Global operations director
What treatments I’m having
Try as I might, some unwelcome lines and wrinkles are becoming more and more at home on my face – no matter how desperately I lather on SPF50. Enter Dr Joney De Souza’s Pico-Infusion treatment; a fast and friendly way to reverse the telltale signs of sun damage and give dehydrated skin a deliciously dewy boost. The treatment takes about 90-minutes and involves a combination of picosure laser treatment, mesotherapy and a hyaluronic acid injectable treatment (TSL Redensity 1). My skin was on the pink side for a few hours after (so I whizzed past the Marylebone boutiques near Dr Joney’s clinic faster than I usually would) but the next day, my face had that youthful glow we don’t appreciate until it’s gone.
As we begin to think about party season, I’m very excited to try the new Herbal Hair Ritual at Neville Beauty Salon (not only because it’s right next door to the delicious treats at the Anya Hindmarch cafe in Belgravia). Neville has been my go-to salon for years and I now can’t remember if that’s because their stylists are the best in the business or because the salon feels more like a chic family home, with clients greeted like old friends by owners and co-founders Neville Tucker and Elena Lavagni. The new treatment, devised by Senior Colourist Domenico Casella, combines unusual ingredients like marshmallow and mountain arnica to concoct the most cosseting of treatments for your coiffe.
Last but not least – I’m obsessed with eyelash extensions by Edy London. Edy Kurowska is the go-to eyelash maestro for those in the know. In just over an hour, either from her London salon or at her clients’ homes, Edy masterfully applies individual silk lashes to each natural lash, resulting in fuller and extremely natural-looking lashes that last for around a month. Having my eyes closed for the duration of the treatment presented a rare opportunity to ignore my inbox and chat with Edy who has a remarkable passion for making quality beauty products more accessible. During lockdown, she launched a range of 28 colourful makeup brushes that are good quality (think: wooden handles and silky soft brushes) but affordable.
Where I’m going
I’m writing this from Clinique la Prairie in Montreaux, where I’m on day three of a Master Detox programme – no sugar, no caffeine, no alcohol and a predominantly plant-based diet. Before getting here I was nervous – generally, I don’t like being hungry and am not comfortable with too much quiet time; tending to prefer running to meditation and coffee to herbal tea. But it’s absolutely beautiful here and the food is sensational – colourful salads with vegetables from the garden, delicious vegan green curry, and creamy Jerusalem artichoke soup with flavoursome herbs delicately sprinkled on top. Brisk walks along Lake Geneva provide a soul-stirring start to the day and I’ve been so distracted learning about the four pillars of the CLP longevity method that I haven’t had time to properly miss my usual four pillars of oat lattes, Haribo, Dairy Milk and white wine. There’s been a lot of staring at the view and soaking up the Alpine air. Bliss.
What I’m buying
As an Australian, I’m very appreciative of how much England commits to its seasons. I particularly love watching the leaves change colour as autumn unfurls, and hearing the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot on the school run. I also love the opportunity to add a few knits to my wardrobe (and yes, as I tell my husband, they are essential). I recently bought a new jumper from Navy Grey and it very quickly came into weekly rotation. The cut is classic and comfortable and it’s by far the cosiest jumper I own but still looks smart. And obviously, I then had to buy a new beanie to match – in the ‘Poppy’ colourway as a sartorial homage to my darling daughter.