Good nude lipsticks for highly-pigmented lips

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

Finding a good nude lipstick that is near to your own lip colour is difficult enough for most people. If you have highly-pigmented lips the task is even more tricky.

I was delighted to find two fantastic ones in Clinique’s new Dramatically Different Lipstick Shaping Lip Colour range. Not normally a fan of lipstick because it is too drying, I was converted to this recently-launched one because it is so hydrating. That is saying something from somebody who has incredibly parched lips. All the lipsticks in the line are free from paraben and phthalates. Another plus is that they are not fragranced so there is no taste, just silky-smooth lips. The colour lasts for ages as well. The 3D pearl centre seems to make your pout look fuller and plumper. 

These two give a lovely flush to the skin and add that extra polished look.

Clinique Dramatically Different Lipstick Shaping Lip Colour in Sugared Maple, £20.50

A pretty bronze nude with rosy undertones, this is the lipstick that is my lips only better. It has to be the best one that I have found to date. There is just the right amount of shimmer to give a lovely sheen to the lips. 

Clinique Dramatically Different Lipstick Shaping Lip Colour in Think Bronze, £20.50

More on the peachy side, this is another great neutral shade. The metallic finish gives the lips a subtle shine. 

When my lips are feeling particularly in need of a drink, I put Clinique Pep-Start Pout Restoring Night Mask (£16) underneath which also creates a glossy finish.

I am so impressed with this range that I am going to check out the other shades. I just could get converted to wearing a more dramatic lip in the evening.

By Daralyn Danns

L'Occitane Almond Delightful Body Balm, £26

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

A great treat for thirsty skin. This gorgeous body balm is a divine almond and amber scent and leaves your skin feeling silky soft for hours on end.

It comes in a handy-sized tin which is great for travelling.

By Daralyn Danns

Spotlight on Kérastase Résistance Extentioniste hair care range

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

You have probably noticed that there is a trend for “glass” hair, a sharp haircut, bob or lob, that when styled is shiny, smooth and reflective. In other words, polished to perfection. This is a look that never dates. 

To achieve it takes some work. You need great blow-drying techniques and amazing products. The haircare line that excels in making some of the best on the market is Kérastase. Renowned for its cutting-edge scientific technology, its recently-launched Kérastase Résistance Extentioniste range is perfect for ensuring your hair is kept in tip-top condition. 

Hair styled by Michael Charalambous at Nyumba

Containing Creatine R complex, the range is the solution to ensuring your over-processed damaged locks are given all the help possible to ensure that they are restored to their former glory.

The longer your locks, the more assistance they needs.  Résistance Extentioniste melds scalp care with boosting the strength of the structure and surface of the hair fibre so it is healthy.

The Kérastase Résistance Extentioniste Range comprises: 

Bain Extentioniste: Length Strengthening Shampoo, £19.80, kerastase.co.uk
It helps to fortify the hair so you see less breakage.
I liked this shampoo. After a few uses, my locks did seem in better condition.

Fondant Extentioniste: Length Strengthening Conditioner, £22.90, kerastase.co.uk
This superb conditioner is loaded with goodies that replenish and restore. It has a lovely creamy texture but does not weigh your hair down. Easy to detangle after applying. Made my fluffy hair much easier to manage. Also has a lovely scent.

Masque Extentioniste: Length Strengthening Mask, £31.70 kerastase.co.uk
Using a mask once a week, is a good habit to get into. This one is superb for dry, brittle, rough hair that is crying out for a drink. Like all the range it is enriched with Creatine R as well as taurine, said to strengthen, and maleic acid which helps to make hair less fragile and improve its elasticity. Result: hair feels soft and subtle and has a glossy sheen. 

Sérum Extentioniste: Scalp And Hair Sérum, £49.50, kerastase.co.uk
To make the hair more robust from the roots, apply this nourishing sérum once or twice a week. Non-greasy and pleasantly scented, after a few weeks of using this leave-in treatment, you should notice that your hair appears less wispy.

After using this range my hair was in better condition. If you have lengths that are damaged and do not want to go for the chop, give this line a go. Also great for protecting your locks over the party season.

By Daralyn Danns