Glass hair is what you need right now

Shiny, smooth hair is one of the hottest trends right now and one of the greatest ways to knock years off your appearance.

No matter how many cosmetic procedures you may have indulged in or what lotions and potions you have bought, if your hair is brittle and dull it will make you look older.

The blunt bob is one of the most coveted cuts of the moment. When hair is cut sharp and looks polished and shines like glass, you feel ready to take on the world.

Not many of us have super straight hair that just falls into place so here are some products to help you on your way.

Kérastase Elixir Ultime L'huile Original £41.40, kerastase.co.uk

A wonderful softly-scented bi-phase oil mist that is ideal for those of you with fluffy hair. This nourishing cocktail of goodies enriched with oils including argan and maize helps protect your locks and make them look shinier and thicker. It is also a good weapon for controlling frizz. Even though you spray and leave it in the hair, it does not weigh it down as so many of these types of products can. If you have fine hair opt for the Elixir Ultime Huile Légère.

L’huile de Leonor Greyl, £29.60, feelunique.com
This is a great treatment for dry and/or coloured hair which you use before you shampoo. Made from natural ingredients, it contains copra oil which hydrates and mongongo oil which is rich in fatty acids as well as vitamin E. It helps to protect hair and makes it feel and look like silk. 

Schwarzkopf got2b Insta Shine Hairspray, £4.19, Superdrug
For groomed locks that shimmer in an instant, this is a good finishing product. It is not sticky and should not leave any residue. It is also a handy weapon in taming those flyaways.

Schwarzkopf got2b Tame & shine Styling Oil, £4.19, Boots
Glossy hair without frizz is what this versatile oil promises. Non-greasy, it helps to condition your hair and make it more manageable. For added shine, apply a drop or two after styling. A good value product that delivers. The bottle is small enough to keep in your bag should you need to top up during the day.

KentSalon XL Curling and Straightening Brush, £33 (For stockists visit kentbrushes.com)

It does not matter what products you use if your blow-drying skills are not up to scratch. The secret of getting the glass-like look is creating tension when styling your hair. A good brush is essential to get your locks sleek and smooth. I like this brush as it almost does the work for you. It has a great grip so it is easy to control. The rows of short bristles mixed with heatproof nylon help to give your hair that lovely sheen.

By Daralyn Danns

Taking your skin from summer to autumn

This is not a paid post. Products are press samples.

Autumn has arrived and our skin soon starts to lose the glow that we have had all summer. The make-up we have been wearing suddenly seems wrong.

Here are some great products to help make the transition and keep your complexion looking great.

Decléor Hydra Floral Fresh Skin Hydrating Light Cream, £43, John Lewis.
This lovely light cream is a powerhouse of natural ingredients that protect the skin from the effects of pollution which can lead to dehydration and the appearance of premature ageing.

Laced with Neroli essential oil to give your skin a much needed drink and baicalin from lakes in China, said to shield the skin from pollution and oxidation, your complexion immediately feels smoother and looks plumper as well as more radiant. Another plus is that it smells divine so it is a pleasure to apply. Is suitable for sensitive skins.

Decléor Hydra Floral Hydrating WideOpen Eye Gel, £35,
This great eye gel is soothing and melts quickly into the skin to take care of the delicate eye area. Reduces puffiness and makes dark circles and those annoying fine lines look less obvious so you look bright and fresh.

L'Occitane Immortelle Overnight Reset Oil-in-Serum, £49
A boost for skin so you look healthier and fresher in the morning. This light-water gel is laced with potent ingredients including Immortelle Oil Extract, a powerful antioxidant, and acmella oleacera, said to be a natural alternative to Botox. Skin feels more hydrated and those wrinkles seem less obvious. The scent is lovely and you will see results quickly.

Erborian Korean Skin Therapy Pink Perfect Crème, £36
This primer, from the skincare brand that melds the best of South Korean beauty with French luxury, will diminish the appearance of any imperfections and make you look radiant. Wear it on its own or underneath foundation.

Erborian Korean Skin Therapy CC Red Correct, £38
Colour correction is a technique that Korean women have nailed. So, if you are one of the women who suffer from redness, this is a great product. Ideal for sensitive skin, it helps calm and soothe the complexion. Apply to areas where needed. 

Clinique Even Better Glow Light Reflecting Makeup SPF 15 in Beige, £28.50
Your skin only better. This lovely, light foundation illuminates the skin giving you a gorgeous glow.  Not only is it moisturising, it is also lasts for hours. Impressive. Comes in a variety of shades.

Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm, Fuller Fig, £18.50
As the light changes you can look washed out without any colour on your lips. This is a browny-berry shade which gives the “my lips only better” look. It is moisturising so it plumps up the lips making them look fuller – the point of a nude lip colour – giving you a pretty tint which warms up the face. As I have highly-pigmented lips this works. If you have less colour in your lips you may want to take a look at Graped-up, which is lighter. Whatever colour you pick of this range, if you like a sheer tint, you will not be disappointed.

By Daralyn Danns