Fat and dimpled skin leaves unmistakeable traces; signs of sagging slyly settle around the bust or hips, under the buttocks, and in the hollows of the knees - but help is at hand. Yon-Ka has launched Phyto-Fermete Body, an anti-sagging body-boosting treatment that reactivates epidermal functions and stimulates tissue tone.

In one hour, this deliciously aromatic treatment provides a 'lifting' effect for the body, using the power of firming, restructuring and toning essential oils and plant extracts on targeted areas. Star ingredient is rosemary, an intense firming agent that is reinforced with ingredients such as hops, eucalyptus, sage and horsetail, beech buds, silicon and vitamin E, to energise, stimulate and restructure the epidermis.

The treatment, which promises to stimulate vitality and firm contours, starts with an encompassing aromatic Phyto-Bain compress on ankles and feet, accompanied by relaxing acupressure techniques. Focus is then given to problem areas using special manual techniques and firming products, Galbol 190 and Phyto 152. This is followed by a body massage using Energising Huile Corps 3.

Midway through the treatment, sagging areas are bandaged (coated with Emulsion Concentree with five Yon-Ka Quintessence Essential Oils - lavender, cypress, rosemary, thyme and geranium), and wrapped in an isothermal blanket. For 20 minutes, the firming ingredients work deep down, while releasing gentle warmth and bringing calm to mind and body. Treatment ends with a refreshing, all-over body massage.

* RRP treatment price from £75-£95/60 minutes

Aveda returns to its Ayurvedic roots with the launch of Chakra Balancing Body Mists, professional Chakra Balancing Massage, and professional-only Chakra Balancing Blends.

Each chakra can affect wellness, thus when one chakra is blocked there is an imbalance resulting in a diminished sense of wellbeing, says Aveda. So, Aveda Chakra uses specially-formulated aromas and holistic massage therapy to harmonise these energy centres promoting health, balance and personal growth.

Formulated according to authentic Ayurvedic chakra balancing traditions, the seven aromatic body sprays (for retail) and professional blends are linked to the seven main chakras, or energy centres, located along the spine - juncture points between mind and body - to bring balance. 

They are:

Chakra 1: root centre (Muladhara) at the base of the spine (around the tailbone). Key aroma ingredients: patchouli, vetiver and olibanum

Chakra 2: pleasure centre (Svadhisthana) just below the navel. Key aroma ingredients: orange, geranium and sandalwood

Chakra 3: solar plexus centre (Manipura).  Key aroma ingredients: lavender, fir balsam and lemon

Chakra 4: heart centre (Anahata). Key aroma ingredients: mandarin, palmarosa and sandalwood

Chakra 5: throat centre (Visuddha). Key aroma ingredients: grapefruit, rosemary and ylang ylang

Chakra 6: third eye centre (Ajna). Key aroma ingredients: petitgrain, orange, and geranium

Chakra 7: crown centre (Sahasrara) top of the head. Key aroma ingredients: angelica root, elemi and olibanum

Chakra journey cards guide clients in determining which chakra aroma is needed to promote balance. The cards are laid randomly in front of the client who selects the three cards they identify with most. They then experience each of these three aromas with an Aveda sensory journey, and select one aroma to inspire balance and wellbeing for that day.

Aveda's sensory journey is also experienced before a Chakra Balancing Massage. This 60-minute holistic treatment helps to centre the chakras using massage techniques in conjunction with the aroma-therapeutic Chakra Balancing Blends. It combines deep tissue massage, reflexology and visualisation techniques - with a focus on harmonising each of the seven energy chakra centres of the body. 

Clients are also guided through gentle meditation, which helps reduce stress, decrease muscular tension and increase the energy and healing potential of the treatment.

Male grooming has evolved from the humble flint edge - used as a shaving tool - to an ever-increasing array of dedicated products and treatments.

As a tribute to it's 'stone age' roots, Flint Edge is the latest offering to the market, addressing the specific needs of men's skin.

The brainchild of Ratan Daryani (a senior executive at the Body Shop and co-founder of Virgin Cosmetics), Flint Edge is not only about providing men with a system that fits into their lifestyles, but products that really work.

The company boasts a stash of premium ingredients (including vitamins and botanicals) and male-specific formulations to address specific skin and bodycare needs.

Ratan's extensive knowledge of cosmetics retailing, combined with product development and formulation, has resulted in the creation of this natural-based head-to-toe range.

"Flint Edge has been created to appeal to the stylish, masculine man who cares about his overall appearance," says Ratan. "But he doesn't have time to mess around with too many lotions and potions, which is why I have started with a core range of products."

With fresh, clean packaging, Flint Edge products take a straight-forward, almost 'Ronseal' approach - ie, it does what it says on the can. However, to simplify purchase choices, it also provides a description of the product, what it does and how to use it, along with a summary of the key ingredients and how they work. 

The range launched with seven lightly-fragranced products, and with its latest addition of a facial moisturiser is now up to nine. The rich and active formulation is paraben-free and contains inventive ingredients such as natural, caffeine-like guarana to wake up the face and sacha inchi, which is rich in omega 3 and 6, along with anti-oxidant pomegranate and nourishing vitamins.

Trialled on men of all ages, they have also got the thumbs-up from women - for the all important 'cuddle test', that is, for scent, textures and finish on the skin.
Priced between £7 and £15 (RRP), Ratan believes the products give value for money, providing salons with increased retail and treatment opportunities.

Currently available in prestigious retail outlets such as Fortnum & Mason, Fenwicks and Whole Foods, Ratan is working to further develop the product range and treatment side for salons, as well as building a training and education package.

THE RANGE

* Shaving Cream * Exfoliating Facial Scrub * Aftershave Balm * Face Moisturiser * Body Wash Gel  * Sports Rub * Hair Putty * Sports Rub * Foot Refresher 

* Mini try-me packs and gift sets are also available

Getting out and about in the industry is one of the best parts of the job -- seeing the people behind the brands and sometimes getting to experience the products and treatments first-hand can't be beaten.

It's also a really valuable opportunity to find out what people think of the magazine.

People often say they enjoy the feature articles and like reading about new products, which is very flattering, but perhaps even more so, was when one company recently asked me for my opinion.