CATWALK with VALENTINO

Haute Couture DIOR

CATWALK with CHANEL

CATWALK with ARMANI Privé A/W 10-11 HC

Which hair brush should I use?

Question

There are so many hair brushes on the market and I'm a little confused about what brush I should use to style my hair. My hair is curly and very frizzy.
Julie, via email

Answer

As a general rule, you should use natural bristle brushes. Beyond this your hair will determine the type of brush you should use. For more bounce and a tighter wave, select a smaller round brush. For a sleek, straight finish, opt for a thick, large round brush.

For very curly hair a paddle brush is best. While hair is damp, pull the brush from the roots, with the dryer directed at the roots to pull out the frizz. Once hair is dry, section it off and smooth it around a large, round brush for a frizz-free finish.

Dry hands help

Question
My hands get so dry in the cold that they feel like sandpaper. How can I keep them smooth?

Answer
A lack of humidity in winter can make your skin feel much drier than usual, so always wear rubber gloves in the kitchen and use conditioning handwashes rather than soaps.

Keep your hand cream nearby, so you're reminded to apply it regularly. To help your hand cream penetrate more effectively, start by giving your hands an exfoliating treatment to buff away dead skin.

Manicurist Christina Fitzgerald recommends simple sorbolene, but if you like a more luxurious, fragranced cream, try Lanolips Rose Balm Intense For Very Dry Hands & Nails

Five fashion must haves for summer

We've done the hard work for you and enlisted the help of style blogger and all-round fashion expert Rosie Findlay (http://fashademic.blogspot.com) to help you sort the flash-in-the-pan fashion from the long-term style relationship for this summer. Here are the five pieces she says are worth dusting off the credit card for.

1. A well-cut straw hat
Whether it's a fedora, boater or a snappy little trilby, there's no better way to combine "sun-safe" and style.

2. Classic pale blue denim
If it's good enough for Stella McCartney, it's good enough for me! It will be everywhere. It is easiest to wear as a buttoned-down skirt that grazes the knee, a pair of well-cut high-waisted trousers or the ever classic denim jacket slung over a pretty dress.

3. A one-piece swimsuit
This universally flattering style is supportive for women with larger cup sizes. An unbeatable choice. For a different shape, try looking for a never-worn vintage one!

4. A straw basket- straw again!
But there's a hankering for the carefree style of the '70s, so channel Jane Birkin and sling one over your arm (or bike).

5. A pair of woven leather sandals
No, not gladiators. And no, definitely not made of rubber or plastic! Keep it chic, keep it simple. They're comfortable and go with anything. I'm looking for something with a sturdy sole for walking, preferably handcrafted.