bizarre beauty

Hair

Do Bizarre Hair Treatments Like Beer and Mayo Actually Work?

I'm not really into the whole DIY thing—I blame my dad, who always seemed to turn a simple task like putting up a shelf into a disaster.

I'm not really into the whole DIY thing—I blame my dad, who always seemed to turn a simple task like putting up a shelf into a disaster. Some people just shouldn't do DIY and we're those people.

That being said, it's my job to take an interest in all areas of beauty so I was keen to read what trichologist Philip Kingsley had to say about weird and wacky hair and scalp treatments. Are beer, bananas or tomato sauce really a better remedy than my beloved Clairol Herbal Essences Long Term Relationship Treatment Mask ($7.99)?

Bananas: This one's a no. Unfortunately, bananas won't penetrate the hair, so "you'd be far better off eating it," Kingsley declared.

Beer: Once the booze part of the beer evaporates, you are left with extra body. However there's no getting around it: you'll smell like an alco. Which will go down real well with the big boss man.

Keep reading . . .

chanel

Would You Brand Your Skin With Chanel?

What will people think of next?

What will people think of next? Central Saint Martins design student, Ryan McSorley, has created a final project that brings new meaning to Chanel skincare: his prototype for a Chanel beauty package features a headband that leaves a mark. As he explains: "There is a silicone Chanel logo on the underside of the headband which during the night leaves an imprint of the Chanel logo on the skin, which is visible for a few hours. People can then clearly see that the owner uses Chanel skincare and not some other brand. Their skin has been branded Chanel."

Hmmm. While I'm all for pledging my allegiance to the wonders of Chanel, I think I'll just stick with the temporary tatts ($90). You?

makeup

Best Beauty Chameleon of 2009: Lady Gaga

Winner: Lady Gaga Surely you're not surprised?

Winner: Lady Gaga

Surely you're not surprised? Just look at how many hair and makeup styles she's had in the last 12 months – and you have no idea how difficult it was to narrow it down to these pictures alone – taking inspiration from the catwalk (bows were big for Marc Jacobs too), the movies (Edward Scissorhands anyone?) and the bible by the looks of things. Ah Lady G. There's never a dull moment.

Runners up: Lily Allen, Drew Barrymore, Katy Perry and Rihanna.

skincare

Rejoice! Now You Can Coat Your Face With Snail Slime

In a move that seems to be lifted straight from Harry Potter, a Chilean skincare brand hopes to entice you with its line of snail creams.

In a move that seems to be lifted straight from Harry Potter, a Chilean skincare brand hopes to entice you with its line of snail creams. Uh huh.

Arenscaracol touts itself as "the most complete line of snail slime extract." (Because I'm guessing your skincare regimen is lacking its snail slime quota.) The line offers face and body creams that promise to improve skin strength, repair damaged tissue and create a smoother complexion.

While snail slime certainly isn't the grossest ingredient you'll find in cosmetics, I can't say its inclusion entices me to try these products. How about you? Would you try (or have you tried) anything from Arenscaracol?