Victoria Beckham Dermalogica
Sunday, October 19th, 2008Victoria Beckham Dermalogica
In Victoria Beckham’s new book “That Extra Half and Inch: Heels, Hair and Everything in Between,” Dermalogica products and skin treatments are repeatedly recognised as the must have skin care items you should not live without. When performing her skin care rituals in the privacy of her own home, Victoria chooses Multi Vitamin Power Recovery Masque. “I love face packs too and try to do two a week using Dermalogica’s Multi Vitamin Power Recovery Masque, which I call my little ambulance in a tube.” Dermalogica’s Multi Vitamin Hand and Nail Treatment “lasts you through the day.”
Best quote in the book “We all make mistakes from time to time. I once wore an Armani dress to a Dolce & Gabbana party! How dumb was that?”
Book Press Release
That Extra Half an Inch by Victoria Beckham
Michael Joseph, £20
I have no qualifications to write this book; that’s why I’ve got someone else to do it for me. But let me share my insights anyway. First I’d like to knock something on the head. The idea that, once you have a bit of money, you start wearing couture and stilettos all day and live on caviar and champagne is just nonsense. They’ve both got far too many calories.
My own inspirations come from Grace Kelly, Jackie Onassis and Giacometti sculpture, but this book is not my attempt to tell you what or what not to do. It’s my last chance to cash in on what remains of my fame before David retires.
Even though I do love getting dressed up, jeans remain the staple of my wardrobe. They’re so easy for staff to throw in the washing machine when they get dirty. Jeans that sag at the bottom are a nightmare and I was thrilled when Rock and Republic allowed me to use the GCSE in textiles that I nearly passed to put my name to a design that someone else made. You won’t be able to afford them, though, so you should go to Gap.
“Victoria is a fashion icon and she spends a lot of money in our shops” - Christopher Bailey, Burberry.
I’m a great fan of vintage T-shirts. A word about vintage, though: it’s easy to get confused about the difference between vintage and second-hand and that’s because they’re basically the same. If you want to be safe, look for something that’s ridiculously overpriced. Blouses and halter-necks don’t really do it for me, though you can wear them if you want to look like you shop at Primark, but nobody should be without a £1,000 Chanel cardigan. Have a look in charity shops if you can’t afford a new one.
Think twice before wearing a miniskirt. You might look like Naomi Campbell, but more likely you’ll end up looking like that minger Jordan, who never slept with David no matter what she says. And going out wearing no knickers underneath - I’m mentioning no names here! - just makes you look like a right slapper. Try wearing a pencil skirt, like me. They are so classy - especially if you buy them from Roland Mouret or Alexander McQueen. Empire-line dresses are also perfect for those bloated days when you’ve eaten breakfast.
“I am grateful for the possibility of being close to Victoria’s credit card” - Roberto Cavalli.
Every girl should have masses of accessories. I couldn’t live without my Manolos or Christian Louboutins and I never go out without throwing on my Chanel sunglasses. Make sure you always take a friend with you when you go shopping - it’s so useful to have someone to carry the bags - and remember, if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, there are plenty more outlets in Paris, Madrid and New York. The one accessory over which I would advise caution is a tattoo - I love mine and David’s to bits but you should always check they’re spelt right.
Your bra doesn’t have to match your knickers, but make sure you buy one that fits. Not everyone can aff ord a boob job - not that I’ve had one, mind, and even if I had, I would never have one as obvious as some people I can think of - and there’s nothing worse than a bit of droop, if you get my meaning, girls! And do keep your thongs inside your jeans, unless they come from Agent Provocateur.
You can never spend too much money on hair and beauty products, unless you haven’t got any. Using cheap shampoo makes your hair lifeless - and no one wants to look like they’ve got extensions. Finally, don’t be afraid to be yourself. We all make mistakes from time to time. I once wore an Armani dress to a Dolce & Gabbana party! How dumb was that?
The first thing I notice when I arrive at the salon for my consultation is how vast the place is. The second thing I notice is the buzz and the busy yet welcoming atmosphere. There are so many stylists milling around, chatting and laughing with their customers while attending to their every need. Shortly after I arrive, I am led to a rather glamorous waiting area upstairs where I am guided to a plush designer-upholstered bench opposite what appears to be a bar. While I am waiting I see staff constantly coming up and down the stairs to the bar providing lattes and cappuccinos for clients. Moments later, I am met by Massi who is a very business-like, yet warm and welcoming, man who puts me at ease straight away. We dive into the consultation discussing what I do and don’t like about my hair and what he thinks would improve my overall look. I decided to put myself completely in his hands.
Massi seems excited at the prospect of having free reign to do what he wants with my hair and quickly comes up with a bespoke style just for me. To help clarify his plan, he highlights images and colour samples from a large selection of books he has been using as a source of inspiration. He also explains the science behind his choice of cut, colour and products.
Two autumnal shades of red are chosen from the brand new L’Oreal colour collection. I am the first at their salon to try them. Massi reassures me that these tones will work well with my pale complexion and blue eyes. Once the decision is made, I am led to a chair where I have my own individual TV showing the E! Channel. Massi gets on with mixing the colours while my complimentary drink order is taken by one of his friendly staff. I opt for herbal tea, which is delivered promptly in a little tea pot accompanied by a china cup and saucer.
While I sit waiting for the toner to develop, I see the salon’s co-owner Roberto walk into the salon with the air of a celebrity. It turns out Roberto will be finishing off my hair makeover with a cut and style. Roberto approaches smiling and sits himself down beside me. He reiterates that the style they have chosen is short and textured, which will add body and compliment my bone structure. He shows me a picture from one of his books to ensure I understand exactly what he plans to do. After the cut is finished, he applies L’Oreal Serie Expert Volume Expand Volumising Styling Mousse for fine hair (£10.25) and explains that I should use a light mousse rather than a wax-based product. To finish off, he blow dries my hair straight and uses L’Oreal Techni.art Color Show Finish Spray (£11.30) to complete the style.