Your beauty questions answered

Q I’m stuck in a fragrance rut. I want something new and fresh for the spring season.

A We’re real fans of the Jo Malone approach to fragrances, which is that scent is a personal thing. The brand’s concept of layering different fragrances to create something unique means that you’ll always get something just that little bit different to everybody else. As always, the latest collection – Tea Fragrance Blends – has us swooning. Inspired by the very English tradition of tea drinking, the collection contains three tea blends, Assam & Grapefruit, Earl Grey & Cucumber, and Fresh Mint, plus two accent blends of Sweet Lemon and Sweet Milk (Dh220 each for 30ml). If you head to any of the Jo Malone stores, you’ll have the option to sit at the fragrance bar and discover your preferred scent and what you can combine together in order to create something unique to your own taste.

Q I style my hair, but it doesn’t matter how many products I apply, it still looks frazzled.

A It sounds like your fried hair is the result of the actual styling tools you are using rather than your products. If they heat up above 200 degrees and don’t distribute the heat evenly, then you’re going to have serious issues! It’s worth investing in a good quality styler – whether that’s your hairdryer or straighteners – if only to save you dirhams on buying repairing products. Try the Braun Satin Hair 7 Airstyler, which uses IONTEC technology to make sure hair stays frizz-free. It works by neutralising the positive charge in your hair, locking in moisture and gives your locks a shiny finish. The styler dries hair (from damp), and has two attachments – one for volume and waves, and one for a straighter, sleeker look. The Braun Satin Hair 7 Airstyler is priced at Dh250, and can be found at all major supermarkets.

Q I suffer from dry and cracked lips. Can you recommend something that’s more than just a lipsalve?

A A favourite amongst Hollywood’s A-listers is Sara Happ Lip Scrub, which is now available in the UAE. Available in seven flavours – almond, cinnamon, vanilla bean, cocoa, crème brulee, peppermint and brown sugar – the scrub contains sugary crystals, which exfoliate dead, flaky skin. You simply pop the scrub on to your lips and massage in circular motions before removing with a tissue. Afterwards you can apply The Lip Slip, also by Sara Happ, which is a luxe, colourless balm that keeps your lips super-hydrated. You can wear the balm over your lipstick and put it on before your go to bed to make sure you’re putting the moisture back in around the clock. Both products are priced at Dh110 and are available from Makeup Etc.

Q My hair lacks volume and always drops out of style really quickly. What should I use to lift my hair?

A From your shampoo to your conditioner and your styling products, you should be going for the volumising option every time. Give your hair as much of a chance as possible to get some height. Most women are terrified of using a mousse product, but they’re not crispy or sticky like they used to be. Try Label.M Volume Foam, Dh75 (available at Toni & Guy salons), which is perfect for fine hair. It has an incredible hold that lasts throughout the day and will give your hair texture. And, if you do find that your hair is falling out of style, then simply add more product.


Top tip: To make your fragrance last longer, try layering you scent. Using the same fragrance bath oil and body lotion will give your scent staying power.

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