Elsa McAlonan's Beauty Upgrades: How to do a quick flick for effortless glamour
- Elsa McAlonan reveals the best products to get that perfect flick of eyeliner
- Beauty expert shares the one-night only hair colour loved by Dame Helen Mirren
- She also rounds up foundation sticks for those in their 50s, 60s and 70s
What’s now & how to do it . . . the quick flick
Never underestimate the power of a flick of eyeliner — it opens up the eyes and makes lids look lighter.
The easiest way to achieve the look is to draw a tiny tick at the outer end of your lash line with a fibre-tipped pen.
And don’t worry if your first few attempts are less than perfect — make-up artist Lynsey Alexander recommends carefully refining the flicks with a cotton bud dipped in make-up remover.
Never underestimate the power of a flick of eyeliner — it opens up the eyes and makes lids look lighter (stock photo)
RACE YOU THERE
Those of us who can never find quite the right shade of blusher for our skin tone might like to try the Profusion Blush II Palette.
This affordable palette contains six pretty shades, ranging from baby pink through to a deep rose, that can be swirled together to create the most natural hue for your skin.
Perfect for a warm summer flush.
HELEN MIRREN'S PINK TINT
Dame Helen Mirren, 73, turned heads on the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival this weekend debuting new pastel pink hair (left).
The one-night-only colour was thanks to a Colorista Spray by L’Oreal Paris, for whom the actress is a brand ambassador.
The temporary sprays, which come in eight shades, allow you to experiment safe in the knowledge they will wash straight out.
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THIS WORKS
A great alternative to self-tan, Huda Beauty N.Y.M.P.H. (£40, cultbeauty.co.uk) is a luminous skin-finisher for face and body.
The water-based formula gives an instant glow that’s perfect for flattering arms or decolletage in a summer dress. With a slight shimmer, it comes in three pearlescent shades.
IS IT BEST TO KEEP EYE GEL IN THE FRIDGE?
Yes — and gels are a great idea in warm weather or for those who suffer from puffy eyes.
Skin expert Emma Coleman, an aesthetic and dermatology nurse, says: ‘Gels don’t contain oils, which avoids further swelling. Cold application reduces tissue swelling, so it follows that using a cooling gel will help to tighten and de-puff skin.’ Olay’s Eyes Deep Hydrating Gel launches this week (£24.99, boots.com) and it’s full of calming and hydrating ingredients, including niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3.
Or you could try Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Awakening Gel-Cream (£12.99, boots.com), which immediately rejuvenates.
THREE OF THE BEST FOUNDATION STICKS
BareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick SPF25 (£29, bare minerals.co.uk) comes in 20 shades. It has buildable coverage and keeps skin hydrated for up to 12 hours, giving a dewy finish.
LORD & BERRY Perfect Skin Foundation Stick (£25, next.co.uk). has a flaw-erasing formula which creates a breathable veil. It glides on and gives long-lasting coverage.
GUERLAIN Terracotta Skin Foundation Stick (£34, johnlewis. com) gives a velvety finish and lightweight, waterproof coverage. All shades have a touch of gold, adding warmth.
SHAMELESS INDULGENCE
Night-time skincare can make a huge difference to the tone and appearance of your complexion, so it is worth spending a little more on something special.
The new Murad Night Fix Enzyme Treatment (£70, murad.co.uk) works with the body’s circadian rhythm to correct signs of sleep deprivation that can result in dry skin, dullness, dehydration and noticeable fine lines. Anti-ageing peptides and tri-enzyme technology support the skin’s natural repair system, give antioxidant protection and help to detox skin.
Poor sleep can accelerate signs of ageing by interfering with the skin’s natural ability to recover from environmental damage. So, although pricey, this correcting formula is a good investment.
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