Breadcrumbs ![Beauty SOS: Our Editors Answer Your Biggest Dilemmas](https://media.sheerluxe.com/U7zCkVbtoyp0p8OCxn7YdjH3-9s=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F10%2Fsl-site-assets-221026-thumb-hero-everything-were-recommending-2.jpg) Image: Nimbi; @LisaEldridgeMakeup [Beauty](/beauty) / 22 October 2026 # Beauty SOS: Our Editors Answer Your Biggest Dilemmas Another day, another beauty dilemma – and the SL team is on hand to help. Here, they’ve rounded up the questions they’re asked most often and shared their tried-and-tested fixes… [ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/54580) Image: Nimbi; @LisaEldridgeMakeup All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products. ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/BdtG5qbdB0S8GPlchICzMbc-ces=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F10%2Fsl-221026-beauty-team-everything-were-recommending-jenn-new.jpg) Victoria Beckham Beauty; @TheOuai; The Vault Stock; Anna Tabakova/ Stocksy United; Dr Barbara Sturm ## Jenn George ### Beauty Director & Acting Senior Wellness Editor #### My mascara always smudges under my eyes – which formulas are worth trying? "Tubing mascaras are a game changer. The formulation relies on fibre-like polymers that wrap around the lashes, rather than a pigmented wax, so there’s zero chance of smudging. Some can flake a little, or feel quite heavy but generally, they're brilliant. My favourites are the ones from [Hourglass](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fmakeup%2Feyes%2Fmascara%2Funlocked-instant-extensions-mascara-UK200027450.html), [Victoria Beckham](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fmakeup%2Feyes%2Fmascara%2Ffuture-lash-mascara-MUK200056522.html), [Merit](https://meritbeauty.sjv.io/QYGJQA) and [Urban Decay](https://sephora.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l5hxvM/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sephora.co.uk%2Fp%2Furban-decay-tube-job-tubing-mascara)." #### I’ve overdone it with the heat styling – how can I make my hair feel healthier again? "I too am trying to hold back from using too much heat on my hair. My advice is to look into the right products – the ones that can smooth, lift or even add a curl without the need for a tool. There are some great air-dry formulas out there, for example, that will create a nice wave depending on your hair type (like the [JVN](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fhaircare%2Fhair-styling-products%2Fhair-cream%2Fcomplete-air-dry-cream-MUK200033790.html%3Fdwvar_MUK200033790_size%3DUK200033790%26quantity%3D1) one or try [Living Proof](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fhaircare%2Fhair-styling-products%2Fhair-cream%2Fstyle-lab-air-dry-styler-UK200053765.html)). In terms of bringing your hair back to life, I recommend trying bond repair products – like the Olaplex [shampoo](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Folaplex-no.4-strengthening-shampoo-250ml%2F17924637%2F) or Ouai's [in-shower treatment](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fbond-repair-balm-MUK200061898.html%3Fdwvar_MUK200061898_size%3DUK200061898%26quantity%3D1).” #### My skin looks so puffy when I wake up – what can I do to calm things down? "The old trick of fridge-cold spoons genuinely works – as does some manual lymphatic massage. I'd enlist the help of a gua sha to really work away the puffiness, giving myself a thorough five-minute go-over to encourage the contours to come back. I'd also keep some cooling eye masks to hand – [Dr Barbara Sturm's](https://sturm.prf.hn/click/camref:1101l3NQ88/destination:https%3A%2F%2Fen.drsturm.com%2Feverything-eye-patches%2F) are great." ## Rebecca Hull ### Group Beauty Director #### Which are the best tinted lip balms out there? “I swear by Vieve’s [Bounce Balms](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=50524&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vievebeauty.com%2Fproducts%2Fbounce-balm). They’re juicy and plumping, without the tell-tale stickiness you often find in tinted balms. They’re available in a clear formula but I love [‘Prick’](https://click.linksynergy.com/deeplink?id=etT1jgERWYw&mid=50524&murl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.vievebeauty.com%2Fproducts%2Fbounce-balm-prick) – a soft, rosy tone that subtly enhances the lips. Laneige’s [Glaze Craze Lip Serums](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fcampaigns%2Fautumn-beauty-essentials%2Fglaze-craze-tinted-lip-serum-UK200054903.html) are brilliant too. The hydrating, nourishing formula genuinely helps with dry, cracked skin.” #### Do any hair-growth products actually work? “As someone who’s currently on a hair-regrowth journey, I’m always asked this. I’m currently using rhute’s [Density + Repair Scalp Serum](https://rhutehair.com/products/serum). It’s early days but seeing as it’s one of the few products to have been dermatologically tested and clinically proven to work, I have high hopes. I’ve also heard great things about Aroma-Zone’s Strengthening & Densifying [Hair Serum](https://www.aroma-zone.com/en/product/strengthening-densifying-hair-serum). It’s so popular that it’s previously generated waiting lists. At just £12, it has to be worth trying.” #### I don’t love heavy foundation – do you have any recommendations for lighter bases? “Lisa Eldridge’s [Seamless Skin Enhancing Tint](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fmakeup%2Fcomplexion%2Ffoundation%2Fseamless-skin-enhancing-tint-MUK200049058.html) is my top recommendation every time. It’s silky and easy to blend, so you can build it up without creating a cakey finish. It completely unifies the skin and leaves it looking fresh, luminous and natural. It’s easily one of the best skin tints I’ve ever tried.” ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/58AFpSWV0hjYCIsW7I_IOsIHgrI=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F10%2Fsl-221026-beauty-team-everything-were-recommending-becky.jpg) @Laneige_UK; Vieve; The Vault Stock; Asya Molochkova/ Stocksy United ; @LisaEldridgeMakeup ![](https://media.sheerluxe.com/6PzeFOht2Vea3h4EqMFPmFKsF2c=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F10%2Fsl-221026-beauty-team-everything-were-recommending-orin.jpg) @JamesReadTan; Nimbi; @OfficialNavyProfessional ## Orin Carlin ### Beauty Editor #### I’m taking a break from gels and want my natural nails to look their best – any tips? “First and foremost, stop using your nails as tools – gloves are your best friend if you’re cleaning at home with chemicals. I like to keep mine short, filed and neat – learning to safely use a [cuticle nipper](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=114794&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.navyprofessional.com%2Fcollections%2Fall%2Fproducts%2Fhelen-cuticle-nippers) is a total game-changer. Beyond that, BioSculpture’s [vitamin-rich drops](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=122530&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.biosculpture.co.uk%2Fproducts%2Fvitamin-dose) are excellent – apply them like it’s going out of fashion then seal it in with an oil or serum – and I’m obsessed with Navy’s [clicky pen](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=114794&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.navyprofessional.com%2Fcollections%2Fall%2Fproducts%2Fhand-cuticle-serum-pen). As ever, consistency is key. Don’t be afraid to oil your nails multiple times a day. Then for a hint of colour, Manicurist’s [Active Blur](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Fmanucurist-active-blur%2F17681476%2F) bathes your nails in a velvety-pink veil and just makes you feel that bit more put-together.” ### The skin on my body is feeling dry and rough – how can I make it feel smoother? “Adding some gentle exfoliation into your routine will make the biggest difference here – whether that’s physical, chemical or a mix of the two. I use a sisal soap bag on my skin every time I shower (buy them in multipacks from Amazon, just make sure you change it regularly) which helps to slough away dead skin. [Prequel’s Gleanser](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fskincare%2Fcleansers%2Fcleanser%2Fgleanser-UK200065348.html) has really impressed me recently; it has that slippy consistency which means you can tell it’s 50% glycerin and leaves your skin touchably soft but never overstripped. Then there’s criminally underrated [Ameliorate](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2082&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.lookfantastic.com%2Fp%2Fameliorate-transforming-body-wash-300ml%2F15232459%2F), which is full of skin-smoothing AHAs. Another tip is to shave with an [oil](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Fnimbi-rich-slip-shaving-oil-for-sensitive-skin-250ml-10393966) to give your skin that silky, supple feel.” ### My face needs a bit of warmth but I’m scared of fake tan – where should I start? “I totally get the fear of orange streaks – but actually the options are so good these days you needn’t worry. My favourite trick when my skin is looking tired is to add a couple of drops of self-tan into my night cream, meaning I’ll wake up looking healthy and rested. The effect is glowy and subtle, rather than overdone. Plus, you can be really slapdash with the application – simply massage it into your skin with your fingertips as you would your normal moisturiser and rinse your hands properly after to avoid any tell-take lines. I swear by [St. Tropez](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Fst-tropez-luxe-tan-tonic-glow-drops-30ml-10306656) but you’re also in safe hands with [Bare By Vogue](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=2041&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.boots.com%2Fbare-by-vogue-face-tanning-drops-medium-dark-30ml-10353780) and [Self Glow](https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=59805&awinaffid=69421&platform=dl&ued=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.spacenk.com%2Fuk%2Fsun-tan%2Ftanning%2Fself-tanning%2Fsunbright-tinted-tan-drops-UK200051357.html) By James Read.” [ Sign in to comment with your SheerLuxe profile ](/user/login?destination=)Or continue to comment as a Guest below [View the discussion thread.](http://sheerluxe-dev.disqus.com/) *more from* Beauty [View All Beauty](/beauty) ![All The New Drops, Events & Cool Things Happening In Beauty](https://media.sheerluxe.com/zOYLU2YQT449f9OWMrU9IlgL_QU=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F10%2Fsl-site-assets-011026-beauty-radar-hero-thumb.jpg) [Beauty](/beauty) / 01 October 2026 [## All The New Drops, Events & Cool Things Happening In Beauty ](/beauty/all-the-new-drops-events-cool-things-happening-in-beauty) ![Is AI the Future of Beauty?](https://media.sheerluxe.com/ru2VbhiXxMcgkcvDEJdvlSI1Fic=/200x267/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fsheerluxe%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2026%2F09%2Fsl-site-assets-300926-is-ai-the-future-of-beauty-thumb.jpg) [The Business Edition](/the-business-edition)/ 30 September 2026 [## Is AI the Future of Beauty? 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