HOW TO… AT HOME MANI/PEDI

I’ve been doing my own nails for most of my life, I worked in a boutique nail salon for a couple of years when I was younger and have mani/pedi/acrylic-ed my nails myself ever since. About 2 years ago I stopped the acrylic overlays due to my nails becoming extremely dry and brittle, since then I’ve given myself a mani/pedi every couple of weeks and my nails have come on leaps and bounds! Here’s a How To… to get your nails right, at home.

1. Remove any old nail polish using a nail polish remover that’s kind to your nails i.e. for brittle nails, soft nails, nourishing, etc.

2. Apply Orly Cutique to the cuticles, leaving it for 30-60 seconds

3. Push cuticles back using a cuticle pusher or an orange stick

4. Clip cuticles using cuticle clipper (you can use the curved scissors but I much prefer using the clippers, so much easier)

5. Shape the free edge of your nail, then rinse hands thoroughly

6. Apply a coat of Orly Top 2 Bottom to each nail

7. Apply two even coats of your desired colour to each nail, on this occasion I’m going to use Hidden Treasure from Topshop

8. Follow up with a coat of Orly Top 2 Bottom, then apply a coat of Orly In A Snap quick dry top coat to each nail

9. Marvel at your deliciously manicured nails!!!

Follow this routine every two weeks and you’ll have wonderful natural nails in no time!

STAYING ON TREND WITH A BUMP!

Although the summer can be a great time for style experimentation, comfort also has to be a consideration when the sun is in the sky and temperatures rise. For ladies who have the bonus of carrying a baby bump through the summer months, the latter is likely to be a priority. However, it’s nice to think that you are maintaining your usual fashion standards even when your ankles are turning into cankles and you’re increasingly spending shopping trips scoping out the nearest public toilet rather than potential purchases.

Finding decent maternity wear has become less of a challenge over the past few years as retailers have risen to the fashion challenge, but it’s still difficult to find a balance between trends and practicality. When it comes to this summer’s trends, there is plenty for pregnant women to choose from.

Striking summer maxi dresses are perfect for sunny weather – they are light and airy and because they feature high or relaxed waistbands they cover baby bumps with ease. You’ll find plenty of maxi dresses featuring tribal-inspired designs this season, but it’s also worth looking out for oriental and tropical floral prints as well as plain pastels, which are both big summer trends. Look out for breathable fabrics like cotton and jersey, which will help keep you cool and also wash well.

One of the other great things about maxi dresses is the fact they look at their best when teamed with sensible footwear. Wearing flip-flops, gladiator sandals and low wedges could well help soothe those cankles, or even stop them taking hold in the first place!

SPONSORED POST

BEST FACIAL EVER!

Last week I was treated to a REN Radiance Express Facial at the Modus PR press day, it took about 10 mins (but felt like 30) and it was literally the best facial I’ve ever had, seeing results straight away!

This particular facial is designed to enhance naturally happy, healthy skin; and that it did! I was asked what my skin felt like at the moment and I went for the word “lifeless” – so he went for the Radiance products to boost my skins inner glow. The treatment lifts and tones the underlying muscles and release tension while reducing the appearance of expression creases. My skin was exfoliated (Micro Polish Cleanser), masked (Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask), serumed (Radiance Perfection Serum) and moisturised (Vita-Mineral Day Cream); and it felt absolutely fantastic after! I couldn’t believe it when I looked in the mirror, my skin was literally glowing and looked so (dare I say it) clean! I was later given the products to take home and use myself so I can have the perfect clean glow all summer.

This facial (REN Glow and Go) was also being done at the REN pop-up in Selfridges, which I’m told should be back some point this month but I’ll keep you posted. I strongly advise you go check it out when it does pop back up again!

SWEDISH HASBEENS POPPING UP IN SELFRIDGES

The Swedish Hasbeens pop-up store launched in the Selfridges Shoe Galleries this morning. The retro shoe brand that has been taking the world by storm will be presenting their SS12 collection as well as styles exclusive to Selfridges. The SS12 collection is inspired by the active lifestyle of the 40s-50s, which made fashion sportier and more comfortable. The line features the Classic Old Tennis Shoe, the Bowling Shoe, the Strong Lady Sandal, the Cork Wedge, and the Pump Ballerina.

The pop-up store will be open for four weeks, make sure you go and check it out.

 

HOW TO GET RIHANNA’S HAIRSTYLE

More than her hip thrusts or super-sexy wardrobe choices, Rihanna is known for her ever-changing hair colour. From fiery red to whitish blond, the pop princess redefines herself at every whim, transforming herself into the Madonna of her generation. But how does she keep her tresses so touchably soft and healthy with frequent hair colour sessions? Read on to find out how to get Rihanna’s hairstyle.

Hair colouring how-to

If you have dark strands like Rihanna, then achieving extra bright tones can be a bit of a challenge. It usually requires more chemical processing, which can be damaging to hair if you’re not careful. Luckily, there are steps that you can take to protect your hair instead of using  a lace wig after you colour it, though. Here are the best five tips for maintaining coloured hair.

1. Condition, condition, condition! This is a must-do for anyone who desires healthy hair, but it is especially important for those who have chosen to colour. Permanent and semi-permanent dyes especially work by altering the makeup of each hair molecule with ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, which can make each strand more liable to break or dry out. However, conditioning your hair can help restore some of the moisture that was lost in the process of colouring and make those strands more flexible. A product like John Frieda Full Repair Deep Conditioner, for example, can add body and shine to freshly-coloured locks when used once a week.

2. Try a colour-enhancing shampoo. If you’ve ever shuddered at the thought of your very expensive (or very time-consuming) colour process running down the drain as you shampoo, try a colour-enhancing shampoo formulated specifically to help you maintain your colour for longer. You may also want to consider shampooing less often. This will not only help you preserve the integrity of your colour but also keep your hair from becoming too dry from the sulphate that is often found in shampoos.

3. Be protective of your newly coloured locks. This means staying away from chlorine and saltwater, especially! If you enjoy a good beach day or lounging by the pool, you may want to just dip your toes instead of going for a swim. And remember to wear a stylish but protective wide-brimmed fedora to protect your vulnerable locks from sun damage.

4. Stay close to home with your hair colour. Rihanna’s red-hot styles are fun to duplicate, but even she takes a break now and then from hair colouring. Remember to give your hair a reprieve by rocking your natural colour from time to time. And when you’re ready to switch your look up again, consider getting a colour that’s closer to your natural tone or opting for partial highlights instead.

5. Be careful with the curling iron. A new colour can be the perfect catalyst for a new style as well, but be extra careful with tools that emit heat such as the blow dryer and straighteners. Keep these styling tools on a lower setting so that you don’t cause heat damage to your hair when it’s more susceptible than usual because of colour, and use a heat protecting product like John Frieda Style Creator Heat-Activated Styling Spray. And try out your natural waves or curls one day to give your hair a respite from all that stress.

Now that you have the goods on how to get Rihanna’s style, you’re ready to wow everyone you know with a celeb-inspired look.