HAIR do's and donts

With so many options available in the market, it can be daunting task to choose the right haircare product. Here's a list of the ones that are best suited for different hair types and tips on how to use them.

OILY HAIR

Oily hair can be difficult to maintain. Many people wrongly believe that washing their hair repeatedly will eliminate excess oil. However, over-washing could make matters worse. The human body has a way of trying to restore balance by producing excess sebum secretion, resulting in even more oily hair.

The best way to wash oily hair is to select a shampoo with deep cleansing properties to remove the build-up of oils (which can cause your hair to be limp) from your scalp. A deep cleansing shampoo is less likely to strip your hair of its protective oil. It will also help reduce the amount of oil produced in your scalp. When choosing a conditioner, select one that is specifically designed for oily hair and apply it only to the ends and drier areas of your hair.

You also need to be careful with the selection of styling products. Most styling creams and mousses add shine, which will make your hair oilier. It is best to choose mild formulations, such as a volume and lift mousse or hairspray, which don't leave any residue.

DRY HAIR

Most people living in the Middle East - with soaring temperatures and sun exposure - tend to have dry hair. As dry hair lacks natural moisture, look for products that offer hydration. To keep your hair looking healthy without adding weight and build-up, choose a good hair product that will lock moisture into the hair strands and boost its softness. If your hair is really dry and brittle, you should avoid excessibely blow drying or straightening it. You can also look for a haircare formula - containing keratin and vitamin B12 - that helps strenghten hair and protects against hair fall due to breakage from brushing and heat damage. This ingredients will leave your hair feeling soft, manageable and revitalised.

CURLY HAIR

If your curly locks are prone to dryness or frizz, purchasing an appropriate product can be somewhat difficult. To de-frizz and hydrate your hair, choose a cream-based, moisturising shampoo and conditioner. To hold your curls in shape, choose a shampoo with more moisturising ingredients than regular shampoos. The best conditioners will include hydrating formulas with ingredients such as almonds oil to soften the hair, leaving it sleek and smooth without building it up or weighing it down.

DAMAGED OR COLOURED HAIR

Damaged or colored hair is usually dry, brittle and prone to breakage and split ends. The best productd for this hair type are ones that are specially formulated for dyed, highlighted or permed hair. These product generally contain mild ingredients that won't harm the chemical set. Ingredients such as aloe vera extract in these products help to moisturise, rejuvenate and strenghten damaged hair. It is also beneficial for your conditioner to include a UV-filter guard to protect your hair against damage from the sun.

Avoid overuse if hairsprays, gels ans mousses that can build up on hair and lead to breakage. If you must use these products,choose those with mild ingredients and ones that are 24-hour humidity-resistant and alcohol-free.

TIPS FOR BEAUTIFUL YOU : WEDDING DAY

Keep your cool!

Keeping cool on your magical day is easier said than done - but don't let melting make-up and frizzing tresses ruin your big day.... here's how:

SHINY SKIN: By the time it come to having your wedding pictures taken, you're more than likely to be sporting makeup a couple of hours old. The key to shine-free makeup is to have prepped and primed your skin correctly first. If you have oily skin, use primers that will control oil production throughout the day. MAC OIL CONTROL LOTION is great for this. Also, start your beauty regime with CHANEL'S MATTIFYING FLUID before you apply your base.

SLIDING MAKE UP: Long-lasting foundation is essential for a flawless complexion the whole day, ESTEE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR STAY-IN-PLACE FOUNDATION is perfect for long-lasting flawless skin. A thin layer of foundation allows the skin to breath while still offering a complete look for your big day. MAX FACTOR CREME PUFF provides a beautiful matted finish, while a spritz of MAC'S FIX SPRAY will refresh the skin and finish makeup.

PANDA EYES: There's no doubt that your wedding is going to be an emotional day and while shedding a tear or two throughout the day is acceptable, panda eyes are not. Waterproof mascara is a must for luscious lashes that will last. Make sure you use a mascara that is waterproof and smudge proof to survive those tears of joy and lots of celebratory hugs and kisses. Try MAYBELLINE XXL VOLUME and LENGHT WATERPROOF MASCARA which whill satys put for eight hours.

LOSING YOUR LIPS: As well as saying the all-important vows, your lips are going to be incredibly busy on your wedding day. You'll want your lip colour to last, so before applying your lippy, rub foundation over well-moisturised lips. Try a long-lasting product, such as LOREAL INVINCIBLE KISS PROOF EXTREME HOLD LIPSTICK which has an anti-fade formula, then wait for one to two minutes to ensure a long hold that's picture perfect. MAX FACTOR LIPFINITY is also a good choice as it contants permatone, which simply means your colour will last up to 12 houra.

FRIZZY HAIR: While the humidity can rise to as much as 95% in the summer months, it's not excuse for your hair to sport an extra halo of fuzzy frizz. An updo is classy and perfect for a hot weather wedding. Use a styling mouse that will provide hold but also create a smooth, silky finish that protects from the humidity. Try WELLA LIFETEX EXTRA RICH WHIPPED CREAM MOUSE which packed with nutrients for nourishing hair. For further frizz prevention, try washing your hair with CHARLES WORTHINGTON ANTI-FRIZZ SHAMPOO and CONDITIONER.

LOOKING YOUR BEST AT PARTIES

Between shopping for the family, food preparation, and taking care of your children and husband, you hardly find time to look after yourself and rest. Then what to do to look your best? The trick lies in preparation of a special beauty plan that can be conducted upon need.

Face Radiance: The facial skin is highly affected by pollutions. A thorough facial cleaning process in order to remove dirt debris and dead skin cells leads to a radiant beautiful facial skin. Start by cleaning your face, then use patches to rid off black spots, afterwards move to a moisturising mask which will leave your face subtle.

Leg Softness: Take an appointment for legs' hair nourishing solution to soften cuticles, moisten nails and give hands a silk like touch.

Take time to prepare yourself for a party or event; follow these tips:

--> Go to the hairdresses during the afternoon
--> Massage your face with a non-shiny moisturizer; use an eye concealer (anticerne) to hide black shadows; use a foundation that approximately your skin color; do not forget the neck. Then apply compact powder to seal of any faults.
--> Apply your make-up as desired; Always keep the compact powder, lipstick and nail polish in your handbag to correct any faults.
--> Now you can apply nail polish to your finger nails... and simply look your best!!