FOR as long as I can remember, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has been my hair inspiration.
No colour appointment is complete without reference to her sun-kissed blonde hair.
Her wispy layers are something I’m always trying to recreate, and her mirror-like shine will forever be my goal.
So, when she was announced as haircare brand Gisou’s first ambassador, and said the new Gisou Honey Milk 5-In-One Styling Cream, £25, was a staple in her routine, I had to try it.
If you want hair like Rosie H-W, look no further![/caption]
THE DOES-IT-ALL HAIR CREAM
Rosie has a lot more hair than I do, so I was worried it might be too heavy and leave my hair looking limp, but that wasn’t the case at all.
A little goes a long way, so a five-pence-sized squeeze is enough for my waist-length hair.
This multi-tasking styling cream is the only product you need post-shower[/caption]
Gisou Honey Milk 5-In-One Styling Cream, £25
The clever formula protects from heat, hydrates, reduces frizz and, most importantly, adds shine.
My hair can hardly hold a ponytail, never mind any type of curl, but this keeps waves in place for days, and it smells gorgeous, too.
Beauty Editor Tara Ledden couldn’t imagine the AirWrap getting better – but it has![/caption]
THE UPGRADED MULTI-TOOL
On the topic of great hair, there’s a new tool – or rather, a new version of a tool – you need to know about this month: Dyson AirWrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler And Dryer With Diffuser, £579.99.
Whenever anyone asks me if the famous multi-styler is worth the (admittedly, huge) price tag, by far the biggest worry is that their style won’t last long enough.
I’ve always put that down to poor prep (even on my stubbornly straight hair, I managed fine with the older iterations and the right styling products), but this version is equipped with a new motor that’s 30% more powerful.
Dyson’s new AirWrap is the brand’s best tool yet[/caption]
Dyson AirWrap Co-anda2x Multi-Styler And Dryer With Diffuser, £579.99
It also produces double the amount of air pressure for faster drying (I can confirm it’s cut my drying time almost in half compared to the previous model), and styling that lasts, thanks to greater tension.
It’s the lightest AirWrap to date, too, so I can pretty much get around my whole head before my arm gets tired – which is no easy task!
I couldn’t imagine how the AirWrap could be improved – but this is a real step up.
An update on Charlotte Tilbury’s original setting spray, this matte formula won Beauty Editor Tara Ledden over[/caption]
THE FAIL-SAFE SETTING SPRAY
Another product that’s had a glow-up is Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Matte, £32.
Charlotte Tilbury’s original setting spray has been my daily go-to for five years – nothing keeps my make-up in place like it.
Plus, the mist is super-fine and it’s kind on my temperamental skin.
When I heard a matte version was on the horizon, I wasn’t sure how to feel.
Set make-up in place and keep shine at bay with this clever matte mist[/caption]
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Matte, £32
Yes, matte finishes are great for anyone with oily skin like me, as they stay put for longer, but I couldn’t imagine how that would work in a liquid spray format without looking patchy or cakey.
In reality, it’s completely invisible.
Much like the new AirWrap, it feels like a real improvement on the original, and definitely one for special occasions or when I want my make-up to really last.
It’s already stood the test of a 12-hour wine tour, and a karaoke-filled hen do, and I can’t wait to put it through its paces during party season.
Glossier’s crowd-pleasing blush shades are unrivalled[/caption]
THE BEST-IN-SHOW BLUSH
Matte products have slowly been creeping into my make-up bag over the past few months, as thankfully, the new modern matte formulas are a far cry from the cakey, dusty finishes of my teenage years.
Case in point is Glossier Cloud Paint Plush Blush, £26, with its hybrid, putty-like formula that sits somewhere between a cream and a powder, and applies like velvet on skin.
Glossier’s putty-textured blush is like Playdough for grown-ups[/caption]
Glossier Cloud Paint Plush Blush, £26
If you’ve used Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Matte Bouncy Blush, £26, or Mac Glow Play Blush, £28, it’s similar, but Glossier has a special talent for making shades I immediately fall in love with – like pale-peach Beam, and Puff, a Barbie-tastic cool-toned baby pink, which match the shades from the brand’s original liquid blush range.
With a more user-friendly format, it’s easier to control how much you apply and build up the colour, and it has far better staying power.
Kate Somerville’s lip oil delivers a glossy finish and intense hydration[/caption]
THE CHAPPED LIP SAVIOUR
Last, but definitely not least, Kate Somerville HydraKate Pro-Collagen Lip Oil Elixir, £25, has been my saviour for chapped lips this month.
The oil is thick, which means it stays put, but doesn’t feel sticky or gloopy.
It’s hydrating and adds enough shine and slip to relieve the immediate tight sensation.
Kate Somerville’s lip treatment is the best Beauty Editor Tara Ledden has found for chapped skin[/caption]
Kate Somerville HydraKate Pro-Collagen Lip Oil Elixir, £25
Plus, the packaging means only a small amount of product comes out on the doe foot, so you get exactly the right amount and you’re not wasting any.
Stock up now before winter sets in and good lip balms become like gold dust!
Top 3 beauty products every woman should be using
Hayley Walker, Beauty Expert at Justmylook shared the holy-grail products every woman needs to be using.
A cleanser, SPF, and hair oil are must-haves within beauty routines.
A cleanser is crucial for healthy skin as it removes dirt, oil, and other impurities for flawless skin. This skincare step not only cleanses the face and removes dirt, but also prevents breakouts and premature skin ageing, helping you maintain a healthy, youthful, and blemish-free complexion.
The Aveeno Face Calm+ Restore Nourishing Oat Cleanser is a go-to of mine due to its gentle formula that soothes and restores the skin’s appearance and texture.
SPF is non-negotiable and should be in everyone’s daily skincare routine.
Even on cooler, cloudier days, our skin is exposed to the sun’s UV rays which can be harmful to unprotected skin and even lead to damage. These damages include sunburn, pigmentation changes, and wrinkles which can impact the skin’s texture and appearance. In some cases, prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer.
Applying SPF daily prevents these damages and protects the skin from harmful rays. I recommend the Beauty Of Joseon Rice & Prebiotic Sunscreen PA++++ SPF50+ for its lightweight, non-clumping texture that absorbs quickly for a natural finish and maximum protection.
Hair oil has many benefits and should be regularly used. This treatment can strengthen and protect the hair from external stressors while improving its appearance and shine. Regularly applying hair oil can also reduce breakage and even encourage hair growth for longer, fuller locks. Hair oils also target the scalp, reducing dandruff and improving its health through exfoliation.
I recommend using this deeply nourishing treatment a couple of times a week or more depending on the hair’s moisture levels. The Hair Syrup Rapunzel Pre-Wash Oil Treatment is a nutrient-rich treatment that revitalises strands to promote a happy scalp and healthy-looking locks. Apply the syrup throughout damp hair before washing; massage from root to tip and allow the formula to penetrate strands before rinsing and styling.
