Friends For Life!

I recently started dating again and my new 'boyfriend' if you could call him that yet, has asked to meet my friends. I thought nothing of it until my older smug married sister asked which ones I was going to let off the leash. Apparently it is not au fait to introduce him to my wild, wacky, stay up all night and do the walk of shame to the office friends.

No, Amelia says if I want to make a good impression, if I want him to think I am a girl that he does not want to let get away, the first friends he has to meet are the trusted, loyal, dinner and after eight mint friends of mine. The ones I have known since school. The ones I can trust won't throw up on him, or make him do karaoke on the first night, or talk about my hilariously awful exes. My good old devoted friends who will big me up, make me look superb and make him feel like perhaps he is not so worthy!

And this started to get me thinking about make up... Whilst I love new, colourful crazes and trends it's always good to have those dependable make up items to hand. Ones you know you can pull out of the bag when you really need to make that great first impression. I suppose another way of looking at it is what would you be gutted about if you lost your make up bag? The pea green eyeshadow that works so well on a crazy girl's night out, or the expensive rose tinted colour cream that makes you look so naturally glam and always gets the compliments. So here is my list of trusted 'friends'. Ones I know will never go out of fashion and will be with me until the end.

These are my friends for life!

Nars Oil Free Foundation
Becca Beach Tint in watermelon
Benefit High Beam
Bare Minerals Eyeshadow in adventure
Stila Multi Effect Mascara
Chantecaille Le Stylo

Love Kat xxx

Unsightly Arms?

Do any of you get lots of little red lumps on your upper arms and shoulders? Thought so. This is all too common, (in both men and women!) and whilst no one seems to actually be able to explain what they are, why they appear and how to get rid of them, even fewer people know how to successfully clear them. We've asked Jasmine, our resident skincare expert for some advice on how to banish those unsightly lumps and bumps, just in time for Summer!

"The technical name for this troublesome skin condition is keratosis pilaris. Hundreds of hard, clogged pores cover a person’s shoulders, upper arms, buttocks and upper thighs. It can sometimes seem to be a persistent case of acne, but these bumps rarely become inflamed and rarely become a pimple. Gentle cleansing, exfoliating and disinfecting will help to reduce a huge amount of these bumps. A great product for this is MD Skincare's Alpha Beta Daily Body Peel. This has been specially formulated to reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts on acne-prone/ congested areas, such as shoulders, chest and back. It will help to even out skin tone and will remove skin-dulling dead surface cells. You should apply daily, morning or evening, to clean dry body skin, following the two step package instructions.

Finish up moisturising skin with MD Skincare Firming Body Lotion - great for problematic skin as it won’t irritate whilst hydrating and toning the body.

Lastly and for a more targeted approach, pop along to your local salon for a scrub. It will leave the skin on your back fresh and will really help clear up any lingering blemishes."

We hope this helps... get in touch, let us know what works for you and how you're getting on with MD Skincare's targeted treatments. We'd love to hear from you.

Love Victoria HQhair x x

The Big Question...

One of the most common questions we get asked here at HQ headquarters is ‘My hair has become damaged from all the straightening I do and now appears to be breaking off. What products can help to restore my hair to its former crowning glory?’

The good news is that there is now a whole host of products out there designed especially to counterbalance the effects of over-heated, over-processed hair. The even better news is that we’ve road tested them all to be able to bring you the most effective selection of our findings alongside some invaluable and innovative tips from the pros… So read on to discover all you need for healthy, hydrated hair.

Firstly, to get hair looking healthy try to brush your hair as infrequently and as gently as possible. Without question, brushing is one of the most damaging things you can do to your hair as very time you brush your hair, the spikes chip away at the cuticle. This means brush only when needed and with a soft-bristled brush. Mason Pearson Brushes are invaluable as their bristles won’t snag or catch on hair, leaving your mane healthy, frizz free and protected. It’s also worth noting that you should never use a brush on wet hair as wet hair is more easily damaged, so it's best to use a wide toothed comb.

When drying your hair, never twist or wring it dry with a towel; instead, squeeze it dry using a towel or your hands. Friction erodes the cuticle, so the less the hair is handled the better off it will be.

The only way of getting rid of damaged split-ends, caused by over enthusiastic combing, brushing and styling, is to cut it out. It might sound shocking but your hair will look and feel so much better. If you leave split ends they just keep travelling up the hair shaft and cause the hair to break off.

Your hair will thank you for using the Resistance range by Kerastase. The products will add incredible volume and lightness to your hair, while helping to leave it looking healthy and glossy.
Start with Bain de Force - this shampoo helps to reinforce, strengthen and add texture to your hair whilst cleansing and leaving it full of body, soft, shiny and manageable.
Condition hair with Ciment Anti-Usure - this will smooth dry lengths and ends, while leaving it feeling and looking super soft. It's a good idea to now comb hair with a wide toothed comb as it ensures the conditioner reaches every strand for a super soft finish.

Additionally, a great treatment is Forcintense, also by Kerastase. Essentially, it is a reinforcing shock treatment for very weakened or damaged hair. It works by instantly rebuilding the internal substance of the hair fibres and leaves the hair full of strength and body. Once a week, apply 2 tubes per application to guarantee both internal and external reinforcement.

Lastly, before you go to bed spritz hair with Kerastase Noctogenist Serum Nuit. It's the first over-night treatment for dull tired looking hair. It’ll leave your hair nourished and upon wakening your hair feels replenished and looking beautifully radiant.

Click here to view the whole range of http://www.hqhair.com/code/preview.asp?PageID=96 goodies - there's something for every hair type in this amazing range!

Happy Pampering!

Love HQhair.com x x

One For The Men...

Breaking News! We've just heard through the grapevine that Trufitt & Hill aka long established barbers to royalty and high society have their fantastic range of products back in stock... and not a moment too soon - we've been fending for queries for this little lot for ages! A favourite with the men in our office is the Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Comfort Pre-Shave Oil. Stock up whilst you can!

Love the HQhair team xx

To GHD or not to GHD?!

Working for HQhair.com as their resident hair expert as well as having over 10 years hairdressing experience in the field and on the floor (think session stylists, photoshoots, campaigns and backstage at London, New York and Milan Fashion Week’s), I’m well placed to be able to be able to comment on the current GHD craze sweeping the nation and share with you some tips of the trade I’ve learnt over the years. So whether you’re the next Nicky Clarke or simply manage to get by with a can of Elnett and a hairband, read on – there’s something in here for everyone!

Firstly, for all you GHD virgin’s out there – YOU ARE MISSING OUT! The fundamental principle of the GHD styler is that anyone can look like they’ve just stepped out of a salon, regardless of hair type, style or texture. The sleek design makes straightening a doddle as the ceramic plates glide through the hair without snagging or catching, leaving a silky smooth finish. I really believe that in order to get a smooth yet vibrant style you need to use ceramic plates…. Not only do they heat up faster with higher temperatures but they have a more even heat distribution across the plate surface, meaning the whole plate is an even temperature. They also fare much better in the epic battle of the frizz and do a sterling job in taming those pesky fly-aways when compared to your average straightener. So lesson number one is to use ceramic plates for hair straightening. Your hair will thank you, and you’ll thank me!

The best ceramic straighteners the block are of course, made by GHD. I particularly like the Limited Edition GHD KISS style – hot pink straightening irons that look good on your dresser, in my kit, in your hand and have the latest technology adapted for the smoothest straightening. There are however numerous other straighteners in the GHD range – the GHD IV Mini Styler – for shorter styles or a chopped up, funky ‘do, the IV Styler for ‘normal’ hair (cool for curls too!) and the IV Salon Styler – ideal for thicker or more textured hair. GHD also do a range of salon products, designed to protect hair against extreme heat which great, however as I don’t work for GHD, I’m going to share with you what I believe are the best products for heat protection and styling.

Frederic Fekkai Pre-Style Thermal UV Protectant is a leave-conditioner that is heat activated and protects each strand by coating it with a non-oily, non-greasy residue. Result is hair is left hydrated and full of bounce whilst protected against the damaging effects of the heat. Couple this with his Controle Ironless Straightening Balm for extra heat protection and control against frizz and fly-away strands, and you’ll look like you’ve just stepped out of a salon! To finish the look – after straightening - I like to use a light finishing spray and a serum or texturizer on the ends for added definition. Terax’s Finishing Spray wins hands down as it contains Vitamin B5 and E to replace any lost moisture and give the hair an added moisture boost. Lastly Kerastase Lait Nutri Sculpt used sparingly on the ends will help to prevent split ends and seal in moisture. Because, to borrow a phase from a well-known brand – You’re worth it.

Love Cheryl HQhair x x x

Psst!...Hot Off The Press!

What do Paris Hilton, Jennifer Aniston, Lindsay Lohan and us HQhair girlies have in common? We all love Rose & Co Rose Petal Salve – the magical little balm that soothes chapped lips, dry patches and rough skin, tames brows and conditions & defines lashes, softens cuticles on fingers and toes, lends a subtle sheen over lipgloss or lipstick, acts as an eye gloss on the brow bone or mixes with shimmer powder to highlight cheek bones. Oh, and did I mention it’s more than CCF (Credit Crunch Friendly) at just £5? The cute little tin fits into even the smallest of clutches and provides an invaluable companion to any outing. And now I've heard that model and author India Hicks has been quoted in Red Magazine as saying this celebrated little miracle worker was one of her staple travel companions… I’m going to put one in every handbag!

Love Lorraine HQhair xxx

We're OPI in Love!

News just into HQ headquarters!

OPI's new South Beach Collection features the coolest Summer colours in the dinkiest little bottles - just screaming to sit pride of place on your dressing table! My top tip - This seasons hottest colour, orange works a treat with sun-kissed hands and feet.

Race you to checkout!

Love Charlotte HQhair xx

Dare To Bare?

Summer’s uncharacteristically early appearance is, I’m alarmed to say, tempting us into wearing less and less. Secretly, I’m aghast – my strict ‘get fit for Summer’ schedule has been thrown into turmoil. The hours in the gym, the salad and rivita combo’s for dinner, the incessant and diligent application of Rodial’s Body Sculpture every single night (Kylie uses it to keep her posterior perter than the average 16 year old don’t you know?) have all been pushed to the wayside as I scramble over my winter wardrobe to reach for that skirt that I just couldn’t resist buying last season because it’d look so great with bronzed limbs or those hotpants I bought myself as an ‘much-needed’ incentive to lose 3 lbs. So whilst I’ve resigned myself to the fact that I am going to have to abandon all my best laid plans and unleash my limbs on the unsuspecting public, I’m relieved to know that there are some products out there that do actually work. Unless you’ve been living on Mars for the past decade, you’ll know that exfoliation is the key for silky smooth skin. I like any of the Philosophy Scrubs as they smell delicious, last for ages and come in the cutest packaging, but any exfoliant with a decent abrasive action will do. My top tip here is to apply the scrub to dry skin rather than wet skin – this way the oil is able to soak into the skin, softening it, allowing the granules to buff away more dead skin cells – revealing baby soft skin underneath. After showering the residue off, moisturise the legs with a rich, nourishing body moisturiser – for this you can’t beat Dermalogica’s Ultra Rich Body Cream – so creamy and comforting it’s just like being wrapped up in a lovely soft towel, straight out of a bubble bath. Ensure the bony areas, like the knees, ankles and elbows are well moisturised to avoid the cardinal sin of the tan collecting in the cracks – a dead give away! At this point, massage in your choice of slimming regime. As mentioned before, I’ve been used Rodial’s Body Sculpture but others in the office rate Bliss’s Fat Girl Slim and Love Handler whereby Caudalie’s The Slimming Regime has amassed a celebrity following to rival last years Chloe Paddington, include Kate Beckinsdale, Kate Winslet and Jennifer Aniston.

Yet as tanner to the stars and St Tropez expert James Reed says, ‘If you can’t tone it, tan it’. This brings me on to my next point. Even now, in this day and age, I see so many people on the street that get self tanning so wrong. Every time. Memories of sitting in the bath with my best friend, covered in henna, like two mini-sumo wrestlers still resonate in my memory banks – yet why I am so worried about it after all these years? A fear of waking up with a Jordan-esque tan, smelling of that attractive ‘burnt biscuit’ is enough to make me stop reaching for the tanning bottle, but last Summer I had my own personal tanning epiphany. I discovered Xen-Tan. Not only does it leave me with a smooth, streak-free colour but it smells of Chocolate! Yes you read that right! Use the Deep Bronze Cream, massage in thoroughly all over the body and wash hands with soap and water afterwards and in the morning you’re left with a light golden glow, worthy of any bronzed beach goddess. It’s also so subtle that you avoid those, ‘Where have you been?’ conversations whereby you are forced to admit its straight out of bottle. They have a special tanner for the face and it’s definitely worth investing in that as it isn’t as highly pigmented so there’s no fear of waking up looking like you’ve been tangoed! Girls Aloud Swear by Fake Bake and their glowing, bronzed skin is testament to the quality of range; not least it’s dedicated following worldwide, funky packaging and no-fuss, no-mess application. There are hundreds of self tanners out there on the market, but make sure you try these two before heading to your local Boots – I guarantee you won’t be trawling the isles, sniffing the bottles and looking for that dream tan in a bottle! Finally – my last tip to ensure you shimmer and shine is to rub This Works Dry Leg Oil down your shins to lengthen and moisturise those pins and then finish off with a light dusting of Model Co’s Airbrush Illuminiser over the parts the sun would naturally catch…en voila! Now if I can just find those shorts…..

Happy Toning and Tanning!

Love Cheryl @ HQhair xx