Tales From The Chair - May

Your monthly round up of everything I’ve been discovering and sharing with clients, straight from the salon chair . . .

This month I’ve been enjoying a whole host of new beauty products for hair and skin.

My beloved Estee Lauder Double Wear Light foundation was discontinued (the replacement completely different and no where near as nice) and so the hunt began for a new go-to. My best replacement so far - Korean skincare brand Erborian’s Super BB cream. A 50/50 skincare and make-up hybrid, it’s lightweight but full coverage so conceals imperfections, redness and dark spots with ease. The thing to know about this product is that a little goes a very long way. I like to dot it sparingly on to a well hydrated face, right after I apply my sunscreen so that theres a little bit of slip on the skin to help blend it all in seamlessly and the glow from the sunscreen comes through to prevent it looking too matte. It’s available in 5 shades and comes in a handy 15 ml travel size (£18.50) and 40ml full size (£39.50)

Next up, the new nourishing shine drops (£19) from celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Van Ness’s brand JVN, have made their way into my kit because the texture is sublime. An oil that feels like water, they make hair feel silky smooth and glossy without leaving any heavy residue. Perfect for people who don’t really like to use product in their hair. As with most haircare, apply to mid lengths and ends only, stay clear of the roots. Oh and they smell amazing too!

My current favourite moisturiser of choice for Summer is Sunday Riley’s new launch CEO Afterglow, brightening, Vitamin C gel cream. (£60) Bright yellow due to the inclusion of super anti-oxidant Lutein (marigold) which helps to naturally protect against blue light amongst other things, If you’re looking for a brighter, more hydrated complexion with a fresh non-greasy texture for the warmer months, then this one is for you. (I’ll be using this in my Summer RAYdiance Ritual Facials!)

It has been so fun to start getting out and about again in London, this month we’ve had a couple of great date nights, away from our local patch. For my boyfriend’s birthday we celebrated with dinner at Lore Of The Land, a traditional British pub in Fitzrovia. The food was top notch and I really liked the setting. We ate in the dining room with the buzz of the open kitchen behind us. Definitely one to bookmark and return to, I really want to try their Sunday roast (which is meant to be particularly good)

Then last weekend we spent a lovely Saturday afternoon in East London. First stop was drinks at the sweetest little neighbourhood bottle shop and wine bar Hectors, painted sunshine yellow and offering a varied choice of wines by the glass, small plates and bottles to take home. Followed by dinner at Caravel, a restaurant on a Dutch barge moored up on the water on the Regents canal. Both were total gems and a 10 minute taxi ride between each. (Be sure to book way in advance for Caravel!)

I recently took a trip down to Hove to visit a friend and we enjoyed lunch by the waves at Rockwater. Such a great venue and so well positioned, literally on the sea front. There’s a range of spaces to roam from the beach deck, to the bar and kitchen, roof terrace and lodge with menu’s ranging from breakfast through to dinner. They run Rockwater Life, a programme of fitness and wellness offerings with classes outside when weather permits, on the lawn, on the deck overlooking the water and sometimes in the sea! From pilates and yoga to breathwork, meditation and a run club. They also have a sip & paint night, craft events and live music from time to time, and all in the most beautifully designed space. Even better you can take a direct train from Clapham Junction to Hove and its an easy half hour stroll down to the sea front once you arrive.

Over to you - This month you’ve been telling me about . . .

Go Boat in Kingston. The self drive experience on the Thames. You can sail any distance between Teddington Lock and Hampton Court, each boat seating up to 8 people around a table and you can take snacks and drinks on board. Thanks for the tip Georgia!

The Green and Found concept store in Deal. I love a visit to Deal but had no idea about this place, thanks for sharing Rachel!

The Dysart Petersham why is it that the places right under your nose so often get overlooked? - I forget about this one but was reminded of it again lately and told that the food was very good. Thanks Grace!

Thanks for reading, I hope you discovered something new!

Hx