Elsa McAlonan's beauty upgrades: As we move into spring, a bare-faced glow is key

  • The Rimmel London #Instaflawless is more than just a primer: tinted, with SPF 15, it enhances your complexion to diminish signs of fatigue 
  • Max factor’s bestseller — the False Lash Effect mascara — has been given a jungle makeover for summer.
  • Hair extensions are becoming more popular with the over-40s — especially good quality clip-in pieces, which can transform any look in seconds

By Elsa Mcalonan

Published: 23:24 BST, 2 April 2017 | Updated: 23:25 BST, 2 April 2017

WHAT'S NOW AND HOW TO DO IT... IRIDESCENT PRIMERS  

The Rimmel London #Instaflawless 

As we move into spring, a bare-faced glow is key. The Rimmel London #Instaflawless is more than just a primer: tinted, with SPF 15, it enhances your complexion to diminish signs of fatigue.

boots.com 

£6.99 Shop
Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer Apricot 

Meanwhile, Gosh Velvet Touch Foundation Primer Apricot is the perfect silky base for make-up and contains Matrixyl, an anti-ageing ingredient. 

superdrug.com

£13.99 Shop
No 7 Airbrush Away Sheer Finish Foundation 

No 7 Airbrush Away Sheer Finish Foundation gives a glowing, youthful finish, too.

boots.com 

£16.50 Shop
 

RACE YOU THERE 

False Lash Effect Mascara 

Max factor’s bestseller — the False Lash Effect mascara — has been given a jungle makeover for summer. It's bright green and gold leaf design is inspired by the prints that dominated the catwalks, and it is part of the new Max Factor Limited Edition Urban Jungle Collection. On sale this week at Superdrug, the set includes not only the False Lash Effect mascara, but the Lipfinity Lip Colour in two shades of pink (£10.99) and Colour Precision Highlighter, which works well on cheeks as well as eyes (£6.99).

superdrug.com 

£10.99 Shop
 

AMANDA HOLDEN'S HOT HAIR TRICK 

Hair extensions are becoming more popular with the over-40s — especially good quality clip-in pieces, which can transform any look in seconds, without causing any damage to your hair. Television presenter Amanda Holden’s high ponytail comes courtesy of Hair Rehab London Luxe Volume Clip-ins (from £154.99, hairrehab london.com). 

Television presenter Amanda Holden’s high ponytail comes courtesy of Hair Rehab London Luxe Volume Clip-ins

Television presenter Amanda Holden’s high ponytail comes courtesy of Hair Rehab London Luxe Volume Clip-ins

 

THIS WORKS 

The NHS has launched its first range of skincare products. All profits from the My Trusty range, available at Superdrug, go back into the health service. Originally developed for patients, the unique sunflower oil formula is rich in vitamins. Try the Sunflower Body Butter (£7.99) for a thirst-quenching all-round moisturiser. 

Sunflower Body Butter 

The NHS has launched its first range of skincare products. All profits from the My Trusty range, available at Superdrug, go back into the health service. Originally developed for patients, the unique sunflower oil formula is rich in vitamins. Try the Sunflower Body Butter for a thirst-quenching all-round moisturiser.

superdrug.com

£7.99 Shop
 

3 OF THE BEST: LIP CRAYONS  

In your 50s...

 Illamasqua Lip Slick Stick

The soft, hydrating formula of Illamasqua Lip Slick Stick, in Adorn, is perfect for colouring with precision.

illamasqua.com

£18.50 Shop

In your 60s...

Sensai Silky Design Rouge 

Available in six shades of red, Sensai Silky Design Rouge glides onto lips, thanks to its balm-like texture.

harrods.com 

£29.00 Shop

In your 70s... 

Expert Click Stick 

By Terry Rouge - Expert Click Stick has it all — the accuracy of a pencil, hydration of a balm and pigment of a lipstick.

SpaceNK.com

£24.50 Shop
 

CAN YOU WASH YOUR FACE TOO MUCH?

Double cleansing — where you wash your face twice to remove make-up and clean the skin — was big news in beauty last year. But it can leave skin feeling dry and tight. 

If you suffer from dry skin, you can still cleanse twice — just opt for more nourishing products.

To remove make-up, use an oil-based cleanser, such as Elemental Herbology’s Harmonising Cleanse Facial Cleansing Oil (£29, SpaceNK).

Then, for a really thorough double-cleanse, follow up with a gentle face wash. Try a soap-free formula, such as Green People Foaming Face Wash (£12, greenpeople.co.uk), which gently foams as it is massaged in.

The result? A deep cleanse that won’t aggravate the skin.

 

SHAMELESS INDULGENCE 

Essential oils not only relax the body, but calm and soothe the mind. So, for the ultimate stress-buster, why not combine the power of these natural oils with a relaxing bath?

Try a few drops of Beatitude’s Joy Bath Oil (£40 for 100ml, approximately 20 baths, beatitudeproducts.co.uk.) Dubbed ‘sunshine in a bottle’, this beautifully scented elixir is packed with exotic essential oils, including orange, mandarin, grapefruit and bergamot, as well as peach kernel, oat and camellia plant oils.

It leaves skin gloriously smooth and supple after a long soak. And, in a beautiful glass decanter, it will add the finishing touch to your bathroom.

Beatitude’s Joy Bath Oil 

beatitudeproducts.co.uk

 

£40.00 Shop

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