The new path to beauty

How do you define beauty? Is it the flawless slope of Angelina Jolie’s nose? The peachy derriere of a Victoria’s Secret model? Cheekbones that are razor sharp? Our attitudes to recent features in the press suggest that – thankfully – most of us are a little more open-minded. Think of the way the public fondly embraced the comely roll of flesh around plus size model Lizzie Miller’s waist when it was pictured in German Glamour last year, or the way that we rejoiced at Sadie Frost’s unairbrushed womanly curves in the New Year issue of Grazia. The message is clear: there’s something irresistibly alluring about a woman who feels “bien dans sa peau”. And, considering the potential pitfalls of relentlessly pursuing physical perfection as highlighted by the suggested link between Hollywood actress Brittany Murphy’s death and her reported addiction to plastic surgery, embracing our individuality has never been more crucial.

“True beauty is a state of mind,” agrees Emma. “It is the essence and energy that comes from the eyes as this shows what is inside the heart.” It is what self-help books may refer to as ‘spiritual beauty’, a sense of inner joy and peace that manifests externally as a vibrancy and glow.

So how do you go about achieving it? One way is to take up a mind/body activity. “Tai chi, yoga and meditation help improve the way we look as they relax the connective tissue in the body, including that in the skin,” says Emma. “It is important to detox the brain of negative thoughts because; only when we are calm can our facial muscles relax, allowing the skin’s natural hydrating and reparative functions to kick in.” You could also switch away from superficial beauty treatments and onto those with a more healing dimension. There’s a good reason why treatments that work on an energetic – as well as physical - level such as Emma’s Sculpting Facial have a longer lasting effect than those that simply smooth the skin. Many beauty therapists now recognize the benefits of combining techniques such as reiki or craniosacral therapy into their treatments. The result? Even clients who naturally veer towards aggressive external beautifiers can’t help but sparkle from the inner rebalancing so each treatment is a little nudge towards a more holistic ideal of attraction.

Skin Clinic

My skin seems to have a personality disorder - since winter set in it has been totally parched yet covered in blackheads. I\'m at a loss as to how to treat it as the two problems seem so contradictory. Help!

“Skin becomes parched in winter due to a combination of cold weather and central heating,” says Emma. “Yet this does not mean our skin may not also be producing excess oil from within which can lead to blackheads. Compounding the problem is the fact that, when our skin is dry, dead skin cells accumulate on the surface in an attempt to seal moisture in which can lead to grease and dirt becoming trapped in the pores. The best method of attack is to increase exfoliation: use a granular scrub such as the Rosehip Seeds from the Professional Cleansing System 2-3 times a week and massage the skin whenever you apply products as this both stimulates drainage of toxins and helps to buff off dead skin cells. I prefer to encourage the skin to function healthily rather than perform extractions. However, to unplug pores gently while keeping the rest of the skin hydrated, apply a natural oil such as the Moringa Cleansing Balm to the skin (contrary to popular opinion oil actually dissolves oil), allow the steam from a hot bath to shoot it deeper into the pores then apply a hot, damp cleansing cloth to the skin as a compress.”

What we’re loving...

Anna Sui’s sheepskin Fitflop boots (www.net-a-porter.com) for keeping feet snug and stylish in the snow while toning up our soft post-Christmas sofa thighs; The White Company’s cashmere hot water bottle covers (www.thewhitecompany.com) for hibernation days when our bodies our telling us to take things slowly; drinking fresh lemon in hot water (“it helps make the body more alkaline which is very calming,” says Emma).

Seasonal product focus

Ramp up your daily quotient of the Moringa Cleansing Balm by using it to moisturise – as well as cleanse – skin. It works a treat as a protective barrier on the ski slopes or an emollient salve for chapped hands.