Scent of aspiration

CAN a fragrance bring about the thrill of every day success? Gucci Première Eau de Toilette, said to be a lighter, brighter, more delicate incarnation of its predecessor, aims to do exactly that. The fresh fragrance is said to combine “presence and sensual femininity”.

The composition opens with accords of bergamot and orange blossom, meant to evoke the smell of vintage champagne. The heart offers an intensive bouquet of freesia, Bulgarian rose and jasmine embroidered with musk. Smoky leather, creamy woods and patchouli form the base of the perfume. Blake Lively, the face of the new fragance, says: “It announces that you have strength and are happy in your own skin. I really love that. It’s for the woman that I’ve always aspired to be. Every day.”

Prices starts from RM240. Available at all Gucci fragrance counters.

Kerastase trainer Anderson Cheah says that the normal rate of hair loss per day is about 50 to 100 strands of hair. So, hopefully this allays your fears about hair loss somewhat.

To find out whether your hair loss is triggered by you bleaching your hair or not, there are a few issues that need to be addressed first. Check if your scalp is oily. If your answer is yes, then it may be due to over-active oil sebum production by your scalp that’s covering your hair pores, causing your hair to fall out.

Secondly, are you washing your hair daily? If not, it may be due to an unwashed oily scalp which is creating scalp tension and affecting hair growth.

Lastly, was your hair bleached until it was a very light colour? If so, it could be the long processing time of the chemicals that triggered your hair breakage.

Based on the above scenarios, you could try to improve your hair and scalp condition with the following steps. Do go for a professional Kerastase salon treatment to treat your scalp. Start with the Kerastase Peeling Purifiant every 14 days to purify your scalp condition. This will lessen build-up of impurities and oil which lead to the hardening of collagen on your scalp. After that, go for an Acti Base treatment to soften the collagen and moisturise your scalp.

At home, use Bain Stimulates GL, a “densifying hair bath” for those with thinning hair. It optimises micro-circulation, stimulates hair production and gives volume to thinning hair. Your hair becomes soft and light.

Then, regenerate your hair with a leavein scalp tonic, Amenixil GLM. The ultimate treatment for hair loss and thinning hair, it helps to reduce the rate of hair loss and improves hair density after six weeks. It is clinically proven to be effective.

Texturiser your hair with Initialiste. It contains Regenerator Complex which protects the environment of stem cells, thus optimising the production of quality hair fibres. As the result, hair grows to be stronger, more luminous and beautiful.

Do make an appointment with a Kerastase salon near you for a proper consultation on how to maintain your scalp and hair health.

Kerastase will be giving Sandra Kerastase Bain Stimuliste GL and Aminexil Force RML worth RM215.

I have always been fascinated with make-up but I always end up applying it wrongly, blending the colours incorrectly. This results in uneven tones and patches across my face. Is there an easier way to apply and blend basic make-up products such as foundation and eyeshadow? I was told that I should use brushes to blend them, but how do I differentiate between the various kinds of make-up brushes? I’m also confused about Kabuki, blusher and foundation brushes, and am not so sure which to use and what strokes to apply. – Audrey

The right tools can help you apply make-up quickly and easily, with great-looking results, says Carina Choo, senior education manager at Bobbi Brown Malaysia.

Make-up can be applied directly to the sponge or on the face, and then gently blended into the skin. For foundation, some might prefer a brush because the synthetic bristles ensure a smooth and even application. Fingers are generally the best tools for warming and blending make-up on the skin – just don’t forget to clean them before you apply your makeup!

Before purchasing your brushes, you have to know what you’re looking for and what kind of brushes are worthwhile investments. Assess the quality of a brush by testing the way the bristles feel against the skin and by running your fingers through the bristles to make sure that they don’t shed.

It’s also important to test how a brush feels when you hold it in your hand. It needs to feel comfortable and easy to manoeuvre.

Generally, blush brushes need to be wide enough to cover the apple of the cheek. The bristles should be soft, natural hair with bevelled and curved edges. Synthetic bristles are ideal for foundation brushes because they can be used with all foundation formulas, and give a smooth, even application.

To learn more, swing by any Bobbi Brown store for a Brush Basics make-up lesson. Taught by a trained Bobbi Brown make-up artist, each one-on-one lesson begins with a series of questions, followed by a step-by-step make-up application as the make-up artist demonstrates the proper application for each product.

Every make-up lesson concludes with a personalised face chart to help women confidently recreate their new look at home.

Bobbi Brown will be giving Audrey a make-up brush worth RM180 and a Brush Basics make-up lesson.