How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends – My Expert Technique

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What I have learnt from the experts.

How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends - My Expert Technique

I feel pretty qualified to share tips on how to curl hair without damaging ends because, if there’s one thing I’ve learned from years of heat styling, and also having my hair styled by professionals, it’s that the ends of your hair don’t forgive easily. Even with the best tools, the wrong curling technique can leave them dry, frizzy, and looking a little fried.

After a lot of trial and error (and more heat damage than I care to admit), I discovered a simple adjustment that made all the difference. If you’re wondering how to curl hair without damaging the ends, here’s exactly what I do, and why it works.

Why Your Ends Get Frazzled When You Curl

It took me a while to realise that I was making a common mistake: starting the curl from the bottom, wrapping the ends tightly around the hottest part of the tong, and holding for too long. Sound familiar?

The ends of your hair are the oldest, most fragile part of the strand. They don’t need, and can’t handle, the same level of heat as the mid-lengths or roots. So if you’re regularly clamping them down and holding heat there, you’re unintentionally causing breakage, dullness, and split ends.

The Curling Technique That Saved My Hair

Here’s the method I use now. It’s gentle, effective, and keeps my ends smooth and healthy:

How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends - Step 1
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends – Step 1
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends - Step 2
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends – Step 2
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends - Step 3
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends – Step 3
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends - The Result
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends – The Result
  1. I always start with a good heat protectant spray. It’s non-negotiable.
  2. Instead of curling from the bottom, I start from the mid-lengths.
  3. I wrap upwards toward the root, leaving the ends out.
  4. I squeeze the lever and keep turning the tong to wrap more hair around the barrel
  5. As soon as the ends get to the heat, I release the curl
  6. To ensure the curl lasts as long as possible, I sometimes cup it in my hand for a few seconds to help it cool and set the shape

The difference in how my ends look and feel is honestly night and day.

See It in Action

If you want to see this technique in real time, I shared it in this Instagram Reel:

Extra Tips for Heat Styling Without Damage

I’ve picked up a few habits that help keep my hair healthier between heat styling:

Choose a Gentle Tool

I always go for a ceramic barrel, which distributes heat more evenly and helps reduce hotspots. My favourite curling tong is the ghd Curve Soft Curl Tong*.

How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends - ghd Curling Tong
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends – ghd Curling Tong

You can buy it online via the following links:

Sneak Peek

If you are interested in extra gentle styling, you might like to read First Look: Dyson Airwrap Co-anda 2x – 2x the Power, Smarter Styling, & a Major Hair Tech Upgrade.

Style Less, Finish Better

Instead of re-curling sections, I’ve learned to let the hair cool fully before touching the hair before it is set. If you start messing with it before it’s cooland use my fingers to shape. Less heat, better hold.

End with Nourishment

How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends - Hair Oil Picks
How to Curl Hair Without Damaging Ends – Hair Oil Picks

A tiny bit of hair oil or serum through the ends brings back softness and adds shine. I love the Kerastase Elixir Ultime* or the Hair Rituel by Sisley Precious Hair Care Oil*.

Get a Trim

Now this is where I become a bit of a hypocrite because I definitely don’t get my hair trimmed as often as I should. Even with the best styling habits, you should still aim to trim your ends every 8–10 weeks. It’s a simple way to keep them looking fresh and stop damage from creeping up the hair shaft. I need to listen to my own advice!!

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Ends is Worth It

When I changed the way I curled my hair, I saw an instant improvement in texture and shine. It’s such a small tweak, but the result is longer-lasting curls, softer ends, and hair that actually looks healthier after styling, not worse.

If you’ve been struggling with heat damage or split ends, give this a try. And if you have any favourite tools or styling tips of your own, I’d love to hear them.

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Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick Review & Swatch

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

Clinique logo

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Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick Review & Swatch

Let me introduce you to Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick. I’ve been a long-time lover of the Clinique Almost Lipstick range, and like many, I really loved the cult-classic Black Honey. Then I tried the softer, Pink Honey, which I reviewed here. But now… there’s a new contender, and dare I say, it might just be my favourite of them all!

If you’re wondering how it compares to Black Honey and Pink Honey, I’ve got all the swatches, details and comparisons below.

What is Clinique Almost Lipstick?

Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick
Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick

Before we get into the gorgeousness that is Nude Honey, here’s a quick refresher.

Clinique Almost Lipstick is one of the brand’s most iconic formulas. It’s not quite a lipstick, not quite a balm, it’s that perfect hybrid of sheer colour, lightweight texture and a softly sheeny finish.

It’s incredibly flattering, super easy to apply (no mirror needed!), and has a cult following for good reason. If you’ve tried Black Honey, you’ll know exactly what I mean.

Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick – My Review

First Impressions

Clinique Nude Honey
Clinique Nude Honey

As soon as I opened the tube, I knew I was going to love Nude Honey. The bullet looks like a rich, warm nude, almost caramel-toned, but as with all the Almost Lipsticks, the real magic happens when you apply it.

Clinique Nude Honey Swatch
Clinique Nude Honey Swatch

On the lips, Nude Honey transforms into a sheer, peachy-bronze tint that enhances your natural lip colour beautifully. It has that same “your lips but better” effect as Black Honey, but with a softer, more sun-kissed feel.

Texture & Formula

The formula is, as always, dreamy. It glides on effortlessly, giving a sheer wash of colour that builds slightly with each layer. It feels hydrating but not sticky and is like a nourishing lip balm in an elegant lipstick format.

This is the kind of product I can swipe on during the day for a polished, understated look, or pair with bronzy eyes (namely my REESON Lid Elixir in Toasted Cinnamon*) and glowing skin for a summery evening vibe.

Nude Honey vs Black Honey vs Pink Honey

If you managed to catch my previous post you’ll know that Black Honey was a firm favourite. It’s a deep berry tint that somehow suits everyone. Then came Pink Honey, a soft, muted pink that’s perfect for spring.

But now? I truly think Nude Honey is the best of the bunch. It’s the most wearable for every day, and it brings that subtle warmth to the face that just makes you look more alive.

Here’s a quick comparison:

  • Black Honey – rich sheer berry
  • Pink Honey – soft rosy pink
  • Nude Honey – sheer peachy nude

Swatches – Nude Honey, Black Honey & Pink Honey

Here are the swatches so you can really see the difference in tone:

Clinique Nude Honey Swatch
Clinique Nude Honey Swatch
Black Honey & Pink Honey Swatches
Black Honey & Pink Honey Swatches

You can see how Nude Honey has that golden, bronzy warmth. It’s perfect for enhancing a summer tan or giving your complexion a little lift.

Final Thoughts

Black Honey has always been my favourite, but I think Nude Honey has just topped it. If you’re after something low-maintenance, flattering, and a bit different to your usual nude lipstick, this is a must-try.

It’s the kind of lip colour that works with any look, from barely-there makeup to full glam.

Where to Buy Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick

You can find Clinique Nude Honey Almost Lipstick at all major Clinique retailers. It is available now via the links below:

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Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025 for Glowy, Protected Skin | SPF Skin Tints Round-Up

*Links marked with asterisks are affiliate links, these help Ree with running costs of the blog

If you’re looking for the best skin tints with SPF, you’re in the right place! I’ve tested so many over the past few months, and I’ve pulled together a list of the top performers that truly deliver on both glow and protection. Whether you want sheer coverage, a radiant finish, or skincare-meets-makeup multitasking, these tinted sunscreens are absolute standouts.

Best Tinted Sunscreens

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025

From lightweight tinted mineral SPFs to hydrating serum-style tints, here’s the best of the best, all tried and tested by yours truly.

Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint SPF 50

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Dr Sam's
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Dr Sam’s

Best for: Skincare-first makeup lovers
SPF: 50
Finish: Dewy buildable coverage

If you’re after a skin tint with SPF that actually feels like skincare, this is it. Dr Sam’s always nails the formulas, and Gossamer Tint is no exception. It is fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and kind to sensitive skin. The tint gives really good coverage but skin still stays looking like skin.

Read my Dr Sam’s review here.

MERIT The Uniform Tinted Mineral SPF 50

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: MERIT
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: MERIT

Best for: Everyday minimalist makeup
SPF: 50
Finish: Soft satin

I was so excited to try this one, and it didn’t disappoint. It has a silky and smooth texture. It is liquidy but not overly runny and it feels very creamy on the skin. It leaves a second-skin finish that’s slightly blurring but not heavy.

My full Merit review is here.

Naked Sundays SPF50 Peptide Foundation

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Naked Sundays
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Naked Sundays

Best for: Full coverage SPF lovers
SPF: 50
Finish: Glowy

This is one of the most makeup-like products in the round-up, so if you want SPF with coverage, this one’s a winner. The texture is really nice. It is thin and liquidy and spreads over the skin effortlessly. It feels super lightweight on the skin yet is really hydrating and comfortable and is boosted with peptides, so ideal for mature skin.

Check out the Naked Sundays review.

ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint SPF30

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: ILIA
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: ILIA

Best for: Dewy, plumped skin
SPF: 30
Finish: Super dewy

This is one of the OGs of the tinted SPF skin tint category and still a top pick. It’s packed with skincare ingredients (niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid), and gives such a hydrated finish. Ideal for dry or mature skin andI think this gives a good medium coverage. You can build it up, but it gets dewier the more you apply, so I actually prefer a light layer for more of a weightless feel.

See my ILIA review with swatches.

Ultra Violette Future Fluid SPF50

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Ultra Violette
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Ultra Violette

Best for: High SPF meets radiant sheer coverage
SPF: 50
Finish: Luminous and sheer

This one is a game-changer if you love glowy skin. It has a serum-like texture and gives a hint of coverage and feels ultra-light. It is the perfect base if you want to skip foundation and just use a touch of concealer, as it gives you really juicy, healthy looking skin.

Check out my full Ultra Violette Future Fluid review.

Kopari Bright As Day Sheer Mineral Sunscreen

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Kopari
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Kopari

Best for: A no-makeup day with a natural glow
SPF: 50
Finish: Sheer and glowy, yet not slippery or shiny

I was really surprised by how much I loved this one! It’s super lightweight, blends in beautifully without any chalkiness, and leaves skin looking fresh and dewy. It’s not overly tinted but gives a soft blur, just enough to even everything out. And although it gives a glow, it actually feels fairly matte on the skin, which is great for the hot summer months.

Read my full Kopari review here.

Kate Somerville HydraKate Illuminating SPF50

Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Kate Somerville
Best Tinted Sunscreens 2025: Kate Somerville

Best for: Glowy skin with added skincare benefits
SPF: 50
Finish: Illuminating

This is one of the most glow-boosting and perfecting SPFs that doesn’t technically have any coverage that I’ve tried. It has lovely skin perfecting pigments that subtly improve the appearance of your complexion without actually delivering any coverage as such. It layers well over skincare or under makeup. Perfect for dry or dull skin days!

Read my Full Kate Somerville HydraKate SPF50 review.

Final Thoughts: Which Tinted Sunscreen is Best for You?

If you’re wondering which skin tint with SPF is right for you, here’s a quick summary to help narrow it down:

Dr Sam’s Flawless Gossamer Tint, MERIT The Uniform, and Naked Sundays Peptide Foundation all give the most foundation-like finish, with proper coverage and a more polished look. ILIA Super Serum Skin Tint also offers impressive coverage and that perfected-skin feel, although it’s SPF30 rather than SPF50.

If you prefer a more lightweight approach, Ultra Violette Future Fluid and Kate Somerville HydraKate don’t offer much coverage as such, but they do a brilliant job of smoothing and perfecting the look of the skin, making them ideal for no-makeup makeup days.

For a sheer tint Kopari Bright As Day is a great choice even if you have oily skin. It evens and warms up the skin tone ever so slightly, with a soft radiant finish that surprisingly feels quite matte on the skin. It’s great if you want something minimal but still fresh and glowy looking.

Whatever your preference; high coverage, dewy glow, or sheer and natural, there’s a tinted sunscreen here to suit your skin and your style. And remember, whichever one you choose, always apply enough for full protection (and don’t forget to reapply if you’re out and about!).