Quick styling tips

It always looks so easy when a hairdresser styles your hair. It seems to be done to perfection within a few minutes. As we all know styling your own hair can be difficult. So, it is always worth picking the brains of your hairdresser to see if they can give you any easy tips and tricks for you adopt at home.

Emma Mitchell at London’s Daniel Galvin salon (danielgalvin.com) is a mine of information. I rate this lady highly. Her blow-dries last and you always leave the salon with a style that looks done but not over styled.

If you are in a hurry try Emma's tip and add a dollop of mousse through the top of your hair and leave to dry naturally. If you have fine, fluffy hair you will need to blow-dry it, but you can do the top and just rough dry the underneath as people won’t notice this area.

“Volume is back,” says Emma. “Some people will need more than others, so take into consideration your face shape and height.” She suggests using a large round bristle brush when styling. They don’t damage the hair as much as heat-retaining ones.”

Another great idea - from her assistant Tyler - is to twist the hair as you are blow-drying. It is easier than using a brush and will give you waves and bring out the natural movement in your hair. “Decide what size sections you want. You can take two large sections or smaller ones if your hair is shorter,” says Emma. “This is an easy look to do at home and is a good look with this season’s clothes.”

By Daralyn Danns

Altis Grand Hotel, Lisbon, Portugal

The glittering lights of Lisbon twinkling in the night lent the city a fairytale air. From the D. Fernando Grill, set on the 12^th floor of the Altis Grand Hotel, I lapped up the sweeping views.

There is something about being in a magical place to celebrate your birthday and this restaurant definitely provides a sense of occasion. A happy collision of formal sophistication and laidback charm, the service is intuitive.  If you want attention, you will get it. If you want to take your time and relax you can.

Attention to detail is impressive. The menu comprises traditional Portuguese dishes, all beautifully presented, that send your taste buds spinning with smells and flavours. I plumped for the hot prawns to start followed by a Dover Sole that was so fresh and succulent  that it would have put many top restaurants to shame.

 The D. Fernando Grill,

Wine lovers will be seduced by the Portuguese wines that have been well chosen. Apparently, the owners of the hotel have won awards for some of the wines they have produced  which is obviously why the selection is so good. 

It is always the little things that make an evening memorable. For me it was the unexpected birthday cake and a bottle of bubbly served to me. This is a hotel that goes out of its way to make you feel loved and wanted.

Walking into the newly refurbished five-star hotel, which is in Lisbon’s business district and few minutes’ walk from the famed Avenida Liberdade, I got the feeling that this was a typical business and conference hotel. How wrong I was. The lovely warm welcome I received on check-in and the invaluable help about the city that I got from guest relations made me feel that each visitor was not a number but somebody to be cherished. The Altis Grand has nailed Portuguese hospitality down perfectly.

The lobby

Rooms are comfortable and modern. My deluxe room, done in a palette of greys, ebony and stainless steel, had a sophisticated pared down feel. There are lovely touches  that mean so much, such as the welcoming message on the TV screen and the mouth-watering pastel de nata, a buttery pastry filled with custard, accompanied by a bottle of mineral water waiting for you on arrival. There is also complimentary Wi-Fi.

The buffet spread at breakfast was rather good offering plenty of goodies to entice you.  And once again exemplary service, a theme that echoes around the hotel. 

Another great plus of this hotel is the free shuttle to and from the airport (has to be booked in advance). 

The Altis Grand blends Portuguese geniality with elegance and charm. What more can you ask for?

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there 

British Airways offers a daily service from London to Lisbon three times weekly from £110 return including taxes and charges. Hand baggage only from £80 return including taxes and charges. To book or for more information visit  www.ba.com/Lisbon  or call 0844 4930787

It is hard to beat BA when it comes to service on short-haul flights

Hotel Altis Grand is a member of Great Hotels of the World Luxury Collection. For best rates and more information or to book visit www.ghotw.com/hotel-altis or call 020 7380 3658

Spotlight on Chanel Vitalumière Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15 with mini kabuki brush

This is definitely a “your skin only better” foundation. Having a superb velvety texture, this innovative powder gives you the finish of a fluid foundation, so you have perfect-looking skin that glows.

The secret is the combination of two powders that meld with the skin’s surface. As it contains canola oil, this new foundation, is also lovely and moisturising. 

You can choose the level of coverage you want. The mini kabuki brush makes application easy. It has been cleverly designed to pick up just the right amount of powder to give you flawless looking skin. If you want more coverage, layer up.

Chanel Vitalumière Loose Powder Foundation SPF 15 with mini kabuki brush may change your make-up routine forever. It comes in five shades and costs £55.

By Daralyn Danns

Made in Italy

With the festive season upon us, there is nothing like a good blow-dry, especially when it is infused with a touch of Italian chic, to make you feel glamorous.

Nicola Verde has recently joined the highly-acclaimed team at the Michael Charalambous (Nyumba) salon in Sloane Square, Chelsea. Coming from Rome, Michael says, this Italian knows the secret of how to do an exceptional, bouncy blow-dry.

According to Michael, reputed to be a favourite of Claudia Winkleman, Nicola is up to speed with the latest styles that fashion gurus require to work with the new winter collections. Fashion designer Lora Gene (genestyle.com) is said to be a fan.

Courtesy of Lora Gene (genestyle.com)

One thing you can be sure of, says Michael, is that Nicola “will never over shampoo your hair, or use too much conditioner in the ends because he likes a blow-dry to last. He believes that products such as gels and mousses only attract dust and fluff.”

Before commencing your blow-dry, Nicola will decide how much volume you need. If your hair is really fine, he will use a smaller brush as well as some small rollers to add lift.

Another trick he uses is to finish his styling with different size brushes. This, says Michael achieves different textures. A no-no for the man from Rome is not to use hair-spray (or at least very rarely) because he thinks that good  preparation is the key to success.

Judging by the picture of Lora’s hair, this is a hairdresser worth trying.

By Daralyn Danns

A blow-dry with Nicola starts from £45, For more info visit  www.nyumbasalon.com

Hair colour to dye for

With autumn upon us, it was time to visit the renowned Daniel Galvin salon and put my tresses into the hands of the colour genius that is Daisy Twyman.

Over the summer my colour had faded and was throwing up too much gold. I discussed with Daisy the possibility of going darker and taking out the blonde bits. I also wanted to keep my hair looking natural which can be hard when you only use one shade. But I knew that if anybody could do it, it would be Daisy.

She said she would make my hair richer and deeper, a good look for winter. “We will keep the hairline lighter as this is more flattering and gives the face an instant lift.”

Daisy’s tip to make the transition from summer to autumn is to work with the hues that are in your hair and add some warmth or richness – which does not necessarily mean red. Nor does going richer equate to going darker. 

If you have highlights that have been over-bleached by the sun, she advises toning them down. You could also think about adding some warmer hues for winter. If you have red hair, you may want to ask your colourist to adapt the formula and make it slightly deeper. It is also a good idea to get your hair cut first so that your colourist  can work with your style.

Whatever the trend, your colour should work with your skin tone and suit you. Before you alter it, you should also consider your wardrobe and make-up. Even changing your tresses by a fraction of a shade can have a dramatic impact on them. If you are happy with what you have already you don’t have to change it because it is autumn. 

My hair was amazing. I never thought Daisy could improve what had been the best colour I had had in years. I was so happy to be proved wrong. In photographs, the tones were better. Also it has opened up more options when I go clothes shopping.

I was also going to be having a couple of late autumn breaks, so it will be interesting to see how it fares after a dose of sun.

After a great blow-dry from Emma Mitchell, I was ready to face the world.

By Daralyn Danns

Daniel Galvin (www.danielgalvin.com)

Hotel Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade, Lisbon, Portugal

Saint Jorge Castle and Lisbon

Sounds of jazz wafted through the air as I walked into the chic Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade. I knew immediately that I had arrived somewhere special.

French savoir-fare fused with the laid-back, gregarious charm of Lisbon, this five-star hotel encapsulates the spirit of the city giving it a local flavour that makes it stand out from the crowd. It is one of those unique places that is welcoming and instantly makes you feel as if you belong.

The immaculate décor exudes good taste. Dark woods accented with red and gold contrast sharply with marble sculptures and pay homage to Portugal’s golden era, evoking memories of its Renaissance African and Eastern discoveries. The Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade has fashioned a look that is luxurious and contemporary.

A complete respite from the hustle and bustle of the shops and cafés that pepper the Avenida da Liberdade, arguably Lisbon’s, most prestigious street, this 163-roomed hotel  is one of those rare places you don’t want to leave. 

The cosy lounge bar is the perfect setting to refuel with an espresso after a morning’s shopping or to linger over an aperitif or a glass of port in the evening. Art lovers will want to flick through the selection of books to be found here.

I loved the AdLib restaurant and so too apparently do locals and tourists alike as it was buzzing. It is definitely the place to be on a Saturday night.

This is a restaurant that achieves the wow factor not just with its nod to Portuguese traditions and culture and superb food but also with its friendly and efficient staff that  always seem to go that extra mile.

The menu serves up dishes with French flair bursting with Portuguese flavours that make it seem you are tasting food for the very first time. I had the bacalhau, (cod) which came with a selection of fresh vegetables. Washed down with a glass of Portuguese wine (this country has some great wines, many not available in the UK). This was a simple but most memorable meal.

Reception and lounge bar

For breakfast, the restaurant takes on a completely different vibe. The buffet is great, offering a good variety of dishes. My waiter topped up my coffee without having to be asked. It’s a good place to unwind and watch the world go by.  

After a strenuous day of sightseeing there is nothing more inviting than a bed that you just want to jump into. I defy you not to have a good night’s sleep. The exclusive “My Bed” sleep has taken comfort to a whole new level.

My gorgeous suite had almost a sanctuary-like atmosphere. Time and effort has been put into it. Clad in soothing colours of beiges and browns with a hint of black, it had all the state-of-the-art amenities that your could heart could desire. 

Luxury is in the small touches. A plate of delicious Portuguese pastries was waiting to tempt me when I arrived. A most thoughtful and appreciated gesture.

From my balcony, which was bigger than my London flat, I watched the sun’s dying rays light up Saint Jorge Castle.

I called this hotel home for one night, I only wish it could have been longer.

By Daralyn Danns

Getting there

British Airways offers a daily service from London to Lisbon three times weekly from £110 return including taxes and charges. Hand baggage only from £80 return including taxes and charges. To book or for more information visit  www.ba.com/Lisbon or call 0844 4930787

Such a lovely way to fly. Relax with a drink and snack and before you know where you are you have arrived in Lisbon.

Hotel Sofitel Lisbon Liberdade  Rates from €162 per night. Prices are subject to change. For more information and the best rates visit www.sofitel.com