‘I would like dull skin,” said no one ever. The desire for a good glow is universal. The same goes for hair, but we don’t give it half as much attention. Age, pollution, hard water, product buildup and chemical treatments all make your hair more susceptible to dullness. Still, medical issues aside, getting your shine back needn’t be complex. Cleanse your hair more often (with gentle products), get a trim, give your hair and scalp regular treatments and, when styling, add a gloss or oil that won’t weigh your locks down. Shiny hair, welcome back.
1. Diptyque Fleur de Peau Hair Mist £55, diptyqueparis.com
2. Zara Hair Make Up Gel £12.50, zara.com
3. The Steam Bar The Scalp Serum £44, selfridges.com
4. Curlsmith Shine Oil £24.90, sephora.co.uk
5. OUAI Hair Gloss £30, spacenk.com
I can’t do without… A scent that will lift your mood and put a smile on your face
In mid-January, the allure of a fragrance called Beat the Blues is undeniable. We all need a pick-me-up at this time of year, so a new perfume could be just the thing. But I actually began using this scent – which is offered in a number of products – a few months back. The holistic, award-winning British brand behind it is beloved by the likes of Jodie Comer, Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore and Helena Bonham Carter, but this is not what inspired me to use it. Beat the Blues uses an alchemy of essential oils it says will boost your mood and increase your happiness. We all want to be happy, right? So I delved further. The fragrance includes relaxing, steadying clary sage, stimulating petitgrain, brightening rose geranium and tension-easing tuberose. In numerology, the number 27 – which is written on the bottle – relates to self-belief and intuition. That bit I take with a pinch of salt – my cynicism sadly increases with age – but a fragrance that connects smell with your mental and emotional wellbeing? That’s a clever move, because essential oils have long been proved to have an impact on how we feel. So does Beat the Blues make me happier? Well, when I spray this gorgeous floral, earthy scent it brings me joy, it makes me stop and it makes me smile. So yes, it shifts my mood and certainly helps me feel happier. And if that turns out to be a placebo effect, I’ll happily take it. Ilapothecary Beat the Blues Eau de Parfum, £110, ilapothecary.com
On my radar… A soak, serum and face mask to start the year
Old soak This classic herbal concoction was known as a cold and flu soak, but you don’t need to be ill to enjoy it. It’s wonderfully comforting – and it smells amazing. CO Bigelow Herbal Comfort Soak, £24, libertylondon.com
Roll model Jones Road founder Bobbi Brown is the queen of uncomplicated beauty, hence this hydrating and soothing serum comes in an easy-to-apply rollerball. Genius. Jones Road Multi-Vitamin Serum, £46, jonesroadbeauty.com
Face facts For anyone trying to combat redness and sensitive skin, this moisture-boosting mask with ginger, turmeric and probiotics is a gentle way to soothe, restore and balance. Wildsmith Skin Super Hydrating Overnight Mask, £68, wildsmithskin.com
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