Beauty knowhow: 3 steps to home-spa heaven

If you aren’t among the lucky elite who holiday at Aman resorts (or if you are, and you suffer separation anxiety at checkout) then here’s the next best thing: a new range of Aman Skincare products. Now we can all turn our bathroom into a luxury wellbeing retreat (well, sort of). ‘As a pioneer of resort spas, we are experts in the field of wellness,’ says former Aman guest turned owner and CEO, Russian billionaire Vladislav Doronin. ‘Creating a bespoke range of skincare products was a natural step in our evolution and is born of many years’ experience and research.’

This all-natural range is made here in the UK with many of the ingredients inspired by the local cultures of several Aman destinations, such as amber oil which is said to reduce anxiety and stress while also preventing inflammation. It’s free from parabens, silicones, PEGs, artificial colours and fragrances and its rich oils such as sandalwood and argan are all responsibly sourced. These are the elixirs used in the brand’s treatment rooms, helping to soothe stressed bodies and restore equilibrium.

Left: Auric Cleanse Bath Salts (£85). Right: Smoked Body Butter (£85, both aman.com)

The collection centres on grounding, nourishing and purifying, so there’s a strong home-spa vibe. It’s not cheap, but this stuff smells divine and is totally luxurious to use. My favourites are the Auric Cleanse Bath Salts (£85) which make for a most restorative soak; Smoked Body Butter (£85) – a rich balm that smells uplifting and exotic (rose, amber, sandalwood, vanilla) – and the Purifying Body Oil (£100, all aman.com). It all looks incredibly chic: the vessels are inspired by sake bottles and designed by architect Kengo Kuma, the man responsible for the new V&A in Dundee. OK, for most of us this is about occasional rather than everyday luxury, but it’s plush stuff. And if you’re an early bird who is already tracking down Christmas gifts for the person who has everything, then this is a great solution.

THE GOOP SCOOP

Also spreading her wares around the globe is Gwyneth Paltrow, who opened a pop-up Goop shop in London’s Notting Hill last week – exactly ten years after sending her first newsletter for the lifestyle brand. It also marks a move into the European online market. So if you’ve been eager to peruse her Goop by Juice Beauty organic, natural skincare and other Goopiness, here’s your chance. The Exfoliating Instant Facial (£112, cultbeauty.co.uk) is a keeper.  

Make-up’s most wanted

Isabel Marant, the French queen of ‘keeping it real yet stylish’ fashion, has also been busy in the beauty department and her collection in partnership with L’Oréal Paris is out now. But don’t panic: though this is a limited collection, there should be plenty of stock to see us all through to next year. It’s certainly worth getting your hands on. The Smile Color Riche Matte Lipstick (£9.99, boots.com) is well pigmented, feels plush to apply and comes in chic Parisian reds as well as nude shades.

Smile Color Riche Matte Lipstick (£9.99, boots.com)

The Amaze Gloss (£8.99) can be used on lips and cheeks to add some serious sheen, and the Shine Skin Beautifier (£10.99) is a new key bit of make-up kit: a non-shimmer highlighter that you can apply on cheekbones, eyelids and cupid’s bow to give some gloss. I love the cute packaging, too, with fun mottos on the sides. 

Beauty assistant: Alice Robertson