Spotlight on Rahua Voluminous Dry Shampoo

I put my hands up and admit to not liking dry shampoos. On my dark hair they normally leave a residue and I also feel as if they, in general, do not leave you with lovely clean hair.

However, the other day I had to go out in a hurry and did not have time to wash and style my hair. I remembered that I had a sample of Rahua’s Voluminous Dry Shampoo (£30, net-a-porter.com) in my cupboard. So this was a good opportunity to put it to the test.

I diligently followed the instructions and for “sexy and tousled” (actually my hair was already tousled, though I might not have described it as sexy) applying it throughout my hair using my fingers to work it in and fluff it up.

The results were pretty impressive. My locks had some va-va voom and did not look as if I needed to put them under the shower. The dry shampoo had got rid of the excess oil and dirt which I put down to the cosmetic clay and Cassava root (reputed to have been used by the Amazonians for thousands of years) which the product contains.  

The Rahua line is made from what the company claims are 100 per cent natural and  ingredients. 

By Daralyn Danns

Spotlight on Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40

If you like a base that gives you a medium coverage, that offers a high protection broad spectrum sunscreen, is loaded with antioxidants and also delivers a flawless sheen, try the recently-launched Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation SPF 40 (£29).

 

The silky foundation, which also acts as a treatment, is best suited to those with normal to dry skins. It comes in a glass bottle so you may not want to carry it around with you, but as it does tend to stay put, and, on me, did not settle into fine lines, this should not be a problem. 

I like the lavender fragrance but if you are sensitive to perfumes it may not be for you. As you would expect from Bobbi, the choice of colours is superb.  

By Daralyn Danns

Does colouring your hair make you look younger?

The summer had played havoc with my hair. Bursts of sun and more frequent washing had once again left my tresses looking too yellow. As this is not particularly flattering on my skin tone, I quickly got an appointment with Josie Weston at Daniel Galvin, the go-to salon for colour.

Josie agreed that the current hue was not doing me any favours. She told me she was going to tone it down and add a tad more dark (shade 5) to the ends as they had really faded.

As I looked round the salon, there were a lot of people there to cover up the greys. I admit to being one of them as I do have some of those annoying white things that seem to stand out dramatically against the rest of the dark brown.

A hairdresser that I had been working with suggested that I should go with nature and let it take me where it takes me. Not long ago the Duchess of Cambridge had been photographed with a few stray greys. So I put the question to Liz Edmonds, colour director, and Josie: when is the right time to go grey and who can pull it off?

“There is not a right or wrong time,” says Liz. “If you are confident and dress fashionably you can carry it off. You also need to have a good haircut such as a bob and always keep it looking immaculate.”

But here is the punch line: “There is no doubt about it, grey hair will make you look 10 years older,” stresses Liz.

A family member of Josie’s decided to go grey because she could not be bothered with the upkeep. She found that she was having to have her roots redone every couple of weeks. 

“It did make her look older and dowdy. There is no doubt about it,” says Josie. Luckily, she was not bothered by other people’s opinions. However, after five years, she called me up and asked to make an appointment as she wanted to go back to being a brunette.”

Josie did an amazing job on my locks. I emerged a stunning shade that has since been admired by other hairdressers, which is praise indeed. 

I love my natural colour which is almost black, so like a lot of women, I will continue scheduling in visits to the salon to mask those little blighters for as long as possible.

By Daralyn Danns

Daniel Galvin (www.danielgalvin.com)

Daniel Galvin has recently opened a new salon in Abingdon Road, Kensington, London. Housed in a period building it provides the perfect backdrop for Daniel Gavin’s highly-acclaimed colour and hairdressing services. Visit www.danielgalvin.com

The Kameha Spa at the Kameha Grand Zűrich

Gazing at the Alps while taking in the fresh air from the Kameha Spa’s rooftop terrace seemed such a far cry from my usual daily grind of navigating the fumes of London’s West End. This was the perfect spot to engage in a little quiet contemplation and unwind before having my beauty treatment.

The Kameha Grand hotel achieves the wow factor with its quirkiness and clever design so I expected its spa to be equally scintillating. Yes, this is an establishment that knows the meaning of the word luxury.  

Being tired and not looking my best, I was in dire need of some serious pampering. This sanctuary for mind and body was the ideal prescription to restore me to mint condition. Saunas, steam baths and well-kitted out treatment rooms with a superb lounge where you can chill-out on relaxation beds sipping tea or munching on fruit, what is not to like?

Chill-out on relaxation beds

The spa team, like everybody else in the hotel, is passionate about service. Its mission is to ensure you have the best experience possible. Looking at the array of wellness and beauty treatments on offer, I was spoilt for choice. I was tempted by the Signature Treatment of Mountain Herbs, a full body massage using Mountain Herbs Body Oil. A facial rounds off the two-hour session. 

However, with time being of the essence and my neglected hands and feet needing some TLC, I chose the classic manicure and pedicure. Not only did I emerge looking a great deal more glamorous, I was also revitalised as both included some much-needed massage for my tired and aching limbs.

After getting rid of hard skin and getting my nails into ship-shape condition, my excellent therapist Linda chose a pretty light mocha colour by Alessandro, a luxury nail and hand-care brand, which suited my skin tone.  

Also impressive are the beauty products that have been selected to reflect Swiss luxury such as Spa Manufactur which uses herbs, flowers and oils from the Alps, and for men, Artemis of Switzerland, renowned for its combination of high-tech and nature.  

Have a steam bath

I had been wickedly enticed by the Kameha Grand’s rather extravagant breakfast which offered a wide array of dishes including smoked salmon, a vast selection of Swiss cheeses, cold meats and delicious breads and pastries. So, after stuffing myself to the limit, I really should have been heading for the Fitness Power House to try out the latest in workout equipment.

But I was on holiday and as my feet had been restored to their peak, a gentle stroll discovering Zurich was my choice of activity. Not too energetic and definitely therapeutic.

In the evening, I returned to the spa for the Rooftop Summer Party. The terrace where I had been admiring the view earlier was the ideal venue to hold a soirée. 

The music playing, the fizz flowing and scrumptious canapés to munch on, I listened intently to guests, mainly people who lived near-by, telling me how they spend weekends sunbathing on the terrace and getting rejuvenated at this haven of serenity.

I could feel myself turning a little green. To be able to come here on a regular basis to ease the stresses and strains of everyday life made me a tad envious. Unfortunately, London was calling me back.

By Daralyn Danns  

Getting there

British Airways currently flies from London City to Zurich up to 4 times a day. Each-way hand baggage only fares are available from £69 (based on a return hand baggage only fare) and are available to book on www.ba.com/londoncity

 

(In addition BA has services from Heathrow with connections also available from across the UK and Ireland.)

All British Airways fares include online check-in 24 hours before departure, complimentary refreshments and drinks on board and no debit card charges

Customers have a quick and easy journey through the Docklands airport, with hand baggage it takes just 15 minutes to get from kerbside to airside

Kameha Grand Zurich (Tel: +41 44 525 5000 Email: zuerich@kameha.com Website: www.kamehagrandzuerich.com) offers accommodation in the heart of Zurich. Rates start from £225 per room (per night). Visit the website for more information about the spa and packages