replaced by MAC. And given my obsession with cream blusher, it’s wasn’t a surprise that at last count I had four on the go. It’s not just that they melt on your fingertips and smooth over cheeks like velvet, but that the colours really work, whether my complexion looks like I’ve been holidaying in Ireland or India. My favourites are deliciously peachy Posey and darker, duskier Tea Petal, but I can’t wait to get my hands on Florida, an eye-popping pink coming in March that already has me thinking of sunnier days and the promise of a summer tan.

Gielly Green Argan Rescue

The beauty industry has been buzzing about Argan oil so loudly of late that you could probably hear it from space. And although it seems completely counterintuitive to put oil onto freshly washed hair, this version from the Mayfair salon is nothing short of miraculous. Years of highlights, top-knots and bouts of restless sleep have seen my hair take a rebellious turn by breaking and frizzing up against my will. But two pumps of oil before blow-drying makes it feel so smooth and strong that I can see the lustrous light at the end of the hair repair tunnel.

NUDE Advanced Cellular Renewal Moisturiser

Being a bit prone to the midday make-up slide if I use a moisturiser that’s particularly rich, I tend to stick to lighter fluid formulas that let my skin feel supple without encouraging it to shine. This one however, floored me (in a good way) from the first time I used it. With a texture like whipped double cream, I expected it to feel too heavy for my confused complexion, but in fact it’s light as air and gives a satiny soft finish from the get-go. The high calibre line-up of anti-ageing ingredients don’t fail to deliver either.

Givenchy Phenomen’Eyes

The wand on this mascara may look worryingly like a medieval wrecking ball, but when you know it was inspired by a make-up artist’s trick, is actually genius. Backstage at the shows and on shoots, savvy professionals have been spotted trimming down bristles to get a shape that catches the smallest lashes right down to the root. And this spherical brush does just that. It defines peepers perfectly with glossy black colour, creates a fabulous fan shape and gives easy access to hard to reach lashes at both corners.

REN Omega 3 Night Repair Serum

I’ll admit I rocked up to the serum party a bit late, but since giving them a go in the interests of research (and hitting late 30’s), I’ve been converted by their power to deliver serious anti-ageing benefits. My go-to is Ren’s overnight version which, aside from smelling divinely soporific, has the ability to instantly inject moisture into my skin no matter how shrivelled it’s feeling. And it’s been making my complexion look brighter too, despite the grey winter days. I’ve also discovered that it’s brilliant at treating little patches of psoriasis, as the star ingredient – omega 3 – is anti-inflammatory.

Gielly Green’s Shai Greenberg explains the Argan Oil, plus the other Boutique Collection Repair Set products

Duris: an emotionally raw performance

Based on Douglas Kennedy’s debut novel, The Big Picture is a emotionally charged thriller with a star-studded cast. At first glance, it looks like that Paul (Romain Duris) has everything: a beautiful wife Sarah (Marina Foïs), a loving family, and a successful partnership at a Parisian law firm. But it is not long before the cracks in his seemingly perfect life begin to show.

Sarah, a failing writer and stay-at-home mother, feels trapped in her domestic bubble and neglected by her overworked husband. He resents her unhappiness, having built a stable career and given up his own dreams so that she could pursue hers. Their world is turned upside down when Paul discovers his wife is having an affair with their neighbour, photographer Greg (Eric Ruf). A heated confrontation between the men ends suddenly with Greg’s death and Paul is left to deal with the consequences.

In a series of pacey, stomach-churningly tense scenes Paul assumes Greg’s identity and flees to Montenegro to pursue his secret passion for photography. But not before taking time to fake his own death in a boating accident and dump Greg’s body along the way.

It’s an emotionally raw performance from Duris, one to rival his César nomination for Best Actor in The Beat That My Heart Skipped. If only there was an award for most expressive eyes, it would surely be his: from the deepest fear when confronted by the police to sheer heartache when leaving his children for the last time, they really do say it all. Proof again that Duris is much better suited to playing a tormented man than his wishy washy lead roles in the odd chick flick. Throughout the entire film the camera never leaves Paul’s side, journeying with him through ups and downs as he tries to start again and forget the past that haunts him.

His character undergoes profound change in the film which Duris portrays both physically and emotionally. This was aided in large part by the chronological filming schedule mastermined by director Eric Lartigau. Long journeys driving from country to country and filming along the way enabled Duris to fully embody his character’s development. Duris’ performance is enhanced by his electrifying chemistry with legendary co-stars Niels Arestrup and Catherine Deneuve.

An emotional rollercoaster with plot twists throughout, we are left wondering whether Paul with ever escape the consequences of his actions and begin truly living again.

The Big Picture was released on DVD by Artificial Eye, and is available to buy online here.

The trailer for Eric Lartigau’s The Big Picture

The selection of gourmet treats...

If I had known I might score a pair of new Louboutins for €80 I’d have arrived earlier. Instead, I took my time pitching up at La Rotonde, one of Paris’s hottest new venues; the restored 18^th century architectural gem combines a bar, restaurant and events space overlooking the Bassin de la Villette in the gritty-but-trendy Stalingrad neighbourhood. For a leisurely Sunday between girls, it doesn’t get any better than this: round trips to a scrumptious brunch buffet before exploring a vintage and designer treasure trove? Oui! And we weren’t alone; founder Tiyi Kalmery’s simple but enterprising idea to fuse food and fringues at her monthly Fashion Brunch has attracted a steady stream of Parisian fashionistas since the event launched last summer.

At €35, it may not be an outing for those on a budget (especially if you plan to do more than window shop), but the fee includes brunch and access to the friperie upstairs. Gourmets will be pleased with the excellent variety of sweet and savoury goodies – even the fussiest of eaters are catered to. If the city’s usual brunch menus typically go for around €20, rest assured that La Rotonde’s selection is considerably more exciting (and did we mention all-you-can-eat?).

After eating, brunchers are invited to head to the cosy galleries of La Rotonde’s upper floors; rails of vintage threads and accessories are complemented by the handmade jewellery and trinkets from emerging designers. Bold earrings by multiethnic label Bezemy Mailan stood out for their tribal-meets-80s-meets-Art Deco vibe. Meanwhile, shoppers hovered around the Dingue de Lunettes (Crazy About Glasses) stand, browsing an impressive range of vintage eyeglasses and sunglasses.

You’ll find pricey restored treasures on some stands, while others just wish to clear out their closets and this is where most of the bargains can be found; I snapped up an emerald green beaded blouse for ten euros, while my friend took a shine to a leather mini  for just five. And I had no qualms about parting with €80 for a pair of black Louboutin pumps (a gift for the seller who couldn’t fit into them, apparently) – never worn, the smooth red soles were still impeccable.

Many young designers set up shop here to test the waters and eventually make a name for themselves. Marion Labourdette is the charming créatrice behind Sage et Sauvage; offering jewellery fabricated using a curious melange of chains, tassels, studs, feathers and leather. Other highlights included Origami Gems (delicate creations involving the Japanese art of paper folding) and June (vibrant, ethnic-casual pieces crafted by a French-Cameroonian).

Whether you’re a vintage novice or devotee, there’s a good chance you’ll find that something special; between them, the Fashion Brunch stallholders cater to a range of tastes. One piece of advice: pace yourself at the brunch buffet, or at least be prepared to shop a while to aid digestion! After all, if both your wardrobe and tastebuds are satisfied, you know it’s been a good day.

Rails of vintage threads and quirky accessories complement the handmade jewellery and trinkets from emerging designers

Fashion Brunch is held on the first Sunday of every month from 11:30am until 5:00pm at La Rotonde, 6-8 Place de la Bataille de Stalingrad 75019 Paris. €35 buffet brunch and boutique entrance, €2 boutique entrance. For more information, see the Fashion Brunch website.

All photographs by Ibra Him.