helena frith powell

‘They can replace hands and lungs, they can fit pacemakers, but they can’t do a damn thing about hot flushes,’ laments the lead character in the new French hit film Aurore, or I Got Life! to give it its English title. My first reaction on hearing this …

We are besieged by political correctness wherever we go. And it seems rather one-sided. For example, I was amazed to see that while my local supermarket wasn’t selling Easter eggs this year (they are “chocolate” eggs apparently) it was proudly displayi …

I can’t resist a bargain, so when my favourite nail salon offered me 50% off false eyelashes I thought ‘it would be rude not to’. So off I trotted yesterday to have them done, having completed a patch test a few days ago to make sure I wasn’t allergic …

I try to do a mask three times a week. This morning I tried the Clarins SOS Hydra Refreshing Hydration Mask, which I loved. It’s a cream/gel so doesn’t feel too oppressive, even though the texture is thick and luxurious. It glides on perfectly and afte …

The key ingredient is parmesan. Think of an amount and double it. At least. The first time I cooked Pasta alla Nonna, or grandmother’s pasta, I was 12 years old and had never tasted parmesan. That may sound ridiculous, especially as I’m half Italian, b …

I was first introduced to the brand Murad by a lovely celebrity make up artist called Oonagh (www.oonaghconnor.com). From the US, Murad was the first of the so-called ‘Dr. brands’, truly effective skin care based on scientific research. They have just …