Beauty secrets and skincare routines

INSTAGRAM BLOGGERS SHARE THEIR TOP TIPS AND PRODUCTS

by RAAKHI TANVI

It is so important to get opinions of those who have skin or hair like you when looking for products. That is why Instagram remains the go-to place for beauty advice from real women who give honest reviews and updates on the latest products.

Many have become influencers in their own right and a great source of inspiration.

Outside the celebrity-endorsed products lies a whole world of wonderful Instagram bloggers and beauty reviewers who give their honest opinions on products. I caught up with few of my favourites and got them to share some top tips.

Veena (@VeenaKaay): “The one beauty hack I think everyone should know is how to repair a broken nail, using a tea bag. You need to prep your nail using a clear nail polish (I normally use a nail hardener). Cut a dry tea bag into a square, enough to cover the break-tear and stick on top of your nail. Once it’s dried, go over your nail with the clear polish. Let it dry and you can go ahead and paint your nails, or leave them as is. No one will know you have a teabag on your nail unless they look really hard. No more nails getting caught on clothes or in your hair!”

Kiki (@thesestolenflowers): “The best tip I can give anyone is to hydrate your skin. I have an oily t-zone and in my teens thought the best way to deal with it was to strip as much of the oil as possible and skip moisturiser. Wrong. We all know dry skin needs moisture, but with oily skin the need for hydration is less obvious, but just as important. If you deprive oily skin of the hydration it needs, it will simply produce more oil to try to rehydrate itself. I would recommend adding a really good quality hyaluronic acid serum into your routine, no matter your skin type. Hyaluronic acid is like a sponge - one molecule can hold 100 times its weight in water so it’s excellent for plumping the skin and improving hydration levels. My favourite is Skinceuticals Hydrating B5. Since using it, my oil production has regulated, I’m blotting my face less and my skin looks much healthier. Result!”

Zarine (@zarrine_beautyjunkie): “As an active skincare and beauty blogger, I’m constantly bombarded with lotions, potions and the next best thing to make your skin glow with a baby-like clarity, but my product of the year (and possibly of my life) has to be retinol. I’m currently using the Drunk Elephant A-Passioni Retinol cream and it’s been a mainstay in my routine since January. Retinoids (all-encompassing term for different forms of the Vitamin A derivatives) are the most effective and well-studied anti-ageing compounds, which help to reduce fine lines, wrinkles, increase the production of collagen and generally improve the appearance of your complexion. I recommend incorporating this into your routine in your late 20s-early 30s for the best results. It is the gold standard in age-defying skincare products and can also help with acne and breakouts. I recommend it to everyone!”

Carolina (@carolina_edit): “My top tip to brighten up your day, especially now with the weather changing and autumn approaching fast, is a bright lip. I’m completely obsessed with bright pinks and reds, and wear them almost every day. If you work in a corporate environment, like myself and think that red lipstick is too much, skip the lip liner, and either press the lipstick gently on your lips or simply put some colour on your finger, and use that to smudge around your lips. It’ll give you a splash of colour that you need and won’t be too intense. My favourites include Skyscraper Rose and Velvet Ribbon, both from Lisa Eldridge, Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick in Metro, Charlotte Tilbury’s Patsy Red, and Lava and Liya’s Pure Red from the L’Oréal Color Riche Matte collection.”

Neelam (@skinoverbeauty): “I started my beauty journey a few years ago. My favourite confidence booster is a bright red lip. With my golden complexion, nothing makes me feel more bright and happy. I would also say take your time to invest in you and self-care. As a mum, that little time on yourself goes a long way!”

Farah (@beamwonder): “Make sure that you double cleanse in the evening. I find that so many of us splurge on expensive serums and creams, but, unfortunately, are not prepping the skin enough to create a clean canvas for the next step in our skincare regime. If you are wearing SPF and makeup throughout the day, I would recommend following a double cleansing routine to remove any last traces so that you give your serums the best conditions to work in and prevent any product-related congestion.”

Take time out and find these online beauty bloggers who aren’t paid thousands to review a product. Many of these accounts purchase the products themselves, so will give more honest reviews. And just to make it even better, they are all just absolutely lovely people. This little (big) Instagram community is so supportive and real. A huge thank you to you all.

Raakhi Tanvi is a London-based hair and make-up artist. Instagram & Facebook: 

@raakhitanvimakeup