Elsa McAlonan’s Beauty Upgrades: How to do blue nails the right way
- Elsa McAlonan reveals a selection of the best shades of blue nail polish
- She shares how Holly Willoughby achieves bright eyed look on This Morning
- British beauty expert also rounds up the best dry shampoos for your hair
WHAT’S NOW & HOW TO DO IT… BLUE NAILS
Not so long ago, blue nails were a no-go for everyday wear. But, this spring, any shade of it goes.
Mavala’s new Blue Siesta shade from its Chill & Relax collection, a light sky blue (£5.50, johnlewis.com from the end of February) suits those with fairer skin.
Paler blues, such as Jessica’s new baby blue creme polish Smooth Talker (£13.50, jessica cosmetics.co.uk), suit those with fairer skin tones
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SUQQU Nail Colour Polish (£18, selfridges.com) in 121 Adair is a subtle grey-toned blue
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Navy is universally flattering. Try Barry M Blue Jade from the Gelly Collection (£3.99, barrym.com), a grown-up, inky hue
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RACE YOU THERE
Happy birthday, Yardley! Amazingly, this month the British beauty brand celebrates its 250th year of producing floral scents. To celebrate, it’s launching two new fragrances in its Flowerful Collection this week…
yardleylondon.co.uk
boots.com
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HOLLY’S BRIGHT EYES SECRET
Holly Willoughby’s youthful, bright-eyed look is helped by her favourite Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Lotion (£16, boots.com).
Revealing her beauty secret on This Morning, she said: ‘Every morning I apply it to two cotton pads and hold them over my eyes.
‘It just takes down the redness and puffiness and feels really good. It has lots of natural ingredients in it. It’s my saviour.’
Holly Willoughby’s youthful, bright-eyed look is helped by her favourite Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Lotion (£16, boots.com)
THIS WORKS
The new No7 The Full 360 Ultra Mascara (£15, Boots) promises to create a panoramic effect — its hourglass-shaped brush with petal-shaped bristles helps to coat every lash. Vitamin E and shea butter condition and nourish, too. A good all-rounder.
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SHOULD I USE DRY SHAMPOO IN WINTER?
Formulas may have improved in recent years, but dry shampoo can still have an irritating effect on the scalp.
Trichologist Sally-Ann Tarver, from The Cotswold Trichology Centre (cots‑tri. co.uk), says: ‘Dry shampoo serves a purpose as an emergency measure when your hair looks oily, but you have no time to wash it.
‘But excessive use could lead to scalp problems, as it can dehydrate your skin and cause itching or possibly dermatitis.’
Label.M Dry Shampoo
Choose a dry shampoo that is kind to hair, such as the Fashion Week favourite, Label.M Dry Shampoo (left, £14.75, labelm.com)
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Reed No-Fuss Fabulousness Dry Shampoo (£15, marksandspencer.com) has a light formula
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3 OF THE BEST: NATURAL CLEANSERS
KIEHL’S Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil Herbal Cleanser (£24, kiehls.co.uk) is a light, hemp-based, herbaceous gel made with green oregano oil, which won’t strip your skin of moisture.
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PHILOSOPHY’S Nature In A Jar Gentle Detoxifying Cleanser with Agave (£24, johnlewis.com) has a blend of naturally derived cleansing agents to detox the skin and remove make-up.
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ELEMIS Superfood Cica Calm Cleansing Foam (£25, elemis.com) is packed with fermented superfoods that include vegan-friendly kefir, from soy milk. This sulphate-free formula won’t leave skin feeling tight.
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SHAMELESS INDULGENCE
Have you got round to decluttering your make-up bag to make room for the new season’s products, arriving on beauty counters next month?
One way to save space is to invest in an all-in-one face palette. This one, from Dolce & Gabbana Beauty, will see you through spring and beyond. The Dolceskin All-In-One Face Palette has everything you need for a flawless complexion.
There are three lightweight concealer shades, a Solar Glow Ultra-Light bronzing powder to add warmth, a Blush of Roses Luminous Cheek Colour and a highlighter for brightness.
harrods.com
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