If the only Bs you are familiar with include those stinging flies, your bra size or a pair of Bananas in Pyjamas, it’s time you get the run down on Vitamin B and why it’s big in skin care. And the best blow dry in the Motherland from future queen Kate Middleton (sorry, Kate Moss) has hit our shores.
Many skin care labels you may read anywhere from B-3 to B-12, but don’t think of it as scientific mumbo-jumbo, they are all forms of all important Vitamin B. Best of all products that contain Vitamin B come at all price points so you don’t have to be a skin care high roller.
So, what does it do? Vitamin B is an essential ingredient to your skin care products if you have dry skin or are looking to decrease age spots. It assists your skin’s overall appearance by evening out the tone and texture, it has even proven to fight acne and it’s a great exfoliator.
Look out for niacin, a form of B3 as it is important ingredient for every skin type. It prevents pigmentation and minimizes dark spots. As a moisturiser, it even helps build the skin’s natural barrier, encouraging production of ceramides and fatty acids. B5 combats oils and blemishes and B12 improves eczema and soothes inflammation.
The effects of topical vitamin B aren’t as intense or noticeable as other vitamins (such as vitamin A), but it’s soft and gentle for those with sensitive skin and you can generally see an improvement within four to eight weeks.
Which products are brimming with Vitamin B?
Rescu. Recommends Ultraceuticals new B2 Hydrating Serum has a double dose of Vitamin B to boost hydration and relieve itching, soothe irritation of dry skin, soften and refresh. The serum can be used daily.
Medik8 Hydr8™ B5 Serum is a skin rehydration serum designed to improve moisture levels within the skin. B5 quenches the skin and provide 24-hour non-stop hydration.
Crème de la Mer is an intensive moisturising cream for all skin types, containing vitamin B12 for sensitive and dry complexions. In a flash, ageing lines and pores are less visible and skin is more supple.
Rescu. loves the NIVEA Visage Gentle Exfoliating Scrub with Provitamin B5 that features microscopic unispheres and super fine particles to hydrate and rejuvenate.
Kiehl’s Ultimate White Cream contains B8 and B3 to help combat the appearance of dark spots and uniforms skin’s overall skin tone for a more translucent and younger looking complexion.
Get the Kate Middleton Blow-Dry
Seasoned stylist and colourist, Glenn McDermott from The Blow-Dry Bar in Sydney’s Castle Hill gives us the expert tips on how to get the Duchess’ enviable volume.
1) Start by cleansing twice with shampoo. Cleansing Shampoos such as GKHair Balancing will ensure that hair is lightweight, removing any residual products or natural oils.
2) Next- Balance Conditioner should only be massaged to lengths and ends avoiding roots. Rinse thoroughly.
3) Even towel drying is important. Use the towel to squeeze excess water out. Never rough the hair to dry, it will only cause more flyaway hair when styling.
4) Apply a small 5 cent piece size of a thermal crème to lengths and ends. Comb through.
5) Use Dryer to blow most of the moisture out of hair. In this process you will also start creating body. To achieve more body, dry the root area of the hair up with assistance of the paddle brush. Dry the lengths to 100% dry.
6) If needed use a comb to place a part in the same way as ‘The Kate’ but where it feels comfortable for you.
7) Create a round bend with flat iron on the hair framing your face.
8) Avoid pulling the flat dead straight you will loose all the body that you created. This process can also be achieved using a big round brush.
9) Once you are happy with the roots to mid-lengths then the next step is concentrated just on the mid-lengths to ends. You will need your flat iron, comb and clips for this part. The thickness of your hair will depend on how many sections you will have. Start from the front hairline; take lengths with wide width from the front of your hairline to your ear.
10) From mid-lengths to ends wrap around two fingers to create a rosette. Place the rosette in the center of flat iron for about 20-30 seconds. If you like you could wear a cotton glove to protect yourself from the heat.
11) Clip the rosette in place to cool down. Repeat with sections about an inch wide and repeat the same until there are no sections left.
12) Lightly spray with hair spray to set.
13) Once all the rosettes have cooled down use the paddle brush to lightly brush the locks then use a pump of the serum to smooth and finish and get that beautiful shine! You can also finish with a little more hair spray for extra hold! And there you have it, a style fit for a Queen!
Hint: Use a make up blush brush, spray a little hair spray on the brush to wipe away any of the fly-aways!
Of course, if you want to seek the help of a professional – you can visit Blow Dry Bar where you can get the look for just $40.
To find your local Blow Dry Bar, go to www.blowdrybar.com.au
