The Beauty Director’s edit: October 2019

Testing out Cryotherapy | Apogii Clinic in Notting Hill, from £80

Cryo-what? Yep, Cryotherapy, the ice therapy used by Olympians and athletes, has arrived in London.

The Apogii Clinic in Notting Hill has the first medical-grade chamber called the Icelab (think giant freezer) and standing inside for three minutes, at -110°C, half-naked except for the rubber shoes, is said to boost metabolism, release endorphins, stimulate recovery and healing.

After entering the chamber, the sensations of a slight icy breeze, that develops into more of a blizzard, tingles the skin, and provoke jogging on the spot feeling like an extra from Dr Zhivago, minus the furs. Three minutes somehow fly by with the help of a countdown, engagement and encouragement from the Apogii therapist watching from a window.

After emerging from the freezer in a cloud of icy fog, I feel euphoric, awakened and invigorated and remarkably, and as somebody who couldn’t even do the ‘ice bucket challenge’ I'm sold and cant wait to go and chill again.

​Trying a new skin super balm | Jalue Velvytt Skin Treat, £52

As the weather changes, so does my skincare regime. I’m trying to remedy post-summer damage combined with the dehydrating effects of a very British autumn.

I’ve long been raving about the benefits of bee-related products, so this new launch certainly appeals. It’s a rich, unctuous balm, concocted from an ancient recipe originating from a herbal doctor who used to reside up a northern Azerbaijan mountain. It contains masses of propolis, which means its antioxidant properties are a skin win that completely calmed my dermis and boosted glow and hydration, so fine lines have thus been reduced. Plus it smells divine.

​Going sober for (some of) October | Æcorn Aperitifs, £19.99

Even though I have a weakness for a cocktail or two and a nice glass of grape, I also like to embrace great non-alcoholic offerings as a healthier alternative. The people who brought us Seedlip have just launched Æcorn Aperitifs, inspired by 17th-century herbal remedies – my favourite is the Dry, a chamomile, herbal infusion that’s great when mixed with tonic and plenty or fresh lemon or lime to give you that ahhh Friday-feeling without the fuzzy head the next day. Plus, it’s perfect if you’re signing up to Go Sober for October.

Finding a new foundation | Burberry Matte Glow Liquid Foundation, £35

I’m not usually a fan of matte. Mid-40s skin can look a little flat and feel dry. However, I’ve been road-testing this new foundation and although ‘matte’ and ‘glow’ seem a little contradictory, the formula does manage to minimise shine while upping the radiance factor. (Apparently, it's all down to some high-tech spherical powders combined with emollients.) It’s super-easy to blend in and imparts a luminous refined, non-drying finish that lasts through an entire work day in London.

​Shopping for a dark lipstick | Gucci Beauty Rouge à Levres Satin in Crystal Black, £34

I’m moving over to the dark side and testing the latest crop of vampy lipsticks, just in time for Halloween. These provide an easy transformation, without prosthetics or fancy dress and scream stylish-not-scary if you’re planning a sophisticated (fright) night out.

​Opting for healthy on-the-go snacks | Swiss Me Start Me x 8 pouches, from £14.99

These just landed on my desk and, so far, I’m super-impressed. They don’t need refrigeration until opened, keep you satisfied until lunch and also taste delicious. Plus they don’t upset my somewhat unpredictable digestion and are helping to beat the post-summer-of-gluttony bloat. Oh, and the pouches are entirely recyclable.

PS…

Don’t miss my edit of the best in beauty for Breast Cancer Awareness month too...click here

Sarah Joan Ross

Culture Whisper Beauty Director