As a newcomer to the Couch to 5K running app created by the NHS (yes, really), I was in need of some new kit. From hoodies to water bottles and hats to vest tops, Amazing Jane Activewear design and create everything there is to do with fitness. With my runs beginning in December (I know…), I opted for the thermal lined winter leggings in plain black (£40) with a simple Amazing Jane logo at the bottom of the right leg. Designed to flatter women of all ages, they took a bit of tugging on but - once up - were snug enough to stop my wobbly bits from having a field day on the move. I loved the small zip pocket at the back to safely store my house keys, and the side pockets which are perfect for storing, and frequently retrieving, my phone. Thumbs up.
I’m not a false-lash wearer, so when I heard about LVL Lash Lift (45 minutes, £50) – a lash lift and tint that looks altogether more authentic than those drastic falsies (that can drop out in a gust of wind, surely?) - I headed to ESPA at Hale Country Club to give them a whirl. With no reaction to the 24-hour patch test, I put myself in the capable hands of lash expert Hannah who, after sticking my lashes to a curling shield, warned me about the unpleasant whiff of the perming solution. Thankfully this wasn’t as ‘eggy’ as I had anticipated, and I was able to tolerate it during the tinting and conditioning stages. I was impressed with the results: darker, longer and healthier looking lashes that should last around six weeks.
Despite ditching the booze for Dry January, Pinor Noir was still on the menu - albeit in my winter skincare. I was introduced to Kent-based vineyard-to-skin brand Pelegrims during my Grapevine Face & Body Glow treatment (60 mins, £125) at South Lodge. Active polyphenols found in the grape extract - grown in South Lodge’s very own vineyard - are blended with potent seed oils give you a healthier alternative to the post-wine glow. It even helps to reduce redness and relieve stressed-out skin. The freshly-scented Hyaluronic Plump Facial Oil (30ml, £53) - with fig, grass and rose - comes in a frosted green glass bottle; squeeze the glass dropper and massage a few drops of the 2020 Vintage into the face every morning and evening. My forty-something, winter-weathered skin soaked up every last drop, leaving it feeling hydrated, plump and soothed. Cheers to that.
Trace amounts of cannabis have been appearing in drinks and spa products for many years now, with more companies discovering the calming benefits of the ingredient before going on to launch their own ranges. The Centre for Medicinal Studies now sites the CBD market to be larger than that of Vitamin D in the UK. Dermactiva – with its muscle and joint treatments, skin rescue balms and cellulite gels - is the newest kid on the block. I tried the anti-cellulite toning gel (180g, £19.99) – containing menthol, Cannibas seed oil and Shea butter – each morning and night for a month and loved the tingling sensation as it sunk into both thighs. The Warming Muscle Cream (100g, £24.99) – containing hemp seed oil, beeswax and chilli – heated my calves after a run, swim and game of tennis, keeping injury at bay. All Dermactiva products are vegan, cruelty-, gluten- and fragrance-free, too.
Stylish Spy
9th February 2024
Spy Likes:
Minimalist lines; organic products; facial massage; tranquillity; interesting people-watching.
Spy Dislikes:
Discarded towels on loungers; steam rooms that aren't steamy; mobile phones.
