We’re tipping hairdressers and therapists super-generously at the moment (around 20-25% as opposed to the normal 10-15%), to make up for months without tips. Even where hairdressers (and ultimately therapists) have been furloughed, what they’ve received doesn’t take into account tips, which make up a large part of income. So: if you can afford to, why not be generous?
Suffering from bunions? Operations for these, like so many, are massively delayed. Journalist Anna Murphy, however, had great results from Yogatoes, a more bulky version of the kind of separators you wear while having a pedicure. ‘Over time – I built up from about 15 minutes a day to an hour or so – I they start to reshape your feet. A second, similar option is Correct Toes from the Emperor’s New Shoes. These stretch the toes less, because they are more slimline, but you can walk around in them – either barefoot, or in generously dimensioned footwear like slippers or Birkenstocks – which means you can wear them all day, when you are at home.’ And we are.
When the temperature rises and it’s hot at night (but not humid), we like to place a shallow bowl of ice in front of a fan and enjoy the breeze. As the ice melts, then evaporates, the air will cool you off. (And yes, Dyson fans really are the quietest on the planet, if you generally find a fan at night too noisy.)
It’s summer, and we all need less make-up. So try this: to brighten tired eyes, put a hint of blush on the apple of the cheek and then use the blush as eyeshadow in the crease above the eye. A peachy-rose colour looks best.’
Love this philosophy we heard lately: spend money on two things where comfort is key and you’ll be glad you did: sheets and shoes.
From that ultimate pro, Kate Moss… ‘Haristylists Sam McKnight and Guido Palau showed me the best trick for volume. I just tease and pinch the crown of my head using my fingers and a brush, to give my hair lift. I also learned to dry my hair almost completely and then tuck it behind my ears. Then when it’s dry, it gives me a little bit of a wave. It’s so easy.’
Is there anyone out there who isn’t struggling with negative and overwhelming thoughts at the moment? Dr. Kristin Neff, author of The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook, recommends: ‘We recognise touch as care, so when you’re struggling with negative thoughts, simply laying your hand onto bare skin over your chest helps to ground you.’
If you’ve taken up running and you’re looking for a comfortable shoe, choose a design that’s been around for a while rather than a super-high-fashion innovation. Many gimmicky shoes are designed for trendiness, not practicality or performance, and will probably disappear from the market within a year because they fall apart, hurt your feet or don’t do a good job. Go for a classic that has stood (or rather, run) the test of time.
Still no prospect of a manicure? To tidy raggedy cuticles without professional help, rub a little toothpaste on each nail (after removing polish). It contains sodium to soften and exfoliate cuticles. Then drop a tablet of Alka Seltzer in hot water and soak your hands for a few minutes. Scrub off any remaining cuticle skin with a soft toothbrush, and moisturise lavishly.
Basil beats bugs! Since we’re all socialising outdoors at the moment, insects can be a problem. Rubbing basil on your skin keeps bugs that bite – especially mosquitoes – at bay. It’s a trick that has been used in India and Africa for centuries, according to Rodale’s The Green Pharmacy.
Loofahs are a great way to exfoliate skin – but how often do they need to be replaced? Ideally, you should throw out your loofah (they can also be composted brilliantly) every couple of months due to the build-up of bacteria from dead skin cells (bacteria can potentially travel from loofah to skin, infecting hair follicles). Alternatively, combat bacteria growth by soaking in a 10% bleach solution once a week. But be sure to rinse it very well indeed before using again.
New summer shoes? When the temperature and humidity rise, it's a recipe for blisters. Ideally, wear new shoes for short periods while they shape perfectly to your feet. If you do get a blister, bathe for a few minutes in salt water and then cover with a Compeed plaster, which covers (almost invisibly) while helping healing.
Have your sunglasses left a white strip on the bridge of your nose? First off: remember to wear sunscreen all over your face. Second: match a concealer with your tan and pat it into the white strip. Set with a fine dusting of power and touch up during the day.
To avoid a burned scalp, apply sunscreen along your parting. And if you have thinning hair, spritz the entire scalp with an SPF spray.
Follow the advice of our beauty editor friend Grace Timothy when she feels a spot coming. She double-cleanses before using a light oil to massage the skin around a spot, with the aim of bringing the ‘bad stuff’ to the surface. ‘Whacking on an oil might seem like a bad idea, but the right oils don’t make your skin more oily.’ By adding a small amount of oil, you’re telling the skin to stop overproducing and rebalance.
How do you apply your foundation? Our friend Charlotte Tilbury advises: ‘Start in the centre of your face and blend outwards.’
Beware of products that irritate your eyes at all – make-up, skincare, eye make-up removers or tinting treatments. Irritated skin looks puffy, red and can appear more wrinkled, so keeping sensitivity in check is a key part of making eyes appear more youthful.
You might’ve heard the advice to keep summer Colognes in the fridge. But in the same way that you shouldn’t keep tomatoes in the fridge – because it stops the flavour developing – Colognes are best enjoyed at room temperature, so they can blossom on your skin fully.
If you're a new specs-wearer, you'll need to adjust your make-up to suit your glasses. Specs will magnify farsighted eyes, so wear matte textures and blend precisely. Nearsighted eyes will seem smaller, so be sure to wear liner and mascara to stop them getting lost.
Overdone the garlic mayo (or any other delicious garlicky food)? Chewing on fennel or fennel seeds helps, but the best way to get it out of your system – according to dermatologist Dennis Gross – is a vigorous workout, which makes you sweat and thus metabolises it out of your body.