Product Watch: Ego Therapy by Ego Professional

These innovative products can turn a good hair day great, whatever your style.

Ego Therapy by Ego Professional, €128 at Boots.com and selected Boots stores

These look like ordinary straighteners but they are actually cold irons that intensify the benefits of your favourite conditioning treatment and even your hair colour. Magnetic ultrasound works to shrink the molecules in any formula, allowing fast and deep penetration of the hair shaft. Infrared technology stimulates hair’s natural amino acids and proteins. Work through wet, freshly-conditioned hair for improved condition and vibrant colour.

Phyto Huile Soyeuse Light Hydrating Oil, €33.34

Fine-haired ladies can indulge in this lightweight oil without fear of greasy results. Phyto’s silicone-free formula has a watery texture and looks milky, belying the rich content. Marshmallow, calendula and rosemary oils provide moisture and a gorgeous scent. Smooth through the ends of your hair before blowdrying for easy detangling and a glossy, non-sticky finish.

Ojon Rare Blend Moisture Rich Cleansing Conditioner, €22

This luxurious cream is a highlight of the current trend for co-washes (cleansing conditioners), especially if your hair is thick and/or coarse. The rich formula removes impurities without stripping hair or weighing it down. Kukui, marula and ximenia oils nourish and hydrate while coconut butter creates high shine. These ingredients also mean Rare Blend smells terrific without a lot of added fragrance, which can irritate the scalp.

Bumble and bumble Bb. Repair Blow Dry Balm, €35

Another great blowdry product with long-term benefits, this time for damaged strands. Bb. Repair is a rose-infused, serum-in-cream balm that helps to seal split ends for a healthier-looking finish. Natural emollients work to hydrate and repair while UV filters protect hair from future trauma.

Pureology Reviving Red Shamp’ Oil, €17.55

Pureology’s new Reviving Red range is dedicated to protecting the most high-maintenance shades of the hair-colour spectrum. At its heart is an “anti-fade” complex rich in potent antioxidants, including lycopene, the compound that gives tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables their colour. This oil-based shampoo helps replenish hair’s protective lipid layer, sealing the cuticle and preserving colour’s depth and shine.

KMS California HairPlay Playable Texture, €14.63 at feelunique.com

This is my favourite body-building spray. The non-sticky formula is enriched with grapeseed oil and provides medium hold. You can brush it out and re-work your look without causing a flaky mess. Apply pre-blowdry for easy styling or use on dry hair to accentuate layers and create undone, piece-y texture.

Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight, €28

There is something soul-destroying about repetitive tasks with no (good) lasting results. Aveda’s new blow-dry cream makes daily straightening less futile by loosening curls over time. Plant-based fibres, including cassava root, form a protective layer that locks hair into a smooth, frizz-free state. Styling is much faster by the fifth use.

Beauty clinic

I cannot seem to cover dark circles without highlighting my crow’s feet. Can you suggest a concealer that hides shadows and smoothes over lines?

Liquid concealers can brighten dark spots well but tend to sink into cracks. A creamy alternative with light-diffusing pigments keeps the things smooth and even-toned. MAC Matchmaster Concealer, €22, is a coverstick that does not drag on skin. The formula works with skin’s natural subtleties to make the satin finish look especially natural. MAC gets bonus points for the added vitamin E and SPF15.

Even a great product is aging with heavy-handed application. Use your fingers to dab and pat product from the tube instead of swiping it directly under the eyes. Skip the powder and use a smoothing primer to keep make-up in place.

I have very dry skin that is prone to stress eczema. Can you recommend a soothing, non-greasy body lotion for everyday use?

La Roche-Posay’s new Lipikar AP+ Lipid Replenishing Balm, €19, is especially good because it includes niacinamide, a form of vitamin B5 that does much to repair skin while it soothes (assuming you also use sun protection daily). It is also a great anti-inflammatory, so calms eczema. The formula is one-fifth pure shea butter. Mineral and rapeseed oils further increase hydration while a water base keeps it lightweight. It absorbs quickly enough to dress straight afterwards. The balm is free from fragrance and other potential irritants.