The Beauty Director’s edit: December 2019

EXPERIENCING THE KEGEL THRONE AT HARVEY NICHOLS

Intimate health is something of an au courant dinner-table topic (rather than confined to the surgery chair). Statistics are suggesting over 68% of women over the age of 40 are experiencing pelvic issues – and we're now talking about it.

So, feeling ever-so 'Gwynnie', I'm sitting on the Kegel Throne (read high-tech chair) in Harvey Nichols that delivers 11,000 super-charged pelvic floor exercises to my nether regions to internally tone and tighten in just 28 minutes.

Beforehand, I was apprehensive that I might have a When Harry Met Sally moment, but the chair is non-invasive, I'm fully clothed and it's a sedate and comfortable experience, with just a slight pulling sensation and rhythmic tingle.

According to the brand that produces the Kegel Throne, BTL Emsella, there is a 95% success rate with testers, and if one session is anything to go by, I'm feeling a little stronger and more resilient than before.

At the same time, I'm wearing a light-therapy mask on my face, to enjoy an uplifting dose of LED to super-boost cells. I undoubtedly look a complete weirdo – but feel like both skin cells and pelvic floor have had a thorough workout.

From £175 for a combination of Kegel Throne and LED Light Therapy at Harvey Nichols.

​BUYING UP BEAUTY BAUBLES FOR CHRISTMAS

Who doesn't love a mini beauty product? And it's even better when it's packaged in something Christmassy and you can hang it from a tree.

I'm buying up Floral Street’s Wild Vanilla Orchid Christmas Bauble, £24, a yummy, creamy, floral scent – and the gold packaging will look beautiful on most trees. Aromatherapy Associates Forever Evergreen Bath & Shower Oil, £10, is a calming and cleansing oil that will revive the most jaded of Christmas souls and is a bargain at just £10. Both are perfect to give or receive.

​TESTING OUT A NEW WELLNESS MACHINE

Feeling foggy, sluggish, or rundown? Me too.

But thankfully, some time spent with Sana Khan, Nutrition Consultant at the new Avicenna Wellbeing Clinic, got to the bottom of my fatigue in seconds.

She uses a diagnostic tool called the Oligoscan Test, a handheld machine that, when pointed at the palm, reads actual tissue levels of minerals and heavy metals present in the body.

The results are analysed on the spot and any problems are tackled with practical advice on how to bring your body back into balance. She also offers health shots and IV drips along with brilliant aesthetic face and body treats too.

From £250 per session.

​COSYING UP WITH A YUYU

I'm not sure if it’s the plummeting temperatures or CW's fantastic guide to Scandi living – but I'm getting hygge with it this month and cosying up with the super-duper (and super-long) YuYu hot water bottle.

Coming in at 81cm long, it snakes around you, spreading the warmth, and has a useful strap so you can go hands-free when wearing it too. Great for inducing feelings of snugness, along with relieving symptoms of conditions from PMS to arthritis as well as muscle aches and pains.

And if you're in any doubt a hot water bottle is for grannies only the YuYu is left for VIP guests at The Four Seasons, The Mandarin Oriental and The Ritz, and has made it into Harrods hall of fame – and is in their top 20 selling products.

Rest assured, it's also made from ethically sourced, biodegradable natural rubber – so you can relax and recline with one of the oldest soothing wellness remedies there is – heat. Ahhhhhhh.

From £15 for the bottle with lovely Liberty-print, cashmere and cotton covers.

​UPPING MY ORAL GAME

I'm rinsing with the yummy tasting and antibacterial Concentrated Violet Mouthwash from Floris, £40. It comes in a glass bottle and not only sweetens and freshens breath with the violet and minty scent – it's an eco-alternative to the regular (and ugly) plastic offerings from your local supermarket.

I'm also polishing my pearly-whites with a toothbrush that is inspired by Japanese culture and powered by LED lights to create ions that suppress bacteria, offering a deeper clean. You can charge it quickly via a USB cable and it's super quiet, lightweight, and a complete pleasure to include in my daily cleansing ritual.

ION-Sei Electric Toothbrush, £129

PS…

Don’t miss my advice on how to buy the gift of fragrance this Christmas – there are invaluable tips and tricks on perfume purchases for the festive season. Click here

Sarah Joan Ross

Culture Whisper Beauty Director