WHAT’S NOW & HOW TO DO IT: SUPERCHARGED PRIMERS
Elsa McAlonan reveals which primers can actively ease skin concerns, from wrinkles to enlargened pores (file photo)
Primers don’t just help your foundation last longer — now they actively ease skin concerns, from wrinkles to enlargened pores.
This new primer uses an anti-fatigue complex to brighten skin.
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While this primer has a collagen filler to smooth out wrinkles.
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To minimise pores for a matte finish, use this primer.
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RACE YOU THERE
For a lipstick that lasts for hours without drying out your lips, try Epic Lipstick, Avon’s newest launch.
The brand has developed a multi-tasking lip colour that has a built-in primer so you don’t have to prep or line the lips before you apply it.
There are 22 beautiful shades available and they are highly pigmented, so you only need one swipe to achieve a full-on colour that is true to the shade in the bullet.
The lipstick also has a soft and moisturising finish, making it ideal for wearing all day.
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KATE’S QUICK AND EASY CURLS
The Duchess of Cambridge’s glam team use Wella Professionals Eimi Ocean Spritz Spray (£8.10) to create her carefree curls
Royal fans may have noticed that the Duchess of Cambridge has been wearing her hair in some relaxed, stylish waves recently.
According to Kate’s glam team, Wella Professionals Eimi Ocean Spritz Spray (£8.10, lookfantastic.com) is a must-have for creating carefree curls. The natural mineral salt spray provides light hold, adds texture and definition, and doesn’t make your hair feel crunchy.
THIS WORKS
Cream blush is perfect for dry or mature skin, as it’s easy to blend and doesn’t sit in fine lines. Julep’s Skip The Brush Creme-to-Powder Blush Stick is a creamy blush that dries to a powder and can also be used on eyes and lips. The shade Peony Pink adds a luminous, healthy glow.
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ARE HAIR CLIPS RUINING YOUR HAIR?
Hair accessories have become a finishing touch for women of all ages — even if it’s just to clip hair back and off the face. But did you know elastic hair ties can cut into the hair shaft and break strands?
Trichologist Anabel Kingsley says it’s also important to be careful with metal clips, as these can scratch the scalp and hair can get tangled in them. ‘Tight styles can place too much traction on the hair follicle. This may initially break strands, or worse, pull them out,’ she explains.
Instead, try these hair ties which don’t snag thanks to the spiral shape.
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3 OF THE BEST: NIGHT OILS
This night oil tones the skin by enhancing its natural night-time recovery process, for younger-looking skin by morning.
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This mask-in-oil uses antioxidants to fight the appearance of ageing, nourish skin and boost radiance.
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Geranium and lemon balm oil in this night oil helps ease wrinkles and repair skin cells for a revitalised complexion.
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SHAMELESS INDULGENCE
Creed Spring Flower is a fruity, floral smell by the House of Creed that will appeal to a new generation of fans with a mood-boosting blend of bergamot, apple, melon and peach, with heart notes of rose and jasmine
There’s no fragrance more iconic than the classics from the House of Creed. The perfume house has been creating luxurious scents for more than 260 years. Queen Victoria even appointed Creed as an official supplier to the Royal Household in 1845.
Today, it is still developing original fragrances, including one especially for spring. The fruity, floral smell of Creed Spring Flower (£190 for 75ml, creedfragrances.co.uk) will appeal to a new generation of fans. It has a mood-boosting blend of bergamot, apple, apricot, melon and peach, with heart notes of rose and jasmine. The scent is also available in a pampering bath and body range, including bath and shower gel (£75), a body lotion and body oil (£85 each).
MY LIGHTBULB MOMENT: Textile designer Molly Mahon
Molly Mahon, 42, set up her company in 2014, producing fabrics, wallpapers and home accessories. She lives in Sussex with her husband, Rollo, and their three children.
Creativity runs in my family. But at school I was pushed into more academic subjects. My teachers told me art was a hobby.
I wanted to work for myself fairly early on. After two years with an events company, I set up my own business, Atmosphere Events, at 22. Happily, it had an artistic side — I enjoyed overseeing the flowers and table decoration — but when children came along, it became impossible to manage both.
We moved out of Central London to family-friendly East Sheen. At a local interiors shop, Tobias And The Angel, I got chatting to Angel herself, who introduced me to block-printing through one of her workshops. I loved it.
Molly Mahon, pictured, set up her company in 2014, producing fabrics, wallpapers and home accessories. She lives in Sussex with her husband, Rollo, and their three children
I set up a workshop in my garden shed and began printing fabric and papers for stationery. But I still thought of art as a hobby.
Then a friend asked me if I would recreate a design, Birds and Bees, as wallpaper for her shepherd’s hut, which she rented out. When her guests asked if they could buy some, I realised I could make a business out of something I loved.
But two years ago, just as the business was taking off, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a real blow, but printing became a helpful distraction from my illness. It was the only time I could switch off, because you have to concentrate completely.
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Cancer really made me focus on what I wanted to achieve: today, I sell Birds and Bees in six colours and it has been used to decorate a Landmark Trust property.
At the same time, living to work rather than working to live has become more important. My illness made me realise I want everything I do workwise to be pleasurable. Developing the right business relationships, but also enjoying them, is paramount.
Recently, I had reconstructive surgery and found that drawing my designs is the most calming thing. I want people to know that, as scary as cancer is, it is still possible to live life to the full. It can even be empowering.
Having my family and running a small business while being ill has made me stronger.
Interview by Jenny Coad