Spotlight on Clarins Double Serum, £57

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

When it comes to the battle of anti-aging, Clarins Double Serum has, for years, been a weapon of choice for women. This 8^th generation edition promises to be even better.

According to Clarins, skin cells have their own language and when they are talking to each other properly they take good care of the skin. As we age they do not communicate as we would want them to. So those visible signs of ageing such as loss of firmness and wrinkles appear. Our complexions can lack the sparkle that they once had. 

Clarins claims to have found a cellular listening system which helps the cells to react better to the skin’s needs. 

If you want to keep looking younger for longer and ensure your cells are expressing and communicating you should try this cocktail of plant extracts including turmeric which the company says: “enhances good cellular communication, optimising the proper function of the 5 vital functions (regeneration, oxygenation, nutrition, hydration and protection).” 

After using it for a few weeks my skin was glowing. It looked and felt smoother as well as more rested. 

                                                                                                          

By Daralyn Danns

Special occasion hair

This is not a paid post.

When you have a special event, be it a wedding or an important social occasion to attend, you want a style that matches it.

“If your hairdresser does not specialise in occasion hair or wedding hair (if you are getting married) go to somebody who does,” says hair guru Michael Charalambous, whose client list ranges from royalty to rock stars.

Straight, sleek and glossy

“Your hairdresser should love doing grand occasion hair,” he adds. “They should take into consideration your face shape. They should also ask what you are wearing (including accessories) and ask to see pictures of your outfit so they can see whether it would be better to put your hair up, have it down or go for half up, half down. For brides, your stylist needs to take in to consideration the veil and its weight. If your hair is fine you can always add pieces.”

Michael’s rule of thumb is the more elaborate the dress, then the more you should consider an updo. If your dress is simple you could opt for half up, half down as this is softer. Both should last all night. If you prefer you can always go for straight, sleek and glossy, it is a classic look that never dates.

“What you are aiming for is a style that will make you look like you. You should not go for something that is outrageous. This is not the time to experiment,” says Michael.

By Daralyn Danns

For more information visit www.nyumbasalon.com or follow on instagram.com/nyumbasalon

Spotlight on Clinique 2-in-1 Cleansing Micellar Gel + Light Makeup Remover

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

When I heard that Clinique had brought out its 2-in-1 Cleansing Micellar Gel + Light Makeup Remover (£17) I had to try it. I am a great fan of Clinique as its products suit my incredibly sensitive skin and I also like the concept of micellar cleansers as they are quick.

The French swear by these products as it means that they do not have to use hard water on their complexions. Models like them as well because they are gentle. You use a cotton wool pad to sweep away make-up and dirt and you are done. There is no rinsing nor do you have to use a toner.

Micellar waters or gels consist of micelle particles which act as magnets to dissolve impurities, dirt and make-up from the skin. 

Clinique 2-in-1 Cleansing Micellar Gel + Light Makeup Remover is lovely and hydrating. Containing goodies such as sodium hyaluronate and cucumber fruit extract which the company says contains beta-carotene and vitamins A and C that work as an anti-inflammatory to help soothe and moisturise. 

This is my favourite micellar cleanser. I have put quite a few to the test so this is praise indeed.

By Daralyn Danns