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Climate Control: Frizz proof your hair (part two)

  • posted July 30th, 2010
  • Beauty

frizz-free-hair-2
I actually have friends who have joked about cancelling their holidays this year due to the dreaded holiday hair syndrome. Think frizzy, dry, crazy unruly locks or flat limp hair that looks permanently unhealthy, whatever you do. Luckily the new crop of hair tamers mean that sleek, shiny holiday hair is possible plus there are some indispensable expert tips to follow to make sure you’re saving your hair and are still able to enjoy your holiday.

Before you go away and while on holiday aim to reverse the effects of dry, damaged hair. For the best nourishing hair treat no matter how dry your locks are looking I would recommend trying a masque from Kerastase. Kerastase Soleil Masque UV Defense is a good purchase if you’re heading to, or are just back from, sunny climes.

Next make sure to protect your hair while you are away. Spraying on a generous amount of a good frizz control spray will ensure that moisture is locked into the hair shaft, leaving your locks shiny and frizz-resistant. Try John Frieda Frizz Ease Straight Answer spray for shiny, healthy-looking hair all holiday long!

Frizz proofing hair products: Kerastase Soleil Masque UV Defense, and John Frieda Frizz Ease Straight Answer spray

Climate Control: How to frizz proof your hair

  • posted July 29th, 2010
  • Beauty

frizz-free-hair-products

If your summer holidays are a joyful mixture of beach, sun and lots of fun as far as you’re concerned but end up turning into one long bad hair day as far as your beauty regime is concerned, then you’re not alone. Recent research has shown that pouf-y hair, lots of frizz and unruly locks are the price we pay for days at the beach. The sun and swimming in the pool or the sea are the worst foes of shiny, healthy hair unfortunately.

Now help is at hand however with my multi-post guide to controlling your crowning glory while on holiday and when you get back. Read on for my expert tricks:

1. Stop serious frizz before it hits the hair by using a no frizz shampoo and conditioner that is specially formulated to lock in moisture. Try Charles Worthington Results Smoothing shampoo.

2. Wear a hat or headscarf when on the beach to protect your hair from the sun and to stop your ends drying out.

3. After using a good conditioner comb a serum into damp hair to combat frizz and humidity. I like John Freida Frizz Ease serum. It’s the original and still the best!

Hair products for frizz proofing: Charles Worthington Results Smoothing Shampoo and John Freida Frizz Ease serum

Perfect bridesmaid hair

  • posted July 27th, 2010
  • Beauty

bridesmaid-hair

As wedding season is upon us it’s time to think about the really essential things when you’re getting ready to spend the rest of your life with the man you love. Yes, that’s right girls, it’s time to think about your hair! Now most brides will of course be getting a professional to have and to hold with their precious locks but when it comes to bridesmaids then the emphasis is often on getting your barnet looking chic without spending too much time or money.

So here are some insider tips and tricks from Paul Mitchell’s expert stylists on how to nail that pretty wedding look, in an instant.

1. Remember that the bridesmaids’ hair styles should always compliment that of the bride. If the bride is wearing her hair down then the bridesmaids would look out of place with an elaborate up do and vice versa.

2. Real flowers in your hair that match the bouquet are a beautiful way to create a matchy matchy effect. Alternatively go for a pretty fake flower adornment for a romantic mood.

3. Shiny, healthy hair always looks good, whichever style you go for. Make sure you condition your hair well and avoid tangles with Paul Mitchell The Detangler conditioner.

4. Add height with a fancy up do. This will ensure you look even more elegant in the photos and will emphasise your bone structure.

Featured Bridesmaid hair accessories and conditioner: Peony flower hair clip and Paul Mitchell The Detangler conditioner

Beauty SOS: Flawlessly fresh faced

  • posted July 16th, 2010
  • Beauty

bronzer

Now I adore following make up trends, looking at celebrity hair styles and most of all copying the outrageous looks seen backstage at the international fashion catwalk shows in London, Paris, Milan and New York. Let’s face it though, the real holy grail of beauty is flawlessly fresh faced skin that just glows with health and radiance. Actresses Camilla Belle and Cameron Diaz are cases in point. Both have very different complexions, from Cameron’s surfer girl chick blonde look to Camilla’s more exotic brand of beauty with those striking dark brows. Yet I chose to mention them both because despite that, and the age difference (can you believe that Cameron is in her late thirties?!) they both have  skin that simply seems to radiate light.

This is partly down to a healthy lifestyle, no smoking, not much alcohol and drinking plenty of water. You can cheat too though, of course. Try prepping the skin with a lightweight moisturiser or facial spritz before applying makeup, such as Clinique Moisture Surge Face Spray. Next smooth on a luminous foundation to create an even canvas and then swirl a rosy pink blush just under the cheelkbones. Try Rimmel mono blush in pink rose. Finally, add a little highlighter to cheekbones and the inner corner of the eyes. Dab on The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter for an A-list worthy glow.

Featured: Rimmel mono blush in pink rose, and The Body Shop Radiant Highlighter, and Clinque Moisture Surge Face Spray

How to get supermodel-worthy legs

  • posted July 15th, 2010
  • Beauty

leg-cream

It’s time to dare to bare ladies, as the weather properly hots up for summer! I just adore long summer days, whether spent lounging by the pool on holiday or walking the city streets to work on hot,sultry mornings. All that skin flashing can be a little too much though, so it’s best to be prepared with some top tricks on how to make the most of your body. Personally, I find that there’s something ultimately more elegant about revelealing a lot of leg in a short skirt or some well-cut city shorts than flashing your cleavage in a low cut top.

Unfortunately, having good legs is mostly down to genetics but there are a few things you can do to make the most of your pins. First up, start with some exercises, a few simple lunges every morning will help tone up thighs and calf muscles. Next, remember that legs look leaner and more toned when they have a bit of a glow. Try a bronzing lotion for instant results, such as Estee Lauder Bronze Goddess Sun Indulgence , which gives great coverage and has a gorgeous smell. Maintain your glow and keep your skin looking ultra smoth, whatever the shape of your legs, by smoothing on some Benefit Touch Me Then Try To Leave Cream. The name says it all!

Bronzinng lotion and Leg cream featured: Estee Lauder bronze goddess sun indulgence bronzer, and Benefit Touch Me Then Try To Leave Cream

The Good Skin Guide: Part three

  • posted June 30th, 2010
  • Beauty

darphin

If you asked any girl what would be on her beauty wish list I’m sure she’d say glossy hair, plump lips, shiny eyes and a healthy body. Top of the list however, would likely be perfect skin. We all have bad skin days and good skin ones, but actually streamlining your skincare routine can really make all the difference. If you’re looking for a miracle or just want some handy hints on how to make your skin look even more glowing, gorgeous and youthful then read on, my friends….

1. Drink lots of water. It really is the best way to keep your skin hydrated, as well as flushing out any toxins from your body and helping you feel more energised. Aim for eight large glasses a day. Mineral is best, but tap is good too so get guzzling!

2. Lather up with an excellent foaming face wash that will make your skin feel squaeky clean. Look for one packed with high-performing ingredients, such as L’Oreal Derma Genesis Fresh Foaming Gel Wash.

3. Get over your fear of face oils, it’s a myth that they cause spots. They actually re-balance oily skin. I love Darphin’s jasmine oil. You only need a tiny bit, applied at night under moisturiser or on it’s own.

Featured products: L’Oreal Derma Genesis Fresh Foaming Gel Wash and Darphin Jasmine Oil

The Good Skin Guide: Part two

  • posted June 28th, 2010
  • Beauty

ren-skin-renewal-mask

Let’s face facts, our skin can never be too luminous or youthful, which is why we splash out on thousands of products every year. Often though we just get confused by all the options, so to help you navigate your way towards the beauty holy grail of perfect skin, I have put together this handy guide. Here’s to a glowing complexion in just a few weeks.

1. Make the most of your sleep by indulging in an overnight treatment or great night cream. Studies have shown that even when applying the same cream at night as in the morning, results are better at night because that’s when the body focuses on repair. Maximse your beauty sleep by applying Olay Anti-Wrinkle Classic Firming Night Cream over cleansed skin.

2. Stimulate your skin and get your complexion glowing with a great chemical peel. While moisturisers do an excellent job of hydrating, you won’t see much progress if you don’t wake up your skin cells. Try Ren’s Skin Renewal Peel Mask once a week.

3. Water is the secret of great skin, so freshen up on a hot summer’s day in the office or out and about with the classic Evian mist spray.

Featured skincare products: Olay Anti-Wrinkle Classic Firming Night Cream, Evian Mist Spray, and Ren Skin Renewal Peel Mask

The Good Skin Guide: Part one

  • posted June 27th, 2010
  • Beauty

laprairie

Fancy waking up with plumper, softer, younger skin? Well who doesn’t? While I can’t promise miracles, I can give you plenty of great tips and tricks to getting better skin, in the next month. After working for ten years with the best skin experts and make-up artists, not to mention models and skin-obsessed A-listers I’ve picked up some tricks of the trade that I plan on sharing with you in this multi-post guide.  No matter how great your skin is, there’s always room for improvement…

1. Be sun smart. Ageing is mostly down to getting too much sun and not wearing an everyday lotion with an SPF to protect your complexion. I like Dr Brandt SPF30. This high protection will keep your skin looking baby young!

2. Get your beauty sleep. It’s boring but the skin needs at least eight hours sleep a night as this is when it does it’s vital repairing and maintenance work. Stress also accelerates ageing so take time to unwind and then get your zzzz’s.

3. The loss of collagen is not the only reason we get wrinkles. Genes play a major factor so look for collagen-supporting serums that will activate your DNA repair – no matter what your parents look like. I always count of La Prairie Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Serum.

Featured above: La Prairie Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Serum and Dr Brandt SPF 30

Beauty SOS: Blonde bombshell (part two)

  • posted June 25th, 2010
  • Beauty

blonde-part-2
Gorgeous, sun-kissed blonde hair is meant for long hot summer days. Think Gwyneth Paltrow looking cool, serene and impossibly glamorous in The Hamptons or Kate Moss, rocking her edgy-pretty brand of beauty in Ibiza or on a yacht. The downside? Blonde hair, especially if it is dyed or highlighted can be extra fragile in the sun and as anyone who has ever had highlights knows, that pretty, pale blonde or  glossy warm honey colour can quickly turn brassy due to a mixture of hot sun and swimming in the pool or sea when on holiday.

Here’s the second part of my indispensable guide to staying a blonde bombshell, all holiday long:

1. Boost the strength of your hair after a day on the beach by using a specially-formulated post-sun shampoo, such as Joico K-Pak Sun Therapy shampoo. I adore this brand for their moisture-rich formulas which leave parched hair looking shiny and healthy again.

2. A top session stylist trick that all the models use is to brush through a small amount of tomato ketchup through your hair if your highlights have gone orange-y or brassy or if you have swum a lot in a chlorinated pool. It really works!

3. On holiday I skip normal conditioner and use a deep conditioning mask every time I wash my hair. My hair really needs it after a day in the sun. Try a nourishing one, such as Phyto Citrus Radiance masque. Phtyo is a fab brand for taking care of dry hair.

Blonde bombshell products featured (left to right); Joico K-Pak Sun Therapy Shampoo and Phtyo Citrus Radiance Masque

Beauty SOS: Blonde bombshell (part one)

  • posted June 22nd, 2010
  • Beauty

kerastase-soleil
Now it’s properly summer a girl’s thoughts turn to going blonde, blonde, blonder. It seems no matter how happy we are with our shiny brunette locks in the winter, as soon as the sun comes out everyone wants to have honey-kissed, white-blonde or surfer chick sunshine blonde hair. Whether you go for a full head of highlights or just some subtle streaks to lighten up your complexion, blonde hair is seriously high maintenance. So here’s the first part of my two part guide to making sure your blonde barnet looks sizzling hot (and not sizzled!) under the sun.

1. Just as you need to protect your skin under the sun’s harsh rays, so your hair also needs an SPF product. Look for a trusted brand and keep your hair protected. I like Kerastase Micro-Voile Protector, which you simply spray in.

2. Pack a hat or bright headscarf on holiday to protect your hair, 50’s movie star style! Try this ditsy floral Liberty print one.

3. Sitting in the sun can weaken your hair, so knot it into a messy bun or ponytail and keeps the ends tucked in to protect them – it’s a trick all the top models use when on the beach!

Featured items for the blonde bombshell: Kerastase Micro Voile Protector and Liberty print headscarf

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