Your source for expert recommendations and advice.
The best foundations, recommended by professional make-up artists: Lancôme, Bobbi Brown, Estee Lauder and more
We spoke to some of the beauty industry’s leading experts to get their take on what to look for (and avoid) when choosing the best foundation for you.
Success starts with a strong foundation, especially when it comes to make-up. Whether you’re creating a statement look or opting for a simple base and mascara combo, finding the best foundation for you is pivotal. Knowing your skin type and undertones are a key first step in finding the best foundation for you. Once you’ve figured out the basics, it's time to choose your perfect foundation match, but with so many options on the market, it can be hard to know where to start. The Recommended spoke to three leading beauty experts to get their take on what makes for a great foundation and what to steer clear of when picking your product. With these expert tips and recommendations in mind, we’ve listed our top picks of the best foundations for every skin type and concern. From dry skin saviours to oil-free options, we’ve got all bases covered (see what we did there?). We've also included a comprehensive buyer's guide to answer some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to foundation. Read on for the full 411. Ready to apply your foundation? Check out our guide on the best make-up brushes to get you started. The best foundations at a glance Best affordable foundation: L'Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation, £7.69 at Look Fantastic Best long-wearing foundation: Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation, £5 at Boots Best waterproof foundation: L'Oreal Paris Infallible Freshware Foundation, £11.99 at Boots Best oil-free foundation: e.l.f Flawless Finish Foundation, £7.50 at Boots Best matte foundation: Revlon Colour Stay Liquid Foundation, £6.50 at Look Fantastic Best powder foundation: BareMinerals Original Foundation, £36.50 at Cult Beauty Best CC cream: Erborian CC Cream, £41 at Look Fantastic Best dewy foundation: NYX Born To Glow Radiant Foundation, £10 at Cult Beauty Best full coverage foundation: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup, £36.60 at Look Fantastic Best foundation for oily skin: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation, £17.50 at Look Fantastic Best foundation for dry skin: Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation, £27.25 at Look Fantastic Best lightweight foundation: Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturiser, £16.50 at Next Best foundation for mature skin: No.7 Restore & Renew Serum foundation, £20.95 at Boots Best stick foundation: Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick, £30 at Cult Beauty The best foundations Best affordable foundation: L'Oreal Paris True Match Liquid Foundation For a natural glow Blending the benefits of make-up and skincare, L’Oreal’s True Match Liquid Foundation promises a natural finish while hydrating the skin for a healthy glow. Formulated with a hydrating complex of hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera extract, this affordable foundation promises up to 24 hours of hydration for a brighter complexion. This foundation is now available in over 40 shades to complement natural undertones and blend seamlessly into the skin. Best long-wearing foundation: Rimmel London Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation All night (and day) long Promising 25 hours of smudge-free wear, it’s safe to say this foundation isn’t going anywhere. With a full-coverage formula and natural-looking finish, this foundation works to keep you looking fresh 25/7. Enriched with a skin-friendly hydration boost and nourishing vitamin E, the Rimmel London Lasting Finish Foundation helps to moisturise the skin and provide protection from free radicals. This long-wearing foundation is in for the long haul, and its waterproof, anti-humidity formula promises to withstand 25 hours of wear. Best waterproof foundation: L'Oreal Paris Infallible Freshware Foundation Serious staying power This waterproof foundation promises a smudge-proof, budge-proof base that lasts for 24 hours without feeling heavy on the skin. Come rain or shine, this foundation promises to have your back. Created with a stretchable formula, this foundation has been designed to deliver a long-lasting, waterproof, full-coverage base with only a small amount of product. If you’re looking to follow Jaz’s advice of purchasing a product that provides the most coverage you’ll ever need, this foundation more than has you covered. Best oil-free foundation: e.l.f Flawless Finish Foundation Oil-free and lightweight This oil-free foundation blends seamlessly into the skin, helping to even skin tone, and is supercharged with glycerin to hydrate dry skin, offering a long-lasting semi-matte finish. 100% cruelty-free and vegan, the e.l.f Flawless Finish Foundation works to provide medium to full coverage and lasting, all-day wear. As recommended by our expert Jaz, this foundation can be sheered down easily when mixed with a hydrating moisturiser for a lighter look. Best matte foundation: Revlon Colour Stay Liquid Foundation All day flawless A cult classic, this lightweight foundation provides medium, buildable coverage and a long-wearing, soft matte finish. Revlon Colour Stay comes in a vast array of shades suited to every skin tone with two formulations targeted to dry to normal and oily to combination skin. Now equipped with a pump dispenser for ease of use, this oil-free foundation has an SPF of 15 and works to keep your look fresh all day. Best powder foundation: BareMinerals Original Foundation Mineral magic This mineral foundation delivers on Amber’s love of gentle ingredients. It’s free from parabens, synthetic fragrance and harsh chemicals, promising lasting coverage with a luminous finish. Cruelty-free and vegan, this lightweight mineral foundation is made with just five ingredients and provides customisable coverage and a natural finish. This powder foundation can offer sheer to full, buildable coverage and works to minimise the appearance of pores and imperfections while promoting skin health. Best CC cream: Erborian CC Cream Subtle radiance Formulated with Centella Asiatica, this CC cream is a subtly tinted moisturiser that works to hydrate and protect the skin while adding a natural-looking glow. Working to combine skincare benefits with cosmetic coverage, this CC cream claims to adapt to your skin tone in just three seconds creating a seamless, natural-looking base for any look. Erborian CC Cream’s formula is also enriched with SPF25 to help both protect and perfect the skin. Best dewy foundation: NYX Born To Glow Radiant Foundation For glowing skin This creamy, cruelty-free and vegan formula promises medium, buildable coverage, so it’s ideal for normal to dry skin types in need of a boost. Created with a convenient tube applicator, the NYX Born To Glow Radiant Foundation brings dull skin to life with medium, buildable coverage and an iridescent finish. With a broad shade selection, this dewy foundation blends seamlessly into the skin for a natural glow. Best full coverage foundation: Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay In Place Makeup Cult classic coverage Highlighted by our exert Jaz as a “truly iconic” product, Estee Lauder’s Double Wear foundation has found its way into the make-up halls of fame with its famous longevity and flawless finish. Promising 24 hours of wear, this non-creasing, waterproof, and humidity-resistant foundation works to make touch-ups a thing of the past. Providing a flawless, full coverage base to any make-up look, this foundation is free of synthetic ingredients and drying alcohols, and its transfer-resistant formula promises the prevention of smudges or stains. Best foundation for oily skin: Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation Comfortable long wear A favourite of our expert make-up artist, Amber, Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra Wear Foundation has been formulated to give a long-lasting full coverage. This 24-hour foundation promises to take you from day to night with transfer-resistant, smudge-proof wear. Enriched with effective, oil-absorbing ingredients, this foundation blends flawlessly into the skin for comfortable wear that never needs a touch-up. Best foundation for dry skin: Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation For hydrated luminosity Recommended by our expert Jaz as a great option for drier skin types, Bobbi Brown’s Intensive Serum Foundation blends skincare and make-up with an innovative hydration formula. Powered by serum, this foundation is enriched with skin-loving ingredients to leave the skin looking smoother, fuller and more radiant instantly and over time. Providing up to 12 hours of wear, this foundation doesn’t cake or crease and is formulated with broad-spectrum SPF for added sun protection. Best lightweight foundation: Smashbox Halo Healthy Glow Tinted Moisturiser For a lighter look Another of Amber’s favourite products, this tinted moisturiser perfects the skin while offering protection from harmful UV rays. This tinted moisturiser has been designed to provide weightless moisture and sheer coverage, blurring the appearance of imperfections and dark spots for healthier-looking skin. It’s enriched with SPF 25 and formulated with hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, and niacinamide, to help even tone and reduce the appearance of pores for smoother, brighter-looking skin. Best foundation for mature skin: No.7 Restore & Renew Serum Foundation Firming and brightening A firm favourite of our expert Joy, this foundation features eight skin-loving ingredients to help improve skin health in the long term while offering a natural glow. Enriched with collagen peptide and pro-retinol, No. 7’s Restore & Renew Serum Foundation helps to support the skin’s natural repair function for smoother, younger-looking skin. This lightweight formula is SPF 30 and is formulated to be buildable and provide light to medium coverage that looks and feels natural. Best stick foundation: Bare Minerals Complexion Rescue Hydrating Foundation Stick Buildable, blendable coverage This vegan formula claims to blend the skin-loving benefits of tinted moisturiser with the buildable coverage of foundation. This water-based foundation promises super-blendable and buildable coverage that delivers on convenience without compromising on quality. Claiming to melt effortlessly into the skin, this foundation is enriched with SPF25 and works to protect against pollution, environmental aggressors and blue light. What to look for when buying foundation: our make-up experts share their advice An award-winning, London-based make-up artist, Joy Adenuga is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in the industry. Over the years, Joy has worked with many brands, including Bobbi Brown, Shambox cosmetics and Tom Ford and has had her work featured in some of the world’s most iconic titles. Celebrity make-up artist Amber Amos has amassed a seriously impressive client list working with some of the world's most famous faces, including Mariah Carey and Lionel Richie. Amber’s work has graced the covers of some of the world’s most-read magazines, including Forbes, GQ, iD, Billboard, XXL, and People magazine. Featured in Glamour as one of London’s top make-up artists, Jaz Crush is affiliated with the prestigious Bobbi Brown studio. Jaz’s signature glowy looks and smokey eyes have been taking the capital by storm, and she has quickly become one of the city’s most in-demand make-up artists. We put three questions to our make-up experts to understand precisely what you need to know when shopping for your new foundation and asked for their expert recommendations of the best products to buy and why. What should you look for when buying a foundation? When looking for a foundation, Amber tells us to consider “ skin concerns, what level of coverage, and what type of finish you are looking for”. Joy agrees and also encourages us to “invest in a foundation that takes into consideration your skin undertone”. Joy also tells us to think about what we might use our foundation for; for everyday use, “you may prefer to go for a light formula foundation,” whereas for an event or night out, “a full coverage foundation would be more suitable”. An expert tip from our expert Jaz is, if you’re looking to only invest in one foundation, choose a product that offers the most coverage you'll ever want to wear. Jaz tells us, “It’s really easy to sheer down a more medium/full coverage product by adding a touch of your favourite moisturiser to it for everyday wear, or simply using less product and buffing it into the skin”, whereas “it’s much harder to build up a sheer/light foundation”. What should you avoid when looking for a foundation? When it comes to purchasing a foundation, Joy says it’s usually best to ignore the hype, telling us to “avoid purchasing a foundation just based on its popularity, or for the mere fact it’s been recommended by a friend. Our skin is so unique, and what might work for a peer may be unsuitable for you”. When choosing a foundation, Amber tells us to look at ingredients and encourages us to avoid products containing “lots of fragrance, parabens, and other harsh chemicals”. Jaz also spoke to us about the importance of ingredients and formulation, particularly how your foundation layers with your skincare products, telling us, “oils and water aren’t the best of friends, and it could be a huge factor in why your foundation isn’t performing as you’d like”. Jaz recommended that “if you love using oil-based creams or richer textures, then I would generally recommend that you steer clear of a water-based foundation as this could cause your make-up to separate or pill on the skin throughout the day. The same is said if you have an oilier skin type and are using light, water-based creams. In this case, I would suggest using foundation containing oils”. Which is the best foundation? Our experts are seasoned, professional MUAs, and each gave a shoutout to some of their faithful products that always find a place in their kit. Amber told us she is currently loving Lancôme’s Teint Idole Ultra and “Smashbox Halo Glow Tinted moisturiser, whereas No.7’s Restore & Renew Serum Foundation got Joy’s vote, while Jaz recommended the “truly iconic” Estee Lauder Double Wear and the “Bobbi Brown Intensive Serum Foundation [for] drier skin type[s]”. Foundation buyer's guide We've rounded up some of the most commonly asked questions about foundation and done our research to answer them, so you can be sure you know everything you need to when buying your next stash. The different types of foundation There's an abundance of foundations out there, suitable for all skin types, in all different shades and in a diverse range of formulas to suit every preference. Here's a quick rundown of the main types: Liquid foundation: Easy to blend and suitable for most skin types. Cream foundation: Offers full coverage and is ideal for dry skin. Powder foundation: Provides a matt finish and is ideal for oil skin. Stick foundation: Great for on-the-go touch-ups. Tinted moisturiser: Offers a light coverage while hydrating the skin, perfect for a natural look. BB cream and CC cream: Multifunctional with skincare benefits as well as coverage. Tips on choosing the right shade of foundation for you Once you've chosen the type of foundation you want, the next step is finding the right shade to match your skin tone and achieve the results you are after. Here are several tips to help you pick the right shade of foundation for you: Check undertones: Does your skin have warm, cool or neutral undertones? Determining this will help you find a well-suited match. Test it out in natural light: For an accurate match for your skin tone, try out a few shades of the foundation in natural light to best test it. Try blending it in: Blend a small amount of the foundation on your skin and see how well it blends in with your colouring. Application technique: five steps for a smooth and blended foundation finish Once set on your foundation type and shade, you're ready to go. Read up on these five steps below to master the art of applying your foundation for a guaranteed flawless look: Prep your skin: Cleanse, moisturize and prime your skin, ready as a smooth canvas. Use the right make-up accessories: Choose the right make-up brush or make-up sponge, depending on the formula type, or use your fingertips for application if preferred. Start light: Begin with a small amount of foundation and gradually build up coverage. Blend properly: Make sure to blend in the foundation thoroughly, using dabbing motions for a natural look. Set with powder: Set liquid foundations with a powder to enhance longevity. How to make your foundation last all-day Want your foundation to stay put from morning to night? Follow these tips to help it last longer: Start with a primer: Apply a primer before blending in your foundation. Use layering: Build your coverage in thin layers, allowing each one to dry before the next. Finish with a setting spray: Finish your make-up routine with a setting spray to lock in the foundation and extend its wear time. Common application mistakes to avoid Steer clear of these common application mistakes for smooth and natural-looking results: Mismatched shade: The last thing you want is a noticeable line between your neck and face. Make sure to have tried out the shade of foundation before using it to ensure a natural blend. Cakey texture: Use thin layers and blend into your skin thoroughly to prevent a heavy, cakey appearance. Skipping primer: Start with a primer! Skipping this beginning step can lead to uneven application and consequently a shorter wear time. How to store your foundation properly Prolong the shelf life and quality of your foundation by storing it correctly. This includes storing it in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Ensure the lid or cap is securely closed to prevent any air exposure or moisture getting in and keep it away from any extreme heat or cold to prevent the formula from getting affected. Want to read more expert-recommended beauty product round-ups? Check out our Cosmetics page for a full list of recommendations, including our list of the best mascaras, best concealers and best eyeshadow palettes – all recommended by professional make-up artists.
The best make-up brushes, recommended by beauty experts: Fenty Beauty, Real Techniques, Bobbi Brown and more
We spoke to leading beauty experts to hear their thoughts on what makes the perfect make-up brush. We got their take on what to look out for and avoid when shopping for make-up brushes, plus answer your top questions with a handy buyer's guide.
We all know that a good craftsman never blames his tools, but that saying pretty much goes out of the window when it comes to make-up brushes. It’s true that great make-up artists create incredible looks with skill and talent, but they’d be the first to tell you that it's pretty much impossible to paint a make-up masterpiece with a low-quality brush and sub-par cosmetics. Even if you’ve found the perfect foundation for a flawless base and the ideal mascara for your classic smokey eye, that’s only half the battle. With more makeup brushes on the market than there are shades of MAC lipstick, how do you know where to start? Well, that’s where we come in. Here at The Recommended, we've rounded up some of the top make-up brushes out there for all eventualities and compiled a handy buyer's guide for all the tips you need to know. We also spoke to leading beauty experts to get their professional advice, from what to look out for, to things to avoid when shopping for your perfect make-up-brush-match. Read on for the full lowdown. The best make-up brushes at a glance Best affordable brush set: Real Techniques Everyday Essentials, £16.79 at Look Fantastic Best vegan make-up brushes: EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully make-up Brush Set, £13.99 at Look Fantastic Best eyeshadow brush set: Real Techniques Enhanced Eye Set, £20 at Boots Best angled brow brush: Docolor Duo Eyebrow Brush, £2.99 at Amazon Best contour brush: e.l.f Contouring Brush, £7 at Feel Unique Best blush brush: EcoTools Precision Blush Brush, £6 at Boots Best powder brush: Sigma Large Powder Brush, £25.20 at Look Fantastic Best foundation brush: Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush, £32.85 at Look Fantastic Best highlighter brush: Fenty Beauty Cheek-Hugging Highlighter Brush, £25 at Boots Best premium brush set: Spectrum x Katie Janes Hughes 25-piece brush set, £169.99 at John Lewis The best make-up brushes Best affordable brush set: Real Techniques Everyday Essentials For an everyday masterpiece This everyday essential set covers all bases with four brushes and a sponge blender, helping you to create your favourite looks with minimal faff. A one-stop shop for base, blush and eyes, this affordable make-up brush set delivers on our expert’s recommendations without breaking the bank. Equipped with the soft, flexible bristles our experts swear by, these brushes promise to help you look and feel your best. Best vegan make-up brushes: EcoTools Start The Day Beautifully Make-up Brush Set Reliable, vegan and cruelty-free Recommended by our make-up expert Amber, this set contains a core collection of five essential brushes designed to help you simplify your beauty routine without compromising on results. EcoTools is PETA certified and 100% vegan and cruelty-free: these make-up brushes help keep your complexion and conscience clear. The hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested bristles are non-irritating and safe for even sensitive skin and are designed to help you put your best face forward. Best eyeshadow brush set: Real Techniques Enhanced Eye Set For eye-catching looks The Real Techniques Enhanced Eye Set comes with eight super-soft brushes designed to help you achieve everything from a subtle blended wash colour to a killer cut crease. If the eyes are the window to the soul, we’d better make the most of them. This eyeshadow brush set aims to help you do just that with eight brushes, each designed to help you create the perfect eye look, from understated elegance to a bold smokey eye. Each brush is made with soft, synthetic bristles, and their lightweight handles ensure ease of use. Best angled brow brush: Docolor Duo Eyebrow Brush Angled precision Docolor Duo Eyebrow Brush helps you keep your brow game strong for the price of a cappuccino. With an angled brush for product application and a spoolie for grooming, this brush does it all. Durable and easy to clean, this angled brow brush does what it says on the tin. Affordable and lightweight, this dual-sided brush can be used with a variety of product formulations, from powder to pomade, and the spoolie brush helps to keep your brows groomed for a polished look. Best contour brush: e.l.f Contouring Brush For a chiselled look The e.l.f Contouring Brush aims to pave the way to professional standard contouring without the premium price tag. Densely packed bristles and a structured shape aim to deliver flawless dimensions for a sculpted look. This versatile contour brush can be used with powder, cream, and liquid formulas and is designed to add definition to any makeup look. Cruelty-free and vegan, this brush is made with 100% synthetic bristles, and the crafted handle is lightweight for easy use and precise application. Best blush brush: EcoTools Precision Blush Brush For controlled colour Designed with a unique square cut to control colour application, the EcoTools Precision Blush Brush helps you brighten up your base for a fresh-faced look. Suitable for use with both powder and cream blush, this blush brush promises to stand the test of time if cared for properly. With soft, flexible bristles and a lightweight yet durable handle, this blush brush promises to help brighten up any look. Best powder brush: Sigma Large Powder Brush For an even finish Made with high-quality antimicrobial fibres and a durable, lightweight handle, this powder brush has been designed to give a natural, even finish every time. Coming highly recommended by our expert Amber, Sigma brushes have asserted themselves as industry favourites and are made to stand the test of time. The super-soft, flexible bristles of the Sigma Large Powder Brush work to ensure uniform blending and a flawless finish. Best foundation brush: Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush Versatile, reliable quality This high-quality, professional-grade brush can be used with powder, liquid, and cream formulas and promises to help you achieve a flawless base every time. Equipped with short, ultra-soft, tightly packed bristles, the Bobbo Brown Full Coverage Face Brush comes highly regarded by our expert Jaz who tells us it’s “amazing not just for foundation but also makes applying cream bronzers and blush super quick and easy”, which really speaks to Joy’s love of a multifunctional brush, win-win! Best highlighter brush: Fenty Beauty Cheek-Hugging Highlighter Brush Get your glow on This highlighter brush is certainly true to its name with angled bristles that work to quite literally your cheekbones for ultimate precision. Suitable for use with both cream and powder products, this brush’s innovative design is extremely versatile. The larger sides of the brush are designed for use on cheeks and cheekbones, while the small tip helps you to illuminate the details, such as the brow bone and cupid's bow. Best premium brush set: Spectrum x Katie Janes Hughes 25-piece brush set A worthy investment Our expert Jaz recommended these pro-approved brushes, and we can see why. With soft synthetic bristles and sustainably sourced wooden handles, these brushes are kind to your skin and your conscience. Designed with precision, artistry and education in mind, this 25-piece make-up brush set is recommended by Jaz for including ‘every brush you’ll ever need’. Housed in a sustainable, vegan leather case that doubles as a storage and display case, these premium make-up brushes were made for ease of use. What to look for when choosing a make-up brush: three make-up experts share their advice Having worked on global advertising campaigns, been featured in some of the world’s most iconic titles and served as a BAFTA jury member, Joy Adenuga is certainly a seasoned professional. With over a decade of experience in the beauty industry, Joy is an expert make-up artist whose skill is recognised on an international scale. From the famous faces of Mariah Carey and Lionel Richie to the glossy pages of Forbes, GQ and Billboard (to name a few), Amber Amos’ work has seen its fair share of the spotlight. With over nine years of experience in the beauty industry, the LA-based make-up artist has a thing or two to teach us about what to look for when filling our make-up bags. Affiliated with the prestigious Bobbi Brown studio, Jaz Crush has quickly become one of London’s most sought-after make-up artists. Known for her signature glowy bases, smokey eyes, and statement looks, Jaz is a real rising star in the industry, named one of London’s top make-up artists by Glamour magazine. We put three questions to each of our make-up experts to understand precisely what you need to know when shopping for make-up brushes, from what to look for, what to avoid, and which they consider the best of the bunch. What should you look for when buying make-up brushes? When it comes to buying make-up brushes, Amber tells us to “should pay attention to the brush hair quality”. Joy agrees and adds that “your make-up brushes should be made of either synthetic or natural bristles that are great for providing a flawless finish and provide durability too”. Joy also highlighted the importance of a ‘sturdy handle’ and the versatility of the brush, telling us, “to buy brushes that are multi-functional, so for instance, they can double up as both a brush for contouring as well as adding foundation”. As far as Jaz is concerned, with make-up brushes, you get what you pay for. She tells us, “a good quality brush can last up for 10+ years if looked after correctly! Therefore, when looking for make-up brushes, I always advise spending a little more, and in the end, you’ll have to buy them less often!”. What should you avoid when looking for make-up brushes? Jaz and Joy both touched on the importance of soft, flexible bristles and told us to avoid anything that feels ‘coarse’ or ‘rough’. Amber told us to “avoid any brushes that shed” and to consider size (it turns out it really does matter); “You don’t want brushes too big or small for your hands”. Which is the best make-up brush? Amber recommends both Sigma and EcoTools, telling us, “currently, I’m loving my Sigma Brushes” and “of course, you can’t go wrong with EcoTools”. Jaz gives her vote to the “Spectrum x Katie Jane Hughes collection”, commenting on their “really beautiful quality”. Jaz also says if you’re looking for “a fabulous foundation brush, then you really can’t beat the Bobbi Brown Full Coverage Face Brush”. Make-up brush buyer's guide: top tips and things to consider when browsing through make-up brushes We've rounded up some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to make-up brushes and done our research to answer them - from what features to look for and how to clean them to how much you should be spending. What features to look for in a make-up brush When it comes to make-up brushes, we're spoilt for choice - from angled and fluffy shaped brushes to ones specifically designed for eyeshadows and lip liners. There is something for every make-up need. We've had a look into some of the various features to take into account when shopping for your next make-up brush to help you along the way: Brush material: Check out the materials of the brush's bristles - from synthetic to natural, eco-friendly options. Choose which is best for you and your needs. Brush shape: Look at the shape of the brush to ensure it aligns with your application needs - we've got more on this below. Handle design: A comfortable handle will enhance your application experience and help put you in complete control for easy usage. Use: Decide what you'll be using your make-up brushes for. Some can serve multiple purposes, whereas some are more fine-tuned for specific make-up applications. The different types of make-up brushes Whatever your make-up routine, when it comes to achieving a flawless result, having the right brushes to apply your foundation, concealer and eye shadows is key. Here we've looked into a selection of make-up brush types and their specific purposes: Foundation brushes: Use to blend in your foundation for even coverage and a smooth finish. Blush and contour brushes: Use to apply blush and bronzer, and contour products with precision. Eyeshadow brushes: Use to enhance your eyes, from flat shader brushes to fluffy blending brushes. Eyeliner brushes: Use to create a smudged effect or for a precise line. Lip brushes: Use for a precise lip colour application and prevent feathering. The different brush shapes: which is best? Make-up brushes come in various styles, often featuring different brush shapes. Here are some of the most common types and what they are best for: Flat brushes: Ideal for packing on intense pigments, such as eyeshadows and concealers. Angled brushes: This style is great for contouring, highlighting and creating defined lines. Tapered brushes: Perfect for precise application in small areas, such as the corner of the eyes. Fluffy brushes: Ideal for blending harsh lines, for example, with eyeshadows. Tips for applying your make-up with a make-up brush Knowing how to use makeup brushes correctly can elevate your application, providing a polished finish to your skin. Follow these tips for some professional-looking results: Start lightly: Apply a small amount of makeup to begin and gradually build it up. This will prevent a heavy, caked-on appearance. Blend properly: Ensure you blend your products in properly to give a seamlessly smooth finish. Use gentle, circular motions to blend. Clean brushes: Make sure to regularly clean your brushes to prevent product build-up and maintain their performance. There's more on that below. How to clean your make-up brush It's important to keep your make-up brushes clean for both hygiene reasons as well as achieving optimal application. Follow these simple steps and keep your brushes in top condition, bacteria-free and ready for smooth application. Gently wet the bristles of the brush, keeping the handle dry Rinse through soapy water (use a mild soap and warm water), swirling the brush around Rinse the brush in clean water until the water runs clear. Reshape the bristles of the brush, and lay flat on a clean towel to air dry How much do makeup brushes cost? As you can see from our product round-up, make-up brushes totally vary in price, with some costing as little as a couple of pounds to premium ones wearing higher price tags of over £40/£50. The cost of a make-up brush can depend on several factors, such as the brand, material and quality. On a tight budget? Affordable options are available, from about £5 to £15. For a wider selection, with a slightly higher price, mid-range brushes can cost between £20-40. For high-quality designs and materials, high-end brushes can be £50 plus. Want to read more expert-recommended beauty product round-ups? Check out our cosmetics page for a full list of recommendations, including our list of the best mascaras, best concealers, best foundations and best eyeshadow palettes – all recommended by professional make-up artists.
The best shampoos for all types of hair, recommended by expert hair stylists: OLAPLEX, Kevin Murphy, Pureology and more
We spoke to two top hairstylists to find out what you should look for and avoid when buying a new shampoo, and discover which brands to look for and which products they think are the best shampoos.
When it comes to maintaining, growing and styling your hair, one of the most important products you need is a good shampoo. But with so many different brands offering multiple different kinds of shampoos, which is the best shampoo for you? From hydrating shampoos that promise to repair dry hair and specially formulated shampoos to target greasy hair to products created to maintain colour or specifically developed formulas for men's hair, we’ve covered all types of shampoos to suit all types of hair, with expert guidance to help us along the way. You can also check out our full guides of the best shampoos for each hair type by heading over to our haircare section on The Recommended. At The Recommended, we spoke to two top hair care experts to help us find the best shampoos to suit all types of hair, with their own recommendations on which shampoos they use when washing and styling their client's hair. Once you've read through our best list, keep reading to discover some of our experts' advice on what you should look for (and avoid) when looking for your next shampoo, and we'll answer some of your most frequently asked shampoo-related questions. The best shampoos at a glance: Best strengthening shampoo: Kerastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo, £27.15 at Feel Unique Best volumising shampoo: Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash Densifying Shampoo, £28 at Cult Beauty Best for regaining moisture: Pureology Hydrate Moisturising Shampoo, £23.80 at LookFantastic Best anti-dandruff shampoo: Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo, £7 at Boots Best thickening shampoo: OGX Volumising Biotin & Collagen Sulfate-Free Hair Shampoo, £10.48 at Amazon Best vegan shampoo: Faith In Nature Natural Shea and Argan Shampoo, £6.69 at Holland & Barrett Best shampoo for coloured hair: OLAPLEX No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo, £28 at Cult Beauty Best shampoo bar: Garnier Ultimate Blends Coconut Hydrating Shampoo Bar, £7.99 at Boots The best shampoos Best strengthening shampoo: Kerastase Resistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo Designed to hydrate the strengthen The Resistance Bain Extentioniste Shampoo from Kerastase has been made with powerful amino acids and ceramides to improve elasticity from root to tip. Recommended by our expert Richard Ward, this shampoo is a favourite of hair care experts thanks to its silky formula that helps to rebuild the hair’s internal structure to make it more resistant to breakage. Best volumising shampoo: Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash Densifying Shampoo Formulated for fine hair With a strengthening blend of ginger root and nettle extract, this shampoo promises to volumise limp and thin hair and comes recommended by our expert Laura Rugetti. This shampoo has been created to nourish each hair follicle while stimulating circulation to help to promote hair growth and gently exfoliate. With consistent use, it promises to effectively prevent hair loss and thicken the hair. Best for regaining moisture: Pureology Hydrate Moisturising Shampoo Thirst-quenching formula This shampoo has been created to cleanse the hair without stripping it, making it ideal for dry or damaged coloured hair, and it comes recommended by our hair expert Richard Ward. Pureology’s formula has been made using natural ingredients like Jojoba, Green Tea, and Sage, resulting in a creamy, luxurious shampoo that helps to deeply hydrate normal to thick dry, colour-treated hair. Best anti-dandruff shampoo: Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Calms itching and irritation Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is made using a coal tar formulation, which is proven to help soothe itching, calm redness and prevent flaking scalps. While dandruff may be one of the most common haircare complaints, it can be a sign of more advanced scalp disorders such as seborrhoeic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis. This shampoo promises that through regular use, it can help control these problems while leaving hair shiny and manageable. Best thickening shampoo: OGX Volumising Biotin & Collagen Sulfate-Free Hair Shampoo Vitamin-enriched formula This shampoo has been enriched with collagen and vitamin B7 and promises to give you thicker-looking hair with added volume. With a pH-balanced formula, this shampoo has been created to give a salon quality and provide gentle cleansing that will help give you stronger hair with more shine, less frizz and long-lasting smoothness. Best vegan shampoo: Faith In Nature Natural Shea and Argan Shampoo 99% natural ingredients Faith in Nature’s shampoo contains ethically traded shea butter and argan oil to gently cleanse and deeply nourish your dry hair. This shampoo is Vegan Society Approved, guaranteeing cruelty-free hair care, while its packaging is made using 100% recycled and recyclable materials, making it one of the most eco-friendly shampoos you can buy. Best shampoo for coloured hair: OLAPLEX No.4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo Protects and repairs damaged hair OLAPLEX’s products have been made specifically for colour-treated hair, and this shampoo has been designed to repair and maintain hair bonds on a molecular level. This shampoo promises to repair and protect hair from everyday stresses, including damaged hair, split ends, and frizz, and leave hair easier to manage, shinier and healthier and has been clinically proven to reduce breakage and strengthen all types of hair. Best shampoo bar: Garnier Ultimate Blends Coconut Hydrating Shampoo Bar Zero plastic waste This solid shampoo bar is a great alternative to liquid shampoos in plastic bottles and has been designed to nourish and hydrate hair using natural ingredients. Made using sustainably sourced ingredients, including Coconut Oil & Organic Aloe Vera, this shampoo bar has an extra foamy nourishing formula, and with zero plastic packaging, it’ll help reduce your impact on the environment. What to look for when buying shampoo: our haircare experts give their advice Richard Ward and Laura Rugetti are two of the highest regarded names in the hair care and hairstyling industry, with decades of hairstyling experience between them and unrivalled knowledge about which hair care products are the best to buy, including shampoos. Richard Ward is an award-winning hairstylist who has styled the hair of top celebrities, including Elizabeth Hurley, Kim Cattrall and Poppy Delevingne, and even British Royalty, with Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, and Sophie, Countess of Wessex, among his clients. Laura Rugetti is one of the biggest names in celebrity hair in the US, styling the locks of some of the biggest celebrity names, like Paris Hilton, Kelly Osbourne and Amelia Gray Hamlin, as well as some of the biggest names in reality TV, including Selling Sunset’s Christine Quinn, The Hill’s Audrina Partridge and several cast members of the Real Housewives franchise. We put three questions to both of them to understand precisely what you need to know when shopping for your new shampoo and got their expert recommendations of the best shampoos to buy and why. What should you look for when buying shampoo? “Depending on your hair type. Look for what’s best for you”, says Laura. The best shampoo will ultimately depend on your hair type, “if you need a volume shampoo for fine hair. Or a hydrating shampoo for dry hair.” Richard agrees, “It really depends on their hair type, texture and density, as well as addressing any concerns like heat damage or scalp sensitivity.” “In general, you get what you pay for, so more expensive brands will be more concentrated and with better ingredients.”, he adds, warning that “cheaper brands will have a higher detergent content. Look for something SLS and Paraben free.” What should you avoid when looking for shampoo? When it comes to what you should avoid, Laura has one top tip, “avoid sulphates”. Sulphates are the additives that give shampoo formulas their thick lather and are designed to help strip the hair of oils and dirt. However, when used too often, sulphates can strip away too much of the hair’s natural moisture, leaving it dry and unhealthy. They may also make the scalp dry and prone to irritation, so they’re best avoided when you’re looking for a shampoo that you’ll use regularly. Similarly to sulphates, Richard warns against using strong anti-dandruff products. “Anti-dandruff shampoos are very strong, and most clients don’t actually have dandruff, just dry scalp which needs moisture not harsh stripping ingredients which will only serve to exacerbate the problem.” Which is the best shampoo? “Kevin Murphy line of shampoos are my go-to!” says Laura, “they have a different shampoo for every type of hair. My favourite for volume is the plumping shampoo.” “Kerastase is a great range which treats a variety of hair concerns and types”, says Richard, “Pureology and Shu Uemura are also our favourites.” Shampoo buyer's guide We've rounded up some of the most commonly asked questions about shampoo and done our research to answer them, so you can be sure you know everything you need to when buying your next bottle. How to choose the perfect shampoo Choosing the right shampoo for your hair can make a big difference in achieving luscious locks. With countless options on offer, it's important to pick the best one for you. First things first, identify your hair type. Is it limp and lifeless? Frizzy or oily? Has it been dyed? Distinguishing your hair type will help you find the right formulas. For greasy hair, consider shampoos that effectively remove excess oil. Check out our guide on the best shampoos for greasy hair - we've got you covered with top products, plus tips on the ingredients to look for and how to combat grease. For dry and damaged hair, look for moisturising shampoos to restore vitality. Check out our guide on the best shampoos for dry hair, specially formulated for hair lacking in moisture, with tips from top hair care experts. For colour-treated hair, choose shampoos designed to preserve its vibrancy and prevent fading. Check out our guide on the best shampoos for coloured hair for some of the top products on the market, and advice on how to look after coloured hair according to experts. When it comes to fragrance and texture, personal preferences play a key role, so consider scents that complement your taste. Don't forget to check for any harmful chemicals like sulphates, parabens, or silicones. Armed with this knowledge, you can confidently pick the perfect shampoo for healthy and fabulous-looking hair. How often should you shampoo your hair? The frequency of washing your hair depends on your hair type, daily activities, and personal preferences. We've got the full low down on hair washing in our guide on how often you should wash your hair. We spoke to experts for their advice and looked into the different factors which influence the frequency of how often you wash your hair, from hair type to lifestyle. Get the full debrief in our guide, but for now, here's a quick rundown of the recommended frequency for hair washing according to hair type: Fine hair: Every other day Thick hair: Once or twice a week Dry hair: Once or twice a week Oily hair: Everyday washing Coloured hair: Every two to three days For further advice on hair washing, once you've chosen the right shampoo for your hair type, check out our guide on how to wash your hair properly for the ultimate advice and top tips. Want to read more expert-recommended beauty round-ups? Check out our beauty page for a full list of recommendations, including our guide to the best mascaras recommended by celebrity make-up artists and our expert guide to the best hair dryers.
The best mascaras, recommended by make-up artists: No7, Charlotte Tilbury, Fenty Beauty and more
We spoke to some of the world's top make-up artists to uncover the best mascaras on the market, and answer some the most commonly asked mascara questions too.
They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and one of the first things people notice when they look at us, so then, a good mascara should be one of the must-have items in any beauty lover's make-up bag. A truly exceptional mascara can elevate your entire look, but when you're looking for a new tube, it can be difficult to know where to start. Some formulas promise to lengthen, others volumise, while more advanced mascaras offer solutions for both and promise to wrap your lashes for long-lasting results. But which mascara is really the best? Whether you're looking for length, volume, or dramatic curls, we have scoured the market to find the perfect formula with the help of our world-renowned beauty experts, who told us their top picks and tips for all eye-enhancing scenarios. Once you've read through our best list, make sure you continue to the bottom of this article for our beauty gurus' advice on what you should look out for (and avoid) when shopping for your next lash-enhancing mascara, and some of our answers for the most commonly asked mascara questions. Jump to the best mascaras: Best affordable all-rounder: No 7 The Full 360 Ultra Mascara, £14.95 at Boots Best everyday mascara: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational, £9.99 at Boots Best curling mascara: Benefit Roller Lash, £25.50 at Cult Beauty Best volumising mascara: Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara, £32.40 at Cult Beauty Best lifting mascara: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes, £26 at John Lewis Best defining mascara: Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Mascara, £23 at Boots Best lightweight mascara: Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara, £29 at LookFantastic The best mascaras Best affordable all-rounder: No 7 The Full 360 Ultra Mascara, £14.95 at Boots Gives length, volume and curl This No 7 mascara is a favourite of make-up pro Joy Adenuga and promises to deliver a dramatic false lash effect thanks to its hourglass-shaped wand. Enriched with shea butter and vitamin E, this mascara promises to nourish and condition lashes throughout wear, avoiding that horrible “crispy” feeling that lashes can get long after application. It’s not the most intense of formulas, so it can be used to give subtle definition or layered for a more dramatic effect. Best everyday mascara: Maybelline New York Lash Sensational, £9.99 at Boots For a defined, layered look This mascara from Maybelline features six different lengths of bristles to capture even the tiniest lashes, designed to give a layered, multiplied effect, and with a low-wax formula, it promises thickness without clumps. Maybelline New Yorks’ Lash Sensational mascara is a favourite of music superstar Doja Cat, who describes it as “fire” for layering to create her signature doe-eyed looks. The mascara’s curved brush promises to capture lashes from corner to corner to give full lash coverage with just one coat. Best curling mascara: Benefit Roller Lash, £25.50 at Cult Beauty Hooks, lifts and curls Recommended by our make-up expert Gilbert Soliz, Benefit’s Roller Lash promises to instantly lengthen, roll and curl lashes for long-lasting results of up to 12 hours. Benefit’s Roller Lash curling mascara features Benefit’s unique Hook ‘n' Roll™ brush, which has been designed to grab, separate, lift and curl each lash. With a curve-setting formula that promises holds for 12 hours, it’s been created for long-lasting results that make your eyes really pop. Best volumising mascara: Kevyn Aucoin Volume Mascara, £32.40 at Cult Beauty One-coat wonder This glossy mascara from world-famous makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin is designed to give a smudge-free, flake-free, and long-lasting finish. Don’t be put off by the thin brush - it comes recommended by our expert Amber Amos. This mascara is the perfect example of a beauty insider’s secret weapon. While Kevyn Aucoin might not be a household name, the brand is certainly a go-to for those in the know, in huge part thanks to this mascara, which has garnered hundreds of rave reviews from beauty experts and professional makeup artists, including Amber Amos. Best lifting mascara: Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes, £26 at John Lewis Instant length and lift This lengthening and lifting mascara from Charlotte Tilbury is another favourite of make-up pro Gilbert Soliz, with a formula that promises to magnify and amplify lashes. Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes mascara is designed specifically to lift and amplify lashes to make your eyes look bigger, brighter and more awake. Its diamond-shaped brush bristles have green created to capture each lash to create a fanned-out look, while the lightweight, creamy formula promises smudge-proof, humidify-proof results. Best defining mascara: Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Mascara, £23 at Boots Gives a full lash look Designed and approved by global superstar and make-up maven Rihanna, Fenty Beauty’s Full Frontal Mascara is designed to define and curl every lash, and it comes recommended by our make-up expert Joy Adenuga. This was Fenty Beauty’s first-ever mascara and features the brand’s unique “flat-to-fat” brush. The “fat” side has been designed to hold maximum product to quickly load and lift lashes, while the “flat” side promises to define and curl lashes. Since launching, it’s become a favourite of beauty editors and influencers alike. Best lightweight mascara: Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara, £29 at LookFantastic For a wide-eyed look With its lightweight, clump-free formula and unique cone-shaped brush, Lancôme’s Hypnôse Doll Eyes mascara promises to coat and lift lashes without weighing them down, and it comes recommended by our make-up expert Joy Adenuga. As well as being a hit with our expert Joy, this Lancôme mascara is the go-to tube for Khloé Kardashian, who admitted to Vogue that “this is the one thing I will not leave the house without.” With its promise to lift, lengthen and volumise lashes with just one coat, we can see why. What to look for when shopping for mascara: three make-up experts give their advice Our mascara experts are some of the biggest names in the professional make-up world. With a combined experience of over 40 years in the beauty industry, they know exactly which products are the best, including mascaras. Joy Adenuga is a multi-award-winning, London-based make-up artist who has been working in the industry for over a decade and has worked with brands including Tom Ford, Bobbi Brown, and Smashbox cosmetics and knows which products live up to their promises. “If a mascara promises to be waterproof, there should be no panda eyes when you tear up. There should be volume if it promises volume, and so on.” Gilbert Soliz is a California-born makeup artist and alum of Paris’ prestigious Make Up For Ever Academy. With over twenty years of experience in make-up, working with brands including Givenchy, Valentino Couture, and Marc Jacobs, Gilbert knows what to look for when shopping for your next mascara. Celebrity make-up artist Amber Amos has coated the lashes of some of the world's most famous faces and has had her work featured on the covers of some of the world’s most-read magazines, including Forbes, GQ, iD, Billboard, XXL, and People magazine, to name but a few. We put three questions to each of them to understand precisely what you need to know when shopping for your next mascara and got their expert recommendations of the best mascaras to buy and why. What should you look for when buying mascara? “Mascara should do what it claims to do. With so many mascaras in the market promising so many things, delivering what they promise is the most important”, says Joy Adenuga, and she should know. Gilbert Soliz advises that you should first “consider what you want the mascara to do. Do you want volume? Do you want length? Do you want a combination of both?” And one of his top tips? “Consider whether you want regular or waterproof” – not doing so is an oversight that can often cause the messiest of make-up faux-pas. While Amber Amos thinks there are three key things to consider when shopping for mascara, recommending that “when buying a mascara, people should look for pigment, the style of brush, and long wearability.” What should you avoid when looking for mascara? “Avoid looking for just one mascara”, warns Joy Adenuga, “I advise getting two that perform their functions really well. A volume and a lengthening mascara normally layer well and make your eyes pop.” While Amber Amos recommends that “when looking for a new mascara, avoid any that are too messy, doesn’t truly set on the lashes, or is too dry, which can lead to clumping and flakes.” On the other hand, Gilbert Soliz warns us to beware of the marketing gimmicks used by some beauty brands, saying, “I’d avoid mascaras that feature gimmicky brushes. They claim to give you the most amazing lashes and often fall short.” Which mascara do you recommend? Now we know what to look for and what to avoid, which mascaras do our experts recommend? “Some of my favourite mascaras feature creamy formulas without smearing or smudging and brushes that grip and grab every lash”, says Gilbert, recommending “Benefit Roller Lash, which is great for length, and Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk Push Up Lashes.” “I personally love tubing mascaras”, says Amber. Instead of the traditional waterproof formulas, which tend to get dry and clumpy, tubing mascara creates water-resistant tubes over each individual lash, making it truly waterproof and super easy to remove. “Some of my favourites are Shiseido's Imperial Lash and Kevyn Aucoin's Volume Mascara.” While Joy Adenuga’s favourites include “No 7 The Full 360 Ultra Mascara, Fenty Beauty Full Frontal Mascara, and Lancôme Hypnôse Doll Eyes Mascara.” Mascara buyer's guide: top 5 things you need to know about mascara The world of makeup can be, at the best of times, a confusing place. There are a lot of terms to understand and questions to be answered. With that in mind, we've rounded up some of the most commonly asked questions about mascara and done our research to answer them, so you can be sure you know what you're getting when you buy you're next tube of mascara. What's the difference between regular mascara and waterproof mascara? The key difference between regular mascara and waterproof mascara lies in their formulations and performance. Regular mascara is designed to enhance the lashes, providing volume, length, and definition. It contains ingredients that adhere to the lashes but can be easily removed with water or gentle cleansers. Waterproof mascara, however, incorporates water-resistant polymers as a core ingredient, creating a protective barrier around the lashes that withstands moisture, humidity, and tears. These specialised polymers form a resilient film that prevents smudging and flaking, ensuring long-lasting wear even in challenging conditions. However, it's worth noting that while waterproof mascaras may seem like a no-brainer, the very feature that makes waterproof mascaras long-lasting can make them challenging to remove. Waterproof mascara requires a more potent makeup remover or a specialized cleanser designed to break down the water-resistant film gently. If you're too rough with your removal, it can lead to excessive rubbing and potential lash breakage. The film formed by the water-resistant polymers can also cause the lashes to feel stiffer, which may lead to clumping. Lashes coated in waterproof mascara can also feel slightly drier than with regular mascara. Over time, this dryness may lead to some lashes feeling brittle, especially if the mascara is not removed properly. When choosing between regular and waterproof mascara, consider your lifestyle, the occasion, and the climate. If you require a reliable option for events, sports, or rainy days, waterproof mascara's formulation with water-resistant polymers will deliver smudge-proof results. Nevertheless, for everyday use and easy removal, regular mascara remains an excellent choice, providing remarkable enhancement without the need for specialized cleansers. What are tubing mascaras, and how do they differ from traditional mascaras? Tubing mascaras are a unique type of mascara formulation that differs from traditional mascaras in how they coat the lashes. Instead of using pigment particles and waxes to stick to the lashes, tubing mascaras create tiny water-resistant tubes around each lash. These tubes encase the lashes, providing length, volume, and curl without smudging or flaking. Unlike traditional mascaras, tubing mascaras are designed to be water-resistant rather than waterproof, making them easy to remove with warm water and gentle pressure. The tubing effect ensures a smudge-proof and long-lasting finish, while the easy removal process prevents lash damage and irritation from traditional waterproof mascaras. How can I stop mascara from smudging or flaking throughout the day? Smudging is the top issue when it comes to mascara. It's so much of an annoyance that we've written a whole guide on how you can stop your mascara from smudging, with even more tips and advice for make-up experts. Here are a couple of their top tips: Prep your lashes: Before applying mascara, make sure your eyelashes are clean, dry and free from any product residue. Choose the right mascara: Opt for a smudge-proof mascara that is long-lasting and suitable in all conditions. Avoid excessive application: Try to limit the number of coats you apply to your lashes, and make sure to allow each layer to dry fully before adding more. Use a lash comb: Go through your lashes with a lash comb to separate them out and remove any clumps that could cause smudging. Leave it be: Once you have applied your mascara, let it dry and don’t bother it. Add a setting powder (optional): For extra security that your mascara won’t smudge, our experts recommended using a light dusting of translucent or setting powder under your eyes to finish off your application routine. How do I apply mascara properly? Do you wiggle? Do you swoosh? Do you close your eyes and simply hope for the best? It seems like everyone has a slightly different way of achieving the best results when applying mascara, but in our efforts to definitively find the best way to apply mascara, we spoke to two more make-up experts, and you can read their full advice in our dedicated guide on how to apply mascara, but here's a quick rundown of their tops tips: Prep your lashes: Ensure your eyelashes are clean and dry - this will provide the perfect starting point for applying mascara. At this stage, you can also curl your eyelashes using an eyelash curler. Apply mascara to the upper lashes: Remove any excess mascara from the brush, and hold the wand horizontally by your lashes. Apply mascara to the lower lashes: Use the tip of the wand to apply the desired amount of mascara to your lower lashes - again, make sure to coat evenly. Add extra volume (optional): Want more volume and length? Apply additional coats of mascara to your lashes to achieve your desired style. Separate any clumps: For the finishing touch, make sure to separate any clumps in your lashes. What's the best way to remove mascara without damaging my lashes? Your lashes are delicate, so it's really important to be as gentle as possible when removing your mascara to avoid damaging your lashes. Look for oil-based removers or micellar water, as they are excellent at breaking down mascara without excessive rubbing or tugging. When it comes to removing your mascara, soak a cotton pad with the remover and hold it over your closed eye for a few seconds to allow the product to dissolve the mascara. Then, gently swipe the cotton pad downward along your lashes to remove the mascara. Makes sure you avoid rubbing back and forth, as this can cause lash breakage. Be patient, too, and repeat as needed until all mascara is removed, ensuring your lashes stay healthy and intact. Want more advice? Well, guess what? We also have a full dedicated guide on how to remove mascara, with more tips from top make-up artists. Want to read more expert-recommended beauty round-ups? Check out our make-up page for a full list of recommendations, including the best foundations, best concealers and best eyeshadow palettes – all recommended by expert make-up artists.
The best shampoo for greasy hair, according to hair care experts
Wave goodbye to oily locks and greasy scalps with our round-up of the best shampoos to target greasy hair. Plus, we spoke to hair care experts for their top tips and recommendations.
Are you fed up with having greasy hair? Finding yourself having to wash your hair almost every day to keep the oil away and relying on dry shampoo to add volume and keep your locks looking and feeling fresh? Greasy hair can be a battle, but adding the right shampoo to your weekly hair care routine can make all the difference in managing it and keeping it healthy. From the ingredients to look out for and the ones to avoid to the benefits and how they work to combat excess oil, we’ve rounded up some of the best shampoos designed specifically for oily hair. We also delve into what exactly causes greasy hair with tips on how to prevent it and have spoken to top hair care experts to get their professional advice and recommendations when it comes to tackling greasy hair. Whether you have extra fine hair that is prone to getting greasy quickly or if you’re simply looking for a shampoo to keep your locks feeling as fresh as possible, this guide has got you covered. The best shampoo for greasy hair at a glance: Best for sensitive scalps: Redken Amino Mint Scalp Shampoo, £22.50 at LookFantastic Best for strengthening hair: Kerastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo, £27.15 at Sephora Best for restoring balance: Keune Derma Regulate Shampoo, £18.50 at Amazon Best for enhancing shine: Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo, £24.50 at LookFantastic Best fragrant shampoo: Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo, £16.50 at LookFantastic Best natural shampoo: Faith in Nature Lemon & Tea Tree Shampoo, £6.69 at Holland & Barrett Our hair experts Luke Benson has more than 20 years of experience in hair care, and his clients include A-list celebrities Billie Eilish, Liam Payne, Michelle Keegan, Anna Friel, and Roman Kemp. He has won awards for his hair styling, such as the Session Stylist of The Year Finalist for the 2022 Fellowship for British Hairdressing Awards, and has produced iconic hair moments at infamous events such as the BRITS and Bond premiere. He has also worked for brands including Tom Ford, Charlotte Tilbury and Hugo Boss. David Felstead is a resident trichologist and long-standing stylist at the renowned hairdresser Daniel Galvin, David Felstead has more than 40 years of experience in the hairdressing industry. He now heads up the Hair and Scalp Clinic at Daniel Galvin, where he has been for over 25 years and has many A-list clients. The best shampoos for greasy hair We’ve rounded up some of the best shampoos specifically formulated for greasy hair, including top recommended products from our hair care experts. Best for sensitive scalps: Redken Amino Mint Scalp Shampoo Designed with oily scalps in mind, this shampoo aims to remove any build-up and residue for healthier-looking locks. This shampoo contains peppermint extract to help soothe your scalp and provide a refreshing cleanse without any irritation. Best for strengthening hair: Kerastase Specifique Bain Divalent Shampoo Our hair expert David Felstead recommends treating oil-prone hair with this balancing shampoo as it works to regulate the overproduction of sebum and leave hair nourished and shining. It will purify and cleanse your scalp with its natural ingredients, including vitamin B6, preventing greasy roots and enhancing your hair’s strength and softness. Best for restoring balance: Keune Derma Regulate Shampoo Our expert Luke Benson recommends the Keune Derma Regulate line to ‘restore the scalp's natural balance regulating oil production.’ This shampoo is made with a blend of bio-sulphur and betaines, which helps to maintain healthy sebum production in the scalp. Hair will be gently soothed and cleansed for ultra-fresh and oily-free results. Best for enhancing shine: Bumble and Bumble Sunday Shampoo Best used once a week, this shampoo will efficiently and effectively remove any excess oil and build-up to reduce greasiness and enhance your hair’s natural shine. The cleansing formula containing ginseng, rosemary and sage will help look after the scalp for healthy feeling and looking results. Best fragrant shampoo: Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo Containing 98% natural ingredients, including white vinegar, this shampoo will deeply nourish your scalp and hair to prevent oily build-up and encourage healthy, moisturised locks. It’s infused with rosemary and peppermint oil for a refreshing fragrance. Best natural shampoo: Faith in Nature Lemon & Tea Tree Shampoo Made with organic lemon and tea tree oil, this shampoo is great for cleaning and uplifting oily hair. It is paraben and sulphate-free, providing your scalp and hair with natural ingredients only. What causes greasy hair? Greasy hair is often caused by overactive sebaceous glands in the scalp - these are responsible for producing sebum, a natural oil to keep hair healthy and moisturised. Due to different factors, these glands can sometimes produce too much oil, causing your hair to become greasy. This can include hormonal changes, genetics, humidity, diet and stress, according to WebMD. How to prevent greasy hair The good news is - there are several different actionable ways in which to prevent this greasy hair dilemma. Here are some top recommendations to keep your hair looking fresh, clean, and grease-free: Use a shampoo specially formulated for greasy hair: these will target heads prone to greasy hair and will help remove any buildup of excess oil. Ensure you rinse hair thoroughly when washing: this will remove any excess product which could lead to an oily build-up on the scalp. Avoid using hot water when washing your hair: this can stimulate oil production - instead, try lukewarm water. Be gentle when shampooing: our hair expert David Felstead expresses the importance of being gentle with oily scalps, ‘to not over stimulate the sebaceous glands that cause it.’ Avoid over-washing your hair: it can strip your hair of natural oils and result in increased oil production. Avoid hair products that contain heavy oils: they will make your hair look greasier and feel heavier. Use a dry shampoo between washes: this works to absorb excess oil, keeping hair fresher for longer. Look at your diet: certain foods can affect the condition of your hair, in particular those high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates. Manage your stress: decreasing stress levels will help prevent the overproduction of oil in the scalp. How to choose the right shampoo for greasy hair: ingredients to look for and avoid When choosing a shampoo to help combat greasy hair, it’s important to look at the ingredients and pick ones specifically formulated for greasy, oily hair types. Our expert Luke Benson recommends that you ‘look for products that scientifically support the scalp to help reduce the amount of sebum produced to really help the problem.’ Here are some key ingredients to look out for: Salicylic acid: This has exfoliating properties, unclogging hair follicles and helping to reduce the build-up of oil on the scalp’s surface. Tea tree oil: This natural essential oil has antibacterial properties that can help clean and reduce oiliness across the scalp. Nettle extract: This active ingredient can prolong hair's freshness and help to regulate sebum production, reducing excess oil. Charcoal: A natural detoxifier, this will help absorb excess oil and impurities from the hair and scalp. There are also certain ingredients in shampoos that you should avoid if you are prone to greasy hair. Here are the ingredients to avoid: Silicones: These can create a build-up on your hair and scalp, trapping product and dirt in and leading to greasiness. Sulphates: Our expert Luke Benson emphasises the importance of avoiding sulphate-based shampoos as they can ‘strip the hair of its natural oil, encouraging it to produce more to compensate.’ Fragrances: They may smell nice, but be wary of fragranced shampoos - they can often contribute to oiliness across the scalp. Oils: Added oils such as coconut oil and jojoba oil may contribute to greasiness. The benefits of using specific shampoos for greasy hair Using a specifically formulated shampoo for greasy hair, with ingredients to help prevent oil build-up and encourage healthy locks, can offer a host of positive outcomes. These include: Regulating the production of sebum in the scalp and hair, reducing oiliness Absorbing excess oil in the hair and scalp without stripping away natural oils Exfoliating the scalp to remove any build-up Nourishing and refreshing the scalp with natural ingredients to prevent damage and keep hair healthy How often should you wash greasy hair? How often you wash greasy hair depends on several factors, including your hair type, lifestyle and personal preferences. In general, it’s recommended to wash greasy hair no more than every other day - over-washing can strip your scalp of natural oils and lead to increased oil production. Here are some factors to consider to help guide you in your hair-washing frequency: Type of hair: Whether your hair is thick, thin, straight or curly can contribute to how often you feel the need to wash your hair. Thinner hair may need washing more frequently to prevent the build-up of grease, while thicker, curlier hair may be able to go longer between washes. Activity: If you exercise regularly, you may need to wash your hair more frequently to avoid increasing oiliness. Climate: In hot, humid climates, you may need to wash your hair more frequently to keep cool but also keep your hair clean. Styling products: If you use a lot of styling products, washing your hair more regularly may be needed to remove any residue build-up. If you want a full breakdown on hair washing, check out our full guide on how often you should wash your hair, with tips from more hair care experts. Want to read more expert-recommended hair care essential round-ups? Check out our hair care page for a full list of recommendations, including our guide to the best shampoos, the best conditioners, the best hair curlers and the best hair dryers, as recommended by our hair care experts.
The best shampoo for coloured hair, according to hair care experts
Colour-treated locks? We’ve got you covered with the best shampoos to keep your hair healthy and vibrant, with recommendations for hair care experts.
Whether fully dyed hair, an ombre style, highlights or lowlights, colour-treated hair requires special care and attention. Once you’ve had your colour topped up or altered, you want it to stay - looking after it properly is highly important to maintain its vibrant colour and keep it in a healthy condition. Shampoo specially formulated for coloured hair is a great starting point. At The Recommended, we've rounded up some of the best shampoos for colour-treated hair and included a super handy guide on how to look after coloured hair. We’ve got you covered with the ingredients to look out for (and the ingredients to avoid) and included some top tips from haircare experts, including how often you should wash your tinted or fully dyed hair. Read on for the low-down. The best shampoo for coloured hair at a glance: Best for locking in moisture: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo, £23.80 at LookFantastic Best for UV protection: Keune Care Colour Brillianz Shampoo, £20.99 at Amazon Best for balancing pH levels: Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo, £20.90 at Sephora Best for enhancing shine: Wella Invigo Colour Brilliance Shampoo, £14.25 at LookFantastic Best for long-lasting results: L’Oreal Vitamino Colour Shampoo, £16.30 at LookFantastic Best for cleansing the scalp: Aveda Colour Control Shampoo, £24.94 at LookFantastic Best for eliminating impurities: Color WOW Color Security Shampoo, £21.50 at LookFantastic Best lightweight shampoo: Daniel Galvin Love Your Hair Shampoo, £18 at Daniel Galvin Meet our experts Luke Benson is a celebrity hairdresser with more than 20 years of experience. His famous A-list clients include Billie Eilish, Liam Payne, Michelle Keegan, Anna Friel, and Roman Kemp. He has styled iconic hair moments at events such as the BRITS and Bond premiere, as well as being a top stylist for brands Tom Ford, Charlotte Tilbury and Hugo Boss. He has won awards for his cutting, styling and grooming talent, such as the Session Stylist of The Year Finalist for the 2022 Fellowship for British Hairdressing Awards. David Felstead is the resident Trichologist and long-standing stylist at the renowned Daniel Galvin salon. He has more than 40 years of experience in the hairdressing industry and has worked with Daniel Galvin for over 25 years. David heads up the Hair and Scalp Clinic and is in high demand with his A-list clientele. The best shampoos for coloured hair We’ve rounded up some of the top shampoos for colour-treated hair, including recommended products from our hair care experts. Best for locking in moisture: Pureology Hydrate Shampoo Designed for colour-treated hair, this shampoo’s creamy texture will lock in moisture and protect your colour, leaving your hair hydrated, soft and glossy. It’s 100% vegan friendly, containing sage, green tea and jojoba, with a refreshing fragrance of lavender, patchouli and bergamot. Best for UV protection: Keune Care Colour Brillianz Shampoo Our expert Luke Benson recommends this as a ‘great colour shampoo option’. It will provide a protective barrier for colour-treated hair by locking in its pigment and is formulated with UVA and UVB filters to block out UV rays and prevent fading. Its silk proteins will give added moisture and shine to deeply nourish your hair. Best for balancing pH levels: Redken Color Extend Magnetics Shampoo This specially formulated acidic shampoo will help balance the pH levels of your hair, keeping its vibrancy and preventing your colour from fading. Use for a salon-finished look, soft and smooth to the touch. Best for enhancing shine: Wella Invigo Colour Brilliance Shampoo Keep your colour-treated hair shining with this shampoo, enriched with antioxidant-rich lime caviar for the ultimate cleanse. This shampoo is pH-optimised to balance the levels in your hair, locking in the colour while washing out any impurities and build-up for super fresh results. Best for long-lasting results: L’Oreal Vitamino Colour Shampoo Keep your hair looking radiant with this shampoo, enriched with resveratrol, an antioxidant to nourish and protect the locks. This shampoo will replenish your hair with shine, providing long-lasting, professional-looking results for up to eight weeks. Best for cleansing the scalp: Aveda Colour Control Shampoo Boost your colour with this shampoo, enhanced with colour-protecting ingredients to brighten and freshen up your locks. This shampoo gently cleanses the scalp and lengths without affecting the colour and features pure flower and plant extracts to give a very pleasant fragrance. Best for eliminating impurities: Color WOW Color Security Shampoo Lather this shampoo into your hair to preserve its colour for longer, keeping your locks healthy and radiant. Made using a Japanese amino-fortified complex, this lightweight and sulphate-free shampoo works to eliminate impurities without affecting the colour or drying out hair. Best lightweight shampoo: Daniel Galvin Love Your Hair Shampoo Created by experienced hair care guru Daniel Galvin, this shampoo uses natural ingredients to maintain your hair’s colour and shine. Our hair expert David Felstead recommends this hair range as ‘nourishing yet light’ and ‘free from harmful chemicals such as SLS and Parabens’. What is colour-treated hair? Colour-treated hair is hair that has been chemically treated with colour, whether fully dyed or styled with highlights. Treating hair with these chemicals can often cause your locks to become more brittle and weak and more prone to breakage. Colour-treated hair, therefore, requires special care to ensure hair is kept healthy while maintaining its vibrancy. Using the right shampoo can help keep hair looking and feeling its best. The ingredients to look for in shampoos for coloured hair Our expert Luke Benson recommends a ‘combination of moisture, pigment locking agents and UV protection to ensure your colour lasts longer, is shinier and easier to maintain.’ Here are some of the ingredients which are best for helping maintain the vibrancy of your hair colour while thoroughly cleaning and nourishing your locks: Sulphate-free surfactants: These help your hair maintain its colour, preventing it from fading and protecting it from damage. UV filters: These will protect hair from any damage caused by UV rays, which can cause hair colour to fade. Antioxidants: These ingredients can help protect the hair and prolong its colour. Natural oils: These will nourish and moisturise your hair, keeping it healthy and locking in the colour. The ingredients to avoid in shampoos for coloured hair On the flip side of the ingredients to look out for, there are also certain ones you should try to avoid if you have colour-treated hair. These include: Sulphates: These can strip hair from natural oils and affect the colour, causing it to fade quicker. Harsh chemicals: As colour-treated hair can be more sensitive, you should avoid any harsh chemicals in shampoos which could cause breakage or damage. Alcohol: Alcohol can dry out the hair and cause it to become weaker and more brittle. It can also contribute to colour fading. How often should you wash coloured hair? How often you wash your hair depends on several factors, such as thickness, length, and the type of colour treatment you have. On the whole, it is generally recommended not to overwash colour-treated hair, as this can strip the hair of its natural oils and cause the colour to fade. Hair care experts at L’Oreal recommend washing your hair ‘only twice or thrice a week - then soak up the oil from those roots with dry shampoo when needed’. If you want the full low down on hair washing, check out our guides on how often you should wash your hair and how to wash your hair properly, with tips from more hair care experts. What are the best practices for looking after colour-treated hair? Want to keep your coloured hair in tip-top condition, from root to ends? To avoid damaging or causing the colour to fade, here are some top tips on how to prevent hair from becoming dry and brittle: Use specifically formulated products: Choose gentle shampoos and conditioners designed for colour-treated hair, to minimise damage and optimise healthy, vibrant locks. Be gentle: Carefully massage the shampoo into your scalp and hair, being mindful not to be too rough and making sure to rinse it out thoroughly. Avoid hot hair products: Using hot tools such as hair dryers and straighteners can be damaging to coloured hair. Minimise usage where possible to avoid your colour fading or hair becoming dry and damaged. Deep condition hair weekly: Use a conditioning treatment once a week to help moisturise and strengthen the hair. Can you use regular shampoo on coloured hair? You can use regular shampoo on coloured hair, but it’s best to stick to those designed for colour-treated hair. Regular shampoo can sometimes be too harsh on coloured hair, causing the colour to fade or become dull in its hue. Go for specifically formulated shampoos designed for colour-treated hair. These will offer a more gentle wash which will protect the hair, maintain and prolong the colour, prevent it from fading, and keep hair in its optimum sparkling condition. Want to read more expert-recommended haircare and beauty round-ups? Check out our Haircare and Cosmetic pages for a full list of recommendations and advice, including our guide to the best shampoos, the best conditioners and the ultimate summer skincare checklist.
The best shampoo for dry hair, recommended by hair care experts
Your ultimate hair care guide for looking after dry locks, with top tips from styling pros.
Hair like straw? The weather, your hair type and your lifestyle are all factors that can contribute to your hair becoming dry, dull, and lacking moisture. Finding the right shampoo is a great first step to help combat this and put some life back into your locks. At The Recommended, we’ve looked into the best shampoos specially formulated and designed for dry hair to bring you this handy hair care guide. We’ve also spoken to top hair experts for their professional advice and top tips to help you along the way. From the causes of dry hair to the essential ingredients to look for in shampoos, read on for all you need to know about treating dry hair and regaining that refreshed bounce. The best shampoo for dry hair at a glance: Best for all hair types: Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, £17.85 at LookFantastic Best for silky smooth results: Redken All Soft Shampoo, £19 at LookFantastic Best for quick results: Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo, £5.99 at Boots Best for long-lasting results: L’Oreal Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Shampoo, £7 at Boots Best for a bouncy finish: Garnier Ultimate Blends Nourishing Hair Food, £6 at Boots Best for healthy hair growth: GF Fabulosity Shampoo No.5, £44 at GF Fabulosity Our hair experts Gustav Fouche is the owner of Notting Hill’s high-end salon Gustav Fouche and a top celebrity hairstylist. His clients include celebrities such as Kate Hudson and Gal Gadot and designer Oscar De La Renta, as well as styling iconic red-carpet looks, shoots and TV commercials. Gustav also spoke to us for our guide on how often you should wash your hair. Jeffrey Alzenny is a top Trichologist at The London Hair Clinic, offering his expertise in hair and scalp care. He is an accredited hair loss specialist and national trainer for the hair replacement industry. He has been awarded several Trichology certificates from the world-recognised group IAT (International Association of Trichologists). The best shampoos for dry hair We’ve done our research to bring you a round-up of the best shampoos for dry hair, with some top recommendations from hair experts. Best for all hair types: Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo Treat limp, dry hair with this hydrating shampoo and revive your locks with moisture and shine. Infused with antioxidant-rich argan oil and vitamins A and E, hair will be left smooth and rejuvenated. This shampoo is free from sulphates and parabens and suitable for all hair types. Best for silky smooth results: Redken All Soft Shampoo Instantly moisturise your dry hair with this shampoo, formulated with Redken’s silk-luxe complex. The ultra-rich formula contains avocado oil, silk amino acids and olive oil to rehydrate and replenish moisture back into the hair, leaving your locks renewed and silky smooth. Best for quick results: Aussie Miracle Moist Shampoo Refresh your locks with this shampoo - containing Australian macadamia nut oil, which has natural moisturising properties, it will rejuvenate dry, dull hair. It promises to add volume and shine in just one wash! Best for long-lasting results: L’Oreal Elvive Hydra Hyaluronic Shampoo Bring dry hair back to life with this hydrating shampoo from L’Oreal. Infused with hyaluronic acid, it will nourish and condition your hair and leave it bouncy and shiny for up to 72 hours. Best for a bouncy finish: Garnier Ultimate Blends Nourishing Hair Food Thirsty hair? Try this nourishing shampoo, made from an all-natural formula, to deeply moisturise and rejuvenate hair. Hair will be left feeling lightweight and fresh, bouncy and shiny, with a lovely banana and coconut scent. Best for healthy hair growth: GF Fabulosity Shampoo No.5 Our expert Gustav recommends this creamy textured shampoo for coarse, damaged hair. He explains that those suffering from dryness ‘need to get moisture back in the hair to help smooth the cuticle and help the hair to have more bend’. This shampoo will deeply moisturise the roots and hair strands to promote healthy hair. What are the key signs of dry hair? Dry hair isn’t hard to spot - it will feel rough in texture and lack shine. Dry hair will also become brittle and easy to break, with split ends. Other signs include an itchy scalp and flakiness and hair easily tangling, knotting and frizzing. What causes dry hair? Your hair can become dry for several different reasons - there is no one cause. It occurs when your hair lacks the necessary moisture and oil to stay and look healthy. Causes can include: Underactive sebaceous glands in the scalp: These are responsible for producing sebum, a natural oil to keep hair healthy and moisturised. Greasy hair can occur if the glands are overactive, while not enough oil can cause hair to become dry. Overwashing your hair: Washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils, which can damage the hair and make it feel dry. Exposure to harsh chemicals: Chemicals such as chlorine, hair dyes and bleaches can dry the hair out, causing it to become more sensitive and prone to damage. Using hot tools frequently: Using styling accessories such as hair dryers and straighteners can dry out the hair due to their heat. Environmental factors: The weather and different climates can affect the dryness of your hair. Extreme cold weather or hot, humid climates with strong UV rays from the sun can cause hair to become damaged and dried out, lacking moisture. Diet: What you eat and drink can affect the condition of your hair. For example, a lack of vitamins and proteins can lead to dry hair, which can break easily. Dehydration can also cause dry hair. Health: Dry hair can sometimes be caused by deficiencies or hormone imbalances - if you think this is the reason for your dry hair, you should consult a doctor for expert advice. How to combat and avoid dry hair? As dry hair can occur for several reasons, there are several ways to also avoid it. These include: Hair products: Use a moisturising shampoo and conditioner specifically designed for dry hair to regain moisture in your locks. Look for hydrating ingredients which are gentle on the scalp - there’s more on this below. Limit hot tools: Avoid over-using hot equipment on your hair, such as hair dryers and straighteners, as this can lead to dryness. When you do use these tools, ensure to spritz hair with heat protectant spray beforehand to prevent damage. Don’t overwash your hair: Overwashing can strip your scalp and hair of its natural oils - limit the frequency of washing your hair to lock in moisture for longer. Protect from the elements: Make sure you keep your hair protected in the sun, cold weather and windy conditions - harsh external elements can lead to dryness. Balanced diet: Ensure you have a healthy diet with enough vitamins, fruits, vegetables and healthy fats to avoid deficiencies that could lead to dryness. Make sure you also keep hydrated, drinking plenty of water throughout the day. What ingredients should you look for in a shampoo for dry hair? When looking to buy a shampoo to help rehydrate your dry hair and replenish it with some much-needed moisture, there are several ingredients that you should look out for. These include: Natural oils: e.g. coconut, argan and jojoba. These will help replenish your scalp and hair with moisture. Natural butters: e.g. shea butter, cocoa butter. Similar to natural oils, certain natural butters will deeply nourish your hair and scalp. Our expert Jeffrey recommends looking for formulas that provide added hydrations, ‘so think coconut oil, Abyssinian oil and shea butter.’ Aloe vera: This has naturally hydrating properties that can help soothe and hydrate the scalp. What ingredients should you avoid in a shampoo for dry hair? Several ingredients in shampoos should be avoided if you are prone to dry hair - these tend to strip your hair of moisture and contribute to dryness. Some of the ingredients to avoid include the following: Sulphates: These can be harsh on the scalp and hair and strip them of naturally occurring oils - hair expert Jeffrey Alzenny stressed the importance of avoiding these. Silicones: These can build up on the hair and prevent moisture and hydration from reaching the roots. Hair expert Gustav explains that ‘even though they may leave the hair feeling smooth, it's only a short time fix - avoid silicones as this will dry the hair even more’. Alcohol: This ingredient can dry out the hair and scalp. Petrolatum: Jeffrey recommends avoiding petrolatum ‘as it’s a known ingredient to block the hair cuticle.’ This can cause irritation. Fragrances: They may give a nice scent, but fragrances can be irritating for some hair types and contribute to dryness. How often should you wash dry hair? In general, it is recommended to wash dry hair less frequently to avoid stripping it of its natural oils, and when you do, ensure you are using shampoos specifically formulated for dry hair. The frequency of washing your hair can also be different for different people, depending on several different factors. Thick or fine, curly or straight? Different hair types will require different needs. Fine, dry hair may require slightly more regular washing in comparison to thicker hair. For fine hair, try every two to three days, whereas for thicker hair, try once or twice a week. Your lifestyle will also dictate how often you wash your hair. You will need to wash it more frequently if you are exercising a lot to remove sweat and any buildup of dirt and residue. Looking for more expert-recommended round-ups and hair product guides? Check out our Haircare and Cosmetics page, where you’ll find more more on beauty recommendations, including the best hairdryers, the best hair straighteners, and the best shampoos, recommended by experts.
How to wash your hair properly, with tips from experts
Everything you need to know for the perfect hair washing experience to bring salon-quality results.
Squeeze the shampoo bottle, lather into your locks, rinse thoroughly, and repeat with conditioner. Washing your hair is a simple enough task in your weekly routine, and for many doesn’t require much thought. But there is a proper way to do it in order to achieve salon-looking results. At The Recommended, we’ve put together a super handy guide on how to wash your hair the right way to give your locks the best results - a clean and silky smooth salon-looking finish. We’ve included a step-by-step guide on how to wash your hair and provided tips on how much shampoo and conditioner to use, how to apply it and how often to wash your hair. Read on for the ultimate haircare guide, with expert advice and top tips included from two renowned hair stylists. Our haircare experts Luke Benson is a celebrity hairdresser with more than 20 years of experience. His famous A-list clients include Billie Eilish, Liam Payne, Michelle Keegan, Anna Friel, and Roman Kemp. He has styled iconic hair moments at big events such as the BRITS and Bond premiere, as well as being a top stylist for brands including Tom Ford, Charlotte Tilbury and Hugo Boss. He has won awards for his cutting, styling and grooming talent, such as the Session Stylist of The Year Finalist for the 2022 Fellowship for British Hairdressing Awards. David Felstead is the resident Trichologist and long-standing stylist at the renowned hairdresser Daniel Galvin. He has more than 40 years of experience in the hairdressing industry and has worked with Daniel Galvin for over 25 years. David heads up the Hair and Scalp Clinic and is in high demand with his A-list clientele. How to wash your hair properly: Is there a right way to wash your hair? Washing your hair may come second nature to you, but washing your hair properly may be something to read up on. Here we’ve provided a step-by-step guide on how to get the most out of your hair washing: Washing your hair: a step-by-step guide Follow these steps, with top tips from hair expert Luke Benson, for the most efficient and effective hair wash: Pre-washing: Prep your hair so it is ready to wash. Brush through to remove any knots or tangles - this will prevent hair breakage while washing. Set the temperature: Use lukewarm water throughout for optimum results - too hot and your hair can be stripped from its natural oils. Start by getting your hair damp before shampooing - Luke stresses the importance of ensuring your hair is thoroughly wet beforehand. He comments that ‘many people start using shampoo and don’t get the foam they need to clean their hair and this is because the hair isn’t wet evenly so the product can’t activate’. Shampooing: Squeeze a small blob of shampoo into your palm (about the size of a 10p coin) and distribute it into both hands. Lather this into your hair and ‘in a smoothing motion run the product from root to tip on the top of the head and then underneath’, advises Luke. This ensures the shampoo is ‘spread evenly’. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of the shampoo. If you're looking for a new shampoo, check out our expert-recommended guide to the best shampoos for all hair types. Conditioning: Apply a small amount of conditioner (again, about the size of a 10p coin) to the mid-lengths and ends of your hair. Avoid applying it to your scalp and roots, as this will cause greasiness. Leave the conditioner for a couple of minutes to allow it to fully hydrate and condition your hair. Rinse thoroughly with cool water to lock in the moisture. If you're new to the world of conditioning or are just looking for a new conditioner, check out our expert recommendations of the best conditioners. Drying: Gently squeeze out excess water from your hair and wrap it in a towel to absorb the moisture. Don’t over-rub or wring your hair, as this can lead to frizz and breakage. If you have long hair and want to achieve salon-quality results, check out our guide to on how to give yourself an expert blow out at home, with tips from top hair stylists. Post-washing: Apply any leave-in or styling products while the hair is still damp. Allow your hair to air dry as much as possible to minimise heat exposure. The best hair products to use Using the right hair products to assist your perfect hair wash is essential. Here are some top tips on choosing the right shampoo, conditioner and other hair products: Shampoo: Pick a shampoo that matches your hair type, for example, oily or dry, and make sure to avoid ones with harmful ingredients such as sulphates which can cause irritation or dryness. See our guides to the best shampoos to find the perfect one for you. Conditioner: Choose a conditioner specifically formulated for your hair type, whether volumising, hydrating or moisturising. Again, watch out for any damaging ingredients. See our guide to the best conditioners to find the best one for your hair type. Styling products: Use styling products such as serums and mousses to address your specific hair care needs (e.g. frizz control and heat protection). Other hair products: For additional nourishment to your hair, consider using a deep conditioning treatment once a week, such as a mask or cream, and a scalp exfoliator to maintain a healthy scalp. Why does washing your hair properly matter? Looking after your hair is highly important in order to keep your locks healthy and looking smooth and shiny. Here are just a few reasons why washing your hair properly really matters: It removes build-up: Regular hair washing removes dirt, sweat, excess oil and product build-up. Without this, hair follicles can clog up and cause issues in the scalp, as well as leading to limp, greasy-looking hair. It keeps your scalp and hair healthy: A good hair wash will exfoliate and deeply cleanse the scalp and hair strands, encouraging it to remain healthy, promoting a healthy shine, and reducing risks of dandruff, dryness and itchiness. It stimulates hair growth: Looking after your hair and cleaning it regularly provides optimum conditions for strong and nourished hair follicles, which will encourage growth. It improves the look of hair: Freshly washed hair will look and feel healthy, with a natural shine and softness. It also is easier to style and will hold hairstyles more effectively. How much shampoo should you use, and how to apply it properly? Using the right amount of shampoo is fundamental to ensure a thorough hair wash. As a general guideline, start with a coin-sized blob of shampoo - you can always add more if required, for instance, if you have longer or thicker hair. When it comes to applying shampoo, make sure you start with wet hair and apply it evenly to your palms. Using your fingertips, massage it gently into your roots, using circular motions to stimulate the scalp. Work it down through your hair to the ends before rinsing thoroughly - make sure all the shampoo is washed out to avoid leftover residue. How much conditioner should you use, and how to apply it properly? Conditioner is also a key component in the hair-washing process, providing a smooth finish. Depending on hair length and thickness, you should aim for approximately a 10p coin size worth of conditioner and can adjust the quantity if needed. Once shampooed, make sure to squeeze out any excess water from your hair before applying the conditioner. Lather into the mid-lengths and ends of your hair using your fingertips, avoiding the roots, as this will cause hair to appear greasy. Leave the conditioner in for a couple of minutes for optimum hydration and nourishment for your hair. Finally, rinse thoroughly to remove the conditioner, ensuring no residue is left behind. Our hair expert David Felstead recommends always using a conditioner and combing it through your hair in the shower - ‘this prepares your hair by closing cuticles and killing static.’ He emphasises not using too much through and ‘if your hair is oily, only apply to mid-lengths and ends’. Post-washing: How to towel dry your hair after washing it without causing damage? Once you’ve washed your hair, towel drying is the next step. It can help speed up the drying process as well as helping to minimise damage. Here are a few tips for an effective post-wash drying process: Avoid rubbing: It’s best to squeeze excess water from your hair rather than aggressively rubbing with your towel, as this can lead to frizz and breakage. Our expert David Felstead suggests blotting it gently with a towel, ‘starting at the very ends and working up to your roots.’ Use a soft towel: A soft towel can make all the difference to your hair-washing routine. This will be more gentle on the hair and help absorb moisture. Avoid wrapping your hair too tight in the towel, as this can lead to tension on the scalp and hair breakage. Looking for some new towels? Check out our recommendations for the best towels you can buy online. Air dry when possible: Letting your hair dry naturally is the best option for your hair. If you do need to use a hair dryer, use it on a low heat and apply heat protection spray or serum beforehand for extra protection. How often should you wash your hair? The number of times a week you wash your hair depends on several factors, including hair type, environmental factors, lifestyle and personal preference. Here’s some general guidance according to these various factors: Hair type: Normal hair should be washed every two to three days. Oily hair will need to be washed more frequently, perhaps every day or every other day, and dry or coloured hair requires less frequent washing to retain natural oils and restore vibrancy in colour and texture - aim for every three to four days. Environmental factors: The weather and climate can affect how often you wash your hair. For example, in hotter, humid conditions, hair will need to be washed more frequently to regain its moisture. Lifestyle: Activity levels can influence how often you wash your hair. The more intense physical activity you do, the sweatier you will get, requiring a deep hair wash. Diet can also play a part in your hair-washing frequency, as well as hydration. For a full rundown, check out our full guide on how often you should wash your hair, with more tips from our expert hair stylists. Common mistakes to avoid when washing your hair In order to get the most out of washing your hair and maintain healthy hair, make sure to avoid the following common mistakes: Overwashing: Washing your hair too much can strip away natural oils, causing your hair to become dull and dry. How often you wash your wash depends on several factors, including your hair type and lifestyle - wash accordingly and stick to a routine. Water temperature: Lukewarm water is best for washing your hair in order to maintain moisture and prevent dryness. Water that is too hot can dehydrate your scalp and hair. Excessive heat: Be mindful of using hair tools such as hair dryers and straighteners post washing your hair - excessive heat can cause dryness and make hair more fragile. Minimise how often you use these accessories, and always use heat-protectant products. Don’t be too rough: Our expert Luke Benson advises to avoid applying your shampoo and conditioner too aggressively - ‘hair is much more delicate when wet and many people tear at the hair when washing.’ He recommends circular movements to help reduce damage and make the hair less knotty’. This will also avoid an irritated scalp and damaged hair follicles. Instead, lather it in gently with your fingertips. Conditioner: Unlike shampoo, don’t apply conditioner to your roots - this will cause your hair to become greasy. Focus on the mid-lengths and ends to restore moisture and softness to your hair. Don’t go to bed with wet hair: Luke also recommends that you ‘don’t go to bed with wet hair (not even if you sleep on a towel)’. Sleeping on wet hair can cause damage to the hair follicles, causing split ends, tangles and breakages. Avoid where possible, and Luke advises that ‘if you do need to sleep with damp hair, plait it if you can using a silk hair band’. To take your overnight haircare routine to the next level, why not invest in a silk or satin pillowcase to protect your hair while you sleep? Want to read more about haircare and see some more expert-led reviews and guides? Check out The Recommended's cosmetics section. Here you'll find round-ups of the best shampoos for all hair types, the best conditioners recommended by hair experts, and the best hairdyers.
How to apply mascara like a pro, with tips from beauty experts
Longing for voluminous lashes? We’ve got the ultimate guide on how to apply mascara like the pros, with top tips from beauty experts.
Wanting to make your eyes pop with luscious lashes? Looking to add definition and length? Mascara is the answer. From curling and volumising to lengthening and colouring, mascara can add a whole new dimension to your eyelashes. Whether a make-up enthusiast or a beginner in the makeup field, here at The Recommended, we’ve put together a super handy guide on how to apply mascara like a pro. We’ve got you covered with step-by-step instructions, top tips and tricks from experts, and rounded up some of the best mascaras on the market. We’ve also included essential dos and don’ts to help you master applying mascara and achieve the perfect fluttering eyes. Our mascara experts Cassie Lomas is a world-renowned celebrity makeup artist. Her A-lister clients include Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez and Rita Ora (to name just a few). Cassie launched her own makeup school, Cassie Lomas Makeup Academy, in 2010, has her own creative agency representing the best new hair and makeup talent, and has her own range of makeup brushes. She can often be seen on TV shows such as This Morning and Lorraine giving her latest makeup top tips. Melissa Austin is the editor of the beauty blog BeautyAnswers. She has studied media makeup, obtained qualifications in makeup artistry, and is a pro when it comes to all things makeup, hair, beauty and skincare related. How to apply mascara: a step-by-step guide Want to master the art of applying mascara? Follow this step-by-step guide for flawless, professional results, with top tips from makeup experts. Step one: Prep your lashes Ensure your eyelashes are clean and dry - this will provide the perfect starting point for applying mascara. At this stage, you can also curl your eyelashes using an eyelash curler. Our beauty expert Melissa Austin advises curling your lashes before application to ‘maximise your mascara’s potential’ and ‘lift your lashes, making them instantly appear longer.’ Step two: Apply mascara to the upper lashes Remove any excess mascara from the brush, and hold the wand horizontally by your lashes. Makeup expert Cassie Lomas advises: ‘getting the wand right to the roots of your lashes, giving it a little wiggle from side to side, then directing it upwards and out.’ This ensures your lashes are coated evenly from root to tip. Make sure to coat both sides of your lashes to create thickness. Step three: Apply mascara to the lower lashes Use the tip of the wand to apply the desired amount of mascara to your lower lashes - again, make sure to coat evenly. Step four: Add extra volume (optional) Wanting more volume and length? Apply additional coats of mascara to your lashes to achieve your desired style. Melissa recommends allowing each coat to dry before building it up, explaining that ‘applying too much mascara in one go will leave you with clumpy looking lashes and a messy finish.’ Step five: Separate any clumps For the finishing touch, make sure to separate any clumps in your lashes. Cassie recommends using the tip of your wand ‘to move the lashes into places’, or alternatively, you can use an eyelash comb. Top tips for applying mascara: the dos and don’ts We’ve rounded up some of the best advice out there for applying mascara, from useful hacks to the things to avoid. Start with clean lashes: Ensure you have removed all makeup residue before applying fresh mascara. This will give a clear and clean canvas to work with for the best results. Try out Caudalie’s Vinoclean Micellar Cleansing Water to wipe away daily impurities and makeup from your face and eyes - formulated with 98% natural ingredients, it’s suitable for all skin types and will leave skin and the eye area super soft and refreshed. Use an eyelash curler pre-application: If you are using an eyelash curler, it’s important to use it before applying your mascara. We recommend the Tweezerman ProCurl Lash Curler for adding definition to your eyes that will last. According to luxury makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury, you shouldn’t curl after application, ‘as when mascara has dried, it makes your eyelashes more prone to breakage’. Don’t apply mascara onto wet lashes: Make sure your lashes are completely dry before applying mascara to avoid unnecessary smudging. Don’t pump the wand: Avoid pumping the wand as this introduces air and will dry out the formula, decreasing its shelf life. If you want to get more mascara on the wand, experts at Charlotte Tilbury suggest slowly twisting it around the tube - ‘this way you’re not pushing any extra air into the tube, so it shouldn’t dry out.’ Avoid excess mascara on the wand: Ensure there isn’t too much mascara on the brush, as this will cause clumping. Use a lash comb: Once you’ve applied your mascara, separate your lashes with a lash comb to give an even finish and remove any clumps. Check out Tweezerman’s Lash Comb for simple use and professional results - its gold-plated teeth will easily glide through your lashes, removing any excess mascara. Don’t forget lower lashes: They can be easy to miss but don’t forget to apply mascara to your lower lashes, too, for a balanced, complete finish. Avoid excessive application: Too much mascara on the lashes can become heavy and cause eyelashes to clump together. Avoid excessive application and use a comb to separate them out. Get rid of expired mascara: Mascara should be changed every three to six months or thrown away immediately if you’ve had an eye infection. This will reduce the risk of bacteria spreading to the eyes. Choosing the right mascara Lengthening, defining or volumizing? Dramatic, subtle or elegant? There are lots of different mascaras available for all the styles you are aiming for, suitable for all eye types, complexions and activities. Here we’ve rounded up some of the key factors to look for when choosing the right mascara for you: Waterproof or regular? Need long-lasting wear, coming into contact with water or feeling a little teary-eyed? Choose a waterproof mascara. Regular mascara is designed to last, but waterproof mascara has specific properties to withstand hot, humid and wet conditions. We like Clinique’s High Impact Waterproof Mascara, designed with a water-resistant, smudge-proof formula to be ready for every occasion and made to last. For expert tips on how to remove waterproof mascara, check out our guide on how to remove waterproof mascara. The different types of mascara wands Our expert Cassie comments that ‘mascaras are only as good as the wand you apply them with, so when choosing a mascara, go for one that has a brush you like.’ Mascara wands come in different shapes and with different bristle types, so there is something for every need. First things first, it’s important to decide which effect you want it to have on your lashes - our expert Melissa explains the different types: For a volumized look, Melissa recommends using a mascara with a jumbo wand, packed with lots of bristles as, ‘these are designed to reach every lash and dispense product evenly to give a fluffed-out lash effect, ideal for those with sparse or thin lashes.’ MAC’s MACStack Mascara will add drama to your eyes, designed with a mega brush to give 360-degree coverage and leave lashes lengthened and lifted without clumping, smudging or flaking. Thin or cone-shaped mascara wands will distribute the product evenly and lengthen your lashes to make them look elongated. Melissa recommends this type of wand for those with shorter or lighter-coloured lashes. Check out Sweed’s Lash Lift Mascara which promises to lengthen and define delicate lashes. Thanks to its thin brush and wand, it will coat every lash from root to tip for full coverage. Hourglass-shaped wands have feathery bristles, ‘ideal for creating dramatic volume, length, definition and lift that is effective even on sparse lashes.’ Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara will achieve fuller-looking lashes with its hourglass-shaped brush capturing every lash. Curved wands lift lashes from the root to create long-lasting, fluttery results - try Benefit’s Roller Lash Lifting and Curling Mascara to lift and curl your lashes for up to 12 hours. Colour options Choose the shade of your mascara carefully. Whether jet black or chocolate brown to blend in with your natural eyelash colour or a bright blue or pink to jazz up your eyes, there are plenty of options to choose from. For a splash of drama to your lashes, we love Benefit’s Badgal Bang Volumising Mascara in a striking blue hue or Eyeko’s Lash Alert Lift and Curl Mascara in deep purple. Want to read more expert-recommended beauty round-ups? Check out our cosmetics page for a full list of recommendations, including the best mascaras, how to stop mascara from smudging, and how to remove waterproof mascara – all recommended by expert make-up artists.
How often should you wash your hair? We spoke to three experts to find out
The ultimate guide to hair washing, with tips from hair care experts.
When it comes to looking after your hair, there’s the million-dollar question - how often should you wash it? And annoyingly, there’s no one fixed answer - everyone has different hair, and everyone leads very different lifestyles - these factors affect your hair care routine. Once you’ve found the best shampoo for your hair type and needs, knowing when to wash it and how to care for it in between washes is essential for maintaining the healthiest, lushest and shiniest locks. At The Recommended, we’ve done our research and spoken to some top haircare experts to get the low-down on how often you should really wash your hair, whether thick, fine, curly, straight, greasy or dry. We’ve looked into the different factors which influence the frequency of how often you wash your hair, from hair type to lifestyle, and will provide you with helpful tips on how to take the best care of your locks. Read on to arm yourself with everything you need to know about washing your hair. Our hair experts Luke Benson is a celebrity hairdresser with more than 20 years of experience. His famous A-list clients include Billie Eilish, Michelle Keegan and Anna Friel, and he has worked with top brands, including Tom Ford, Charlotte Tilbury and Hugo Boss. Luke has also given us his expert advice on how to wash your hair properly, how to give yourself a salon-quality blowout at home, and how to blow dry your hair straight. Plus, he’s lent expert recommendations on the best shampoo for coloured hair, the best shampoo for greasy hair, and the best shampoo for men. David Felstead is a professional hair stylist with more than 40 years of experience in the industry. He works at the renowned hairdresser Daniel Galvin and has a high calibre list of celebrity clients. Gustav Fouche is a celebrity hairstylist and one of London’s premier salon owners. He has worked with VIP clients, including Kate Hudson, Gal Gadot and designer Oscar De La Renta and has styled many red-carpet events, TV commercials and editorial shoots. How often should you wash your hair? There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to washing your hair, from the types of shampoo you use to the frequency you wash it. Generally, it is recommended to wash your hair several times a week (about two to three times), but this can depend on several factors. Our hair expert Luke suggests washing your hair ‘every three days or so unless you’ve been sweating, swimming or exposure to pollution (so maybe if you live in central London you’ll want to do it a bit sooner)’. Luke also points out that there are a number of factors which can influence the rate at which you wash it. This includes hair type, style, environment and lifestyle. We’ve had a look into these and compiled this guide on how often you should wash your hair according to these different factors… Hair type Different hair types can require different amounts of washing - we’ve included some of them below: Fine hair: Often thinner, finer hair can get greasier faster due to the smaller sized hair follicles, therefore requiring more frequent washing. People with this type of hair should aim to wash it every other day, ensuring not to overwash it, as this can cause it to become dry and more brittle. Thick hair: Due to its fuller volume, thick hair can be washed less frequently, perhaps once or twice a week, as it can hold on to moisture longer. Washing it too often can strip it from its natural oils, causing hair to become dry and vulnerable to breakage. Dry hair: Dry hair should be washed less frequently to prevent the natural oils produced in the scalp from being stripped and maintaining moisture. Opt for once or twice a week. Luke comments that ‘curls tend to go longer between washing as they’re naturally drier, and start to look better as the days progress and the scalp produces more natural oil.’ Check out our guide on the best shampoos for dry hair to kick-start your hair washing. Oily hair: Oil-prone hair may need washing more regularly to prevent it from looking greasy. It may require everyday washing, although over-washing can lead to increased oil production in the long run. We’ve got more on this type of hair in our round-up of the best shampoos for greasy hair. Coloured hair: Colour-treated hair is generally more sensitive, so it shouldn’t be overwashed - this can also cause the colour to fade. Aim for every two to three days for fine to normal hair that has been colour-treated and every four to five days for thicker-coloured hair to preserve its vibrancy. Read up on looking after colour-treated hair with our guide on the best shampoos for coloured hair. Lifestyle Activity: How active you are can influence how often you wash your hair. Frequent exercise can lead to increased sweat production, causing hair to become greasy. Washing hair after exercise is important to cleanse and exfoliate the scalp and remove dirt or debris that builds up during your workout. Diet: Your diet and hydration can affect your hair’s condition, which will, in turn, determine how often you wash your hair. For instance, a lack of iron, vitamin D or zinc can cause hair to become dry and brittle - this means hair should be washed less frequently to retain moisture for longer. Styling products: Using different serums and oils to style your hair can influence how often you wash it - you may need to wash hair more frequently to prevent a build-up of products if you use them on a regular basis. Environment Environmental factors can influence how often you wash your hair, for example, the climate and temperature. Humid conditions can cause hair to become frizzy and dry out, needing less frequent washing, while hot weather can increase sweat production, requiring regular hair washing to prevent dirt and oil buildup. How often should you use a conditioner? The first step in washing your hair involves using a good shampoo to cleanse, nourish and hydrate your scalp and locks. The second step is conditioning it to soften, strengthen and add some extra glossiness with the best conditioner for your hair. Our hair expert David recommends always using a conditioner each time you wash your hair. He advises combing it through your hair to ‘close cuticles and kill static’, but don’t use too much. He explains that ‘too much product can irritate your scalp by drying it out.’ The amount of conditioner you use and the frequency can also depend on your hair type. For fine hair, using conditioner every time you wash your hair will help add volume to fine hair and prevent it from tangling. Thick hair may not need conditioning every time you wash your hair as it could weigh down your already volumised hair. Aim for using every other wash. For those with oily hair, David suggests only applying conditioner to mid-lengths and the ends of your hair. Tips for maintaining healthy hair in between washes Looking after your hair in between washes is important in order to maintain your hair’s health and achieve salon-finished results. Here are a few tips on what to do in between washes to keep hair in optimum condition - silky soft and shiny at all times: Limit the use of hot tools: Don’t overuse hot styling tools such as hair dryers and straighteners - these can cause damage to your hair, taking away moisture and drying it out. When you do use them, ensure you use them in conjunction with heat protection sprays and creams. Use dry shampoo: Hair looking a bit lifeless but short on time? Spray some dry shampoo into your hair to bring some life into your locks when you need a quick refresh and are limited on time. Apply to roots to absorb excess oil and freshen up your locks. It’s important to use dry shampoo sparingly and only when needed. Use a hair mask: Apply a hair mask once a week to deeply nourish and moisturise your scalp and hair. Use a scalp scrub: Use once or twice a week to remove build-up and refresh your scalp. What happens if you don’t wash your hair? While washing your hair may seem a chore at times, and dry shampoo may seem an easier and faster quick fix, shampooing and conditioning your hair is essential in order to keep your hair in its best condition. If you don’t wash your hair regularly, it can lead to several issues, such as excess oil and build-up, causing hair to become dirty and greasy, and also lead to dandruff and scalp irritation. If you want to level up your hair care routine, check out our guide on how to wash your hair properly, with more tips from our expert hair stylists. Is it bad to wash your hair every day? Washing your hair every day is not typically advised. Too much washing can strip your scalp and hair of its natural oils, which can result in dry, sensitive hair susceptible to breakage and irritation. However, if you are highly active, sweat a lot or are prone to greasy hair, washing your hair on a daily basis may be necessary - in this case, ensure you use a gentle, sulphate-free shampoo. Our hair expert Gustav stresses the importance of using the correct product for your hair if you are washing it daily but to ‘absolutely avoid silicone and avoid using daily heat on the hair’. Is dry shampoo good for your hair? Dry shampoo can be a total lifesaver - whether you're tight on time, on the move, or in need of a quick glam-up. But it’s best to be used in moderation. Gustav explains that whilst dry shampoo is not directory bad for your hair, it can be bad for your scalp - ‘it can dehydrate the skin that can cause other side effects.’ Too much dry shampoo usage can sometimes lead to weaker hair and irritation, and it can clog up hair follicles in your scalp, creating build-up and causing it to become sore. The alcohol content can also dry out your hair, making it more sensitive and prone to breakage. If using dry shampoo, follow these tips for a safe experience: Limit the usage: Only use dry shampoo when necessary. Apply as directed: Shake before using, hold at least six inches away from your head and spray onto the roots. Let it settle for a few minutes before brushing it through the hair. Choose a high-quality dry shampoo: Look for dry shampoos which contain natural ingredients and are free of harmful chemicals. Want to read more expert-recommended round-ups and product guides? Check out our Haircare and Cosmetics pages, where you’ll find more hair and beauty guides with tips from experts, including the best shampoos, the best conditioners, and the best hair dryers.