Frown lines usually form in the forehead area between the eyes and above the nose, and although they can worsen with age, they can develop on anyone. The area where frown lines form is an area of high movement, and although many people turn to botox to paralyse the forehead, there are plenty of non-invasive treatments which can help you to banish frown lines for good. Here are five of the best products to help:
Masks are concentrated formulations which are able to offer intensive results, and this plumping mask from Decleor is perfect for targeting your frown lines. It contains wild pansy extract which 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.
Marine Cream is known for its highly powerful effects, but this is the Ultra-Rich version, giving you even more impressive results. It contains contains powerful anti-ageing ingredients that have been shown to reduce the depth of wrinkles, improve skin firmness, tone and hydration within 15 days.
This rich cream from Decleor will not only offer a powerful plumping action to the skin, evening our stubborn frown lines and other wrinkles, but it also gives the skin a youthful glow. It’s formulated with peony, lychee and rhodiola extracts which re-energises the skin. The face contours look defined while the scent of essential oils of magnolia and ginger invigorate the mind.
This overnight cream from Elemis is also part of the Pro-Collagen range and targets areas of the face where stress shows most, making it perfect for treating frown lines. This revolutionary formula works throughout the night to help restore the natural balance to the skin, creating a protective matrix to help seal in hydration.
Keeping the skin well-plumped starts with cleansing – some cleansers strip away natural oils, but when in contact with water this rich, concentrated cream quickly lathers to a mousse-like texture, to deep cleanse and soften the skin leaving it clean and velvety soft. Neroli essential oil and hyaluronic acid for immediate plumping results on the skin.
While we have been told for years and years that fat is evil, the truth is that ‘good fats’ can actually help you to be healthier than ever. It’s the non-unsaturated fats and poly-unsaturated fats that are regarded as “good fats” and this is because they are good for your heart, cholesterol, and overall health and well-being.
What you want to avoid are trans fats that are primarily found in processed foods, and don’t overdo the saturated fats found in red meat, butter, cheese, and ice cream.
So, where can you find these good fats that are so great for you?
Walnuts Walnuts are a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids, specifically alpha-Linoleic acid. Walnuts are exceptionally nutritious and daily handful could help lower cholesterol, improve blood vessel function, aid weight loss and even offer cancer protection. They have got to be worth a try as they also come with fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Other Nuts Pistachios, cashews, pecans and almonds also contain healthy fats and can be included in your diet. You might not know this, but the little almond is rich in skin loving vitamin E while pistachios are packed with eye friendly carotenoids, lutein and zeaxanthin. Cashews and macadamias are delicious, but they tend to be more fatty than other nuts, so don’t go crazy and guzzle a whole bag in one sitting. While many people love peanuts, they come with a side of polyunsaturated fats which means they are not as good for you as other options, so choose well.
Nut and Seed Butters We know some people think this is a bit new age for them, but nut and seed butters are a super easy way to get more healthy fats into your diet. Almond, cashew and sunflower seed butters all contain a good dose of plant-based monounsaturated and polyunsaturated ‘good fats’. There is a lot of choice out there, but check the labels before you buy and go for the butters with as few added ingredients as possible.
Flaxseeds Flaxseeds are brilliant because they are packed with omega-3 fatty acids. They are high in the plant compound, lignin, which naturally help balance hormone levels and reduce stress. Our flaxseed love doesn’t stop here! They are high in fibre so you feel fuller for longer, they can help to cut cholesterol and boost heart health. Add a tablespoon of ground flaxseed to your cereal, smoothies, soups or breads, and you will feel the benefit in no time at all.
Tofu Tofu is a solid plant-based protein that has naturally occurring fat from soybeans. It is low in sodium, helps with your calcium needs and is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. Try using it in curries and stir-fries and we think you will be pleasantly surprised.
Avocados Jam packed with mono-unsaturated fat, one avocado meets nearly half of your daily fibre needs and is a good source of lutein, which can help protect vision. The green goddess is also a fantastic source of Vitamins C, E, K, and B-6, as well as riboflavin, niacin, folate, pantothenic acid, magnesium, and potassium – phew. They also provide beta-carotene, and omega-3 fatty acids, but they are nearly 80% fat, so just be aware you don’t overdo it.
Fish Salmon, trout, mackerel, sardines and herring are all loaded with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, high quality proteins and many other important nutrients and eating them once or twice a week can improve health, and reduce the risk of various diseases.
Olive Oil Last but not least, almost everyone agrees that extra virgin olive oil is good for you. At the heart of the Mediterranean diet, this oil contains Vitamins E and K, and is overflowing in powerful antioxidants that can fight inflammation. It is a fat, so don’t overdo it, but enjoying eating it and knowing it is doing you some good.
We hope we have helped show which fats are good and we hope you will opt for these sources as they will fill you up and keep you well.
As the sun shines and warms our skin taking away the bitterness of winter, many of us want to get on top of our lifestyles and ensure we are ahead of the game as the temperature heats up.
Let’s cast aside the winter blues, and look at the small changes we can make to ensure we are ready for a long, hot, fun summer.
Move for 30 minutes a day We all know exercise is essential for our general wellbeing, but it has benefits far beyond helping with weight loss. Exercising can help you relax, make you feel happier, increase energy levels and even assist with your memory. We know that some people can struggle to find the time to fit exercise into their day, but if you get off the train or bus a stop earlier and walk the rest of the way or take the stairs rather than the lift this will count. As the nights draw out, you can also enjoy a run, bike ride or an outdoor swim and soak up those feel good summer vibes.
Drink two litres of water Two litres of water seems a lot, but if you fill up a reusable bottle four times a day, that’s your intake complete. Our mantra is fill, drink, refill and repeat, and it works. Water keeps you hydrated and fresh, and on warmer summer days, try to drink more and this will help you look and feel better.
Put the rainbow on your plate When you are preparing your meals, you want your food to be fresh, filling and full of colour and if you do this you will be eating foods full of the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants your body needs to keep it strong and free from bugs. During the summer months, British-grown fruit and vegetables are plentiful, so try to go for local produce where possible, or even better, start to grow your own.
Wear an SPF We say this all the time, but now more than ever, you need to ensure your skin is protected from the sun, and even those cloudy days can bring potential damage to your complexion. Go for a good quality cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 to protect against UVB and always reapply after swimming or playing sports.
Get hair healthy The healthier your hair is in spring, the less sun, chlorine and sea salt will damage it in the summer. One way to help ensure your locks are super strong is to use a deep conditioning treatment once a week, and whether you got for a shop bought mask, or apply a handful of coconut oil, you will be glad you made the effort when you are on the beach in August.
Treat your feet This is the time of year when those boots and socks come off and we all dive for sandals and flip-flops. Take some time to ensure your feet and toes are clean and smooth, file any dry skin, even out your nails and add a coat of bright polish to add a pop of colour to any outfit. If you really want to treat yourself, have a professional manicure and pedicure and that way you will totally start the summer in style.
Got a tip you think we would like? Drop us a note and let us know, we would love to hear it.
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.
