Elsa McAlonan’s Beauty Upgrades: How to hydrate hair damaged in cold weather
- Elsa McAlonan reveals a selection of products for hydrating damaged hair
- She also shares the at-home skincare regime used by presenter Alexa Chung
- British beauty expert rounds up the best facial oils to use at each age
WHAT’S NOW & HOW TO DO IT: HAIR HYDRATORS
British beauty expert Elsa McAlonan reveals a selection of products for hydrating damaged hair (file image)
Colder weather combined with central heating can dry out hair, so treat locks to a restorative conditioning treatment.
For colour-treated hair, try Pureology Hydrate Superfood Mask, which contains nourishing coconut oil.
cultbeauty.co.uk
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Or, to repair damage, opt for the Mark Hill Hydrating Treatment.
boots.com from October 26
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Weak, fine hair will benefit from Pantene Body & Strength silicone-free hair mask.
superdrug.com
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And It’s A 10 Miracle Hair Mask is lightweight enough to be used as a daily conditioner, too.
itsa10haircare.co.uk
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‘If you have colour-treated, bleached or dry hair, I would use a mask once a week,’ says John Clark from John Frieda salons. ‘If you apply it in the bath the steam will help it penetrate.’
RACE YOU THERE
The classic 4711 Original Eau De Cologne never goes out of fashion. But if you fancy a twist for the autumn, the brand has three sparkling floral fragrances to choose from.
There’s Rose, with notes of mandarin, green tea and violets; Jasmine, which brings together neroli, tea and bergamot; and the sweeter scent Lilac, which lightens the headiness of the floral heart notes with peach and freesia.
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ALEXA’S SLEEP MASK SECRET
Presenter Alexa Chung (pictured) who is a fan of the Korean beauty brand Cosrx, revealed her skincare regime on her YouTube channel
Presenter and girl-about-town Alexa Chung is a fan of the Korean beauty brand Cosrx.
Sharing her at-home skincare regime on her YouTube channel, she revealed one of her favourite products is its Ultimate Nourishing Rice Overnight Spa Mask (£24, boots.com). The radiance-boosting cream hydrates and lightens dark spots. It can be used as an overnight or wash-off mask, as well as a moisturiser.
THIS WORKS
The latest additions to the Alex Steinherr x Primark skincare range are worth checking out, as they contain powerful active ingredients yet cost as little as £1.50. The star product is this Plump & Glow Anti-Fatigue Wakeup Eye Roller (£5), which uses hyaluronic acid to rejuvenate the area.
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DO I REALLY NEED A FOUNDATION BRUSH?
Yes — if you want a professional-looking foundation base, then it’s best to apply it with a brush, says TV make-up artist Donna May Clitheroe.
‘A brush gets into all the creases and crevices that our fingers are just too big for, such as the corner of your nose,’ she adds.
‘Also, if we are trying to keep germs to a minimum while applying make-up, a foundation brush is the answer. As long as you keep it clean by washing it in detergent regularly, you will not only have germ-free skin, but also a flawless, even coverage.’
Try the Donna May London foundation brush, which comes in a set of four double-ended brushes
donnamay london.com, from October 16
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3 OF THE BEST: FACIAL OILS
FARM GIRL CBD Facial Oil is a 100 per cent natural oil with vitamin E that fights free radical damage and dryness. It is easily absorbed by skin without clogging your pores.
farmgirlbysarahjane.co.uk
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WISHFUL Get Even Rose Oil uses rosehip and damascus rose to maintain your skin’s moisture barrier, even out skin tone and reduce the look of age spots.
boots.com
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WELEDA Pomegranate Firming Facial Oil is full of nourishing antioxidants which encourage cell renewal, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and protect the skin from pollution.
weleda.co.uk
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SHAMELESS INDULGENCE
As the evenings get darker, we can always cheer up our homes by lighting a beautiful perfumed candle, such as Ormonde Jayne’s Frangipani one. The rich, floral fragrance of magnolia, lime peel, white frangipani, jasmine and plum is an instant mood-booster.
The brand, founded by Linda Pilkington — the only British female perfumer to still independently own a perfume house — hand-pours each of its candles in its London studio.
It has a burning time of more than 55 hours, and would make a gorgeous gift — or an uplifting treat for yourself.
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