Strictly Come Bathe With Tess
review by Belinda Morris
You know when a celebrity has really made it, when she — or he — creates (ok, puts their name to) a fragrance. The heaving perfume market is literally awash with scents launched by A, B and even Z-listers and what better way for adoring fans to identify with their chosen idol (certainly cheaper and less painful than copying their choice of designer heels)?
Hollywood legends and rock stars have been joined in this trend by more accessible TV celebrities and into this latter category falls presenter, ex-model, columnist and yummy mummy Tess Daly. Well, since we have yet to get a whiff of Eau de Brucie or Parfum de Cowell (the saints preserve us!) it thankfully falls upon the lovely Tess to represent the world of star-studded reality TV. And, rather refreshingly, it isn't a perfume that the Strictly Come dancing co-host is launching this month, but a beauty range and it's exclusively for M&S.
With a handy play on words, the line is called Daly Body, which might conjour up the notion of no-nonsense basics — ie, to be used every day. But to see the range — let alone smell it — it to know that's there's nothing remotely humdrum going on here. Without actually featuring a sequin or bugle bead, it's all about glamour, glitz and gorgeousness — much like Tess and Strictly really. The mood is one of indulgence, pampering and hedonism — with the underlying reality check that you would expect from M&S.
The four-piece collection of key Daly Body products (there are also mini versions available in sets) all feature a heady, sweet fragrance which is a blend of tuberose, jasmine, osmanthus, spice notes and vanilla. And the other unifying element is the colour gold — either in the packaging or the product itself. In a heavy square glass bottle with a gold lid, the Daly Bath Soak (£15 - 500ml) is a shimmering gold gloopy liquid, which scents the whole bathroom as it is run under the tap. I didn't notice that it scented or glittered my body after I emerged from the foam, but a dollop of Daly Body Glow high shimmer moisturiser (£9.50 - 200ml) did both jobs perfectl
Also in the collection: Daly Skin Shimmer (£12 - 100ml) a body oil spray; Daly Face Glow (£9.50) a highlighter. The sets also include Daly Tone Zone (a firming gel) and Daly Shimmer Shower. (sets: £15 and £35). Available from Marks & Spencer stores nationwide (www.marksandspencer.com) |