Take a look at these 5 common beauty problems and discover some great problem-solving products that will help you look your very best

Dry Hair

I’m sure we’ve all gone through periods in our lives when our hair is seriously lacking its usual lustre. It could be from hormonal changes, using low-quality products or even exposing your locks to too much heat (and yes, this counts even when you’re on holiday). So what can you do if you find that your hair has become dry and prone to breakage?

>>Wash your hair every second or third day and avoid using really hot water.

>>Shampoo twice, ensuring you bring the shampoo below your hairline so you're saturating your roots with the product.

>>Use a hair mask once or twice a week to nourish hair - don’t neglect your scalp.

PROBLEM SOLVER> ESPA Pink Hair and Scalp Mud Jar €49, visit millies.ie

Breakouts

Unfortunately, getting spots and breaking out isn’t just for teens. Adult acne can be a result of anything from stress to excessive smoking. And somehow, every time, that pesky pimple will arrive the day before an important event.

If you’re in a panic about how to calm your skin and prevent breakouts, here are some things to try:

>>Clean your makeup brushes regularly. The bristles can harbour nasty bacteria which then transfers onto our skin, causing infection and clogged pores.

>>Use a salicylic facial toner after cleansing to remove excess dirt from the skin. It will smooth out any uneven skin texture too.

>>If you feel a spot coming up, don’t touch it! Your hands might not be as clean as you think and any unnecessary prodding will only make the spot worse.

PROBLEM SOLVER> Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% Bha Liquid Exfoliant €36, visit spacenk.com

Chapped Lips

Lots of people suffer from chapped lips throughout the winter and it can be quite painful at times. Religious use of Vaseline during the day will only take care of the problem for so long before your lips become irritated again.

Using an overnight lip mask will help combat any dryness that may occur while you’re sleeping. Also, a gentle exfoliation in the morning using a natural sugar scrub will keep your lips smooth and plump, getting rid of any dead skin and build-up of product.

PROBLEM SOLVER> Dr. PawPaw Over Night Lip Mask €10.45, visit lookfantastic.ie

Dark Circles

Whether it was a sleepless night, one too many glasses of bubbles or hyperpigmentation, dark circles can be hard to treat. Dabbing on some extra concealer might do the trick for some, but for others, it’s not enough to get rid of the dark shadowing.

The skin under our eyes is extremely delicate. It’s one of the thinnest, most sensitive areas of our body. So finding a product that gets the job done while remaining gentle and nourishing is tough. A tip is to avoid using liquid exfoliators around your eyes and take care not to scrub when removing eye makeup. Instead, find an oil-based cleansing water, apply it to a cotton pad and hold lightly on top of the eye for a few seconds to melt away the product. Then, use a brightening eye cream to lighten any pigmentation.

This will help your makeup sit better under your eyes without creasing too.

PROBLEM SOLVER> Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Awakening Gel Cream €17.99, visit boots.ie

Weak Nails

If you find your nails constantly chipping, breaking or peeling, then this one is for you. Your nails may become weak for a number of reasons. It could be that you aren’t getting the vitamins you need every day or something as simple as spending too much time doing the dishes – when your nails are submerged in water, they become soft which leads to peeling. It can be painful and somewhat of a nuisance, especially if you spend money each month getting them manicured.

Try using a nail strengthener for a week or two and avoid applying heavy products, like acrylic, onto the nails. Most nail strengtheners lock in moisture, which will nourish your nails and help growth.

PROBLEM SOLVER> Sally Hansen Diamond Strength Nail Hardener €9.95, visit beautybuys.com