Hi fellow beauty obsessives! I thought I’d change the pace this week and bring you two ideas – an easy up-do for hair and a round-up of my favourite hand and nail products.

First up, the hair. Long-haired Helena from Portsmouth messaged me for tips on an easy day-to-night style that she could wear at college. The up-do I’m going to show you is the perfect mix of sweet and sexy, making it versatile enough for any occasion, from a college lecture to a hot date.

How To Do an Easy Up-Do

THE HAIR KIT…

TIGI Bed Head Hard Head Hairspray
TIGI Bed Head Superstar Queen For A Day Thickening Spray
TIGI Bed Head Oh Bee Hive Matte Dry Shampoo

UP-DO HOW TO…

Step 1: Curl Your Hair
Spray some of the TIGI Bed Head Superstar Queen For A Day Thickening Spray on to your hands and run them through the ends of your hair. This is a fabulous product which adds hold, helping your waves stay in place far longer than they naturally would. Now curl the ends of your hair by taking a small section and twisting it round the heated tong, holding in place for a few seconds and releasing to reveal a lovely loose curl. Repeat all round.

Step 2: Apply Dry Shampoo
Spritz TIGI Bed Head Oh Bee Hive Matte Dry Shampoo into the roots of your hair and massage the product in. This will plump up your hair and add body at the roots. The great thing about this particular dry shampoo is that it sprays clear, making it far easier to disguise than most of them, which tend to look white and dusty,

Step 3: Knot Your Hair
Take two front sections of hair – one from either side of your face – starting halfway up your head. Twist the ends, then pull each section round to the back and tie the two ropes in a knot. Pull it tight and then knot the ends again. Secure with some kirby grips.

Step 4: Frame The Face
Loosen two small sections of hair either side of your face and curl them with your tongs to soften the look around your face. Finish off with a spritz of TIGI Bed Head Hard Head Hairspray to fix the style in place. And you’re done. Hope it works for you, Helena, and for anyone else who fancies rocking 24/7 glamour!

Now, let’s talk nails. I have to admit I have an ulterior motive for this part of the blog. I’ve just launched my very own range of nail colours and I’m soooo excited I just had to tell you guys all about it, along with sharing my other favourite hand-savers.

NAIL NECESSITIES

Binky London – Nail Polish from Oil Slick range
I’m thrilled to reveal the new autumn/winter shades from my Binky London nail range. I’ve called the collection Oil Slick as it features a stunning selection of metallic colours in rich shades of purple, green, blue and gold. The nail colours all have a lustrous, petrol-like effect that shimmers and changes as your hands move. Gorgeous!

Dior – Gel Top Coat
This clear gel top coat gives your nails a wonderfully polished, glossy finish. It also helps prevent chipping, giving your nail polish an almost shellacked strength. Simply slick a coat of this over your favourite colour and you’ll achieve a professional looking manicure at home.

bareMinerals – Purely Nourishing Cream for Dry Skin
This product is actually designed to be used on your face but I love treating my hands to its rich, moisturising properties. The cream has a wonderfully thick formula and I often use it when my hands are feeling particularly dry, especially in the winter months when a combination of cold weather and central heating can be lethal!

L’Occitane – Shea Butter Hand Cream
This brilliant hand cream comes in several fragrances. The little tube is perfect for popping into your handbag; I always carry one with me and the shea-butter formula keeps my mitts looking lovely and feeling super-soft all year round. A girl needs to maintain beautiful hands – after all, who knows when a surprise proposal may happen!

Keep warm and stay gorgeous!

Love Binky xx