Whether it’s the finishing touch, an on-the-go instant refresh, or part of a whole new style for you, a good shade of lipstick can do wonders. Here are our current top 5:

For a girly pout…

We can’t get enough of Glossier’s Generation G in ‘Like’. Its sheer matt, soft powder pink colour is perfect for a casual day look. Buy it here

For super high-shine…

A barely there colour with a glassy sheen is very on trend and will make any look more directional. Try ‘Ibiza Nights’ by Charlotte Tilbury for a long-lasting laquer. Buy it here

For the nudists…

Subtle and paired-back, nude and peachy tones are having a moment – and leave you open to pair with natural, barely-there eye make-up, or something much stronger. Bare Minerals Gen nude Radiant Lipstick has a brilliant range of colours. Buy them here

For classic red…

Resilient to the trends that come and go, we encourage everyone to invest in a great red lipstick. Get the tone right for you and it’s a red hot look for any occasion. Chanel’s Rouge Allure in ‘Pirate’ is a classic. Buy it here

For something different…

Stand out with a bold colour that breaks free from the traditional tones. MAC’s ‘Bright Plum’ Matte is a good entry point. Buy it here

The post Kiss me quick appeared first on Beach Tomato.

Ahhh, that much-admired freshly sun-kissed look after a beach escape… the silver lining to switching off your out of office and replying to hundreds of emails. But it’s an all-too fleeting feature with traces of sun, fun and relaxation usually disappearing as fast as reality sets back in.

Luckily the Beach Tomato team have discovered a beauty secret to extend the holiday vibes and keep your skin looking peachy. Enter the ‘Oxygen Essential’ facial at One Aldwych. 60 minutes of blissful revitalisation for jet-lagged skin, purifying and oxygenating to make you look as radiant and fresh as you did on those morning beach swims. This treatment could be deemed a luxury, but for the travel–lovers out there (that’s most of you then!), we’d agree with One Aldwych that it’s more of an (oxygen) essential…

To find out more or book an Oxygen Essential, visit the One Aldwych spa website

The post Your post-holiday essential appeared first on Beach Tomato.

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It’s an exciting time to be a woman. With woman’s rights hitting the headlines, the feminist movement calling out inequalities and more and more women rallying together and taking powerful roles in shaping our future – this is the moment for women to take charge of their lives and stand in the spotlight. And what better way to start than with that ultimate symbol of feminity – our hair.

So we caught up with one women who is determined to give you great hair; trichologist Anabel Kingsley. She’s taken the helm of her father’s company and clinic, the legendary hair guru Philip Kingsley, after he sadly passed away suddenly last year. Now Anabel is taking everything she’s learned since, and is even more determined to continue to help men and women alike take control of their hair care regime and make a positive impact on their lives.

Why great hair DOES matter, with Anabel Kingsley

Why is looking after your hair so important?

It’s hard to put into words how hair can affect your mood – it can ruin your day or make you feel a million dollars.

Hair has more psychological importance to us than anything else – there is no comparison. Especially for women. Good hair signifies heath. It’s sexy. It’s part of your femininity. You could be wearing no make-up at all but if your hair looks good it trumps everything. It’s so important.

Have you always had great hair?

I have a tumultuous relationship with my hair. When I was young up until my late teens my hair was great – long and beautiful. I paid attention to it but really took it for granted. But because of my work, people are always looking at my hair now, so I make sure to take good care of it.

When did you make the decision to join your father’s company?

It wasn’t something that I thought about until my early 20s. I moved to New York to find out what I wanted to do – at the time I was writing music and singing and working part-time at Soho House, it was fun but the hours were crazy! So I asked Dad if I could work part-time at the New York clinic, purely for the money to continue singing. But then I just fell in love with the company.

What is it that you liked?

I found everything so interesting. Not just the products but the holistic approach – being able to help people. At the clinic, it’s so much more than just a consultation, we take blood tests, we help people analyse deeply into their lifestyle. There’s so much to learn and I loved watching people leave feeling more confident, seeing their improvements. We love to get people’s hair in the best condition.

What was it like working with your father?

Dad was charming and funny; always making practical jokes in the office and stocking the bathrooms of friends with our products when coming over to visit. It’s was quite difficult after Dad died. He’s everywhere in the company and that’s amazing, but I would also break down sometimes. But the fact that he’s everywhere in my life, my name, my business, my legacy – I feel that he’s still here for me. Even though I miss him so much. It’s a comfort to me that he’s still all around me.

How does it feel to be carrying on that legacy?

I would never use the words I’m ‘filling my dad’s shoes’ because no one can. He was a force in himself. His knowledge spans over 50 years and he put trichology on the map (the medical and cosmetic study of hair). I put a lot of pressure on myself to live up to the standards he would have held himself. Like keeping track of the science and studies. Things are always changing and I’m relatively young in terms of business, so I’ve studied hard to make sure I have proper weight to my press. I’m also really lucky to have a great team supporting me.

It’s hard to put into words how hair can affect your mood – it can ruin your day or make you feel a million dollars.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Helping people feel more confident. Some people come in very distressed, so it’s exciting for me to know that they will see a difference and feel confident again. It’s amazing to be part of that.

And the most challenging?

Building trust from a bad experience. A lot of people go to see specialists who have given them the wrong advice which can be frustrating. If they haven’t had the results, then they arrive disenchanted or sceptical. It is difficult to rebuild that trust.

What is the weirdest hair care myth you’ve heard?

That hair cleans itself!  You need to wash your hair every day, just like you would wash your face or have a shower.

The memorable moment of your career so far?

Getting my Award of Excellence for my Trichology degree. They keep the awards a surprise until you graduate. Dad was there and when they announced my award he was really proud. It was an amazing feeling that all the hard work had paid off – for myself, and for my father.

The best hair tip you’ve picked up?

Eat well. If you’re on a crash diet or not eating well then your hair is the first to take the hit. Make sure you eat a well-balanced, healthy diet full of protein, complex carbs and good fats.

Your evening hair look – up or down?

I like keep it down and very natural. But if I have a photoshoot then I’ll go for big bouncy hair! I’ll walk around all day in rollers because they give really great body. I once walked down Oxford Street with them in and got some weird looks – but in New York City no one would bat an eye-lid.

Any hair horror stories?

If I try to blow dry my hair myself, that can go REALLY wrong.

What do you see as the next big hair trend?

The wellbeing of hair. People are taking a more holistic approach, especially to scalp care. We’ve been focussing on it from the beginning but people are really realising your scalp is your skin, and deserves to be looked after as much as your face and body.

Your haircare regime should be just like a skincare regime. You should use a scalp toner, wash and condition it every day.

The one hair product you couldn’t live without?

It has to be the Elasticizer! My father invented it especially for Audrey Hepburn. It penetrates hair deeply with moisture which means bouncy, smooth hair. I don’t want to lie – I’ve of course tried other products to see what’s out there. My Dad made sure we only had Kingsley hair products in our house. So when I was 12 I used to get so excited about a sleepover at a friend’s house so I could use their shampoo and conditioner! But I always ended up being disappointed – they just don’t compare!

Do you have a hair care routine?

Your haircare regime should be just like a skincare regime. You should use a scalp toner, wash and condition it every day. Plus use a treatment like Elasticizer twice a week. Plus take supplements like Iron and Zinc.

Any hair icons?

Audrey Hepburn – she had really long hair similar to mine and made sure it always looked gorgeous and shiny. Or Claudia Schiffer!

The best career advice you’ve received?

Don’t care what people think. Care about your reputation and what your customers think of you, but don’t be pushed around – stick to your guns. You can’t please everyone.

Finally, if you weren’t a trichologist, what would you be doing?

I’d like to say still singing, but more likely I’d be a chef. I have a Le Cordon Bleu degree and I’m really interested in health and nutrition. Or perhaps another medical profession, I really enjoy helping people. Maybe I’ll still go on to do that sometime in the future.

Words by Nicole Harley

The post Anabel Kingsley, the woman determined to help you get great hair appeared first on Beach Tomato.

You’ve booked the trip, you’ve upped your fitness regime and refreshed your beach wardrobe. In the last few weeks before you jet off, let the fun begin as you pamper yourself in preparation. No need to feel guilty – this is just part and parcel of the holiday experience. So sit back and enjoy while expert practitioners and products help you channel your inner Gisele. Here are some treatments we’ve tested recently.

Shona tests Le Salon

Whipping around my flat clearing away the detritus of the week, I was questioning the ease of my Le Salon at-home manicure appointment. Le Salon nail therapists come directly to you, booked via their free app. Operating in London Zones 1 and 2, the slick service lets you squeeze in a lunchtime manicure at work or book in some evening pampering at home. I opted for the latter before jetting off on holiday the next morning.

Bang on time at 8.30pm, my nail therapist arrived. Victoria came armed with plenty of Shellac shades to choose from, allowing me to ‘hmm’ and ‘ahh’ with absolute patience, until I finally opted for a beach-friendly candyfloss pink.

Over the next 45 minutes, I was treated to careful filing and cuticle treatment, meticulous colour application and soothing hand cream as a finishing touch. All this, in the comfort of my own living room, with a glass of wine and my own Spotify playlist humming away in the background. You could easily catch up on a box set, flip through a magazine or just enjoy some dedicated quiet time during your appointment.

For slipping in some quick pampering before heading off on holiday, Le Salon is a godsend. “Mani, pedi, tickets, passport” could easily become your new pre-travel mantra with this oh-so-‘handy’ service. Excuse the pun.

Oonagh tests The Health Club, One Aldwych

For the ultimate beach body prep – and a seriously indulgent 90 minutes – I was tasked with trialling the Citrus Experience at The Health Club. What better way to get into holiday mode than a top-to-toe treatment that leaves your mind clear and your body buffed?

Through the grand hotel lobby of One Aldwych and down to the tranquillity of the Health Club below, after wrapping up in a spa robe, I was given a water infusion as my therapist established how to tailor the treatment to me. With neglected limbs after months in hiding, and an exhausted face from the general juggle of work with motherhood, a selection of Natura Bisse products were chosen to restore order. From the deeply nourishing facial, to a purifying body scrub, and sumptuous massages along the way, every minute of the 90 pushed me further away from the daily grind. I emerged feeling more relaxed, looking more radiant and smelling delicious. If only this could be a weekly ritual…

Nicole tests Aveda Lifestyle Salon & Spa, Holborn

I wax lyrical to anyone who’ll listen about the importance of self-care, but I admit that I don’t really give my feet the care and attention they justly deserve for ferrying me around a busy city all the time. So I jumped at the chance to try out a pedi at Aveda’s Holborn outpost.

Clad in floor-to-ceiling glass and spanning three floors, Aveda clearly designed their Holborn salon and spa with the city-chic woman in mind, but behind the high gloss lies a wellness ethos (think chakra balancing body mists and botanical hair treatments) – so basically, if you care about what goes in or onto your body, this is the salon for you.

I was a bit nervous at the thought of someone tasked with the job of buffing my neglected feet into holiday-worthy health, but the lovely nail technician made me feel at complete ease, helping me choose the perfect aromas and nail colour to bring my tired toes back to life. She brought over my Turmeric Latte (ordered from the on-site café and restaurant) and we were soon chatting away about Love Island (my guilty pleasure) and summer beach plans. It’s worth noting that the restaurant, Le Pain Quotidien, had plenty on the menu including Vegan Detox Bowls, Spelt and Quinoa Scones and Raw Chocolate Cakes—if I’d had my girlfriends with me I’d have been happy swapping a night out for a pampering treat together followed by a bite and a glass of organic vino.

60 minutes of soaking, buffing and soothing later, I looked down at my perfectly polished lilac nails and baby soft heels and felt instantly more chic, cared-for and itching to show off my beach-ready toes – clearly the confidence boost you get after giving your feet the pampering they merit cannot be underestimated. I’ll be adding ‘happy feet’ to my holiday prepping self-care routine from now on.

The post Tried & Tested: Pre-Flight Beauty Rituals appeared first on Beach Tomato.

We all dread the post-holiday blues, the jetlag and the unread emails, not to mention the never ending pile of laundry that brings us firmly back to reality after a dreamy beach getaway. I’m afraid we can’t solve the laundry problem, or reply to your emails for that matter, but we have got one way to make easing yourself back into real life just that bit easier.

Thai Square Spa, conveniently located in Trafalgar Square, offers an hour of tranquillity in the form of the post flight serenity massage where expert therapists use secret massage techniques to release the muscle and joint tension resulting from long-haul travel, reducing swelling in the feet and legs and encouraging healthy blood circulation. Not only do you feel unbelievably relaxed and rejuvenated following this massage but it’s actually good for you too, better book in for the health benefits, right?

Despite being in the heart of a bustling city, once through the large glass doors, you feel miles from anywhere. Soothing spa tunes and candle light create an atmosphere of complete Zen. Once robed, and slippers on, you are escorted to relaxation rooms where fresh tea is served on tap and a vast selection of magazines provide celeb gossip in abundance. In our opinion, no massage is long enough, we could lie there for days, but it is safe to say this one hour of pampering really does make you feel like a new person – relaxed and no longer in that stiff from travel, zombie-like, jetlagged state.

We can’t recommend this treatment highly enough, it is perfect post-touchdown and you’ll leave ready to crack on with the real world you’d left behind, but also probably thinking about how soon you can squeeze in another getaway.

Book your post-holiday massage at Thai Square Spa here.

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