Serum sticks

Whether you are juggling various work, workout or social commitments, or providing a taxi service for your offspring, most of us are busy and on the go, which is why portable beauty products get a massive thumbs-up from us.

Solid serum sticks offer a mess-free alternative to traditionally packaged serums, which have the potential to leak in your bag or break if they are packaged in glass containers.

Here are two options to get stuck into:

​Skin Gym Vitamin C Serum Stick, £19

Skin Gym offers four Face Serum Sticks in its range: Retinol, Vitamin C, Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid. Each one retails for £19 and is designed for AM and PM use.

The multi-use Hyaluronic Acid stick is formulated to soothe a dry, irritated complexion. Peppermint oil calms irritation while sunflower seed oil moisturises and prevents water loss.

Treat blemishes with a swipe of the Collagen stick. Hero ingredient neem leaf extract clears, while squalene soothes and shea butter hydrates the skin.

The Retinol stick is a nifty little product that’s used to reduce the appearance of fine lines. The Vitamin C serum, meanwhile, brightens and helps to improve the look of an uneven skin tone and texture.

​Kiko Milano Smart Hydra Shot Stick, £7.99

The Smart Hydra Shot Stick delivers an instant moisture boost and specifically targets under-eye circles and bags. It can be used under/over makeup for a fast-acting skin pick-me-up, is opthalmologically tested and is non-comedogenic.

Underlashing

Not to be confused with lashes that are applied to your lower lid, underlashing refers to the technique of applying false lashes underneath your natural ones.

Sometimes even the most carefully applied regular strip lashes can look false due to the band being visible, despite attempts to mask it using eyeshadow, liner or mascara. The idea behind underlashing is that the band is concealed.

Here are three to set your lids aflutter:

​Eylure Underlash No176, £7

For a look with va-va-voom, try Eylure’s No176. This cluster lash delivers a noticeable, fluttery finish. The strips can be cut into individual clusters or wisps, so they are pretty versatile.

The brand’s No006 is a ¾-length-style wispy lash that adds definition. With a feather-light finish and extra-subtle lift, these offer a comfortable, barely-there look.

What’s good about these kits is that they contain everything you need for application: a tube of latex-free lash glue and a spoolie. Plus, the strips are reusable up to five wears.

Use the spoolie to apply a thin layer of glue to the underside of your lashes and wait 20 to 30 seconds for it to become tacky.

Next, press the strip under your natural lashes before firmly pinching together.

​Eyelash Emporium Seamlash Deconstructed Strip Lash Kit, £29.95

This set contains an applicator tool, latex-free long-wear adhesive and two pairs of strip lashes: Winged & Wispy and Full & Fluttery.

For best results, brush the adhesive onto natural lashes. After 30 seconds, position the strip under the natural lash line before gently clamping it in place using the applicator provided.

To remove, use the brand’s Retake Strip Lash Cleanser on a clean cotton bud to loosen the glue bonds before peeling the strip off using the applicator tool or a clean mascara wand.

Mocha nails

We’ve a feeling our caffeine addiction will take on a whole new meaning thanks to the mocha nail trend.

Our newsfeeds are full of deep, rich, chocolatey brown shades and style — everything from heart cut-out designs to matte, French-tipped and cherry mocha, which is a dark purple-maroon hue.

Here are a couple of key buys to get your nails into:

​SOSU Cosmetics Mocha Latte Salon Nails, £9

SOSU’s high-gloss faux nails are shaped in a short-length, square style. Each packet contains 30 nails in 15 different sizes, plus adhesive, a miniature nail file and a manicure stick.

To apply, dab glue to the back of the falsie before pressing it to your natural nail and holding for up to 10 seconds. To remove, soak the false nail in the SOSU Cosmetics Gone Girl Acetone Nail Remover, then buff away any residue.

​Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Nail Polish in Mocha Me Crazy, £9.99

Sally Hansen’s two-step gel polish doesn’t require a UV light or other equipment. Simply apply two coats of the Gel Colour Coat followed by the Top Coat for a durable manicure with a high-gloss finish.

There’s a Miracle Gel Matte Top Coat option too.

Handily, the polish can be removed with regular nail varnish remover.