Do you suffer with smokers skin? Will a shorter style suit you and your hair? Whatever your beauty problem, our team of beauty experts has the answer.
Colour TipsI'm a bit of a chameleon and often change my hair colour. But I do worry about its condition. How can I keep it healthy?
Beth, 37, London
'There are three simple rules to keep coloured hair healthy:
1. Always make sure your hair is in excellent condition before having it coloured. Keep conditioning and ask to have regular deep treatments at your local salon.
2. Try not to over process hair. Luckily, nowadays technology has moved so far forward that women can change their hair colour almost as often as their handbags, but still be sensible.
3. Always use shampoos and conditioners formulated for colour treated hair. These will have less harsh ingredients to stop the colour being stripped out and more nourishing ingredients to protect and nurture hair.'
Jo Hansford, celebrity colourist for Elizabeth Hurley
For lots of great hair advice and inspiration, visit the All About You hair care channel
Smoker Skin
I gave up smoking in my late twenties, but after a bout of bad luck, I started again and my skin has really started to suffer. What's the best way to help my complexion?
Sue, 46, Leeds
'Smoking generates free radicals which causes oxidation, leading to skin damage. This harms the skin's DNA that, in turn, makes your complexion take on a greyish colour and have more lines especially around the mouth! A moisturizer like Estee Lauder Daywear Plus is a perfect product for smokers, as it helps to protect skin from the damage of free radicals.'
Dr Daniel Maes, Estee Lauder's Vice President of Research & Development
Cropped MopI'm really keen to cut my hair into a short style. I love all the cropped bobs that celebrities have been wearing but am worried they won't suit me! Do you have any tips for cutting hair short?
Marcy, 40, Hertfordshire
'I love short styles but you have to choose your length well. If you have a super slim face then you can get away with a tightly cropped style. If not, ask your hairdresser to keep the length longer and loosen it up by cutting it with a razor instead of scissors. This will give the look a more flattering and feminine finish.'
Lisa Shepherd, Clynol's Creative Director
De Stress Tips
I treated myself to a spa break with friends recently. I'd love to do this more often, but unfortunately I don't have the time (or the money). I've tried to copy the spa-effect at home but it's not the same. Do you have any tips that might help?
Pat, 49, Edinburgh
'I've always thought you should replicate the most relaxing place you've ever been to when you're looking to spruce up your bathroom. Like the bedroom, the more comfortable your bathroom is, the more time you will want to spend in it. Here are some starting points:
- Buy a bath headrest
- Keep your favourite oils and lotions on shelves so they're near to hand
- Light candles for subdued lighting
- Hang crystals or wind chimes to energise the atmosphere and block outside noise
- Feng Shui tells us to keep loo seats down and plugs in sinks to stop positive energy escaping
If you have just an hour to pamper yourself it will have both a positive psychological and physiological effect on your body and mind. When enjoying quality time in your bathroom, switch off the telephone and ignore the door-bell. Make sure that it is warm and the door is closed to ensure you benefit from inhaling aromatherapy oils. An extension of this overall feeling of warmth and comfort is the use of warm fluffy towels, robes and slippers.'
Susan Harmsworth, Founder and CEO of ESPA International
For more advice on creating the perfect spa experience in the comfort of your own home, click here
More beauty questions
I'd like to try an organic skincare range but I have sensitive skin. Should I stick to a sensitive range?
What can I do to disguise my puffy eyes?
As I get older my skin has more open pores, what will help?
I'm growing out the colour on my hair but want to cover a few stray greys. How?
I have horrible hard skin on my feet - what can I do at home to help?
Is it OK to ask my therapist to extract my blackheads during a facial?
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