Face The Future Perfect
Sun Herald
Sunday December 26, 1999
With the party season in full swing, every woman wants to look her sparkling best. But most women find that time is not on their side when it comes to indulgence. Here, Jenni Baden Howard catches up with some of the best buys along with a few expert short cuts.
Hair in a hurry
You can now buy shampoos which claim to reduce drying time after washing. Redken's Express Flash contains astringent ingredients such as witch-hazel which prevents the hair shaft absorbing as much moisture as it would with a normal shampoo.
For the best results, follow with the Split Second Rinse Out Conditioner, a no-wait smoother and detangler (at Redken salons nationwide; for your nearest supplier, phone 1300 650 170).
Lightweight conditioners ideal for frequent use include TIGI's Instant with moisturising jojoba and aloe vera extracts (at Toni & Guy salons nationwide, phone 02 9267 6299).
Some women swear by timesaving 2-in-1 shampoo and conditioners, but top trichologist and hair-care guru Philip Kingsley believes this is not an area for shortcuts.
"The two products have very different purposes, and when you combine them in a single application, you lose effective control," he explained. "Sometimes, you'll need to use more or less conditioner, and quite often it's not necessary to condition all your hair at all."
London hairdresser Errol Douglas also recommends using a super-absorbent towel and powerful hair dryer.
Before you reach for the hair dryer, apply a blow-dry lotion such as John Frieda's Frizz-Ease 5 Minute Manager, an alcohol-free styling spritz which makes for a faster blow-dry (available at David Jones, 9266 5544).
For rapid results, Remington's futuristically-designed Vortex Jet Speed Dryer lifts each hair shaft, has a high-speed motor and four heat and speed settings.
To get curly hair dry in a hurry, without turning it into a frizzy mess, Douglas recommends using a hair dryer with a diffuser attachment. "This is by far the fastest and easiest option and dries hair without distorting natural curl," he said.
"Use your fingers to pull hair gently up and away at the roots to get some volume. For a smooth, straight, fast finish, rough-dry the underlying layers of hair first - flip your head forward and work on these sections with your dryer and brush - and then concentrate on the top sections."
To revive flat-looking hair when there's no time to wash it, flip your head forward and brush the underlying layers then flip your head back and run through with a brush. Follow that with a quick spritz of John Frieda's Ready To Wear Instant Boost & Shiner (from David Jones).
Add texture instantly to shorter, choppier cuts with TIGI's Bed Head Stick styling wax. To keep naturally curly hair smooth and frizz-free between washes, simply run through a small amount of Phytologie's plant-based Phyto 9 cream, used by Minnie Driver and Liv Tyler (for stockists phone 1800 801 527).
Faster faces
Used once or twice a week, a gentle exfoliating facial scrub will whisk away dull, dead, surface skin cells and give skin an instant glow. A special treat for tired eyes, ESPA's Soothing Eye Lotion with cornflower and cucumber extracts immediately refreshes eyes and helps reduce dark circles (for stockists phone 02 9362 3800).
Handy during the winter months, Avon's new Moisture In A Minute is a solid moisturising balm which comes in a compact, complete with a sponge and mirror, for on-the-spot dry skin relief.
For a more intensive treatment, Decleor's Masque Hydravital is a speedier alternative to a moisturising facial. Simply apply a thick layer, leave it on for 10 minutes or overnight, and then tissue off any excess (for stockists phone 1800 808 993).
5-minute make-up
Get a professional-looking finish in just a few minutes by applying foundation only where you need it, such as under the eyes, or on the central T-zone of the face.
Stick foundations, such as The Body Shop Colourings Stick Foundation, are great for swiping over skin in a matter of seconds. Blend well with your fingertips or a make-up sponge.
Save time by seeking out make-up which does double- or triple-duty as eye, lip and cheek colour. The latest addition to New York-based make-up artist Vincent Longo's signature range, Faerie Creme, can be used on the eyes, lips and cheeks and comes in a miniature mirrored compact.
"These are the best time savers, and you can squeeze one into the smallest bag, so they're perfect when you're on the move," said Longo. (At David Jones city stores in Sydney and Melbourne).
At a push, any creamy pink or rose-coloured lipstick will double-up as a blusher.
To give your lips and cheeks an instant flush of colour, Longo suggests the age-old trick of biting or pinching them, respectively.
No-wait nails
When a full-blown manicure is out of the question, try this speedy routine suggested by Marie Therese Carney, co-founder of Nails nail bar in South Molton Street, London.
"Swipe off any existing colour using a cotton pad soaked in nail polish remover," said Carney. "Use one pad per nail and simply allow the polish to dissolve before wiping it off.
"Wash nails, then file and shape as desired. File in one direction only and bear in mind that nails that are square or 'squoval' (a rounded square shape) are less likely to break or tear than oval nails.
"Take a minute to massage in a hand cream or lotion, then wipe each nail clean.
"Start with a clear base coat, then apply polish in three strokes. A top coat will then protect against fading and chipping."
Clinique's All-In-One Base and Top Coat does double duty and gives a shiny finish. To speed polish-drying, try a fast, drying spray.
© 1999 Sun Herald