The Campaign for Slow Scent

As we're always saying, scent-shopping shouldn't be rushed.  Ever.  You need time to stop, relax, explore.  And then maybe even go away again, before making up your mind.  (It's the enduring base notes in a fragrance which you really live with, and those don't unfurl for a few hours.)
     At Beauty Bible, we support the idea of Slow Food.  And Slow Travel.  And now we'd like to launch a Campaign for Slow Scent, inspired by the new Les Senteurs boutique, in Marylebone - because we cannot think of a nicer place for leisurely scent exploration.
     It's getting on for thirty years since Michael and Betty Hawksley opened their first shop, in Pimlico - and now the baton has been passed to their daughter Claire, who's heading up a truly knowledgeable team at this new temple to scent, tucked away behind Marble Arch.
     There are fabulous niche and independent fragrances showcased there, cleverly categorised - think:  chypre, floral, leather/tobacco, etc. - to help you take a short-cut to 'possibles'.  Fragrance houses include Frederic Malle, Mona di Orio, Juliette Has A Gun, Lorenzo Villoresi (the legendary Florentine perfumer), Parfumerie Générale, Serge Lutens, Annick Goutal...
     Oh, we could go on - but instead, we're going to urge you to find a decent window of time to make a scent pilgrimage of your own, just as soon as you can.
     Then enjoy taking it s-l-o-w, when you get there.  Because when it comes to finding a new fragrance, you really can't hurry love.

Les Senteurs store and Scent Salon, 2 Seymour Place, Marylebone, London W1H 7NS
020-7138 5842

Liz Earle bottles it!

Most fragrances are as divisive as Marmite.  But we haven't met a woman yet who doesn't fall for Liz Earle Botanical Essence No. 1.  (And that includes most beauty editors.)
     So if you're looking for a goof-proof scent choice for a friend/relative this Christmas, this uplifting creation - which is 98% natural - is an excellent place to start.
    But to make it even more alluring, Liz Earle is offering a complimentary engraving service (initials on the cap, words on the side - within reason!) at various locations.  (That's Liz Earle the brand, not Liz Earle the person. She may be the living embodiment of Superwoman as far as we're concerned, but she's sensibly leaving this to the professionals.)
     The dates and times are below (click on the locations for the full addresses).  Just engrave them in your diary, and pop along.

Liz Earle flagship store - Saturday 3rd December, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
     Sunday 4th December, 11 a.m. - 4.30 p.m.

Liz Earle store, Leeds - Saturday 10th December, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
     Sunday 11th December, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fenwick of Bond Street - Thursday 1st December, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
     

Vanity vignette

There are upsides and downsides to sharing life with a partner.
     A downside:  his grooming stuff, which often makes a takeover bid for the the shelf over the basin.
     So, for Friday (when we like to peek inside a beautiful bathroom on your behalf), a solution.  (With thanks to Sacramento Street, an American interiors blog.)
     Take one mirrored tray.  Place on back of cistern.  Neatly arrange all his lotions, potions, unguents (plus a framed photo and maybe something butch and botanical).
     Be generous, while you're at it, and give the whole darned lot a good wipe.
     Saves on 'bathroom rage', we promise.  And if it all migrates back again?
     Repeat the process.
     And file under:  'Love is... tidying his moisturisers.'

www.sacramentostreet.com

Pale and very interesting

Suddenly, we're all about Christmas.  (Well, Sarah's not:  she's jetting off to Australia tomorrow on hols.  For which those of us left behind will try, grudgingly, to forgive her.)
     Since mirrors, however, come under the beauty 'umbrella' (er, try putting on your make-up without one), we're showcasing some rather stunning examples here from another new website, Pale & Interesting.
    In fact, it's the website of a glorious new shop in Rye (but a mascara wand's throw from Jo, actually) which has been opened by uberstylist Atlanta Bartlett.  Atlanta has written many a glorious interiors book that we're sure you've seen.  (Think:  The Relaxed Home, At Home With White - and Pale & Interesting.  Which means this is actually the website of the book of the shop...)
     Pale & Interesting (the site) has really lovely things.  Even with our powers of description, we can't put it much better than that:  sparkly tealights, divine cushions, glasses we have our eye on for the Christmas table - and the aforementioned mirrors.  Everything, in general, is pale (white, dove grey, with splashes of colour).  And yes, interesting.
     We cannot recommend a cyber-mooch too highly.
     Or better still, a visit to the real-world shop.

www.paleandinteresting.com, 96 The High Street, Rye,
TN29 9TL/01797-344077
www.atlantabartlett.com

Once upon a time...

... Long, long ago in the dim and distant early days of Beauty Bible, we used to take brainstorming speed-walks together, around Notting Hill.
     And stop to basically lick the windows of The Cross, which was one of the first 'lifestyle' boutiques to mix interiors and clothes and jewellery and beauty in what was/is basically a completely irresistible way.
     For whatever reason, it's taken them till now to enter the wonderful world of the web.
     But we say:  better late than never.  And if - like us - you've already vowed not to face the madness of Oxford Street* again before Christmas (*substitute name of local shopping centre/high street/mall as required), you'll have fun checking this site out for pressies.
     We're loving the cashmere embroidered eye mask, among other treats.
     So if Christmas shopping gets you all cross...  Just log on, and get thee to The Cross!

www.thecrossshop.co.uk

Get a whiff of this...

We may seem slightly candletastic at the moment.  But it's that time of year.  (Who has tealights flickering in July...?  Except for weddings.)
     So:  always on the lookout for great sources for great smells, we were pleased to stumble into the new home fragrance department at the seriously spraunced-up Peter Jones on Sloane Square yesterday:  a dozen or so delectable (and fairly accessibly-priced) brands (think Max Benjamin, Votivo, Compagnie de Provence, Archipelago etc.)
     If you're searching for scented candles for gifts, we encourage you to have a sniff around here:  they're displayed beneath glass domes (à la Cire Trudon), which you lift - and then insert nostrils into the dome, to give a much better idea of the candles' scent than smelling the wax itself.
     It's home fragrance heaven.

Peter Jones, Sloane Square, London SW1 8EL (enter via Symons Street for the Home Fragrance department)

All the fun of the Midwinter Fair

We’re going to let you in on one of Jo’s little secrets.

      For the past few years, she’s done much of her gift-shopping at a Christmas fair organized by a local Kent-and-Sussex glossy called The Wealden Times.

     Why?  Because in several (heated) marquees, erected in a walled garden at Bedgebury Pinetum (just off the A21), you’ll find all manner of covetable goodies:  antique, vintage, hand-made – but all super-stylish.  Basically, it’s like the Country Living Fair used to be, in its early days, before so many well-known names muscled in.

     The only challenge, in fact, is not buying one gift for yourself for every present you snap up for someone on your list.  (Ahem.  This is a challenge Jo has so far failed to rise to…)

     There are some delectable beauty stands, including a ‘pop-up’ of beauty editor Karena Callen’s Violetta boutique, which is worth a visit in itself.  

     Of course, on our own site right now you’ll find a run-down of all the beauty goodies we’re coveting ourselves.  (Find it here.)  But we do know that (strange as it seems) not everyone thrills to a bath oil, or a body cream, or a lipgloss trio – and would instead prefer a worthy-of-Mr. McGregor garden trowel, a ‘pre’-loved’ book, a crisp white nightie, a gourmet indulgence or a cuddlesome cushion.  (Plus:  there’s always something very heart-warming about supporting local producers and ‘makers’.)

     So if the Weald’s local to you, make a date:  from the 24^th-26^th November.

     Just be prepared to wrangle Jo for the silver dessert spoons she’s got her eye on.

The Wealden Times Midwinter Fair - admission £7.50 on the gate or £6.50 via advanced booking (see website below or call 0800-294 9011 to book)

Thursday 24^th November – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Friday 25^th November – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Saturday 26^th November – 9.30 – 4.30 p.m.

www.wealdentimes.co.uk