I’ve been writing about beauty for about 20 years. During that time, I’ve been avidly pursuing hacks and innovative advice. The goal was twofold. It’s about making your routine faster and increasing your overall effectiveness.
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In recent years, my weekly column for the Guardian has taken that exploration to the next frontier. I’ve tried every beauty trend that’s popular. TikTok in particular is full of DIY beauty tips to make our lives easier.
To be honest, I think a good 80% of the things I’ve tried were sheer tripe and were actually designed to get attention by being quirky. But through all the trial and error, I’ve found some hacks that really help.
These days, I’ve been answering pressing beauty questions every week, and it’s clear that people are overwhelmed with so many products and treatments on offer, and that’s why beauty editors I feel the same way.
I’ve also been disappointed in the responses I get every time I write about my struggle with eczema. At its worst, eczema is uncontrollable, painful, and has no end in sight. This topic clearly resonates because it affects so many people yet is so rarely talked about in mainstream news outlets (also known for conditions such as psoriasis and rosacea). The same applies). Through trial and error, Maytrend Natural Face Cream (£11.99), a steroid-free product made with traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, helps reduce flare-ups, and Avène’s Tolerance Control Soothing Skin Recovery Cream for Sensitive Skin (£21) has been found to help soothe sore skin. Skin too.
Maytrend Natural Face Cream, £11.99, amazon.co.uk
My readers are so honest with me, and I’m always grateful for that. I know as much as anyone the shame of not being happy with the way you look. And I wrote about that in my book, Ugly: Why the World is Obsessed with Beauty and How to Break It Out. Even in this age of inclusivity and body positivity, we still struggle to fit into the beauty norms that our generation has grown up with. Many of the questions I receive are from readers who are extremely concerned about what others think about their appearance and are looking for ways to survive the aging process, and sadly, in my weekly 300-word column, It’s impossible to resolve.
One of the things that has helped reduce harmful messages about growing older is that I have learned from people who are growing older in their own way, from their clothing and beauty choices to rebelling against societal and gender expectations, that my life It’s what fills your TV screen and your social media feed. Actors Chloë Sevigny and Poorna Jagannathan, fashion icons Michel Lamy and the late Iris Apfel, and more about their “looks” in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. This took some of the pressure off of trying to freeze time and age backwards.
As I’m nearing the end of my Beauty Q&A column, I feel like it’s the right time to share some really important tips. These are products and tips that are actually worth your time and money.
CeraVe Moisturizing Cream, £13.60, boots.com
The key to perfect coverage…
Should I apply foundation with a straw? Unsurprisingly, the answer is a resounding no. But what has changed the way I apply foundation and concealer is using the way professional makeup artists like Lisa Eldridge, who coined the term “patchwork,” apply this method.
Instead of slathering foundation all over your face and making it look dry and greasy, use a minimal amount of your base product with a small brush and apply it only to the areas of your face where you think it’s needed. Leave the rest of your skin natural and blend until the patchwork of real and made-up skin is seamless.
Every time you do this, you’ll notice that you look visibly fresher, both in photos and in the mirror. However, it may take a little more time than the “slather on and run” method.
…and how to keep it from getting on your clothes
Be sure to spray your clothes with hairspray to prevent makeup transfer. I was overjoyed when I discovered this hack.
Don’t be swayed by other people’s opinions of you
Makeup is a great way to express yourself. That’s why I also appreciate the idea of “unapproachable makeup” by TikTokers, who use bold makeup to ward off men and overturn the conventional concept of cute makeup aimed at the male gaze.
I believe that makeup should be expressive and fun, not something to cover up or cover up. But if you’re so critical of your appearance that any bold look is frowned upon by any gender, that’s an added bonus.
Estée Lauder Waterproof Gel Eye Pencil, £17.95, allbeauty.com
Eye makeup tips for Sophia Loren’s charm
One hack I’m still obsessed with is the “siren eye,” TikTok’s take on the popular winged eyeliner. It’s softer and much easier to draw a gentle, elongated line with eyeshadow or pencil than to create a neat feathered look.
I use Estee Lauder’s Waterproof Gel Eye Pencil (£17.95) and before the liner sets, I flick the edges with a good eyeliner brush such as Bobbi Brown’s Ultra Precise Eyeliner Brush (£29) .
Acneside Face Wash, £10.99, boots.com
Hacks I Share Most in Real Life
If you’re suffering from strong-smelling sweat or body odor, using antibacterial facial cleanser Acnesid (£10.99) in the shower can kill the bacteria in your armpits that causes foul odor from normally odorless sweat. .
Rebuild your routine
According to TikTok, we all need to “take a shower.” This is your weekly time slot to do everything at once, including optional hair removal, exfoliation, and face masks. I’ve always done this on Monday nights as a regular routine. But it’s fun to name it. It’s certainly better than the depressing “beauty management time” I used to write down in my diary.
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Current Body LED Mask, £482, currentbody.com
LED mask: my judgment
We get a lot of questions about LED face masks. This is probably because an LED face mask is an investment purchase. I have definitely noticed a difference since using it regularly. It helps relieve my eczema and I love the fact that I can multitask while wearing this. Current Body comes with an LED mask (£482) that covers your face, neck and chest, which is great, while Beauty Pro has a cheaper but better basic model (£195).
When to splurge…
My philosophy is that by spending money on treatments like massages, facials, hair and nail sessions, you are ensuring that you receive quality care and that the people who do the work for you are treated well and compensated. That means you should give it.
If employees are fearful of their employer and appear anxious or distressed, if employees are not allowed to speak to each other, and/or if tips are being shared, it is time to investigate the facility and Sometimes this can be a sign that you need to contact your employer. police.
When it comes to cosmetic procedures, you get what you pay for in terms of safety, expertise, and ability to resolve complications. But no matter which clinic you choose, if you’re being oversold in any way about your appearance or made to feel uncomfortable or uncomfortable, that’s a big red flag.
Elf Halo Glow Liquid Filter, £15, elfcosmetics.co.uk
…and when to budget?
Makeup, skincare, fragrances, and more are all available at price points that satisfy everyone. Some of the cheaper but great products I rate are Beauty Bay’s Eyeshadow Palette (£15.00) which has a huge range of shades. Maybelline Sky High Mascara (£12.95). And Elf’s Halo Glow Liquid Filter (£15) boosts radiant skin tone and radiance. Anyone with dry skin should use CeraVe Moisturizing Cream (£13.60). Ceramides soothe and repair the skin’s barrier function.
Silke Heatless Curler Kit, £42, silkelondon.com
Get curls without heat
As a vintage beauty fan, I’ve always been a fan of ways to curl your hair without using heat, like people have done for ages. But instead of pin curls or sleep rollers, socks or bathrobe belts have taken over TikTok as the way to get curls while you sleep. These two methods didn’t really work for me, but I do get nice waves from Silke’s Heatless Curler Kit (£42). I’ve even seen people wearing them on airplanes.
got2b Brow and Edge Gel, £5.50, boots.com
Hacks for hair loss
Another hack worth trying is to use dryer sheets or dental floss as a hair slicker. It is coated with wax/conditioner to smooth out loose hair. Viral got2b’s Brow and Edges Gel (£5.50) is great for stroking your baby’s hair.
Dior Crème Abricot Strengthening Nail Care, £29, dior.com
The best way to avoid using nail gel
I am giving my nails a break after years of removing gel polish and they have become weak. If you’re in the same situation, strengthen with CND Rescue RX (£25.95) and maintain with nail oil. L’Occitane’s Shea Nail and Cuticle Nourishing Oil (£15.50) fits in your handbag, and Dior’s Crème Abricot Strengthening Nail Care (£29) has a lot to offer. I stick to easy-to-use shades like Nails Inc Glowing Out Polish, £9, which compliment my natural colour.
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Body Mist, £46, johnlewis.com
How to apply perfume cheaply
My biggest lesson as a scent fiend is that “duck” usually doesn’t have the same effect as the original scent. So if you like a particular scent, my money-saving hack is to see if they have a body mist or hair perfume version. These are cheaper, but have the same scent, just a weaker scent. For example, Chanel’s Coco Mademoiselle as a perfume costs £122 for 100ml, while the body mist costs £46 for 100ml. Also, if you use a moisturizer or a little petroleum jelly under your scent, it will stay on your skin longer because it evaporates more slowly.
Ugly: Why the World Became Beauty-Obsessed and How to Break Free by Anita Bhagwandas is published by Blink (£10.99). To support the Guardian and Observer, order your copy at guardianbookshop.com. Shipping charges may apply.
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