Elsa McAlonan’s Beauty Upgrades: How to achieve a natural-looking glow with a face tan
- Elsa McAlonan reveals a selection of products for a natural-looking glow
- She also reveals how Madonna maintains an ageless appearance
- British beauty expert rounds up the best hydrating mists to use at each age
WHAT’S NOW & HOW TO DO IT: FACE TAN
Elsa McAlonan picked out a selection of the best products for achieving a natural-looking glow (file image)
Sun or no sun, it’s never been easier to get a natural-looking glow. This summer facial self-tans have upped their game.
Mature skins will benefit from a hydrating formula, such as Bali Body Face Tan Water, enriched with jojoba oil.
uk.balibodyco.com
To perk up the complexion, try Skinny Tan Coconut Water Face Serum Tanning Drops, which is infused with caffeine-rich guarana.
skinnytan.co.uk
If you have sensitive skin, opt for Utan Gentle Glow DHA-Free Mylk. This has no DHA, which is used in most fake tans and can be an allergen.
utan.co.uk
Or for something a bit different, try Sepai V6.8 Tune It Boostert, which helps stimulate tanning using tan activators.
lookfantastic.com
RACE YOU THERE!
Hairstylist Jen Atkin, whose clients include Chrissy Teigen and Kim Kardashian, has branched out into make-up with the new e.l.f. XX Jen Atkin range.
It’s full of multi-purpose cosmetics inspired by her on-the-go life. The hero product is the Let’s e.l.f.ing Do This face palette (£14) which comes in Light-Medium or Medium-Deep (pictured), and includes four eyeshadows, a blusher, a bronzer and a highlighter.
It’s also worth looking out for the Eyes Up Here Kit (£12), which features a brow pomade and brush, plus an eyeliner.
boots.com
MADONNA’S BABY CREAM
Madonna (pictured) had a cream that can be used as a primer and to target wrinkles in a picture she posted on Twitter
Given her penchant for luxury age-defying products, it was a surprise to spot a pot of the nappy rash salve Sudocrem (from £2.99, superdrug.com) on Madonna’s shelf in a picture she posted on Twitter.
The antiseptic healing cream is an unsung hero with multiple uses, including as a primer and a treatment for eczema, sunburn and acne. It can even help target wrinkles by tightening up your skin.
THIS WORKS
Anything that cuts down blow-dry time gets my vote. Redken Oil For All uses silicones to lock in moisture and tame frizz, for salon-style glossy hair without the need for extra hair-drying. The oil won’t make your hair feel greasy and is suitable for any hair type.
lookfantastic.com
DO I NEED CONDITIONER IF I USE A HAIR MASK?
No, you should use one or the other, according to award-winning colourist and founder of The Hair Boss brand, Lisa Shepherd.
‘If you condition your hair before you use the mask then you would be closing the cuticle (outer layer), which can prevent the mask’s moisture being absorbed and bonds from being rebuilt,’ she says. Opt for either conditioner or a mask depending on your hair needs. If it is damaged and dehydrated, try a weekly mask, such as L’Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Vitamino Color Mask (£14.40, lookfantastic.com).
Otherwise, use a conditioner every time you wash your hair, such as The Conditioning Lotion by The Hair Boss, a blend of moisturising oils and vitamin E.
thehairboss.co.uk
3 OF THE BEST: HYDRATING MISTS
AVON Adapt Icy Cooling Elixir Facial Mist is designed to help with hot flushes during the menopause. It contains hydrating botanicals that soothe and firm up skin.
avon.uk.com
WELEDA Prickly Pear Cactus Hydrating Facial Mist uses prickly pear extract, known as ‘nature’s answer to hyaluronic acid’, to keep skin moisturised.
weleda.co.uk
BOTANICS Postbiotic Facial Mist revives dull, dry skin thanks to black tea kombucha, which is rich in probiotics that boost the skin barrier, and postbiotics, to ease signs of ageing.
Boots
SHAMELESS INDULGENCE
As summer approaches, a floral scent such as the new Armani Si Eau de Parfum Intense can feel suitably bright and hopeful.
This oriental version of the classic Si fragrance is sweet without being cloying, and has a touch of spice. The top note of blackcurrant nectar blends with the heart of Turkish Isparta rose, while a base of patchouli adds a musky quality.
It’s a chypre (meaning ‘Cyprus’ in French) fragrance, typified by the contrast between fresh top notes and a woody base, so it’s perfect if you are looking for a lighter scent with a bit of substance for day-into-evening picnics or barbecues.
armanibeauty.co.uk