The beauty spy: On the best hair serums

Get fabulous, non-frizzy locks with these great hair products.

There's no hair enemy as fierce and uncompromising as frizzy locks. Defiant, wilful and at the mercy of any weather change, the frizzies pose a demanding challenge. An ionising hair dryer can help, as can the right shampoo and conditioner, but nothing has a bigger impact than a good serum.

However, not all serums are created equal. A good serum should never leave your hair looking or feeling greasy. The trick is not to use too much - only a pea-sized amount at first and then reapply if necessary. Looking like an oil slick is never good. Plus, whether your hair is wet or dry, always avoid the roots, concentrating on the ends. In the quest for smooth hair with a sheen, here are my four best picks among the hair tamers.

Although pricey, Kérastase makes seriously good hair products. I adore the shampoos, which leave your hair looking thick and healthy and also do a spectacular rescue job on unhappy scalps. The Kérastase Elixir Ultime is my ultimate hairstyling jewel. Nothing short of miraculous, this clever oil has many uses: as a pre-shampoo treatment for dry and coarse hair, as a prep before blow drying to defrizz and add shine, and as a styling serum to smooth out flyaways and dry ends. One bottle lasts a year and the serum's versatility means you have fewer products to balance on an overcrowded bathroom shelf.

Another goodie is Trevor Sorbie's Beautifully Straightened Lightweight Serum, which gives a perfect smooth finish. A light texture with little smell, this also comes in a handy 50ml bottle, perfect for travel.

For those of us living in temperamental climates, John Frieda Frizz-Ease Weather Worksis vital. The style sealant creme blocks humidity and reduces friction, so whether you are melting in 45-degree heat or suffering a dreary European drizzle, this will make a notable difference.

Lastly, my pick of the crop is Miriam Quevedo Platinum & Diamonds Lux Serum. The Rolls-Royce of hair serums, this luxurious soufflé cream has a divine "just stepped out of the salon" scent. The gloss it gives is due to the combination of antioxidants, diamond and platinum powder, plus a hefty dose of argan oil. Yes, it is expensive. Yes, it is worth it as it gives your mane by far the best results.

Don't let the frizzies win without a fight. With these serums, you can wage a war and win.

M Loves

BEAUTIFUL BLENDING

This new blusher is so easy to use and creates such a subtle glow that we have on more than one occasion almost accosted women sporting that well-known Coco the Clown look and suggested they invest in a box or two. The secret is apparently in the blue sapphire pigments and the mix of colours, which combine to ensure a perfectly blended result. We're sold on the natural-looking flush of youth.

Rimmel Match Perfection Blush, Dh35, available at all major supermarkets and pharmacies across the UAE

Three of the best

Cover, conceal and perfect with these new foundations

LANCÔME TEINT IDOLE ULTRA 24H, DH215 Tests show this foundation lasts 24 hours with no need to reapply halfway through the day. Available in eight shades, it leaves your complexion matte without looking powdery.

CHANEL PERFECTION LUMIÈRE, DH242 A beautifully fine and melt-away texture that gives high coverage yet natural- looking results.

BOURJOIS PARIS 123 PERFECT, DH89 With colour-concealing pigments to blur flaws, this is a great base for combination skins that catches light beautifully.