Spotlight on the new Parlux Advance

When it comes to choosing hairdryers there is only one brand as far as I am concerned and that is Parlux. Pretenders may try to challenge this Italian company’s throne but they will find it hard to succeed.

The new Parlux Advance (£135) is incredibly lightweight which makes holding the dryer and working with a brush so much easier. It is quieter than previous versions and more powerful, thanks to the 2200 watt K-advance motor (distributes 83 cubic meters of airflow per hour) which also increases the lifespan of the dryer. It also dries your hair faster. In my case, it has knocked off about 10 minutes of drying time. Anything that saves time is a winner with me. 

Parlux Advance, Ice

The Parlux Advance uses ionic and ceramic technology which is said to reduce static in the hair. Another plus is that the dryer is eco-friendly so you can rest assured you are doing your bit to protect the environment. 

A welcome addition to this new model is the heat proof front body which keeps it cool when in use. If, like me, you sometimes while styling like to hold the dryer by the barrel, it means you do not get your fingers burnt.

I also like what the company calls “soft” switches. They have a nicer feel than on previous versions. The control placement is user-friendly. 

Alternating between the high and medium settings helped to control the dreaded frizz. Rough dry on the high and style with the medium.

It comes with two styling nozzles which clip on more securely than they used to do so they do not pop off while you are styling. There is a good choice of colours: black, ice, pink and light gold.

Designed for professionals, this is a fantastic quality dryer to use at home. It is an investment that you will not regret.

By Daralyn Danns

For more information and stockists visit www.hairtools.co.uk

Dining at the Restaurant Bröd Punavuori, Hotel Indigo Helsinki - Boulevard, Helsinki, Finland

Baltic herrings were what sprung to mind when I thought about Finnish food. Reindeer was another dish I expected to see on the menu but I would have to avoid thinking about Rudolph if I ventured to try it. Frankly, I did not know much about the food in Finland but I was in for an eye-opener.

Finland’s cuisine has its roots in both the East and the West. The Finns are said to like their food and, as I was about to discover, are loyal to their culinary origins. Simple, fresh and local, words that are music to my ears, were what I found to epitomise Finnish cuisine. 

Restaurant Bröd Punavuori

The country is known for its lakes and rivers, and Helsinki is on the coast,  so you would expect fish in abundance. So, too are vegetables and berries. Lingonberries are particularly good here. Bitter and sour on their own, they are great with porridge. You often find them served here with meat balls, a favourite dish. Another speciality has to be the flavoursome rye bread. 

After a day taking in all the sights that Helsinki has to offer, I was looking forward to dinner. I had booked a table at the Bröd Punavuori, the bistro-style restaurant at the Hotel Indigo Helsinki – Boulevard where I was staying. It has a pleasant atmosphere and the service is good.

Arctic char

Like many hotels, the Indigo Helsinki – Boulevard sources local produce so it can be assured of quality. The menu is a cross between Scandinavian and European cuisine with a helping of Helsinkian. 

With a name like Bröd you would expect bread to figure heavily on the menu and it does. But this is no ordinary stuff, the restaurant dishes up delicious locally-baked bread that oozes flavour. The apricot bread was more like cake and the dark rye bread was so delicious that I asked for more. You cannot get such tasty bread back home.

For the starter I went for the raw matured salmon and Skagen salad (a Scandinavian version of a prawn salad) which was delicious.

My waiter told me that the Finns in the summer like fish with new potatoes and some sauce. He suggested that I try the Arctic char, which is similar to salmon but has a more delicate flavour. Served with a wonderful crayfish sauce, this was exquisite.

To accompany my meal I had a glass of crisp, dry riesling from Alsace. With hints of green apples this was a perfect match with the fish. 

There is also a great selection of desserts to tempt you. I chose the selection of mouth-watering sorbets, Granny Smith, blueberry and red currant, served with figs.

I could easily be converted to the food in Finland. I cannot say the same for the climate, long winters and short summers!

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

British Airways flies to Helsinki. Fares start from £45 each way. For more information visit britishairways.com  NB On this Euro Traveller flight BA offers a snack such as a packet of crisps and a bar service

I stayed at the Helsinki – Boulevard which I can highly recommend. Book your stay through IHG Rewards Club to benefit from IHG’s Lowest Price Promise initiative – a guarantee that guests will get the lowest rates when they book directly with IHG. For further information or bookings, visit hotelIndigo.com

Spotlight on Clarins Autumn Make-up Collection

If you love eye shadows then you are going to enjoy the new collection from Clarins. There are 4-Colour Eyeshadow Palettes (£34), Nude, Rosewood, Brown and Oud each comprising four pretty long-wearing shades in a variety of textures including matt, satin and pearlescent which can be worn alone or layered to create your own look, be it subtle or dramatic.

4-Colour Palette

02 Rosewood

A sweep of the new Mascara Supra Volume (£21.50) will complete the look. Clarins has revamped its volumising mascara, so that lashes are not only thickened without being stiff but you do not get any of those dreaded clumps that often appear with this type of mascara.

The mascara is also said to contain a “‘volume booster” which the company claims will help to thicken lashes and with continued use will increase lash volume. It comes in two shades, Intense Black and Intense Brown.

Also worth taking a look at is the new BB Skin Detox Fluid SPF 25 (£30), a hybrid of make-up and skin care which in a flash revitalises the skin. Not only will it make your complexion look better, it will also keep it hydrated and help shield it from pollution as well as giving you UV protection. Nobody would guess you are wearing make-up!

By Daralyn Danns