The beauty industry has long been leading the charge for speed services for those of us who really wish there was an extra hour (or three) in the day. First came express manis with their quick-dry polishes, then Skin Laundry landed in the UK, offering lunchtime laser and light treatments. Now the hair industry is getting in on the act with Instant Highlights. The first salon-strength toner for blondes came to the high street last year courtesy of Charles Worthington, taking you from brassy to platinum in just five minutes – all from the comfort of your bathroom.

Now that the focus for quick-fire colour boosters is gaining momentum, L’Oréal Professionnel is launching a brand new colouring system that aims to shake up the way we dye our hair forever. Instant Highlights (from £32, Headmasters nationwide) is a three-pronged technique that promises to halve the time you spend in the colourist’s chair. Whether you want to refresh worn-out colour in a flash or subtly top up your balayage with a tonal lift, now you can do it without blocking out four hours in your diary, or taking the day off work. Amen to that.

Instant Highlights: how they work

Like traditional highlights, this instant version involves foils and lightening cream. But, unlike its predecessors, it also requires heat activation using a hair iron that works in tandem with the specially formulated lightening product to lift colour in just half an hour. ‘Hair can lighten up to a maximum of six levels with Instant Highlights and it’s easy to tailor the depth and gradient of the colour for a subtle finish,’ says top stylist and L’Oréal Professionnel ambassador Adam Reed.

The process

The cream is painted on to locks like usual and sandwiched between two thick foils. This additional thickness helps to carefully control the lightening process. The colour is then activated by running the heated tool over each foiled section for between 15 -30 seconds. The hair iron may look like a regular straightener but the plates only reach a maximum temperature of 140˚c – on average, 40˚c lower  than traditional heated tools. ‘This helps to distribute colour evenly over strands and prevents damage,’ advises Kay Connelly, product development and technical director at L’Oréal Professionnel. ‘If the tool was any hotter you’d run the risk of overheating the foil, over processing the hair and compromising the condition of your strands, leaving them sensitised. Testing has shown that 140˚c gives the perfect amount of control for a gradual lift, at speed.’

Now for the techy bit

The use of heat quickens the process by removing the need to pre-lighten strands. The formulation of the lightening cream is different, too, containing a ‘unique oil blend that works in harmony with the temperature, creating a smooth formula that won’t crack, swell or drip when it is on the hair, ’ says Connelly.

Things to consider

Think of Instant Highlights as a seasonal refresher, a tonal top-up that, like make-up contouring, uses patches of light and shade to flatter your face shape. However, if you’re currently a dark brunette and looking to go peroxide, this really isn’t the technique for you. Better book that day off…

How to do high-speed colour at home

For the first time ever, it’s also possible for redheads to boost their colour when their professional dye job starts to fade. Simply shampoo John Frieda’s pioneering Radiant Red Boosting Shampoo, £6.99, as usual and leave on for up to ten minutes, depending on how intense you want your colour refresh to go. Looking for fun but without the commitment? Try one of the Schwarzkopf LIVE Colour Sprays (from £5.49). They come in five different shades, and you can spritz on and layer up when you want to make a statement.

Words by Charlotte Clark

The post Instant Highlights let you top up your balayage in just 1 hour appeared first on Marie Claire.

If you’ve found yourself stuck in a beauty rut of late (something we’re all guilty of from time to time) there’s nothing like a new round of catwalk shows to shake you from your slumber and inspire you to try something a little different. Whether it’s an extreme graphic liner, a crystal nail trinket or a sprinkling of glitter, this season there really is something for everyone.

So keep scrolling to see our pick of the biggest, and best, beauty trends from the shows at New York, Paris, Milan and London…

The Trend: Black Magic

Jet-black liner is nothing new, but what is different this season is the placement. Rather than simply hugging the lash line, it can sit anywhere you like, depending on how experimental you’re feeling. At Monse, flicks were ultra fine and layered on top of one another over the corner of the eye. Lanvin’s kohl liner started high up in the crease with a flat, chunky sweep of black. You could try an opaque, almond-shaped swoosh à la Marc Jacobs to make peepers appear wider. Or, in perhaps our favourite incarnation of the lot, imitate everyone’s beloved Disney princess, Pocahontas, with a rectangular smudge of liner over the edge of the eye, as spotted at Jason Wu. The bottom line? Everything’s possible – you can be as brave and bold as you like, so have fun and experiment. Check out our edit of the best liquid eyeliners that’ll help you nail this look.

The Trend: Power Peacock

If we had to sum up the mood of SS18 in a single word, it would be ‘peacocking’ – AKA make-up that, once applied, immediately induces a certain kind of swagger. But it’s not just the attitude of the big bird that we’re emulating; the colours of its showstopping plumage are on trend, too. A swoosh of inky metallic blue lit up eyes at Marni, while Fendi was all about the emerald flick. ‘The key is to explore without caution,’ advises make-up maestro Pat McGrath, who created the Fendi eye. ‘I used a really vibrant hue called Blitz Emerald from my Mothership II: Sublime Eye Palette (about £93. 48; Patmcgrath.com), which pops against all skin tones.’ If you’re feeling a little more daring, channel Tracy Reese and wash the whole lid with an opulent jade shade for an attention-grabbing finish.

The Trend: Pin And Proper

Thanks to 90s girl bands, hair accessories have a questionable reputation (bandana, anyone?), but hear us out on this one. From the bejewelled headbands at Dolce & Gabbana to the elegant pearl sliders at Simone Rocha, in SS18 accessories have finally come of age. Make sure you keep it simple, though, says Redken creative director Guido Palau, who created the Dolce look. ‘The embellishment should be the statement, not the hair. You don’t want the two to vie for attention.’

The Trend: Mirrored Lips

The runways made a great case for a high-shine pout this spring. Try Philosophy’s rosebud vinyl lacquers or add a touch of shine over a deep crimson shade, as seen at Haider Ackermann. For extra staying power, ‘Start with MAC’s Prep + Prime lip, then follow with a pencil to stain the entire lip before applying gloss,’ advises MAC’s Rebecca Butterworth.

The Trend: Porcelain Skin

Skincare is no longer just for prepping – it now doubles up as make-up, with artists turning to ultra-hydrating lotions and essences for a bona fide lit-from-within glow. Make-up artist Kenneth Soh let us in on the staples in his kit: ‘You’ll need a brightening essence like Caudalie’s Vinoperfect for a dewy base, a sheer BB or CC cream to even out skin tone, a multitasking concealer to disguise dark circles, and a clear brow gel to groom.’

The Trend: Holographic Eyes

Just when you thought unicorns had permeated every possible inch of the beauty world, along came the gleaming lids at The Blonds. Eyes were embellished with a slither of holographic Perspex cut to fit each model and secured in place with lash glue. Fast track your way to otherworldly make-up – no messing.

The Trend: Crystal Tips

Park your nudes and pillar-box reds. This season, nail art exploded across the runways, reminding us that nails are much more than just a supporting act in the beauty arena. At Philipp Plein, design was led by Instagram sensation Mei Kawajiri (@nailsbymei), who encrusted each square tip with megawatt bling, while miniature crystals were delicately placed on the tips of the ring and pinky fingers at Naeem Khan, for a more subtle take. Away from the catwalk? ‘Crystals are totally wearable,’ says manicurist Ami Streets. ‘Keep it subtle by colour-matching gems to a sheer polish.’

The Trend: Glitter Bug

Who said sparkle was just for Christmas? At Dries Van Noten, models rocked gems in hairlines, on lips and around eyes, while at Jeremy Scott, a trio of glinting stones were applied in ascending size from the inner corner of the eye for a space-age twist. Fancy taking a step back in time? Get yourself a beauty spot to rival Cindy Crawford’s by placing a single gem high on the cheekbone, as at Givenchy. Glitter also had a moment, with Shrimps showcasing another way to rock grown-up glitz: with a sequin pout.  If you want to try it yourself, start by ‘slathering on MAC’s Lip Conditioner £12.50, as it’s creamy enough to hold everything in place and gives a great glossy base,’ advises MAC senior artist Rachel O’Donnell. ‘Then use your finger to press in sequins for a playful scattered effect.’ If you want to take it to the next level, coat a set of falsies in glitter pigment like Ryan Lo, for an out-of-this-world lash look.

The Trend Off: Slick ‘n’ Slide Vs Surfer Girl

Hair this season belonged to one of two camps. Both were beachy (for summer, of course), but the results were dramatically different. On the one hand (seen above left), there were wet-look, slicked-back tresses. Gel is your product of choice here, but don’t go overboard: apply it to roots only so the rest hangs softly, as at Prabal Gurung; or sweep hair away from the face with a strong-hold version, spotted at Etro. On the other hand, there were cool-girl beachy waves (seen above right). Take inspiration from the sexy surfer vibes at Altuzarra, where hair was tonged and then brushed out to stop it looking too ‘done’. The only question, which do you prefer?

The post The SS18 Beauty Trends To Rock This Season appeared first on Marie Claire.

Unfortunately working out isn’t as easy as it once was.

You now have to question whether you’re exercising at the right time? If you’re washing your gym kit properly? And are you actually exercising too much? Seriously, it is a thing and it could be the reason you’re gaining weight.

Well, you now also have to consider how to wear your hair when you’re working out.

We’re not even talking about hairstyles for vanity purposes here, because the way you wear your hair when you hit the gym could actually be one of the reasons you’re losing your hair. Scary, we know.

Hair expert Anabel Kingsley spoke to The Daily Mail about the hairstyles women should and shouldn’t wear when working out. And we’re afraid to say that your hairstyle of choice is probably the one you really should be avoiding.

‘Overly tight hairstyles, such as wearing your hair in a tight ponytail or braid, can put too much traction on the hair and hair follicle,’ Anabel explained.

This is particularly bad when you’re working out as the act of exercising can add extra tension to your hair follicles, especially if your hairstyle is already pulling at these.

‘Initially, this can cause breakage and may even pull strands out. If done repeatedly over a long period of time, permanent hair loss can occur,’ says Anabel.

‘This type of hair loss is called “traction alopecia”. To help prevent this, opt for a looser style,’ she recommends.

So those of you who often whack your hair up into a ponytail or bun when you hit the gym might want to reconsider. Styles such as a loose braid are much more friendly on your scalp and are still a great way to keep those strands out of your eyes as you hit the treadmill.

The post Is your gym hairstyle causing you to suffer from traction alopecia? appeared first on Marie Claire.

Using the best sulphate free shampoo will change your life, and your hair, forever. These shampoo formulas are much more gentle on the hair and so don’t strip away its natural moisture, meaning they’re particularly good for those who suffer from dry hair – plus those who love to wash their hair every day can do so without risk of damage.

So who are sulphate free shampoos appropriate for? The good news is that switching to a formula with no sulphates or parabens is fine for just about any hair type – even greasy hair. It’s also much better for the environment so you can rest easy knowing your haircare isn’t damaging our planet. If you can’t bear to part with a good old cleanse, then try alternating between sulphate and sulphate-free formulas.

Find out which sulphate free formula is best for your hair type below.

Best sulphate free shampoo for curly hair

Bumble and Bumble Curl Shampoo, £24, Fabled

When it comes to taking care of curly hair, you want something that’s going to keep the bounce in your locks rather than leaving them limp and lifeless. A sulphate-free formula is therefore a great choice, as it’s a gentle wash for your curls. Try Marie Claire approved Bumble and Bumble Curl Shampoo. At first glance you may think it’s a little pricey, but even if you have long and thick hair a little goes a long way, so you get some serious bang for your buck here.

Buy Now

Best sulphate free shampoo for dry hair

Living Proof Repair Shampoo, £24, Fabled

Sulphate free formulas are without doubt the best choice for dry hair, as it’s sulphates that are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to drying out your precious locks. As well as being formulated sans sulphates and parabens, Living Proof’s Repair Shampoo is a big injection of hydration for your frazzled locks, so it’s the best choice for dry hair.

Buy Now

Best sulphate free shampoo for fine hair

OGX Weightless Hydration Coconut Water, £6.99, Boots

The big dilemma with fine hair is that you want to keep it hydrated, but many moisture replenishing formulas are just too heavy for your fine hair – you may want to go without conditioner altogether. Allow us to introduce you to OGX’s Weightless Hydration Coconut Water Shampoo for that injection of moisture that’s perfect for thinner hair. Plus it’s one of the cheaper options when it comes to sulphate free formulas, weighing in at just £6.99 per bottle.

Buy Now

Best sulphate free shampoo for coloured hair

Maria Nila Luminous Colour Shampoo, £12.98, Sally Beauty

If you colour your hair on the reg, then protecting that colour is naturally your first priority when it comes to haircare. Maria Nila Luminous Colour Shampoo not only intensifies your colour, but the formula is 100% vegan friendly too. Sustainability lover Emma Watson is reportedly a huge fan of the brand’s silver shampoo, so if it’s good enough for her…

Buy Now

Scroll through our round up to find your new favourite sulphate free shampoo.

Your locks are gonna thank you for it…

The post The best sulphate free shampoo to shop right now appeared first on Marie Claire.

Hands are often over-looked in our skincare routine. But, when you think that they are exposed to the elements just as much as your face and often without a well practised regime to protect them, it’s no surprise that they can be one of first parts of the body to show signs of ageing. If you’ve ever heard the old saying ‘if you want to find out someone’s age look at their hands’ you might be on the hunt for the ultimate anti-ageing hand lotion or want to find out how to tackle pesky sun spots or even how to stop that horrible cracked feeling once and for all, then you’re in the right place.

The good news is there is a lotion out there for every skincare concern and we’ve put a whole host of them to the test and picked the best of the bunch so you can rest assured that your hard earned pennies are only spent on the best hand creams out there, the ones that really work.

So keep scrolling to find out which hand creams came out on top…

Best Hand Cream For Dry Hands

Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve

Shop
now: Kiehl’s Ultimate Strength Hand Salve for £15 from Selfridges

Not only is skin on the hands thinner but there are also less sebum glands than other areas of the body which is why hands tend to loose that suppleness sooner than other areas of the body. And, also why they’re prone to dryness. To prevent it arm yourself with a generous dollop of this rich salve that forms a glove-like shield over your mitts while the hydrating avocado, sesame and olive oil based formula works its magic.

Best Hand Cream For Anti Ageing

The Chemistry Brand Hand Chemistry Intense Youth Complex Hand Cream

Shop
now: The Chemistry Brand Hand Chemistry Intense Youth Complex Hand Cream for £18.99 from Amazon

If you’re a fan of cult skincare brand The Ordinary, it’s our pleasure to introduce to you another member of the Deciem clan, The Chemistry Brand. Hand Chemistry launched to sellout success way back in 2013 and it still remains one of our firm favourites. Why? Because it’s algae based formula hydrates in record time and the clever copper peptide formula stimulates collagen production to boost elasticity for your smoothest, most youthful looking paws to date. 

Best Hand Cream For Cracked Fingers

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream

Shop
now: L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream for £19 from John Lewis

There aren’t many things more uncomfortable than hands and fingers so dry they start cracking. Whether you’ve got a labour intensive job, love spending time in the garden or a bit of a DIY fanatic most of us have suffered from cracking at some point. To combat it this potent 20% shea butter lotion nourishes sore cracked fingers in seconds and won’t leave them feeling greasy. 

Best Hand Cream For Winter

Aveda Hand Relief

Shop
now: Aveda Hand Relief for £18 from Look Fantastic

Relieve hands from the daily stresses of winter weather and harsh central heating with this ultra moisturizing cream. Fruit acids help shed your dead-winter-skin-coat thanks to their exfoliating properties to give you touchably soft mitts while antioxidants protect against signs of ageing. We’re strong advocates of hand cream year round but in the darkest months of the year sometimes you just need a little bit more TLC. And the citrus scent is so heavenly you’ll be slathering it on every hour, on the hour until spring, which can’t be any bad thing can it?

Best Hand Cream For Wrinkles

Chantecaille Retinol Hand Cream

Shop
now: Chantecaille Retinol Hand Cream for £62 from Look Fantastic

Retinol, vitamin C and antioxidant grape seed combine in a three-pronged attack on ageing in this powerful wrinkle busting hand cream. After just a month of use we found the delicate skin on the hands softer, smoother and brighter looking. AKA mitts that looked decidedly less old-ladylike than when we started out. We’re sold.

Best Hand Cream For Age Spots

Sisley Sisleya Global Anti-Age Hand Cream

Shop
now: Sisley Sisleya Global Anti-Age Hand Cream for £105 from John Lewis

The battle against ageing sunspots can be won with the help of this luxury hand cream from French favourite Sisley. So, how exactly does it work? The key ingredient in this targeted lotion is the nasturtium petal extract which is proven to diminish and lighten dark spots while the SPF 10 offers added protection against future sun damage so you don’t undo all the hard work too.

Best Hand Cream For Eczema

Aveeno Skin Relief Hand Cream

Shop
now: Aveeno Skin Relief Hand Cream for £4.12 from Amazon

Dream of hydrating hands that are as dry as Sahara but worried about aggravating eczema? Stop right here. This oat based, fragrance free lotion is suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. The nourishing cream soothes and relieves itching with it’s gentle formula and won’t leave hands feeling sticky.

The post 13 of the best hand creams to soften and protect your skin appeared first on Marie Claire.

If you suffer from thin or thinning hair, you’’re probably on the hunt for the best shampoo for hair loss and products that promote hair regrowth.

But with so many products on the market making promises of halting hair loss and thickening thinning hair, which ones are worth trying? With some help from our panel of hair experts, we’ve found the best shampoo for hair loss.

First thing’’s first, what actually causes hair loss or thinning hair? ‘Thyroid, lack of Iron, stress, poor diet, auto immune problems and genetic pre-disposition can cause an effect on hair scalp and quality, each differently and each with a different solution,’ hairstylist Paul Edmonds tells us. Thankfully, there are some great products on the market that focus on the hair cycle growth phases.

‘Many clients suffer from a reduction of hair due to the hair dormant phase of the hair called the telogen phase and products are designed to kick start this phase back to the anagen phase.’ So do the hair loss shampoos designed to do this actually work?

It’’s important to adjust your expectations when it comes to shampoos for hair loss. There is no miracle hair growth product (sorry about that). So, hair loss shampoos tend to focus on hair retention and hair and scalp condition rather than regrowth.

Sally-Ann Tarver, Consultant Trichologist at The Cotswold Trichology Centre & Theradome tells it like it is. ‘There are a wealth of these shampoos on the shelves but unfortunately hair loss shampoos do not promote hair growth, whatever they may contain,’ she explains. ‘The contact time of shampoo is too short for any active ingredient to penetrate to the hair follicle and remain there long enough to have a therapeutic benefit.’

But that’’s not to say that there aren’’t benefits from using shampoos and treatments specifically designed to prevent hair loss, or thicken and keep hair healthy. Many of the stylists we spoke to rely on thickening products to boost the texture of their clients with thinning hair.

‘The best shampoo for hair loss is Kerastase Bain Stimulate,’ Gareth Williams, Headmasters Artistic Ambassador tells us. ‘It cleanses the scalp to create an environment best suited for healthy hair growth and soothes the scalp to relieve tenderness caused by hair loss. A must if you are worried about hair loss.’

Nicola Clarke, Creative Colour Director Color Wow and John Frieda Salons, also raises an important point on the topic. ‘It’’s more important to know what isn’’t in your shampoo than what is. Avoid shampoos with ingredients that are added for conditioning benefits or to make the formula look shimmery. Any silicones, conditioning agents, or pearlising agents (one or more of which is found in many sulphate-free shampoos on the market).’

‘Most people do not realise that these ingredients leave a film on the hair which can dull it. But more importantly, they can clog the follicles, which can interfere with new hair growth.’ So it’’s important to choose a shampoo that leaves no residue if you want to prevent hair loss.

‘A shampoo should gently clean hair. I recommend Color Wow Color Security Shampoo because it’s the only sulphate-free shampoo that leaves your hair clean without leaving anything behind,’ says Clarke.

Finally, don’t forget to speak to your doctor if you’’re experiencing hair loss. ‘It is really important to speak to your doctor,’ says Paul Edmonds. ‘Whilst products mentioned above can significantly improve hair thickness and quality, if you have other underlying issues your doctor may be able to help. Thyroid and iron deficiency are the most common and can be treated. Auto immune deceases like Alopecia and Androgenic hair loss can be treated but need to be dealt with on a case by case basis.’

Scroll through our round up to find the best shampoo for thinning hair.

Best shampoo for loss of hair

Kérastase Specifique Bain Stimuliste, £13.45, lookfantastic

Arginine and gluco lipid join forces to create an ideal scalp for proper growth whilst strengthening any existing strands.

Buy Now

Best shampoo for thinning hair

Aveda Invati Exfoliating Shampoo, £23.50, Fabled

Perfect for removing product build-up on the scalp, Aveda’s formula invigorates and clears up any scalp issues that might be inhibiting healthy growth.

Buy Now

Best shampoo for hair loss and regrowth

Nanogen Thickening Treatment Shampoo, £8.99, Nanogen

It plumps and volumises finer strands while delivering Nanogen’s own unique Hair Growth Factors straight to the scalp.

Buy Now

Best shampoo for hair loss prevention

Phyto Phytologist 15 Anti-Hair Thinning Shampoo, £17, John Lewis

Used best with Phyto’s Phytologist 15 hair treatment, this helps stimulate the scalp and coat the hair shaft for more volume.

Buy Now

Best shampoo for hair loss and thickening

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo, £20, Fabled

A good thickening shampoo will repair and add weight to your. Hair authority Bumble & Bumble’s gets the job done, and does it well – follow up with their hero thickening conditioner to ensure the results are maximised.

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Rest assured any of these will take your hair from strength to strength.

See more of our hero thinning hair buys below.

The post The best shampoo for hair loss to combat thinning hair appeared first on Marie Claire.

Hands up who regularly goes to the hairdresser to get their hair cut? We all know how often we need to wash our hair (which depends on your hair type FYI, in case you were hoping for a one-fits-all answer), but getting it cut tends to fall quite low down the to-do list. Unless you’re cutting your own hair at home, that is.

When we do finally get down to the salon, we’re often reprimanded with a ‘you need to get it done every six weeks, tut tut.’ But is that really the case?

According to A-list hairdresser and Blade Hairclub founder Julia Olofsson, much like the hair washing situation, it really does depend on your hairstyle and the length of your hair.

For long hair, Julia recommends cutting off about a half of an inch every 10 weeks. That way you still keep about an inch of growth, while getting rid of thinning, fragile, worn out and split ends. The same maintenance interval applies to your layers in order to keep them bouncy and light and the style fresh and sharp.

For short hair (both boys’ or pixie cuts) the haircut shape and texture will grow out and need re-doing in 4-6 weeks, or 6-8 weeks for medium lengths.

Why? This is becasue short hairstyles tend to lose their shape quicker, so you need to keep on top of it more in order to sustain ‘the look’.

If you’re got curly hair, then you only need to go once or twice a year, as curly hair does ‘shrink’ when cut.

So there you have it. Now you can cross it from your to-do list without feeling too guilty.

The post How often should you *really* cut your hair? appeared first on Marie Claire.

Let’s get one thing clear from the off – there is no magic cure for cellulite. None. Nada. Zip. Scientists are yet to invent a pill you can pop to banish dimpled skin (oh, how much easier our lives would be if they did), but all is not lost. There are various lotions, potions and the best cellulite creams that you can use to reduce its appearance, and quite significantly at that.

Depending on the desired outcome – to sculpt your legs, tone your bum or flatten your tum – there is a cream that can help get rid of cellulite. But don’t expect miracles right away; stick at it and combine your cream application with exercise, drinking enough water and eating a balanced diet and you’ll be able to notice a marked difference in a matter of weeks.

Caffeine is the most common ingredient in the best cellulite creams because, in short, it works. Not only does it immediately tighten the appearance of your skin, it can improve circulation and shrink fat cells. This is thanks to antioxidants that penetrate the top layers of skin to stimulate fat cells and help break them down so that they aren’t visible from pushing against our skin.

The result? Smoother looking skin on the surface. So whatever pesky area you’re looking to target, there’s a cellulite-smoothing treatment for that.

The best cellulite creams for thighs

Soap and Glory Sit Tight Super-Intense 4-D, £14.50, Boots

Along with having a dimpled derrière, thighs are probably the area from which women want to rid cellulite the most. So when you think about it, it’s really no wonder this is what scares us most about having sex with someone new.

So what could be better than a cellulite gel that helps firm you up while you’re sat on them?

This is a great buy if you’re in a job that involves being sat at a desk for most of the day (office workers, we salute you in solidarity), because it works through compression of the skin. Plus, the roller ball applicator helps to massage your bum and backs of your thighs while you sit… well, tight. You’ll feel the burn while it works but it’s not unpleasant, rather a warming, tingling sensation instead.

Buy Now

Should I try a body brush for cellulite?

Dry body brushing is known to help with dimpled skin, especially when used after exercise, as it stimulates problem areas and break sdown stubborn cellulite (in fact body brushing can be used to combat a wide range of skin problems, from eczema to acne).

The method behind the madness, if you will, is that it’s thought the combination of massage and exfoliation helps stimulate lymphatic drainage; low lymph flow causes connective tissue to push down on fat cells, resulting in that dimpled skin we all know and love (read: loathe).

See a couple of our favourite suggestions below.

Hydrea Professional FSC Beechwood Body Brush with Natural Bristles, £11.94, Amazon

Buy Now

The Mio Body Brush, £14.50, Mio Skincare

Buy now

We say it’s definitely worth giving a go – and body brushes are pretty reasonably priced. Try body brushing for three or so weeks and take before and after pictures – you’ll notice a difference.

Happy cellulite-busting!

The post The best cellulite creams for smoother and firmer skin appeared first on Marie Claire.

Finding the best moisturiser for your skin type can be tricky. But fear not, we’’ve searched high and low to bring you the top 10 moisturisers for every skin type. So whether you’’re looking for the best moisturiser for oily skin, or the best moisturiser for dry skin, we’’ve found exactly what you’’re looking for.

The first step to finding the best moisturiser? Identify your skin type. This moisturiser quiz will match you to the best one for your skin type.

Dr Anjali Mahto, Consultant Dermatologist & British Skin Foundation Spokesperson says: ‘Finding the perfect moisturiser depends on your skin type,  because not one size fits all.’

‘Dry, sensitive, oily skins all need different skincare. And it needs to be designed specifically for your skin type . If you don’t know what your skin type is, speak to your dermatologist.’

But generally speaking, if you suffer from flaky, you have dry skin; if you find that your skin looks shiny throughout the day, you have oily skin; and if you find that you have dry patches as well as some shiny areas, you have combination skin.

Remember using mattifying products on dry skin will make it drier. Similarly, using products that are excessively hydrating on oily skin will promote breakouts.

If you’’re in the mood for something luxurious, try Crème de la Mer’’s cult classic Moisturising Soft Cream. It’’s slightly lighter than the brand’’s signature cream, but delivers the same potent hit of moisturising Miracle Broth. And will leave skin feeling instantly softer and smoother.

If you’re on a tight budget, but still want something that feels luxurious, try Garnier’’s Skin Naturals Soft Essentials 24Hr Hydrating Day Cream. It’’s enriched with vitamin E to leave your skin instantly softer and hydrated for up to 24 hours.

Simple’’s Kind To Skin Hydrating Light Moisturiser is another great purchase. It’s super-gentle on sensitive skin and you’ll notice that your skin feels plumper almost instantly.

The post The best moisturisers for all skin types appeared first on Marie Claire.

Talk us through your skincare regime…

My skincare is always the same regardless of whether I have anywhere to be or not – I’ve gone to see my dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross since I was 14 years old so I swear by his skincare products. My favourites are the All-In-One Cleanser With Toner and the Hyaluronic Moisture Cushion. If I need more of a deep cleanse, I’m faithful to my Clarisonic, which helps to clear out any dead cells, and remove dirt and grime.

 

How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?

I would never just wake up and run out of the house. Before I go anywhere, I leave myself at least an hour, to an hour and a half to get ready. I’m very diligent with my beauty. I learned that from my mother. She looks about 20 years younger than her age and always taught me that getting ready in the morning is precious time to yourself. My everyday make-up look is a smoky eye – I use a soft brown by Bobbi Brown – and a pink lip like Pillow Talk by Charlotte Tilbury. I usually pluck my brows myself, use Charlotte Tilbury’s Rita Brow Lift to fill in sparse areas, then finish off with a clear brow gel.

What if your skin needs a little more TLC?

Is your skincare regime different at night?

No matter how tired I am or how far I’ve travelled, I would never fall asleep with my make-up on. I’ve discovered that the easiest way to take off eye make-up – even tricky waterproof stuff – is with simple products like Bioderma Sensibio H20 Micelle Solution and a bit of Vaseline. For a boost of night-time hydration, I love Sisley’s Black Rose Precious Face Oil. Sisley’s Black Rose Skin Infusion Cream is key after a flight, too.

What is your go-to hairstyle?

Favourite sport?

I’m often spend time in hotel rooms for work and they can smell a bit… hotel roomy-ish, so I’ll pack a Jo Malone or Diptyque candle or room spray. Orange blossom scents are my favourite.

Jo Malone Scented Candle

Do you have an in-flight beauty regime?

‘I’m not a face mask on the plane sort of person – I get on the flight with my make-up on and touch it up when I get off. If I can’t sleep, I read magazines and do some work – I have loads of ideas during long haul flights and can really focus on the creative side of my job.

Luxury is…

Time. My best friend and I recently started playing Mario Kart as a distraction. I’m not wired for it, but it’s fun and really helps me switch off!

The post Olivia Palermo’s beauty secrets appeared first on Marie Claire.

There’s no doubt about it, Olivia Palermo is one gorgeous A-Lister, looking nothing short of perfection whatever the occasion. She’s not short of 10/10 looks: Take a look through her style highs and lows for some top class fashion inspiration. As well as making quite a name for herself as a style icon, she’s held as a beauty icon too, in our eyes, demonstrating endless beautiful looks over the last few years.

Olivia first rose to fame when she starred in reality show The Hills spin off, The City, alongside Whitney Port from 2008, in order to gain a bit of experience in the world of acting. She’s also dabbled in the world of modelling and appearing as a guest judge on Project Runway and Britain and Ireland’s Next Top Model. And in 2014 she launched her very own e-commerce site along with ‘The Fancy’. Over the years, Olivia has had a number of designer collaborations and has graced red carpets all over the world. But no matter the location, Olivia is always getting it right in the beauty stakes – be sure to check out her beauty secrets.

Over the years, Olivia has experimented with a number of different hair colours and styles, looking simply amazing with each one. What’s more, her numerous beauty looks – whether she’s on the red carpet or just out and about in the city – will seriously inspire you for your own make up looks.

Olivia married her long-term boyfriend (and fellow model) Johannes Huebl in 2014 in an intimate ceremony in Bedford, New York – the pair are forever looking super loved-up when they’re out in public, and regularly give us all of the #relationshipgoals.

Here she is at the Christian Dior show during Paris Fashion Week in 2013, clearly taking her hair, make up and outfit inspiration from Paris – doesn’t she look amazing?

Scroll through for all of Olivia’s best beauty moments for some serious hair and make up inspiration…

The post The incredible beauty looks of Olivia Palermo appeared first on Marie Claire.

Applying acid to your skin to treat inflammation or irritation might seem counter-intuitive, but salicylic acid is one of the best guys for the job – although it sounds scary, it could well be your new skin saviour. Found in a number of the best spot treatments and beauty products for acne-prone skin, it can treat a number of skin concerns. But what exactly is it, and how does it work? Read all about it below.

What is salicylic acid?

A type of beta hydroxy acid (BHA), salicylic acid is a multi-tasking ingredient that can tackle skin’s many problems. Often prescribed by doctors, you’ll find it in most of the best acne treatments due to its exfoliating nature and structure, which allows it to get deeper into the skin and encourage pores to de-clog. As an anti-irritant, it also has the ability to soothe stressed skin, reduce redness and work as an anti-inflammatory to calm breakouts and angry skin. It’s also a keratolytic medication, which in layman’s terms means it encourages skin exfoliation.

How does salicylic acid work?

Essentially it breaks down the bond that keeps dead cells clinging together. If not broken down, this bond can clog pores along with oil, leading to blackheads and whiteheads. The acid part of the molecule can dissolve some of the intercellular ‘glue’ that holds skin cells together. It’s also been proven to have renewing properties, helping to firm and plump the skin by promoting new cell turnover.

The reason salicylic acid is able to give such a deep clean is because it can penetrate deep into the pore lining – while alpha-hydroxy acids only treat the surface layer of the skin. It’s therefore able to exfoliate inside the pore as well as the surface of the skin, helping to clear congested skin. On top of that, it can reduce sebum secretion, another way to treat acne.

Salicylic acid can also help combat dandruff; in much the same way as it helps rid your skin of dead cells, so too does it rid your scalp of dry, flaky skin.

How to use salicylic acid

When you first apply it (most importantly to clean and dry skin) you’ll probably experience some stinging and perhaps a little peeling or slightly reddened skin. But it’s actually safe to use on sensitive skin because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Over time, your skin will become accustomed to it and any side effects will lessen; the maximum concentration is a 2% solution, so start with a smaller concentration if you’re apprehensive. You’ll also notice that your skin is smoother and clearer, due to the exfoliation.

Now that you’ve wised up on how it works, shop the best salicylic acid products in our edit of the best below.

The post Why salicylic acid could be your new skin saviour appeared first on Marie Claire.

From the editors of InStyle

We don’t want to play favourites, but when it comes to choosing a workhorse of an eyeshadow palette, you can’t go wrong with a good mix of nudes. Aside from being timeless and flattering, they’re the easiest way to sling on shadow without too much risk.

That said, things can go south if two things happen in a day-to-day nude palette:

1) If there are too many shades containing big glitter particles everything gets a bit trickier. We’re not anti-glitter – far from it – but if an illuminating wash of caramel on your eyelids is speedy and easy – and to do that, you need something that’s finely milled and applies smoothly.

2) If there are too many shades, picking one can be a faff. While a make-up artist when faced with 50 eyeshadow shades may delight in the opportunity to play about, but when it’s 7am, and you’re throwing on shadow before your commute, too much choice ain’t necessarily a good thing.

Those rules established, here’s why you need the new Limited Edition Nars Wanted Eyeshadow Palette, £55 out on the 15th of January, which falls foul of none of the above.

It nails matte nudes

There are four of them – deep chocolate brown, cream, a sandy brown, and deeper brown. Between the four, you can create a classic smoky eye, a wash of definition, or a base for the other finishes. Consider these your staple shadows.

… But the shimmers and satin finishes are a dream

This is where it gets interesting. NARS are masters of colour and have decided to channel this into different textures. The four shimmers in this palette look fab in lieu of usual defining shadows, or pressed on top of lids (as per the picture of me wearing it), while the creamy satin is ideal for a ‘I’m not wearing make-up’ shadow.

… And there is a glitter shade if you fancy taking things up a notch

Because every now and then sparkle is mandatory.

The colour payoff is immense

You may expect as much from Nars, but in case you’re new to their shadows, they’re great because make-up brushes grab the colours enormously well, and they don’t flick around your face too much if you’re blending, which means minimal clean up time, even if you’re going for a smoky eye (top tip: make like make-up artists and grab a cotton bud coated in moisturiser to sweep fallen shadow off cheeks if need be).

Most of the colours are classic, but you’ll also be able to tap into the red eyeshadow trend

Make-up artist Lucia Pica has been espousing the virtues of a little red around eyes for years, claiming that it’s surprisingly flattering. If you’re not convinced or are yet to try it, the sunset hues in this are a risk-free way to have a go, given that you’ll definitely hit pan on at least two thirds of the palette.

The post NARS’ first release of 2018 is the eye shadow palette of your dreams appeared first on Marie Claire.

Trying to find the best eye cream for you can be an overwhelming, and frankly exhausting, experience. There are so many different types out there; it’s no surprise that finding ‘the one’ is a tricky business. How to know what concern to target? How often should you use one and what’s the right way to apply?

Don’t panic though, we’ve scoured the beauty halls and trialled an almighty selection of the latest offerings to bring you this select edit of the best eye creams out there. So you can rest assured that your hard earned pennies are only spent on the ones that really work.

If you’re dubious about the necessity of an eye cream in your regime, consider this – the skin around your peepers is around 40% thinner than the rest of your face, which is why it’s so important to use a cream tailored to the area. It’s this delicacy that makes your eyes prone to crepiness and crows feet long before the rest of your face follows suit. International Facialist Abigail James explains, ‘the eye area is the most expressionate area of the face, meaning it’s the first place that fine lines appear.’ Not only is skin thinner but research has shown it’s also subjected to ‘repetitive stress from micro-eye movements’ – AKA blinking, which we do on average over 28,000 a day. While we can’t do anything to freeze time (or stop you blinking!) we do know that armed with the right products you can stop wrinkles in their tracks, rehydrate even the thirstiest eyes and banish dark shadows for good.

Equally important to finding the right product is an effective application technique. Unlike the rest of your skincare stash, you shouldn’t rub in your eye cream. Instead, you should gently tap it in using your ring finger to prevent tugging or dragging. Clinical Facialist Kate Kerr always advises starting your regime by ‘patting the lymph nodes near your ears at least 10 times to help alleviate puffiness.’ Next dab the cream in pea-sized dots around your orbital bone and ‘press pat your eye cream in,’ says Kate Kerr. Make sure you leave enough time for it to absorb fully before applying makeup and be careful to avoid applying too close to your eyes or it can seep in during the day causing irritation. Dr Dennis Gross warns against ‘applying directly to the eyelid unless the cream specifies that is safe to do so as most eye creams will naturally travel to settle in targeted areas.’

If you’ve had a big night out (or one too many margaritas) and the creams just won’t cut it, take a look at our pick of the ten best concealers for hiding dark circles.

Keep scrolling to see our edit of the best eye cream for every concern; from puffiness, to under eye bags and dark shadows to crow’s feet…

Best eye cream for wrinkles

Murad Renewing Eye Cream, £68, Fabled

For a two-pronged attack on fine lines try Murad’s Renewing Eye Cream. The anti-ageing powerhouse retinol (otherwise known as Vitamin A) combines with powerful peptides that help strengthen the paper-thin skin around your peepers so skin looks firmer and wrinkles are noticeably reduced.

Buy Now

Best eye cream for dark circles

Dr Dennis Gross C + Collagen Brighten & Firm Eye Cream, £63, Selfridges

If dark undereye circles are the result of lifestyle factors like lack of sleep or a poor diet (rather than pigmentation or skin structure), then the good news is you can do something about them. New York based Derm, Dr Dennis Gross advises, ‘choosing an eye cream that contains caffeine to help decrease puffiness and Vitamin-C to help brighten the under eye area.’ Dr Dennis Gross own C + Collagen Brighten & Firm Eye Cream does both. We’re sold.

Buy Now

Best anti-ageing eye cream

Zelens Triple Action Advanced Eye Cream, £75, Fabled

Founded by cosmetic surgeon and skin expert Dr Marco Lens, Zelens is the go-to for skin worthy of the red carpet. The smoothing Triple-Action eye cream targets crow’s feet, fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes with a potent, botanical-enriched formula containing marine collagen and hyaluronic acid.

Buy Now

Best eye cream for sensitive skin

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra Contour Yeux, £16.39, Amazon

From La Roche Posay comes a recipe for relief suitable for even the most sensitive skin with Toleriane Ultra Eyes. The gentle, fragrance free formula is perfect for the delicate eye area and instantly relieves soreness and irritation. Keep one handy if you suffer from flare-ups as this lightweight lotion has been granted a coveted Allergy-UK seal of approval.

Buy Now

Best eye cream for puffiness

The Ordinary Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG, £5.80, Cult Beauty

From cult beauty brand the Ordinary comes a true game-changer in the battle against puffiness. The potent Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG is like rehab for tired, swollen eyes. Testament to its efficacy is the speed it’s flying off the shelves, at some 50,000 units per month. Get it before it’s gone.

Buy Now

Best hydrating eye cream

Skinceuticals Eye Balm, £66.66, Amazon

If the skin around your eyes is so dry it drinks up every lotion you’ve tried and ends up looking cakey under makeup you need this. The rich and creamy balm formula absorbs quickly, targeting visible dehydration while aloe vera and vitamin E help nourish even the thirstiest of under eyes.

Buy Now

If you’re still looking for ‘the one’, keep scrolling for some of our other favourites.

We’re certain you won’t leave here empty-handed…

The post The best eye cream for wrinkles, puffy eyes and dark circles appeared first on Marie Claire.

Now that all the festive parties have been and gone (collective sigh!), it’s time to detox. Thankfully we’ve discovered an amazing quick-fix skin treatment that deeply cleanses and rejuvenates that post-season complexion…

Yep, party season is finally over, which means that cosying up on the sofa with your favourite box set come Saturday night is officially OK. We get it – after a month-long binge on bubbles and Ferrero Rocher, a chilled night in with a soothing cup of mint tea is high on the hit list.

But don’t miss a trick: your complexion is also crying out for a detox right now (you can blame the booze, late nights, central heating, plus fast-rising pollution levels for that) and, thankfully, we’ve found just the thing.

Sanctuary Spa’s Purifying Charcoal Bubble Sheet Mask, £5 is hands down one of the best sheet masks we’ve tried for revitalising partied-out pores – especially if, like us, you’re on a budget right now. It contains absorbent charcoal, the ingredient known by beauty insiders to help draw out skin impurities, such as daily dirt, grime and pollution particles, as well as excess oil, making this rather fabulous foaming sheet mask a fast route to a clearer complexion.

How does it work? 

This miracle sheet mask comes in two parts: after cleansing, apply both segments to dry skin, then smooth out any creases. Leave it on to do its thing for 10-15 minutes and you’ll soon see and feel its oxygenating micro bubbles working away (sort of like a bespoke Jacuzzi session for your face).

After you’ve removed the sheet mask, massage in the remaining foam with your fingers and rinse your face with warm water. You’ll be left with fresh and replenished skin that glows like you’ve had a professional facial.

There’s even the stats to prove it really works: during independent user trials, 85 per cent of women who had used the Purifying Charcoal Bubble Sheet Mask for one week reported that their skin appeared clearer and fresher, with less visible pores afterwards, while 83 per cent of women agreed that their face felt less oily too*.

Where can I get it?

Sanctuary’s Purifying Charcoal Bubble Sheet Mask(RRP £5) is available to buy in most Boots stores nationwide, online at Boots.com and Sanctuary.com. Save 25% on the entire Sanctuary Skincare range (so that means this sheet mask is just £3.75) until 13th February 2018. Trust us – your post-party season skin will thank you for it.

^*One week independent user trial on 68 women, Oct 2016.

The post This might be the best detoxifying sheet mask we’ve ever tried appeared first on Marie Claire.

From the Editors of Powder

Right, before we start, we’d like to congratulate you for making it through the Christmas period. We take it you didn’t kill a relative or eat enough mince pies to put you into an early grave? Bravo. But alas, we are now into January, which means in some respect the fun must end (how many of you are doing Dry January?) and the detoxing and revitalising must begin.

However, you know us, we like to treat you, so we are here to make your January detoxifying exciting. The January #PowderBeautyDrawer is a bumper edition, filled with products to help transform your dull and dreary complexion to shiny, happy and future-proof.

So, what’s in this wonderful box of dreams? Thirteen cracking products that we’ve carefully curated with your, most likely, quiet January in mind. Make sure to get yours here! 

The Organic Pharmacy Antioxidant Lip Balm

Because lips are just as important as our skin, we’ve sorted you out with one of the most nourishing lip balms around. As well as Shea Butter and Rose Hip, which will get winter lips back into tip-top condition, it contains antioxidant Vitamin E to protect them from pollution.

POW_ER Tip: Use a lip scrub or an old toothbrush to polish off excess dry skin first.

Nip+Fab Dragon’s Blood Fix Serum

While we’ve never experienced actual dragon’s blood, it’s probably safe to say it does magical things, just like this hydrating serum. Thanks to Hyaluronic Acid and a velvet flower blend, parched skin will be plumped and glowing in no time. *Please note: no dragon’s were hurt in the making of this serum.

POW_ER Tip: Apply straight after cleansing when pores are clean and open for best absorption.

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum

All we want from our eye cream is to brighten up our tired eyes, but this one goes above and beyond by treating every little niggle you could ever had. It contains retinol that, over time, smoothes out fine lines, brightens dark circles and firms up the whole area. Winner.

POW_ER Tip: You should start using eye cream as soon as possible as the skin is thinnest in this area and more prone to ageing.

TROPIC Super Greens nutrient boost serum

You might be doing Veganuary or you might just be upping your spinach and broccoli order on Ocado, but January is all about eating more greens. Not only are they good for your insides, but also your outsides. Now you can apply your greens too. This serum is essentially a shot of the healthiest vegetables, extracts and herbs, like chlorophyll, kale and green coffee that will calm, repair and nourish skin.

POW_ER Tip: Pipette a few drops into the palms of your hands, rub together and then massage your face in upward circular motions to help the serum penetrate better.

HASK Charcoal Purifying Deep Conditioner

How many parties did you go to last month? Too many? Which likely meant quite a few hairstyles, non? Well give you hair a break this month. Not only will this conditioner help add shine and soften hair but, thanks to the impurity-absorbing charcoal it contains, it’ll also purify each and every strand for a healthy scalp, too.

POW_ER Tip: For supercharged shine or hair in need of some TLC, leave it on as a mask for ten minutes before washing off.

Balance Me Pure Skin Face Wash

Whether your skin is oily, dry, normal or sensitive, you’ll love this non-stripping cleanser. It contains Grapefruit Oil and Aloe Vera to ease sensitive skin, balance oily skin and purify congested skin. A tip top all-rounder.

POW_ER TIP: Use a muslin cloth to take the cleanser off afterwards – it’ll gently exfoliate dead skin cells off of the skin’s surface.

Cougar Hyaluronic Acid Oil

If you’re not already using a Hyaluronic Acid product, then what on earth are you playing at?! HA (for short) can hold up to 1000 times its own weight in water, which means if you apply it topically, skin will look more plumper and hydrated than ever before. No brainer.

POW_ER TIP: Layer this on after your Tropic Serum for skin so wonderful you’ll be the envy of everyone.

SkinChemist Essential Hydrating Day Moisturiser or Essential Hydrating Night Moisturiser

Hydration is the name of the game in January and you’ll get it in spades with these SkinChemist wonders. Packed full of skin protecting antioxidants and deeply moisturizing coconut oil, your skin will feel and look better with just one application.

POW_ER TIP: Don’t overdo it with either of these. An dollop the size of a 10p is enough.

Darphin Vetiver Aromatic Care Stress Relief Detox Oil Mask

This is the ideal mask to start your new mask resolution with because it’s perfect for all skin types. A blend of essential oils and flower petals, it gives tired complexion a boost, helps soothe angry skin and calms the senses. And yes, it smell bloody good.

POW_ER TIP: Taking the time to do a face mask is one of the most important things you should do to look after your skin. If you’re reading this thinking, ‘I don’t have the time.’ We say tosh! Watching Peaky Blinders this evening? There’s an hour. Eatting your supper? There’s twenty minutes. (If your fellow diners don’t mind.)

Blaq Hydrogel Eye Mask

Been burning the candle at both ends? These under-eye masks will totally transform eye bags, puffiness, and help get peepers back to their bright, sparkly selves.

POW_ER TIP: Apply each mask about 1cm below each eye and then leave on for 10-15 minutes for best effects.

Crabtree & Evelyn Old World Jasmine Hand Cream

First rule of handbag etiquette: keep a hand cream with you at all times. This one smells amazing and contains myrrh to improve the condition of nails and cuticles.

POW_ER TIP: Wear an SPF on hands daily – they’re always exposed to UVA and UVB rays.

Lottie London Glossip Girl

Once your skin is glowing brighting, you’ll want to show it off. Do that by wearing nothing but this Lottie London lip colour. Channel Blair Waldorf with their ‘Glossip’ girl lip gloss (see what we did there?). Expect high shine, long wear and a deep colour from each one of them.

POW_ER TIP: Dab onto cheeks if you feel like you need a flush boost.

Sleek i-Divine Eyeshadow Palette in All Night Long

Come the end of January, you’ll be gasping for a night out and we think we’ve found the best eye shadow palette to suit any evening plans. It has every molten bronze, flattering toffee and iridescent nude eyeshadow in one, so you know it’s going to be a keeper. This one has 12 different shades and they’ll suit every eye colour, skin tone and occasion. Divine indeed.

POW_ER TIP: To make eyes pop, apply lighter shimmers in the inner corner of eyes.

We’ve also be quite cunning and popped in some Pukka Organic Tea Bags to replace your glasses of Prosecco. Didn’t we say we’d help you through the month? You’re welcome.

All of this is worth £154, but yours for only £50. Not bad eh?!

So what on earth are you waiting for? It’s a new year, look forward to a future with beautiful skin.

The post Powder’s January detox drawer has finally arrived appeared first on Marie Claire.

Ah, mascara. Without a doubt the one item we’d hail as a ‘can’t-live-without’ in a beauty version of Desert Island Discs. There’s just something about giving your lashes a bit of oomph with the best mascara that no other cosmetic can quite match (not even your best liquid eyeliner).

Whether you’ve got stubborn, straight lashes, unbearably short ones, or you just want to add a bit of volume to your eyelashes, we’ve tried and tested a job lot of the best mascara formulas and narrowed it down to a few choice buys every woman should have in her beauty arsenal.

Walk this way for a tour through the best mascaras on the market, old and new, for just about every lash type, and keep your eye out for our Prix Beauty Award winner. We’re sure you’ll leave here with a new beauty best friend…

Best waterproof mascara

Clinique High Impact Waterproof Mascara, £18, Fabled

Clinique’s waterproof mascara accompanies many to weddings, funerals and other important occasions during which crying might occur – because it just will not budge until you take to it with a good eye make-up remover. It has staying power we can only liken to that of a determined customer who camps outside department stores ahead of the Boxing Day sales. Adding just the right amount of length and volume, sensitive-eyed girls will also love it for smudge-free days. One of the best waterproof mascaras you’ll ever try.

Buy Now

Best lengthening mascara

Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara, £23, Fabled

When it comes to the best mascara for a lengthening job, this is a super pigmented game-changer. The thicker brush combs through your lashes to build the length volume of each, unlike a lot of volumising mascaras which clump lashes together for a bolder lash look. The result? Spidery, jet black lashes that are the best finishing touch to any eye make-up look – but especially a smokey eye.

Buy Now

Best volumising mascara

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara, £19, Selfridges

A mascara called ‘Better Than Sex’ has got a lot to answer for and, fortunately for Too Faced, this one does. We’re talking standout lashes that are both thick and lengthy. What’s more, the helix-shaped wand is great at reaching into those tiny inner corner lashes and bumping up the outer ones. Great for nights out with your best eyeshadow, but is it really better than sex? We’ll let you decide on that one…

Buy Now

Best mascara for straight lashes

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara, £18.50, Fabled

When Benefit announced they were creating a new mascara, nobody believed it was possible for them to top their best seller, They’re Real. But oh, how we ate our words. Benefit created a groundbreaking brush which hooks onto your lashes (don’t panic, it doesn’t hurt) to ensure they meet their maximum curl and length potential. It’ll coax even the stubbornest straight lashes into a lifting curl that makes your eyes pop. Frankly we wouldn’t be without it.

Buy Now

Best mascara for short lashes

Charlotte Tilbury Full Fat Lashes , £23, charlottetilbury.com

Fed up of using several different mascaras to lengthen, volumise, and darken respectively, Charlotte Tilbury wanted to bring an ‘all in one’ mascara to the masses. And, being Charlotte Tilbury, she did exactly that. The cleverly designed brush catches hold of even the shortest, finest lashes, pushing them up and outwards to enhance your eyes to the max. When it comes to the best mascara for short lashes, always go for Full Fat.

Buy Now

Best mascara for sensitive eyes

No7 Extreme Lash Sensitive Eyes Mascara, £13, Boots

It is a truth universally acknowledged that sensitive eyes water and, unfortunately, streaming eyes lead to under-eye smudge for mascara users. Homegrown brand No 7 tends to go in hand with sensitive skin sufferers, and their mascara is the solution to many a weepy-eyed girl’s woes thanks to its uber gentle formula. Plus who doesn’t love a high street price point, really?

Buy Now

Best mascara for length and volume

Dior DiorShow Mascara, £25.50, John Lewis

Legendary make-up artist Pat McGrath helped create this punch-packing mascara little over ten years ago during fashion week, where she resorted to applying it with a toothbrush on models for proper fluttery lashes. And so it was that DiorShow, the inky-black mascara of dreams, was born. It’s about as close as you’ll get to dramatic lashes without buying a pair of falsies (and a hell of a lot easier to apply, too), so it’s really no wonder that it’s such a crowd-pleaser.

Buy Now

Best smudge-proof mascara

Blinc Tubing Mascara, £22.20, blincinc.com

Not all mascara formulas are created equal. As well as your traditional, run-of-the-mill fibre mascara there are also tubing formulas, which are a whole different ball game. The slogan says it all: ‘Stop painting your lashes… Tube them.’

Buy Now

Check out a few more of our fave lash-enhancers, from budget to bank-breaking (but worth it), below.

Your eyes will never have looked better.

The post The very best mascara formulas to lengthen, curl and volumise appeared first on Marie Claire.

The best moisturiser for oily skin may seem counter-intuitive, but believe it or not, oily skin can still get dehydrated. Not all moisturisers target the same thing, and you’ll need a completely different set of ingredients to someone with dry or flaky skin.

Fortunately, once you’re clued up on the ingredients to look for, finding the right cream for your skin type is nowhere near as hard as you might think.

But, first thing’s first, you need to know a bit more about why your skin is the way it is. We spoke to consultant dermatologist Dr Sharon Wong to get the low down on oily skin.

Although your skin is overdoing it on the grease front, it still needs some hydration to maintain the skin barrier’s health. ‘Many anti-acne products dry out skin, so it is important to rehydrate it to prevent overproduction of sebum to combat the dryness,’ Dr Wong says. Also, make sure your entire skincare routine is tailored to your oily skin: take your pick from the best cleansers, and the best toners and fighting shine will become a whole lot simpler. Oh, and be sure to add one of the best foundations for oily skin to the mix.

So what should you look for when buying oily skin friendly products? ‘Avoid heavy moisturisers and opt for oil-free creams or serums instead.’

With that in mind, we’ve sourced different types moisturiser for oily skin below for you to add into your skincare routine now.

The best moisturiser for oily skin on face

Ole Henriksen Sheer Transformation Face Cream, £47, Lookfantastic

It brightens complexion, fades dark spots and keeps your skin feeling soft and nourished. Although it’s oil-free, it won’t keep you matte for hours, so put this one in your nighttime skincare regime so it can work its magic overnight – when you’re less worried about how shiny you are.

Buy Now

The best moisturiser for oily skin and open pores

The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA, £4.90, Cult Beauty

The Ordinary is one of the biggest skincare brands on the market (and Instagram) at the moment; not only is their skincare high performance and good quality, but their prices are bank balance friendly. Pretty much everything is under a tenner. Their Natural Moisturizing Factors is  oil-free, alcohol-free and silicone-free, making it the perfect moisturiser for oily skin as it won’t clog up pores and make them more visible.

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The best moisturiser for oily skin with SPF

Dermalogica mediBac clearing™ Oil Free Matte SPF 30, £42.50, John Lewis

It can be a real struggle to find a moisturiser with a good SPF that’s simultaneously not too greasy or heavy – as SPF notoriously is. Fortunately, there are a few carefully formulated moisturisers that benefit oily skin and protect from the damaging effects of the sun. Dermalogica is well known as a brand that caters for the needs of oily-skinned people, and their mattifying SPF 30 lotion works to mop up excess oil, while also shielding against sun damage. So, no more oily sunscreen problems.

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The best tinted moisturiser for oily skin

Clinique Anti Blemish Solutions BB Cream SPF40, £29, Fabled

Clinique’s BB cream is oil free and has the added benefit of SPF 40. But what’s particularly great about thisone is that it’s both mattifying and buildable, meaning you can cover your blemishes.

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The best moisturiser for oily sensitive skin

Tata Harper Clarifying Moisturiser, £96, Net-A-Porter

Trust us when we say the price tag is totally worth it here. 100% natural and made with 40 high-performance ingredients, the lightweight formula works to clarify the surface of your skin, which is why it’s so great for oily complexions – especially those of acne sufferers. Congested skin will become a thing of the past.

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Shop a few more of our oily-skin heroes below.

Shine-free moisturisation will be yours in no time…

The post Moisturiser for oily skin that will remedy excess shininess appeared first on Marie Claire.

You’re not alone if you’re still searching for the perfect hairstyles for round faces to suit you. The good news is there’s a whole host of celebrities who have mastered the art of balancing a good hairstyle with a round face shape.

So, what are the key things you should bear in mind when choosing a hairstyle for your face shape?

‘Stay away from a bob or cut that is all one length, advises award winning hair stylist, salon owner and Natural Afro hair expert, Charlotte Mensah. ‘Instead, opt for layers that will give definition and more structure visually.’

Another key point to remember is to choose a style that will lengthen your face – ‘Elongate round face shapes by creating soft layering just below the jawline, keeping the shape square throughout,’ says Sam Burnett, KMS Global Style Council Member and Owner and Creative Director at Hare & Bone.

How do you know if you have a round face?

Round faces are characterised by a softer jaw line and equal dimensions; the widest point of your face is the middle and your face is as long as it is wide (a face that’s longer than it is wide needs one of these hairstyles for oval faces).

See our favourite round-faced celebrities below and compare to your own face shape if you’re not sure.

And to be ensure you get the most out of your facial features, read our handy guides on how to contour for your face shape and eyebrow shapes for your face shape next.

Hairstyles for round faces with long hair

Stephen Lovekin/WWD/REX/Shutterstock

When it comes to hairstyles for long hair that also suit round faces, you have a lot more choice than you might first think. Long and sleek styles with a soft side part work well, as does added volume and texture past the chin to elongate your face.

Celebrity inspiration: Priyanka Chopra, Kate Upton and Gemma Chan

Hairstyles for round faces with medium length hair

If you’re after a middle length hairstyle, the good news is that a textured, medium hairstyle with layers is is the best bet for a round face. ‘Medium length hair looks great when it’s maintained well; think fuller, blunt styles with no layering,’ advises Sam. Browsing these hairstyles for medium-length hair is sure to inspire you.

Celebrity inspiraton: Chrissy Teigen

Hairstyles for round faces with short hair

Aflo/REX/Shutterstock

You might have written off all hairstyles for short hair as you’re worried it will accentuate the round shape of your face – but in fact, you can work a short hairstyle with a bit of expert advice and celebrity proof.

‘If a bob is your choice of style, go a few inches longer than a traditional bob to balance the roundness of the face,’ advises Sam. ‘By creating layering, you ultimately affect the shape [of your face] – round faces should opt for square layers.’

And when it comes to Afro hair, ‘the tapered, natural hair is perfect for women who want a short style with options,’ adds Charlotte.

Celebrity inspiration: Miranda Kerr, Selena Gomez and Emma Stone

Hairstyles for round faces with thin hair

When it comes to adding oomph to fine hair, lots of layers are your best friend – but don’t overdo it. ‘If you have fine hair, keep layers longer as over-layering will only make the hair appear thinner and sparser,’ Sam explains. These hairstyles for fine hair are all the proof you need that fine hair and a round face can look great.

Celebrity inspriaton: America Ferrera and Keira Knightley

Hairstyles for round faces with thick hair

Marion Curtis/StarPix/REX/Shutterstock

The hairstyles for thick hair don’t have to be difficult – in fact, the added volume will make a round face seem less spherical with a few longer layers. When it comes to celebrities with round faces, Kate Upton is one of the stars of thick, long hair, as is Priyanka Chopra.

Celebrity inspiration: Kate Upton and Priyanka Chopra

Hairstyles for round faces with curly hair

The good thing about curls, whether natural or tonged, is they add natural lift to the hair and therefore help to lengthen out your face shape – essential when trying to balance a round face shape. In terms of style inspiration, any of these curly hairstyles will see you straight (or should we say curly?).

Celebrity inspiration: Kate Upton, Miranda Kerr and Kirsten Dunst

Hairstyles for round faces with bangs

David Fisher/REX/Shutterstock

‘This face shape suits layered fringes,’ Charlotte tells us – a textured full fringe adds lift, while layered side fringes can help to contour the roundness of your face. Blunt fringes with harsh edges are a big no-no – think feathered and sweeping à la Cameron Diaz, or side fringes like Chrissy Teigen and Emma Stone.

Celebrity inspiration: Selena Gomez and Emma Stone

Hairstyles for round faces and big foreheads

To take attention away from a larger forehead with a round face, follow Charlotte’s above advice on layered bangs or add soft layers around the face for added texture and depth. But, chances are, it’s only you that notices your larger forehead anyway.

Scroll through our go-to guide of celebrities with the perfect hairstyles for their found faces below.

The post These hairstyles for round faces are seriously flattering appeared first on Marie Claire.

If you suffer from dry skin you’ll be well aware that applying foundation can lead to patchy areas and crumbling make-up. Many brands out there target foundation for oily skin, but all the dry skin sufferers definitely haven’t been forgotten. So, if you’re yet to the find the ‘one’, rest assured: it’s out there. Give your skin the moisture it needs and a flawless complexion while you’re at it with the best foundation for dry skin.

If your skin type is anything other than normal, then it’s hard enough finding a foundation that won’t worsen any skin woes. Luckily, there are plenty of dreamy foundations for dry skin on the market that’ll help make your skin glow.

To find out all there is to know about foundation for dry skin, we spoke to Dr Ross Perry, cosmetic doctor and managing director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics. ‘The first step is to work on improving the dryness itself, rather than trying to cover it up,’ advises Dr Ross. ‘Then look for the right products, avoiding anything that could actually make it worse.’

Prepping dry skin before applying any make-up is also crucial. ‘Choose a good quality light moisturiser that soaks in readily, rather than just sitting on the surface of the skin,’ says Dr Ross. ‘Leave it half an hour if you can before applying makeup, so that it is fully absorbed before adding make-up.’

Next, opt for a liquid or cream foundation, or a hydrating powder one. ‘Waterproof, matte finish and powder based foundations can be very drying,’ warns Dr Ross.  ‘After foundation, if you can skip the powder, do! If you are prone to a ‘T-Zone’ shimmer, then use a light dusting of a mineral-based powder applied with a brush just to take the edge off any areas of shine.’

There’s also a lot of choice when it comes to the coverage you want. There are the alphabet creams – BB cream, CC cream and DD cream – as well as light, medium and heavy coverage foundations.  So whatever your preference, find the best foundation for dry skin here and don’t forget to check out our Black Friday make up deals. Everyone deserves to enjoy a glowing complexion all year round.

Best foundation for dry skin with full coverage

Chanel Vitalumiere Satin Fluid Make-up, £37, John Lewis

Hyaluronic acid and liquorice extract work together to hydrate and give luminosity to the skin, guaranteeing eight hours of comfortably nourished skin.

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Best foundation for dry sensitive skin

Cover FX Natural Finish Oil-Free Foundation, £34, House of Fraser

This foundation has sheer but buildable coverage and is water based rather than oil-based, so won’t clog your pores. It contains moisturising Vitamin F Esters and peptides to keep skin soft without irritation but is formulated without parabens, fragrance or mineral oil.

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Best foundation for dry patchy skin

Bobbi Brown Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturising Balm, £40, Fabled

Argireline® peptide boosts skin’s natural collagen production, while clary sage ferment strengthens skin’s protective moisture barrier. Plus, although the formula seems more like a tinted moisturiser, the coverage is pretty buildable.

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Best foundation for dry mature skin

By Terry Terrybly Densiliss Foundation, £78.50, Cult Beauty

It’s ultra-light and beautifully moisturising, plus it targets and covers any fine lines and sun spots – think skincare tied in with make-up.

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Best foundation for dry skin with acne

Oxygenetix Oxygenating Foundation for Acne Control, £54.50, Amazon

Containing 2% of sebum-busting salicylic acid, this acne treatment foundation hydrates while helping sensitive, spot-prone skin.

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Best long-lasting foundation for dry skin

NARS Sheer Glow Foundation, £32, Fabled

NARS’ cult favourite foundation gives the perfect amount of coverage, a gorgeous luminosity, plus it lasts for hours upon hours.

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Best liquid foundation for dry skin

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, £40, John Lewis

As the holy grail liquid foundation for so many (Kim K included), this one blends seamlessly into skin, blurs imperfections, and gives a subtle dewy finish.

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Best matte foundation for dry skin

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Foundation, £30, John Lewis

Packed with hyaluronic acid, this full-coverage foundation gives a semi-matte finish which isn’t too drying, and comes with the additional benefit of SPF 15.

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Best powder foundation for dry skin

Smashbox Halo Hydrating Perfecting Powder, £32, Boots

Its advanced formulation of pure gold, 48 minerals, 11 amino acids and a powerful peptide deliver dynamic anti-ageing benefits while the patented hydration system continuously revitalises skin for a brighter, more radiant complexion all day.

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See more of our favourite foundations for dry skin below.

Rest assured your dry skin worries are a thing of the past…

The post Find the best foundation for dry skin whatever your skin woes may be appeared first on Marie Claire.

In an ideal world, none of us would worry about the signs of ageing and would simply be content with the (clichéd) notion of ‘growing old gracefully’. But, sadly, we don’t live in an ideal world and when the time comes, most of us will reach for anti-ageing beauty products faster than you can say, well, anti-ageing beauty products.

When parting with your hard-earned cash for said beauty buys, you want formulas that live up to all the things they promises on the bottle – that means smoother skin texture, softened wrinkles and an overall more radiant complexion. Doesn’t seem like that much to ask, does it?

You’d be forgiven for feeling bombarded by all the lotions and potions out there that promise to turn back the hands of time; at first glance, the anti-ageing beauty products market does seem a bit overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you and scoured the beauty market to bring you the trusted products that won’t let you down. So sit tight as we walk you through the Marie Claire-approved anti-ageing beauty products – trust us when we say you won’t regret buying any of them.

Best anti-ageing moisturiser

ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF 30, £82, Fabled

Proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles in just 14 days, Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is without doubt one of the most famous face creams in the country (and the world), and it’s certainly a strong contender for ELEMIS’ best ever product. The key ingredient here is Mediterranean algae which, when combined with Mimosa Absolutes and precious rose, works to smooth and refine the skin. The brand recently added ever-important SPF 30, so you no longer have to apply a separate SPF product along with your very best moisturiser. Marine Cream has rightfully achieved cult status and won’t be relegated any time soon.

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Best anti-ageing eye cream

Bobbi Brown Extra Eye Repair Cream, £48, Fabled

The entire Extra Repair range at Bobbi Brown is well worth investing in, but it’s the eye cream that has really captured our hearts at Marie Claire. For an intense cream, it doesn’t feel too claggy, thick or greasy, but rather glides over the eye area (eye creams should be patted or smoothed onto skin, not ‘rubbed’), supporting its protective barrier and collagen levels to improve overall appearance and texture. It’s no wonder the cream receives such rave reviews and has hundreds of customers who have been loyal to to for years; it truly is one of the best eye cream formulas out there.

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Best anti-ageing serum

No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Serum, £26, Boots

This little bottle was breaking the internet long before the term became synonymous with the Kardashians. In 2007, a BBC documentary testing the wrinkle-busting power of various anti-ageing products aired in the UK. The one that came out on top? No7’s Protect & Perfect Beautiful Serum, then priced at a modest £17. By the next day, it had sold out – according to the BBC, Boots sold five months’ worth of stock in just one day. The product has since been upgraded to an ‘Intense Advanced’ version and the price has crept up a little in the last 10 years; but you can still get your hands on it for less than £30 and trust that it’s still just as effective (if not more so) as the day that famous doc aired. Wrinkles will be smoothed out and less visible – science says so.

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Best anti-ageing face cream

Lancer Advanced C Radiance Cream, £70, Net-A-Porter

Dr Lancer is a trailblazer in the world of dermatology and has been known, for years now, for his ability to change the actual quality of people’s skin. This smooth water-free cream formula boosts radiance and collagen production, as well as the signs of UV damage and wrinkles. It has 10% vitamin C which, not only produces collagen but, is a antioxidant and retinol which can change the skin’s tone and smoothness by improving the elasticity and texture. It’s best to use on a cleansed face morning and evening, and you’ll really see the difference over the weeks that follow.

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Best anti-ageing night cream

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex II, £53, Fabled

Technically a night serum rather than the best night cream, but we had to give this one a mention. Touted by beauty editors and bloggers all over the land as a must-have for your PM skincare routine, Estée Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair is world-famous due to its unique ChronoluxCB complex that transforms your skin while you sleep. Apply at night and you’ll wake up with smoother skin, with wrinkles significantly softened and a super-soft – which is why you’ll find it in the bathroom cupboard of 99.9% of skincare enthusiasts.

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Best anti-ageing face mask

Zelens Transformer Instant Renewal Renewal Mask, £95, Fabled

Cosmetic surgeon Dr Marko Lens is famous for his ‘red carpet facials’ given to a whole host of A-list clients, and so formulated his skincare range based around the notion of a flawless, celebrity-worthy complexion. The Transformer Mask is a supercharged formula packed with 16 amino acids, polysaccharides and proteins for the ultimate restoring and repairing treatment. Skin feels firmer with more elasticity and, after continued use, its radiance levels will skyrocket. Consider this mask the closest thing to getting a face lift without, you know, actually getting a face lift.

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Best anti-ageing hand cream

Temple Spa Palm Balm

The first thing you need to know is that this stuff is so good that you’ll find it on board the Orient Express. We could leave it there, but if that alone doesn’t sell it to you then know that this brightens and smooths out the skin of your hands, as well as working to even out complexion (so long, age spots). Described as a ‘multivitamin cocktail’, it contains essential oils of bergamot, lemon and lavender, as well as extracts of jojoba and aloe vera, to restore and soften the skin, and forms a protective barrier to prevent further skin damage. It’s pretty much a time machine in a tube and truly one of the best hand creams out there – rough hands, be gone.

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Best anti-ageing supplements

Murad Hydro-Glow Supplements, £50, John Lewis

If you’re looking to combat the signs of ageing then it’s definitely worth adding one or two skin supplements into your daily routine; Murad’s new Hydro-Glow supplements work by ‘hydrating your skin from within’. Now for the sciencey bit: The key ingredient here is Glucosamine, which works to up water levels and create a bank of hydration in skin cells, while also boosting collagen and hyaluronic acid levels – in short, creating very hydrated and healthy skin. With a 30-day supply in the box, you’ll be glowing in just a few short weeks.

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Best anti-ageing face wash

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Ageing Treatment Boosting Cleanser, £39, Boots

This clever little cleanser works to enhance the effects of your other anti-ageing beauty products by prepping the skin for treatment. Pretty great, no? It’ll dissolve make-up and grime that builds up throughout the day while also getting rid of any surface pollution to prevent environmental damage – and best of all, it won’t leave your skin with that uncomfortable, tight feeling.

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Best anti-ageing eye serum

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Eye Serum, £26, John Lewis

Any fan of Kiehl’s loves their Midnight Recovery complex, without question, and the brand has since branched out to put its power into a serum for the eye area. The superhero ingredients here are lavender and evening primrose, as well as Butcher’s Broom to de-puff. Apply at night time for firmed-up eyes and softened crow’s feet come morning. You’ll look and feel fresh as a daisy.

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Rest assured that these beauty heroes are worth the pennies.

What are you waiting for? Get shopping…

The post The anti-ageing beauty products your bathroom cabinet (and face) actually needs appeared first on Marie Claire.

Looking for the perfect hairstyles for oval face shapes? Look no further – consider this the definitive edit of hairstyles that suit the oval-faced.

The good news is that an oval face is the most versatile when it comes to the hairstyles you can pull off. You’ve been blessed with the easiest face shape to cater for at the salon.’This face shape works with almost any type of short hair cut from super short, to chin length or shoulder length,’ says Charlotte Mensah, award-winning hair stylist and natural afro hair expert.

‘The most important consideration to take into account is the individuals’ natural texture,’ adds Sam Burnett, KMS Style Council member and Owner and Creative Director at Hare & Bone. This will determine the style, shape and length.’

And you’re in seriously good company when it comes to celebrities with oval faces; see the best celebrity looks below.

How do you know if you have an oval face shape?

First thing’s first, how do you identify an oval face shape?

They’re fairly similar to round faces in that they have a softer jawline, but the key difference is that they are longer than they are wide – i.e. the distance from your forehead to your chin will be significantly longer than the width of your face. Also, your forehead will probably be wider than your chin.

Hairstyles for oval faces with long hair

Broadimage/REX/Shutterstock

One thing you’ll notice time and time again with long-haired celebs is that their hair is always in tip top condition. ‘The biggest thing to remember with long hair is that it needs to look healthy, says Sam. ‘There is no point in having long unhealthy hair as the condition will always determine the length.’ Charlotte adds, ‘With natural Afro hair, long sections throughout the crown give you the ability to create a look that suits your fashion sense and lifestyle need.’

Celebrity inspiration: Meghan Markle, Naomi Campbell and Blake Lively

Hairstyles for oval faces with medium length hair

A blunt medium style is without doubt one of the hottest hairstyles of the moment. ‘Medium length hair looks great when it’s maintained well; think fuller, blunt styles with no layering,’ says Sam. ‘If an individuals’ hair is prone to frizz then it’s best to keep the hair on the longer side of medium – the longer and heavier the hair, the more controlled it will be.’

Celebrity inspiration: Olivia Munn and Kate Middleton

Hairstyles for oval faces with short hair

Stewart Cook/REX/Shutterstock

As your face shape is so versatile, you can work just about any short style – lob, bob, pixie crop, the possibilities are endless. And when it comes to Afro hair, ‘the tapered, natural hair is perfect for women who want a short style with options,’ says Charlotte.

Celebrity inspiration: Luipta Nyong’o, Jennifer Lawrence and Carey Mulligan

Hairstyles for oval faces with thin hair

The key with thinner hair is not to over-layer your style. ‘If you have fine hair, keep layers longer as over layering will only make the hair appear thinner and sparser,’ advises Sam. Look to stars like Keira Knightley for inspiration on working finer hair, or Jennifer Lawrence’s wispy pixie cut.

Celebrity inspiration: Jennifer Lawrence

Hairstyles for oval faces with thick hair

Chelsea Lauren/REX/Shutterstock

Naturally thick hair is great as it often doesn’t require adding an awful lot of volume or texture with heat styling, particularly if curly, wavy or cut with layers. Kim Kardashian often wears her thick hair in a ‘wet look’ style, which makes hair appear thinner, while Kate Middleton chooses to sport big and bouncy curls at the end of her hair.

Celebrity inspiraton: Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and Kate Middleton

Hairstyles for oval faces with curly hair

With naturally curly hair, avoid lots of short layers as this will increase your hair’s volume and cause it to grow outwards rather than down with its length. In terms of celeb inspiration, Rihanna’s hair is often seen in a full head of curls, and she’s no stranger to a big, textured ponytail. Meanwhile hair royalty Kate Middleton often chooses loose and bouncy curls.

Celebrity inspiraton: Rihanna and Kate Middleton

Hairstyles for oval faces with bangs

John Salangsang/BFA/REX/Shutterstock

The beauty of an oval face is that a full fringe won’t make your face look too rounded; Jessica Biel works choppy bangs and wavy locks perfectly. And, when she had her pixie crop a few years back, J-Law’s feathered bangs were a perfect example of how to work a wispy fringe with an oval face.

Celebrity inspiraton: Jennifer Lawrence and Jessica Biel

Hairstyles for oval faces and big foreheads

Longer oval faces may have a more prominent forehead which, as explained above, can be disguised under a full or side feathery fringe.

Scroll through the below gallery as we chart the best oval-faced celebs and their Hollywood hairstyles.

The post The best hairstyles for oval faces, according to hair experts appeared first on Marie Claire.

Christmas is just around the corner and what better way to get in the spirit than to crack open one of the best beauty advent calendars and add a bit of glitter and gold to your every day make-up look. Whether you’re heading to glamorous events in stunning Christmas party dresses, a special Afternoon Tea or simply spending the day ice skating bundled up in one of the best Christmas jumpers around, these looks will get you in the festive mood.

Our beauty expert Natalie Lukaitis has also filmed a little beauty tutorial above, so you can put all your gift sets to good use. It’s a look you’ll definitely be serving all season, one she aptly calls Glowing Frost. Bring. On. The. Highlight.

Estee Lauder Holiday Nights The Red Lip

How much is it? 

£35 from Harrods

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside? 

If ever there was a time to rock a classic red lip, Christmas is it. This powerhouse set from Estee Lauder has every aspect of the look covered: start off with their Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Pencil, bring the red with their Pure Colour Envy Lipstick and finish off with their Pure Colour Envy Sculpting Gloss for extra sheen.

Buy now

Touche Eclat Art of Highlighting Christmas Set

How much is it? 

£25 from Harrods

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside? 

We’ve previously waxed lyrical about YSL’s Touche Eclat in our best concealer roundup and with good reason. Designed to both conceal and highlight, this dedicated Christmas set includes a full-sized Touche Eclat highlighter pen and Mini Touche Eclat Blur Primer – just in case you need extra coverage.

Buy now

bareMinerals 12 Days of Delight

How much is it? 

£60 from bareMinerals

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside? 

While we love our beauty advent calendars, sometimes we don’t want to wait and just get straight to the good stuff. This 12 Days of Delight gift set is a great shout and includes twelve of bareMineral’s products, including an All Over Face Colour in Pure Radiance highlighter, Papaya Blush, Winter’s Bloom Blush, Nutmeg Blush, Cultured Pearl Velvet Eye Colour, Cupcake Velvet Eye Colour, Heart Velvet Eye Colour, Camp Velvet Eye Colour, Motivator Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss, Power Player Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss, Prima Donna Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss and a Maverick Marvelous Moxie Lip Gloss.

Buy now

Elemis The Gift of Pro-Collagen Gift Set

How much is it? 

£179.10 from lookfantastic

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside? 

As the weather and the years start to wear on us, keeping our faces looking fresh and dewy is becoming kind of a priority. This gift set from Elemis is packed full of anti-ageing heroes based around marine and plant-based ingredients. It’s filled with products from their Pro-Collagen range: the cleansing balm, marine oil, marine cream, oxygenating night cream, marine mask, hydra gel eye masks and a luxury cleansing cloth to spice things up.

Buy now

Charlotte Tilbury Naughty and Nice Box

How much is it?

£150 from Cult Beauty

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside? 

This gift set is FULL of Charlotte Tilbury’s bestselling treats including their Goddess Skin Clay Mask, Matte Revolution Lipstick, Full Fat Lashes, Magic Cream, Take it All Off and more.

Buy now

Grow Gorgeous The Hair Detox Set

How much is it?

£68.40 from Grow Gorgeous

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside? 

It’s not just skincare and makeup that gets all the festive love this Christmas. Grow Gorgeous has put together a set called The Hair Detox which will put you right on track for thick, glossy hair. It includes a Hair Growth Serum, 11-in-1 Cleansing Conditioner and Scalp Detox and is available through their website below.

Buy now

Illamasqua Beyond Skin Gift Set

How much is it?

£55 from Illamasqua

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside? 

This set comes with Illamasqua’s beloved Beyond Veil primer and Beyond Powder Highlighter. (Plus, it comes with a free mini eyeliner – score!)

Buy now

Lush Jingle Bells Gift Set

How much is it? 

£34.95 from Lush

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside? 

Oh, the weather outside is frightful – so stay inside and have a bath instead. This super cute set from Lush is filled with their Christmassy bath bombs and bubble bars to take winter pampering to the next level.

Buy now

Nails Inc Wishes & Kisses Nail Polish Gift Set

How much is it? 

£29 from Cult Beauty

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside? 

You didn’t think we were going to leave you mani-pedi lovers out, did you? This cute set from Nails Inc is fpacked with four winter-ready colours, including two shades of powder pink, burgundy and a very New Year’s appropriate glittery gold.

Buy now

MAC Snow Ball Pigment & Glitter Kit in Gold

How much is it?

£25 from lookfantastic

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside? 

We fell madly in love with MAC’s new Snow Ball collection in time for the festive season – and this cute set really isn’t helping our bank account. Filled with MAC’s highly pigmented champagne and vanilla shadows, there’s also a pot of makeup glitter for you to really bring the sparkle this season.

Buy now

Miller Harris Christmas For Her Box

How much is it?

£70 from Miller Harris

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside? 

If your signature scent just isn’t cutting it anymore, this gift set from Miller Harris is a great way to spruce up your fragrance cupboard. It includes three of Miller Harris’ best-selling fragrances (Tea Tonique, Lumiere Doree and Rose Silence) and it’s all beautifully illustrated by artist Julie Verhoeven.

Buy now

Benefit Beauty by the Bay Gift Set

How much is it? 

£34.50 from Benefit

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside? 

Benefit has us on track for a very merry Christmas with their Beauty by the Bay set. It includes their High Brow Pencil, They’re Real! Mascara, Hoola Bronzing Powder and High Beam Liquid Highlighters.

Buy now

Nuxe My Dream Gift Set

Nuxe My Dream Gift Set, £20, Escentual.com

How much is it? 

£20 from Escentual.com

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside? 

While there’s been a lot of clamouring about Asian skincare brands (and with good reason), the French give them a pretty good run for their money. This gift set from Nuxe is one that’ll keep you hydrated all winter long – the lip balm will change your life.

Buy now

Kiehls Yours, With Love

How much is it? 

£47 from House of Fraser

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside?

Kiehl’s is a favourite with skincare gurus and this Christmassy set is a great way to get started (or stock up on your holy grails). It includes Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate facial oil, an Ultra Facial Moisturiser, Ultra Facial Cleanser and Daily Reviving Concentrate designed to keep you hydrated and glowing – even in the depths of winter.

Buy now

EVE LOM Rescue Ritual

How much is it? 

£75 from EVE LOM

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside? 

This luxury cleanser is the treat your skin needs this Christmas, bringing together their bestselling EVE LOM Cleanser, Rescue Mask and a Muslin Cloth for a winter-proof complexion. Featuring ingredients such as honey-infused kaolin clay, camphor and aromatic plant oils, it’s a total treat for the senses and worth splashing out on.

Buy now

Giorgio Armani Si Eau de Parfum Gift Set For Her

How much is it?

£74 from Fabled

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside? 

This gift set is a heavy hitter for fragrance fans and includes Giorgia Armani’s Si scent, which combines notes of blackcurrant liqueur, freesia, patchouli and other botanicals for a rich experience. The set includes a Armani Si 50ml eau de parfum, 15ml Si travel spray and a 2ml Armani Eyes to Kill mascara – because who doesn’t need a travel size mascara at all times?

Buy now

Clarins Precious Lips Collection

How much is it? 

£20 from Clarins

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside? 

Everything you need to keep your smile radiant. Mixing together both skincare and makeup, the set includes a Lip Comfort oil, Lip Perfector balms in #01 and #06 as well as a bright red Joli Rouge lipstick.

Buy now

Cowshed Cracker Trio

How much is it? 

£30 from Cowshed

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside? 

This set includes three super festive Cowshed Christmas beauty crackers, namely their hand and body, hand and lip and their Bullocks by Cowshed cracker. If you bust them all open, you’ll score a Bullocks Bracing Body Wash, Bullocks Soothing Moisturiser, Cow Slip Soothing Hand Cream, Lippy Cow Natural Lip Balm, Cow Pat Moisturising Hand Cream and Knackered Cow Relaxing Bath & Shower Gel.

Buy now

Ecotools Six-Piece Day to Night Collection

How much is it?

£16.99

When is it available? 

Now

What’s inside?

If no amount of TLC is going to save your makeup brushes, then why not grab a new set this Christmas? Ecotools’ classy brushes are ultra-soft and great for blending, it covers everything with their Pointed Concealer, Powder Brush, Shadow Brush, Smudge Brush, Lip Brush and a Cosmetic Clutch to keep it all in.

Buy now

The post Christmas makeup gift sets to get you into the holiday spirit appeared first on Marie Claire.

When it comes to the important females in your life, finding the perfect stocking fillers for her can be tricky. Too often we resort to panic buying loads of knick-knacks without actually thinking about the person on the receiving end.

Far better to carefully pick out a select few beautiful tiny stocking fillers for her than to bombard her with a ton of smellies she doesn’t really need (or want, for that matter).

There’s something really lovely about having a miniature version of all your favourite beauty products; even though they do the same job, nothing beats a pint-sized lip gloss, liner or hand cream. And if nothing else, it saves valuable handbag size.

From the world-famous brands you’ve always loved to a few more niche ones we implore you to try, consider this THE definitive guide to beauty stocking fillers for every budget – or those last minute secret Santa gifts you haven’t picked up yet.

So if you’re struggling to think of ideas, browse through our carefully selected edit below. Because nobody wants to unwrap an orange.

Aveda Comfort Gift Set, £33, Fabled

Aveda’s soothing Candrima aroma is a must for anyone who needs to relax over the Christmas period. You’ll get a cleansing oil, body polish and body lotion all wrapped up in a beautiful green box. We’d like Santa to bring us one, please.

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By Terry Preciosity Baume de Rose Christmas, £20, Harrods

Treat a loved one to this adorable By Terry lip care bauble. Or, buy it early for yourself and hang it on your tree for all to admire (and envy).

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Stila Slay All Day Liquid Lipstick Set, £20, House of Fraser

Mini liquid lipsticks? Yes please. Snap up three shades of Stila’s hero liquid lipsticks all wrapped up in a tiny parcel just for Christmas.

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REN Moroccan Rose Stocking Filler, £10, Fabled

You can’t go wrong with the scent of Moroccan rose, especially not a pint-sized stocking filler version of REN’s sell out bath oil.

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Jo Malone Pine & Eucalyptus Scented Ceramic Christmas Ornament, £28, John Lewis

As well as offering some of the loveliest bottled scents on the market, Jo Malone also makes great smelling Christmas decorations, FYI. This beautiful ornament makes the perfect decoration for the knick-knack lover in your life, and it’s fresh pine and eucalyptus scent is a welcome aroma in any home.

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Shiseido Rouge Rouge Lipstick, £24, John Lewis

Any beuaty lover will tell you that you can never, ever, have too many nude lipsticks in your lip arsenal. Shiseido’s new Rouge Rouge collection has just about every collection, but at Marie Claire we’re crushing on shade Dusky Honey.

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Molton Brown Fabled Juniper Berries & Lapp Pine Snowflake Bath Salts, £25, Fabled

When it comes to festive scents, it doesn’t get much more Christmassy than the scent of pine trees, so these gorgeous juniper berry and Lapp pine bath salts are the ideal gift for someone who loves a soak in the bath.

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Mac x Jade Jagger Mineralize Eye Shadow, £34, maccosmetics.co.uk

MAC enthusiasts will die for a piece from their latest collaboration with Jade Jagger in their stocking – it’s a need, not a want situation. We’re loving the Mineralize eye shadow quads in suitably rock and roll shades.

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bareMinerals Gold Obsession, £28.80, John Lewis

One for the highlighter obsessed lady in your life, bareMinerals Gold Obsession is a golden wash highlighter that comes with a matching gold-handled brush. Perfect for a holiday glow.

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Clinique Beauty Bauble, £15, Fabled

Snap up a Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara and Take The Day Off make-up remover in Clinique’s purple packaged beauty bauble. Or just nab one for yourself…

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Fenty Stunna Lip Paint, £19, Harvey Nichols

We’d be kidding ourselves if we said this wasn’t one of the most coveted launches of the year. Rhi Rhi has created the most flattering, universal red that should be in every beauty lover’s stocking this year.

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Jo Loves Fragrance Paint Brush, £40, Net-A-Porter

Available in Red Truffle 21, Pomelo, Green Orange & Coriander and White Rose & Lemon Leaves they completely sold out earlier this year – so be quick with your clicking if you want to gift one this year!

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Darphin Hydraskin Christmas Set, £45, Fabled

The winter weather wreaks havoc on our skin – think tight, dehydrated and uncomfortable – so give the gift of perfectly hydrated skin this year with some of Darphin’s skin-softening heroes.

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Bobbi Brown Cat Eye Long Wear Gel Eyeliner Set, £25, Harrods

Bobbi’s best selling product now comes in a teeny-tiny duo for stockings everywhere; complete with a mini liner brush, it’s ideal for an on-the-go, cat eye kind of girl.

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Elizabeth Arden Pretty Pout Perfectors Lip Oil Trio, £24, John Lewis

Sore, chapped lips are a thing of the past with this nourishing tinted lip oil trio from Elizabeth Arden. It certainly won’t disappoint – we’ll take four, please…

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Cowshed Reviving Bath & Body Oil Trio, £20, Fabled

Nothing beats a hot bath during winter to wind down and let all the day’s stressors go. Thanks to this gorgeous trio of oils from Cowshed, there’s a bathtime scent for just about every mood.

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Liz Earle Find Your Balance, £10, Boots

Ah Liz Earle, making beautiful Christmas gift sets since 1995. At a very reasonable price of just 10 quid, this duo makes the perfect stocking filler for mums everywhere.

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Simple Kind To Skin De-Stress Sheet Mask, £2.99, Boots

A sheet mask is a must-have for every stocking this year (how did we live so long without them?) and this K-beauty staple by Simple is exactly what you need to soothe stressed-out skin.

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Beautyblender Midas Touch Bauble, £18, Fabled

This one is an absolute must for anyone who is still yet to try the now iconic Beautyblender (although you’d be hard pushed to find a beauty lover who hasn’t). The bauble is complete with a solid Blendercleanser for cleaning your sponge on the reg.

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Charlotte Tilbury Mini Celebrity Lipstick Charms, £29, charlottetilbury.com

The only thing better than one full size Charlotte Tilbury lipstick is probably three mini Charlotte Tilbury Lipsticks. Inspired by some of the legendary MUA’s favoruite celebrities, these will be warmly welcomed into any beauty lover’s arms on Christmas morning.

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Bamford Geranium Duo, £45, Liberty London

There’s just something nice about receiving fancy soap on Christmas day, and Bamford’s best-selling, fresh-scented duo will look gorgeous in any bathroom.

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Nars Love Triangle, £20, narscosmetics.co.uk

NARS’ collaboration with Man Ray is one of the brand’s best, and they’ve matched up your favourite shades of blush and Audacious lipsticks in these Love Triangle sets – which you can hang on your tree as well as putting in a stocking, FYI.

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Talika Bubble Mask, £8.50, uk.talika.com

The bubble face mask was without doubt one of the most popular (and most terrifyng-looking) K-beauty trends of the year – if you haven’t tried one, you’ve definitely seen them on Instagram.

Buy Now

Dermalogica Double Cleanse Duo, John Lewis, £17.50

Cult favourite Double Cleanse has been given a makeover and now comes in a luxurious balm form rather than the oil. Apply to a dry face, massage the balm-to-oil into skin and emulsify with water before rinsing off to a face prepped for treatment. Plus, who doesn’t love a dinky tube of cleansing balm?

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Glossier Cloud Paint Set, £45, glossier.com

We’re yet to find anyone who doesn’t love Glossier’s fluid blush, Cloud Paint. It’s easy to blend and the colour payoff is excellent, so a set of all four of them will delight any beauty lover on Christmas morning.

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Odylique Gardener’s Rescue Kit, £14, odylique.co.uk

Despite the name, this one is a great gift for just about anyone who’s hands need some TLC this winter – not just gardeners. Chapped hands will be soothed and dry skin softened thanks to Odylique’s hero formulas.

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Nugg All natural Lip Treatment Set, £17.99, FeelUnique

You can’t go wrong with lip balms in a stocking – frankly, they’re a necessity. Look to skin experts Nugg for a great lip therapy duo.

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Arbonne Pampermint Foot Care Gift Set, £41, arbonne.com

Feet are often forgotten when it comes to our skincare and beauty regimes. This adorable stocking filler by Arbonne is a nice reminder to give yourself an at-home pedi once in a while.

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EndureLash Make-up Removal Cloth, £19.12, endurelash.com

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Jurlique Hydrating Rose Duo, £33, jurlique.co.uk

The cold snap wreaks havoc with our skin often leaves us with dry and chapped skin. The hydrating hand cream and lip care rose duo by Jurlique will fix all of your flaky winter skin woes.

Buy Now

Consider those last minute Christmas gifts well and truly sorted.

We’re just going to buy our couple for ourselves…

The post The best beauty stocking fillers for those last-minute gifts appeared first on Marie Claire.

Crackers of old used to be cringe worthy. Packed full of awful Dad jokes and plastic toys destined to end up in the bin within the hour, but the new generation of crackers with a beauty twist bring a whole extra level of excitement to our Christmas celebrations.

Over the past couple of years we’ve seen a host of festive treats pop up in the beauty halls with everything from beauty advent calendars, beauty baubles and now, in what is probably our favourite incarnation of the merry theme – there are beauty crackers. Adding a touch of modern luxury to the tradition, these will be sure to set your dinner party off with a bang.

Take a browse through our pick of the best beauty crackers out there and stock up in time for party season…

Caudalie The Des Vignes Cracker

Shop now: Caudalie The Des Vignes Cracker for £10 from Look Fantastic

From French brand Caudalie comes a mini selection of The Des Vignes range. There’s a 30ml shower gel and body lotion and a vial of the honeyed ginger, orange blossom and neroli scent. We love the chic crimson shade too, it’s such a merry looking cracker you can afford to scrimp on the rest of the table decorations.

Sanctuary Spa Pamper Cracker

Shop now: Sanctuary Spa Pamper Cracker for £12 from Sanctuary Spa

Packed with 7 mini treats to delight this huge cracker is one for those who love trying new things. For party ready feet there’s a full kit to give winter toes a party season overhaul – think toe dividers, balm for dry heels and a nail file. But that’s not all – there’s a detox face mask, a rich handcream for silky fingers and a travel friendly body scrub and bath float too.

Eve Lom Kiss Mix Cracker

Shop now: Eve Lom Kiss Mix Duo Cracker for £25 from Harvey Nichols

Prep yourself for any under the mistletoe action with this ultra hydrating lip balm duo from Eve Lom. There’s two to pick from; either the original clear formula that soothes even the most chapped lips or the pink-tinted Demure shade for a smooth, kissable pout.

Jo Malone Christmas Cracker

Shop now: Jo Malone Christmas Cracker for £34 from Jo Malone

From Beauty Editor’s favourite Jo Malone comes this fancy, striped number. Inside is a clutch sized Blackberry & Bay cologne, a flight-friendly body wash in the fresh Basil & Neroli scent and an ultra hydrating English Pear & Freesia body cream that soothes skin in even the harshest winter weather.

This Works The Big Bang

Shop now: This Works The Big Bang Cracker for £12 from John Lewis

If your loved ones are party people this is the perfect antidote to hectic festive celebrations. This Works best-selling deep sleep pillow spray is twinned with a stylish eye mask that will have them counting sheep in no time.

Baylis & Harding Beauticology Carnival Luxury Gift Crackers

Shop now: Baylis & Harding Beauticology Carnival Luxury Gift Crackers for £8 from Amazon

For those with a soft spot for sweet treats pick Baylis & Harding’s circus themed crackers, which contain either a sweet caramel popcorn body lotion or a candy apple body wash and a miniature party hat for endless round-the-table fun.

Molton Brown Exquisite Treats Cracker

Shop now: Molton Brown Exquisite Treats Cracker for £20 from House Of Fraser

You’ll be the most popular guest at any dinner party if you arrive armed with a stash of these beauties. Each cracker contains one weekend getaway sized bath or body wash or shower gel from Molton Brown. All of the fragrances are equally delicious so if you buy 4 with the intention of sharing them amongst friends don’t feel guilty if you end up squireling them away for yourself.

Sarah Chapman The Facial Elixir Cracker

Shop now: Sarah Chapman Facial Elixir Cracker for £29 from John Lewis

Imagine if you could get the results of one of facialist Sarah Chapman’s renowned treatments at home? Now you can get in on a piece of the action with the minis in this cracker, which contain the morning and evening facial oil from Sarah’s at-home range. The morning oil instantly boosts glow while the night elixir resurfaces and improves skin texture in a flash.

Invisibobble Christmas Cracker

Shop now: Invisibobble Christmas Cracker for £12 from Feel Unique

Our favourite snagless hair bobble is now available in 3 shades of rose gold, silver and gold for the festive season. If you’re stuck for ideas for the office secret Santa or need some stocking filler inspo’, this is the perfect solution.

Margaret Dabbs Fabulous Christmas Cracker

Shop now: Margaret Dabbs Fabulous Christmas Cracker for £31 from

From deluxe mani/ pedi brand Margaret Dabbs comes this little taste of her award winning range. There’s everything you need for a perfect talons; a nourishing nail and cuticle oil, a buffer that creates envy inducing shine and a crystal nail file that’s so good looking you’ll want to show it off.

Elizabeth Arden Cracker

Shop now: Elizabeth Arden Cracker for £25 from Feel Unique

There’s three party season staples in this Elizabeth Arden x Feel Unique cracker: the jet black Grand Entrance Mascara, a warm peachy pink lip oil and a mini Superstart Skin Renewal Booster that’s an ideal precursor to your regular serum in the cold winter weather.

Delilah Beauty Cracker

Shop now: Delilah Beauty Cracker for £28 from Delilah

You’d be happy with any of the 4 classic shades of Delilah’s signature matte liquid lipstick that come in this pretty cracker. There’s a deep plum, an uplifting orange, a pinky beige or a taupe shade. We love the seasonal snowflake design too.

Fresh Beauty Cracker

Shop now: Fresh Beauty Cracker for £24 from Fresh

Pucker up in time for Christmas with this trio of goodies for your most kissable lips yet. There’s an exfoliating sugar polish to help slough off any dry skin and two options to finish – go for the au naturel balm or the rose tinted sugar stick for a healthy looking glow.

Aveda Beauty Cracker

Shop now: Aveda Color Conserve Cracker for £16 from Lookfantastic

Featuring hero products from Aveda’s colour care line, this is a total must-have for vibrant, nourished locks. With shampoo, conditioner, their ultra-effective Thickening Tonic, and a Tulasara moisturiser, both your hair and face will be completely treated.

ESPA Beauty Cracker

Buy now: ESPA Joyful Treats Cracker for £20 from ESPA

It’s so easy to overlook your hands and lips come winter.

Luckily, cult spa favourite ESPA is here with a mini nourishing hand cream and a lip treatment to make sure the harsh weather doesn’t wreak havoc on your skin.

Omorovicza Beauty Cracker

Shop
now: Omorovicza Beauty Cracker for £25 from Cult Beauty

If you’ve a tendency to over indulge during party season (and your skin pays the price), arm yourself with this duo of facial brightening products. The brands hero Moor Cream Cleanser is the quickest way to clean and purify dehydrated skin, while the Refining Facial Polisher helps to clear pores and tackle dullness.

La Roche-Posay Beauty Cracker

Shop
now: La Roche Posay Beauty Cracker for £12 from Look Fantastic

Make like a Parisian and indulge in some French pharmacy treats from La Roche Posay that are perfect for even the most sensitive skin. There’s a clutch sized lip balm and a rich hand cream to soothe the most delicate mitts.

Marc Jacobs Beauty Cracker

Shop
now: Marc Jacobs Beauty Cracker for £13 from John Lewis

Two party treats to see you through the New Year’s Eve activities this Sex Kitten cracker contains Marc Jacob’s long wearing liquid Lip Creme and the Velvet Noir Major Volume mascara that is so intensifying it looks like you’re wearing falsies.

Christmas make-up tutorial: Red and Gold

Embrace old school glamour with a dark red lip and put a twist on the classic smokey eye by mixing an array of golds and bronzes.

Watch video

1. Prep your skin with primer

Give your make-up an even base by applying primer. Spread it evenly over your hands and then pat and roll into your skin. Make sure you apply primer wherever your foundation will be going – so don’t forget places like your neck.

2. Apply your foundation

Use the back of your hand as a makeup palette and then dab your foundation where you need most coverage – so your nose, forehead, cheeks and chin.

3. Blend your foundation

Using a sponge or brush, blend your foundation from the centre outwards for a natural finish. Make sure you blend all the way up to your hairline and along your jaw line.

4. Shape your eyebrows

Using a brow pencil, draw short hair-like strokes to fill in sparse areas, focusing on your arch first. Work out whether you need to elongate your brows by placing your pencil on a diagonal angle from the outer corner of your eye. The end of your brow should stop at the tip of your pencil.

Now, fill in the centre of your brows, but go lightly. The start of your brow shouldn’t be as dark as the rest.

5. Prime your eyelids

Take a small amount of eyeshadow primer and apply over your whole lid – right up to your brow. This will stop your eyeshadow from dropping or fading throughout the night.

6. Apply your darkest shade of eyeshadow to the outer corner of your eyelids.

Using a small, fine eyeshadow brush, work the powder along the socket of your eye. Then, create a V by taking your brush down to your lash line on a 45 degree angle. This will give you a nice flick at the outer corners of your eyes. Keep blending until the edges are softened. Then, create definition on your lower lash line by brushing your eyeshadow underneath your eyes.

7. Apply your blending shade

When creating a smokey eye, you need to have a middle shade to bring the darkest and lightest shades together. Take your middle shade of eyeshadow – in this case, a rich gold – and blend it from the inner corner of your eye over your lid.

8. Add a pop of shimmer

Using a very small eyeshadow brush, apply your lightest shade of eyeshadow to the inner corner of your eye and blend outwards to the centre of your eyelid. This will really open up your eyes and make them sparkle.

9. Define your eyes

Using a liquid eyeliner, draw along your top lash line. Start from the centre of your lash line and draw outwards towards the outer corner of your eye, before filling in the inner corner. Follow the natural curve of your lash line to create a flick at the end.

10. Brighten up your eyes

Use a white or nude eye pencil to draw along your lower waterline.

11. Add mascara

Apply at least two coats of mascara to your top and bottom lashes.

12. Conceal under your eye

Using a concealer in a few shades lighter than your natural skin tone, draw a triangle under your eyes from the inner corner of your eye, down to your cheek and back up to the outer corner of your eye. This will brighten up the whole area. Then, blend with your brush or sponge.

13. Define your cheekbones and contour

Starting from your ear, lightly sweep your bronzer or blush back and forth, underneath your cheekbones. Then dust the excess powder along your hairline and jawline to create definition.

14. Highlight

Using a cream or powder highlighter, gently dab the top of your cheekbones to give your skin a radiant glow. Also highlight the bridge of your nose and the tip of your nose for extra radiance.

15. Define your lips

Follow your natural lip line with pencil and fill in. This will stop your lipstick from smudging at the edges.

16. Finish with lipstick or lipgloss

Smooth your lipstick or lipgloss over your lips to add extra depth.

And there you have it. Christmas inspired red and gold festive make-up.

The post Beauty crackers to glam up your festive face game appeared first on Marie Claire.

When I told the Marie Claire team I was going to be interviewing the iconic Gwen Stefani the news was met with yelps and squeals of delight, summing up the impact of a mere mention of the award-winning songstress’ name. And no wonder; from her days in No Doubt, her tumultuous marriage (and subsequent divorce) to her chart-topping solo career, we’ve fallen head over heels for the American pop queen.

I met Gwen in the suite of a suitably luxe London hotel, where she sat curled up under a thick blanket away from the cold winter weather. On entering the room she immediately jumped up to greet me, full of energy despite a hectic schedule that started with back to back radio interviews in the early hours of the morning. Dressed in a fabulous, fitted, rose print dress complete with a vintage loose wave and a cat-eye flick, there was no doubt I was in the presence of a star. And one who seemingly hadn’t aged for a good 10 years (tell us your secrets, Gwen!)

Flanked by two assistants Gwen immediately started chatting freely about her love of makeup, how her ‘mum was the ultimate beauty inspiration’ and revealing why she thinks Christmas is the most magical time of the year. Keep scrolling to find out how we got on…

On a classic red lipstick….

Everyone always thinks that I’m never without a red lipstick – that I even sleep in it. Definitely when I’m performing or out for a meet and greet it’s my go-to colour and if you see photos of me it’s usually in a bright red, but I don’t actually wear it everyday. Case in point today, I wanted to give everyone a little surprise! I’m channeling the 60’s with a nude lip, vintage wave and a big cat-eye flick. I love red lipstick so much because it feels like such a classic but it’s still so personal. There are so many different ways to wear it. I have a really vivid memory of doing a meet and greet in LA and over 300 women turned up. So many of them were wearing red, it was quite surreal, I could see myself in everyone of their looks but then each person looked so unique because of the rest of their makeup and their outfit.

On her all time favourite lipstick…

Revlon’s Super Lustrous Lipstick in Revlon Red is amazing, you only have to apply it once and it stays on all day. I usually go for a red with a blue undertone as it pops against my skin. When I was younger I used to prefer a brighter red with an orange undertone. To find the shade that suits you check out our best red lipstick round-up.

Shop
now: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Revlon Red for £7.99 from Boots

On vintage makeup…

My favourite thing to do is recreate looks from different decades, basically anything that’s vintage and iconic. Today I’m 60’s style, yesterday I was 50’s. I love mixing it up depending on your mood or what you’ve got on that day.

On those infamous space buns…

When I wore those space buns, back in the 90’s, I was in a bit of a weird space personally. I was 29 and living at home, I’d just been dumped by my boyfriend who I’d thought I was going to marry so that was awful and then my brother left our band after we’d been together for 9 years. There was so much turmoil in my life and then my hair was so damaged from all the styling after I’d been on tour and it was breaking off. Then when got home I dyed it strawberry blonde and I absolutely hated it! So you know what I actually felt awful at the time and thought it was the ugliest hair I’d ever seen in my whole life! The space buns were the only way to deal with it – I just wanted to help it grow out and that was the easiest way to do it. That’s the story of my life really; flaunt what’s good about you and disguise the rest!

On heartbreak…

Heartbreak produced some of my best ever lyrics and my best ever writing, I think because the emotions were so powerful. Even now I find it so hard to listen to Return To Saturn because it still has such a powerful effect on me and takes me back to that crazy time in my personal life.

On her biggest style regret…

When people ask ‘what look do you regret the most?’ I just don’t have an answer. I don’t regret any of my outfit choices or makeup because it honestly reflected whatever was going on in my life at the time – just like the music did.

On her secret to thick brows…

My brows are actually really fine, I just fake it with the best eyebrow pencil. The Revlon ColorStay Brow Crayon is amazing. In the 90’s I shaved off by brows and used to draw on a really thin line drawn instead. Growing up in Anaheim in the US there was a big Hispanic population because we were close to the border of Mexico so my style was really inspired by the look of a Cholla girl and their stunning makeup; their artistry was amazing. And then there were hip hop influences behind my style too. Looking back it was quite a harsh makeup look, there was definitely an attitude to it but everyone was doing those ultra fine brows back then.

Shop
now: Revlon Colourstay Brow Crayon for £6.99 from Boots

On experimenting with hair colour…

I’ve been colouring my hair for years, ever since I was in 9th grade when my Mum first started letting me do it. I’ve been strawberry blonde, pink and blue in the past. When I was younger I just wanted anything that would stand out but I feel most comfortable and like myself as a blonde. I definitely think blondes have more fun!

On Christmas traditions…

I’m such a HUGE Christmas lover. The Stefani’s have always gone big for the holidays and the festive period is just associated with the best memories. My Grandma always did an amazing Gingerbread house, actually that’s not even doing it justice. It was a whole gingerbread village with a little Church and everything. That’s why I wanted to do my new Christmas album, You Make It Feel Like Christmas, it makes me feel like a little Christmas fairy bringing the joy!

On Christmas day….

I never go barefaced – not even for Christmas! It’s the perfect excuse for a bit of sparkle and glitter! I have all the family over, we wake up early and have open presents together. Then the kids are all playing games. It’s such a magical time of year.

The post Gwen Stefani on heartbreak, space buns and her love of red lipstick appeared first on Marie Claire.

If you’re looking for the best way to get rid of dark circles under your eyes, or need something that can camouflage blemishes and redness, you need to invest in the best concealer you can get your hands on. Whether it’s dark circles, fine lines, blemishes or redness, tell Powder your concealer needs and they’ll find the best one for you. So, which is the best concealer for you?

Best under eye concealer

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage, £27.50, John Lewis

Under-eye concealers are the best way to combat dark circles and disguise any signs of late nights (or very early mornings). The best concealer for this delicate area will be feather-light but durable enough to combat shadows and conceal those pesky lines. Sounds like a tough job, but it’s nothing that our round up can’t handle. The best concealers for dark circles will even radiate light – keeping your eyes bright all day long. While on the hunt for a new concealer, look for products that are packed with moisturising properties. A truly indulgent formula will have vitamin A and D infusions to help fight the effects of dryness and encourage elasticity. An industry favourite for years, Laura Mercier’s Secret Camoflauge completely camouflages dark circles and blemishes. With two shades to match your undertone and your skin colour, you can create your own custom blend and thus the perfect coverage.

Buy Now

Best concealer for acne

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer, £18, Selfridges

Much like the best under eye concealer, this one will even out your skin tone while covering any blemishes or redness. The only difference? You don’t want the brightening effect. When you’re aiming to hide redness or blemishes, you don’t want to attract attention to the area. Make sure to use one of the best acne treatments beforehand so it can get to work under your concealer. MAC’s new Pro Longwear Concealer  issuper lightweight and so it flows over any angry, raised areas easily before sinking into the skin. Use a pointed concealer brush to ‘scribble’ over any blemishes, using the warmth of your finger to gently blend the edges into the skin for the most subtle spot coverage ever.

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Best concealer for dark circles

Bobbi Brown Creamy Corrector, £19.50, Fabled

Technically a corrector, we know, but the power of this little pot of pigmented cream is a firm favourite of so many in the office that we had to give it a mention. Colour matched as a concealer is to your skin tone, the pink or peach toned formula perfectly neutralises any dark under-eye shadows. The result? You look super awake and healthy – before you’ve applied any other products. It’s no wonder the brand calls it one of the ‘secrets of the universe’. Follow up with Bobbi’s Creamy Concealer to cover up the bisque or peach hues.

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Best concealer for acne scars

Amazing Cosmetics Amazing Concealer, £20.99, Fabled

First of all, those dark marks left after a spot aren’t classified as acne scars – you’ll need a highly pigmented concealer with brightening properties and a good glycolic toner to combat those. Deep, textured, pitted scars need something more heavy-duty, so look for something with a creamy, sturdy texture to completely fill and cover them. Amazing Cosmetics’ answer to the best concealer is highly concentrated, so you only need the tiniest dab to cover any acne scars. It works on dark circles, broken capillaries, redness and acne as well – just remember to blend with your finger to melt the slightly waxy texture into your skin.

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Best concealer for dry skin

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer, £39, Space NK

Dry skin benefits from all textures of concealer, they just need to be nourishing and glow-giving to nourish rather than enhance dry patches. Liquids will do this perfectly well, but also try out creams; they’ll be thicker and give better coverage, and a stick is perfect for blending and dotting along imperfections, whereas a cream concealer works well under the eyes to cover up any discolouration. On its own, Kevyn Aucoin’s Sensual Skin Finish is perfect for pressing onto spots, scars, birthmarks – just about anything can be disguised by this power pigment, which comes in a huge spectrum of light, olive and dark shades. For a formula that blends more easily, mix with a little moisturiser for a concealer, or more for a full coverage base. It’s a cult classic for a reason.

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Best concealer for oily skin

NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer, £24, Fabled

Once you’ve found the best foundation for oily skin, it’s time to pair it with a trusty concealer. Those with an oily skin type should typically should avid creamy or stick concealers and instead opt for liquid concealers. Not only does they easily build coverage, they’re also easy to apply and are less likely to crease thanks to their light texture. However, there are some great new oil-free cream concealers on the market, which help you stay free from shine all day long. NARS’ oil-free formula is every oily-skinned girl’s dream and it’s got seriously magic coverage and staying power. The soft-focus finish blurs away imperfections, it lasts for hours without creasing or caking, plus the inclusion of peptides, vitamins A, C & E, and hyaluronic acid mean your skin gets a treat underneath.

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Best concealer for mature skin

Clarins Instant Concealer, £22, John Lewis

The last thing mature skin needs is a cakey formula that’ll make fine lines look worse – opt for a nourishing liquid formula that’ll sink into the skin and give some luminosity. Smooth fine lines and banish shadows and imperfections while boosting radiance with Clarins Instant Concealer; lightweight and smoothing, this  concealer is a make-up bag must.

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Best concealer for dark skin

LA Girl PRO.conceal HD High Definition Concealer, £5, Beauty Bay

Most brands have only just started to take notice of their olive and dark-skinned clients and it’s about time. While it’s important to prioritise a formula that sits comfortably on your skin, blurs imperfections and does all the other tricks, those with darker skin need to pay careful attention to the actual pigment of the concealer; avoid anything that looks greyish, reddish or ashy and make sure it doesn’t oxidise or go lighter or darker throughout the day. LA Girl’s Pro.conceal works all over for blemishes, dark circles and fine lines, but we’re mostly impressed by the serious range of shades on offer. From Porcelain to Almond To Dark Cocoa, there really is something for everyone – and at a fiver, it’s a total steal.

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Best concealer brush

Although some people prefer to use the ‘wand’ or bristled tip of their concealer, a brush is recommended in order to ensure that you make the most of the product and get a nice, even finish with equal coverage. Size-wise, we suggest something like this Bobbi Brown Concealer Brush, or the classic MAC Concealer Brush. Alternatively, pat concealer into the under eye area with your ring finger – it’ll fit perfectly into the inner corner of your eye socket and under the lash line.

Our pick of the best under-eye concealers will help you achieve that flawless look – no matter what kind of night you had.

Shop more of our favourite conealers below.

The post The best concealer for hiding dark circles and blemishes appeared first on Marie Claire.

The Christmas countdown has officially begun. The present buying frenzy is well underway with the best Black Friday beauty deals rolling in and holiday-themed collections dropping left right and centre, just in time to make our edit of the best Christmas gifts for her (or best Christmas gifts for him – follow your beauty-obsessed heart). Besides the shopping, you’re probably learning how to make your very own wine Christmas tree or the best Christmas cocktails, and you’re probably excited to crack open your beauty advent calendar come December.

If you’re a skincare enthusiast, Clarins is a cult favourite when it comes to beauty advent calendars. Their 12 Day Christmas Calendar is complete with their world famous, iconic beauty buys – including their Beauty Flash Balm, Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil, as well as some new favourites, it’s 12 treats you don’t want to miss.

If you’re more of a fragrance fanatic, treat yourself to an advent calendar specialising in scent. After 24 days of surprising yourself with Jo Malone’s Christmas Advent Calendar, you’ll possibly be the happiest person on the planet. Including candles and mini perfumes galore, you’ll feel well and truly pampered.

And if the word Diptyque sets your heart a-flutter, you’ll hyperventilate when you see their advent calendar, which drops in November. Behind each door usually either a mini candle, skincare luxury or home fragrance treat. Thought your home smelled good before? It’s got nothing on the 25 days after opening these doors.

So before you resort to buying another standard chocolate advent calendar, give your taste buds a rest and scope out the best beauty advent calendars for 2017 here.

Keep checking back for the latest updates…

M&S Beauty Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£35 when you spend £35 on clothing and home

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

Buy Now

Jo Malone Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£300

What’s inside?

When it comes to beauty advent calendars, Jo Malone’s is pretty much the holy grail. Tucked away behind its 24 doors is a mixture of their legendary fragrances and scented candles to make you and your home smell like a dream. It’s dubbed ‘the gift that keeps on giving’ for a reason, you know.

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John Lewis Beauty Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£149

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

We all know that the John Lewis beauty halls are something to behold, so it was high time they jumped on the bandwagon and released a beauty advent calendar of their own. This one is a mixture of both full-sized and travel size pieces, from NARS to Neom Organics, so both your dressing table and handbag will be well stocked for the winter. Plus it’s worth £300, so you’re basically getting it half price – it’s a no-brainer, really.

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Benefit Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£34.50

When is it available?

Available now online

What’s inside?

Benefit’s annual advent calendar never, ever disappoints, and this year’s is no different. Hoola? Check. Porefessional? Check. Roller Lash? Check. Trust us when we say this will fix up your make-up bag a treat for the holiday season (plus, it’s such a bargain). Here’s to upgrading our Christmas make up looks…

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Fabled’s Advent For You

Our beauty store Fabled are putting on 24 days of beauty competitions and in-store treats that make-up and skincare junkies will adore. Keep your eyes firmly fixed on the Instagram page for all the best beauty offerings this Advent and to find out how to get your paws on those priceless giveaways.

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Lush Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£67.50

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

Christmas at Lush is always an exciting time and every year, their 12 Days Of Christmas box sells out pretty quick. While it’s not an advent calendar with fun doors, you don’t have to wait around to unlock your favourites. There’s twelve Christmas and non-Christmas themed beauty products in there which include three bath bombs (Christmas Sweater, Golden Wonder, Sherbet Dip, Never Mind the Ballistics, Shoot for the Stars), bubble bars (Christmas Cracker, Plum Snow, Christmas Eve), shower gels (Bubbly, Snow Fairy), Baked Alaska Soap and Buck’s Fizz body conditioner. Bath time just got so much better.

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Charlotte Tilbury Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£150

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

The Naughty and Nice Magic Box is a 12-day advent calendar featuring Charlotte Tilbury’s best-sellers, including Matte Revolution, Eyes To Mesmerise and a mini Take It All Off. Possibly the best bit is the fact the box works perfectly as a jewellery case once you’ve opened all of the gifts, meaning you can use it long after.

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Harrods Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£250

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

When it comes to bumper beauty advent calendars, this one’s a whopper. It pretty much sums up the best of 2017’s beauty, featuring everything from Brazilian Bum Bum Cream to Bobbi Brown Remedies, 111Skin to Huda Beauty. We need it.

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Diptyque Advent Calendar 2017

How much it?

£300

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

A Team Marie Claire favourite, Diptyque’s annual calendar is packed with their gorgeous fragrances, for the home and for you, as per usual. There’s even a treat for Christmas day itself, as this is a 25-day treat rather than your usual 24. It’s a divine treat that we’ve got our eyes on…

Lookfantastic Beauty Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£79

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

OK, first thing’s first: This advent calendar is so hotly anticipated that there is an actual waiting list to find out the first details. All we can say is that we’ve been given a sneaky peek the contents and it’s a killer calendar. Lookfantastic’s Beauty in Wonderland contains some of the most innovative and exciting products on the market, some cult favourites and some new exclusives.

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Liz Earle Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£66

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

Liz Earle’s 12 Days of Christmas box is truly something to behold. They’ve pretty much covered all bases with minis of the Superskin Moisturiser, Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion, Gentle Face Exfoliator  – and, of course, the brand’s hero product, Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. Frankly, we think £66 is a bargain for this lot.

Clarins Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£95

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

Know a Clarins enthusiast? This advent calendar is the one for them. Featuring hero products such as the cult Beauty Flash Balm and Lip Comfort Oil, and the brand new SOS Hydra Mask, it’s a game-changer. There’s also a men’s skincare edition, meaning you can grab one for the other half, too.

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Elemis Beauty Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£150

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

For the first year ever, Elemis are getting in on the trend and launching their own beauty advent calendar; the Countdown to Radiant Skin is one of the hottest calendars for the run up to Christmas.

With a mixture of all of Elemis’ best-loved products, in both travel and full size, it’s a skincare lover’s dream. And of course, it wouldn’t be an Elemis Advent Calendar without the inclusion of their hero Pro-Collagen Marine Cream.

Decléor Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£65

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

Think beauty advent calendars are all about mini products? Think again – Decléor’s advent calendar features three whole full-sized skincare products for you to enjoy. Last year, one of these sold every eight seconds – so you need to bag yours as soon as they drop if you’ve got your eye on one!

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Molton Brown Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£165

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

Inside Molton Brown’s Cabinet of Scented Luxuries calendar, you’ll find pretty much everything you need to get your skin looking, feeling and smelling amazing. Count down to Christmas with all of your favourite Molton Brown fragrances, from Fiery Pink Pepper to Tobacco Absolute, as well as a Christmas bauble to hang on your tree.

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BareMinerals Beauty Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£75

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

BareMinerals’ Box of Wonders truly is a treasure trove of their best beauty buys in all of your favourite shades, from deluxe lipsticks to lip gloss, SkinLongevity primer to Mineral Veil face powder. We think you might be needing a bigger make-up bag for Christmas…

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The Body Shop Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£45

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

Skincare enthusiasts will be flocking to The Body Shop to get their hands on one of their hero advent calendars. Packed with 24 of their essential, fruity mini products, it’s a Body Shop lover’s dream. There are four to choose from, with their 24-day-er yours for less than £50.

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Soap & Glory Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£40

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

This one’s a great all-rounder for the make-up and skincare obsessed. Featuring lip-plumping products and crayons, hand cream and body scrub, you’ve got your beauty fix for the holiday season (until Christmas day that is).

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L’Occitane Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£49

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

As usual, L’Occitane’s advent calendar is a bumper haul of their hero products in miniature form. Stock up on the glorious likes of their shampoo and conditioner, soap, fragrances and their hand cream. If you’re feeling generous, treat yourself to the Luxury version for £89, featuring Divine Cream and L’Occitane’s latest fragrance, Terre de Lumiére.

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ESPA Advent Calendar

How much is it?

£100

When is it available?

Once the calendar launches it’ll be available on the ESPA website.

What’s inside?

ESPA’s first ever advent calendar is jam-packed with old favourites, like their bath oils, and new releases, including their new Tri-Active Advanced Night Booster. It’s a skincare haven that’s perfect for just about anyone you love this Christmas.

Rituals Beauty Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£59.50 – £79.50

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

The Ritual of Advent is a particularly special celebration of festive cheer, as Rituals is launching not one but two advent calendars for beauty lovers to pour over this year. The 2D Exclusive Calendar is packed full of lovely treats, including luxury candles designed exclusively for the advent calendars.

Meanwhile the Deluxe Calendar is a 3D Christmas tree complete with hanging decorations to open on each of the 24 days ahead of Christmas – and of course, the products inside are even more luxurious than its 2D counterpart. Go on, treat yourself.

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Fenwick Beauty Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£150

When is it available?

Now, in store

What’s inside?

Featuring an adorable, Christmassy design by illustrator Clym Evernden, Fenwick of Bond Street is also jumping on the beauty advent calendar bandwagon, with a gorgeous array of your favourite beauty products, from Nails Inc to nars, Aveda to Aromatherapy Associates. We almost think it looks too pretty to open… Almost.

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Susanne Kaufmann Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£110

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

’24 Gifts to Surprise and Delight’ by Susanne Kaufmann will certainly do both of those things if you give this gift to the natural skincare lover in your life.  A special edition gold version will also be available exclusively at Net-A-Porter, so you’d better be quick if you want to nab one.

Buy Now

House of Fraser Beauty Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£25

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

If you love giving your makeup a festive twist this House of Fraser calendar is the one for you. There’s a classic red lipstick and nail varnish and gold and silver glitter sequins for fancy fingers. Our favourite piece from the collection? The mesmerizing gold liquid eyeliner so you can add some glitz to your everyday makeup this Christmas.

Buy Now

Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£175

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

Liberty’s advent calendar is probably the most luxe beauty advent offering out there. Inside are 15 full-sized treats from highly coveted brands like Diptyque, Byredo, Le Labo and Omoroviczsa. As well as a few newbies like the infamous Brazillian Bum Bum Cream and niche favourites Votary and Aurelia. The stunning design of this calendar means you’ll want to keep this beautifully illustrated calendar in pride of place.

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Clinique 24 Days of Christmas

How much is it?

£75

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

Skincare fanatics rejoice! There are so many bestsellers to try from Clinique in this 24-day wonder it’s like you’ve died and woken up in beauty heaven. Take the ultra-lengthening Lash Power mascara mini or the moisturising Chubby Stick that’s small enough to slip in your clutch. The Twice A Day exfoliator comes in 60ml and there are 4 other 30 ml products (the Dramatically Different Moisturiser, The Take The Day Off Makeup Remover, The 7 Day Scrub and the Deep Comfort Hand & Cuticle cream) that are big enough to last a weekend trip.

Buy Now

Cowshed Advent Calendar 2017

How much is it?

£90

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

If you’re dreading the long, dark winter nights this deluxe Cowshed calendar will put a spring back in your step – it’s packed full of the cheekily named bath time favourites like Cow Pat Handcream, Lazy Cow Bath & Shower Gel and the Knackered Cow Body Lotion. The perfect excuse for a bit of R&R this Christmas.

Buy Now

Ciaté Mini Mani Month 2017

How much is it?

£50

When is it available?

Now

What’s inside?

To celebrate Ciaté’s 5th birthday, their 2017 advent calendar is packed full of bestsellers, from gorgeous nail paints to nail care and the glitziest nail file we’ve ever seen.

Buy Now

One thing’s for sure, December is a beauty-packed month with this lot on the scene.

Tweet us your beauty advent calendar pictures at @marieclaireuk

The post The beauty advent calendars of 2017 you *need* in your life (it’s a need, not want situation) appeared first on Marie Claire.

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There’s only so many times you can get away with throwing your hair up into a messy topknot to switch up your look from office to night out. Good thing is, there’s a whole bunch of easy hairstyles out there just waiting for you to sink your hands into them.

And the best part is, you can have short, medium or long hair. Because we’ve found an easy hairstyle for every length. In fact, we’ve found several. So, whether you’re having a bad hair day or simply didn’t get around to washing it the night before, we’ve got the perfect style for you.

Our Beauty and Style Director Lisa Oxenham created 6 unique looks that work for different hair types and styles to give you cool girl hair in a flash.

Keep scrolling to find out our pick of the easiest ways to update your hairstyle for the new season…

The easiest way to create beachy waves

A perennial favourite for cool girl hair is the classic beachy wave. It’s so easy to style and works on all hair textures, except very curly hair. To create it yourself prep hair with Batiste Shield My Locks Heat Protecting Spray and wrap a 1-inch section round a wide barreled tong. You want it to look random and not too done so don’t tong in front of the mirror, this will help stop it looking symmetrical. Next, use your fingers to tease through the lengths of the hair to soften and secure in a low pony at the nape of the neck. Finish by wrapping with a flat length of gross grain ribbon and gently pulling out face framing fly aways. Spritz with Batiste Stylist Hold Me Hairspray for lightweight hold that doesn’t feel sticky but still manages to keep your hair in place all day.

Shop
now: Batiste Stylist Shield My Locks Heat And Shine Spray for £4.99 from Boots

Shop
now: Batiste Stylist Hold Me Hairspray for £4.49 from Boots

The easiest way to make a ponytail look cool

The new breed of low ponytail is this season’s easy must-wear look. Reworked with a root lift and rought texture ‘it’s impossible not to love this style,’ says Mark Francome Painter. ‘It’s flattering on everyone and any hair length.’ And the best bit? ‘This ponytail takes the same amount of time to perfect as a regular one.’ Francome Painter recommends working with second-day hair and avoiding product overload. ‘You want to give strands guts, but still keep the look soft,’ he says. Massage roots in need of density and texture with Batiste XXL Plumping Powder for an instant thickening effect and leave locks to air dry for that fluffy finish. Then, blast Batiste Dry Shampoo through the crown for more volume. Next, make a centre parting and gather hair loosely at the nape of the neck, letting some strands fall out around the face. ‘Fastening the ponytail with something understated like a leather swatch gives attitude, while pulling out strands creates nonchalance,’ he explains. Secure with a hairband first before wrapping your chosen material around it until the bank is covered. Finish with a spritz of Batiste Stylist XXL Ooomph My Locks Volume Spray.

Shop
now: Batiste XXL Plumping Powder for £4.19 from Boots

Shop
now: Batiste XXL Oomph My Locks Volume Spray for £4.29 from Boots

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now: Batiste Dry Shampoo for £4.99 from Boots

The easiest way to manage curly hair

One hairstylist bringing frizz, curls and fly-aways to the red carpet is Mark Francome Painter, using Batiste. ‘Texture like this creates a halo to frame the face and soften features,’ he says. ‘If your hair is already frizz-prone or curly, this is simply enhancing what you already have. Wake up with crazy hair, mattify oily roots and go with it!’ Hairstylist Mark Francome Painter created this airy look on flat hair by first dividing it into small sections with a pintail comb, then wrapping each section around a hair pin in a number eight motion, misting with a heat protector spray like Show Beauty Thermal Protect and then clamping tight with flat irons to lock in the shape. Once cooled, he unwound the hair, brushed it out and bulked up the volume with Batiste Boost It Up Plumping Powder, and a spritz of the range’s Dry Shampoo. ‘Use your fingertips to rub both products into strands to really frizz out the texture,’ advises Francome Painter.

Shop
now: Show Beauty Thermal Protect for £35 from Selfridges

Shop
now: Batiste Boost It Up Plumping Powder for £4.19 from Boots

Shop
now: Batiste Dry Shampoo for £4.99 from Boots

The easiest way to add texture

This texture mash-up style is wet and wild and we can’t get enough of it. ‘This is the type of look that Instagram becomes obsessed with – an amped-up style using knots instead of plaits,’ says Francome Painter. Hair needs to be healthy, so start by using a mask, such as Maria Nila True Soft Masque then divide damp hair into a side-parting and spritz the lengths with GHD Smooth & Finish Serum. Take hold of two medium-thick sections and create a double or single knot as you move down the hair, picking up sections while you work around the crown. ‘This gives the illusion of braided texture, but is much quicker,’ he explains. Soften the style by pulling strands out at the temples and forehead. Keep in place using a lasting hold spray. Try Sachajuan Strong Hold Hairspray.

Shop
now: Maria Nila True Soft Masque for £16.02 from Amazon

Shop
now: GHD Smooth & Finish Serum for £14.16 from Amazon

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now: Sachajuan Strong Hold Hairspray for £19 from Amazon

The easiest way to style wet look hair

Inspired by the SS18 runways, slicked back, shiny hair that catches the light is gaining popularity. ‘It’s a striking but simple style, and new product technology means hair stays soft rather than crunchy and sticky,’ says Francome Painter. The prerequisite? Start with clean, conditioned tresses and forget about a 12-step tutorial – this doesn’t involve a ton of products, just beautiful basics. To keep the look as sleek as possible, smooth with System Professional Luxe Oil, then blow-dry it back. Apply Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Spiking Glue and comb through for an off the face, cool finish. A lightweight spray such as Living Proof Flex Shaping Hairspray, adds hold that still lets you run your fingers through it.

Shop
now: Schwarzkopf Got2b Glued Spiking Glue for £4.95 from Amazon

Shop
now: Living Proof Flex Shaping Hairspray for £21 from John Lewis

Shop
now: System Professional Luxe Oil for £33.90 from Look Fantastic

The easiest way to rock an up-do

An uncomplicated wet-look bun has become a Hollywood staple, on or off duty. The key to achieving the sleek and neat finish is to use a natural bristle brush when you’re pulling your hair into a bun at the back of your head. Francome Painter’s trick to making the wet-look wearable is to use, ‘flexible mousse, oil and hairspray.’ He says, ‘apply Pureology Clean Volume Weightless Mousse to damn hair and comb back tightly into a ponytail at the crown, Smooth your pony with Hask Argan Oil Repairing Shine Oil all the way to the ends, braid it and wrap into a ballet bun.’ If you’re thinning around the hairline, ‘Toppik Hair Building Fibers will fake full hair instantly.

Shop
now: Pureology Clean Volume Weightless Mousse for £15.70 from Look Fantastic

Shop
now: Hask Argan Oil Repairing Shine Oil for £1.65 from Superdrug

Shop
now: Toppik Hair Building Fibers for £15.96 from Amazon

January Issue shoot team credits: Styling and beauty direction Lisa Oxenham, Photographer Jason Hetherington, Hair stylist Mark Francome Painter at CLM, Makeup by Mel Arter at CLM, Model Grace Anderson at Premier Model Management

The post Easy hairstyles for cool-girl hair appeared first on Marie Claire.

The lines between men’s and women’s fragrance are increasingly blurred and while we’re still champions of one-size-fits-all approach, passing back and forth our Comme Des Garcons with our significant other, are there certain ingredients that just don’t belong in fragrances for him?  We’re here to talk about flowers. And, whilst you may think they are reserve for the world of women’s perfume, flowers, in actual fact have played an equally important part in fragrances for him. Men’s floral fragrances, let’s discuss. But first, if you haven’t already, make sure you check our our Marie Claire Perfume Directory.

On the surface, this seems innovative and boundary pushing but Roja Dove, master perfumer, says that ‘Floral notes are typically associated with femininity but it is essential to understand that we use huge volumes of floral materials in masculine perfumery too’. David Seth Moltz of D.S & Durga (a super cool niche perfume house) says that ‘flower notes were historically important in Men’s colognes and scents up until around WWII. But the dawn of the big florals in the 80s and the sugar fruity florals in the 90s/00s have skewed our vision of what “floral” means in perfume.’

Perhaps us leaving these all behind is a result of our Britishness – as nation it’s something we seemingly forgotten whereas other cultures florals play a prominent part. Just look at the Middle-Eastern market where heady oud’s laced with the sweetest roses, vibrant jasmine and delicate violets reign supreme.

As a fragrance lover, I often cast my mind back to the moments that scent has played a part in my life. And, it’s the moment I fell in love with florals that is seminal. In 2007 I found myself in front of the most impeccably shiny and heavily dark wooded counter tops, the Tom Ford stand in an American shopping mall, that my love for unabashedly out-there fragrance was firmly rooted. I was presented the latest addition to the Tom Ford family, a collection that I was unaware of up until this moment. The heady and overtly floral and powdery juice of Black Orchid figuratively slapped me firmly across the face and I knew that the world of fragrance, for me, would never quite be the same.

So florals in men’s fragrance: not necessarily groundbreaking but rather some of the most important notes to lift and elevate masculine fragrance – and they do so in their own unique ways. So without further ado, we present the best use of flowers in fragrances for him – the pick of the bunch, if you will.

Rose

Shake off connotations of English tea-rooms and think less powdery blooms but softer, grassier and much greener visions. The bud gets updated with tough rounded notes of bergamot in Etro ManRose, £93.17 FOR 100ml EDP. The construction in Maison Francis Kurkdjian Lumiere Noir Pour Homme, £130 for 100ml EDP, to me, is a literal representation of the rose’s journey from wet bud through to blossom and cleverly kept distinctly masculine with the addition of patchouli, artemisia and caraway on the dry down which cut through any powdery notes. Coffee grounds the rose in Atelier Cologne Café Tuberose, £110 for 100ml EDP and rose essence is given a deep and distinctly brooding feel with the addition of vetiver and ambery woods in Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey Pour Homme Or Encens , £51 for 125ml EDP.

Geranium

With its minty, grassy and green scent geranium makes the perfect perfume partner and keeps notes super fresh, just look at Frederic Malle Dominic Ropion Geranium Pour Monsieur, £170 for 100ml EDP, which, when road tested was a front runner in the compliments tally (but who’s keeping score, anyway). Toughens up fruity notes in Yves Saint Laurent Y, £53 for 60ml EDP and Hugo Boss Bottled, £32 for 50ml EDP and as a base in Zegna Elements of Man Integrity, £180 for 100ml EDP keeps the juice the right side of heady.

MAKE SURE YOU STOP BY THE MARIE CLAIRE PERFUME DIRECTORY FOR ALL YOUR FRAGRANT NEEDS.

Lavender

Perhaps the most expected of the bunch, we’re much more familiar – and comfortable with, lavender. Givenchy Gentleman, £59.40 for 100ml EDP included lavender in its first incarnation in 1974 but it’s up to date one smells even better. When added to darker woody notes, lavender lifts and lightens as seen in Dolce & Gabbana Intenso, £73 for 100ml EDP.

Violet

Whilst it may be hard to pin down the exact smell of a violet: is it peppery or sweet, or perhaps a little powdery, one thing for sure is that when mixed with gourmand notes like cinnamon and vanilla, it lifts each ingredient to another level. Look to the likes of Cire Trudon Bruma, £165 for 100ml EDP, and Tom Ford Noir, £96 for 100ml EDP for exemplary uses. When mixed with dark leathery notes, violet becomes slightly bitter which lightens the heaviness making it suitable for all day wear as seen in Byredo Rodeo, £150 for 100ml EDP.

Jasmine

Okay, so jasmine has had a bad rep at certain points – and it often feels like the fragrance world loves to hate it, but a host of fragrance houses are seeing it as a key player to their juice.

Aromatic qualities can be found in Acqua Di Parma Colonia Pura, £91 for 100ml EDP and Roja Dove Elysium Pour Homme, £225 for 100ml EDP which brings out mysterious qualities. Just the right amount of jasmine adds a punch to the creaminess of magnolia in Tom Daxon Magnolia Heights, £105 for 50ml EDP. And perhaps, our favourite use can be found in DS & Durga White Peacock Lily, £135 for 100ml EDP.

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