Spotlight on Baccarat Rouge 540 by Maison Francis Kurkdjian Paris

When Baccarat, the legendary crystal brand, wanted to create its own fragrance, it turned to the esteemed nose Francis Kurkdjian to conjure up a scent that would epitomise the brand.  

The result of this partnership was Baccarat Rouge 540, so-called because 540C is the temperature that molten crystal mixed with 24-carat gold powder has to reach to metamorphose into Baccarat’s fabled red. 

This gorgeous scent was first launched two years ago in 250 numbered crystal bottles costing £3,000 each. The fragrance was so loved that it has been given new impetus. You can now buy it in the Maison Francis Kurkdjian signature bottle for £195 in leading department stores such as Selfridges. 

A subtle woody, amber floral fragrance laced with ambergris which Francis says gives it notes of minerality (in other words the essence of rocks and stones), it is the quintessence of sophistication. 

Every time I wear Baccarat Rouge 540, I always get stopped and asked what I am wearing as it is so lovely. 

By Daralyn Danns

Spotlight on Vita Coco Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has been lauded as an effective beauty essential, having a wide range of uses from moisturising the skin, taking off make-up to taming frizzy hair. 

Anything that is said to be multi-tasking, let alone helping to eliminate the “candy floss hair look” is worth trying. 

Having liked the coconut water by Vita Coco, I decided to give its organic, raw, extra-virgin, cold-pressed oil (250ml from £5.99, Selfridges) a whirl. Packed with anti-oxidants, could this jar really be a beauty hero?

After warming up a little up in my hands to liquefy it, I then applied this gorgeously scented elixir to the ends of my hair, put on a plastic shower cap and left it for half an hour. You can leave it on overnight, if you have particularly thick and unruly hair. 

Wash with your regular shampoo and use a conditioner afterwards to smooth the cuticle. Coconut oil is said to be the only oil that actually penetrates the hair. Most hair products only coat the surface and rinse away when you shampoo. Using it can benefit the hair by helping to make it stronger. 

After suffering from a nasty virus doing the rounds, my hair was not in the greatest of condition. When I started to style my locks, I saw and felt the difference immediately. The mirror image flashing back at me showed a healthy, glossy head of hair. I had no flyaways, just sleek and smooth tresses. I have fine strands, albeit a lot of them, but this oil did not weigh my hair down nor did it feel greasy. 

You can also use it to tame any frizzy bits you have the next day. Just pop some on to your hair before you put on your shower cap and when you come out, as if by magic, your hair is lovely and straight again. This is definitely going to be a part of my regime from now on.  

I have also discovered other uses for it. It is great for treating dry hands and feet, especially rough heels and as a lip balm. With any left on my fingers I use it as a highlighter on my cheekbones and to keep my eyebrows groomed.  

You will probably find plenty of other ways Vita Coco Coconut Oil can benefit your beauty regime, so if you are not already hooked, you probably soon will be.

By Daralyn Danns