NIKKI FIELD CONSULTING

A great start to 2012!

2012-01-09T10:48:00.004+01:00

Garancia my hero!

2011-05-14T10:39:00.011+02:00

Having reached the ripe old age of 47, my skin suddenly took on the guise of a 14 year old boy! It is true that I had been praying for a more youthful appearance, but this was not what I had in mind!
I tried every wash, lotion and gel on the market but nothing seemed to work. I had even made the painful decision to stop eating chocolate, when my pharmacist recommended that I try the new offering from Garancia.
OMG! What an amazing product! It claims to show visible improvements after the first application, and it does! My skin is healthy, blemish free and looking good again!
We've all heard of "hero products", well I have to say that the new Sulfureuse Pâte du Marabout by Garancia is my Super-Hero!

Great organic skincare with a sense of humour!

2011-05-06T16:39:00.004+02:00

When I first got my hands on the Consonant range of natural & organic skin care products from Canada, I was impressed by their simple, clean, and judging from the amount of text, informative packaging.
Then I looked closer and realised that if the products themselves were as good as the witty blurb on the labels, then I was in for a treat.
Having tested a number of the products, I can honestly say that their claims of luxurious, effective and healthy skin care are all true.
My particular favourites are the Foaming Face Wash and the Ultra Firming Eye Cream, but the entire range is terrific for a head to toe healthy option!

Revitalash Mascara good enough for a Princess!

2011-05-06T16:30:00.005+02:00

I just love the Mascara by RevitaLash, but the latest news from Warner Brothers Extra TV is that Kate Middleton agrees with me! Need I say more?!

Intelligent pain relief!

2011-05-02T16:31:00.005+02:00

Intelligent textiles have been around for a while, but Dolitex is the first to use its intelligence to ease pain!
These “Aromatherapy Textile” bandages contain 1 million micro-capsules of Mint, Grapefruit, Lemon, Marjoram Sylvester and Cypress essential oils per square centimeter.
Like a second skin over a sensitive joint (wrist, ankle, knee and elbow) the intelligent textile diffuses it’s soothing oils continuously whilst worn, reducing inflammation, improving blood circulation and easing pain.
The effectiveness of each bandage last up to 30 washes, and will soon be available in back, neck and shoulder support.
It’s not just intelligent it’s pure genius!

Pet Peeve!

2011-04-28T12:00:00.010+02:00

Whilst leafing through one of the world's leading women's magazines I came across an article comparing the best anti-wrinkle treatments on the market.
The article itself was very informative but I couldn't get past the fact that the model used to illustrate it was about 15 years old!!!!
What's up with that?!

Cosmoprof rocks!

2011-03-24T11:58:00.005+01:00

Luckily I wore comfortable shoes, because the two days I spent hoofing around Cosmoprof Bologna took its toll on my poor feet!
The vast collection of halls were bursting at the seams with brands from all corners of the globe. The sights, sounds and most of all smells, stayed with me long after I collapsed exhausted into my airplane seat.
I learned pretty quickly that young Italian women are crazy about all things "nail" and "hair" and sought refuge in the more sedate areas where I could actually talk to and learn about some very interesting new companies and what they had to offer.
The classics were present as always, but I was looking for "what's new" and definately found some winners!
Thank you Cosmpoprof 2011 for an event worth visiting and by the way...the pizza was delicious!

Polish Perfection

2011-03-24T11:19:00.009+01:00

With a world in recession, the demand for inexpensive, yet high quality cosmetics is ever growing.

Many of the women I have spoken to want to pay less but are reluctant to buy products "made in China". The solution is simple "Made in Poland"! The quality is high, with strict European regulations being respected, and transportation and logistics help to make the products extremely accessible to European stockists.

I recently visited Bell Cosmetic's factory just outside Warsaw in Poland and was very impressed with the high level of technology, craftsmanship and quality of the finished product.

Bell make their own Bell Brand as well as an extensive range of private label products for clients such as Avon, Guerlain and Artdeco.

With a growing demand for high quality cosmetics at affordable prices, Bell is one to watch!

Mingling with the stars!

2011-03-03T23:00:00.006+01:00

I just spent a fabulous 2 days in the Cesars gifting suite talking about (and giving away) RevitaLash to an array of the finest French cinematic talent. The stars I talked to were so excited about the prospect of trying this great product. All they had to do was take one look at my spectacularly long, thick and full eyelashes then compare them with my cleverly displayed “before” picture for proof and voila they were convinced ! Check me out in the video report from the lovely Rebecca Leffer of Premier.fr. (I'm at 3minutes 17seconds) My only wish is that I’d had a team of make up artists and hair stylists standing by for my close up, but I am after all just a mere mortal.

(Photographs of Frederique Bel, Josiane Balasko, Marilou Berry and George Berry by Kerstin Alm)

A volcanic spring in your bath tub!

2011-01-18T18:29:00.002+01:00

The Japanese know a thing or two about well-being, and Yunohana bathing salts bring that knowledge right into your bathroom.

Harvested from the steam of volcanic springs, the salts are rich in trace elements and minerals including iron, zinc, copper, magnesium, calcium and gold. And the benefits are remarkable, from dermatology to rheumatology!

Detoxifying, revitalising and relaxing!

Just 20 minutes, two or three times a week for six weeks is recommended to reap the benefits and experience the long term effects, but even just the once made me feel like a new woman!

Yunohana is available in selected organic stores in France and on the website www.lemondeestbio.com

Le Bon Marché have it all!

2011-01-17T22:49:00.005+01:00

Le Bon Marché in Paris now stocks all the amazing Athena Cosmetics products!

The new improved formula of RevitaLash® is better than ever! Packed full of botanicals and peptides the results are spectacular and fast - I have clients telling me they see the results in just 3 weeks!

And arriving on shelf this week is Mascara by Revitalash®! This high performance, clump-free formula and custom designed brush will separate and define your lashes for an eye-popping finish!

Take your hair to the Spa!

2011-01-15T23:47:00.005+01:00

I recently discovered these fabulous organic products by L'Instant 2Moss in Paris.

At their elegant institute, which is more "spa" than hair salon you can have personalised hair treatments and massages to ensure the well-being and beauty of your hair, and even get a cut and blow dry.

L'Instant 2Moss use only natural and organic ingredients. Their hydrating and purifying shampoos, conditioners, oil and day cream leave your hair silky, shiny, healthy and smelling wonderful too!

The products can be ordered from the website, bought at the institute or at Le Bon Marchè Paris.

L'Instant 2MOSS - 5 square de L'Opéra Louis Jouvet - 75009 Paris - tél. + 33(0)1.44.56.03.66

Looking forward to what's new in 2011!

2011-01-04T17:18:00.003+01:00

Wishing you all a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2011.
Watch this space for what's the world of cosmetics will bring us this year!

Made in Japan

2010-12-08T11:10:00.003+01:00

Whilst browsing at my favourite Beauty Monop store in Paris, it was recommended that I try Japanese company DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil. I was sceptical because I am not a great oil lover, unless it's on a salad, and taking off my make up with anything oily has always been unpleasant, mucky and leaves my eyes all puffy. Not a good look for me! But I trust the advice I get at Beauty Monop and gave it a go. To my surprise it was a pretty painless experience and I woke up this morning with smooth clean skin and not a puff in sight! The Deep Cleansing Oil is DHC's top seller worldwide, but some of the other products in their range now look tempting. Their packaging style is more scattergun than harmonious, but if the products within are as good as the oil, then they are worth a try!

Like thermal undies for your lips!

2010-11-30T09:16:00.004+01:00

Okay, it's officialy cold! No matter how wrapped up we are in hats, gloves, scarves and winter woolies we can't avoid the harsh effects of the cold air on our faces.

Glowing cheeks is one thing, but sore cracked lips is unacceptable!

I have been using Dermalogica's amazing Renewal Lip Complex for a while now as my daily lip treatment to restore delicate tissue, minimize contour lines and help prevent the signs of aging (which it actually does) but now with this winter freeze I don't leave home without it!

With no artificial fragrances or colours it's magic in a tube.

What an angel!

2010-11-10T18:08:00.005+01:00

Surya Brasil's Amazonia Preciosa skin and haircare, Sapien Men, Hand Sanitizer and Surya Henna ranges are now on shelf at Ethnic Angel, a wonderful new supermarket in the heart of Paris.
Not just a supermarket, but a voyage of discovery, Ethnic Angel offers its patrons the chance to savour treats from around the globe. The ground floor reminds me of La Grande Epicerie with it's diverse selection of exotic yet elegant groceries, then up to the first floor for an array of beauty products from Japan to tahiti, Israel to the Ivory Coast, Brasil to Morocco need I say more!

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

2010-11-05T18:33:00.004+01:00

Okay, so this picture has nothing to do with the cosmetics industry, but hey! it's my blog and I like it!
However this could be a good ad for that great brand Yes to Carrots!

Face lift for Sapien Men!

2010-11-03T22:08:00.003+01:00

New look Sapien Men by Surya Brasil is hitting the shelves. This excellent organic hair, face and body range for men have received accolades world wide, but now have a visual presence to match the high standard of the products!

Bravo to Surya Brasil!

2010-11-03T21:50:00.003+01:00

Surya Brasil's Sapien Men's aftershave cream and facial scrub have been awarded a recommendation by L'Observatoire des Cosmetiques the prestigious cosmetics guide. And to add to that honour, a further six Surya Brasil products will receive the same accolade in next years « Guide to the best cosmetics 2011-2012 »

Travelling smart!

2010-10-20T18:35:00.007+02:00

In my quest to hang on to my personal effects whilst flying round the world, I've stumbled onto this little gem.
Travalo is a pocket sized 8cm refillable perfume atomizer spray bottle that can be filled in seconds. With its unique pump action there's no need for a funnel, so no spills which means you don't have to suffer an accidental perfume overload. Packing an incredible 50 sprays plus a small window to see when you're running low, this aircraft grade aluminium bottle is safe and tough enough to carry your favourite fragrance wherever you go... and it's even allowed in your hand luggage!

Tasty fragrances!

2010-10-19T17:22:00.003+02:00

There's a fine line between the beauty industry and the food industry, and I'm often enlisted to consult on those cross over projects.

So whilst scouring this years SIAL Paris for interesting and unusual innovations I discovered this attractive and just plain tasty range of organic food flavourings that tickled my sensorial taste buds like expensive perfume.

Brum' is a new concept of airless aluminium spray cans containing organic essential oils and natural flavours to enhance or even replace fresh herbs, flowers and citrus fruits. From black pepper and fennel to grapefruit and geranium, it's like Chanel for food lovers!

Love my face!

2010-10-13T13:38:00.004+02:00

Thanks to my myface cosmetics, I have made the transition from summer glow to autumn glam without missing a beat!
myface cosmetics make it easy for non-professionals to get the make-up artist finish. Divided into the three skin tone categories, fair, medium and dark, each range allows the consumer to get the right blend of colours to suit their complexion. Lipstick tones match blushers which in turn compliment the foundations. So no more unnecessary purchases, it's a one stop shop to looking good.

Nailed it!

2010-10-11T18:09:00.003+02:00

Well the French beauty consumer has spoken! Or at least let us in the business know that even in a recession looking good matters right down to our finger tips.
Statistics show that in the past year colour cosmetics sales in France's mass retail have risen by 2.6% with Nails leading the pack at whopping 10% rise. Eyes are next with a 2.7% rise followed by Face at 2.6% and Lips at 1.2%.
There's nothing like a little colour to lift the spirits!

From ice lollies to fat loss!

2010-10-10T13:03:00.003+02:00

The Zeltiq technology was developed after scientists in the US noted that children who sucked a lot of ice lollies had unusually hollow cheeks.
The reason for this they discovered is that fat cells freeze and die at a much less extreme temperature than skin and muscle cells.
According to testimonials from people who have had the treatment it is "uncomfortable" but not painful and recovery time is short. I've checked around and the price is quite high (approximately 1000€ per session), but still a better solution than liposuction! I'm going to wait for the day we can all buy a Zeltiq at the corner store (remember the Walkman?!)

A change is in the air!

2010-10-04T13:54:00.005+02:00

How many times have you had to reluctantly give up your favourite lip gloss, hand cream, even mascara because you forgot it was in your bag when going through airport security! Even having carefully measured out my toiletries into flight friendly containers, there’s always something that gets forgotten. Well there was good news at the meeting of the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) last week in Montreal for those of us who can’t live without our lotions and potions. Within the next two years the current restrictions will be lifted thanks to new explosive detecting technology.
My question today is what actually happens to all the good stuff that gets confiscated?!

2000 years of looking good!

2010-10-04T09:37:00.004+02:00

How does an olive tree span 2000 years? That was the question that prompted the founders of Millea, in collaboration with “Nicolas Alziari” the world-renowned makers of fine ‘grand crus” olive oil since 1868, to create this range of high performance organic skincare. Ecologically responsible, certified organic by Ecocert and dedicated to sustainable development, Millea offer their clients the opportunity to participate with the kit “an olive tree for life”. Each kit contains three olive tree seeds to be planted as a small gesture in maintaining the balance of nature!

Peel, Seal and Reveal

2010-10-04T08:49:00.007+02:00

They say never judge a book by its cover, but with MD Corrective Care that’s what first caught my eye. The bright, colourful and inviting packaging made me want to take a closer look, and when I did, I found that the within those fun covers were medical grade power packed formulas that simplify professional skincare. MD Corrective Care's second skin technology addresses aging skin, oily and acne prone skin, sensitive skin and photo damaged - hyper pigmented skin. I especially like their “Instant spot lightener” for those “old lady” freckles.

My latest "Coup de Coeur"

2010-10-03T22:06:00.005+02:00

This fun, scrumptious brand of organic skincare Pulpe de Vie won the "Coup de Coeur" at this
year's Beyond beauty, and it's not hard to see why!
Their values are simple: Innovation, Quality, Efficiency and Sustainable Development. They source locally produced organic ingredients, reducing their carbon footprint to a minimum and helping small fruit producers diversify their organic production!
The products also look great, smell wonderful and the web site is terrific. Definitely a brand to watch!

Beauty and beyond!

2010-09-08T15:57:00.007+02:00

Well, it's that time again.
Beyond Beauty opens at the Porte de Versailles on Sunday September 12th for 4 days.
I am expecting the usual mix of innovation, the latest technology and a look at the new trends about to hit the market.
It is not the biggest beauty show, but it is certainly one of the best!
See you there......

A must read beauty blog!

2010-07-07T09:59:00.004+02:00

For my French speaking friends, check out this fabulous new beauty blog MakeMyBeauty

Created by make-up artists Nelly Chatagnon and Alexandra Bonelli, this elegant blog is a "bookmark" essential.

Hair at last!

2010-07-07T09:40:00.003+02:00

Following the success of Revitalash and Revitabrow at Paris's beautiful department store Le Bon Marchè, Athena's fabulous Hair by Revitalash is now on shelf.

Men and women who struggle with fine, thinning hair will now have a new tool in their arsenal to achieve more attractive hair.

Hair by Revitalash is a unique conditioner that fortifies and strengthens the hair making it appear thicker and fuller in as little as two weeks.

Available exclusively at Le Bon Marchè for €132.50

Where to shop à Paris

2010-05-28T18:21:00.007+02:00

I'm constantly asked where to shop for cosmetics in Paris. This could be because I am the consumate consumer, or that I'm "in the business" or just that I wear a lot of make-up, but my answer is more often than not Beauty Monop.

The 4 Paris based Beauty Monop stores are a combination of everyday necessities and innovative niche "must haves". The staff are friendly, helpful and knowledgeable and I always manage to find what I'm looking for....even if I didn't know I was looking!

Beauty Monop addresses:
28 rue des Abbesses Paris 75018
64 rue Oberkampf Paris 75011
118 rue St Charles Paris 75015
Les 4 Temps shopping mall at La Défense

Goat soap?

2010-05-21T17:27:00.007+02:00

My passion for cosmetics is only outdone by my love of food, which makes France the perfect place to live!

French cheese is is hard to top, and the Rocamadour goat's cheese is one of my favourites. So imagine my delight when I discovered that not only can I eat it, but now I can wash with it!

Well not exactly, but close enough.

A company based in the beautiful city of Rocamadour called Exquises Caprines are making a soap from goat's milk in the form of this famous cheese. Goat's milk soap is known for its antibacterial properties, and the tiny fat molecules absorb easily into the skin leaving it moisturised, smooth and supple.

Come and get it!

2010-05-05T14:31:00.008+02:00

I've just launched Revitalash 2.4ml at the Pharmacie Anglaise
on the famous Champs Elysees Paris.

Sapien Men gets the recognition it deserves!

2010-04-20T16:57:00.004+02:00

Sapien Men, the wonderful organic men's toiletries range by Surya Brasil, has been cited among the best products available for men in the new edition of "Les Meilleurs Cosmétiques pour les hommes".

2 out of the 6 Sapien Men products came in 2nd and 5th from an evaluation of 717 products and 112 brands.

Go Sapien Men!

Revitalash launches the 2.4ml!

2010-04-20T16:31:00.006+02:00

Revitalash 4.1ml has been flying off the shelf, and even though it lasts for 6 months, there are many potential customers who don't have the 110€ to pay in one go.

In response to the growing demand for this amazing product, Athena Cosmetics have now made a 2.4ml version, which lasts for 3 months, at a retail price of 70€.

Now more people can have fabulous eyelashes without breaking the bank!

Green Nail Polish....and they even have green!

2010-04-12T23:58:00.002+02:00

In my eternal quest for "green cosmetics", I have discovered this amazing range of water based "green" nail polishes from the Canadian company Suncoat.

The array of colours means that glamour doesn't have to be bypassed while doing our bit for the planet.

Check out their website for more organic cosmetics......this is the future!

Bave d'Escargot....much nicer in French

2010-04-02T20:29:00.003+02:00

Having lived in France for many years I have eaten my fare share of snails, cooked in lashings of garlic butter, but the thought of snail slime had never before whet my appetite. Until now!

I won't however be eating it, but rubbing it all over my body!

A company called Innovatouch Cosmetic have a small line of products made from "bave d'escargot" which literally means snail drool...hmmm!

The healing properties of snail drool are well documented and it is the molecule allantoïne that does the trick. The allantoïne, proteins, vitamins, natural antibiotics and collagens found in this drool combined with Aloe and Silicium make these effective anti-age products a lot more appetising than you’d think.

Revitabrow now available at Le Bon Marchè

2010-04-02T19:44:00.004+02:00

Welcome to the stage......

2010-03-18T10:24:00.004+01:00

I've been a King Of Shaves fan for a while. I love their style and sense of fun, but most of all I think that their products are high tech, high quality, highly effective and inexpensive! What a combination!
Whenever I'm in the UK, I stock up on their excellent shaving oils and state of the art Azor razors to keep all the men in my life happy, but now I can add the new Queen of.... to my shopping list and please myself!

Les Trompe L'Oeil de Chanel...

2010-03-12T00:36:00.003+01:00

Temporary tattoos have been around for a long time, but they have always looked tacky....until now!
Chanel launched their own version of body art this month and I think they're fab!
It's a small price to pay for an original Chanel accessory. Plus it washes off!

Lulu's Time Bomb is the bomb!

2010-03-10T11:06:00.004+01:00

It's rare for me to like all the products in one range. I usually cherry pick: eye cream by Kanebo, face cream (day) Clarins, (night) Lancôme, scrub by Dermalogica....but Lulu's Time Bomb ticks all the boxes! The attractive tactile packaging is just a bonus to what's within. I have been using the range for less than 2 weeks and look younger already!

If you want to try it, it is available at selected John Lewis stores in the UK, from QVC or on www.lulusplace.co.uk

Getting greener!

2010-02-18T19:17:00.006+01:00

I try whenever I can to be "green". I buy organic and recycle. I even seek out organic and ethical brands to represent. My wonderful Surya Brasil products use biodegradable packaging to go with their certified organic ingredients. So I was very excited to read in Science Daily that a compostable plastic is being developed at Imperial College London. In the not too distant future disposable plastic items could be composted at home along with organic waste!

For those who travel.....

2010-02-11T10:47:00.006+01:00

While perusing Gary Pini's fabulous blog 8 items or less on Paper Magazine I was particularly taken with this fab cosmetics site 3Floz.com. What a great idea! How many face creams have been left behind at airport security gates, how many samples are just too small to pique your interest and how many new and exciting brands are out there just waiting to be tried! Their tag line says it all! "For those who travel, those who are curious and those who can't commit".

Revitabrow is born!

2010-01-27T10:15:00.007+01:00

No more sparse, over tweezed eyebrows!

Revitabrow is coming to the rescue!

Athena Cosmetics, creators of Revitalash are launching their amazing new eyebrow conditioner and I'm bringing it to France in February.

Watch this space!

What's new in makeup!

2010-01-11T20:56:00.009+01:00

Whilst looking for what’s new and happening in the world of cosmetics for 2010, I learned that scientists claim to have evidence that Neanderthals wore make up 50,000 years ago!

Shells containing pigment residues that were unearthed at two archaeological sites in the Murcia province of southern Spain, were in fact Neanderthal make-up containers.

This gives me some great ideas for Eco friendly packaging!

On the Jury.

2010-01-06T11:50:00.001+01:00

On December 15 2009 I was on the Marques Emergentes Jury sponsored by Neo Pharma. We reviewed a total of 18 brands and studied about 100 products. I was especially impressed with the French brand Gatte Fossé for pack design, use of natural ingredients, and wonderful fragrances. I also liked the overall approach to children's hygiene and environmental concerns shown by the New Zealand brand eco.kid.

Back to NFC website

Emerging brands.....the innovators!

2010-01-06T11:49:00.001+01:00

I am delighted to have been asked to be on the Jury (selection committee) for a new label called Marques Emergentes, whose objective is to bring innovative up-and-coming brands to the 23000 pharmacies throughout France.

The selection committee is made up of distribution experts, brand specialists, pharmacists and journalists. In December 2009, we will be reviewing products and voting for the top 15 brands that best meet the criteria (innovation, philosophy, network integration, potential earnings, packaging, and clients' needs). The winners will receive their awards at a ceremony at the Palais de Congrès on January 31st 2010.

The French beauty consumer is bombarded with products, but often misses out on the many wonderful smaller brands that don't have the resources to reach a wide audience. It is my hope that through the Marques Emergentes the consumer will have the opportunity to discover the wealth of expertise and innovation that these emerging brands have to offer.

This is a great opportunity to be part of a new synergy between young cosmetic brands and France's extensive pharmaceutical network.

Back to NFC website

On the shelves....

2010-01-06T11:48:00.002+01:00

RevitaLash® is now on the ground floor at Le Bon Marché. Product sales are above expectations and articles are appearing in the press bringing a flood of enquiries from all over France and Europe.

I have just visited 30 Naturalia stores to introduce Amazonia Preciosa and the Hand Sanitizer. I am very impressed with the quality and range of products these stores have on offer and am delighted that Surya Brasil is now in such good company.

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Roll out to more doors.....

2010-01-06T11:41:00.001+01:00

Following the success of Surya Brasil's Amazonia Preciosa haircare range at Beauty Monop, we are pleased to announce the launch into the healthfood chain Naturalia's 45 doors.

Certified by Ecocert and Cosmebio these pure, gentle formulas use ingredients harvested from the Amazonian rainforest. This is the only range to contain the unique and incomparable essential oil from the preciosa tree in all 15 products.

Amazonia Preciosa: Good for you, good for the planet!

Selling like hotcakes: Surya Brasil's Hand Sanitizer is flying off the shelf! This is just the beginning, but retailers are knocking down our door to get their hands on this amazing organic product.

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Eyelash sensation...

2010-01-06T11:35:00.001+01:00

I am happy to announce the launch of RevitaLash® at Le Bon Marché, the prestigious Parisian department store and 'window' for the beauty press.

From August 27th until October 10th you can buy Revitalash® at Le Bon Marché's L.A. Event, which is showcasing the best of West Coast American beauty. After that, Revitalash® will be a permanent listing in Le Bon Marché's famous beauty department.

RevitaLash® Eyelash Conditioner is the leading cosmetic alternative for eyelash beautification. Within weeks, this remarkable cosmetic innovation will dramatically enhance the appearance of your natural eyelashes making them look spectacularly longer, thicker, fuller and more beautiful!

Stop press! Revitalash® featured in the September issue of Vogue.com (click here and press 'suivant' twice to see the item).

Back to NFC website