Made in Chelsea....and Paris. A Review of Guild Hairdressing

I recently dyed my hair a darker shade of brown after flaunting a golden, highlight-strewn mane over the summer and became somewhat addicted to the darker side...

I was suddenly enticed by the sultry allure of midnight-hued locks and craved a more intense, chocolate-rich shade to start the new year - as well as a fashionable, body-boosting layered cut...kind of like a less dated version of Rachel's from Friends.

After indulging in a stunning shellac gel mani pedi at the newly opened Guild salon on the Kings Road, I had got to know its charming co-founder Philippe Hostalery, who left me intrigued after singing the praises of his business partner and the salon's renowned Parisian hair stylist - Philippe Gentner.

Pretty, shiny nails that last for two weeks without chipping? DO I?!

Gentner is widely known by glamorous Parisian socialites and well-coiffed celebrities to be a genius with a pair of scissors and a hair dryer, so I was keen to be booked in for a glorious new hair style created by his talented hands the next time he graced the London-based salon with his presence.

I also booked myself in for a colour session with Guild's senior designer, Sebastien Elissalde - a tress-transforming colourist with a creative mind and a hearty laugh...

My barnet-beautifying day at Guild began by bumping into half the cast of Made in Chelsea as I sauntered up the drizzly Kings Road on my way to the salon. When I arrived, a flurried, damp mess, I noticed another character/actor/reality star from the show getting ready to leave whilst swaying a beautifully styled head of long, shimmering waves that, quite frankly, needed to be Instagramed right then and there.

As I nibbled on hob nobs and sipped a strong cup of hot tea, Sebastien discussed my dashing delve into darkness - showing me examples on a colour chart and explaining which shade he felt would suit my olive skin tone the most.

Redken's Shades EQ Gloss - an ammonia-free, conditioning demi-permanent colour in a dark cocoa brown shade was chosen to dye my long, parched hair. I was told it would create an exceptionally glossy and hydrated result, gradually fading after 8 weeks.

After the creamy colour solution was slathered on and left to do its magic for the next half an hour or so, it was washed off while I lay back on one of Guild's swanky massaging chairs - with built in mood lighting (oh yeeeeeah).

I was then fabulously styled within an inch of my life by Gentner, who cut seriously sassy choppy layers into my hair, finishing with the mother of all blowdries.

The result was truly stunning - big, bouncy, layered hair that was vibrantly coloured and glimmering with multidimensional shine.

With the hair styling geniuses of Guild - Philippe and Sebastien 

In the days following my visit to Guild, I basked in a merry array of compliments on my sultry new look. My glam mummy, being rather partial to the odd trip to a swish salon...and pampering in general (hey, we're Persian, preening is like breathing to us) was keen to be booked in for a colour with Sebastien and a cut with grooming guru Gentner.  This was due to her great approval of my newly decorated head. And she doesn't approve lightly. Oh nooo.

Maybe a spot of backcombing pls?

Upon visiting the salon, my mummy silently admired the exquisite decor of the place and became somewhat attached to the massaging chairs. She opted for a ruby red shellac manicure, an intense permanent golden blonde colour and a sassy feathered cut, which I think made her look even more splendid than she usually does.

My freshly styled mummy with the talented Andrew

...and colouring expert Sebastien

Philippe Hostalery and I at Guild, one week after my colour and cut

Heck, I sang the praises of this place so much that even my good buddy Anseh popped in for a quick pre-interview blow dry by Guild's expert designer Andrew Mar after marveling at my magnificent mane.

Work it baby!

After a good gossip, a black coffee and some serious ghd action, Anseh left Guild with advert worthy hair and a smug grin - what better way to start an interview...other than maybe arriving with a basket of pie?


Your glam Guild experience can be booked here.

REN Moroccan Rose Ritual - Hydro Healing Notting Hill

After a hard slog in the office or traumatizing experience involving aggressive bargain hungry shoppers in the sales, its always rather nice to book yourself in for a spot of  soul soothing spa pampering.

January, being the most 'blah' month of the year, is always made slightly more bearable when you have a top-to-toe, deliriously scented body preening procedure to look forward to - and I was certainly looking forward to my two hour long REN Moroccan Rose Ritual at Hydro Healing, a quaint beauty salon nestled behind the buzzing streets of London's eclectic Notting Hill.

Loving the minimalist chic reception area at Hydro Healing

After filling in the necessary forms in the stylish waiting area, I was led by my charming therapist, Sophie Cooper, into an inviting treatment room, enticingly shrouded in dim lighting, before being presented with a warming green tea - very well received after a brisk walk in the London chill.

The experience began with an all over body exfoliation using REN's Moroccan Rose Sugar Scrub, containing precious rose otto oil, before a warming shower.

Come. Rest on my padded, heated goodness.

I then indulged in a blissfully relaxing body massage, which was expertly carried out by Sophie's healing hands using an intensely hydrating combination of  rose otto infused body oil and cream.

REN's decadant Moroccan Rose Collection.

The next dreamy stage of this glorious mamma of a treatment was the hydrating and purifying facial, tailor made to suit my individual skin type. REN's Purity Balm was massaged in to deep cleanse my congested city complexion, followed by their excellent Clear Calm Clarifying Clay Cleanser to purify, banish excess sebum and help reduce pore size.

An invigorating jojoba facial polish was then used to slough away dull, dead skin cells to reveal the luminous glow I once possessed - previously banished to oblivion after the skin-sullying festive period - abundant with late night parties and naughty food feasting.

The daddy of all cleansers,

An omega 3-rich night serum containing antioxidant rich algae was then smothered all over my face and massaged in thoroughly to intensively nourish and actively repair skin cells.

Next my favourite REN product, The Glycolactic Mask, containing brightening fruit enzymes, was applied to help further dissolve those dulling dead skin cells - and encourage the kind of hearty glow one only really experiences after a brisk walk on a rugged Cornish hillside.

Think a jog in the park is the only way to get a healthy flush? Jog on mate.

After a snooze inducing 10 minute head massage, the mask was removed and the treatment ended with the application of a soothing eye cream and radiance boosting serum to give me a party-ready glow for the evening ahead of me.

Later, when applying my make up at the treatment room mirror, I noticed a significant improvement to the look of my skin and was very impressed indeed.

With my new luminous complexion, all over touchably soft skin and relaxed muscles, I stepped out on to bustling streets ready for the evening ahead...and ready to book the whole experience all over again.

Oh Hydro Healing, how you have healed me.

The REN Moroccan Rose Ritual costs £150 and can be booked here.

The Winter Paradise Luxury Manicure - Paul Edmonds

I am an fervent lover of Christmas. I adore how this time of year is full of excuses to pamper one's self to merry oblivion, as well as being a perfectly acceptable time to gorge on fine foods and sip bubbly beverages.

Since pampering and noming are two of my favourite activities, I jumped at the chance to review the Winter Paradise Luxury Manicure at one of my most beloved hair and beauty salons - Paul Edmonds.

When I arrived at the stylish Knightsbridge salon it was buzzing as usual, brimming with fashionable London socialites preparing for glamorous nights out and middle eastern yummy mummies cradling their Birkins as their highlighted locks were blow dried to voluminous glory.

I was led downstairs to a cozy special manicure area, complete with mini TVs and comfy padded chairs. After my previous gel nails were removed, the indulgent treatment began with an enticing taste of luxury as I was offered a glass of champagne and seasonal chocolate truffles to accompany my hand preening procedure.

Ah! What to nom and what to pamper with?! Tis confusing.

Being the natural product lover that I am, I rejoiced that an indulgent array of products from the chemical-free Eminence range were to be used on my dehydrated mitts - pitifully traumatized from winter's wrath.

First a divinely scented coconut scrub was massaged into my hands to slough away dull, dead skin before a decadant chocolate mask was lavishly applied.

Resisting the temptation to lick my coco-smothered fingers, I then placed my hands into special heated gloves to aid the nourishing effects of the mask.

As I lay back and failed at resisting the urge to devour all the chocolate truffles, I was treated to a relaxing hand massage with the silky Eminence Mimosa Champagne oil - an antioxidant loaded, free radical busting concoction of jojoba, pomegranate and grape seed oil.

Again!!

With the (very charming) main man Paul Edmonds himself who kindly treated me to a mini blow dry!

The most luxurious manicure of my life, perfect for Christmas and New Years Eve parties, finished with a file and polish in a jubilantly festive ruby red shade...and a cheeky extra glass of champagne.

Well, it tis the season to be jolly and all that malarkey...


The Winter Paradise Luxury Manicure at Paul Edmonds costs £100 and takes 75 minutes 

Review - Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic Hair Dryer

Being a proud eco princess with a limited patience for prolonged hair drying I eagerly accepted the invitation to try the new Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic Hairdryer - which supposedly cuts drying time by 30% and nourishes hair for a catwalk-esque, shimmering result.

A firm favourite of Lana Del Ray's stylist, Anna Cofone, this stylish dryer was developed by the expertly coiffed hair experts of Milan to offer a plethora of pleasing barnet beautifying benefits to busy folk with no time for tedious follicle-related faffing.

Christmas has cometh!

I was promised mesmerizingly silky hair due to the ergonomically designed dryer's ionic and ceramic systems which help to seal the cuticles of the hair, effectively moisturizing them for a glossy, salon-style finish.

Unlike many naughty hair drying devices, this nifty dressing table essential has significantly lower electromagnetic emissions - low level radiation which can cause tissue damage by releasing electrons in the skin. Although risks are low, excessive expose to such menacing rays can lead to health issues such as digestive problems, constipation, abdominal pain and even mutated DNA - so why not opt for the less risky option?

The Elchim. One serious hair blasting badboy

When I took the Elchim 3900 out of its box I marveled at its chic design (and I don't marvel lightly). Black and white with a detachable nozzle and an easy to grip design, it dried my hair quickly, leaving me with shiny, smooth locks worthy of a cheesy shampoo advert involving plentiful hair swishing.

Another notable observation was that the Elchim was a lot quieter than my usual hairdryer of choice due to its clever built-in silencer - meaning my noisy hairdryer loathing kitteh was significantly less disturbed. Which is always a plus. 

Peace-loving kitteh used to wait outside to avoid noisy hairdryers. Not any more.

Shiny-haired at dinner with my two blonde buddies after a slinky blowdry with the Elchim

The Elchim 3900 Healthy Ionic Dryer comes in seven shades and costs £99, except the swanky titanium edition which is £119.

Buy one from ere!

Review - Organic Hair Colour Transformation with Karine Jackson

Golden-hued, shimmering highlights can brighten the complexion and compliment a tan - perfect for the summer months. But come winter, it's always a good idea to opt for a darker, sultrier mane.

This was why I decided to book an appointment at my favourite organic colour salon owned by the renowned Karine Jackson - reoccurring winner of colourist of the year and beloved by many an organic hair dye devotee London-wide.

Chemical-based hair dye has been proven to cause carcinogenic effects. This isn't airy fairy speculation or exaggerated scare-mongering. A report from the National Cancer Institute in 1994 clearly states that long term users of dark synthetic hair dyes have an increased risk of cancers, such as multiple melanoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. In 2001, a study in the International Journal of Cancer discovered that those who regularly use chemical-based permanent hair dye to colour their hair are twice as likely to develop bladder cancer as those who don't use such toxic colouring products.

Many of us are now thankfully shunning the dreadful risk of potentially developing cancer in the quest for the perfect colour or to cover those pesky gray stragglers. We are actively seeking non-toxic alternatives.

For me, the organic hair dye used at Karine Jackson is the safer way forward...

I had highlighted my hair for the first time this summer with Karine and was impressed with the flattering, non-brassy effect. Weeks after my initial appointment, my hair continued to get lighter and attracted an array of compliments (and a few blond jokes).

After enjoying my summer dalliance with the lighter side, I decided it was the time to go for a richer, darker shade, so I submitted my locks to the talented tress-transforming hands of Claudia - a senior stylist at Karine's Covent Garden salon.

A dark, gloopy organic dye smelling rather festivity of pine was expertly smothered all over my hair as I sat back and flicked through some gossip-ridden glossies.

After 30 minutes or so it was washed off in a deliriously relaxing manner before my striking new dark brown locks were blow dried  to a gloriously glossy finish.

Before - a week after stunning highlights by Karine

2 months after highlights

After - glossy dark colour by Claudia at Karine Jackson

As you can see from the photos (yeah, I have a 'side') the colour transformation is striking yet still quite warm in tone to suit my olive skin - as expertly recommended by Karine.

Merry Christmas!

Organic all-over hair colour at Karine Jackson starts from £60.

Review - Ruby Red's Reviving Body Cleanser and Renewal Shea Skin Cream

Oh Winter, how I welcome your icy arrival. Crisp, frosty mornings, the re-emergence of woolen gloves and fluffy ear muffs, crackling log fires and fine pies. My skin on the other hand, sadly does not share this merry sentiment and tends to suffer pitifully during this time of year, appearing less radiant than usual and mournfully parched.

Cold, windy weather and central heating dehydrate our skin during this chilly season meaning that a richer body moisturizer and a non-drying, chemical-free shower gel is required.

My latest natural bodycare buddies come in the form of Ruby Red's Reviving Body Cleanser (£16.00) and Renewal Shea Skin Cream (£18.00) - 100% natural, evocatively-scented products that leave your skin comfortable and glowing, perfect for flaunting in fancy festive frocks...

These botanical babies are brimming with skin-nourishing antioxidants, vitamins and minerals and are free from SLS, parabens, petrochemicals and artificial fragrances.

Being the type to get all giddy over a new natural skincare brand, I jumped into the shower with glee at the prospect of trying them out.

The body cleanser foamed ever so nicely (due to its clever natural foaming agent derived from coconut) and permeated my bathroom with the zesty scent of lime, red mandarin and cederwood - extracts which are also known to stimulate circulation and tone the skin.

Let meh make your shower a happy place

After what seemed like a five hour shower, I finally tore myself away from my steamy place of joy and patted myself dry with a fluffy towel (I like em fluffy I do).

I noticed my skin felt softer and less 'tight' - which is usually the case after I (occasionally) use a shower gel of the evil, SLS-ridden variety (at friend's houses of course...). I discovered later that Ruby Red's Reviving Shower Gel also contains aloe vera, which is rather excellent for softening the skin and helping to keep moisture levels intact.

The Renewal Shea Skin Cream is thick, creamy and decadently rich. An almost good enough to eat (please don't), skin-soothing concoction of shea butter, lemon oil and honey, it deeply moisturises and locks in moisture, leaving skin lusciously hydrated, gleaming and smelling like a sumptuous citrus-flavoured pudding.

Due to its gloriously indulgent texture, I must admit that it was rather time consuming applying this product all over my body - especially before a pressing social engagement, whilst two of my girlfriends were also trying to pry themselves into the bathroom to get ready.

To nom or not to nom? That is the question.

mmm creamy lemony goodness...

Regardless, I must say that I adore this natural skin-smoothing savior and have since been using it as an extremely nourishing hand cream, keeping it in my handbag at all times. I also use it wherever my skin feels very dry and slather it on my decolletage and shins before a night out for a sultry sheen.

Thank you Ruby Red!

Review - Wakeman Road - London's artisan members wellbeing club

London is awash with private members clubs, restaurants and bars - all promising an air of exclusivity and the delightful feeling of pure unadulterated pomp.

I must confess that I'm rather partial to frequenting the odd members establishment or two. Although being the well-rounded London socialite that I am, I can also rough it in a mosh pit in Camden or rub shoulders with Hoxton hipsters living in dingy shared accommodations - who retreat to palatial family country piles come Christmas.

OK so I lied about the mosh pit...

When I heard about the opening of Wakeman Road - London's first private artisan wellbeing members club based in Kensal Green, I was intrigued and eagerly accepted an invitation to visit and submit my disheveled, overworked self to a spot of ardent unwinding.

Wakeman Road is the brainchild of founders Richard Lamballe and Emma Sinclair who felt London was lacking a suitable health and beauty haven for those in search of private pampering in luxurious yet homely surroundings.

Once granted membership to this exclusive beauty and wellbeing portal, you can nominate up to five prospective members a year and bring a lucky guest along on each visit.

Membership fees are £29 a month and can be redeemed on the health and beauty treatments on offer which include acupuncture, reflexology, facials, massage, NLP, homeopathy, manicures and even a naturopathic doctor consultation. If like me, you're a beauty addict who will probably book a treatment every month, your membership wont cost you a penny.

With my nutritionist buddy Mel in tow,  I arrived outside the understated, chic entrance to what looked like a well heeled individual's home before being welcomed into a cobbled front yard and led up a winding steel staircase.

By Jove I think I found it!

Upon entering the stylish interior we were impressed by the elegant furnishings and exceptional beauty and health products adorning the finely varnished shelves. I gasped in adoration as I spotted my favourite natural skincare brands including Spiezia, Oskia, ila and the highly coveted Antonia Burrell - the talented founder of which is a practising facialist at Wakeman Road.

Oh Oskia. How I loveth thee...

Mel was treated to Antonia's signature facial which uses her plant-based products along with her expert massage technique to plump up lackluster complexions and brighten sallow skin tones.

I indulged in a relaxing reiki massage treatment by reiki guru Katie Light. After getting comfortable on a heated treatment bed Katie explained how reiki is performed to re-balance energy levels or chakras - which become affected when we go through trying times. The practice is recommended for people with busy schedules and constantly buzzing minds who seek a calmer, more balanced outlook on life.

After my back and shoulders were satisfyingly pummeled, Katie hovered her palms over each of my seven chakras to feel for any 'blockages' caused by stress. I must admit to feeling quite skeptical at first but as the treatment ebbed on, I started to feel a substantial release of tension and was able to bid goodbye to the melodious medley of thoughts in my mind.

Come. Let me refresh  you with my bountiful organic wares

Om nom nom

Pass the remote mate.

Thank you Richard and Emma!

Can we live here now pls?

As Mel and I eased ourselves away from this cozy hidden sanctuary and stepped out into drizzly north west London streets, we felt that familiar mournful tinge typically felt when leaving a hospitable friend's house - only a lot more blissed out...

Review - Estelle & Thild Bergamot Body Oil

I have always been somewhat addicted to body oils. After a long, hot shower, I revel in the moment when I smooth a silky, evocatively scented body oil all over my skin, leaving a sultry sheen - and my bathroom smelling like a plush hotel spa....

My latest oily love affair is currently taking place with Estelle & Thild's Bergamot Body Oil (£25.80 from Urban Retreat) - a delightful skin-hydrating concoction of organic sunflower, almond and avocado oils - infused with the heady scents of neroli, sandalwood and bergamot essential oils.

I have been slathering it on my skin for over a month now and have noticed a significant improvement in its condition. My limbs now boast a seductively-smooth appearance and naughty dry patches have been banished to merry oblivion.

So natural, you can pluck it from the earth...

Estelle and Thild is one of my favourite high end organic skincare ranges due to their nourishing 100% natural and EcoCert certified organic products. I am also an avid user of their bestselling raspberry-hued lip balm, £14.00, - a kissable combination of organic shea butter, bilberry seed oil and beeswax.

The founder of this effortlessly chic Stockholm-based company, Pernilla Ronnberg, actually decided to start the brand after pondering the detrimental effects chemical-loaded mainstream skincare would have on the delicate peachy skins of her two daughters.

The bergamot body oil in particular, is a luxurious pampering addition to your bathroom routine. Pour a few drops in the bath for a deeply relaxing evening soak or apply over damp, post-shower skin to lock in moisture and leave you glowing - and smelling like a gaggle of giggling angels partial to rolling around a flower-strewn meadow.

Thai Energy Line Massage - Oolong Holistic

There are certain times in our haphazard, erratic city lives when our emotions get the better of us. We feel drained by punishing schedules, grueling relationship difficulties and pressing work issues. It is during such trying times that I book myself in for a good, chakra-balancing massage - and the healing hands of Abi Adams from Oolong Holistic always leave me feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the naughty niggles of life. 

Abi's Thai energy line massage can be carried out in the comfort of your own home (with the tantalizing addition of homemade cakes and herbal teals) or in Abi's gloriously zen-like treatment room within her tastefully decorated Essex home.

Massage by candlelight? Oh yeeeeeah....

Being a norrrf west Londoner and Essex virgin, I arrived at Abi's abode in leafy Woodford slightly flustered and prone to uttering expletives after a stressful journey on the central line.Yet within seconds of entering the twinkling candlelit treatment room with its opulent, white chandeliers and glistening golden Buddha, I felt a sense of encompassing calm wash over my frazzled self.

As I lay down on a warm padded blanket and gazed  at the meditative dance of the candlelight, Abi (trained by the renowned Thai massage teacher Felicity Keebaugh) expertly applied gentle pressure along my feet, calves and thighs before focusing on my stomach, chest, arms, back and neck.

The effect was instantly soothing and induced an almost dream-like state of mind. Abi's Thai massage is refreshingly different to the limb-stretching, back-cracking techniques most Westerners are used to. Before Abi starts her treatments, she intuitively feels your energy and aims to work with an intention - an essential element of any massage. 

Depending on the type of energy she senses, her intention could be to soothe a troubled mind, balance erratic emotions, detoxify the skin or alleviate troubling back and shoulder pain. These problems are eased by concentrating on the seven major energy lines within the body - also known as chakras.

With me, Abi focused on the Sen Sumana, which helped balance all of my chakras - to help evoke confidence and courage. I felt a sudden release of emotion in particular when my arms were massaged and later learned that as they are connected to the heart chakra, this is quite a common experience.

Abi explained post-treatment that such emotion-releasing Thai massage is useful for people suffering from depression (including post natal) and anxiety disorders - conditions she treats on a regular basis. 

After my whole body was blissfully manipulated and all seven of my energy lines invigorated, I was roused from my trace-like, sleepy state with a cup of fragrant hibiscus and cinnamon herbal tea from Organic Life  - a four generation Indian tea company based in London's eclectic Borough Market. 

As I stepped out into the inky black night with a tranquil mind and a positive outlook, I felt serene, happy and smug in the knowledge that my chakras had been adequately pampered. 

What more could a girl want?

The Supergreens Facelift Diet - The Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible

Alas! I have neglected my beloved beauty blog due to the hectic hubbub that is London's erratic working/social scene.

But here I am again, nested on my beloved sofa with a turmeric-infused green tea in hand ready to blog away  to reckless abandon after a rampant copywriting stint at Wowcher - the gloriously cheesy daily deals site.

I feel a strong urge to blog to about a rejuvenating three day beauty diet I have recently been following which has made quite a difference on my previously parched complexion.

I came across this skin-enhancing diet in The Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible by my beloved beauty gurus, Jo Fairley and Sarah Stacey (£19.99, Kyle Cathie Limited - beautybible.com).

The diet consists primarily of the consumption of green leafy vegetables. These anti-ageing superfoods contain skin-loving vitamins A and E which protect cells from free radical damage, minimize the production of sebum to prevent acne and strengthen protective tissue to help eliminate toxins - resulting in enviously luminous skin.

Chlorophyll-rich greens have been known for years to nourish the skin from within and reverse the pitiful signs of aging. Since its availability in the UK five years ago, a Japanese food supplement called Sun Chlorella (£21.95 for a 30 day supply), containing the highest known concentration of chlorophyll, has evoked considerable attention in holistic circles and gained a cult following among natural beauty junkies and health conscious folk.

Chlorella is a freshwater single-celled green algae which promotes growth and repair of cells and tissues as well as stimulating the immune system, maintaining a healthy gut and detoxifying the body – resulting in a healthy, 'plumped-up' complexion.

This ‘natural multivitamin’ is composed of 60% plant protein, amino acids, vitamins A, D, B12 and B6, folic acid, fibre and iron. I was impressed to discover that a daily dose of Sun Chlorella contains the equivalent iron content of nine cups of spinach.

The Anti-Ageing Beauty Bible coaxes us to incorporate five of these emerald pills into their Supergreens Facelift Diet daily via a refreshing anti-ageing Supergreen Smoothie - which also consists of the following wondrously wholesome ingredients;

600ml mineral water
½ chopped cucumber
¼ peeled avocado
1 chopped celery stick
juice of half a lemon or lime
¼ teaspoon unrefined salt

Plus two small handfuls of mixed green leaves (60 – 80g) from the following : spinach, rocket, kale, watercress, chard, bok choy, mint, basil, parsley, coriander.

When making this comely concoction I usually add a generous teaspoon of Fushi's The Best Superfood Green Blend (containing skin-beautifying chia, spirulina and wheatgrass) to the mix for optimum antioxidant benefits.

Come to my wholesome bosom.

Roguish red meat, dairy and foods which accelerate skin ageing such as caffeine, alcohol, refined carbohydrates and sugars are also eliminated from this ethereal diet - which ideally should be 100% organic.

Whilst I was in the throes of ardent smoothie making, my favourite beauty therapist and buddy Sara Sedaghat popped in for a coffee. Sadly for her, coffee was not permitted in my innocent detoxing abode that day - so she was offered a wholesome drink of vitamin-rich green gloop instead.

Eye say!

Here she is drinking this potent beauty potion with surprising vigor. As you can see from her vibrant green eyes, the effects were rather instant... (OK I lie. Those are coloured contact lenses and we were on our way to a Halloween party).

Anyway, if you want to have nails and eyebrows as ravishing as Sara's look in this photo, book yourself in for a preening session at her idyllic beauty lodge here.

The daily diet plan

Breakfast

·Half of freshly made Supergreen Smoothie

Mid-morning snack

· A few sips of remaining smoothie
· 50g soaked almonds and 100g white grapes OR raw peas, carrots/cucumber sticks

Lunch

· 100-175g steamed or grilled fresh fish OR 100 – 175g fresh tofu OR half an avocado
· 200-400g mixed salad with some or all of the following: lettuce, rocket, watercress, basil, spinach, broccoli, red/green pepper, cucumber, carrot, beetroot, radishes, spring onion, living sprouting seeds – eg alfalfa, pulses, mung bean shoots, 1 teaspoon pumpkin and sunflower seeds.

Dress this ridiculously healthy salad with a sprightly squeeze of lemon, one tablespoon of olive oil and a light dusting of salt and pepper.

Pudding – 200g mixed berries OR 100g papaya/apple/pear/grapes

·Sip 350ml natural spring or filtered water (more if desired)


Mid-afternoon snack

· Drink remainder of smoothie
· Apple or Pear or 100g grapes
· 350ml spring or filtered water (more if wished)


Evening Meal

·100 – 175 fresh organic chicken OR tofu OR avocado OR roasted/steamed vegetables seasoned with fresh  herbs
·Mixed salad and pudding as above
·350ml spring or filtered water (or more if you wish)

Give meh some!

A day from my Supergreens Facelift Diet Diary...

On waking, I drink a large glass of water with lemon to stimulate my metabolism and kick start my liver’s detoxification process.

I partake in a spot of Hatha yoga and mind clearing, guided meditation – which admittedly doesn't quite go to plan due to the random conglomeration of screaming children outside my window.

I enjoy the 'garden-fresh' taste of the Supergreen Smoothie which I readily drink for my breakfast. Not a single fried egg fantasy crosses my mind. Oh no.

After my humble healthy snack of almonds and grapes I am feeling full of energy and almost euphoric in mood for some reason. Put it down to sudden consumption of copious amounts of superfoods.

Lunch is a large salad with pomegranate and mackerel. I decide to choose an oily fish full of skin-beneficial omega 3’s.

Big Mac? I'll Big Mac you mate.

Pudding is a seriously sweet mango (Pakistani of course). I am not used to the absence of carbs but feel comfortably full after my meal, rather than bloated.

After lunch I feel slightly lethargic and fall into slight food coma. Have mini semi-snooze before being awoken by same screaming school children. What the...?

I go for a brisk walk before returning home for my eagerly awaited afternoon snack. Feel proud of self for not submitting to naughty carb craving and avoiding evil crisp shelf at newsagent.

After snack of smoothie, apple and water I start to feel considerably more alert so decide to get down to some long overdue writing.

For dinner I make a curry by sauteing (using vegetable broth instead of oil) onion, garlic and ginger and adding cumin, chili powder, coriander seeds, paprika and turmeric. I then add diced fresh tofu and cook for 10 minutes before adding coconut milk, lime juice, bok choy, spinach and kale - which I leave to simmer for 20 minutes.

I eat this nom-worthy dish (bizarre at first without rice) with another massive salad and follow with some antioxidant-packed blueberries.

The result

After three days my skin definitely looks a lot brighter and clearer than usual. My energy levels appear to have increased too -so no more excuses for avoiding that energetic Vinyasa yoga class...