Health & beauty news & reviews

Year of the snake
In the Chinese Zodiac as the dragon disappears, the snake rises to inspire some astounding make-up looks in this new year. MAC cosmetics have released an entire collection revolving around the satin creatures to illuminate the skin, give defining contrasts and show off some vibrant colours.

These brand new products come embellished with a beautiful snake-like pattern for an exclusive effect to leave you feeling sleek and shimmering. Choose from a fantastic range of lustrous lipsticks, pearly eye shadows and other gorgeous products so you can recreate this intense and striking look.
Shell Pearl beauty powder, £22, large eye shadows, £16, selection of lipsticks, £15.50. Available from Harrods, Selfridges and www.maccosmetics.co.uk

Red carpet worthy locks
Everyone took a shining to Anne Hathaway’s gorgeous hairstyle at the New York premiere of Tom Hooper’s long anticipated film Les Miserables in December. After cutting her tresses off for the role of poor Fantine, Anne has had to find ways to glam up her super short cut. Get the look at home by using celebrity hairdresser Richard Ward’s new Couture Hair range and add a high shine finish to a deep side parting swept across the forehead for an incredibly sophisticated look.

Richard Ward Couture Hair Argan Oil Mist, £24, Richard Ward Couture Hair wooden radial styling brushes from £15. Available from QVC and www.qvcuk.com

Beauty defying cancer
With over 250,000 people in England being diagnosed with cancer every year, there are plenty of patients out there who are recovering from treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation. The result of these can sometimes affect the skin; making it dry, itchy and sensitive, and making nails more lacklustre and brittle. The Defiant Beauty skincare range from Jennifer Young is specially formulated for and by cancer patients to help heal and soothe treatment damage to the skin. 100% natural and organic with minimal ingredients such as Vitamin E, calendula and rosehip oil.
Defiant Beauty skincare by Jennifer Young, products from £5. www.beautydespitecancer.co.uk

The royal treatment
Invest in one of history’s oldest and most natural beauty aids: Royal Jelly. Loved for its high vitamin/mineral content and being rich in amino acids, Royal Jelly is said to help boost immune systems, improve collagen production and increase cell rejuvenation. BioBee’s premium range uses fresh Royal Jelly, so products such as their Fresh Royal Jelly Elixir are superior to others who only use the freeze-dried kind. If it’s good enough for the Egyptians, it’s good enough for us!
BioBees Premium Royal Jelly Range, from £16.50. Available from Harrods.

Words by Holly Cozens