Less than two weeks to go, and the season already taking its toll? The socialising, drinking, late nights and (let’s face it) stress of preparing and planning may be affecting you so here’s a quick round up of beauty fixers to restore your glow, bring back your bounce and keep you looking fabulous darling!
Snatched skin
Calecim Multi-Action Cream, £165. This cream has some serious science behind it. The brand, Calecim, was founded by a biotech company back in 2002 and uses ethically derived stem cells in their patented formula, PTT6®, with no harm to humans or animals and no, they don’t test on animals. Rigorous testing has demonstrated that regular use will improve elastin production, skin density and hydration levels leading to more firm, radiant, smooth and supple skin. With visible results from around two weeks and optimal from four, consider this an investment in yourself.
Silky smooth
Officine Universelle Buly Lait Virginal Caribbean Sweet Potato and Afghan Carrot, £50. The vicissitudes of the climate always impact on the skin at this time of year. The drop in humidity coupled with the drying effect of central heating can lead to any number of decidedly unpleasing gripes – we’re thinking trouser dandruff and cheese-grater elbows for starters. So, as well as spoiling your loved ones, spoil yourself with a little luxury in the form of Officine Universelle Buly’s heavenly-scented body milk. The warm, sweet, familiar notes of carrot couple just as delectably with spicy sweet potato in this body milk as they do served up on your festive table and it absorbs seamlessly into your skin with zero tackiness so no delay in getting dressed (up) straight after your shower.
Tone and texture
Perricone MD High Potency Intensive Smoothing Serum, £83. Brand new but already receiving rave reviews, the High Potency Intensive Smoothing Serum will blanket your skin in nourishing actives to improve texture and provide deep-down hydration. First up, a combination of hyaluronic acids designed to penetrate the skin’s layers restoring hydration levels; then DMAE for lifting effect; finally, niacinamide (vitamin B3) to improve tone and radiance levels.
Daily reset
Dr David Jack Afterglow Cleanser, £65. Harley Street Aesthetic Doctor and skin health expert Dr David Jack has added to his exemplary range of straightforward skincare with his new Afterglow Cleanser, a 3-in-1 balm cleanser which can be used both in the morning and also at the end of the day to effortlessly dissolve makeup and rid the skin of any traces of sunscreen, thus preparing the skin for its best beauty treatment: a good night’s sleep. With gentle exfoliants, intense hydrators and a blend of botanical extracts to calm and protect.
Restore and boost
Green People Protein Boost with Quinoa, from £15. Winter weather can leave hair dry, weak, stripped and prone to breakage. Like our bodies and souls, our hair needs nourishment and Green People have developed a range using quinoa to boost hair’s natural protein levels. The superfood grain penetrates the shaft to repair compromised hair, boosting keratin levels, injecting moisture and restoring shine. In addition to the shampoo – which doubles as a body wash – and conditioner there’s a frizz-fighting serum which also protects against sun, heat and chlorine and can even be used as a leave-in conditioner. greenpeople.co.uk https://www.greenpeople.co.uk/collections/quinoa-beauty-products
The Bounce-back
Only Curls Bundle, £60. Independent hair care brand Only Curls have created a range which consistently and reliably brings out the best in anything from coils and curls to rippling waves. All products are sulphate free and packed with moisturising natural ingredients that really coax out curls while reducing frizz, leaving your hair looking and smelling amazing. Plus it is vegan, cruelty-free and packaging is formed from bioplastic derived from sugar cane and so are 100% recyclable. The starter bundle (£60) includes shampoo, conditioner, curl crème and enhancing curl gel. But there’s more; have a browse online to find their range of accessories, designed with curls in mind, including satin-lined beanies and baseball caps, misting bottles, sleep accessories and microfibre towels and turbans. onlycurls.com https://onlycurls.com/collections/bundles/products/original-bundle
Or fake it
Diva Pro Styling Precious Metals Gold Dust Multi Waver, currently half price on sallybeauty.com, £74.99. Designed for pro’s this handy device offers four wave depths, from shallow to deep, plus a choice of five ‘intelligent’ temperature settings (120-210 degrees). The magic comes from the mineral-oil ceramic plates which have been infused with gold dust to enhance conductivity. Section by section, your hair will be curled in seconds and the salon-length cord makes this super easy to use even if your bedroom hasn’t been designed around the plug socket. Simple, straightforward and bonus points for the recycled and recyclable storage tin and heat protection mat, which is provided.