Ask Alex: Your Top Beauty Questions Answered

I’m considering hair extensions postpartum, but fear they may do more harm than good – any advice?

Firstly, postpartum hair shedding is completely normal, even if it feels alarming when it happens.

My general rule: wait until hair shedding has settled before investing in a full head of extensions. If you’re craving a little more fullness, a few strategically placed pieces for volume can be a gentler option than a dramatic length transformation. The most important factor isn’t the extension method; it’s the person fitting them. A great extension specialist will tell you when your hair isn’t ready and choose the lightest option for your hair density – I recommend Hadley Yates in Seven Dials. In the meantime, focus on scalp health by using a nourishing serum like Aroma Zone's. Adequate protein intake is key too, as is checking iron levels (if they haven’t been tested postpartum) and patience. Hair almost always recovers, but it does so on its own timeline.

I’m looking to simplify my routine – I currently use a vitamin C serum, moisturiser and SPF. Do I need anything else in my 30s?

One of the biggest skincare myths is that more products equal better skin. In reality, consistency beats complexity every time. You’ve already covered the essentials: antioxidant protection with vitamin C, daily SPF and moisturiser to support your skin barrier. If your skin is happy and you’re not dealing with specific concerns such as acne, pigmentation or sensitivity, I wouldn’t rush to add anything else. The only additions I’d consider are problem-solvers rather than must-haves: a gentle exfoliating acid – Nip & Fab’s Cleansing pads are great – once or twice a week if you’re noticing dullness or congestion, or a peptide serum if you’re particularly focused on healthy ageing. My go-to peptide serum is by Medik8.

Should I take a gel mani break over summer? I feel like my nails need it, but I hate going bare…

I wouldn’t take a gel manicure break just because it’s summer. What many people think is nail damage is often the result of over-filing during removal, rather than the gel itself. Nails are dead tissue, so they don’t need to ‘breathe’. If your nails feel thin, peeling or bendy, I’d look at your removal process before blaming the gel. That said, if you fancy a change, summer can be a great time to try a strengthening treatment or sheer nail veil for a few weeks. Think of it as a style choice rather than a detox. I love Manucurist for this.

Alex, any lip recommendations for terracotta-brown nudes? Also what’s your ride-or-die lip combo?

If you're looking for a terracotta-brown nude, I'd start with lip liner rather than lipstick. The liner is what creates that warm, ‘90s-inspired definition. A few favourites are Make Up For Ever Artist Color Pencil in Wherever Walnut, Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in Iconic Nude, and MAC Lip Pencil in Spice. Depending on your colouring, each can create a beautiful effect. My own go-to lip combo changes slightly with the seasons, but I always come back to a pinky-nude liner paired with something soft and neutral in the centre. Right now, I'd choose Wherever Walnut blended around the edges, topped with Victoria Beckham Posh Lipstick in shade 02. It's polished without looking overly done, and works with almost any make-up look.

Which mascara do you recommend for volume and curve? And should I use a primer first?

No primer. I find it just adds an extra step I don’t need. For volume and curl, my pick is Lancôme Lash Idôle Curl Goddess. It gives great lift, holds a curl beautifully, and doesn’t leave lashes feeling crunchy or overloaded.

I’m menopausal with mature, sensitive skin. Which skincare and treatments support ageing well without causing inflammation?

If your skin is sensitive and reactive, I wouldn’t chase aggressive treatments or constantly push your skin into inflammation in the hope of forcing collagen production. That’s often where things start to go wrong. For skincare, focus on daily SPF, a well-formulated antioxidant serum, barrier-supporting ingredients such as ceramides, and a nourishing moisturiser that keeps skin comfortable and resilient. I’m also interested in peptides, growth factors and exosomes for supporting skin quality without the irritation. For treatments, I’d favour lower-inflammation options such as Profhilo, polynucleotides/PDRN, gentle laser treatments like Aerolase, and LED therapy to support skin health and calm inflammation. I’d be more cautious with repeated aggressive resurfacing lasers, deep peels or anything that leaves reactive skin significantly inflamed for days.

Help! I’ve just developed rosacea on my chin and have no idea why…

First, I’d make sure it actually is rosacea. Redness, bumps and irritation around the chin can be caused by a number of things, including perioral dermatitis, over-exfoliation, hormonal breakouts or a reaction to a new product. If it’s appeared suddenly, think about whether you’ve recently introduced new skincare, increased the strength of active ingredients, had a facial or treatment, changed your toothpaste, or experienced any hormonal, stress or health changes. In the meantime, I’d switch into skin-barrier repair mode: keep your routine simple with a gentle cleanser, moisturiser and SPF, and pause exfoliating acids or any potentially irritating actives. If you’re using a retinoid, consider taking a short break until things settle. The brands Aestura and Avène offer great barrier repair formulas. Also try to avoid common triggers such as very hot water, steam rooms and anything that leaves your skin feeling tight or stingy.