What's new
This is definitely the year of the blonde, though according to Josh Wood, director of Realhair, it's more specific than that. "It's more about the clarity and tone of the blonde," he says. "We are entering an era of no overtones."
If that has you worried about the condition of your locks, fret not. L'Oréal's new Inoa hair colourant is ammonia-free, so it's kinder to hair but still promises to cover any pesky white strands that are poking through. There are 40 shades, but it's not only for blondies. So go on, have some fun.
For your nearest L'Oréal Professionnel salon, call 08000 726699
Butterfly effect
Advertisement
The limited-edition Sparkles lip glosses from Paul & Joe, with their two-tone balm housed in flower-print pots, are almost too pretty to use. They're just the right amount of sticky and come in three perfect tones: Baby Breath (natural), Snapdragon (for freshness) and Primrose (for spring pink). Snap them up. £18, from Fenwick and Harrods.
5 Star product
Elizabeth Arden Prevage Day Ultra Protection Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF30 (£95) contains antioxidants - including idebenone - and a sunscreen to protect skin from environmental damage, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and regain even skin tone. Trying really is believing.
Best blush
Make your cheeks bloom with Guerlain's delectable new Blush Eclat (£31), inspired by the Japanese cherry blossom. It's real flower power
Advertisement
The professionals
My skin reacts to products that contain sodium lauryl sulphate. I had been using Australian Organics Crème Cleanser, but it's no longer stocked locally. Is there an alternative that doesn't contain SLS?
Mary, by email
You're in luck: Melvita, the French organically certified skincare brand that has been the natural alternative for mesdemoiselles for 25 years, has just arrived in the UK. Try the Facial Scrub (£15 for 75ml; melvita.co.uk ), which is free of SLS and gently whips away dead skin cells while it cleanses.
My beautiful life: Anna Friel, 33, actress
Advertisement
The first time I got excited over a beauty product was when I was 11 and received bubble bath for Christmas. I find baths very therapeutic - I pour in Muscle Soak by Elemis and combine it with aromatherapy oils. My mum always wore Chanel perfumes. She taught me that a classic scent gets you noticed.
I wore Coco on stage when I played Holly Golightly. My latest skincare find is Dr Sebagh's Rose de Vie Serum. It lifts dry, tired skin - and it's perfect under stage make-up to keep my skin moisturised and protected. After I've applied my make-up, I'll spray my face with Liz Earle's Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer - my quick fix for instant radiance.
Your favourite tip of the week
J For a dewy glow, take a hot bath after applying make-up - it worked for Bianca Jagger.