The 100 best beauty tips from the experts (2025)

A century of trusted beauty advice is a lot for anyone to digest, so how better to mark Good Housekeeping’s 100^th birthday than with a roundup of our 100 best beauty tips? From double blushing to boosting your curls, there’s nothing we haven’t covered.

100 best beauty tips

SKINCARE BEAUTY TIPS

1. Sandwich your retinoids

Vitamin A is the enduring anti-aging ingredient everyone’s fascinated by, but if you worry about the initial irritation it can sometimes cause, dermatologist Dr Elyse Love suggests applying a thin layer of gentle moisturiser first, a thin layer of your retinol/retinoid a few minutes later, then a final thin layer of the same moisturiser. “It’s like building a sandwich,” Love explains. “The moisturiser creates a buffer that will dilute the retinol in those first few weeks.” Medik8 Crystal Retinal comes in four strengths to suit your skin’s tolerance.

2. Fridge benefits

Suffering from sunburn? Dermatologist Dr Stefanie Williams says to keep a thermal water spray in the fridge in the summer. “Soak a clean sheet of kitchen roll with it and lay it over the affected area.”

3. Milk it

Skincare expert Ole Henriksen recommends freezing milk in an ice-cube tray and massaging your face with the cubes, wrapped in muslin. “They lift dead cells and boost circulation, giving an instant facelift,” he tells us.

4. Clay caution

Clay masks are great for absorbing impurities and clearing out pores but - contrary to belief - you should never wait for them to dry and crack before removing. Satisfying? Yes. Dehydrating for all skin types, especially mature, dry and delicate? Very.

5. So, serum…

If you don’t already use a serum, start now. They contain a higher percentage of active ingredients in a more penetrative formulation than a cream, meaning they can target more specific skin concerns. Always apply before your moisturiser and SPF, and if you’re worried about the additional cost, Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Concentrated Face Serum came out on top when we tested 25 hydrating serums.

6. Use-by beauty

Ever wondered what the little open jar symbol means on your skincare packaging? It’s the PAO (Period After Opening), and refers to how many months the product is OK to use after opening. For example, “12M” means you should ditch it 12 months after breaking the seal. Why? If a product’s preservatives are no longer functioning it can become contaminated, leading to skin irritation or even a bacterial infection. Then there are all those active ingredients which will may have deteriorated, making application a little pointless.

7. Try a new tool

If you’ve introduced a jade roller into your skincare routine but can’t see any de-puffing and brightening benefits, try upgrading to a curvy-but-pointed gua sha massage stone. “Gua Sha works deeper than a jade roller and is a much more effective method of boosting microcirculation,” explains Katie Brindle, Chinese medicine practitioner and founder of the Hayo'u Method. The points on a gua sha can also be used to activate facial acupressure points, a technique used for centuries in Chinese medicine to calm the mind, boost circulation and alleviate sinus problems (to name a few benefits).

8. Cleanse with a cloth

If your skin’s too sensitive for chemical or physical exfoliants, try switching to a muslin cloth when removing your cleanser. The slightly abrasive texture will slough off dead skin cells without causing irritation, and they’re a great eco-friendly alternative to throw-away cotton pads.

9. The golden minute

Immediately after washing your face and patting it dry with a towel, your skin is most vulnerable to dehydration through a process called osmosis. “You have a 60-second window before moisture evaporation occurs,” explains celebrity dermatologist Renée Rouleau. “But by applying your first product during this valuable period of time, you will seal hydration into the skin.

10. The DIY de-puff

To relieve water retention for better-defined cheekbones, Suqqu brand specialist Shumana Begum suggests making a fist with both hands, and using the second joints of your fingers to press upwards until they’re sitting under the cheekbones. Move your fists up and down in small motions to massage the muscles and stimulate the skin, then slide them sideways towards the ear, bringing them down to the neck to drain.

11. Phone filth

Adult acne around the cheeks and jaw area could be caused by holding grimy phones against the skin, says cosmetic dermatologist Dr Sam Bunting. She warns that long calls could irritate breakouts. “Use antibacterial wipes to keep your phone clean,” she says. “Alcohol- and bleach-free ones won’t ruin your screen. And use a zit-zapping product that contains salicylic acid to control inflamed spots.”

12. Green goddess

If you want to make your beauty routine more eco-friendly but have no idea where to start, check out terracycle.com. Multiple brands have signed up to this game-changing recycling programme (Garnier, Maybelline and Deciem, to name a few), allowing you to leave your hard-to-recycle empties at designated drop-offs around the country. Then you can polish your halo with some reusable pads.

13. Eye-level allure

It’s a fact that – like most products in the shops – beauty products are shelved according to price. “The more expensive brands, or those with the highest mark-up, sit at eye level; the more affordable brands sit nearer your feet,” explains managing director of Retail Vision, John Ibbotson. Which means that shoppers on automatic pilot could be spending more than their inquisitive counterparts just by not looking down.

14. Decode CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) has anti-inflammatory powers and the ability to reduce sebum production in skin prone to acne, but make sure you know what you’re buying. If the label lists hemp seed oil rather than CBD itself, your product will be rich in Omegas 3 and 6 and amino acids to nourish and strengthen the skin, but will contain little or no CBD itself. Good Housekeeping’s Senior Beauty Editor Alexandra Friend rates Aurelia CBD Super Serum.

15. Change your cleanser

Take a moment to think about how your skin feels after cleansing. If it’s dry or tight try switching your regular cleanser for an oil-based cleansing balm, especially in winter, when bitter-cold temperatures and central heating can leave skin parched. Good Housekeeping’s Beauty Editor Gillian Davies rates Wishful Clean Genie Cleansing Butter.

16. Avoid neck neglect

In other words, treat your neck as an extension of your face. This area is more prone to folds and wrinkles due to the angle we frequently look down at our screens (it’s called ‘tech neck’), so it’s important to take your skincare right down to the chest area every morning and evening.

17. Love LED

They might look a bit strange when you’re wearing them, but at-home LED masks provide brilliant skin rejuvenation without pricey clinic visits. Red light is a proven collagen booster, while blue light kills acne-causing bacteria. We rate the Dr Dennis Gross Spectralite FaceWare Pro, which offers both.

18. Boost your makeup

We generally think of skincare and makeup as two separate categories, but co-founder of The INKEY List Colette Laxton says they can work hand-in-hand. “I mix a hydrating serum into my liquid foundation to combat that cakey look. Ideally one with polyglutamic acid, which (like hyaluronic acid and glycerine) is a humectant that draws in moisture from the atmosphere, creating a gorgeous glowy finish.” Try The INKEY List Polyglutamic Acid Serum.

19. Sleep clean

Avoid breakouts by cleaning your sheets and pillows at least once a week, along with (if you wear one) your eye mask: dead skin cells, oil and bacteria can build up on their surfaces and transfer back onto the skin, clogging pores and triggering breakouts. Always wash your hair after a workout too, says clinical aesthetician and founder of skin clinic Mortar & Milk, Pamela Marshall. “Sleeping with dirty hair is a no-no for the same reason, and dry shampoo isn't the answer,” she tells us.

20. Fix “drinkles”

If you’ve noticed tiny lines starting to crop up, they might not be wrinkles. “They could be ‘drinkles’, which are tiny wrinkles caused by dehydration,” explains dermal facialist and founder of Skingredients, Jennifer Rock. “This skin condition is easily rectified with moisture-boosting ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine, which have humectant abilities, allowing them to bind to water and retain it within the skin.”

21. Get an early night…

Zelens founder Dr Marko Lens has some very clear skincare advice: have more sex! “Studies show that regular sex can improve your complexion by increasing blood flow and reducing levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, which can have a negative effect on collagen,” he explains. Glad we asked.

MAKEUP BEAUTY TIPS

22. Join the dots

When it comes to neutralising redness and discoloration, full-coverage foundation is a no-brainer. But there’s no need to cover every inch of your skin, according to director of artistry for Hourglass Cosmetics, Marc Reagen. “Apply on the areas that need the most help, then ‘join the dots’ by buffing out with a brush,” he says. Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation scored highly in our tests.

23. Shadow sensitivity

Dermatologist Dr Harold Lancer advises those with sensitive skin to stick to earth-toned eyeshadows. “They have less pigment,” he explains, “so won’t be as irritating as darker and metallic shades.”

24. Double blush

Makeup artist Kenneth Soh knows a thing or two about creating lit-from-within skin. He recommends buffing your blush on in two layers: one underneath and another over the top of your foundation for a "soft, edgeless finish". We love KVD Beauty ModCon Liquid-Gel Blush.

25. Powder precisely

The next time you powder your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin), use a clean eyeshadow blending brush to get right into the sides of the nose, around the nostrils, over the bump of the chin and above and between the brows, suggests makeup artist Gina Kane.

26. Make a statement

The best way to wear a statement red lip? With confidence, says Max Factor brand ambassador Caroline Barnes. “Yes, it may take courage to put on, but red lipstick creates a powerful party look that will instantly lift your mood.” Estée Lauder Pure Colour Desire Rouge Excess Lipstick comes in a wearable range of reds and pinks.

27. The right red

Got the confidence but still need some guidance? If you’re a classic English rose, steer clear of anything too blue-based, as it can make pale skin look sallow. Makeup artist Tania Grier recommends coral-reds, which give fair skin a lift. Read our Ultimate Red Lipstick Guide to find out more.

28. Dry-light

If your oily skin has turned you into a glow-phobe, don’t write off highlighting just yet. Instead of luminising creams, try using face powder a few shades lighter than your base to accentuate the high panes of your face (cheekbones, browbones and along the bridge of your nose). A mineral-based one will melt into your skin effortlessly.

29. Brush basics

If a makeup brush is your tool of choice for foundation application, make sure the bristles are synthetic. The absence of cuticles (which natural hairs have) makes synthetic fibres less porous, meaning liquid makeup is transferred onto the skin rather than soaked up by the brush. Try the Real Techniques Expert Face Make-Up Brush.

30. Use your thumbs

For a healthy-looking flush, Hollywood makeup artist Jillian Dempsey suggests smiling, then stamping a thumbprint of cream blush on the highest part of the cheek. “You’ll look like Coco The Clown for a second, but then you can use your thumb to blend it out at the edges.”

31. Simple smoke

Want a smoky eye in half the time? Fill your lid from lash line to socket crease with a creamy khol pencil, soften the edges with a blending brush, then press a loose, shimmery shadow over the top. Et voilà! Try experimenting with nudes and bronzes first – darker colours allow less room for error!

32. The perfect pink

On the hunt for the perfect pink lipstick to flatter your skin tone? Just pull down your lip and find the closest match to your gums. Don’t believe us? Try it.

33. Blush your nose

Sweep the blush you’ve just applied to your cheeks across your nose, too. “It’ll give a nice echo of colour through the face,” says Bobbi Brown’s senior pro makeup artist, Warren Dowdall. Check out our roundup of the best new blushers.

34. Create a crease

Don’t feel like you have a strong eye crease to define? Try looking into a mirror and slowly tilting your head back until the shadow pops out, then use this as your guide for where to add more depth with a darker shade.

35. Line right

Here’s a magic lip-lining tip for achieving a plumper-looking pout: run your pencil from the corners of your mouth up towards the cupid’s bow, not down. You’ll be amazed at the difference it makes. Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat Pillow Talk Lip Liner is universally flattering.

36. Stay-put shimmer

Love a shimmery eye? Try applying with fingers rather than a brush. The natural oils in our fingertips are a fantastic binder for shimmering particles, and pressing (rather than sweeping) them on will minimise fallout.

37. Set your lipstick

Celebrity makeup artist Hannah Martin uses the age-old trick of setting her lip product with translucent powder. “Stipple powder directly onto the lips using a fluffy brush,” she explains. “Or you could try brushing the powder through a single-ply tissue if you’re scared of overdoing it.”

38. Bronze by numbers

When it comes to natural-looking bronzer, remember “the rule of three.” Sweep it around the outer edge of your forehead, down through the temples and back in over your cheekbones, and then back out again down along the jawline. This “three” shape covers all the areas naturally exposed to the sun.

39. Mix ‘n’ match liner

Pure black eyeliner can create a harsh effect and make eyes look smaller. Try mixing black and brown cream or gel liners together on the back of your hand to achieve a more flattering tone.

40. Skin-tone trinkets

What’s your skin tone? can feel like one of life’s unanswerable questions, but it doesn’t have to. Simply try on some gold and silver jewellery, then decide which one flatters your skin the most. Going for gold? You’re likely warm-toned. Seduced by silver? That’ll be cool-toned.

41. Balance your brows

Forget contouring, nothing flatters your face shape more than the right brow shape. “A high arch adds structure and length to a round face,” explains Benefit brow expert, Lauren Hogsden, “while a low-lying arch breaks up a longer face.” Glossier Brow Flick came out on top when we tested the new breed of brow beautifiers.

42. Stay sharp

Sharp tweezers are a must when plucking brows, says the founder of Rubis Tweezers, Fides Baldesberger. “You risk eyebrow hairs breaking or completely slipping from your grasp when using blunt ones.” She recommends using a coarse emery board to get your tweezers box-fresh, gently pressing the file between the tips of the tweezers and sliding it through from one end to the other. “Then, hold the tweezers closed and file the slanted tip in one stroke along the edges.”

43. Waterproof warning

Waterproof mascara is great for long-lasting lash definition that can’t be cried, rained or swum off (we rate Revlon Volumazing Mascara Waterproof Blackest Black), but it does make the lashes stiffer and more prone to bending and snapping. Always remove it at the end of the day using a good oil-based cleanser.

44. Stick staples

If you often find yourself applying makeup on the go, invest in some handbag-friendly makeup sticks. Good Housekeeping's beauty director Eve Cameron wouldn’t be without the bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick. "It’s hydrating, so doesn’t go cakey or settle into pores. I’ve found a couple of shades (one for summer, one for winter) that blend seamlessly into my skin for redness-hiding coverage, without heaviness.”

45. Blend your own base

Feel like a lighter-looking base but only have a full-coverage foundation to hand? Makeup artist Bryony Blake suggests mixing concealer with your everyday moisturiser for a lightweight skin tint that’s perfect for good-skin days.

46. Protect your pout

When investing in a nourishing lip tint, check for SPF credentials too. “The skin on your lips is significantly thinner than on the rest of your body,” explains consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, Dr Anjali Mahto. “This means it’s more susceptible to the damage caused by UVA and UVB rays.” Fresh Sugar Petal Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF15 is a firm favourite with us.

47. Boost your blush

We’re often taught to apply blush on the apples of our cheeks, but they can drop a little as we age (alongside other things!). For a more youthful and instantly lifted-looking effect, try putting your blush a little higher up on the cheekbones.

48. Beyond the blur

Beauty counters have their own imperfection-blurring lighting built in. After a free makeover (and before you decide to invest in anything), step outside into natural daylight with a compact mirror to see the real results.

49. Sharpen your smile

Applying your lipstick straight from the tube may feel fast and easy, but a brush is best for even coverage and a more defined smile. Reach for one that’s been cut into a flat paddle shape, such as the Delilah Lip brush – they’re perfect for following the two points of your cupid’s bow and sharpening the lip line.

50. Golden arches

Smashbox national makeup coach Janine Bird advises running a gold pencil through fair brows to fake a fuller finish. “The gold shimmer attracts the light to create a 3D effect,” she says. “It also acts as a spotlight for eyes, making the iris appear brighter.”

51. Two-tone brows

“For darker brows, the key to keeping it natural is to use two eyebrow pencils – one the same shade as your brows and the other slightly darker,” reveals Estée Lauder UK makeup ambassador Lynsey Alexander. “Start by brushing the hairs upwards, then fill in any gaps, a hair stroke at a time, alternating between the two shades.” Do some more upwards brushing to soften your just-applied “hairs” and repeat with clear fixing gel.

52. Correct, don’t cake

Most of us will face an angry red blemish at some point in our lives. Rather than pile on makeup until your skin looks cakey, invest in a colour corrector to counteract redness. Try green if you’re fair, and yellow or orange for medium-to-deeper skin tones, then top with a creamy concealer. Try Shiseido Synchro Skin Self Refreshing Concealer.

HAIR BEAUTY TIPS

53. On-the-go gloss

If you’re partial to a hat, be aware that they can rough up the hair’s cuticles and leave them unable to reflect light as well (in other words, dull instead of glossy). Carry a dry conditioner around with you to inject instant moisture. Pantene pro-V Mist Behaving Dry Conditioner Mist smells incredible.

54. Wet hair before swimming

“Always wet your hair before getting into a pool or the sea,” says Oribe lead educator, Nicci Welsh. “Hair is porous and soaks up water when you swim. Wetting it with tap water first means it will make it harder for the chlorine or salt water to be absorbed.”

55. Work with your waves

If you have wavy hair, try a wide-tooth comb. Just as brushing can ruin curl definition, waves can also be disrupted by too much attention.

56. Silky swish

If your morning bed head is particularly out of control, invest in either a silk pillowcase or an even more glamorous silk hair wrap. Less friction while you toss and turn means glossier hair when you wake. Check out Slip’s offerings.

57. Farewell, frizz

If frizz is a persistent problem, try applying ‘foundation’ styling products (ie gel, serum and mousse) while your hair is still wet - but not sopping - after washing. “If hair dries with the cuticles unsealed by product, frizz forms,” explains Aveda global artistic director Tippi Shorter.

58. Scalp relief

“An evening scalp massage is great for stimulating acupressure points and relieving tension,” says founder of Chāmpo Haircare, Kuldeep Knox. “After applying a hair growth serum, I rest my hands on the sides of my head, fingers pointing up and spread apart. Then, applying a light pressure, I move them in circular motions over my entire scalp, allowing my fingers to lift away when I reach the top of my head, but still maintaining contact through the heels of my hands.”

59. Stop wrapping wires

If you’re a neat freak and like to wrap wires around the hair tool it belongs to, stop. This can place pressure on the connection and shorten the lifespan of your tools.

60. Brush up

Over-brushing your hair can lead to frizz and breakage, but the right brush can actively improve the condition of your hair. “Boar-bristle brushes effectively distribute the natural oils from your scalp through to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair,” says textured hair specialist Charlotte Mensah. Try Briogeo Vegan Boar Bristle Brush.

61. Diffuse gently

Celebrity stylist and Unite ambassador Graham Nation warns that drying your curls too quickly can lead to irreversible frizz. “Using a diffuser, dry gently, starting from the ends and working up towards the roots at different angles,” he tells us. We rate the Babyliss Platinum Diamond 2300w Diffuser Dryer.

62. Avoid air drying

Letting hair dry naturally (ie without any heat) always feels like a kinder alternative to blasting it with a dryer, but clever scientists at GHD have revealed that our hair fibres swell when wet, and the longer that swelling goes on for the more pressure it puts on the delicate hair proteins. “Try towel drying using a scrunching motion,” advises GHD Vice President of Smart Devices, Dr Tim Moore. “Then, spritz your hair with a heat protectant spray and start blow-drying on the lowest setting, slowly increasing the heat as the hair becomes drier.”

63. Cool blast

Add lift and volume to fine hair – and set it in place – by finishing your blow-dry with a blast of cool air with your head turned upside down, says stylist Paul Windle of Windle London. “It’s also important not to overload your hair with too many styling products, which can weigh it down.”

64. Cocktail for curls

Cocktailing products to suit your individual curl needs is a hairstylist’s secret to achieving beautiful bounce – try mixing oil with styling gel for softness and hold, for example. For something faster, try DevaCurl Super Stretch Coconut Curl Elongator, which gives moisture, definition and soft hold for all curl types – all while taming flyaways.

65. Try a toner

To switch up your hair colour without long-term commitment, try a toner (also referred to as a gloss or glaze). “They’re temporary topcoats that can completely change the tone of your hair,” says London colourist Josh Wood; his Shade Shot Gloss is easy to use and promises perfect results every time.

66. Be grateful for greys

Hair stylist Larry King explains that grey hair has a coarse, wavy texture that can provide unexpected styling benefits, whether you’re embracing the colour or covering it up. “Those who’ve struggled with limp hair all their lives can find it feels and looks thicker and has more body once it starts going grey.” Here’s our roundup of the best grey shampoos.

67. The perfect part

The most flattering position for a parting is often just above the highest part of your eyebrow, but play around to find out what works for you. For a more precise part, use the tail of a comb to section your hair into a neat line.

68. Accentuate with accessories

Dress up your hair for a night out by placing a decorative hair slide just above the ear on a diagonal angle. “This continues the line of the cheekbone and helps lift the face, for anti-ageing benefits,” says Zoë Irwin, creative director of John Frieda Salons.

69. 100 per cent dry

If you plan on using heated tools in the evening, save time by washing and blow-drying hair in the morning, so that it’s completely dry when you come to style it. A weekly treatment such as Philip Kingsley Elasticizer will keep hair looking healthy during party season if you’re styling it more than usual.

70. Natural-looking waves

When you’re curling your hair with tongs but want it to look naturally wavy, alternate the direction you twist each section to avoid tell-tale uniform ringlets.

71. Pony power

If you have long hair and struggle with instructions to “apply product from mid-length to end,” pull your hair into a high ponytail first. Then, work the product from tip to hairband. This will stop you going too close to the roots or getting your shoulders covered in product.

72. Scalp SOS

The scalp-scrub trend isn’t just a passing fad: hair grows best from a healthy scalp. Shampoo regularly to keep your scalp environment in good shape, and use an exfoliating mask once a week to remove dead skin cells. Here’s our roundup of the best scalp scrubs.

73. Book a trim

It’s a myth that getting your hair cut regularly makes your hair grow faster, but it will help avoid significant breakage and make it appear thicker at the ends. "Any splitting can travel up the hair shaft if not caught in time, so regular trims prevent the need for a more dramatic cut later down the line," says hair expert Michael Van Clarke.

74. Dry night

If you’re a dry-shampoo addict, use it before bed to degrease overnight rather than the next day when you’re too busy trying to get the coffee machine working. Batiste Overnight Deep Cleanse is designed to nix oil while you sleep, meaning you can wake up with fresh hair and no tell-tale white residue.

75. Surf’s up

Love the look of effortless beach waves but find sea salt sprays too drying? Try a sugar spray instead – same effect, but less moisture-zapping. Try Pantene Pro-V Perfectly Undone Texturizing Sugar Hair Spray.

76. Be silicone savvy

Silicone-based products coat the hair strands, reflecting light and enhancing shine. But they can have the tendency to build up over time, so are best avoided if your hair is very fine. Try a light oil instead – Abyssinian oil is becoming popular as it’s water-soluble so doesn’t leave hair greasy. Tropic Hair Smooth Radiance Oil scored highly in our tests.

FRAGRANCE BEAUTY TIPS

77. Extend your scent

How long your fragrance lasts comes down to how volatile its notes are (how quickly they evaporate). Citrus notes don’t tend to hang around very long, but layering them with a similar-scented body lotion should extend their life a little.

78. Lingering love notes

Fragrance guru Nick Gilbert explains that richer wood and musk notes are made up of larger molecules, which evaporate at a slower rate. White floral notes will also stand the test of time: legendary fragrance Chanel No 5 uses jasmine to give its wearer a long-lasting, linger-on- the-skin sexiness.

79. Use scent to stimulate

Director of innovation and sustainability at Rituals Cosmetics, Niki Schilling, suggests lighting a scented candle or using different fragrance sticks in every room. “Your brain picks up on scent but gets used to it after around 30 seconds. So, as you move through the house you’ll pick up on the different fragrances and stimulate your brain.”

80. Seek out shade

If you store your fragrance on a window ledge, relocate it. Sunlight is perfume’s kryptonite, so seek out somewhere dry, cool and in the shade to maintain its superpowers.

81. Iron-on scent

Perfumer Jo Malone has a great tip for wafting your signature scent wherever you go: “Spritz your fragrance onto your ironing board – the iron’s heat releases the scent and locks it into your clothes.”

82. Try before you buy

Founder and creator of London perfumery Ormonde Jayne, Linda Pilkington, urges you to take home a sample of the fragrance you like before buying it. “Wear it in the morning after your shower, before your senses are corrupted by breakfast and coffee,” she says. “Smell it during the day and reapply. Let your colleagues and friends smell it too. You’ll soon know if it’s a keeper.”

83. Get discovering

Brands know how difficult it is to find a signature scent, which is why so many now offer discovery kits to help you explore your perfume preferences before making a decision. We recommend Floral Street Discovery Set, The Perfume Society Discovery Boxes and Le Labo Eau de Parfum Discovery Set.

84. Perfume pigmentation

If you’re noticing speckled pigmentation patches around your neck and chest, stop spritzing fragrance before you sunbathe. “Perfume compromises skin’s ability to protect itself against UV damage,” says Abi Cleeve of Ultrasun. “It means the level of protection you get from your sunscreen is diminished as well.”

BODY BEAUTY TIPS

85. Ghee, that’s good!

Renowned massage therapist Sarah Jane Watson believes every woman should keep a jar of organic, grass-fed ghee at home (a type of butter used in Indian cuisine and high in skin-nourishing omega-3 fatty acids). “I like to warm two tablespoons of ghee and massage it into my body before getting in the bath, to soothe and hydrate dry skin,” she tells us.

86. Cool your colour

To speed up your fake tan’s drying time, founder of Isle of Paradise Jules Von Hep suggests sweeping the air from your hairdryer (on a cool setting) all over the body, or using a soft barber-style brush – the kind a hairdresser will use to dust off your shoulders after a trim – to swipe translucent powder or talc over the skin.

87. SPF, always!

Ask any dermatologist for the product they consider the most important, and they’ll always answer SPF! “Almost no one uses as much as they should,” says NYC-based dermatologist Dr Dendy Engelman, who flags premature ageing, sun damage and skin cancer as some of the risks linked to over-exposing yourself to UV rays. She prescribes a full shot glass of cream for the body, and a nickel-sized blob for the face (around the same size as a 20-pence piece). “And don’t forget the tips and backs of the ears, exposed scalp, back of the neck, around the eyes, and the tops of the hands and feet,” she adds.

88. Brush before you tan

Exfoliating before fake tanning is a necessary step in your prep, to create a smooth base for a longer-lasting colour. Watch out for oil-based body scrubs though, which can leave a tan-disrupting film on the skin. Instead, try exfoliating with a dry body brush in or before your shower on the day you plan to tan.

89. Go for cold wax

Beauty specialist Nadiya Bekar uses hot beeswax when waxing clients at Four London Salon, but recommends using cold wax (also known as strip wax) for at-home hair removal. “Hot wax requires more skill and there’s the risk of heat burn,” she explains, “whereas strip waxes are often sold as kits that are simpler to navigate.”

90. Man up

When it comes to shaving, don’t fall for gender-themed marketing. Men’s razors are designed for courser hair, making them much better for shaving your bikini line. You’ll also find men’s shaving gel costs less than its floral “female” variant.

91. Soak it up

Gym bunnies and serious walkers should invest in a hard-working bath soak to help relax overworked muscles. Weleda Arnica Muscle Soak combines arnica (an alpine plant traditionally used to help treat bruises) with soothing birch leaves, rosemary and lavender essential oils.

HANDS & FEET BEAUTY TIPS

92. Roll with it

It’s second nature to give your nail polish a good shake before opening it, but this can cause tiny air bubbles to rise to the surface and jeopardise the smoothness of your mani. Try rolling the bottle between the palms of your hands instead, you’ll be amazed at how much longer your manicure lasts.

93. Beat brittleness

Nails become dry and brittle with age, and while we can’t turn back the clock, it’s something that can be countered by a good nail oil applied several times a day, says Marian Newman, top manicurist and author of Nailed It. We rate Orly Breathable Cuticle Oil.

94. Colour pop

Want nails so bright they pop? Paint them white before applying your colour of choice over the top (this works particularly well for neons).

95. Have a gel break

“When gel polish is picked off, it rips up layers of the natural nail plate,’ says Perfectil's nail expert Sabrina Gayle. And if you think soaking them off carefully is the saintly alternative, think again. “Acetone remover is incredibly drying,” confirms Sabrina. The solution? Take at least a week’s break from gels every couple of months, your nails will thank you for it. Barry M Gelly Hi Shine Nail Paint came out on top in our gel-effect nail polish test.

96. File right

When filing, don’t use a see-saw motion as it will cause all the layers of the nail to lift and peel,’ advises Kerry Catling, nail educator for Jessica Nails. She also recommends using an emery board as opposed to a glass nail file. “Glass files are softer, but you risk overdoing it as it takes longer to see results.”

97. Go squoval

Bye bye, breakage! Shaping your nails so they’re rounded at the sides but straight at the top will give you the best nail strength: very round nails have a weaker tip, while perfectly square ones can catch at the sides, so the ideal is somewhere in the middle.

98. Get gloved

If your hands are feeling dried out from constant washing and sanitising, apply a rich layer of hand cream under cotton gloves at night, says Dr Justine Hextall, consultant dermatologist on behalf of The Harley Medical Group. “After a few nights, the skin barrier will start to heal and the difference can be amazing”. Dr Hextall recommends Avene XeraCalm A.D. Lipid.

99. Toenail tint

Have your toenails taken on a slightly yellow hue? It’s probably staining caused by wearing dark nail polish. “I always use a base coat on my toenails to avoid discolouration,” says New York-based foot model Ginny Bowen.

100. Measure up

All the pedicures in the world won’t prevent the damage caused by ill-fitting shoes. Avoid calluses, corns and blisters by getting your feet measured by a professional (it’s not just for kids and their new school shoes, trust us.)