image © Rex Features
Bella Blissett, author of new book, Ask: The 1000 Most Asked Questions About Beauty, has all the answers to your pampering woes.
To help you swot up and become a beauty oracle, Bella reveals how to get your seasonal routines and products ship-shape for summer.
Body Basics
Q: What can I do about my cellulite?
A: Try a finger-pinching massage using your thumb and forefinger to gently stimulate blood flow to the area and help reduce the build-up of fatty tissue.
Q: I'm wearing open-toe shoes. How can I fix my ugly toenails fast?
A: Always keep a set of false toenails in your bathroom to be stuck on in emergencies. They are widely available.
Q: How can I minimise the damage of sunburn?
A: Add a few drops of peppermint oil to some aloe vera, cool it in the refrigerator and apply to the affected area.
Skin Tactics
Q: What's a good way to remove fake tan streaks?
A: Mix some lemon juice and salt together and use on a loofah to rub the streaky skin.
Q: Does the sun help dry out spots?
A: While soaking up the rays may cause an initial improvement in your spots, in the long term it will only damage the skin cells and aggravate the condition.
Q: How can I make my skin glow when I don't have time to fake tan?
A: Invest in some body shimmer and mix equal quantities with your usual body moisturiser. It will reflect the light and give you a glow without the tan.
image © Rex Features
Make-up Dilemmas
Q: How can I fix the oily patches that ruin my make-up in the summer?
A: Instead of applying more make-up (which will only look thick and flaky), carry a packet of cosmetic blotting paper around in your handbag and mop up the oil when you need to. Follow it with a very light dusting of translucent powder.
Q: Is it safe to use make-up that has melted?
A: Most cosmetics need to be kept at room temperature or even in the refrigerator. Overheating can cause changes in the chemical ingredients, so it's best to get replacements as soon as you can.
Q: What's the best make-up for poolside sunbathing?
A: A full face of make-up will clog your pores and leave foundation melting down your face. Wear a tinted waterproof moisturiser with SPF to kill three birds with one stone, then top up with an SPF lip balm and some waterproof mascara.
Hair Help
Q: Do I need to swap shampoo with the seasons?
A: In the summer your hair has to defend itself against more enemies, such as the sun, sea, salt, excess sweat and chlorine. Switching to a gentler shampoo can help to keep your hair soft without stripping it of its natural oils.
Q: How can I get beach-style waves in my hair?
A: Try tying your hair in a low ponytail and wetting it under a running tap. Wring it out, then un-tie it when it's dry for soft, surfer-girl curls.
Q: How can I protect my hair in the sun?
A: Hair burns just as skin does. When you're going in the sun, mix equal amounts of an oil-free SPF sun tan lotion with an oil-free hairspray, rub together in your palms and smooth over your hair.
Product Prep
Q: How can I streamline my anti-ageing skin regime on holiday?
A: Pack a regular moisturiser and a small pot of grape seed oil: adding a few drops will give you the youth-boosting benefits you need while you're away.
Q: Should I change my make-up when I'm on holiday?
A: Even after you've applied your sunscreen meticulously, you should develop a tan. Darker skin can take bolder colour, so pack some eye shadows and lip glosses similar to the ones you usually use, but a shade or two brighter for evenings out.
Q: How can I streamline my holiday wash bag?
A: If your wash bag takes up half your luggage, simply leave it at home. Buy a range of products online from a site such as www.hqhair.com, and get them delivered to your hotel ready for when you arrive.
Tried & Tested
Combat pasty skin and get into summer mode with a self tan. We try three new golden goddess contenders.
:: L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Gel in Medium, £11.99 (nationwide)
This has a gorgeous smell but the results weren't overwhelming. It goes on tinted, so you can see where it's being applied instantly, but you're still left looking a little streaky.
2/5
:: Piz Buin Self Tanning Lotion + Colour Dial, £17.99 (0845 601 5792)
The real selling point of this tan is the customisation using the five graduated shades, so you can tan as light or as dark as you like. Our tans looked great on day one but after a few days went patchy.
3/5
:: Institut Esthederm Sun Sheen Self-Tanning Body Lotion, £29.90 (Space NK)
What a self-tan discovery! One of the best self tanners we've tried. The white lotion is easily absorbed and the next day you're left with a natural looking golden tan that lasts for days.
5/5
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