Elsa McAlonan’s Beauty Upgrades: How to master the modern French mani
- Elsa McAlonan reveals the best nail polishes to create a French manicure
- She shares how Jessica Biel’s stylist Adir Abergel achieves her silky sleek locks
- British beauty expert also rounds up the best purple shampoos for blonde hair
WHAT’S NOW & HOW TO DO IT: THE MODERN FRENCH MANI
Elsa McAlonan reveals a selection nail polishes to create a French manicure
The French manicure is back. The flatter-all look, created by Orly founder Jeff Pink in the Seventies, had fallen out of fashion of late.
But now, a new generation of celebrities, such as Kylie Jenner, are bringing it back.
‘The great thing about the new French manicure is that it doesn’t come with a rulebook,’ says Rita Remark, celebrity manicurist for Essie.
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Orly’s Breathable Polish in the more opaque shade Rehab has argan oil to strengthen nails
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Paint the tips with Mavala’s White polish
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Switch it up with something sparkly.
Essie’s Set In Stones is perfect for Christmas parties.
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RACE YOU THERE
Buy two or more Elizabeth Arden products from now until November 30 and you will receive this floral-print beauty bag filled with a selection of brand’s iconic products — worth £87.
A collaboration with fashion label Preen By Thornton Bregazzi, it makes the perfect make-up bag and comes with eight travel-size Elizabeth Arden products, including the Grand Entrance Dramatic Volume, Length and Lift Mascara.
Available exclusively at Debenhams while stocks last when you purchase two or more Elizabeth Arden Products (one to be skincare).
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JESSICA’S SLEEK HAIR SECRET
Jessica Biel’s unbelievably silky locks are courtesy of her go-to super-stylist Adir Abergel.
Jessica Biel’s unbelievably silky locks are courtesy of her go-to super-stylist Adir Abergel
He used Virtue Polish Un-frizz Cream to create the Hollywood actress’s recent sleek style.
The leave-in treatment conditions and smooths hair to eliminate frizz and prevent humidity, keeping locks sleek, shiny and soft.
Ideal for frizzy, curly, wavy or thick hair, it is also colour-safe and paraben-free.
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SHOULD YOU LAYER SKINCARE IN WINTER?
Yes, says celebrity facialist Debbie Thomas, whose clients include actress Billie Piper and TV presenter Emma Willis.
‘Winter is the perfect time to add in some extra protection from the drying and irritating cold outside and central heating inside,’ she says.
‘If you love your moisturiser, pop a hydrating serum underneath to give it a winter upgrade.’
Belei Vitamin Booster Serum
Belei Vitamin Booster Serum firms skin and protects against premature ageing.
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Australian Emu Apple Dreamy Glow Drops
Or add to your moisturiser a few drops of the new Australian Emu Apple Dreamy Glow Drops.
Packed with vitamin C-rich kakadu plum and antioxidant-charged ‘glow berries’, it boosts hyaluronic acid levels.
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THIS WORKS
Rich creams can often irritate very sensitive skin, but Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream is super-light, perfume and colourant-free.
Curél is Japan’s No 1 brand for sensitive skin and now it has landed in the UK.
As well as soothing skin, the cream replenishes ceramides — fat molecules in the skin — to lock in hydration.
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3 OF THE BEST: PURPLE SHAMPOOS
Containing both blue and violet pigments, John Frieda Violet Crush For Blondes Intensive Purple Shampoo works to reduce yellow and copper tones.
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The colour-correcting Redken Color Extend Blondage Shampoo, contains a triple acid protein complex that cleanses, nourishes and strengthens hair to help prevent breakage.
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NEXXUS Blonde Assure Purple Shampoo contains keratin protein and violet pigment to tone down brassiness on blonde or silver hair.
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SHAMELESS INDULGENCE
It ‘s time to start putting your most-wanted beauty products on your Christmas lust list and, if it’s true luxury you’re looking for, the new LoubiLeopard Velvet Matte Lip Colour by Christian Louboutin will be at No 1.
At £70, it’s the ultimate indulgence, but it does look fabulous — as you would expect from the designer, who has also created this year’s Christmas tree for Claridges hotel.
With just one colour to choose from — the bold red Rouge Louboutin — it oozes glamour. If you’re dreaming of saving up for a pair of the label’s coveted scarlet-soled stilettos, then this is the perfect way to bag a bit of the brand. Let’s hope Santa is listening…
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