This one’s a tricky one. While in every other beauty category, you can get great buys at a budget price, in fragrance it’s really about getting what you pay for. And good olfactory ingredients don’t come cheap. Fragrances tend to average around $80 a pop - although one of my favourites, Sarah Jessica Parker Lovely, comes in a 30ml bottle for $50. (more…)

Very possibly. Lightening brows can make them look at worst orange, at best weak – and it’s all about strong brows right now. And that’s the case even if you have blonde hair and dark brows – the depth of the brow hairs can kind of anchor paler features. If you do want to try lightening your brows, get your colourist to do the job – this way you’ll get a result that best harmonises with your haircolour. Alternatively, you could get your brows shaped and slimmed down a little, which may be enough of a change for you.

It depends on whom you talk to. Some hairdressers love it for the way it tames and smooths frizzy and fuzzy hair. Others, however, can’t stand it because they say it builds up on hair, making it harder long-term to treat hair and to colour it successfully – they’ll tell you to instead use haircare that is rich in moisturisers and butters. Interestingly, some more environmentally-minded beauty people I have spoken to have decided against using silicone in their products because they don’t want the non-bio-degradable stuff washing down the drain. So in the end, it’s up to you. If you’re worried, limit using silicone to just a serum, as you can control usage. Make sure to apply sparingly; rub a drop in your palms, run them over the mid lengths and ends of hair, and then very lightly over the crown.

It depends on whether you love having long hair or not. If you do, and you like wearing your hair out, have your hairdresser cut some long layers into it, and possible also a fringe, to give your hair structure and instant style. It will still take some work to make it presentable, so you’ll need to brush up on your blow-drying skills.

If you’re a little lazy on the styling front, consider making a ponytail your signature look. Try different pony styles, from high and bouncy, to low and sleek, to a flirty side style. And buy yourself some scarves and ribbons for when you need a more dressed-up look. (more…)

It could be one of several reasons. Have you recently switched haircare? If so, perhaps it’s an allergic reaction and all you need to do is go back to your previous shampoo and conditioner. If this isn’t the case, it could be a build-up of oil and bacteria in the follicle roots, and so washing with medicated shampoo and conditioner (such as the Neutrogena T/Gel duo, from $7.29 each) may clear up the situation (and an oily-hair or clarifying shampoo once a week or so from thereon in, to prevent build-up reoccurring). Speak to your pharmacist to assess things and make a recommendation. Keep in mind that he or she may advise you to see your doctor, because more extreme cases of scalp pimples may need to be treated with a course of medication.