Beauty: My best blow-the-budget buys – If money were no object… ROSIE GREEN reveals the indulgences to truly enjoy
1. A bougie health club
Forget dragging yourself to the gym, if I belonged to The Club by Bamford I’d loiter until the lights went out.
I’d lounge by the outdoor pool and do lengths in the sunlit, sparsely populated indoor one (no lane rage here). I’d check out its all-the-toys gym, then take a plunge in the cold-water-filled barrels.
The cryotherapy machine and spa would also get a visit before I luxuriated in the pristine dressing rooms while booking appointments for the onsite medics to attend to any niggles.
Finally, I’d reward myself with a smoothie in The Nest restaurant while the one-percenters slugged it out on the padel courts below.
Membership from £2,250 a year, plus joining fee from £750, bamfordclub.com.
2. Posh perfume
Celebrity spritzes often look cheap and smell synthetic.
Not so Victoria Beckham’s new scents – Portofino ’97, Suite 302 and San Ysidro Drive – which she created with rock-star perfumer Jérôme Épinette. Modern-smelling, chic-looking, they’re guaranteed to elicit that satisfying ‘What are you wearing?’ question.
My favourite is Portofino ’97 – an elegant, genderless blend of bergamot, black pepper, vetiver and patchouli.
Victoria Beckham Portofino ’97 Eau de Parfum, from £170 for 50ml, victoriabeckhambeauty.com.
Victoria Beckham Portofino ’97 Eau de Parfum, from £170 for 50ml, victoriabeckhambeauty.com
3. Silky make-up pads
Most of us scoop up make-up remover pads in a buy-one-get-one-free deal at Boots and yearn for nothing else. But, readers, I’m here to inform you that once you try Clé de Peau’s iterations it’s like turning left on the plane or eating wagyu steak – you’re ruined for life.
These ‘luxurious sheets’ are made from natural high-quality silk and premium cotton and feel softer than a kitten’s belly. With no drag, they glide across the skin creating zero wear and tear, just a feeling of smug satisfaction.
Clé de Peau Cotton, £20 for 120 sheets, cultbeauty.com.
Clé de Peau Cotton, £20 for 120 sheets, cultbeauty.com
4. Sports supreme
I believe splurging on this cashmere athleisurewear set can be justified thanks to its motivational and inspirational qualities.
Shall I expand? Well, wear it and you can’t fail to be more Gwyneth – ie, the kind of person who always makes the right food choices (I mean, eating a Curly Wurly while sporting oatmeal loungewear would be a travesty, no?).
Just remember, no perspiring – this is to be worn after exertion only.
Cashmere hoodie, £198, and cashmere joggers, £189, thewhitecompany.com
Cashmere hoodie, £198, and cashmere joggers, £189, thewhitecompany.com
5. One diva-worth hairdryer
Can this dryer possibly be worth the hype? I say yes. (Full disclosure: I’m less sure about some of the brand’s other hair tools.)
It is truly revolutionary and a cut above the competition. Joyously lightweight, satisfyingly powerful, it also constantly regulates the heat, so you don’t fry your hair.
Oh, and did I mention it looks sexy? I’ve had mine for years and it’s survived rather robust handling from my teenager.
Dyson Supersonic, from £329.99, dyson.co.uk
Dyson Supersonic, from £329.99, dyson.co.uk
6. Fancy home fragrance
Fact: Neom’s range of Wellbeing Pods is lustworthy. The combination of elegant, pared-back design with the practical delivery of life-enhancing aromatics is a winning one.
Light controls help create an ambient glow (the pods are dimmable) and the timer is handy. Use them to fill the air with Neom’s legendary essential-oil blends (Scent to De-Stress is my favourite).
For a limited time only, the Pods are available in two new styles – tortoiseshell and blush.
Neom Wellbeing Pod, £105, neomorganics.com
Neom Wellbeing Pod, £105, neomorganics.co
7. Ritzy hand wash
Never mind fancy cars and designer bags: having Aēsop hand wash sink-side is a proper status symbol. Most of us, if trying to look elegant, make do with Baylis & Harding, but sudsing up with Aēsop’s Resurrection Aromatique really elevates the everyday.
Why? It looks cool and its smell is an addictive blend of mandarin rind, rosemary leaf and cedar atlas.
Aēsop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash, £31, aesop.com
Aēsop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash, £31, aesop.com
8. Life-changing massage
What turns a massage from ‘meh’ to amazing? A therapist who a) really cares; b) is highly skilled in 9 multiple disciplines (ie, reiki, shiatsu) so can adapt a session for your needs; and c) uses fab products.
Kim Cochrane at The Bothy in Hampshire’s sleek Heckfield Place hotel is that person.
Her Wildsmith Time rebalancing treatment felt like a full body reset. Add in the surroundings – this is one seriously stylish spa – and you pretty much have nirvana.
Wildsmith Time, £310 for 135 minutes (only hotel guests can visit The Bothy, room prices from £550 a night), heckfieldplace.com.
Wildsmith Time, £310 for 135 minutes (only hotel guests can visit The Bothy, room prices from £550 a night), heckfieldplace.com
9. Sleek cheek colour
This is expensive, yes, but Westman’s blusher stick is my handbag essential.
Why? The sleek packaging is user-friendly and doesn’t get grubby, and the product is exceptional: pigment rich, so you don’t need much, it looks natural and blends beautifully. It also lasts for ever and can be used on lips.
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick, £44, westman-atelier.com.
Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush Stick, £44, westman-atelier.com
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