For those of us who will never see 40 or even 50 again, the woman who set the Golden Globes on fire in terms of beauty was not a young whiplasher, but Jennifer Aniston, who is entering middle age. It’s more of a tonic. I will be -50 years old next month.
Jennifer is an “if it ain’t broke” kind of person. . . ” Short, softly layered, and rocking a choppy, straight yet “fragmented” cut, commentators instantly decided it was the new Rachel.
For many women in their 50s, there is real romance in the idea of revisiting the “behavior” of their youth, when they were fashion conscious and carefree, and their hair was youthful and full. This is a sign of confidence that speaks to the peak of Mojo.
This is especially true when you are constantly being told what to do with your hair, such as cutting it all off, making it gray or blonde. The new Rachel to the old and therefore even more wonderful Aniston feels a joyful rejection of these edicts.
But can the average person, who doesn’t have a full-time glam squad on hand, indulge in the throwback hair trend? I asked stylist Michael Van Clark. He recently gave me a smarter, more evolving version of the layered look I acquired when I was 17.
Please update without duplicating
First of all, remember that this is a rejuvenating high five, not a retro revival exercise. The key is to update, not duplicate, and that’s what Aniston did for me and what Michael did for me.
He said: “Actually, there were a lot of Rachels. Just like Jennifer needed a new Rachel for today.” Not only have times changed, but so have the hair, and indeed the face. Now that you know her own hair type and texture, let’s try out her own hair type and texture.
Please be considerate at the salon
If you ask a hairstylist, Michael describes the style as “an A-line bob that’s longer in the front than the back and has a few stepped layers cut in.”
However, he advises against taking an approach that is too imitative.
“The cut has to be refined to suit your hair type. Otherwise, unless you have robot-perfect hair, a standard bob will only disappoint.”
style counselor
Proper styling products are key. Michael Van Clark Eureka Blow Dry Balm (19.50, vanclarke.com) accomplishes the impossible: eliminate puffiness while adding body. And Philip Kingsley’s protector works wonders on menopausal hair.
Philip Kingsley Bond Builder Lipid Shield Oil (now £21.41, sephora.co.uk) adds shine, while Daily Damage Defense Spray (£22.90) is a heat shield as well as a conditioner.
However, if fineness, or softness, is an issue for you, then you should really look for Michael’s bouncy Thick Car Quicker Volume Blow Dry Spray (£21.50) and (very non-crunchy) Volume Mousse (£16.50) .
To revitalize the roots of her fine hair, a friend with flat hair uses Percy & Reid Volumizing Mousse (£9, Waitrose) and my favorite Batiste Dry Shampoo (£3.25, boots.com) ).
The corrector is ready
To style it themselves, many women will be tempted to seek out GHD. GHD is the ceramic-plated straightener that Rachel has been able to achieve at home since 2001, smoothing cuticles and creating a signature kick-under of feathery layers. face.
GHD now boasts a myriad of models with protective technology to further reduce heat damage (from £109, ghdhair.com).
Michael said: “GHD is great, but take your time and don’t overdo it with ungainly sections.” Lead with a comb to ensure a smooth thread through the ends. ”
If that doesn’t help, the new Nicky Clarke AirStyle Pro Infrared & Ionic Hair Dryer & Styler (£249.99, nickyclarke.com) comes with two tong-like attachments for smooth, soft waves. Masu.
Or simply style your hair by wrapping it around your fingers, set with a clip, and leave for 30 minutes.
Then I’ll have Elnet fix it (3 lbs. and another boot). Because just like Jen, we are worth it.
Let’s compete for it!
As a reward for cutting back on alcohol this dry January, why not suggest the Sunspel Eau de Parfum Gift Set (£125, sunspel.com)?
These four satisfying 15ml sprays offer Lynn Harris’ tribute to all things British. Oakwood, the forest. Green cedar, lush spring breeze. And Neroli Sun… Summer when the sun shines in dapples. bliss.
my icon this week
Rosamund Pike
The 44-year-old star looked great at the Globes, despite damage to his face from skiing. Make-up artist Melanie Ingressi uses Images Skincare Vital C Hydrating Repair Cream (£105, imagesskincare.co.uk), followed by Diorshow 5 Couleur Eyeshadow Palette in Amber Pearl (£55, dior.com) and 001 Pink Backstage Rosie Glow (£34).
cold snap reliever
(£20, sephora.co.uk)
Withstands the strongest UV rays and provides a soothing screen for dry, exposed faces.
(Currently £23, net-a-porter.com)
Contains bisabolol, which reduces redness and inflammation, making it chic and easy to top up your sunscreen.
(Currently £22, sephora.co.uk)
Strengthens the barrier for sensitive skin, approved by the British Skin Foundation.
(£34.50, spacenk.com)
It is rich in antioxidants and helps to relieve rough skin caused by climate stress.
(£10, Boots.com)
Contains moisturizing shea butter, argan oil, and vitamin E to provide the highest level of protection and plump moisture.
desire for cosmetics
Marketers are getting excited about the fact that today is Blue Monday, the most depressing day of the year (apparently the term “fact” is used loosely), and we all have nothing to do with it. Instead of looking forward to it, I’m just slowly moving forward.
My own will to live is supported by the three new shades of No1 de Chanel Lip and Cheek Balm (£38, chanel.com), which doesn’t strike me as superficial.
The six existing French Girl Flashes are joined by Vibrant Coral, Ardent Brick, and my favorite, Purple Energy.
Simple yet sophisticated, with a touch of this rouge that gives off an unusual luster, you’ll be able to make your face look full of vitality.