By Stephanie Darling
Stephanie Darling checks her hair in for rehab, and tries three internal beauty boosters (not at the same time).
Trend
Beauty Tonics Detox and replenish your skin with the latest batch of cure-all beauty-boosting ingestible tonics. Beauty begins on the inside, so identify your skin concern and then tailor a tonic to target it. Our new favourites combat hydration with a bio-fermented probiotic elixir and elasticity with marine collagen.
Cult Following
I know incense can be polarising, but when I clapped eyes on and smelled this lust-have offering from Fornasetti, I became an instant convert. Find a quiet corner, place an incense stick on the pretty tray adorned with an illustration of opera diva Lina Cavalieri (often described during her life as the world's most beautiful woman), and light up. Fornasetti Profumi Scented Incense, $278, mecca.com.au.
Road test
This week I try … a bonding hair treatment
The lowdown Because my hair is under constant stress from the blonding process, I'm always looking for a treatment to give it some respite. Bring on Redken's new in-salon pH-Bonder treatment, which can be applied during the colouring process, or as a postcolouring treatment. I am midway between colouring treatments, so I'm keen for a bit of resuscitation. The product works to help protect the hair's bonds, balance its pH levels and preserve the fibre quality of the shaft. The treatment takes place while I'm reclined at the basin (one of my favourite sanctuaries) and is followed by a restorative blow-dry.
Pain factor Anything that involves having my hair washed and head massaged rates high on the pleasure scale.
Downtime One hour as a single treatment combined with a colour-refreshing gloss and blow-dry.
Results Post-treatment, my hair feels softer and smoother and my blonde shade even has a hint of shine.
Where to get it Sydney: Muse Hair, musehair.com.au. Cost: from $47. Melbourne: Oscar Oscar, oscaroscar.com.au. Cost: from $47.
At home Post treatment, take home Redken pH-Bonder, $40 (redken.com.au) to help keep your hair in good nick. Use it as a pre-shampoo treatment on damp hair once a week.
Ask Stephanie
Why is my mascara drying out?
You may have had it for too long: after three months it is less than perfect. Always screw the lid on tightly to stop air getting into the tube and don't pump the wand! If your mascara is clumping, place the closed tube of hot water for a few minutes to loosen it up before applying … and then buy a replacement.
Send beauty questions to stephanie@darlingbeauty.com.au. Follow Stephanie Darling on Instagram @mrssdarling.