Hot on the Highstreet Week 169: Erb at Harrods

Harrods is one of the most famous shops on the London high street, drawing in thousands of visitors every year. Working very nearby I’m in the privileged position (quite literally) of being able about to visit as and when I please, experiencing many of the top events and collaborations they host.

Keen on visiting Thailand next year, I was very intrigued to find out about the luxury Thai beauty brand, Erb, who were selected by the Thai embassy to take part in the current festival at Harrods; Thailand a Celebration of Colour and Light. This eye-catching popup is taking place in store until Saturday 31st August.

Founder of Erb, Thai fashion designer Pattree Bhakdibutr is renowned for her style and experience in the fashion and beauty industry. She was around onsite when I visited last week offering an interesting insight into the Erb range of hair and skincare products.

The Thai exhibition beams out from behind the Harrods window and lights up Knightsbridge’s most famous shopping street, walking inside I was hit immediately by the strong and aromatic aromas so often associated with this exotic country. Expert beauty therapists are on hand to give express treatments and explain the extensive range.

On a brief lunch break from work, I hugely appreciated the speedy 10-minute head, shoulder, and hand massage I received from Thuy Linh Vu. She used some of the most popular products to relax and calm my mind and body. I felt truly refreshed. They wouldn’t let me leave empty-handed giving me a lovely little turquoise bag with a taste of Thailand to take home. Mint flavoured body serum which is surprisingly light and silky on the skin; pure mineral water sacred lotus hand cream which is lovely and nourishing, restoring and reviving the skin; and two less familiar products –peppermint underarm skin toner, and underarm detox mask – which I cannot wait to try.

In a store offering all the popular designer beauty ranges, it was lovely to discover this special new brand. “Erb harnesses the power of exotic Thai herbal ingredients using the latest scientific innovations, resulting in products that deliver exceptional benefits and induce a delightful sensorial experience.”

www.harrods.com

www.erbasia.com

Hot on the Highstreet Week 111

My beauty essentials change with each season… in summer I choose products that nourish and protect while encouraging tanning: rich moisturising hair serums and sprays to avoid dry split hair and simple make-up that accentuates sun-kissed skin and adds a warm glow.

With new products on the market all the time, it is difficult to find the best, so I have selected a few fail-safe favourites to pack in your suitcase this summer.

HOOLA – This famous Benefit essential is a beauty bag must have. Easy to apply, ensuring all over even coverage, it lasts well, giving a deep honey brown rather than an offensive orange hue. The bronzer comes with a super cute mini brush that fits conveniently in the box, enabling easy application and storage. Buy here.

INSTITUT ESTHEDERM TAN ENHANCER – I love any product that safely helps me tan. Recently I discovered the Beesline collection in Beirut and now I’m delighted to have found the Institut Esthederm range of luxurious summer lotions that protect and enhance, helping you achieve a natural healthy tan. The tan enhancer doubles up as an aftersun and tan extender; it should be applied directly after sun exposure to repair and soothe the skin and everyday after your holiday to extend your tan. It will calm down redness and helps deepen your colour. The product also contains very subtle shimmer adding an extra glow. Another Esthederm product worth trying is the Bronz Repair, the best-selling sun care lotion for beautiful bodies. This cream protects the skin as it tans and cutaneous tissue is restructured, allowing the body to maintain its youthful appearance in the sun. I found that applying this product once every few hours while sitting in the sun prevented me from burning whilst intensifying my tan. Buy Institut Esthederm products here.

KERASTASE is my favourite for all year round haircare, and their range of sun specific products are particularly effective. This professional brand understands what your hair needs, protecting your precious tresses in harsh damaging sunlight and adding moisture and shine. Aqua Seal and Huile Celeste are both summer holiday essentials. The Aqua Seal hair oil smooths and calms unruly dry, weathered locks, and you only need a tiny drop so it lasts for ages! Huile Celeste contains a beautifully subtle shimmer perfect for glamorous sunbathing excursions…rub a little bit in your hands and evenly run your fingers through the lengths and ends of your hair… avoid roots to prevent unwanted greasiness. Finally the Kerastase Elixir oil is great for intensive recovery of dry wiry hair, making it feel and look softer and shinier immediately. Buy here.

My last product will help you achieve wavy natural summer hair and volume even in the heat of summer. The new SHU UEMURA ‘VOLUME MAKER’ is magic… a truly unique and innovative product. The invisible texturising powder lifts the hair from the root and instantly transforms the look. Better still the dust comes with an easy to use brush for easy application and it’s perfect for handbag storage. Beach ready hair in a flash. Buy here.

Now that you’ve got your beauty bag for summer sorted, you just need to book your flight to an exotic beach.

A Thoroughly Modern Photoshoot: Thursday Girl

Model wears: 1940’s bronze leaf pendant necklace, for Atelier Mayer. Flamingo Shoes, Cleo B. Retro Sculpt Bra in dragee, Aubade. Vintage silk pajama, French flea market.

Creative Director: Milly Kenny-Ryder
Model: Lexi @ www.oxygenmodels.com
Photographer: Jonathan Hines www.jonathanhines.co.uk
Hair and Makeup: Alice Howlett www.alicehowlett.com
Stylist: Valeria Hernandez-Ugarte www.valeriaugarte.com
Photographers Assistant: Nick Southworth

With special thanks to:
Mike and the team @ www.solalights.com
Luka @ www.oxygenmodels.com