Beauty Shopping

Nuts about beauty products? Here's some buying tips you should know first!

1. Make sure you know what type of skin, hair and nails you have before you set out. Ask an expert if you're not sure: a facialist, hair stylist and manicurist can determine them for you.

2. List any known sensitives you have and the ingredients that cause them, so you can check labels and eliminate any likely toublemakers!

3. Write down the things you NEED and those you WANT: This helps you to set a budget and resist them temptation to make impulse buys.

4. If you're shopping for new makeup, particularly foundation and blusher, go with clear skin, and use cotton buds to apply and never put your fingers in pots for risk of infection.

5. Use tissues instead of toe separators. Roll them into a thin barrel and weave between your toes before you apply polish.

6. Go for cotton squares instead of cotton balls, as they won't leave those annoying wool fibres on your nails.

7. Lanolin is a great alternative to foot or cuticle creams, as it acts as a barrier for dry hands and feet, and softens the cuticles.

8. Avoid metal emery boards as they can rip and tear the nail.

9. When buying polish, always choose a basic red and a pale pink. These two shades will never go out of fashion.

10. Don't be tempted to buy whatever is on sale! Remember, know what you WANT =)

11. Sectioning clips are a good investment, especially if you have long hair, as it will save on blow-drying time - you can concentrate on small areas at a time.

12. Look for products that perform two or more functions and buy smart.

13. Skincare is all about protection and maintenance, so ensure you start everyday with a zinc oxide-based sunscreen.

14. To avoid (further) damage, always apply sunscreen not only to your face but to other areas exposed to the sun on a daily basis, like the decolletage and the backs of the hands.

Tips fr Denice
15. Vaseline is a GREAT product for this cold season. I use it to soothe chapped lips, keep brows neat, mix with powder eyeshadow to make a creamy/glossy look and more! =)