We’ve all seen the reports of a major heatwave coming our way, and although most of us are relishing the idea of a bit of sun on our faces, keeping cool is also important. With this in mind, we thought we’d highlight some of our best products for helping to keep your skin cool.
This toner is designed for acne-prone, teenage skin, but it’s pretty good at cooling any skin type down. It contains salicylic acid and twelve gentle botanicals which help to refresh, energise and revive skin. It contains tea tree, which acts as an antiseptic and antimicrobial that kills bacteria, as well as hamamelis virginiana water, a cooling astringent and antioxidant.
At the end of a long, hot day, taking your make up off can feel blissful, especially if you use this make-up remover from Elemis. It cleanses the delicate eye and lip area of all traces of make-up, including stubborn waterproof mascara and contains cooling white tea to soothe and refresh.
This cleanser from Dermalogica is a soothing, pH-balanced gel/cream that glides easily over face and eyes to cleanse without stripping your skins protective barrier whilst helping to calm and cool sensitised or highly reactive skin. It contains cucumber fruit extract, which has cooling agents that help soothe and calm irritated skin.
This gel from Elemis is one of the most cooling products we carry and is designed to be used on hot, tired legs and aching muscles. It contains cooling camphor and menthol which cool, refresh and revive the body, and is especially excellent for use when travelling.
This cooling lip balm is made from a nourishing white bees wax base which is rich in vitamins and is blended with peppermint to cool and smooth. It gives the lips and tingly, cooling sensation and helps to restore elasticity and suppleness. It’s formulated in line with the ELEMIS Promise, which means it contains no parabens, sodium laureth sulphate (SLS or SLES), DEA, mineral oil or artificial colours.
When it comes to skincare, trends come and go – we’re currently in the midst of a hyaluronic acid craze and while there’s no doubt that it’s a fabulous ingredient, there are other ingredients out there which have been around for ages and are slightly underrated. One such ingredient is Q10, so we thought we’d take a look at what it is, what it’s good for and which products you can find it in.
What is Q10?
Q10, or more accurately co-enzyme Q10, is a compound that helps generate energy in your cells. Your body produces CoQ10 naturally, but its production tends to decrease with age. Fortunately, you can also get CoQ10 through supplements or foods.
What does Q10 do?
Co-enzyme Q10 is involved a number of biological functions including helping to produce energy, neutralizing free radicals, and keeping cells both inside the body and in the skin healthy. Because CoQ10 decline correlates with the aging process, it is regarded as one of the most accurate biomarkers of ageing.
This eye cream from Jan Marini helps soften, smooth, hydrate, firm and define the appearance of the eye area with retinoids and peptides, as well as anti-ageing Q10. It provides dramatic reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and results in smoother, more supple looking skin.
This products is an intensely concentrated blend of peptides, antioxidants, hydrators and soothing agents designed to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and uneven texture and reduce redness. CoEnzyme Q10 works alongside grapeseed oil, red tea extracts and other naturally derived ingredients to dramatically improve the appearance of the skin.
Jan Marini has produced this multi-functional product which contains SPF 30 to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but has also packed it full of moisturising and anti-ageing ingredients such as Q10 to help revive and repair the skin.
Curly hair, short hair, highlighted hair, long hair, layered hair, the choices are endless when it comes to our locks, but for many of us, growing our hair is the main aim.
If this is the case for you, we are here to help and have some top tips for how you grow your hair, and keep it in tip-top condition.
Shampoo it less Shampoo washes away dirt and product build up, but some can also strip away the precious natural oils you need for long, healthy hair. We would suggest that you wash your hair every other day with a sulphate-free formula, focus the lather on your scalp, then let the water rinse the suds completely away.
Condition it Over time, colouring and styling means hair strands get thinner at the bottom and this can lead to your ends breaking and hair getting shorter, even if by a little bit. To get your ends in good shape, load up on conditioner as this will help replace the lipids and proteins inside the hair shaft and seal the outer cuticle, which leaves you hair in a better place to grow longer.
Rinse it with cold water Washing your hair with cold water is believed to help with both growing your hair and maintaining its health. This happens because cold water lays down the outer layer of your hair smoothly and this helps prevent moisture loss and those annoying, damaging tangles. Yes, it is chilly, but just a few seconds of cold water can help your quest for longer hair, and it is pretty invigorating too.
Mask it If your hair is shoulder-length or longer, it could be up to three years old so you need to give it a little TLC, which is where masks come into play. Whether you go for a shop bought one, or a DIY recipe, deep-conditioning masks are your friend when you are growing your hair. For the best results, apply the mask to damp hair and leave it on for 10 minutes before shampooing and conditioning as normal, and watch your hair come to life with health and vitality as it grows.
Brush it the right way Rough, tough brushing can damage your hair, so treat it with care when brushing it. When you are trying to detangle wet hair, start from the bottom and work your way up slowly, rather than brushing from the scalp down, as this can turn small tangles into a large knot, which isn’t what you want. Once your hair is dry, do brush it so it looks shiny and sleek, but don’t yank it as this won’t help it grow.
Wrap it carefully Rather than wrapping your hair up in a big bath towel, we would suggest using a super-thin, micro-fibre hair towel. Using a finer towel is kinder way to wrap up your locks and it stops stands of hair getting caught up, which won’t help things if you are trying to grow it.
Trim it Yes, when you are growing your hair, scissors are your friend. A trim will take away those spilt ends so book in for a cut every 12 weeks to stop breakage and encourage growth.
As well as alcohol leaving you feeling dehydrated, sick and lethargic, the effects of one too many drinks are also visible on our skin and a real disruptor. Think about it, the day after you have had a few glasses of wine with your bestie, your skin might feel tight and look dull and lined, and you may even get a blemish or two if the drinks were really potent.
Current guidelines suggest that we should consume a maximum of 14 units of alcohol a week which is the equivalent to seven glasses of wine, seven pints of beer or 14 single measures of spirits. Think about it, and you might see that it is easy to reach this number quite quickly, especially if you have after work drinks one night, a party another and a family dinner at the weekend.
The reality is, while cocktails are fun, alcohol can have as much of a negative impact on your skin as it does the rest of your body; it takes away the goodness and hydration and leaves you with bloating, dryness and ill feeling.
We have had a look at some of the ways booze can negatively impact your skin, and what you can do to turn things round.
Dehydration Alcohol is incredibly dehydrating because it has a diuretic effect which forces water out of our bodies. Not only does this cause that horrible feeling of sickness and leave us with a pounding headache, but we can also be left with dry, flaky skin as well as fine lines and wrinkles looking deeper due to the lack of water and moisture in your skin.
Breakouts You might not know this, but the sugar in alcohol can crystallise your skin cells and this can lead to your complexion looking pasty, dull and those unwanted breakouts can make an appearance – which no one wants.
Puffy problems Alcohol has an inflammatory effect on our bodies and our skin. Drinking now and again won’t set anything off, but over time drinking too many beers can lead to our internal organs becoming inflamed and our skin looking swollen and red, which isn’t a good look.
Bacteria issues Another thing you might not realise, is that your evening tipple can harm the healthy bacteria that live in your gut. It is this bacteria that helps to keep your immune system working and strong, and when this isn’t the case you can be left with inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema and are more prone to breakouts…see the pattern here?
The trouble with hormones We all know that hormones can rule our lives at certain times of the month, but alcohol can also have an impact. The main effect here is that drinking can leave you with hormonal imbalances which can have an adverse impact on your skin with more chances of blemishes, spots and dryness occurring.
Bad habits It’s also important to think about the way alcohol can control our eating and sleeping habits because both of these both affect our skin. As well as the extra calories that come with drinking alcohol, when we feel a little merry we may overeat, increase our salt intake, and experience disturbed sleep, all of which can make our skin look less than healthy.
Now that we know what alcohol can do to your skin, the good news is that there is a road to recovery and if you knock the rosé on the head for even a few days a week, your skin can be happy again.
This happens because your liver has the time to get rid of alcohol, sugars and other toxins, so we would suggest that you have frequent booze free days and refrain from over-consuming when you do drink.
Rather than hitting the bar after work, why not go to a dance class which will leave your body pumped full of skin loving oxygen and good mood endorphins.
Always make sure you cleanse, tone and moisture morning and night, and if you have been partying a little too hard, why not have a facial to get your skin back on track?
You have to give up drinking altogether, maybe have one or two drinks at the weekend, sipping water in-between, and when you do order a Bailey’s, don’t go for a large bag of crisps or kebab too, because your skin won’t like you the next day.
When it comes to wrinkles and fine lines, there’s a sliding scale of severity. The feather lines in the corners of your eyes are one thing, but frown lines are usually the mother of all wrinkles, with furrowed brows causing the deepest of trenches above the inner corners of your eyes. Frown lines need some serious plumping power to improve their appearance, but we’ve got just the thing to help you out:
This mask from Decleor is designed to intensely hydrate the skin while wild pansy extract increases hyaluronic acid synthesis to instantly plump skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. In just 10 minutes, skin is left beautifully hydrated and fresh and stays deeply moisturised and soft all day long.
This face cream from Jan Marini is designed to repair the skin on a cellular level, making it ideal for targeting deeply ingrained frown lines. It helps reduce the visible signs of aging while providing superb hydration to the skin. From the first application skin will appear immediately smoother with a silky softness.
This cream from Decleor is designed specifically to be used around the eye area and contains a specially designed wand to help you to apply it. Using the applicator carry out 2 light smoothing movements towards the outer corner of the eye. Use your fingertips to repeat this technique twice and finish by smoothing the frown line area and supercilliary arch.
Dealing with frown lines isn’t just a job for your moisturiser – even your cleanser should be helping! This cleansing balm from Elemis is designed to cleanse the skin, melting away make-up and the dirt of the day, while also nourishing the skin and encouraging natural collagen production. Assisting the skin’s own ability to produce collagen is one of the key steps to targeting deep wrinkles.
Masks are perfect for giving the skin an intense treatment, and this mask from Elemis will deeply moisturise the skin and support the skin’s own ability to create wrinkle-busting collagen. This luxurious mask combines the power of noni, moringa and argan tree oil to instantly uplift the skin and help minimise the signs of ageing.
We’ve always been huge fans of the Elemis Superfood range, with its’ super-charged natural ingredients and skin-boosting powers, and the latest addition to the range is no exception. Elemis has released its Superfood Kefir Tea Mist, so we thought we’d take a closer look at the products so that you know everything there is to know before you buy it:
What is it?
Elemis Superfood Kefir-Tea Mist is a is a super hydrating 4-in-1 treatment mist, fortified with antioxidant rich superfoods for a fresh and dewy complexion.
What does it do?
This mist from Elemis a natural prebiotic help to balance the skin, leaving it hydrated, with a healthy looking glow. This multi-functional treatment tones and primes the skin with hydrating and soothing skincare benefits. It may also be used to lock makeup in place and revitalise the skin throughout the day.
Who is it for?
Elemis Superfood Kefir-Tea Mist can be used by all skin types but is especially effective on dry or ageing skin.
What’s in it?
As the name suggests, Elemis Superfood Kefir-Tea Mist contains a whole load of ingredients which are derived from superfoods. It contains rooibos tea (also know as redbush tea) which has a high level of antioxidants, to soothe the skin. It also contains kefir ferment, which comes from soybeans and balances the skin for a healthy looking complexion. It also contains glycerin which helps attract moisture onto your skin to leave skin feeling soft and supple.
How do I use it?
Close eyes and spray mist directly onto face.
Use day and night as a toner, primer, and setting spray, or throughout the day as a hydrating mist.
What are people saying about it?
“Absolutely loved this product. It has multiple uses. I use it as a spray on toner after I’ve cleansed, and also keep in my handbag and use it as a refreshing spray during the day. As a busy mum I’m up early and don’t sit down until 9pm so it’s great to refresh my fave throughout the day. The best thing for me though was the smell of the product. It’s got that lovely smell of a “spa” so I felt refreshed all day. Highly recommend.”
“I love using this product and the fact it has multiple uses is such a bonus.
Ive incorporated this product into my daily skincare regime using as a toner & primer. My skin looks fresh and hydrated. My makeup application is flawless and lasts longer. I am so pleased with results.”
“Since using this product my pores are visible reduced and I have an even skin tone. It also works really well as a primer before applying make-up and also as a setting spray for make-up. Excellent product product and I give it a 5* rating.”
The pressure of work, together with balancing the demands of family and friends, is very much a reality of modern-day life.
People often say they are feeling stressed and anxious because things just feel too much and they aren’t sure which way to turn next.
As well as speaking to your GP about any concerns, it is vital to look after yourself so that your problems don’t take over your life.
We have had a look at some ways you can ensure your mood is boosted by what you eat and drink.
Eat regularly When your blood sugar drops you can end up feeling tired, irritable and down in the dumps. To avoid this happening, it is important to eat small, regular meals during the day as well as adding in healthy snacks. Opting for foods that release energy slowly is key to keeping those all-important sugar levels steady, and these types of foods include wholegrain pasta, rice, bread, and cereals as well as nuts and seeds.
Top tip: always eat breakfast as this gets your day off to a good start. A couple of slices of wholegrain toast with peanut butter, scrambled eggs or a vitamin packed green smoothie will make all the difference to how you feel. Try to avoid sweets, biscuits, sugary drinks, and alcohol as they are all jam-packed with sugar which will give you an initial rush, but you will soon crash back to earth and feel rubbish.
Keep hydrated We always say this, but you need to drink plenty of water if you to live well and feel good. Not getting enough H20 means you will find it hard to concentrate, you won’t be able to think clearly or remember things, your skin can suffer and you may even feel constipated, and that certainly won’t do your mood any good.
Top tip: start your day with a cup of warm water with lemon, drink water and herbal tea during the day and knock fizzy drinks on the head.
Take care of your gut You might not know this, but your gut reflects your emotions. If you’re feeling anxious or worried, this can make your gut slow down or speed up and your mood will be all over the place. To ensure you have healthy digestion, you need to consume plenty of fibre and fluids, and it is also important to exercise regularly as this won’t only look after your gut, but it will flood also your system with the feel-good chemicals that help you smile.
Top tip: healthy gut foods include fresh fruits and vegetables, wholegrains, beans, pulses, live yoghurt and you can also take a probiotic supplement so you are getting everything you need to look after you and your gut.
Cut the caffeine When you are feeling tired, the temptation to reach for a cup of coffee is natural, but this is full of stimulating caffeine which might help for a while, but in the longterm it can make you feel more anxious and disturb your sleep.
Top tip: caffeine is found in tea, coffee, chocolate, cola and energy drinks, so try to cut down on your intake over time, don’t stop suddenly as this can cause withdrawal symptoms including terrible headaches. Opt for water and herbal teas instead of your usual tipple, and while there are decaf options, these tend to contain chemicals, so remember that the most natural option is usually the best bet for your mood.
Get your five a day You might think this is a myth, but if you want to look after your physical and mental health, getting at least five a day is important. Fruit and vegetables not only taste great but they are full of the minerals, vitamins and fibre that keep us healthy and strong in body and mind.
Top tip: remember that fresh, frozen and juiced fruits and vegetables all count towards your five a day, so have a reserve of frozen options in your freezer so you don’t run out of nourishing ingredients and end up snacking on crisps and sweets.
Eat the right fats We have been led to believe that fat is bad for us, but that isn’t strictly true. The reality is that your brain needs omega 3 and 6 omega fatty acids to keep it working well, so don’t avoid fats altogether, just try to eat the right ones. You will find good fats in food like oily fish, poultry, nuts (especially almonds and walnuts), olive oil, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, avocados, milk, yoghurt, cheese and eggs.
Top tip: avoid ‘trans fats’ which are found in fast food, cakes and biscuits because while they might taste great, they won’t do your mood or waistline any good.
Remember your protein You might not know this, but protein contains the amino acids that your brain needs to regulate your feelings and thoughts. It also helps keep you feeling fuller, for longer which is why we suggest you eat it at every meal. Protein is found in cheese, eggs, peas, beans and lentils, soya products, nuts and seeds as well as in lean meat and fish, so you have plenty of choice.
Top tip: if you follow a plant-based diet, peas, green leaves, legumes, Tofu, and edamame all contain protein so you and your mood don’t need to go without.
This might sound like a funny question, but how often do you actually relax and chill out when you are at home ?
With endless jobs to do, DIY to finish, meals to cook and people to look after, home isn’t always the restful place it is meant to be.
We have put together some easy to follow tips on how to chill out when you are at home, so you feel ready for all the world throws at you when you walk out of the front door the next day.
Clear the clutter Clutter can increase stress and anxiety levels because it’s a constant reminder that you have something that needs to be done. Endless piles of papers and mess can also trigger allergies if it is left long enough to gather dust, making clearing the clutter away even more important. Go through your home room by room and make three piles – one for keeping, another for donating or giving away, and a final one for throwing out, and we think if you do this, your life will instantly feel lighter.
Address your to do list Just like the clutter, outstanding things on your to do list like making that dentist appointment, mending the door or cleaning up the garden, can all add to your stress and prevent you from chilling out at home. Make a list of all the things you need to get done, add deadlines and then make a start. Sometimes, just having a plan can help reduce stress and once you start ticking items off your list, you will feel a sense of achievement and calm.
Take some exercise One of the easiest ways to reduce stress at home is to do some exercise. Just half an hour of walking, swimming, yoga or cycling can help release those feel-good endorphins which can help calm you down and relieve stress, as well as promoting sleep. Even if you’ve got a busy diary, try to fit in some exercise by climbing the stairs rather than taking the lift, doing some housework, or using a standing desk rather than sitting down all day long.
Create a space for you You might not realise it, but having a space in your home that is ‘your place’ can really help you kick back and chill out. Be it a sunny nook in your kitchen, an arm-chair in the living room, or a tucked away corner beneath the stairs, find a space that is just for you and go there to chill out and be quiet with your thoughts and a cup of mint tea.
Meditate Meditation can really help you to relax and slow down. The easiest way to start doing this is to sit up straight, close your eyes, and slowly inhale through your nose, count to five and exhale through your mouth. Focus on the here and now for at leave five minutes a day, and let this kind of deep breathing help lower your stress levels and give you perspective once again.
Get your sleep Most of us need around seven to nine hours of sleep a night and one of the best ways to do this is to have an evening routine. Putting away screens, having a warm bath, using an essential oil diffuser and reading a book are all good ways to relax and get your body ready for sleep. Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even at the weekend, and this will help your body to adjust to a consistent sleep schedule.
Unless you’re like the Queen, who’s worn the same shade of nail polish since 1989, you might like to change your nails on a regular basis. But whether you do your nails yourself or opt for a professional manicure at a salon, you might still be in search of that perfect shade which compliments your skin tone. Well, look no further! To celebrate adding Orly to our brands, which has advanced oxygen technology, allowing oxygen and hydration penetrate to the nail allowing it to stay moisturised, we’re taking a look at the perfect shades for each skin tone.
Pale
Pale skin often has cool undertones,which means that pale and pastel shades look great, while darker tones have a tendency to look too bold. Blue-based pinks or reds to brighten up your skin, so we’d recommend that you try Orly Breathable Happy And Healthy or Orly Breathable Pep In Your Step
Golden
If you’re naturally golden or have just got back from your holidays and are enjoying a sunkissed glow, lighter shades such as warm, pale shades of brown, light blues, pinks and purples can really accentuate your tan. Orly Breathable Manuka Me Crazy would look fab, but if you want a bit of glitz and glam, Orly Breathable Fairy Godmother would be perfect.
Olive/Asian
If your skin tone is medium olive or Asian, you’re super lucky in the respect that you can pull-off just about any shade you can think of! We adore the look of white nail varnish against darker skin, so Orly Breathable White Tips would be a good option, but opulent reds like Orly Breathable Beauty Essential will also look amazing.
Black
Dark skin looks best against rich, deep colours like plums and purples, so Orly Breathable Pick Me Up should definitely be on your ‘perfect shade’ list. Rich, deep blood reds like Orly Breathable Namaste Healthy also look phenomenal against dark skin tones. However, if you really want to mix things up a bit, vibrant tones like Orly Breathable TLC and other neons or bright pastels will make a really bold statement against darker skin.
Without an immune system, your body would be constantly open to attack and you would forever be dealing with colds, viruses and taking time off work to spend days under your duvet trying to get better
Boosting your immune system can help ensure you stay well and strong and don’t miss out on life because you are too weak and poorly to get out of bed. It is also pretty easy too, so let’s take a look at what you can do for you.
Exercise Taking part in regular exercise can do your mind and body the world of good. Not only does it keep you mentally and physically sharp, but it can really benefit your immune system. Cardio exercise (something that gets your heart pumping) will increase your fitness levels and this in turn can help boost your immune system and keep bugs away. If you can, aim for three sessions a week and choose something you enjoy because that way, you are more likely to get your trainers on and do it, rather than sitting watching the TV munching on snacks.
Make friends with bacteria Eating yoghurt can boost the levels of friendly bacteria in your gut, and this in turn will boost your immune system. Whether you have it on cereal, blend it with fruit to make a smoothie or simply eat it from the pot, add yogurt to your shopping list and you will be pleased you did.
Get the vitamins in If you want to be healthy, you must eat a diet that’s high in fruit, vegetables, whole grains as well as water and this goodness combo will nourish your immune system. One great immune booster is Vitamin C and this can be found in oranges, orange juice, broccoli, strawberries as well as red and green peppers, kiwi, cantaloupe, sweet potatoes, and tomatoes. What are you waiting for, getting shopping today.
Sunshine If you want your immune system to be strong enough to fight off infections, you need a decent dost of Vitamin D. This vitamin is important as it also makes our bones strong, but we only make it when our skin is exposed to sunlight, which let’s face it, doesn’t happen that much in the UK. Think about taking a supplement to get the dose you need, and remember that when the sun does come out, you still need to wear an SPF.
Think about booze We aren’t saying alcohol can’t be part of a healthy lifestyle, but it’s all about moderation. Beer, wine and spirits can all contribute to weight gain, make you feel depressed, and suppress your immune system, which means you are left open to illness and recovery takes longer. If you can, leave the booze for the weekend and then limit your intake, drink plenty of water and ensure you have your vitamins to top your well-being up.
Sleep If you don’t sleep well then not only will you struggle to get up in the morning, but your immune system will become weakened and you will be more susceptible to illnesses. We know life is busy and stress levels are high, but try to get between six and eight hours of sleep each night and this will allow your body to rest and recover so it can look after you the way it is meant to.
