Body & beauty

Natural beauty tips to look your best

Read our expert advice on natural beauty tips and products for your best-ever beauty routine. Get glowing in no time with our guide!

Expert beauty advice

We’ve rounded up a team of skincare experts to let you in on their top tips for natural beauty enhancement. Get ready to look beautiful, naturally!

Don’t strive to be perfect

“Don’t strive for perfect looks; it’s actually unattractive to be so overly bothered,” says Nicola Elliott, founder of Neom Luxury Organics. “Aim to feel amazing every day on the inside. The number one crime against your skin is stress! If you’re happy it shows, but stress ages you more than anything.

“The biggest beauty mistake a woman can make is not educating herself. I’ve yet to meet another woman who can understand an ingredient list on the back of a beauty product. Why do we just trust big brands and what they say to us? Watch out for ‘made with’ or ‘includes’ – how much is included? It could be 0.01 per cent, which is a complete waste of time.

“We use organic safflower and jojoba in our body oils, which contain a huge amount of vitamins A and E, which are essentially what you’re looking for to decrease the signs of ageing and maintain healthy skin. One of my top beauty tips would be to massage your face with organic facial oils a couple of times a week, get fresh air, and be happy.”

Visit a spa to boost your confidence

“My advice for anyone feeling low would be to visit a spa or retail counter and book yourself in for a consultation with a qualified beauty therapist,” says Noella Gabriel, director of product and treatment development at Elemis. “You’ll be taking away advice and you’ll be given the knowledge to help get your confidence back.

“We must keep in mind that the skin is the largest organ of the body and is cleansed daily by the exhaled breath. What we breathe in has a direct effect on the skin, so the first impact on the skin is through pollution by inhaling toxic air. My must-have product is Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, because it delivers what it promises, it meets my skin’s needs, and my make-up always sits neatly and comfortably all day long.

“Avoid products with lanolin, mineral oil and products with a high percentage of alcohol in them. These ingredients are known to deliver very little to the skin, leave a heavy and greasy after-feel, and work very superficially.”

Try natural ingredients for glowing skin

Liz Earle co-founded Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare cosmetics with her friend Kim Buckland; their philosophy centres around natural skincare and ageing: “My beauty icon is the effortlessly stylish Dame Helen Mirren. She always makes the most of her womanly figure, and she proves that classic good looks and confidence work whatever your age.

“Ageing is a natural part of life – not a disease needing treatment. Our philosophy is to encourage healthy, radiant skin that positively glows with vitality – whatever your age. For plump and rejuvenated skin, I believe natural ingredients offer more skin benefits. Some of the most potent skincare ingredients are found in nature, including antioxidant vitamins, antibacterial essential oils and anti-inflammatory herbs.

“I think many women wrongly believe great skincare products should cost the earth, but I don’t believe it’s necessary to spend vast sums of money in the quest for great skin – healthy, beautiful skin should be within everyone’s grasp. Your skincare routine should be fuss-free, effective and dependable. Use products packed with naturally active botanicals, herbs, vitamins and plant oils, and you will notice a genuine difference to the look and feel of your skin.”

Exfoliate and moisturise!

Catherine de Groot created the brand Trilogy with her sister, Sarah Gibbs. Catherine knows how to make your face look better with the help of exfoliation and moisture: “Exfoliation is important to help reduce dead skin cell build-up on the surface of the skin, which can dull the complexion and inhibit the skin’s normal process of renewal. As we age, dead-cell sloughing naturally slows down, so it becomes increasingly important to maintain regular exfoliation.

“Look for creams which have moisturising ingredients such as aloe vera, cocoa butter, evening primrose and rosehip oils, jojoba oil, olive oil and shea butter, as well as naturally derived hyaluronic acid.

“True beauty comes from within, and confidence and body language has a lot to do with how beautiful we feel to ourselves and appear to others. So for someone who lacks confidence, I would recommend they sit down with a good friend and ask them to write down all the things they like about them.”

Feed your skin inside and out

Charlotte Vøhtz developed Green People after her daughter developed skin allergies, and believes a good diet is key to skincare: “Always remember to feed your skin from within – add essential nutrients to your diet: seaweed (kelp), omega-3 fatty acids (flax seeds or oily fish) and lots of fruits and vegetables. Dry skin is often a sign that you don’t get enough omega-3 and water. Blemished skin is often a result of a sluggish digestion crying out for water, fibre and exercise.

“A ‘skin crime’ worth mentioning is the use of harsh detergents. Sodium lauryl sulphate strips your skin of natural oils, alters the pH-balance and causes real havoc. There’s nothing worse than washing your face with a detergent-based soap and having a bubble bath – especially if you don’t rinse with clean water after! Alcohol is another undesirable ingredient, often added in levels of over 12 per cent to assist in preserving a product. As well as stripping your skin of natural oils, alcohol also works as a penetration enhancer and might let unwanted substances into your skin.

“Look out for strong antioxidants such as green tea and rosemary extract; nutritive plant oils like avocado and rosehip; jojoba oil which mimics the skin’s own sebum; and try aloe vera which is a good all-round skin healer.”

Use natural oils in your beauty routine

“Using natural essential oils as part of your skincare routine is, in my mind, the secret to beautiful, dewy-looking skin,” says Emma Newman, product developer for NUDE Skincare. “Oils are rich in essential and nonessential fatty acids, which have so many benefits, such as increasing renewal and cell health. Omegas maintain the flexibility of the cell wall, allowing toxins out of the cell and nutrients and oxygen into the cell, enabling healing, detoxification and renewal.

“Probiotics have astonishing skin benefits – from working to balance and calm the skin’s surface, to working at a cellular level by stimulating the skin’s ability to repair and prevent damage. NUDE pioneered the use of probiotic technology in skincare.

“We have all been brought up on the squeaky clean feeling, but stripping the skin of its natural oils causes it to panic and over-produce oil to replace the lost protective layer. Many people are nervous of using oils, but the truth is that they make a fantastic cleanser, and don’t strip the skin. They break the skin’s cycle of over-producing oil and therefore calm breakouts.”

Expert skincare for every skin type

It might be worth reconsidering your old creams and trying a new approach to skincare, says skin guru, Sarah Jagger.

“There was a time when buying a moisturiser was easy. Your skin type was either dry, combination, oily or normal, and according to many skincare companies, all you had to do was pluck a product off the shelf accordingly. Fast-forward to the present day when products are more sophisticated than ever and advanced skincare technology means that a great complexion is at everybody’s fingertips. We now know that the key to finding the right skincare is to target your unique ‘skin concerns’ rather than buying an entire range that you believe is right for your ‘skin type’.

“When you’re using the correct skincare products, your skin should feel completely comfortable. If the complexion feels moist or sticky five minutes after applying moisturiser, it’s probably too heavy for you. Similarly. if the skin feels tight then the product may not be rich enough. Telltale signs you’re using the wrong products include tingling, burning and stinging, flaking, excessive shine (oiliness), or inflammation.

“So, how do we choose the right skincare regime? Well, it may be that you need to treat each area of concern individually. Skincare success starts with asking yourself what you would like to change most about your complexion and spending the best part of your skincare budget on products to treat the areas you wish to target. You may like to address the make-up you’re using too. Many cosmetic companies have started to use active skincare ingredients in their formulas so that make-up can pick up where skincare left off.”

Congested skin

For those with a congested complexion and oily skin, the battle against clogged pores seems endless, and no amount of squeezing helps to keep blackheads at bay.

“The most effective way to clear up the skin is to ‘twice cleanse’ (a technique that has been popular with the clear-skinned Japanese women for centuries). Wash once with a cleanser like Liz Earle’s Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, using Liz’s muslin cloth to remove make-up thoroughly and repeating the process to ensure all impurities are removed. Follow with a clay based mask like MV Organic Skincare Signature Mineral Mask, at least twice a week. As the clay dries over the surface of the skin it creates a vacuum effect to draw out deeply imbedded debris. When it comes to make-up, try using a primer like Becca Velvet Blurring Primer before your foundation to cleverly seal the pores and prevent make-up from penetrating the skin.”

Blemished skin

“If your spot-prone skin feels very inflamed or you’re at all concerned that you may have acne, it’s important to seek advice from a dermatologist. However, if you’re simply going through a bout of blemishes, look no further than Amala Blemish Clearing Purify + Prevent Serum to target bacteria, absorb excess shine and soothe redness.”When it comes to makeup, ensure that it contains healing minerals (most importantly zinc) like Proto-col Baked Mineral Compact Foundations and Baked Shimmers. The entire Baked Minerals range contains completely natural ingredients like lavender and jojoba oil to not only hide troubled skin flawlessly, but heal it at the same time.”

Pigmented, uneven skin tone

“The cosmetic marketplace is full of products that claim to eradicate age spots and pigmentation. Sadly, many of these products can be too harsh, using abrasive chemicals to bleach away darkened areas. Antonia Burrell Cream Supreme is a gentle alternative with a completely natural formula of ‘patented actives’, designed to effectively manage hyper-pigmented disorders. When it comes to concealing, you won’t find a more heavy-duty cover up than Jane Iredale Disappear, making age spots and dark circles do exactly that.”

Dull-looking skin

“A lacklustre complexion is commonplace for those who live in polluted cities or live stressful lifestyles. Eating healthily and sleeping well can help no end, and thankfully radiance-boosting potions are readily available too. Look out for products containing vitamin C; a potent antioxidant that helps to protect skin from damaging environmental free radicals. A good product to try is Ren’s Radiance Perfecting Serum: in addition to vitamin C, it contains licorice to even out the skin tone, and magnesium to brighten. A liquid highlighter used beneath your foundation, such as Inika Organic Light Reflect Cream, will give a youthful, radiant glow to any complexion.”

Tight-feeling skin

“Not to be confused with dry skin (which lacks in oil), dehydrated skin is lacking in water, which results in a complexion that feels taught and when it’s pinched between two fingers appears lined and crêpey.”Of course, drinking plenty of water is essential, but you could also take a supplement containing hyaluronic acid, which can help to boost skin tissue hydration from within. You could also try spritzing Tata Harper’s Hydrating Floral Essence over the face regularly throughout the day.”

Flaky skin

“It’s safe to say that a complexion prone to flaking all over is technically ‘dry’ and will benefit from products designed for dry skin. When flaking is isolated to patches on an otherwise healthy complexion, help is at hand with one of the new advanced exfoliators. Avoid grainy scrubs, as they can scratch and irritate the skin, and instead opt for an exfoliant containing fruit acids like Dr Alkaitis Organic Enzyme Exfoliating Mask. Using exfoliating enzymes extracted from pineapple and papaya, this mask gently dissolves dead skin cells from the skin’s surface. Once the dry skin has been removed, any treatment products used will penetrate more deeply. Using a serum beneath your night-time moisturiser is sure to perk up your complexion in next to no time.”

Irritated, sensitive skin

“Sensitive skin can be hereditary and if this is the case, many family members will find themselves prone to redness, or will be hypersensitive to new products and environments. However, a complexion can also become sensitive completely out of the blue – and it’s often caused by a reaction to using the wrong products. Pai Chamomile and Rosehip Moisturiser immediately calms a tender complexion, whereas RMS Beauty Lip and Skin Balm is fantastic for using beneath makeup to soothe and protect especially irritated areas.”

Wrinkles and fine lines

“Wrinkles may be a part of growing old gracefully, but that doesn’t mean we can’t slow down the rate at which they appear! Weleda’s Pomegranate Firming Eye Cream will target crow’s feet and tighten skin around the entire eye area. Finally, top up your own natural collagen resources and strengthen your complexion with Proto-Col’s Collagen Capsules.

“There may not be such a thing as perfect skin, but we are lucky enough to live in a time when natural skincare solutions are within our reach. It may still mean that finding the correct products is a process of trial and error, but if we remember that like our personalities, our complexions are unique, we can observe our skin’s behaviour, ask the right questions and hopefully see the end of all those half-used jars at the back of the bathroom cabinet!”

How to look good without makeup: 15-minute hair and face masks

If you’re wondering how to look pretty whilst makeup free, we’ve got you covered with these all-natural face and hair masks for the ultimate in bare faced beauty. From facial detoxes to revitalising hair creams, there’s a 15-minute solution for almost every beauty dilemma. Whether you suffer from dryness or are prone to breakouts, treat yourself to a quick pamper.

Honey face mask for supple skin

For soft supple skin, treat it to a layer of raw honey. The sweet stuff is naturally antibacterial, and is great for treating spots and blemishes, and even acne! Don’t fancy getting sticky with a jar of golden deliciousness? Try Antipodes Aura Manuka Honey Mask instead. Apply a thick coating across your face and neck, leave for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water for an intensely moisturising, cleansing and anti-oxidising treatment.

Skin-detoxing face mask

After a glass (okay, maybe a bottle) too many, a week of detoxing is usually our first point of call to rid the body of nasty toxins and other weekend naughties. But do you ever consider detoxing your skin? We’re not talking about your daily cleanse and tone routine, but a rejuvenating mask containing purifying ingredients. We love Caudalie’s Instant Detox Mask for a quick Sunday night pick-me-up in time for Monday.

Moisturising sheet mask

There’s a real buzz around sheet masks of late, and it’s easy to see why. Great for a range of skin complaints, the simple to use sheets (complete with eye, nose and mouth holes) are packed with the right amount of product for your skin’s needs. Say goodbye to clumpy masks and wasted products, and hello to one of the easiest beauty saviours on the shelves. A favourite at NH HQ is 7th Heaven’s Brazillian Mud Sheet Masque which boasts avocado and acai berries as its key ingredients…as well as skin-loving Brazilian mud.

Deep treatment argan oil hair mask

Get salon-worthy, healthy hair at a purse-friendly price with OH! Argan Oil Hair Mask. The deep-treatment, colour-reviving hero smooths cuticles and nourishes every strand with its cocktail of ingredients which includes coconut oil, argan oil and castor oil: everything you need for a mirror-like shine in less time than it takes to do a tea run. Fans of the brand include Kelly Brook, Amanda Holden and Holly Valance… and Natural Health, of course!

Natural makeup tips

If your current make-up routine is looking a little tired, it’s time to try something different. “Don’t be afraid to experiment with new colours,” says Hayley Sparkes, make-up artist at make-up app Wow How. “For inspiration, look for celebrities with similar colourings to you and steal their style. Whatever you do, try to add variety. You could brighten your lips by a couple of shades to lighten your complexion – and don’t shy away from bolder colours!”

It’s easy to fall into a rut with your eye make-up and assume that nothing else will work for you, but this doesn’t have to be the case. “Play around with different looks when you have the time to attempt them properly before you go out,” Hayley tells us. “Try a new eye shadow – for example, gold and bronze shades look amazing on blue eyes, while lilacs and cranberry tones flatter green eyes, and brown peepers suit most colours!”

This can be intimidating if you don’t know how to use it, but luckily Hayley’s here to help. “A highlighter is a must-have product that is often missing from ladies’ make-up bags,” she says. “It’s great for adding a dewy, youthful glow to the skin. Apply it on the top of your cheekbones, your brow bone, your Cupid’s bow and in between your eyes to make them sparkle!”

Invest in professional makeup brushes

Professional make-up brushes can be expensive, but they are worth the money – they’re designed to last for years, even with daily use, and they make application easier. They’re also better for those with sensitive skin, as they are usually gentler than cheaper options. “If you don’t already have some, invest in some quality brushes,” Hayley advises. “You’ll be amazed at the difference this will make to the finish of your make-up and the looks you’re able to achieve.”

It might take a little more time in the mornings, but defining your eyebrows can have a dramatic effect on your look. Comb through your eyebrows with a spoolie brush, and then apply your choice of wax, pencil or powder in small strokes that mimic the natural hairs. Be sure to choose a colour close to your natural shade, not use too much product, and follow your natural shape so that they don’t look overdone. Finish by using the spoolie brush to comb through your brow once more.

How to solve annoying makeup problems

Mascara on your eyelids

“This happens when applying mascara to your bottom lashes when your upper lashes haven’t dried, or if you’re putting too much on,” says cruelty-free make-up artist Justine Jenkins. “To remedy this, dab excess product on a tissue and start with your bottom lashes. Then, look down into a mirror to do your upper lashes. Work a finger from roots to ends to remove clumps, or use a lash comb. If you do smudge, remove it with some cleanser.”

White film on your lips

“If you have chapped lips, your lipstick will not apply as smoothly or evenly, nor will it last as long and you run the risk of the dreaded white film lip,” says Bridget O’Keefe, make-up artist and founder of Blush and Blow London. “To prevent this, exfoliate with a lip scrub and then apply a hydrating balm before putting on lipstick. Hydration is key, so be sure to drink plenty of water, as this also helps dehydrated lips.”

Smudged nail polish

“To avoid this, be careful not to overload the brush,” says Justine. “Place it three quarters of the way up the nail bed, and in one movement, gently push forward towards the cuticle, then sweep the brush down to the nail edge. Repeat until the nail is finished. This gives you more control, preventing you flooding the cuticle and smudging your colour. If you do make a mistake, remove it with a pointed cotton bud dipped in nail polish remover.”

Dried-out eyeliner

If you’ve spent a lot of money on your favourite eyeliner, only to find it dried out when you come to use it, don’t despair. “With a gel liner, put a few drops of your choice of natural oil into the palm of your hand,” says Bridget. “Dip your liner brush into the oil and then work it into the gel liner. Close the jar tightly and in a matter of minutes, your gel will be restored!”

Over-plucked eyebrows

Think you’ve gone a bit over the top with the tweezers? “If you’d prefer not to seek professional help, use a good brow pencil or brow powder to fill in sparse areas and to help achieve a desired shape,” says Chermaine Kyriacou, trainer at Browhaus. Worried they won’t return at all? “You can use castor oil to help them grow back faster, but if your brow follicles aren’t damaged, they’ll grow back, no matter what.” Phew!

Too much product in your hair

Realising you’ve applied too much product after styling your tresses is annoying, but there are ways to fix it sans shower. “To deal with excess serum, use dry shampoo to absorb the oil and dry your hair with low heat,” says Manjul Treohan, founder of So Me Beauty. “If you’ve used a lot of gel, again apply dry shampoo and blow dry while brushing with a paddle brush. If you’ve applied too much dry shampoo, use a protein spray in the area and dry.”

Peeling nails

“Give yourself a break from gel polishes and acrylic tips which involve filing down the natural nail,” Bridget advises. “These cause brittleness and dryness, leading to thin nails which often peel. Apply hand cream and cuticle oil regularly to promote growth, and if your hands are often in water, be sure to wear gloves. This is important, as nail beds absorb water and expand, then as the moisture evaporates they contract, creating weak talons.”

Creases in eyeshadow

Having your perfectly applied eyeshadow shift and crease after a few hours is frustrating. “Be sure to apply an oil-free primer, or press powder to your lid before applying make-up,” Bridget recommends. “I often apply gel liner all over the eyelid (yes, really!) and then blend it with my finger as the base for my eyeshadow for extra staying power.”

Cakey foundation

“This occurs when you apply too much foundation, concealer or powder, making you look overdone,” says Gaynor Matthews, founder of makeup app Wow How. “Choose a foundation that suits your skin tone and apply evenly with a brush or sponge. Use a primer to create a smooth surface for easier application, and build up your base slowly, leaving a few minutes between layers to let the foundation absorb. Finish with setting powder to remove shine.”

Bleeding lipstick

Lipstick that’s migrating away from your lips will detract from the rest of your look, which is where lip liners come into play – but remember to choose a shade close to your lipstick. “Lip liners act as a barrier to stop your lipstick from smudging, so apply it first and then your preferred colour,” advises Bridget. “Blot your lips with a tissue after applying lipstick to get rid of any excess.”

Look after your skin

How to glow up naturally

If you want a youthful glow, you might want to head out for a nice long walk. “Studies have shown that an increase in blood circulation due to regular exercise allows the flow of oxygen to nourish the skin and removes waste products, including free radicals, from the body,” says Biodun Olusesan, founder of skincare brand Radiant Glow Botanicals. So pull on some comfy shoes and get moving.To help protect the skin from pollution, Amanda Winwood, founder of Made for Life Organics, recommends using a product with wheatgerm oil. “It’s a natural scavenger of free radicals,” says Amanda. Try Made for Life Organics Rejuvenating Face Oil, which contains wheatgerm oil, rose oil and vanilla.

Glow-boosting diet

Eating plenty of good fats is great for your skin. As we age, we lose some of the subcutaneous fat under the skin, causing the skin to sag. Dr Nitasha Buldeo, founder of Organic Apoteke recommends having enough good fats in your diet to recoup some of that youthful glow: “Try mixing chopped avocado in with your salad and sprinkling some seeds on top for extra skin-boosting goodness.”

Upping your levels of vitamin C can also help you glow from within. “Vitamin C is vital for the formation of collagen and can slow down the rate of damage caused by free radicals,” says Lola Biggs, dietitian at Together Health. “Great sources include dark leafy green veg such as sprouts, kale and broccoli, along with brightly coloured fruit and veggies such as red pepper, tomatoes, oranges and kiwi.” It turns out green vegetables are great for our complexion, too, by helping to oxygenate the skin, stimulate lymphatic drainage and de-puff. “I like to use kale, as it’s packed full of vitamins A, C, K, E, B1, B2 and B3, and brilliant for repairing the skin,” says Lola. “Parsley is great for improving skin elasticity and clearing blemishes, watercress can help clear and improve complexions, and spinach is great for glowing skin.”