Beauty blunder of the week: make-up overload

As often witnessed on the red carpet, our love affair with make-up can sometimes go horribly wrong - wearing a little bit too much slap, here are the offending few who could do with a make-under.

 Too much too soon. Unfortunately for Kelly Osbourne's her younger awkward stage is recorded in pictures; and that includes the bit when she played haphazardly in her mother's make up kit, and for way too long.

 Stare at the sun tanning gun too long Lauren Goodger and it actually blinds us all - your make-up artist so much so they misfired with the red lipstick (teeth Lauren, teeth).

 With this amount of war paint on Tyra Banks has no intention of making up gently.

 Whoever your make-up genie with a bottle of foundation is Christina Aguilera , they need to learn the art of restraint.

 Molly Sims looks just as embarrassed as we are about her blush abuse.

Nicole Kidman 's penchant for Touche Eclat turned into a rather chalky affair.

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Modern make-up as inspired by Sixties sirens

If you're getting your eye in for this season's make-up and hair, look no further than the Sixties. Designers gave a gentle nod to the sirens of the decade; here's the proof in pictures.

The Alice Band
Just as Brigitte Bardot did in the sixties, this season hair stylists at Oscar de la Renta, as well as Moschino and Clements Ribeiro, neatly pinned big beehives behind tight Alice bands.

The Cat Flick
One of the strongest looks on the catwalk this season was the cat flick, as shown at DSquared and inspired by the late Elizabeth Taylor, who made it her make-up trademark throughout the sixties.

The Doll Eye Lash
Twiggy was, and still is, the ultimate lash muse. This year her doll-eyed lash reappeared at Valentino where it came with a more understated, more wearable fanned lash effect.

The Beehive
The same beehive rules apply now as they did back then for Raquel Welch . When it comes to size the bigger the better, and in terms of texture remember the more matt the finish the sexier the look.

The Chunky Fringe
Jean Shrimpton's cropped tight-to-the-face, chunky blunt fringe is back with a new blown-out, looser 2012 update as seen at Just Cavalli.

The Nude Lip
French beauty Catherine Deneuve ticks three of the boxes; beehive, cat-flick liner and that super sexy buff lip, as seen at Derek Lam this season in New York.

White Eyeliner
Jane Birkin's white eyeliner, just on the inner rims, is still one of the best eye opening and brightening tricks you can do, as seen at Paco Rabane, Dolce & Gabanna and Giorgio Armani this season.

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Royal Ascot 2012: Looking for the perfect hat for Ascot?

Gina Foster makes gorgeous millinery. If you're the Duchess of Cambridge, or in that set, or for that matter, Miriam González Durántez Clegg, who wore Foster's Excelsior (£198) to the Diamond Jubilee thanksgiving service at St Paul's, you already know that.

 Gina Foster makes gorgeous millinery. If you're the Duchess of Cambridge, or in that set, or for that matter, Miriam González Durántez Clegg, who wore Foster's Excelsior (£198) to the Diamond Jubilee thanksgiving service at St Paul's, you already know that.
More crucially yet, they flatter. Half an hour in the calm of Foster's tiny jewel-box like shop just off Kensington High Street will convince even the most sceptical, panicked browser. Although she designs beautiful brims (her tilted saucer shapes do as much for cheekbones as any implants) one of her specialties is the headpiece. Not to be confused with a fascinator (these distinctions matter when it comes to passing muster with the new rules in operation at Royal Ascot's enclosure later this month), a headpiece has a base measuring at least 4 inches in diameter. She also designs hairbands with a single large rose, which, she suggests, would be ideal for a young girl.

Foster is devoid of gush to the point of seeming slightly austere - and seems all the more trustworthy for it. She's not going to sell you a hat that doesn't suit. " I always start by asking the event, " she says. "That dictates to a large part what kind of hat. Ascot requires something more showy than a country wedding, although Millennium would do well for both. For somewhere like Cheltenham Races you could wear a trilby". Millennium incidentally, was the model Princess Beatrice wore recently and, as Foster modestly asserts " she got quite a good press".


Equally important is face shape. "Long faces work best with round, soft hats, " she suggests. " Asymmetric angles are universally flattering. A small headpiece set at an angle is great for round faces. An oval can wear anything. But shorter women are generally better in smaller brims, although in the end it comes down to personality".
Given the amount of work in her hats - silk flowers are hand dyed to match clients' outfits "(they often come in with their outfit and we start from there") - the straw comes from the Philippines and the pheasant feathers from the UK - her prices, which are comparable to a pair of designer shoes, are not unreasonable. Bespoke hats can take 4-6 weeks to arrive.
Now 37, Foster, who studied history of art then worked as a chalet girl says she knew nothing about hats until she began interning for Noel Stewart, Jess Collett and eventually working for Stephen Jones on his Miss Jones line. Attracted to the drama of hats, she studied at Kensington and Chelsea College three days a week, even though at the time, millinery looked like a dying trade. Two years ago opened her shop from where, she keeps a meticulous record of who has bought what - and where they plan to wear it. "I did 25 hats for the Royal Wedding and no one had the same as anyone else."

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Rites of beauty: Chloe Sevigny

Actress Chloe Sevigny on how music inspired her make-up.

When I was little my mother never had any fashion magazines in our house for me to look at. Instead I would admire my father's vast music collection.
I would stare at his LPs for hours. Blondie's 'Eat to the Beat' and Marianne Faithfull's 'Broken English' were my favourites. Their soft, blonde hair must have triggered something in me because when I was six or seven I'd stand on the loo seat in my bathroom so I could see myself in the mirror while I brushed my hair.
I didn't experiment with make-up until I was 14, when I discovered New Wave music. Heaps of black eyeliner followed, and I even wore black on my lips. I couldn't find a real black lipstick anywhere so coloured my lips with my trusted eyeliner.
Recently, when YSL showed black lipstick on the catwalk, I went out and bought one. I don't use it - it's still in its packet - but it's nice to know it's there if I ever change my mind.

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Beauty spot: top beauty tips

Our weekly round-up of the best beauty advice from the professionals for you to try at home.

PETAL POWER
'A petal shade is the perfect transitional day-to-night lip colour - try coral, orange or fuchsia. Apply one coat for daytime, then in the evening blot the lips and apply two more layers. First dab the bullet on to the lips, and then slick across them for a deeper, more intense look.' Rachel Singer-Clark, Elizabeth Arden
 TROPICAL TREAT
'Pour freshly squeezed pineapple juice into an ice tray and freeze overnight. The next day pass the ice cube over clean skin. Leave on for five minutes then wash off. Pineapple enzymes help the elasticity of the skin, improve hydration and exfoliate to reveal radiant, fresh skin' Una Brennan, SkinCeuticals
KEEP YOUR COOL
'Never wear full make-up when working out. Your body will try to expel heat and toxins through the skin, and make-up will block this. If you go red after a work-out, run a towel under cold water and press over cheeks in a downward motion to massage the lymph and cool skin.' Abigail James, facialist
TAP ROUTINE
'Brighten dull skin by tapping your fingertips lightly but quickly over your face, working from the centre outwards. This will wake up your circulation as well as helping to flush out complexion-dulling toxins.' Beverley England, Origins
ROOTS MANOEUVRE
'To avoid the appearance of blonde eyelash roots, apply a dark pencil liner as close as possible to the base of the lash in short strokes. When applying mascara, invest in a short-bristled wand to get as close as possible to the root.'
TANGLE TEASER
'If your hair is wet use a wide-tooth comb - working from root to end - to detangle it. Hair is weakest when it's wet and brushing can easily damage it, so brush only when dry' Bruce Masefield, Sassoon
HEADS-UP
'For healthy hair, you have to stimulate the scalp. Get a padded brush and brush your scalp for at least five minutes just before you shampoo. This way you are exfoliating, stimulating and improving blood flow, while getting rid of any tension at the same time' Paola Lai, Neville Hair & Beauty
MAY YOUR SHADOW NEVER GROW LESS
'If you want your eyeshadow to last, don't put any cream on your eyelids. It will only increase the risk of your eye colour sliding off after a couple of hours. Instead, use the cream only under the eyes and on the brow bones' Stella beauty team
EXFOLIATE, EXFOLIATE
'In cold weather it's important to moisturise dry, flaky skin. The best way to do so is by first removing any dead skin with a gentle exfoliator. Only then apply a moisturising product, ideally one with desensitising and softening extracts such as liquorice of vitamin A, which will help strengthen the skin' Marie Mckeever , Clarins
THE SECRET OF A SMOKY EYE
'Treat shading like a watercolour, starting with a wash, then adding the darker colours. Using a clean brush, "tickle" the edges of the eyeshadow, which will help to blend it into the surrounding skin. Finish with a flick of waterproof eyeliner to make the eyes appear more open' Andrew Gallimore , Dior
A TIP FOR A FULLER LIP
'To give the illusion of bee-stung lips, outline the lips with a pale gloss, then colour them in with a darker gloss. Over time, the deeper shade will fade gently into the paler one and the lips will look full and sensual'
Tom Pecheux , Estée Lauder
BEWARE WINTER SUN
'Don't be fooled into thinking you don't need to wear sun protection in winter. Ensure your foundation or tinted moisturiser is a minimum SPF 15. And don't forget your lips, either- a thick, oil-based balm with SPF will significantly reduce sun damage' Anna Pearce , lookfantastic.com
WINTER-PROOF YOUR SKIN
'Dry, winter air calls for a different approach to skincare. Swap your foam cleanser for an oil based cleansing balm - it will purify while also infusing your skin with nourishing fatty acids. Using a richer face cream will also help improve the skin's barrier function, reduce water loss and intensively hydrate' Kristy Goodger-Cimesa, Elemental Herbology
SMOOTH OPERATOR
'For those with naturally curly hair that is prone to looking frizzy, mix your curling mousse with a hair conditioner and apply to damp hair. This will give a sleeker look and create more controlled curls instantly' Akin Konizi, Hob Salons
OUT OF SIGHT
'Don't neglect the back of your neck and even behind your ears when applying creams and serums, as this is the area where skin can start to sag when ageing' Sarah Chapman, facialist
COMPARE AND CONTRAST
'Lie down and place your feet on a hot-water bottle. Put a pillow under your knees and a pre-chilled eye pillow on your face and relax for 15 minutes under a soft blanket. The combination of hot and cool temperatures brings relaxation and renews positive energy' Denise Leicester, Ila Spa
LESS IS MORE
'If you don't want to wear full-on lipstick but would rather not use gloss, work on a thick layer of lip balm (from a pot, preferably, as they tend to be waxier), press some chalky lipstick on top with your fingers, then rub your lips together. The soft-focus, matte lip is brilliantly modern' 'Stella' beauty team
IT'S JUST A LITTLE BLUSH
'For a natural flush of colour, apply your blusher on the very top of the apples of your cheeks, and then blend it out over the rest of your cheekbone to soften the colour. Keeping the blusher high on your face makes cheeks look lifted' Hannah Martin, make-up artist for Bobbi Brown
KOHL POWERED
'If you want to make your eyes appear more dramatic without looking as if you've used a lot of eyeliner, take a black kohl pencil and softly line the inside rim of your top lid. It will instantly add density to the eye, and make the roots of your lashes look darker' Stella beauty team
TIDY FILING
'A glass file is what you should use to smooth off your nails and ensure a clean, neat finish, but it will be too light to file away a great deal of length. For this, use a disposable emery board: they come in a vareity of grits - from fine to coarse - so you can choose one to suit you' Adam Slee - Rimmel London
A THICKER LASH IN A FLASH
'For luxuriant eyelashes, use a flat angled brush to apply mascara along the root of your upper row - to the topside, not underneath. This is where they're at their thickest, and they'll instantly look fuller'. Juliana Sergot - make-up artist
NEW WAVE
'For naturally curly hair that tends to look frizzy, mix your curling mousse with a hair conditioner and apply it to your hair. This will give a sleeker look and create more controlled curls' Darren Bain - HOB Salons
NAILS AU NATUREL
'For beautifully white, stain-free nails rub them all over with half a fresh lime. Then soak your fingertips in some water with dissolved bicarbonate of soda (or a dissolved denture tablet) for a few minutes. Et voila - gorgeous nake nails.' Georgie Cleeve - Oskia
GET A GRIP...
'If your hair is very thick and normal hairbands don't hold it, attach kirby grips to either end of a regular hair tie, stick one of the grips into your ponytail, wrap the tie around the hair, and then pin the other grip in.' Maarit Niemela - Hair Stylist
A VINE IDEA
'Take some fresh grapes - plus a few extra to eat! - slice them in half and slide them over your face, cut-side down, in a circular motion. The fruit acids act as an exfoliant and give your skin an antioxidant boost, resulting in an instantly brighter complexion.' Mathilde Thomas - Caudalíe
THE ASPIRIN FACE MASK
'Crush two aspirin tablets and mix with a tablespoon of organic honey. Apply to the face (avoiding the eye area), leave on for 20 minutes, then wash off. The aspirin contains beta-hydroxy acid - an ingredient in many high-end face masks - that will refresh the complexion.' Shelley Barrett - ModelCo
THE BLACK LASH BACKLASH
'Use brown mascara on your lower lashes rather than black - even if you use black on the top lashes. A lighter colour on the bottom gives your eyes a lift. Also, line the inside of the eyes with a dark brown liner, as, over time, it will smudge into the lashes resulting in a very sexy eye.' Tom Pecheux - creative make-up director, Estée Lauder
DAIRY GOODNESS
'Instead of using hot water when steaming your face, use hot milk. Heat the milk to boiling point, pour into a warm bowl and place a towel over your head for the ultimate steam cleanse. The lactic acid in the milk decongests the pores, leaving your skin beautifully clear.' Ruby Hammer - make-up artist
KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL
'If you want radiant skin without having to book in for a facial, just head to your kitchen. Spread natural yogurt all over your face and leave on for 20 minutes to brighten the skin. Wash it off, wrap some ice cubes in a muslin cloth and rub them all over your face to refresh and de-puff.' Sarah Chapman - facialist
FEET FIRST
'For a DIY pedicure, start with a foot scrub of rock salt mixed with body lotion. Apply to dry skin, focusing on calloused areas and the nails, too. Fresh lemon juice whitens nails, so apply with cotton-wool, then use a soft cloth to buff them. Finally, finish with a bright varnish.'
Margaret Dabbs - footcare expert
PREP YOUR PINS
'For great summer legs layer your body products. Begin with a body serum to hydrate and replenish lost moisture, then an oil to nourish and finally a cream to seal in the goodness. Look out for oils that contain rose, neroli and evening primrose and moisturisers with shea-butter - they will make your legs look instantly better.' Geraldine Howard - Aromatherapy Associates
TAKE A BROW
'Eyebrows define the structure of the face and eye area, so it's best to keep them to a medium width as thinner brows can be ageing. Colour should be the same as your natural hair, or one shade darker, in order to balance your features properly.' Michelle Doan - Emani Minerals
HOW TO USE DRY SHAMPOO
'To ensure that your dry shampoo doesn't make your roots look chalky and grey, spray it on to a paddle hair brush followed by some hairspray, then brush from the roots to the ends. Your hair will instantly look clean and shiny. Adam Reed - L'Oréal Paris
TWIRL YOUR WAND
'To prevent your mascara from drying out it's best not to pump the wand up and down, as this will push air into the tube. Instead, dip and twirl the wand to coat it with product - you'll have enough to cover your lashes, and your mascara will last a lot longer.' Sandra Cooke - make-up artist
MANE PROTECTION
'Always protect your hair in the sun. Hats or scarves are best, followed by treatments containing sunblock. The sun's rays break down the molecular structure of hair, which, unlike skin, doesn't appear to recover within a few weeks. Long hair can take years to renew.' Michael Van Clarke - hair stylist
HOW TO APPLY CREAM BLUSHER
'Cream blushers are perfect for spring, giving you a dewy, romantic look. Never apply to the underside of cheekbones, though. Instead use your fingertips to apply it to the apples of your cheeks, then blend up and outwards towards the hairline.' Daniel Sandler - make-up artist
A DROP OF MAGIC
'Adding one drop of facial oil to your daytime face cream in the morning will give your complexion an instant lift and glow and prep your skin for smooth make-up application.' Natsumi Watanabe - make-up artist
THE HARD LINE
'If your eye or lip pencil is too soft and crumbly it can be difficult to achieve a strong line. Solve this by placing the pencil in the freezer for a few minutes, then gently run a line over the back of your hand to warm it up slightly. Now line your eyes or lips with a perfect stroke of colour.' Susan Chyi - founder of Jelly Pong Pong
NOT-SO-FAKE TAN
'When applying fake tan to your face your pores can sometimes become blocked with the product. Prevent this from happening by rubbing an ice cube over your face before application. This will close the pores and stop you getting the tell-tale black spots.'
James Read - tanning expert
JUST A SPOONFUL OF SUGAR…
'Sugar water makes a great hair-setting lotion. Dissolve six teaspoons of sugar in a glass of boiling water, cool, then transfer to a spray bottle. Mist over hair, then wrap small sections around your finger and secure to the crown with grips. Remove grips when dry, for soft curls.'
Johnnie Sapong - hair stylist
BRUSH UP
'Sweep a long-handled body brush across your limbs and torso, directing strokes towards the heart. A daily brush helps our skin shed waste and toxins, as well as boosting circulation and the lymphatic system. This, in turn, improves skin tone and helps the immune system.'
Liz Earle
MAKING WAVES
'Everything from the 1970s is big this season, including the hair. Create waves by twisting wet locks into tight curls and pinning up with kirby grips. Blast with a hairdryer to set, then remove the grips. Voilà - perfect Charlie's Angels waves.'
Alain Pichon - L'Oréal Paris
TOP OF THE POPS
'Bright colours are a big make-up trend this spring, especially orange. But it can be difficult to wear lively shades around the eye as they tend to dull on the lid. Solve this by applying a little matte white shadow around the colour - it will make the bright shade really "pop".'
Tom Pecheux - Estée Lauder
BRIGHT EYES
'For a softer effect around the eyes, try using a coloured mascara. Forget garish 1980s shades and pick a dark plum for intensifying blue eyes and dark green for brown eyes. This is a great look for spring, particularly if you've worn a lot of dark eye make-up over winter.'
Thomas de Kluyver - make-up artist
A BIT OF A SQUEEZE
'If you're confused about the perfect lip colour to go for, squeeze the tip of your middle finger. You'll see an intense red or pink colour, which is a guide for the lip shade you should be after.'
Natsumi Watanabe - make-up artist
A PARTING GIFT
'Place your fingers on one side of the forehead (above the left or the right eyebrow) and sweep diagonally to the other side of the crown, towards the back of the head. With your parting invisible front-on, your hair will look fuller and thicker.'
Akin Konizi - HOB Salons
TRUE COLOURS
'Lips are naturally pink, so the colour of the lipstick in the tube isn't the shade you'll end up with on your face. Pat foundation on lips to neutralise them, then apply lipstick on top. You'll get the true shade that way, which is important if you're going for a statement lip.'
Wendy Rowe - Burberry
USING BRONZER IN WINTER
'Swirl a large brush in a biscuity shade (avoid anything orange-based) and draw a number three on your face. Start from the temple, curve around to the cheek and finally curve down to the chin, then repeat on the other side. This will slim the face and warm up dull winter skin.'
'Stella' beauty team
BE KIND TO COLOUR
'Hard water can make it difficult to maintain coloured hair. Attach a filter to your shower head to soften the water and remove any mineral deposits, which make hair look dull - the last thing you want if you've spent lots of money on colour.'
Marie Robinson - colour ambassador for Pantene
APPLYING MINERAL POWDER
'Start by buffing the outside of the face with a really soft brush dusted in powder, and slowly work your way in towards the forehead, nose and chin. The minerals will warm and blend with the oils in your skin to give that "no make-up" make-up look.'
Sarah-Jane Froom - Bare Escentuals
ABSOLUTELY BALMY
'Lip balm is a handy tool to use if you want to make your complexion glow. Stroke a little clear balm down the brow bone and up the cheekbone (in a sideways V) to highlight the eye area, or mix a little with a cream blush and apply to the apples of the cheeks for a rosy glow.'
'Stella' beauty team
LOWER THE TONE
'Tone down bright eyeshadow by stroking a colourless loose powder over the eye with a rounded fluffy brush. You'll still get a good pop of colour without it being too strong. The same "soft-focus" technique can be used with blusher, too.'
Thomas de Kluyver - make-up artist
SMOOTH OPERATOR
'If you have frizzy hair but don't like using styling products, squeeze lemon or lime juice in your shampoo and conditioner. The juices are cleansing and high in acidity, which helps to close the hair cuticle. The result? An impossibly smooth and sleek hairdo.'
Paul Falltrick - Matrix
LIPSTICK THAT LASTS
'Even the best lipsticks fade after a few hours. To avoid a patchy lip place a tissue over your first coat of lipstick and gently dab on a loose powder. The tissue acts as a filter, allowing just enough powder through to fix the lipstick before a second coat.'
Shama Sahzayasin - make-up artist
SOFTLY SOFTLY
'The way you shampoo your hair could be potentially damaging. Don't rub it too vigorously as it will irritate the hair cuticles. Instead, massage the roots and scrunch shampoo into the ends. You'll benefit from a tension-relieving head massage and minimise frizz, too.'
Phil Smith - hairdresser
SHAVING FACE
'Don't reach for the aftershave straight after shaving. Splashing it on your face will actually dry out the skin and aggravate any sore or red patches. Instead, apply a good moisturiser all over your face and just a dab of aftershave behind your ears.'
Mike Mason - barber, Geo F Trumper
WATCH YOUR SODIUM LEVELS
'To keep hair frizz-free for as long as possible after a permanent blow-dry, look for shampoos and conditioners that are sodium-free. Keratin is applied to the hair to keep it straight, but most shampoo and conditioner contains sodium, which breaks down the keratin.'
Philip Kingsley - haircare expert
PILLOW TALK
'Sleep on a silk-covered pillow to keep skin hydrated and crease-free. Unlike cotton, silk doesn't wick away moisture and is naturally hypoallergenic. Don't let all your lovingly applied products be absorbed by your bed linen!'
Clare Rogers - Treatment Rooms, Brighton
DARK SECRETS
'Applying a dark lipstick can be very tricky. Begin by lightly dabbing the colour on to your lip with your finger to create a stain. Then build up with a matching liner. This will layer and fix the base, giving even coverage and the perfect pout.'
Shama - make-up artist at CLM
A FINE WEAVE
'A great look for day or night, boho braids are easy to create. Take a front section of the hair and, starting on one side, braid along the hairline. Secure behind the ear with a pin. Quick, simple and right on-trend.'
Lisa Whiteman - Webster Whiteman, Mayfair
A RIGHT SPECTACLE
'When choosing glasses, work with your skin tone and eye colour. If you have a warm complexion and hair colour, go for bronze, tortoise or brown frames. Cooler complexions suit lighter shades such as white, silver, blue and grey.'
James Kaliardos - make-up artist, L'Oréal Paris
TOP MARKS
'The key to a stylish topknot is to create contrast between the pulled-back hair and the knot itself. The pulled-back hair should be kept sleek and glossy, whereas the knot should be wild and almost "undone".'
Gary Hooker and Michael Young - Hooker & Young
WAX ON, WAX OFF
'If you plan to wax at home before jetting off on holiday, do it at least 24 hours before - this allows time for your skin to settle down before exposing it to the sun. Always peel off wax strips in the opposite direction of hair growth, and be sure to apply sunscreen to protect skin.'
Otylia Roberts - Simply Wax
GET THE RIGHT TEMPERATURE
'Always comb out the tangles in your hair before you get in the shower or bath - you will split and damage it if you wash it while it's full of knots. Before washing, rinse it with warm water to open up the follicles and get rid of any styling products.'
Lisa Shepherd - haircare expert
SCRUB-A-DUB
'If you suffer from dry, cracked heels make your own antibacterial salt scrub by mixing a handful of sea salt with almond oil. Give your toes a good going over with it in the bath and you'll emerge with smooth, sandal-ready summer feet.'
Agi Mirz - Hand and Foot Spa
THE PERFECT PONYTAIL
'For the sleekest ponytail lie on the bed with your head hanging off the edge. Gather the hair on the crown, or lower if that suits you. If you want it super-smooth, mist your brush with water first. Voilà - a perfectly smooth, face-lifting ponytail.'
Alex Box - make-up artist
SUN-KISS ME QUICK
'To create a natural sun-kissed look, use a light bronzer all over the face first, then a slightly darker one on the forehead, nose and chin. A pinky-gold colour is best for fair skin, golden bronze for medium and golden red for dark complexions.'
Trevor O'Keefe - Laura Mercier
MISMATCH OF THE DAY
'When it comes to nail colours I think matching fingers and toes is a bit naff. Instead, think of it as having virgin's hands and tart's feet. Keep it nice and neutral up the top, but have fun with colour down below - the brighter and bolder the better.'
Iris Chapple - Mavala
NAIL IT
'Get the most out of nail varnish by preparing your nails first: scrub them with a nail brush in warm water with a soap-free cleanser. This will ensure a clean surface, free of any traces of a nail-varnish remover or natural oils, which can lift your varnish. It will last an extra few days.'
Emma Cox - Jessica Nails
IN A FRIZZ
'When the weather's humid it's tempting to overstyle hair with hairdryers and straighteners. Instead, opt for low-maintenance curls or updos, which are much more suitable for summer and easy to maintain.'
Nick Malenko - Royston Blythe at the Dorchester
A SALINE SOLOUTION
'Have you ever noticed how spotty skin seems much clearer after swimming in the sea? To recreate the effect at home try soaking a towel in comfortably hot salt water, then lay it on the spotty area for 10 minutes or so. This should clarify skin on the face, chest and back.'
Stella beauty team
BRIGHT EYES
'To conceal dark under-eye circles properly, you'll need two products. First, correct the dark blue tones with a pink-toned concealer. Then use a yellow-toned concealer over the top, to lighten the darkness and make the area the same colour as the rest of your face.'
Hannah Martin - Bobbi Brown
THE BARE ESSENTIAL
'We have been taught to believe that more is better with skincare. But overuse of products leads to congestion. Make sure you always cleanse thoroughly and don't overload skin day and night. Occasionally allow it to breathe and find its own balance by leaving it bare.'
Kristy Goodger - Elemental Herbology
WHERE TO WEAR BLUSHER
Be careful where you apply your blusher as it should hit the middle of your cheekbone. If it's any higher and too close to your eyes, it will make your eyes appear red and if you place it too low, it will make you look tired.
Stella beauty desk

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One item, six looks, any age: the scarf

We show you six stylish ways to wear a silk scarf.

Our chosen scarf is £169, Oh Oh! at Fenwick; 0207 629 9161.
Day trip
A scarf knotted into a bow lends a feminine touch to this graphic look.
Coat, £315, The Kooples; 0207 589 7696. Skirt, £95, Whistles; whistles.co.uk . Shoes, £40, River Island; 0844 576 6444.

Club lounge
Call on the multi-purpose scarf for all your in- and post-flight needs: wear it chicly draped around the shoulders at check-in, as a cosy shawl on board, and headscarf to mask unruly hair on arrival.
Top, £55, Cos; 0207 478 0400. Jeans, £210, Nobody; 0207 486 4800. Bag, M Missoni, £355; 0800 123 400. Shoes, £35.99, Missguided; misguided.co.uk .

Art lecture
Loop your scarf around your waist for a makeshift belt - beats plain old leather, doesn't it?
Shirt, £239 Equipment at My Wardrobe; my-wardrobe.com . Trousers, £54.90, Massimo Dutti; 0207 851 1280. Bracelet, £490, Robinson Pelham; 0207 828 3492. Shoes, £16.99, Missguided; missguided.co.uk

Mother's Day lunch
Why hide an amazing print? Wear as a top, and colour clash with a jacket to knock 'em dead.
Coat, £469, Carven; Harrods. Trousers, £229, Sandro; 0207 229 1720. Bag, £170, Wilbur & Gussie; wilburandgussie.com . Shoes, £50, Asos; asos.com .

Farmer's market
The scarf turns bag - perfect for pouching your food market goodies
Blouse, £235, Paul & Joe; 0207 824 8844. Trousers, £38, Next; 0844 844 8939. Earrings, £35, Stella & Dot; 0800 096 4749. Ring, £144, La10; la10.co.uk . Belt, £75, Aspiga; aspiga.com . Shoes, £60, River Island; 0208 991 4500

Luxury cruise
With strategic draping and clever knotting, two scarves magically morph into a form-flattering dress. How about that for thinking outside the (orange Hermès) box?
Blue scarf, £135, Paul Smith; 0207 828 3492. Bracelet, £32, Aspiga; aspiga.com . Shoes, £50, Asos; asos.com

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Spring/summer 2012 beauty: Don't try these looks at home - 2

 The 'spray paint' face
Only kidding - it's not really spray paint (kids: definitely DON'T try this one at home) - but more like an all-over lacquer. This Moncler look is really handy for when you're having one of those 'I can't face the world' sort of moments.

 Heroin not-so-chic
At the Hakaan show, paramedics were almost called to assist the seemingly 'exhausted' models.

 Alien features
Is it a UFO? No, just a really dodgy backcomb at Issey Miyake.

 Disco no-no
We'd be looking as miffed as this model at Ashish if we has to wear glitter eyeshadow and dark lipgloss. Together.

 Cousin It's fine-haired friend
We also have Moncler to thank for this modern-day adaptation of the hairy creature in the Addams Family.

 Metallic lipstick
…Is never a goer for anyone. Not even if London Fashion Week designer Mary Katrantzou gave it the seal of approval.

 Co-ordination overkill
We've heard of matching your nails to your lips, but cripes, not your hair! Note those bleached brows again, this time we have Julien Macdonald to thank.

 Dolly done drag
Take one part beautiful Victoria's Secret model, three parts Jean-Paul Gaultier catwalk show, et voila: a fast track to Dame Edna make-up artistry.

 Teen (bad) dream
As much as we think the make-up at Jeremy Scott was adorable, this voluminous quiff and freckles should definitely be left on the catwalk.

Hippy takes a (very) bad trip
…via waaay too much bronzer and some faux dreadlocks at Maxmara.

Spring/summer 2012 beauty: Don't try these looks at home - 1

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Spring/summer 2012 beauty: Don't try these looks at home - 1

From the bleached eyebrow, black-eyes and greasy hair, here's top 20 beauty looks you don't need to try out this spring.

 Attack of the bronzer
A problem not just at Jeager but plaguing many teens and women across the country: when you think you need one more swipe of bronzer - you've probably gone too far already.

 Grayson Perry eat your heart out
Meadham Kirchhoff's fashion show was the funest of them all at London Fashion Week, but what happens on the catwalk stays on the catwalk.

 The greasy barnet
Hmmm… oil-coated hair and red eyeshadow anyone? Sorry, but on this occasion no thanks Miu Miu, we'd rather go au naturel.

 

Whoops a daisy!

Go around sporting small summer weeds in your hair à la Alexis Mabille and onlookers will seriously think you've lost the plot, not frolicking in a flower-filled field.

 The conspicuous eyelids
"Darling, I am literally dripping in silver, I can't possibly open my eyes to look at you…" Or at least that's what we think this silver-eyelidded model backstage at Fendi was heard to be mumbling.

 The shiner
Models sported at Gianfranco Ferre sported what looked dubiously like black eyes courtesy of a palette of metallic grey eyeshadow.

 The Bushy-Scouse brow
The thick, drawn-on Scouse brow made a bushy friend at Sass and Bide. The result? Well we wouldn't mess with this gal, would you?

 The temple debate
How high is too high for blusher? How far is too far for eyeshadow? The answer to these age-old beauty queries were displayed at Vivienne Westwood.

 The Only Way is Essex eyes…
…by may of Milan. Gucci, to be precise

The bleached brow
As seen at Rick Owens and more designers than we care to mention, the no-brow was one of the most prolific yet baffling beauty trends of the season.

Spring/summer 2012 beauty: Don't try these looks at home - 2

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Naturally groomed make-up

How to achieve naturally groomed make-up and the novelty of a hair comb.

THE BACKSTAGE SECRET NATURALLY GROOMED MAKE-UP
Of all the new season's palettes, the one that impressed me most was Dior's, which offers all the elements needed to create a bespoke groomed look. The blusher, foundation and lipstick all contain the same pigments, so that all three used together will match skin tones perfectly and make for the most natural, flattering make-up. There are eight Lip Blush shades (£22.50) from the Rouge Dior range, in two colour families - skin-cooling pinks and warming apricots - including Allegro Pink (741) and Diorama (066). Match with DiorBlush Glowing Colour Powder Blush (£28) and DiorSkin Forever foundation 

THE NOVELTY HAIR COMB
This pretty electric-blue hair comb by Cherry Chau, studded with twinkling stones, is a joyous departure from the classic tortoiseshell and metal ones with pearls on, and it's all you need to accessorise a little black dress. Just wrap your hair up in a loose chignon (allow some tendrils to fall freely), and slide it in randomly at the side. £52, 020-7201 8439.
THE SCENT VERSACE YELLOW DIAMOND
Like a burst of sunlight, this fresh but creamy scent combines citrus notes with floral - it mixes pear sorbet with sparkling bergamot, neroli, freesia, mimosa and nymphea, on a base of ambery woods, musk and palo santo wood. It is a lovely reminder of warmer days. Eau de toilette, £45, boots.com .
BEST BUY KAMA JWALINI
Formulated with herbs processed in skin-conditioning coconut and sesame oils, with costus and cardamom, both used in Ayurveda as a treatment for irritated skin, this oil is unlike any other I've tried - as light and non-greasy as a serum, just more fluid. A drop goes a long way, and as soon as you apply it to your skin it sinks without trace. A tonic for a dry body; use sparingly. £14.99,



 SHOP AWARDS
BeautyWorksWest was opened five years ago by Susie Rogers. As well as offering cutting-edge beauty treatments, Rogers has cherry-picked her favourite niche brands to sell in a slick boutique. So you will find Kahina Giving Beauty, Sjal, LA Science and Mai Couture here, along with a BWW capsule age-defying line, Youth, which includes this Food Supplement (£64), developed by the resident cosmetic doctor, Daniel Sister. 8-9 Lambton Place, London W11 (020-7221 2248; beautyworkswest.com ).

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5 Fast Fixes For Dark Under-Eye Circles

Dark circles under eyes plague most of us at some time or another, and they're a chronic issue for lots of people. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to give raccoon eyes a temporary lift. To see how you can brighten up your peepers in a flash, just keep reading.

• Black tea bags — Tea of any kind reduces inflammation and helps decongest the sinus area (which can be a dark circle factor). Heavily caffeinated tea is also a vasoconstrictor, so it shrinks the veins that are visible through your skin.
• Gentle massage — Everyone recommends cucumbers for puffy, dark eyes, but gently massaging the area (with the help of oil or lotion) is another spa trick that can work wonders. Just use a gentle circular motion around your eyes, moving from your under eyes up past your nose and then back around.
• Hydration — Dark circles look much worse when your skin is dried out, both because it makes your skin even thinner and because the texture just looks less healthy in general. So use oil or a heavy-duty cream, and instead of rubbing it in, let it sit for 10 or 15 minutes to plump up your skin.
• Arnica — This herb is known for helping with bruising and muscle soreness because it reduces inflammation and ups circulation, both of which help flush out retained water and low-oxygen blood that give eyes a bruised, puffy look.
• Raw potato — If your dark circles are from pigmentation, not visible veins or thin skin, using raw potato on them is a great way to temporarily lighten up. Potatoes contain an enzyme called catecholase that, when exposed to air, oxidizes into a benzoquinone derivative, a gentler relative of common skin lightener hydroquinone.

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