The popular English duo will also be filming a new six-part television series for XYZnetworks’ LifeStyle YOU Channel on Foxtel and Austar.

The new made for television series, AUSTRALIAN MAKEOVER MISSION will be filmed in front of a live audience in Sydney (Westfield Parramatta & Miranda), Newcastle (Westfield Kotara), Melbourne (Westfield Fountain Gate), Canberra (Westfield Woden) and Brisbane (Westfield Chermside). Anyone wishing to receive a makeover by Trinny & Susannah is advised to visit the LifeStyle YOU website: www.lifestyleyou.com.au to register your interest.

Trinny & Susannah will also be appearing (minus the TV cameras) at nine other Westfield locations around Australia from 30th of September until 19th October 2010. To find out when the ladies will be appearing at a location near you, visit the website: www.westfield.com

Throughout August, people can vote for their favorite Designers For Daffodil Day piece for the chance to win a $1000 MIMCO voucher or make a contribution to Daffodil Day to go in the draw to win one of these exclusive pieces.

To vote for your favourite design visit: www.daffodilday.com.au/designers.htm

All funds raised support cancer research, prevention programs and support services for cancer patients and their families.

Akira Isogawa says “I wanted to help support the Cancer Council’s vision to minimise the threat of cancer to all Australians” Akira Isogawa is one of Australia’s most celebrated designers. He has achieved international recognition for his exquisite contemporary designs, which are sought after in every major fashion capital throughout the world. Since 1998, Akira has shown his collections in Paris, where he presents Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections to international buyers each year. For more information or to vote for Akira’s design visit: http://www.daffodilday.com.au/Designers/AkiraIsogawa.htm

Arthur Galan says “It’s great that Daffodil Day is partnering up with the fashion industry to support Daffodil Day 2010 and Cancer Council. We need to raise money to support research into a disease that affects so many.” Arthur Galan’s creation in 1998 of his self-titled label ‘Arthur Galan AG’ has developed into a leading Australian brand, designing signature collections for men and women. The Arthur Galan AG woman is sophisticated and sexy. The Arthur Galan AG man is assertive and modern. Both recognise Arthur Galan’s style, cut and quality as essential criteria to their wardrobe. For more information or to vote for Arthur’s design visit: http://www.daffodilday.com.au/Designers/Arthur Galan.htm

Bettina Liano says “Daffodil Day is an opportunity to become involved in event that is working towards a Cancer free future. Everybody has been touched by Cancer in some way, at some stage. In supporting Daffodil Day we hope to be able to make a difference”. This iconic label has come a long way since it was launched in the 1980s as a range of simple, draped jersey dresses. Today, celebrities and fashion editors alike clamour after Bettina Liano’s extensive range of coordinated dresses, skirts, tailored suits and tees, immaculately cut from high-quality imported silks, jerseys, cottons and knits. The result? Clothing designs that truly celebrate the female form. This is especially true of Bettina Liano’s trademark fitted O jeans: brilliantly tailored investment pieces that deliver a devastatingly sexy silhouette. For more information or to vote for Bettina’s design visit: http://www.daffodilday.com.au/Designers/Bettina Liano.htm

Camilla Franks says “I’m proud to support the Daffodil Day campaign and help create public awareness to raise significant funds for cancer research. Sadly, we will all be affected by cancer at some stage in our lives whether it’s a family member or friend. By buying a piece of Daffodil Day merchandise on August 27th you will be supporting a very worthwhile cause which could one day save your life or that of a loved one.” From the minute the vivacious Camilla Franks created her first kaftan eight years ago, a celebrity fashion and artist icon was born. As a former theatre actress, Camilla designed and created her own flamboyant costumes that naturally translated into her debut kaftan collection. It was a simple kaftan concept that would change the course of Australian fashion history and inspire a new direction of beach and resort fashion. For more information or to vote for Camilla’s design visit: http://www.daffodilday.com.au/Designers/Camilla Franks.htm

Gail Elliott says “I’m thrilled to have been asked to design a dress for Daffodil Day in an exclusive designer collaboration to raise money for the Cancel Council and we at Little Joe Woman are very proud to be a part of this wonderful initiative.” GAIL ELLIOTT rose to fame in the 1980′s and continues today to enjoy a stellar career as one of the world’s top models. More than 20 years later, Gail continues to travel the globe on modelling assignments using the opportunity now to gather inspiration for her ever growing fashion label – Little Joe. For more information or to vote for Gail’s design visit: http://www.daffodilday.com.au/Designers/Gail Elliott.htm

JASONGRECH says “We, like so many people, know someone who has been touched by Cancer and we’re honoured to be part of an event that brings hope to the community and continues to work endlessly to make a difference.” The name JASONGRECH is synonymous with refined elegance, chic modernity and unparalleled service in its made-to-measure and couture offerings. Performing in alliance with the fundamental values of honesty, integrity and value, JASONGRECH prides itself on providing a personalised service that caters to the needs and wants of their clients. For more information or to vote for JASONGRECH’s design visit: http://www.daffodilday.com.au/Designers/JASONGRECH.htm

Jayson Brunsdon says “Having survived cancer myself, this charity is something that is very close to my heart.” Jayson Brunsdon started his own eponymous label in 2004 immediately establishing national and international stockists and garnering extremely positive media coverage. The label is now available worldwide and also in his free standing stores nationally. Focusing a structured, strong silhouette with an emphasis on cinematic femineity, the Jayson Brunsdon client list includes Naomi Watts, Linda Evangelista and HRH Crown Princess Mary of Denmark. For more information or to vote for Jayson’s design visit: http://www.daffodilday.com.au/Designers/Jayson Brunsdon.htm

Rachel Gilbert “I am thrilled to be involved with Cancer Council’s Daffodil Day this August, and I am inspired by the amount of hope that the Cancer Council offers to victims, survivors and their families. I am extremely honoured to take part in raising funds for research, prevention and support services for all types of cancer. I feel blessed to be able to contribute in some small way by donating one of our gowns…” With luxury embellishments as her personal hallmark, five celebrated high-end collections under her belt, and a cluster of A-list stars clamouring to wear her red-carpet creations, designer Rachel Gilbert on course to become a leading fashion figure in Australia and across the globe. For more information or to vote for Rachel’s design visit: http://www.daffodilday.com.au/Designers/Rachel Gilbert.htm

By Akisa for The Style Glossy

To help you get out the door on time, we’ve picked two makeup looks — fresh and radiant, and soft and sultry — that are guaranteed to suit any occasion.

1. Start with a dewy canvas.
Use liquid or cream foundation over primer and set with a light dusting of powder only on the T-zone (from your eyebrows, down your nose to your chin).

2. Choose your look.
Depending on what event you’re going to, here are two different looks to try out.

Fresh and Radiant: This look draws out your inner beauty and complements most outfits.

• Apply a skin-toned shade over the lid. Highlight the brow bone with a champagne shade to awaken the eyes.

• Line the eyes with a waterproof black eye pencil and curl lashes before coating with a lengthening mascara.

• Finish with a rose or mauve pink lipstick.

Soft and Sultry: This look will make you feel instantly sexy.

• Prep eyelids with primer and apply a shimmery taupe shade on lids.

• Using a dark brown shade, define the outer corner of your eyes, along the crease and halfway along the bottom lash line.

• Highlight the brow bone and inner half of your bottom lash line with a frosty shade.

• Line the eyes with black gel eyeliner, creating a slight wing. Use the residue to line the bottom lash line for softer definition.

• Contour with a bronzing powder by sweeping your brush in a motion much like the shape of a “3.”

• Finish with volumising mascara and a pink-beige lipstick.

3. Last but not least …
Make cheeks glow by adding a soft colour, such as pink or peach blush.

What’s your fail-proof makeup look for any occasion?

To help you get out the door on time, we’ve picked two makeup looks — fresh and radiant, and soft and sultry — that are guaranteed to suit any occasion.

1. Start with a dewy canvas.
Use liquid or cream foundation over primer and set with a light dusting of powder only on the T-zone (from your eyebrows, down your nose to your chin).

2. Choose your look.
Depending on what event you’re going to, here are two different looks to try out.

Fresh and Radiant: This look draws out your inner beauty and complements most outfits.

• Apply a skin-toned shade over the lid. Highlight the brow bone with a champagne shade to awaken the eyes.

• Line the eyes with a waterproof black eye pencil and curl lashes before coating with a lengthening mascara.

• Finish with a rose or mauve pink lipstick.

Soft and Sultry: This look will make you feel instantly sexy.

• Prep eyelids with primer and apply a shimmery taupe shade on lids.

• Using a dark brown shade, define the outer corner of your eyes, along the crease and halfway along the bottom lash line.

• Highlight the brow bone and inner half of your bottom lash line with a frosty shade.

• Line the eyes with black gel eyeliner, creating a slight wing. Use the residue to line the bottom lash line for softer definition.

• Contour with a bronzing powder by sweeping your brush in a motion much like the shape of a “3.”

• Finish with volumising mascara and a pink-beige lipstick.

3. Last but not least …
Make cheeks glow by adding a soft colour, such as pink or peach blush.

What’s your fail-proof makeup look for any occasion?

Melbourne-based Akisa is the lips and brains behind beautyswatch.com, a colour library of lipstains and glosses to help women find their way in the lipstick jungle. Akisa also guest blogs about beauty at primped.com.au.

By Brooke Le Poer Trench for The Style Glossy

We complain about the humidity all summer long, but when it disappears, our hair stops shining along with our T-zone. “To have good hair in winter, you’ve got to know what you’re up against and how to beat the elements,” says stylist Jayne Wild, director of Wild Life Hairdressing in Sydney. Thankfully, it’s easier than it sounds.

Tackle Static
Virtually every hair type is more prone to static in winter, because there is less moisture in the air, according to Nikki Yazxhi, editor of beauty blog Bella Mumma. “Even the fact that you wear different manmade fibres exacerbates the problem,” she says. The good news is that well-nourished hair copes better, so switch to a moisturising shampoo and conditioner. Another trick: Spray a small amount of hair spray on a natural bristle brush and smooth it from the roots to the ends — stiff plastic bristles actually encourage static.

Rethink Your Routine
“A lot of people change their skin routine in winter but forget to do the same for their hair. Within weeks, their hair is dull and frizzy,” says Wild. If your issue is compounded with limpness, apply conditioner from the ears down. And unless you have very fine hair, use a deep conditioning mask once a week. A dab of silicone-based serum before blow-drying will tame the frizz too.

Add Colour
When you look dull all over, you might consider booking a facial. But your cash may be better spent on adding a new colour to your hair. A few streaks around the hairline and the part of your hair can brighten your whole look. The trick is to only highlight a shade or two lighter than your natural colour so that everyone thinks you’ve just returned from holidays. Also, “a semipermanent hair color is the quickest way to add body and shine,” says Shane Henning, creative director of Noddy’s On King in Sydney. Henning recommends going a little darker if you’re a brunette, and highlighting fair hair with warmer tones, like a soft caramel.

Use a Brush
Ask yourself: When was the last time I actually brushed my hair? Summer is all about messy layers, textured curls and easy-looking styles. So we often abandon traditional grooming for finger styling and a little salt spray. Wild says that finding your brush again can make a huge difference. “Running the brush from roots to ends will add moisture, as it distributes your natural oils,” she says. “And a paddle brush with a magnet in the handle can also prevent static by neutralising the electric charge.”

Try a New Style
Cashmere scarves and wool hats can be exciting after a long, hot summer, but when you peel away the layers, your hair can look a little Young Einstein. Henning suggests an elegant updo, such as a soft chignon. Use a fine-tooth comb to gently tease the top and sides of your hair, and just a little at the crown; sweep your hair straight back with your hands into a low ponytail; tease the underside of the pony using the fine-tooth comb and twist into a loose bun, using pins to secure it. Mist with a little hair spray to finish.

Get a Cut
Dry, frizzy ends are a result of lack of moisture, and sometimes damage too. Yazxhi says that losing even half an inch or snipping off the ends every six weeks can make a huge difference. “Experiment with noncommittal styles like fringes and shorter layers around your face. These are much easier to wear in the cooler months and will have grown out by summer when you tend to wear your hair off your face,” she says.

So, Style Glossy readers, what is your greatest winter hair woe? Add a Comment.

Brooke Le Poer Trench is a freelance journalist, who writes for Madison and Harper’s Bazaar. She has worked as a beauty writer for CLEO, and as a senior editor of Allure and Cosmopolitan in the U.S.

By Felicity Loughrey for The Style Glossy

Trichoptilosis, better known as split ends, happens when a hair strand splits or branches from the main shaft. Split ends are caused by excessive heat, brushing hair when wet, chemicals from hair dyes and swimming in chlorine. Here are some simple things you can do to end split ends and prevent them happening in the first place.

Get Frequent Trims
The most definitive, put-an-end-to-split-ends treatment is to lop your locks. “Get regular haircuts,” says Ali Holmes, of Sydney’s Wild Life Hair, who has worked backstage for designers Toni Maticevski, Mad Cortes and Marnie Skillings. If you’re happy with your length, go for a cut every six weeks. If you’re growing out your tresses, aim for a trim every eight to 10 weeks. If you spot a stray split end, it can also be cured by snipping it yourself above the damage.

Be Cautious With Chemical
“Over-colouring the ends can split them. It’s ok to do your roots regularly, but make sure your hairdresser never overlaps the colour [on the ends],” says Holmes. As for chlorine damage, always rinse and shampoo your hair after a dip in the pool.

Conditioning Treatments
Hot heat is another culprit of split ends. You can protect your hair and prevent damage by using a restorative conditioning treatment that contains ingredients to protect and revitalise the damaged cuticle of the hair.

Protein Punch
Not quite the same as a deep conditioning treatment (that adds moisture); a protein therapy treatment will restore, condition and revive hair. You see, hair is mostly made of protein, so whenever strands are chemically treated or sun damaged, protein is lost. A hair protein treatment can be done at home. Leave the treatment in for at least five minutes, rinse then condition. Try this every other day for a couple of weeks for shiny, healthy results.

Brush Gently
“Brushing hair with a good brush before washing or before bed is great as this will help smooth hair and take away any dry, loose ends,” says Jon Pulitano creative director of Sydney’s Headcase Hair (and he’s also Audrina Partridge of The Hills personal hair stylist, when she’s in town). Pulitano recommends a Mason Pearson brush from the original 1885 design with a cushion pad and bristles in nylon and boar hair. After a shower, don’t rub your hair with a towel; gently squeeze excess water and use a wide-toothed comb.

Switch Your Style
Mix it up a bit. “Don’t always wear your hair in a ponytail in the same position,” says Holmes. “It can cause breakage. Sometimes wear a high ponytail, sometimes low.” You can also part your hair on a different side, try a French plait or low-slung piggy tails. Vary your hair accessories too, particularly anything with a metal clasp or clips.

Eat This
A great way to prevent split ends is with a healthy, balanced diet. Try salmon, flaxseed, spinach, broccoli and lentils for strong hair. Always get your vitamins and protein, and avoid crash diets or low-calorie diets. Eat well and your hair will thank you.

How obsessed are you with split ends?

Felicity Loughrey is the managing editor of The Style Glossy, Australia. She writes for Vogue Australia, Vogue Living and GQ.

By Shelley Levitt for The Style Glossy

What woman doesn’t love trying out each season’s new makeup colours and formulas. And who can resist the latest shampoos, conditioners, pomades and gels that just might be the missing link to help you achieve perfectly tousled locks. Go ahead and indulge, but don’t overlook an essential element of your beauty artillery: brushes. The right brushes for both hair and makeup can help make you absolutely dazzling!

Makeup
“If you don’t have the right application tools,” says celebrity makeup artist Tasha Reiko Brown, “even the most expensive products won’t go on properly.” Look for brushes that feel comfortable in your hand, that aren’t shedding and that have soft bristles. Brown chooses synthetic bristles for concealer, lip and foundation brushes, but she opts for natural bristles — such as sable, mink or goat — for blush or powder brushes. “Stiffer bristles can scratch your skin,” she says. If you prefer not to use animal products, look for brushes made from high-grade synthetic fibers, such as taklon bristles.

Here’s what you need:

• Face Foundation brush, large powder brush, blush/bronzer brush (you can use one brush for both bronzer and blush, just wipe off brush between applying each product), concealer brush

• Eyes Fluff brush for applying shadow to lid, flat liner brush for applying colour along the lash line

• Optional Tapered shadow brush for applying shadow increase or blending eyeliner and shadow to create a smoky eye, spooly brush or disposable mascara wand for grooming brows and combing through eyelashes to remove clump between applying coats of mascara, angled eyebrow brush for applying powder to brows, and lip brush

“Perfect application comes from clean tools,” says beauty pro Robert Jones, author of Looking Younger: Makeovers That Make You Look as Young as You Feel. “Blush or powder brushes should be cleaned at least once a month, and eye brushes once a week.” Brown’s favorite brush cleaner? Your regular shampoo. “Just put a little shampoo on wet hands, run it through the brush hairs and lay the brush flat on a towel to dry.”

Hair
Most women will need two combs, our experts say:

• Wide-toothed comb should be kept in the shower for distributing conditioner evenly throughout hair and for gentle detangling.

• Fine-toothed comb is necessary for backcombing or teasing. Backcombing is an easy way to create volume. Working from the crown, take panels of hair just over 1cm in thickness and gently tease. Then, smooth out just the surface of the hair.

• A few different brush options are available, depending on your hair type and usage:

Round brush If you blow-dry your hair, this brush is essential. Look for one with a combination of synthetic and natural boar’s hair bristles: The nylon bristles will give you a good grip on your hair while the natural ones impart shine.

Paddle brush Use a paddle brush at the end of the day to impart smoothness and shine to hair that may look a little flat and gnarly.

Natural boar toothbrush This is optional. “Keep one in your purse,” suggests Michael Shaun Corby, a hair pro who often works backstage at fashion shows. “If you add just a touch of pomade or hairspray to the bristles, you can tame all those flyaways on the surface of your hair without disrupting the style. If you have superfine or thin hair, use the toothbrush right at your scalp in a circular motion to pick up all those fine hairs that a hairbrush doesn’t get to. Every bit of volume helps!”

Shelley Levitt is a former editor of several women’s lifestyle and celebrity publications.

In 2007, the American version set the tone with one of the most alarming and tasteless episodes I have ever seen. The models were asked to pose as victims of violent crimes for a fashion shoot. They were depicted shot, bashed, pushed down stairs—the images were graphic and deeply disturbing. But apparently, this graphic glorification of violence against women is so hot right now.

The judges made remarks like: “What’s great about this is that you can also look beautiful in death” and ”Death becomes you, young lady.” Even more disturbingly, the ‘victims’ were all meant to have been killed by other models, so vicious was the contestants’ desire to win that they would kill the others to secure the coveted prize. The scenario of one of the pictures was so over the top that it would have been laughable if it wasn’t so creepy: “Diana poses—organs stolen by a model”. What was the other model meant to have done with the stolen kidneys? Sold them for Prada?

In 2008, the Australian series was rocked by (read: the show grabbed free publicity and maximised its audience with) awful bullying. Contestant Alamela Rowan, the victim of verbal taunts and physical attacks, was left quite distraught. So bad did the systematic intimidation become that the show’s judges at the time—Jodhi Meares, Charlotte Dawson and Alex Perry—reprimanded the other contestants, but no further action was taken and the bullies weren’t punished.

This sparked a media debate on teen girl bullying, though the show’s culture of ‘compare and despair’ and practice of ranking girls on their looks was not called into question. The main bully, Demelza Reveley, ended up winning the series and going on to receive the lucrative modelling contracts—there, that showed her, didn’t it?

Throughout the seasons, the judges themselves have sometimes been less than ideal role models. Alex Perry has a reputation for doling out harsh criticism, calling contestants things like ‘wild pig’. Charlotte Dawson sends mixed body image messages. She now says she regrets some of the cosmetic surgery she has had, and that “anyone thinking plastic surgery will make them happier is wrong.” And she has a damning, dismissive and totally out-of-touch attitude toward plus-size models.

Last year saw a revolution of sorts, when a ‘plus-sized’ model, Tahnee Atkinson, won. She was a size 10. I say this was a ‘revolution of sorts’ as the average Australian woman is a size 16. It was hardly an earth-shattering move, was it? Yet many commentators asked if she was really top model material.

In an ideal world, the girl is unquestionably gorgeous—she’s got an exceptional figure and a smile that stops traffic. She’s professional, well-behaved and determined. Her ‘normal’ beauty is something that a lot of women would love to see more of in fashion magazines. But in the fickle and unfair world of modelling it probably won’t equal a long-term fashion career. As casting agents politely explained in the show, she just doesn’t have the matchstick-thin figure required by most top designers

What about this season then, post Tahnee, post the government’s Body Image Advisory Group? Don’t hold your breath that this season’s show will suddenly adopt the new voluntary code of conduct for the fashion industry and begin to promote a diversity of sizes. In the first episode of the new season, airing next week, viewers will see a 16-year-old contestant  excluded from a catwalk parade because she is ‘too big’. She’s a size 8. She says the experience left her feeling embarrassed and shamed into changing her eating habits.

The new season also has a ridiculous promo ad featuring models competing like racehorses—or are they greyhounds?—on a race track, trying to outrun one another to snatch the lure, i.e., the modelling contract. Women as thoroughbreds. And there is Sarah Murdoch with the starter’s gun. Sarah, an advocate of the government-appointed Body Image Advisory Group, seems to have forgotten advocacy is not a one-off gig but an ongoing commitment to how differently things could be done in the fashion industry. The rest of this advisory group also made that commitment, but do they see that the messages in Australia’s Next Top Model contravene many of the group’s recommendations?

If you haven’t guessed by now, Australia’s Next Top Model isn’t my favourite show. But before anyone is tempted to outright ridicule it in front of the teen girls who avidly watch it—or try to ban them from watching it—I want to say that I see a danger in demonising something that teen girls are interested in. 

From working with girls all around the country, I know that huge numbers of them dream of becoming a model, which is why I’ve always tried to take an objective look at modelling. Coming down too hard on girls for being interested in modelling or wanting to watch Australia’s Next Top Model is probably one of the least effective ways to minimise the potential damage. It makes us look out of touch and dismissive, and nothing is more frustrating to a teen girl than when adults act as if she doesn’t have a brain. The best way to get a teen girl to watch something is to say we hate it and she isn’t allowed to watch it.

To me, TV has always been an interactive medium, and I think it should be for all girls. The best thing we can do is encourage girls to deconstruct media messages, and that means getting a conversation going about Australia’s Next Top Model. Avoid the temptation to lecture, but instead ask questions about what the show tells us about the fashion industry and the media.

• Is it fair that we are all meant to aspire to a narrow beauty ideal?
• How achievable is that ideal?
• Does anyone truly win when girls compete against one another based solely on appearance?
• These are real teen girls on the screen, not made-up characters. Is it okay that they face this type of criticism and judgment for others’ entertainment?

What other questions do you think would be worth raising with girls in order to encourage them to see past the fashionista hype?

This article contributed by Dannielle Miller, CEO of Enlighten Education, which helps girls develop a sense of power, self-esteem and confidence. See www.enlighteneducation.com for more.

See AWO’s article on Dannielle’s critically acclaimed book – The Butterfly Effect: A Positive New Approach to Raising Happy, Confident Teen Girls.

At the 2010 Rosemont Australian Fashion Week (RAFW) we saw a myriad of hair and makeup styles, from come backs (dead straight hair is back!) to flamboyant creations (like bird feathers glued to eyebrows). But there was never a moment when hair and makeup were in competition with each other.

Many of us match makeup to our outfit or mood. When you take it one step further by matching makeup to your hairstyle, it shows you’re a lass who knows how to work your image from top to toe. Here are a few ways you can match your makeup to the latest on-trend hairstyles:

Dead Straight Hair
Whether tied back or let down, groomed eyebrows are a must with this style. Define eyes with eyeliner and pair with either bold pink or coral lips for a clean, yet contrasting, look.

Airy waves
Loose unstructured waves look best with smoky, taupe eyes and nude lips. If you’re in the mood for bouncy curls, apply illuminator on cheekbones and team with crimson lips for red carpet glamour.

Fringed styles
Eye skimming fringes look great with kohl-rimmed eyes and nude lips. Make sure to smudge and blend gently at the lash line, but not over do it. Think sultry, not raccoon.

Short hair
Short styles are easiest to work with. You can choose between playing up the lips to match hair with an attitude or glowing skin with peachy lips to channel a sweet and innocent look.

By Akisa for The Style Glossy

Melbourne-based Akisa is the lips and brains behind beautyswatch.com, a colour library of lipstains and glosses to help women find their way in the lipstick jungle. Akisa also blogs about beauty at primped.com.au.

In the movies, the heroine always wakes up looking perfectly refreshed and gorgeous. Sure, she may have movie-making magic on her side, but the rest of us have a potent beauty weapon, too: sleep!

It turns out, there really is such a thing as beauty sleep. “Sleep allows the body to go into several stages of non-REM and REM cycles for restoration of body functions,” says research dermatologist Vermén M. Verallo-Rowell, M.D. Further, the emerging science of chronobiology, which studies the impact of biological rhythms and their effects on the body, has uncovered subtle differences in skin behavior at night. The skin is more permeable, oil production is lower and skin expends fewer defenses against daytime’s free radicals, pollution and sun damage.

Here’s a guide to the types of treatments and products that work their magic in the dark.

Hair Conditioners
Sometimes called deep conditioners or reparative masks, these temporary leave-on hair products can work even better when they’re allowed hours, not minutes, to absorb deeply into the hair shaft. Before bedtime, massage the mask along ends and mid-shaft of dry hair and comb through. Rinse and style as usual in the morning.

Heavy-duty Moisturisers
Quick-absorbing, lightweight hydrators with built-in sunscreen are perfect for protecting the skin during the day and providing a satiny base for your makeup. Nighttime is when you’ll want to slather on the thicker, richer, more emollient moisturisers that may look greasy, but provide more reparative moisture benefits. This deeply penetrating moisture can have a carryover benefit into the daytime.

Retinoids
Dermatologists suggest that patients use over-the-counter and stronger prescription retinoids (tretinoin, tazarotene, adapalene) only at night because these topical forms of vitamin A can degrade in light and make the skin more vulnerable to sun damage and likely to burn. “They have become the gold standard of what dermatologists recommend to help exfoliate, lighten brown spots, stimulate collagen production and clean out pores,” says D’Anne Kleinsmith, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist.

Active Treatment Products
Many treatment products work best when they’re not competing with layers of cosmetics and sunscreen, says dermatologist Patricia Farris, M.D.. What’s more, active ingredients such as salicylic acid, which exfoliates dead skin cells, as well as peptides (tiny proteins), which stimulate collagen to help reduce the signs of aging, are most effective when they’re not being diluted by perspiration or fending off daytime environmental stressors like pollution and sunlight. The increased blood flow to skin at night, along with nocturnal water loss, may help these ingredients better penetrate the skin’s barrier layers.

Rough Skin Erasers
Products made to soften rough skin on the feet or hands are likely to get the best results if they’re applied at bedtime. Many include alpha hydroxy acids (lactic, glycolic and citric acids) that penetrate the outermost layer of skin to promote exfoliation. Or, try this softening treatment suggested by C. Ralph Daniel III, M.D., a clinical professor of dermatology: Soak hands and feet in room temperature water for up to five minutes. Apply an extra thick moisturiser. For the best overnight penetration, pull on a pair of light cotton gloves or socks.

Antiperspirant
Some extra-strength antiperspirants are specially formulated for nighttime use, but a regular formula can also be more potent during the night’s optimum conditions. “For people who have problems with excessive perspiration, it makes a lot of sense to apply an antiperspirant before you go to bed,” says Dr. Kleinsmith. “When you’re not already perspiring, you can block the sweat glands more easily and let the medication work more effectively.”

By Valli Herman for The Style Glossy

With a passport and scads of beauty products in tow, veteran journalist Valli Herman has covered international fashion, beauty and travel for many print and online publications.

When the time comes to go from work to wining and dining, all you’ll need are a few key pieces to take your look from corporate to completely chic.

A Standout Top
“Be it a sparkly cardigan or a well-fitting blazer, an extra layer is often all it takes to give your office outfit that ready-to-party look,” says fashion stylist Aretha Busby. You’ll be amazed how much attention you get with a little shine and touchable texture. Just make sure what you’re wearing underneath is simple, like a black or ivory camisole rather than a busy print that will compete for attention.

Statement Jewelry
One oversized piece of costume jewelry will have everyone eyeing your ensemble. “Large studs or jaw-dropping dangling earrings, like chandeliers or drops, are perfect switch-it-up pieces to have on hand,” Busby says. “They quickly dress up any look — even jeans.”

A chunky cocktail ring; a long, layered necklace; or an armful of bangles are also good options. (Choose one to avoid accessory overkill.)

Flirty Shoes
The chunkier the shoes, the less appropriate they are for a night on the town, especially when they’re navy or corporate brown. Trade in your trusty square toes for something more fun. “An irresistibly sexy shoe, like an animal-print slingback, metallic ballet flats or satin pumps can easily be stashed in a desk drawer for a quick change,” says Busby. “A kitten heel is also enough to give you a flirty presence.” No dangerous heights are needed!

A Dressy Scarf
“A rich-looking, textured scarf is a perfect last-minute add-on to your outfit,” says Busby. Wrapping a scarf around your neck is not only seasonably appropriate, it draws attention to one of the prettiest places on a woman — the collarbone — and it can cover a multitude of sins, including a double chin or a less-than-taut jawline.

Experiment with different ways of wearing a favourite scarf: loose and knotted, tied in a bow or wrapped around your neck with the loose ends hanging freely down your chest. “Stick to tones that are flattering on you yet still festive,” says Busby. Try cranberry or emerald during autumn and winter. In spring and summer, go for a lightweight “summer” scarf in coral or turquoise prints. Classic black works year-round, especially in a glam light-velvet, crinkled silk or chiffon.

A Cute (Well-stocked) Clutch
Nothing says you made a mad dash out of the office like lugging your overstuffed workbag to cocktails. “Free your shoulder of all that weight and your mind of all the work worries by stowing a petite purse or evening clutch in your desk,” recommends Busby. Something black, metallic or embellished is always a good option, she adds.

Stocking your evening bag is just as important. The hair essentials? Hair-matching bobby pins and a travel-size hair spray, says hairstylist James Phillips. “People don’t realise the power of a bobby pin,” he says. “You can hold your fringe back or move random pieces, go sideswept, or wrap a piece of hair around the holder of a low pony.” For the perfect party purse, add a stronger, nighttime fragrance like musk or tuberose, a soft kohl liner to intensify your eyes, a shimmering lip gloss and mints.

By Holly Crawford for The Style Glossy

Holly Crawford is a freelance writer who has contributed to numerous magazines and websites, including InStyle, Cosmopolitan, and Elle online