Should teenage girls wear makeup?

I try to read a variety of media, and while the Times and Financial Times are mainstays, I also read the Guardian regularly, and from time to time reactivate a free trial of the Telegraph. In the latter, I recently read Annabel Jones' 'Should teenage girls wear makeup? I think it's fine - and here's why' - and I tend to agree with her.

I started playing with makeup in the pre-teen years: when I was 11 or 12.

Puberty is starting younger and younger - I started my periods a month after my twelfth birthday and developed acne at the age of 10. This is also now happening to even younger girls, due to environmental factors such as diet. So if you do have acne, it's natural that your self-confidence would feel dented - and even though I do see the argument of letting the skin get some air (and even as an adult ensure I have at least two makeup-free days a week), I also think a bit of concealer does more good than harm (especially if, like I was, you are also bullied). This is one of the first points made by the Telegraph's beauty editor also.

I would probably just go for a lighter mineral concealer, rather than the cheap stick foundations and concealers that I used to slather on, which were quite thick and cakey. ELF does good affordable ones that will cover blemishes while allowing skin to breathe.

I also used to love messing around with nail varnishes with my cousin, and would argue that such experiences are good for bonding - though this is also an argument for cheap clothes and nail polishes, as well as plenty of nail varnish remover, as chances are it will go everywhere! I didn't have a particular favourite brand, but used to go for the classics that pervade the aisles at Boots and Superdrug - Maybelline, 17, and so on. I was mainly about the colours, rather than brands, and especially all about the glitter, for which Barry M is a good choice. It also teaches you about science - namely, not to use nail varnish remover to clean up accidentally spilled nail polish from the top of a plastic TV casing...

Experimenting with eyeshadows - especially pink glittery ones - was another favourite pursuit, and as well as being just plain fun, helps you to see what colours suit you so that you can develop a sophisticated style long-term. I wouldn't be so keen on pink glittery eyeshadows now, but would go for dark purples, blues, browns, metallics or even greens to highlight my grey eyes.

This argument is even more persuasive when it comes to foundation. While young skin doesn't specifically need it, there are plenty of lighter foundations available, as well as tinted moisturisers, and even BB creams, which didn't exist when I was an adolescent but are a great option for teen skin, not just for breathability but also their other functions (such as SPF). I wouldn't recommend cheaper options in this case - even now, I'd say investing in the base is everything so as to not damage your skin. Furthermore, more expensive brands tend to have a wider range of shades available, meaning you have a greater chance of a good-looking result. It's perhaps more important and higher-stakes than you might think to get this right at a young-ish age - I went for my first job interview when I was 15, and who wants to go with a massive tide mark along the jaw line because the shade isn't right? It's a good lesson for young people too: if you want to wear makeup, then look professional. While quite a few of the cheaper high street brands have upped their game since I was trying out foundations for the first time, most still have their 'palest' shade pitched either too dark or too orange - so I would recommend trading up. Try Lily Lolo for mineral foundations that are kind to acneic skin.

Even though I started wearing makeup at a young age, I'm forever grateful to my (otherwise strict!) parents for their laissez-faire attitudes regarding this. Annabel Jones mentions in her article about picking your battles and not restricting the amount or type of makeup your teen wears - and I tend to agree, as doing the opposite would only breed resentment. It's something your teen has to work out for themselves - and, as I have mentioned above, in their own time (and plenty of it).

As she also mentions, good skincare routines and products are vital too. Steer clear of the cheap and artificial as far as possible - brands like Lush, Zao, Couleur Caramel, and Lamazuna are environmentally friendly too. Conversely, don't be afraid to seek prescription products if really needed for teen skin conditions.

Annabel Jones' most important comment though, is that makeup is about enhancing - not disguising - who you really are. And that, for teenage girls who may be feeling more insecure by the day, is crucial.

Essie x Diet Coke

You know summer's definitely around the corner when you find yourself desperately reaching for a glass of something cold and realising that you should really sort your nails out.

Luckily, Essie and Diet Coke have collaborated to kill two birds with one stone: until May 24th, 2016, you can buy a 500ml bottle of Diet Coke and an Essie nail varnish in Cocktail Bling, Fiji, or Fishnet Stockings for only £5.99 at Boots. 

And what's more, Diet Coke has other tips for keeping your nails ice-cool, such as plunging your freshly-painted nails into a bowl of ice-cold water, keeping nail polish in the fridge for easier application, or even using a rolled-up Diet Coke label to create an ombré effect on your nails.

This all means there's more than one way to cool off this summer, with a nail shade for everyone and a refreshing beverage into the bargain. Cheers!

Beauty Byte: Lily Lolo Nail Polish

I've long been a fan of Lily Lolo for their natural, lightweight foundations and concealers that still offer great coverage. However, good news for eco beauty fans: they're now bringing out nail polish! Available in six shades (see left), it promises to say no to many of the nasty chemicals found in traditional varnishes, including toluene and formaldehyde. And at £6.99 a bottle, it's affordable too. My money's on Soft Coral, which looks like it would go with everything, affording you a stylish look every day with minimum fuss. But with my favourite colour being purple, you might just see me sporting the Temptress shade as well. Out on May 17th 2016, just remember that you heard it here first :)

No7 Gel-Look Shine Nail Colour

RRP: £7
# of shades available: 21

--What does the promo say?--

"Our patented technology makes the polish tough and flexible to help prevent chipping and improve ease of application to help achieve a streak-free finish. Complete coverage in just one stroke, with outstanding and durable gel look shine. Helps to smooth and plump nails so natural ridges can't be seen, for best results use in combination with the top coat. Rich colour pay off in one coat. Plumps and volumises in 2 coats."

--Packaging--

Sophisticated and minimalist with a pleasing and ergonomic curve on the lid for easy handling. The No7 logo is centre stage on the bottle, clearly demarcating it as one of Boots' own. The lack of unnecessarily massive stickers is equally pleasing, allowing you to always see how much you have left. The brush is a bit big for my liking, though, although I suppose this does mean you have a greater chance of covering the nail in one stroke.

--Application--

Apply a base coat and allow this to dry thoroughly before painting one stroke down the centre of your nail. Add a further stroke down each side if necessary, so that the entire nail is covered in colour. Leave this coat to dry before attempting to apply a second coat. Finally, finish with a top coat once the colour is dry.

--Appearance--

The shade I was sent by Boots' PR (thanks guys!) was the rose gold shade, which I really love - perfect for both summer and Christmas, it adds a bit of shimmer to any outfit and goes with basically everything, whether you're wearing silver jewellery or gold. I tend to go for metallic nail colours for this reason and this is a great one to have in the kit alongside the classic silver, gold, copper and bronze.

--Texture and consistency--

Perhaps a little thick for my liking, but this is easily sorted by putting a couple of drops of nail varnish remover into the bottle and giving it a good shake.

--Longevity--

To be honest, I didn't find this polish to be any more robust than others I've tried. A shame, as this whole 'gel-nail-a-like' concept really appeals to me (I find that real gel nails are often too damaging).

--Value for money--

At £7 this is about standard for nail polish. Truthfully, without the longevity claims stacking up, I wouldn't want to pay any more for it, regardless of how much I love the colour. However, you can buy nail polish from other brands that specialise in nails for the same or less money, such as Sally Hansen or Mavala, so I can understand why you'd go for this option instead. It would be great if Boots could maybe go back to the drawing board on this one so I could feel that I could get the longevity they promise without having to spend more on their gel-a-like line of base coats and top coats.

perfect partners

Stay Perfect Base Coat, £6

Stay Perfect Top Coat, £6

Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Care, £6

Strength and Growth Treatment, £8

Nail Bar Review: Hollywood Nails, Maidenhead

I love getting my nails done (is there any girl that doesn't?) but this hardly ever happens for a few reasons. Number one: the expense. This is a common problem in many establishments, and one of the reasons I practically never get my nails done at the beauty salon where I'm actually a member, where even at the members' rate, a manicure and pedicure would set me back nearly €50 a time. Secondly, there's the pain. I've also tried another chain that's close to where I live, and the girls that work there are so rough with you that it makes me wince just thinking of it. Definitely not what you want when you're paying for something that's supposed to relax you and make you feel beautiful! Finally, on a more frivolous note, there's the fact that my nail colour never seems to last. I know this is down to me and my bad habit of basically being orally fixated and constantly having my fingers in my mouth - but if it isn't going to last, I may as well not bother paying for it.

However, at Hollywood Nails, which is a salon round the corner from my parents' home in Maidenhead, Berkshire, those first two problems are definitely eliminated. There you can have a manicure and pedicure for £35, which at today's exchange rate comes to €40 - a good saving compared to the €50 I would normally have to pay for the same. Obviously the amount you save depends on the exchange rate, but I find it good value primarily for the second reason I mentioned above. The treatments are always so gentle, yet effective: not a single suck-your-teeth-in moment to be had. You also get to sit in their massage chair and read trashy magazines while they turn your lizard feet into perfect paws, so it's a relaxing experience in more ways than one.

There are also other reasons I choose this salon. Staff are friendly and discreet as well as being professional, and they also offer a range of other services that I'm yet to try, such as their maxi facial (also £35). The array of nail colours available for manicure and pedicure is mind-boggling (well over 200) and the addition of colour is included in the price of the treatment (which it isn't at my usual salon), which makes a huge difference psychologically. The salon itself is also within walking distance of my parents' home, which is practical, and they offer discount coupons via their website, as well as a loyalty scheme. Such friendly and good-value service is rare in France, so I'm always happy to visit whenever I'm in the UK. Now, if I could just keep my fingers out of my mouth...!

http://www.myhollywoodnails.com/
9 Queen Street, Maidenhead SL6 1NB

At the (virtual) nail bar

I don't seem to get the time or money to have my nails done often, which is a shame as I usually enjoy it when I do go. However, manicurists tend to be quite expensive in my area, and even the "cheapest" (at around £30 a go!) tend to be quite rough, making it a far less enjoyable experience. I normally resort to paying over the odds for a nicer experience or waiting until I visit my parents, where their local salon is far cheaper and take so much more care over you too. 

BUT there is help at hand in the interim. You may remember that Marks and Spencer has reworked its beauty counter recently, offering visitors access to niche brands from all over the world. Part of this revamp is a virtual makeover service on the brand's website, which allows you to test the newest makeup colours and products on a digital version of your face, as well as select the right foundation for you, and find your perfect look. Another service it offers is the virtual manicure, meaning it's easier to get through those long gaps between nail bar visits.

And it couldn't be easier to use: choose the photograph of a hand that most closely matches your skin tone, and then select colours that appeal from the colour wheel on the left, which magically appears 'painted' onto the nails in the photograph. I won't lie: at times the colour does look superimposed and not fully realistic, but it does give you an impression of how certain colours suit you. A 'history' is stored below the wheel so you can go back to a colour easily if needed, and the product is shown on the right with its full details and price so that you can add it to your basket right away if you like. Observe:

Give it a go today :)

China Glaze Nail Polish

RRP: c.$9/£7.95 a bottle

--What does the promo say?--
"Why should you choose China Glaze nail polish? China Glaze is a brand that has proven its worth by the thousands of customers that continue to come back for more. With our experience, China Glaze nail polish stays on and looks beautiful at the same time! China Glaze nail polish is used in professional nail polish salons across the United States on acrylic nails and natural nails."

--Packaging--
The brand name is clever and unusual, tacitly promising the same effect of a pottery-esque glaze on your nails, as if you yourself were a work of art. The logo is in keeping with this home-made, kilned imagery, simply comprising a monochrome flame. The lid is black and the width of the bottle tapers towards the lid.

--Application--
The soft brush makes application easy. After applying a base coat, one stroke on the middle of the nail, followed by each side, should do it. Second coat optional, though finishing with a top coat is advised.

--Appearance--
It certainly delivers on the idea of a glaze, offering a smooth, high-shine colour. The brand's range of colours also offers shimmery, metallic, and glittery variants.

--Texture/consistency--
It certainly seems smooth enough, without being too runny, but takes a long time to dry. There is, however, certainly no stickiness or lumpiness.

--Longevity--
Mixed feelings on this one: it seems to chip and smudge VERY easily on occasion, even when you think the stuff has finally dried. However, on the whole results are generally good, even if you opt out of using a top coat.

--Value for money--
Prices are reasonable, especially for a brand specialising in nail varnish (brands that don't specialise in nail colour, such as Maybelline, probably offer their polishes for the same price), and even more so given that if you shop around the products can be even cheaper elsewhere. A huge range of colours and finishes are offered, allowing consumers to choose from a cheaper alternative to brands such as OPI. While Nails Inc probably still pips this to the post, it is a lot more expensive with it, and given that this is comparable in price to various high street brands, while still offering a high standard of choice and quality, I would go for this over Maybelline and Bourjois equivalents every time. Just be careful when applying and your patience will probably pay off.

retails at: http://chinaglazediva.com, www.nailspasupply.com, www.ebeautyproducts.co.uk, www.beautychamber.co.uk, Sally's, The Beauty Partnership

Sephora Nail Varnish

RRP: €4.50/$4

--What does the promo say?--
"Glaze your nails with brilliant, chip-proof shine. Our widest assortment of nail colours takes you from classic to cutting-edge with just a swipe of the brush. Each long-lasting shade is packaged in travel-ready 0.17 oz bottles, so you can tote several of your favorite shades for quick changes, on the go."

--Packaging--
Dinky and simple. The Sephora logo is carved into the clear glass, and the lid is basic screw-top black. All of the information is available on a discreet black label on the back of the bottle. Easy.

--Application--
Apply the polish to your nails in thin coats, waiting a little between coats. Three strokes per nail (centre/left/right) generally ensures an even finish. Finish with a separate top coat.

--Appearance--
This brand arguably has the world's widest nail polish range, with its staggering range of colours not only available in the standard finish but also available in metallic, shimmery and glittery finishes. Mine is a simple matte navy which wears very well on its own but even better as an alternative French manicure (white for the majority of the nail, blue for the tips). Colour appears even and is very definite: there's no confusion with black here.

--Texture/consistency--
The brush tends to pick up a little too much polish, making it difficult to handle. However, the polish itself is fine.

--Drying time--
Average.

--Staying power--
Again, average (although I tested this with no top or bottom coat).

--Value for money--
It is a sample size, and an own brand too, and the price reflects this. However, there are very few bad points, making this ideal for travel or for everyday use.

Maybelline Express Finish Diamonds

RRP: not found, though I gather it retails at between £3.99 and £6.99
no. of shades available: 6

--What does the promo say?--
"Wet to set, now in 40 seconds! Chip-resistant nail colour. Shock-control technology. Ultra-precise Control-flow™ brush for 1 coat application."

--Packaging--
It's a slim square bottle, but it has some curve and extra dimension to it from the curved thicker glass layer at the bottom of the bottle and from the slightly rounded silver lid. The 40 second aspect is emphasised by way of a silver 'timer' motif on the front of the bottle and the concept of the product is expressed concisely, with the 'express' word leaning forwards to denote this and with little stars decorating the bottle to show off the 'diamond' shine. All of this is in silver, and actually looks simpler than it sounds. Opens and closes easily, and yet doesn't leak. The flat brush is nice too, though it's nothing new now.

--Application--
After preparing your nails, carefully apply the colour. Sadly it takes a bit longer than 40 seconds to dry (probably more like 60-100 seconds), but once it has dried, complete with a top coat and you'll be all set.

--Texture/consistency--
No problems here: it's not sticky or runny, and goes onto the nails very well.

--Appearance--
One coat will allow a softer, more natural look, with a second coat making things slightly more disco.

--Does it do what it promises?--
To an extent, yes. From a company that isn't a specialist in nail care, I found it really impressive that it lasted nearly a week before it began to chip. However, they shouldn't promise that it will dry in 40 seconds if it actually doesn't (and I timed it so I know it doesn't...).

--Value for money--
Even though for some reason I couldn't find an exact price, it's still pretty reasonable whichever way you look at it. The fact that the varnish lasts for so long without chipping means that one bottle certainly lasts a long time, and it assures continuity of high standards in Maybelline's products. Good work.

Nails Inc nail varnish

RRP: £9.50 per polish; 3 polishes for £20 (save £8.50); 4 polishes for £25 (save £13); 5 polishes for £30 (save £17.50)
no. of shades available: 38

--What does the promo say?--
"Choose any of our irresistible nails inc. polishes to create our own unique colour collection that is as individual as you are! Long lasting chip resist and hard wearing polish for fashionable hands and feet who desire a high shine salon looking finish."

--Packaging--
The Nails Inc bottles are very distinctive in their design - clear, chunky bottles, shiny silver lids, cute design of cartoon hands running round the top of the bottle, and the Nails Inc logo. All of the shades are named after street names (usually in London), which is a really nice individual touch. The lids are easy to open and close, with little/no possibility of leakage, and the brushes seem to fan out easily during application.

--Application--
Prep your nails first by filing them, buffing them, soaking your hands and removing the cuticles gently using a dissolver, a scraper and a cuticle cream. Having applied and let dry a base coat, unscrew the lid of the varnish, wipe off any excess on the inside of the bottle neck, and carefully apply a coat of varnish to the nails. Add a further coat after the first coat has dried for maximum effect, before finishing with a decent top coat. Nothing unusual there.

--Texture/consistency--
Perfect - not gloopy, sticky or watery. Just went on really smoothly without running or bleeding.

--Appearance--
In the bottles and on the nails alike, the colour of the varnish is strong, deep and vibrant. It's also got a really impressive shine to it, even without a top coat, that makes it seem incredibly professional even when you're just doing your own nails at home.

--Does it do what it promises?--
Absolutely. There's definitely a high shine there and even 9 days after having my nails done, I'm only just starting to think that I should redo them. This polish easily lasts the distance, even when factoring in normal daily activities such as washing up.

--Value for money--
Excellent, particularly when you buy 3 polishes or more. You get an absolutely perfectly polish for the money and it is more than worth every penny paid. The range of shades is also fantastic and there's almost certainly one to suit everybody. It's the best nail varnish I've ever used and it's the only one to give a salon-professional finish. Nails Inc also has its own range of base and top coats, exfoliators, nail buffers and so on, so if you wanted to kit out your entire nail bar in Nails Inc stuff, I'm sure you wouldn't go far wrong.

perfect partners
Kensington Caviar 45 second Top Coat, £10
A&E Treatment Base Coat, £10
Cuticle Striptease, £8

Barry M Glitter Nail Paint

RRP: £2.95
no. of shades available: 10

--What does the promo say?--
"Glitzy Glam! Be extreme! These are ideal to be the knockout party disco diva, whatever your age! Bright shades bursting with minute particles, you’ll certainly get noticed with these enamels wherever you go to party."

--Packaging--
A square, clear bottle (allowing the nail colour to be visible) with a chunky plastic lid. What makes the bottle distinctive, however, is the instantly-recognisable Barry M logo emblazoned across the bottle in gold cursive script, making it an overall simple but striking and good-looking design.

--Application--
As usual - prepare your nails with a base coat before adding the glitter, and finish with a top coat when dry.

--Appearance--
Really striking, unique appearance with large and clearly visible glitter particles. Most glitter varnishes are more subtle, but Barry M goes all out and the results are fabulous.

--Longevity--
Pretty good, even on its own with no top or base coat.

--Removal--
I don't normally include a section on removal unless I have problems. However, I am including it this time to serve as a warning: you *must* wear top and base coats with this polish or I can guarantee it will be nigh on impossible to remove.

--Value for money--
Exceptional - you pay very little for a high-quality varnish that gives you a really individual look. Nice one.

Maybelline Forever Strong Professional Nail Polish

RRP: £3.99 for 10ml
no. of shades available: 18

--What does the promo say?--
"# Perfect precision curved brush
# Rich colour and high shine
# Enriched with Iron & Calcium"

--Packaging--
Nice slender squarish bottle with a medium-sized black lid. The logo and product information is written on the transparent bottle in white writing. Nothing special going on there, though I do like how the extra layer of glass at the bottom of the bottle creates an effect of the varnish being suspended in the bottle.

--Application--
Pretty standard stuff: unscrew the lid, allow any excess polish to drip back into the bottle, and apply 1 or 2 layers to your nails after prepping them with a base coat.

--Texture/consistency--
Smooth without being runny: in other words, perfect.

--Appearance--
I personally prefer to apply two coats of any nail varnish I use, but with this varnish you could probably get away with just one. The colour I have is a really definite colour, but still suitable for everyday, and fits my overall look and colouring well.

--Longevity--
Not too bad. I'd say it lasts 4-5 days before it starts to chip.

--Ease of removal--
Fine :)

--Value for money--
For the amount you get and the quality of the varnish itself, the price is extremely reasonable and the range of available shades is impressive. Top marks.

Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour

RRP: £13 for 13ml
no. of shades available: 22

--What does the promo say?--
"Le Vernis from Chanel offers a wide colour variety, from the most elegant and classic to the latest and trendiest shades. It is chip-resistant, thanks to an original, state-of-the-art, exclusive-to-Chanel formula, with naturally strengthening and protecting bioceramides. One last reason to adore it? The patented no-spill bottle, with a 'built-in wiper system' - so you apply the perfect amount of this toluene-free polish, with every sweep of the brush."

--Packaging--
Very square, good-looking, modern glass bottle, with a black plastic lid bearing the Chanel logo, which all comes in a black box with white product information on it, and a gold stripe at the bottom. It soon becomes apparent, though, that the black square smoothly-finished lid is just a shell for a ridged, cylindrical lid that's easier to turn and open.

--Application--
All as usual. Open the lid, pull out the brush, wipe on the edge of the opening to avoid excess, and apply at least 2 coats to the nails after a base coat, allowing plenty of time to dry in between.

--Texture--
Smooth, and a little bit watery, but not too bad.

--Appearance--
One coat is not sufficient - two or more are definitely needed. While in the bottle the colour appears definite and vibrant, this doesn't translate well to the nails, which is rather disappointing. It also appears slightly streaky after the first coat has been applied, though the application of a second coat improves this. However, there is a slight shimmer to it, which is nice and subtle.

--Does it do what it promises?--
Not by a million miles. From Chanel's own description, you'd think the nail varnish would last perfectly well on its own, but even with a base coat and a top coat, it couldn't withstand my part-time job, where I am constantly having to remove trays and faff about with keys and thus constantly knocking my nails. Whether it would withstand normal day-to-day business is something different, though the evidence doesn't fare too well on that front either. I applied the varnish on a Thursday while travelling on a train to meet friends. The journey was long and there was plenty of time for all coats of varnish to dry. I had a perfectly normal day on the Friday (i.e. I was not at work or undertaking any kind of activity that was rough on my hands), but then on the Saturday I returned to work. As soon as I undertook any kind of activity using my hands, the nail varnish simply didn't last (and I work in a jeweller's - I'd say there are far more strenuous activities!). Therefore, in my book, this nail varnish in no way does what it says it will.

--Value for money--
I think you've already guessed what I'm going to say here. There are simply far better nail colours out there that last far better than this one does. The only thing got going for it is the texture and the wide range of colours, but these qualities can only redeem this nail colour to a certain extent. I can only recommend that you choose something else for your nails, but don't write off Chanel completely - it quite often comes up trumps.

perfect partners
Chanel Protective Base Coat, £12 for 13ml
Chanel Nail Colour Remover, £8.50 for 50ml
Chanel Rouge Hydrabase Creme Lipstick, £16 (38 shades available)