5 steps to entering your ‘glaze phase’ this season

Some people say the first thing they notice about others is their eyes, and to them we say, you’re lying: it’s their hair. There’s simply nothing chicer than a shiny, glassy hair look, where you can literally see the hair health reflected through its gloss-factor. And considering Hollywood’s affinity for glassy, gleaming hair moments, the A-list are well aware of a laminated look’s power. So how can we create that finish at home (without spending endless time and money in the salon)? The L’Oreal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss range offers results that rival an expensive salon glossing experience, with its namesake glycolic acid ridding the hair of anything in the way of its covetable shine. Add the routine to your repertoire by first washing with the L’Oréal Paris Glycolic Gloss Elvive Shampoo ($9.49 at Chemist Warehouse) and Conditioner ($9.49 at Chemist Warehouse). Post-rinse, you’ll want to follow up with the 5 Minute Lamination Rinse-Off ($14.99 at Chemist Warehouse), which only needs to sink in for five minutes but can leave you with 10 shampoos* worth of glassy goodness (when teamed with the rest of the range). The lamination formula works to give you the same results as a salon glossing treatment, targeting hair health, silky smoothness, and of course, reflective shine. Once your lamination is complete, a touch of the range’s Leave-In Serum ($14.99 at Chemist Warehouse) will leave locks glassier and glossier than ever.

You’ve no doubt heard of slugging the skin before bed (AKA layering  a petrolatum-esque occlusive formula over your evening skin care routine) to lock in the benefits and protect against evaporation. But are you doing it twice daily? Slugging the skin before your morning makeup is a great way to not only keep the face from ‘eating’ your precious foundation, but also means there’s a barrier between your skin and the makeup you’re wearing, protecting the complexion against congestion. On top of that, a glossy skin prep routine beneath makeup will only leave the final result looking more luminous (and will help your glowy-finish foundation and highlighter products to sweep on smoothly). For the morning, we advise applying your oils, serums and moisturisers, before layering on an occlusive layer, then SPF and then makeup. At night, try a richly hydrating serum and cream combo, like the L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Filler 1.5% Hyaluronic Acid Plumping Serum ($29.99 at Chemist Warehouse) and Revitalift Filler Plumping Water Cream with Hyaluronic Acid ($29.99 at Chemist Warehouse), then lock it in with an occlusive to keep the good stuff where it needs to be.

Promise us you won’t  let your sheen stop at your face. If you’re committing to a full glazed effect, taking that gleaming finish from head to toe is key. As for the secret sauce behind a good glow, we’d have to recommend  the L’Oréal Paris Lumi Glotion ($19.99 at Chemist Warehouse), an all-over illuminator with a beautiful lightweight texture. Able to be swept onto any area from cheekbones and the Cupid’s bow to legs, arms, the torso, and the décolletage, it’s perfect for the polished, pearlescent look you’re chasing. You’ll be catching the light like you won’t believe with this formula on your side, and it also happens to feel as luxe as it looks.

It’s no secret that Hailey Bieber changed manicures for the good when she gave an official title to the ‘glazed donut’ trend. And while we may not feel the need to photograph every glossy nail look with one of Krispy Kreme’s finest in 2024, we’re still as hooked as ever on pearlescent polish. While the ‘plain glazed’ look is always chic,  don’t feel limited to neutrals.  An iridescent  pale pink is one of our personal favourites, but honestly, just about any pastel hue will be gorgeous with a glazed finish.

Of course, a good ‘glazing’ routine requires maintenance to keep everything looking its most luminous. For nails, try a little cuticle oil applied daily. For face and body, keep up your slugging and apply your highlighter liberally. And for hair, seal your shine in before and after any styling session with the Glycolic Gloss Elvive Leave-In Serum (and a fresh in-shower lamination whenever your locks require it). Follow these five steps and you’ll find your ‘glaze phase’ officially entered.