Defining luxury and style in today’s fast moving world

This is not a paid post.

Your definition of luxury may be taking time out of a busy schedule to take a walk in the park and appreciate nature. To others it could be buying a unique piece that has been crafted with care and precision or taking a holiday to an exotic destination. Whatever your interpretation, luxury is always something that ultimately makes you feel good.

In the naughty nineties we bought into labels. It was a status symbol to have a Prada handbag or that Armani suit. We wore the items as a badge of identity. It was if we were saying that we belonged to a certain exclusive club.

After the crash in 2008, many companies focused on quality and products being hand-made. It was deemed not to be PC to flash labels. Those in the know and who had cash to flash wanted beautiful things that said they were moneyed but did so discreetly. It was not conforming to somebody else’s idea of style.

My hair works for me and the life I lead

“Everybody should be individual,” says mane man Michael Charalambous who tends to the tresses of the rich and famous at his Sloane Square salon in London (nyumbasalon.com). “Style is not just about buying expensive merchandise, it is about how you put it together to reflect your personality.”

He says you should not conform but reflect your own personality. Of course, you need to look contemporary but you should incorporate trends into your style not follow them religiously.

When it comes to hair, it does not matter what fashion dictates it is what works for you and the life you lead. “I always look at a client before I discuss her cut. What works for one person will not necessarily work for another,” says Michael.

He advocates using hair pieces if you want to change your look or want a special style for a wedding or an occasion. “If you have fine hair that you cannot grow long, then a piece will instantly transform you,” he says.

Coco Chanel reportedly said: “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different." It is good advice to heed when combining luxury and style.

By Daralyn Danns

Spotlight on Clinique BIY Blend It Yourself Pigment Drops, £25

This is not a paid post. Products are press samples.

Finding the right BB or CC cream can be difficult. However, thanks to the boffins at Clinique, this job has just been made easier.

By applying a drop or two of its new BIY Blend It Yourself Pigment Drops you can convert your moisturiser into a foundation or just give yourself a hint of a tint, depending on what coverage you like. One drop will give you a healthy no-make-up look whilst three drops will give you a heavier coverage.

What is great about this product is that you can adjust the amount of coverage to meet your skin’s needs.

This is a welcome addition to my make-up collection.

By Daralyn Danns