Skinnovation at Harrods — Beatrice Aidin

A series of beauty talks to get 2014 off to a beautifully polished start

As a cascade of skincare products hits the Harrods beauty hall in continuum, customers are asking questions. Should we buy Crème de la Mer over Clinique, or pick up La Prairie over Lancôme? Does all that whizzing around the face with a Clarisonic brush really beat a muslin cloth?

Such uncertainties need to be addressed, and from its position at the front line of beauty, Harrods has decided to do just that. The department store is bringing the experts to the public with Skinnovation, a series of 12 evening masterclasses and one-to-one consultations from Thursday January 23 to Tuesday February 18.

“I’m thrilled to offer customers this unique opportunity to get their 2014 skincare regime off to the best start,” explains Clare Morgan, Harrods Beauty general merchandise manager. “Our series of special events will showcase the latest innovations in skincare, hero products and forthcoming exclusive launches.” Beauty enthusiasts will want to flock to highlights such as the Monday January 27 reception with Dr Nadine Pernodet, vice president of basic science research at the Estée Lauder Companies, who is one of the most respected scientists in the field of skincare.

Lesley Clough, the national training manager for Sisley UK & Ireland, will host a Q&A simply titled Regeneration, followed by one-to-one skin assessments on Wednesday February 12. The following day, Diane Inverarity, the UK ambassador for Crème de la Mer, will pull out of her hat the two new products for this season, the Lifting Contour Serum and Lifting & Firming Mask. Lancôme, Kiehl’s, Dr Lancer, YSL, Bliss, Clinique, La Prairie and RéVive are also among the 12 brands participating in the Skinnovation season.

As for that Clarisonic brush, on Tuesday January 28 Dr Stefanie Williams, the founder and medical director at European Dermatology London, will host a round table on the science behind the brand. The results are undoubtedly good. And with four apparently sold every minute, it’s time to say: muslin cloths, your days are numbered!