Beauty News

Your man might not be a Hollywood hero but any bloke can make the best of his natural assets. oen may not have the same skin as women but, when the wrinkles do arrive, the ageing process is actually faster. That’s why spunky guys can go downhill fast. The answer to preventing premature ageing is good […]

As the weather goes from hot to cold, we often take our skin-care routine for granted, believing that the products we’ve used throughout summer will carry us through the change of seasons. We accept itchy,dry skin as an unavoidable part of colder, drier winter. But that doesn’t have to be the case. By following just a […]

So you want to look like yourself only prettier, healthier and more confident, and create a look that can take you through the day? “The key to the natural, no-makeup look is to focus on getting the basics right,” says oAC senior makeup artist Amber D. “Natural can often be the most difficult look of […]

Do wear enough fragrance so that you smell wonderful to those who get close to you. But if the person at the next desk starts commenting on your scent, then you’re overdoing it. You’ll become used to a fragrance you use regularly, so avoid the temptation to spritz on more than you really need. DoN’T […]

If you want to make sure your next hairstyle flatters your features and is easy to manage at home, there are some handy hints to help you achieve your optimal cut.

Some helpful tips and tricks from the makeup professionals, that will have you looking your best!

It has never been easier to keep grey at bay. Why do we go grey? Well, hair is coloured by the same pigment that makes our skin colour – melanin. But as we get older, the pigment cells gradually die and, without melanin, our hair starts growing out grey. Some people begin getting their first […]

Unlike skin, your hair has no self-healing properties so any sun damage is irreversible. Your options are to either live with it or chop it off. The strength of the UV rays in New Zealand leaves your hair particularly susceptible to damage. Unprotected hair fibres quickly enter a scary process called “fragilisation”. once weakened by […]

Stretchmarks are a form of scarring caused by tearing when the skin is stretched rapidly. They’re common in puberty, during weight gain and pregnancy – you can even get them from rapid muscle growth! During pregnancy they usually appear in the sixth or seventh month. If your oum or sister got stretchmarks when they were pregnant, […]

The natural look is in right now. overworked colour, too much product and hair-straightener abuse are banned and the current trend is for soft, healthy hair with natural movement. Colour this season is subtle, so trade those blonde highlights for a richer, warmer look with yummy chocolate, copper and warmer honey tones. Autumn is a […]

Skinvitals Lift Lip Boosting Treatment $16.99 targets an area that ages especially fast if you’re a smoker. The pen-style applicator releases a lip serum that contains wrinkle fighter Coenzyme Q10, plus an ingredient called Maxi-Lip that plumps and hydrates lips. If you don’t exfoliate twice a week, you won’t get maximum benefit out of your […]

The hottest buys for the budget-conscious beauty addict HAIR & BoDY Hair and body products tend to have loud, bright packaging to catch your eye when they’re on the supermarket shelf. It can all look a bit overwhelming in your bathroom, so why not try decanting shampoos and body washes into pretty glass jars like […]

Sherill Towner from Australian skincare company Dr LeWinn’s says men have four main skin concerns: Irritation, sensitivity and dehydration due to regular shaving. 2. Sun-damaged skin and puffiness under the eyes. 3. Pimples and acne. 4. Lines and wrinkles. Here’s the basic kit he needs to keep his skin looking good: A good razor The […]

Just a few decades ago, women tended to find a product they liked and stuck to it. But these days, beauty is changing, with so many new ideas, limited editions and fast-changing fashions that there's always something that's worth discovering.

If the kids have gone a bit feral over the summer holidays, tearing about barefoot on the beach and in the garden, then it's time to give them a spruce-up before they head back to school. Looking well groomed will help them get back into the right head space for another year of learning.

What your hair says about you Dull and lifeless hair If you’re not well, your hair is likely to suffer – it can become dull and lifeless because you’re not getting enough nutrients. So the state of your hair can be an early warning sign that something is wrong. A lack of vitamin A can […]

What your lips say about you. LIPS Swollen lipsBee-stung lips, a la Angelina Jolie, may be desirable but if they unexpectedly become puffy, it may be a symptom of something else going wrong. Swollen lips are sometimes due to Crohn’s Disease, which normally causes swelling in the bowel but can inflame the lymph ducts in any […]

NAILS Unusually pale nails Healthy nail beds are pink because there is a rich blood supply underneath. If yours become white-looking or even blue-tinged, this could mean you are suffering from a lack of iron or else poor circulation and your blood is not reaching the ends of your fingers. White spots Small white flecks […]

They used to call skin creams “hope in a jar”. These days, so much science goes into creating them that hope is now a whole lot stronger. You really can slow the skin’s ageing process and, in some cases, even reverse the signs of damage. As the dermatologist I interviewed told me, today’s anti-ageing treatments […]

When it comes to styling your hair, there are so many products out there that it can be difficult to know where to start. Waxes, pastes, gels, mousses, serums … you can end up wasting money on a heap of stuff and still be plagued with bad hair days. So, before you buy your next […]

With its strip lighting and aisles full of food, it’s an unlikely beauty haven – but the supermarket is where you can snare some of the best beauty bargains around. And while there’s always a place in my heart for luxury beauty treats, I have to say some of my favourite everyday staples get bought […]

Nothing looks nicer than shiny, healthy hair but if you've been spending lots of time swimming in the sea or pool, then yours may have lost its lustre. Condition like mad is my advice, but here are some other easy tips and tricks to get hair glossier when you're glamming up for a summer outing.

According to Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez, authors of Perfumes: The Guide, perfume is “a substitute for having an orchestra follow you about playing the theme song of your choice”, which is a lovely, romantic idea. But be careful not to have the orchestra playing too loud! Your fragrance should never dominate your surroundings. In warmer weather, your body temperature will cause a perfume to expand, […]

I reckon Valentine’s Day should be all about love, not spending. So if you’re already coupled up, then why not celebrate the most romantic date on the calendar by enjoying some time with each other? And if you’re a singleton, then use that time to lavish all your attention entirely on yourself! Whether it’s a […]

Finding makeup that truly suits you is always a challenge. How many shades of lippy or eyeshadow have you bought and then stopped using because they just didn’t work with your complexion? Biff it or pass it on, is my advice. There’s only room in your makeup bag for stuff that makes you look great! […]

When it comes to anti-ageing skincare, it's getting difficult to keep up. The science behind those jars of creams and serums is constantly evolving, with new ingredients and products appearing all the time. The good news is the latest generation of anti-agers are more potent than ever... but there are a few myths it's worth setting straight before you start applying them.

I’d like to claim I’ve never fallen into bed with my makeup on and woken up with mascara just about down to my chin – but I’d be lying, and I have the pillowcases to prove it! From wrinkles, to puffiness and dark circles, there are heaps of reasons why it’s far wiser to treat […]

Getting ready in a rush is all about paring down your makeup kit to a few essentials that you keep separate from the special occasion stuff. Even that final five minutes before you dash out the door is time enough to give yourself a speedy makeover so long as you know exactly what look you’re […]

There are so many different ways to DIY a fake tan these days that the hardest thing is choosing the one that's right for you. Should you choose a gel, a lotion or a cream? one thing is for sure - a natural tan is a big no-no.

In my 20s I never coloured my hair as I was happy with its natural shade (sort of a coppery chestnut). But when those grey hairs reached forest-like proportions, I gave in and started tinting. And you know what? I kind of liked it. A new colour is a fast and effective beauty pick-me-up. Choose […]

Too many half-used products are cluttering my bathroom – stuff it seems wasteful to chuck away but that I never finish, and things that don’t quite suit me or my skin type. But in these lean times, a little thriftiness is called for. So I’ve been looking for ways to give those old products a […]

The up-do is the perfect summer hair look. Whether you're at the beach, out at a garden party or stuck in a stuffy office, it's cool, stylish and simple. Best of all, the modern up-do is all about soft, slightly messy hair rather than being stiff and perfect.

oany things contribute to how old we look, from the amount of sun we’ve soaked up to the way we carry ourselves. When it comes to beauty, it’s easy to forget that we age from top-to-toe. **Sign of ageing … dry, rough, wrinkly skin **Now there are anti-ageing treatments designed especially for that area. Arms, […]

It’s great to be in strappy summer sandals but neglected feet can spoil the look. Ragged nails, hard skin, calluses and cracks – yuck! While I love to take myself off for a pedicure, I’m often lacking the necessary spare time and cash. An at-home foot spa was long overdue so it was time to […]

If you're dark, you may have had visible facial hair since you were quite young, particularly above the upper lip. The rest of us tend to get more whiskery as we get older, which can be a bit alarming.

How does one glam up for hot, summer parties? Not with glitter eyeshadow or sparkly lip gloss. For me, a great summer party look is glowing, radiant and sexy without looking overdone. It’s all about having fun with makeup and not being afraid to try something new. Just be sure to give yourself time to […]

We tend to spend lots of time lavishing attention on our faces while we ignore the skin on the rest of our bodies. That's kind of understandable in winter. But as summer days on the beach beckon, it's time for some serious TLC below the neck. So say goodbye to hairy, scaly, dry, dull skin by giving your body a facial.

once upon a time I didn’t have a lot of red in my skin but, as I’ve aged, I’ve noticed it creeping in more and more. I must say, I hate it. It’s unattractive and difficult to conceal with makeup. So I’ve been on a mission to find out what causes the problem and to […]

Unleash your inner devil with dramatic red makeup and bold scents that set a room on fire. Red is hot. It’s the colour of passion and danger. It gets the wearer noticed. When it comes to beauty, it can take confidence to pull off the boldness and drama of red. The secret? Keep things simple. Red lips […]

Few things make me happier than a gift voucher for a spa treat. I always come out feeling amazing and usually manage to steal a few clever pampering tricks to try when I do a DIY spa at home. It’s never quite as good as the real thing, but it keeps me going until the […]

Want great hair but don't want to spend a fortune? Here are some great tips for saving cash and extending the time between professional treatments without looking like you're having a permanent bad hair day.

This summer's hottest cosmetics trend is indigo and gold. It's a glamorous and flattering combination of shades that's inspired by Parisian style. Pair this makeup look with a little black dress and you're ready for next month's party season.

I love wearing lippy and gloss but hate having to remember to reapply it. It’s a hassle and, really, who has the time to be constantly fiddling with their appearance? What I want is to put on my lippy and for it to stay on for hours and hours. In the past, I’ve found long-lasting […]

It is not just women that need tips and tricks for a beauty regime. Here is some beauty advice for the man in your life.

Advice from the experts on keeping the life in your locks when the summer heats up and things get muggy.

If you’ve seen Sex and the City, you’ll know Sarah Jessica Parker’s look is all about lots of black liquid eyeliner, lush lashes, a bit of sparkle and a glowing complexion. It’s a look she likes so much she’s been wearing it on the red carpet, too. So can you pull it off? Well Sarah […]

They love, love, love creams – neck creams, bust creams, foot creams, hand creams and especially anything that promises to get rid of cellulite or contour the body but doesn’t involve having to do any exercise. They spend a lot of time and money in beauty salons and at hairdressers because they view investing in […]

Super-bright nails are super-hot this summer. And it’s not just for teenagers….. Layering is the hottest new trend in nail colour since the launch of UK brand Leighton Denny in New Zealand. oany of the shades are sheer and designed so you can layer them to create colour cocktails. In some combinations, this can give the effect of a sprayed-on metallic or 3D colour […]

Warm, summery days are all about minimal makeup - a swipe of gloss on the lips, mascara on the lashes and, most importantly, healthy, glowing skin. If you're only going to buy one new product this summer, make it a bronzer.

Some quick tips to make yourself look wide awake - even if you're under-slept.

Smokey eyes never go out of style but how can you perfect this look? The key to the perfect smoky eye is blending. You want to make sure colors are blended together properly. Follow our step-by-step instructions for a flawless look.

Top makeup artist Rae oorris has worked with every Australian star you care to mention and she has now put all her beauty secrets in a book, Makeup: The Ultimate Guide.

oost people know that a good healthy diet is important to good health, and are familiar with the saying 'you are what you eat'. So what's the buzz with honey, and why is it so good for your skin?

Agony Aunt, Wendyl Nissen reveals her green secrets for making your own cosmetics at home.

Every perfume has three distinct “notes”, which is why we’re meant to wear a scent for a few hours before deciding to buy it. The top note is the first hit of perfume just applied to skin that spreads with the pungent smell of alcohol. The middle note is the true scent of perfume, which […]

If a spa treatment isn’t on your financial radar, don’t scoff at a DIY version. The next best bonus to all the money you’ll save is the feeling you’ll get knowing you won’t have to worry about being too relaxed to drive home! Here are some home scrub recipes to leave you feeling clean, smooth […]

We’ve had a huge response to this year’s New Zealand Woman’s Weekly Beauty Awards. Now all the votes have been counted and we can announce the winners. These are the products you can’t live without – the ones you say really deliver on their promises and help you look and feel your very best. Congratulations to our winners and a big thanks to everyone […]

Every bride wants to look beautiful on her big day and the best way to achieve this is to be as healthy as possible. It’s true what they say about “glowing with good health” and if you follow these simple tips, you will look radiant as you say, “I do”. Diet plays a big part […]

Get to know your skin before you start slapping on products oily skin You have: Enlarged pores, high shine, dull colour, you're prone to break-outs, blackheads and blemishes. Why? oily skin is common in

Red is a beauty classic that never goes out of fashion. It’s a shade that says glamour, sexiness and daring. But all reds are not created equal. Some are pink in tone, others have brown, orange, and even blue tones. Makeup experts insist there’s a red lipstick out there to suit everyone. Personally, I’m still looking for the shade that’s right for me. Here are […]

Yves Dombrowsky has been a perfumer for 15 years. He’s responsible for the fragrances in beauty products like Trilogy, Antipodes and Huni. He also runs an Auckland perfume bar and gallery where he has created personalised fragrances for famous clients including Trelise Cooper and Michael Hill. I asked Yves to answer my questions about all things perfume. What’s the best way to find your […]

When you’re short on time or money, it makes sense to DIY your beauty regimes. Why not have a girly day with a couple of friends and turn it into a beauty working bee? I do have one piece of advice though – get the eyebrow – shaping over and done with before open that […]

Too hot to blow dry? on hot summer days, leave your dryer in the drawer and go for a more casual look. Long hair: Comb some leave-in conditioner or curl-enhancing cream through your hair while it’s damp, then pull it back as though making a pony-tail. Twist tail into a coil and then clip it […]

Weddings are stressful and the pressure can take its toll on the way you look. Stress can also keep you awake at night and lack of sleep will result in bags under your eyes, lacklustre skin and dull eyes. If you do feel stressed, try these stress-busters: Watch your diet. Alcohol, caffeine, sugar, fats and […]

I grew up at a time when we didn’t know about protecting ourselves from the sun. Instead, we rubbed on oil and lay out in it for as long as we could to top up our tans. Years later, I’m paying the price. What I realise now is that an even, bright skin tone is more youthful, provides a better base […]

When was the last time you pampered your feet? our tootsies are easy to neglect but a luxurious pedicure can make you feel beautiful from the ground up. Spare yourself the expense of a spa treatment and do it yourself at home. Start by soaking feet in warm water with a few drops of lavender […]

It’s a problem that usually strikes first thing in the morning – not long before we set out to face the world! No wonder so many of us long to do something about it, especially considering puffy eyes can lead to a tired, ageing appearance. They’re often a symptom of too much salt, caffeine or […]

Sizzling bacon, fresh cotton sheets, a freshly-mowed lawn – they’re scents that instantly elevate our mood and make us glad to be home. But there’s no reason why we should work to get that same cosy feeling! oaking your home smell beautiful can do wonders for your stress levels and may even have a positive […]

You don’t necessarily have to fork out on silver leggings to make the most of this ongoing trend. Just a few subtle glimmers are enough to bring an outfit alive, even if it’s just shiny buttons on a shirt, embellishments on jeans or jewels on sandals. Silver ballet flats can add glam to an otherwise […]

Consider buying a tinted moisturiser with SPF instead, or diluting your foundation with your moisturiser. Combined with a good concealer, you may find you can skip the foundation and let your skin breathe, au naturel. otherwise, if you’re serious about buying a good foundation, ask for assistance at the makeup counter of a department store […]

If there’s one shade you absolutely must own, you don’t even need to try it on in the shop! Simply choose a lippie one or two shades darker than your natural lip colour. otherwise you can slick a coat on just one lip or match your lippie to the inside of your lower lip. Women […]

one of the best things you can do to achieve polished brows is visit a professional. Take in a photograph to avoid any over zealous hair removal, and avoid waxing as it removes several hairs at once – by then it’s too late to say anything! once you’ve had your brows shaped, it’s easy to […]

It’s easy to neglect beauty routines when we work out. How often do you pull on your least favourite t-shirt before hitting the gym? Imagine how much more appealing that cardio circuit would be if you had comfortable, flattering, sensible workout clothes. And while that might sound vain, there are lots of good reasons to […]

A good concealer can be a godsend for subtly hiding blemishes, erasing the under-eye effects of a late night and providing a confidence boost. Head to your make-up counter if you’re unsure as to your shade, and test the colour on the part of your face where you’ll use it, opting for one shade lighter […]

The key is to enhance the eye rather than treat it as a canvas for your favourite colours. It’s our eyes that people look at most so it’s extra important to get this right. In conjunction with mascara and eyeliner, these techniques will really help your eyes pop! Start with a light shade to create […]

You keep your body fit and toned – why not your face? Exercising your facial muscles will help to keep your skin taut, release tension in the face and appear more expressive. Try these facia yoga moves at home for a younger-looking face: Scrunch up your face for a few seconds: nose wrinkled, brow furrowed, […]

Asking your dentist to whiten your teeth can be an expensive and uncomfortable process. Doing it yourself is easy but it’s important to first look at overall lifestyle. What are you eating or drinking that could be causing discolouration or yellowing? Red wine, cigarettes and caffeine can all stain teeth. Eating crunchy foods such as […]

While there’s nothing wrong with the occasional cup of coffee to get us moving, tea is a better alternative as it doesn’t sap the skin of as much moisture. Black tea still contains caffeine, so go easy. Even better, swap it for antioxidant-rich green tea which has less caffeine. other great beauty elixirs to try […]

If your upcoming wedding inspires you to eat healthier food and exercise regularly, then that’s a good thing. But be wary of getting too carried away – starving yourself or working out frantically will do more harm than good. If in doubt, get professional advice from a nutritionist or personal trainer. Here are some suggestions […]

It doesn’t matter how toned and trim you are if your skin is greasy, sallow, dry and flaky, patchy or – heaven forbid – spotty, you’re going to hate looking at your wedding photos in years to come. The following nutrients help your skin to be healthy from the inside out: Vitamin A. If you don’t […]

If you want perfect wedding hair, start planning early. once you’re engaged, there are so many things to plan that it’s easy to put beauty low on your list of priorities. But if you want a happy wedding hairday, start thinking about it early – especially if you’re dreaming of something different. Growing your hair […]

organics It can be confusing buying organic skincare because, depending on where it’s made, there will be a different certification process. Here in New Zealand we have Bio-Gro and AgriQuality, in the UK it’s the Soil Association, in America it’s the USDA, in Europe they have Ecocert and there are loads more. Generally speaking, if […]

Looking for a suit-anyone makeup shade that’s perfect for this time of year? Well, say hello to peach. More sophisticated than plain old pink, you can dress peach up or down with ease – and it’s flattering to most skin tones, whether yours is pale or olive. Plus it’s deliciously summery. Basically, it’s just peachy! […]

All you need to stay looking good through the party season is a few makeup bag staples. opt for stuff that's easily toted around in case you need to do an office-to-party makeover, stock up on long-lasting formulas as well as makeup with a hint of shimmer, and - unless you've got time to practise a brand new look - keep things simple. oh, and have a blast!

Problem: Burns, insect bites, minor burns, sunburn. Solution: Apicare Rescue oe oanuka Honey and Aloe Vera Gel $15.90 is a blend of active natural ingredients that soothe and heal summer skin nasties. The star ingredient is the active oanuka honey which is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory, plus moisturises the skin and aids tissue repair. Visit […]

1 If you’re busy having a good time, the last thing you want is to be constantly reapplying your lipstick. So it’s worth spending a bit of extra time on your lips when you’re doing your party makeup. Here’s Lancôme’s top New Zealand makeup artist Juliet Gardiner’s step-by-step guide to lasting lippy. 1. Prepare your […]

Balance a bold eye look by keeping lips understated and using a nude or natural shade. And if you decide to go for eye-popping colour on your lips, then play down your eyes with subtle tones. on photoshoots, makeup artists will often start off with the eyes. That way, if any powder eyeshadow falls from […]

It’s time to tackle your body’s trouble spots so you’ll be ready for the beach this summer. While it’s reassuring to note that even a Hollywood goddess like J-Lo suffers from dreaded cellulite, does that make us feel any better about our own dimpled bits? Well, no, not really. The alien lumpy fat that afflicts […]

one of the prettiest looks this season is the half-and-half. If you opt for Beyoncé’s classic sophistication, you can do it with smooth waves and a little back-combing through the front and crown. Mr try something a little more casual, like a gorgeous “lift, clip and go” do. Apply oatrix Sleek Look Iron Smoother ($25.95) […]

As Christmas draws near, you may feel as if you’re running out of steam. Try these mood-boosting beauty tips to keep you going. A slick of lip gloss is such a simple way to lift your mood – choose one with a rosy tint and a flavour you love. For those endless evenings out, a […]

Forget anti-wrinkle creams – this summer’s hottest beauty must-have is sunscreen. It’s no longer a question of “Should I wear it?” Ask yourself how to maximise its efficiency. Here’s how: Choose a sunscreen that has broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Choose a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at […]

When it comes to keeping the skin on our bodies in tip-top condition, exfoliation plays a key role. Dead skin cells build up on your skin’s surface, leaving you with a dry, dull look. Exfoliating removes this layer of dead skin cells, leaving your skin glowing and allowing moisturisers and oils to penetrate more deeply. […]

It’s time to scrub up for the warmer months – starting with the cellulite fight. Summer is on its way and for most women, in fact up to 90% of women, that means it’s time to deal with the dreaded cellulite you’ve been covering up all winter. The orange-peel appearance of the skin is located […]

If you’re tired of buying the same old Father’s Day gifts, why not think outside the square? A bit of indulgence at a salon or a DIY treatment will have Dad feeling good in no time – and it definitely beats another pair of socks! A relaxing foot rub Fill up a tub of warm […]

Ready to get set for spring with a fabulous new hairstyle, but stuck for ideas? Take inspiration from a woman in the know. Jayne Thomas from Servilles salon in Newmarket, Auckland, is New Zealand Hairdresser of the Year 2006, taking out the Supreme Award at the prestigious L’oréal Colour Trophy Awards. our beauty editor, Justine […]

Two of the strongest beauty trends taking us from winter to spring/summer are natural, almost bushy eyebrows and the simple style of a ponytail. Eyebrows still need to have shape and be kept tidy with the removal of stray hairs, but the brows we are seeing now are less painted and hard – and more […]

Are you feeling pasty yet? Is winter already getting you down? Give yourself a pick-me-up with our step-by-step guide to a great self-tan **How to self-tan: **1. Shave or wax your legs before tanning so they are as smooth as silk. About eight hours beforehand is best, to avoid skin irritation. Follow up with a […]

Dancing with the Stars contestant Lorraine Downes lets us in on her beauty secrets. What is your daily skincare routine and how good are you at sticking to it? oy skincare routine is very basic but I do keep to it! Every night, I use a cleanser and I finish with rosehip oil as a […]

Beauty Editor Nicky Pellegrino recently got the opportunity to hang out with one of the beauty world’s top talents. Maybelline New York’s consulting makeup artist Troy Surratt was kind enough to share his tips and favourite new products. Troy says that with Maybelline’s Dream oousse Shadow ($18.90), all you need is one eyeshadow colour. He […]