Interview: Sadie Jean Sloss, Make-up artist, DollyLeo

Published on Friday 20 November 2009 15:54

IF the best gift in life is giving, the chances are you'll know someone who wishes Sadie Jean Sloss was jumping out of the wrapping paper this Christmas.

As the Grazia Female Entrepreneur of the Year finalist behind DollyLeo Apothecary, one of Edinburgh's most exclusive independent retailers of beauty and skincare brands, Sloss has rapidly carved a career out of creating intimate, individual treatments for her clients.

"Increasingly, I think people are opting to buy an experience as a present to themselves or for others," says Sloss. "There is something wonderful about knowing you've given someone a gift that is totally unique to them and will ultimately leave them feeling great."

A freelance make-up artist for eight years, Sloss did make-up for glossy magazines, pop videos and Bollywood films before opening her Stockbridge store. Today she stocks a range of specially selected beauty brands, as well as offering an array of treatments, including facials, eyelash extensions and professional make-up lessons.

Sloss's experience within the beauty and fashion industry has enabled her to experiment with niche brands, many of which are now exclusive to DollyLeo and selected following the advice of leading make-up artists and skincare professionals.

And it's not just women who enjoy the upmarket R&R that DollyLeo has to offer, says Sloss, who also boasts a special range of products and treatments for men, including hot shaves and facials. "The male skincare market has grown over the last five years and men are following the leads of their girlfriends, wives and friends," explains Sloss. "We're keen to encourage the idea that men can enjoy the same degree of luxury with our male grooming service. At DollyLeo we have a team of experienced skincare and cosmetic consultants ready to treat and talk to them."

Within her studio at DollyLeo, specialists are on hand to assist in selecting and advising on what products would give optimal benefits to men through skin analysis. Products currently on the shelves include Korres' men's range, with its natural ingredients, and The Refinery Collection, which boasts essential oils. "We have a good male following for our facials thanks to the success of our Ultimate DollyLeo Facial (80), a personalised treatment, devised by the our own experts, which offers a tailored facial 'fitting' with products from across our portfolio," says Sloss. Appreciating that all skin is different, the facial mixes and matches skincare solutions to suit individuals for optimal results.

Also popular is the Men Only Cosmeceutical Consultation, where men can enjoy a personal product consultation with skincare and cosmeceutical experts to discover the best skin care solutions. Best of all, it's a treat that doesn't cost a thing.

This professional makeover photo-shoot combines the ultimate luxury of a spa day with professional photography.

Makeover and Photography session, gift vouchers from 50, at Picture This Photography (0131-661 3605, www.icanpicturethis.co.uk)

A blend of smoky, leathery ingredients gives this scent its unabashed sexy, masculine impact for men.

Tom Ford Coffret gift set includes an eau de parfum and aftershave balm, 46, at Space NK (0208 740 2085, www.spacenk.co.uk)

Can't afford Gok Wan's services? Transform your other half or best buddy with a life and style makeover that won't break the bank. Range of packages available, from 197, at Girl's Eye for the Smart Guy (0131-208 1196, www.girlseyeforthesmartguy.co.uk)

Nestled within a trademark cream box and tied with a black bow, this gift set is the ideal way to lavish a loved one on Christmas morning.

Wild Fig & Cassis Home Candle and Lime Basil & Mandarin 200ml Bath Oil, 90, at Jo Malone (0870 034 293, www.jomalone.co.uk)

If someone in your life wants their teeth whitened, why not give them the best gift of all – the ability to look their best.

Vouchers for non-surgical cosmetic treatments such as teeth whitening and Botox are available in multiples of 25, at Face and Body (0845 070 5538, www.faceandbody.co.uk)

Take the effort out of the January sales for a shopaholic this Christmas with expert advice from a personal shopper as well as 950 of gift vouchers.

Personal Shopping Service, 1,000, at House of Fraser (0845 602 1073, www.houseoffraser.co.uk)

• www.dollyleo.co.uk,

0131-315 2035

• This article was first published in Scotland on Sunday on 22 November 2009.