TheHigherGloss

A blog for the more distinguished reader

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Kerastase Bain Extensioniste

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Kerastase is a brand I have been using longer than I care to remember. The range on offer is immense and has served me well, no matter what my needs at any particular time.  I don’t know about you, but my hair seems to have a life of its own and seldom behaves the way I would like.

Having fought against straight fine strands for most of my life, I have finally learned to accept my lot and work with it, instead of trying to fight against what nature decreed. Endless conversations with various stylists and colourists have confirmed that most of us want what we have not got, so I know I am in good company. Normally, I have two or three selections of shampoo and conditioner on the go simultaneously. I wash my hair every day, so switching around is important. Weather and water quality have a major impact on my hair as well as the effects of colouring and styling. As we age, our hair, like our skin, becomes more fragile, so must be treated with the greatest of respect.

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The latest Kerastase range I have been using is their Resistance Bain Extentioniste – a shampoo and conditioning masque treatment for length strengthening. I have shoulder length hair, which for me, is the most versatile. On really bad hair days it is easy to sweep up into a ‘do’ and just get on with my day. Since using this combination over the past ten days though, I have been having more ‘hair down’ days. There is a distinct improvement regarding the strength of my hair. When blown dry my hair seems glossier with more swing and movement.

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Techniques used to colour hair now are so advanced, and I actually feel that processing my hair adds volume and ‘oomph’, however the constant washing and blowdrying can have a negative effect, leaving ends dry and wispy. I do not like to overload my hair with product, so this range is working out well for me. The shampoo lathers quickly and emits a glorious clean scent. The masque penetrates well, yet does not weigh the hair down – exactly what is required at this time of year. Glossy, shiny, swingy hair will always be in fashion and is a younger and fresher look compared to more severe, constructed styles.

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The product comes in beautiful turquoise packaging, similar to my fragrance of choice at this time of year – Tom Ford’s ‘Portofino’, so looks good beside my shower, bath and body products. When spending on quality products we want them to look good on the bathroom shelf too, and these certainly pass muster.

Kerastase Bain Extensioniste is priced from £13.65 and can be found here.

 

An Evening of Anti-Ageing at Zen Lifestyle*

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Zen Lifestyle has to be one of the best salons in Edinburgh at the moment. Recently,  they hosted a most fascinating event to inform clients of the latest procedures available. Fiona Fowley is always at the cutting edge of the business and offers such a wide range of treatments to suit varying needs.

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We arrived early evening to be warmly greeted with drinks  which came courtesy of neighbouring bar Rabble who provided delicious summer cocktails whilst a most interesting and in-depth presentation took place. The Zen ethos is to provide a personal and individual approach to each and every client. Fiona and her team passionately believe in customer service and satisfaction and that was clear as the staff mingled with clients answering questions and queries.

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Sometimes technology can be baffling when trying to assess our beauty needs. The Zen team are well-informed and fluent in treatments from the most basic to the latest laser  innovations. The focus is on making the client feel good about themselves, and Zen staff genuinely seem invested in helping each  client reach their own individual goals.

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The evening included the opportunity to actually see the procedures taking place. We were able to quiz both staff and models undergoing the treatments. This illustrates the pride and confidence that Zen place in their expertise.

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The evening whizzed by and all too soon came to a close, but not before we were sent on our way with generous goodie bags jammed with wonderful skincare samples and vouchers for the advertised procedures. With a focus on feeling as good as we wish to look, I will certainly be booking up soon!

You can find out more about the salon here

Lunch at Edinburgh’s Harvey Nichols’ Forth Floor Brasserie

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Recently I was invited along to sample the new Brasserie menu at Harvey Nichols. A lovely way to spend a leisurely Wednesday afternoon with great company and wonderful food. The ethos behind the new menu is for the customer to be able to experience continuity across all of the Harvey Nichols locations.

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The choice is extensive and I opted for delicious fishcakes whilst my companion for the day chose burratta with grilled peaches and radicchio, so fresh and summery. Of course we nibbled at each other’s plates because both dishes were so tempting.

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Mains were classic steak and fries, and chicken club sandwich. Such classics seem simple, but have to be executed perfectly. Additions of fresh vegetables and crisp salad sides made sure our appetites were truly sated.

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Lunch is normally a light bite for me, but the dessert selection was too difficult to resist. Crispy coconut rice pudding with tropical sorbet, magnificent cheese plate – what’s not to like?

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The setting of the Brasserie at the Forth Floor is one of the best in Edinburgh, and ensures a pleasant location to enjoy superb food, an amazing view and wonderful service. Now that we have finally entered into summer, where better to spend a long lingering lunchtime?

TheHigherGloss is currently under construction. We aim to be a luxury lifestyle blog aimed at the more discerning reader.