Category Archives: Beauty & Grooming

Sun Protection – Should We or Shouldn’t We? By Dr Patricia Thompson

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Each summer, work-weary, sun-starved Brits look forward to baking under a hot foreign sun, wearing nothing but a piece of lycra or two, and a thin layer of suncream.

But what are the facts about sunburn and sunscreens?

Sunburn has two components: The initial ‘burn’ is unpleasant enough, but the long term damage is more serious, including skin cancer and (quelle horreur) wrinkles and saggy skin.

Sunburn is caused by UVB ultraviolet light-waves. They also release free-radicles, which damage skin-cell DNA, and hence can cause skin cancer. On the plus side, they trigger late tanning.

UVA waves penetrate deeper. They tan (nice), but age the skin (bad), and also contribute to skin cancer (very bad).

A sun-tan is our skin’s natural sunscreen, but doesn’t prevent damage from prolonged sunbathing, hence the need for commercial sunscreens. These either form a barrier to, or absorb UV.

But which to choose?
Check the ‘Sun Protection Factor’ (SPF). SPF 15 delays burning by 15-fold (eg from 20 minutes to 5 hours) and filters 93% of UVB. SPF 30 delays burning  by 30-fold and filters 97% of UVB.

UVA protection uses a star system (1 to 5). This indicates protection relative to UVB, so 5 stars for SPF 15 is less than 5 stars for SPF 50. European labelling will change soon, to a simpler ‘Low’ to ‘Very high’.

You should apply at least 2mg/cm2 exposed skin. For those who don’t pack mini-scales and a planimeter with their beach-towels, this means the average adult needs around two table-spoons. Apply at least 20 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply 2 hourly, or after swimming/sweating/towelling yourself, even for water-resistant products. Some swimwear (Spinali Design) contain UV sensors to remind you, via your smartphone, when to reapply.

Some sunscreen ingredients have safety question-marks. Oxybenzone have oestrogen-like effects and retinyl palmitate causes cancer in rats (both, at high doses). Some sunscreens actually increase free-radicle release in the skin.

These safety concerns may not be material in practise, but, regardless, using sunscreens isn’t carte blanche for excessive sun-worship. They don’t give 100% protection, and limiting intense sun exposure, by wearing hats and sun-protective clothing is also necessary. Consider UV-filter sunglasses too, as UV can cause cataracts.

Our skin uses sunlight to make vitamin D, and excessive sunscreen use can interfere. Vitamin D may help prevent cancer. Although it is present in some foods, skin production is still important.

How about sun-tan alternatives? Tanning beds frequently expose users to even more UV than natural sunlight and should be avoided.

Many ‘self-tans’ use chemicals which react with skin protein, turning them dark. They’re probably safe, but can also enhance free-radicle production in skin, so you must use sunscreen after them.

The verdict? Do use sunscreen, and do enjoy the sun, but be sensible and stay safe.

Next time I’ll advise on treating sunburn, and discuss long-term effects of too much sun.

Further Information:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Sunburn/Pages/Introduction.aspx

https://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice

 

 

Endless Jewelry Unveils Jennifer Lopez Collection For AW15…

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Jewellery brand Endless Jewelry has announced the launch of its third exclusive collection designed and inspired by Jennifer Lopez. Comprising of 22 new charms, the collection is evenly split between gold and silver, as well as two brand new bracelet styles. Available from today, the collection, which has once again been designed by Jennifer Lopez, contains bolder, edgier, more glamourous charms that are peppered with zirconia stones and on-trend patterns. The yellow gold plated and silver charms range from a delicately ornate snake with gems for eyes and a leopard print cutout motif, to a colourful range of gem drop pieces and charms with crystals. This new Jennifer Lopez Collection is priced from £25 with bracelets priced from £45. Launching alongside the new autumn/winter 2015 Jennifer Lopez Collection is a new silver Endless bracelet which can be adorned with a number of charms. Each charm has a soft silicon inside, meaning the charms stay in place when added to the bracelet, ensuring they’re evenly spaced. Charms range from blackened hearts and gold plated spikes to leopard print cut outs with zirconia jewels. There are 56 charms to choose from starting at £25 available from today.

endless-armband

www.endlessjewelry.eu

@EndlessBrand

@jlo

British beauty brand Lily Lolo celebrates 10th birthday… Pixi by Petra Launches New Skintreats Collection…

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British beauty brand Lily Lolo is celebrating its 10th birthday. The mineral make-up brand’s first-ever product was Mineral Foundation, which ten years on is still the brand’s bestseller and now available in 18 shades for every complexion. To mark its birthday, Lily Lolo is launching three on-trend lipstick shades available in Natural Lipstick, Scarlet Red, Temptation and Nude Allure available on August 27. Additionally, the brand is launching a Set & Stay Makeup Mist to leave make-up looking faultless without smudging or settling into fine lines available from September 16.

www.lilylolo.co.uk
@LilyLolo
@Lily_Lolo_PR
#ENDURINGBEAUTY
#10YEARSOFLILYLOLO

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Pixi by Petra has launched its new Skintreats collection which features a variety of skincare products. The collection comprises: Glow Mud Cleanser (£18), a purifying deep pore cleansing mud made with glycolic acid and aloe vera; Nourishing Cleansing Balm (£18), made with almond oil, shea butter and vitamin E; Makeup Melting Cleansing Cloths (£10), with grapeseed and chamomile; Moisturising Cleansing Cloths (£10), with argan oil and aloe vera; Glow Tonic (£18), a renewing skin toner with glycolic acid and aloe vera; exfoliating Glow Peel Pads (£24) with rose water and arginine; Hydrating Milky Serum (£26) with vitamins C and E and jojoba oil; rose Oil Blend (£26), a nourishing face oil with rose geranium and pomegranate seed oil; Overnight Glow Serum (£26), an exfoliating gel with Vitamin A and cucumber extract; H20 Skindrink (£24), a moisturising gel with green tea and rosemary; Glowtion Day Dew (£24), a lightweight moisturiser with lavender oil and kaolin; Beauty Sleep Cream with shea butter and bergamot oil; Glow Mist (£16), finishing spray with propolis and lavender oil; Hydrating Milky Mist (£18), a lightweight skin soothing mist-on moisturiser with black oat and B vitamins; Makeup Fixing Mist (£16), a make-up prolonging fixing spray with soothing rose water and antioxidant green tea; Glow Mud Mask (£18), a clay mask enriched with sea salt and ginseng; Nourishing Sleep Mask (£18), a healing overnight mask with hyaluronic acid and macadamia seed oil; soothing and cooling 24K Eye Elixir (£22), an anti-fatigue peptide serum with gold and raspberry extracts; Nourishing Lip Polish; a multitasking lip exfoliator and moisturiser with nourishing shea butter, evening primrose and reparative camellia oil. Pixi by Petra has also made some new additions to its make-up offering with youth-enhancing Mattelustre Lipstick (£14) made with hyaluronic acid and Vitamins C and E, and available in 12 shades from Classic Red through to Pure Fuchsia; Natural Contour Powder (£18) for creating shading and definition on the face made with aloe vera, coffee and goji berry extracts; Cat Eye Ink (£12), a fade-resistant liquid liner featuring a slanted felt tip applicator for intense definition; Colour Correcting Powder Foundation (£18), a hydrating treatment powder foundation for layerable coverage, made with peptides and multi-vitamins and available in shades from cream to warm; Endless Brow Gel Pen (£14) a two-in-one shaper and shader made with panthenol and vitamins C and E, available in light to deep shades; Endless Silky Eye Pen (£12), a satin grey addition to the Endless Silky Eye Pen family, hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive eyes; Mesmerizing Mineral Palette (£15) a series of eyeshadow palettes featuring an array of shades and a dual-end applicator, available in Mineral Contour, Aquamarine Dream, Amethyst Aura and Opal Glow. Pixi by Petra products are available to purchase at the Pixi flagship store or online at pixibeauty.co.uk.

pixibeauty.co.uk
@PIXIBeauty

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Beauty brand Morgan Taylor is launching a festive nail polish series. The collection, Gifted With Style, features six seasonal shades from ruby reds to shimmering silvers. For use alone or as part of a nail art design, the full-sized nail lacquers are priced at £10.99 each. As part of the range, Morgan Taylor is also introducing stocking filler duo and mini-packs which come complete with a free gift. Choose from free gloves, a sleeping mask, makeup bag, travel tag or bangle. Mini-packs are priced at £14.99 and Duo packs at £16.99. The collection is available on marksandspencer.com, Sally stores or online from October 1.

www.morgantaylorlacquer.com
@MTMorganTaylor

 

 

The Courthouse Hotel London celebrates Afternoon Tea Week… KIKO Milano launches limited edition collection Rebel Romantic… KISS Cosmetics launch Mini’s…

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The Courthouse Hotel London is celebrating Afternoon Tea Week from August 10-16 with two exotic afternoon teas. The hotel’s in house Asian restaurant will be offering a unique Japanese Afternoon Tea, complete with Tamago, a Japanese sweet omelette and an Inari Pocket, a honey-marinated tofu fillet with rice. For that week only guests will also be able to sample a complimentary plum wine. Also available at Silk, will be an Asian Afternoon Tea, featuring Kutchi Dabeli, a sweet potato filling in steamed buns and Sev Aloo Papdi Chaat, savoury puffed pocked lined with potato, sweet tamarind and mint sauce which will be served with a complimentary glass of champagne. The Courthouse Hotel was once the notorious Great Marlborough Street Magistrates Court where the likes of Oscar Wilde, Mick Jagger and John Lennon were tried, but has since been transformed into a luxury hotel.

www.courthouse-hotel.com
@HotelCourthouse

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Beauty brand KIKO Milano has announced the launch of Rebel Romantic, a limited edition collection inspired by Pre-Raphaelite heroines. The collection consists of a variety of products for the eyes, lips and face. Featuring Art Nouveau-inspired packaging, the range of 12 products includes the Perfecting Bronzer (£12.90) which combines a powder with a bronzer and boasts exclusive Atomization Technology; Contouring Pencil Set (£9.90); and Reckless Spirit Eyeshadow Palette (£12.90); Rebel Romantic Mirror (£5.90); and Pochette (£7.90). The Rebel Romantic collection will be available to buy in KIKO Milano stores and online from the end of August 2015.

www.kikocosmetics.com
@kikocosmeticsUK

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E-commerce beauty brand KISS Cosmetics has announced the launch of Mini’s: mini versions of their colour products which will enable customers to try before they buy. The Mini’s will be available for the following products – KISStick, Lip Vinyl and SheerStick and are priced at £2 each including packaging.

kisscosmetics.co.uk
@KissCosmeticsUK

Lancôme Unveils New Eye Products… Heir & Grace New Collection… Native & Co Launch Debut Furniture Collection…

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Lancôme-unveils-new-eye-productsLancôme has launched a trio of new eye products this month. The range consists of a cream eyeshadow stick; Ombre Hypnôse Stylo, a white eyeliner; the Liner Plume and a waterproof eyebrow gel-cream; the Sourcils Gels. The Ombre Hypnôse Stylo (£22) is available in eight shades including Or Inoubliable, a soft gold and Violet Eternel, a bright amethyst shade. The Liner Plume (£22) is available in white and features a thin flexible tip for precision application. The Sourcils Gel (£22) is available in six shades from Blond, a mix of khaki and ash through to Noir, an intense charcoal hue.

www.lancome.co.uk
@LancomeUK
#SAYITWITHYOUREYES

 

Luxury-candle-brand-Heir-Grace-unveils-Orange-Chilli-scent-300x170Heir & Grace, the first luxury scented candle brand based in Royal Windsor adds to its new collection with the scent Orange & Chilli. The scent contains a sweet and warm blend of orange zest, tangerine, bergamot, cassis and neroli with undertones of black pepper, chilli and musk. Every Heir & Grace candle has been hand-crafted in Windsor in small batches and poured by hand by one of its candle makers. The rich fragrance oils are blended slowly with luxurious waxes giving a smooth, creamy texture and a beautiful room filling scent that will last for over 45 hours. The candles are packaged in 21 carat gold sprayed logos and gold foiled matt black boxes. Heir & Grace Orange & Chilli is priced at £36 available online.

www.heirandgrace.co.uk
@heirandgrace
v-pr.co.uk
@VenetiaKhosla

 

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Native & Co have launched their debut furniture series, entitled Inako at Design Junction, the London Design Festival. The Notting Hill-based designers and curators of Japanese and Taiwanese homewares held their public launch at Design Junction in 2014 and are returning once more to this year’s festival to introduce their very first in-house designs. The collection includes a series of maple wood furniture and cedar tableware designed by Chris Yoshiro Green and Sharon Jo-Yun Hung. The Japanese-inspired Inako (meaning ear of rice) series comprises a dining table, bench and stool crafted from solid maple wood. As part of the London Design Festival, and in celebration of their first anniversary, Native & Co will be curating and hosting a Japanese carpentry exhibition called, An Exploration of Japanese Carpentry at their Notting Hill store. Native & Co will launch the Inako furniture series at Design Junction 2015 on September 24-27.

www.thedesignjunction.co.uk
www.nativeandco.com
@nativeandco

Top 10 Tips On How To Look Amazing In Pictures

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Here is my definitive advice to all of you wanting to get amazing images every time no matter what. It’s all about angles and lighting. Here I will share with you a my top tips.

This will help you when you need a go to quick fire list to remind you. I have been a photographer for many years and grew up in a house with a darkroom and studio. My father was a photographer and artist. My mother was a model, so you can see where I get the passion for fashion, style and photography from.

Along with my main job as session nail technician, its all about creating amazing images. My desire to write for you guys comes from a need to help others. Be it beauty advice, great recipes or fashion and style inspiration. Its also a little photography outlet for myself and my husband. All the articles I write need pictures and what better way to get creative than set up little shoots for each and every one!

How To Look Good In Pictures

Top tips on how to look amazing in pictures.

 

  1. 1. Wear clothing that you feel amazing in. If you know your going out and having tons of pictures taken throughout the day or night its important to feel good from various angles. If you hate your upper arms then wear a dress that hides the tops of the arms. You will instantly feel more confident. Or failing that dash out and purchase MAC Face & Body. Most makeup artists I work with use this for runway shows, magazine shoots and editorials. I own a fair few bottles in different shades and its my best buddy if my arms are looking a little blotchy or pasty. Our secret ok!
  2. Invest in the best underwear. Tight and ill-fitting garments just look terrible, especially if shot from behind. Purchase t-shirt bras and seam free pants. Nude is always best in my book. Yes I do own rather a lot of Bridget style pants and I’m not ashamed to admit it.
  3. Don’t use a flash. Natural lighting is always best. I totally hate flash photography when done the wrong way. It can make makeup and clothing look terrible, whats worse.. when food is involved. Don’t do it…Whenever I ever see that dreaded flash go off snapping a beautiful plate of food I die inside just a little every time!! Turn it off and see how it looks. Yes I know there are times when your in a dark restaurant…Then that is telling you its not appropriate. If you really need to snap your food, then go out mid afternoon!
  4. Cloudy days are actually perfect for portrait photography as the sky has a natural light diffuser.
  5. Always turn to your side as this will create a softer prettier look for us girlies. If you need to lift an arm and place it on a hip do so.
  6. Use sunglasses, bags or a hat if you don’t know what to do with your hands.
  7. Practice posing in the mirror. It sounds narcissistic but it will help you the more that you do it.
  8. Always wear heels as this will create confidence.
  9. If you are having your picture taken from the front tuck your arms into your sides as this will create a longer leaner frame.
  10. Lastly Smile. Even if your not looking at the camera. You might look a little crazy but when the images come through you will look radiant and stunning.

Meningitis By Dr Patricia Thompson

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A new vaccine, for Meningococcus B, will soon be available for babies. What, another vaccine? Do we really need it?

I would say – absolutely yes.

Meningococcus causes meningitis, and blood infection (septicaemia) – sometimes leading to limb amputation or brain damage. Approximately 1:10 people affected die.

As a paediatrician, I’ve seen healthy children become seriously ill within hours. Most recover, but, inexplicably, some don’t, and I’ve had to tell shocked parents that their child may not make it through the night.

Meningitis is an infection of the meninges – the thin protective layer covering the brain and spinal cord. It can affect any age, but predominantly under fives, and, particularly, under ones. Teenagers/young adults are also susceptible.

In the UK, it’s usually caused by a virus –and recover is generally complete. However bacterial meningitis is far more dangerous – and the Meningococcus bacteria, of which there are several strains, is the main culprit. It normally lives harmlessly in the nose and throat, but sometimes invades the blood, causing the illness.

The UK vaccination programme already protects against some meningitis types – the bacteria – Haemophilus, Pneumococcus, Meningococcus strain C, and the viruses – Measles and Mumps.

A new vaccine against Meningococcus A, C, W and Y will soon be offered to young adults, plus the new B vaccine for infants.

Meningococcal vaccines are between 85 -100% effective initially – much less so in young children. They are usually safe but can cause pain/redness, vomiting, headaches, drowsiness or irritability. Occasionally, allergic reactions, or, rarely, neurological problems may occur. Protection wanes over time, so teenagers are given boosters. However, vaccination reduces the number of people carrying the bacteria, thus reducing infection risk for the whole community.

If you think someone may have meningitis, look out for:

Headache, stiff neck, photophobia (dislike of bright light), vomiting, drowsiness or confusion and fever. The typical rash (called petechial) is red but doesn’t fade when pressed. It isn’t always present, but if you see it, you must seek medical help urgently.

symptonsof Meningitis By Dr Patricia Thompson

Sometimes, particularly youngsters, are so ill, that the classic signs aren’t obvious. The child may have a temperature, but, equally, may seem cold. They make look blue, cry incessantly (often high-pitched), refuse feeds, have convulsions or become unconscious. In young babies, their fontanelle (‘soft spot’) may bulge and feel tense.

It is important to treat rapidly. Antibiotics will kill the bacteria, but, if severe, intensive care may be necessary.

To give some perspective – approximately 3000 people will get bacterial meningitis/septicaemia in the UK this year. The incidence has decreased due to vaccination.

Knowing the signs could save a life. Always have a low index of suspicion – an unnecessary visit to A&E is far better than delayed treatment. I myself rushed my young son there, late one night. Embarrassingly, he made a miraculous recovery a soon as the doctor (my colleague) examined him – I did eventually live it down at work.

Further Information:

http://www.meningitis.org

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Meningitis/Pages/Introduction.aspx

Note: These articles express personal views. No warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of information given and you should always consult a doctor if you need medical advice

 

 

Five Simple Steps To Beat Baby Blues Naturally

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Five simple steps to beat BABY BLUES naturally

It comes from nowhere and catches you off guard.  Those feelings of being vulnerable, emotional, sad, tearful and sensitive may make it difficult to believe that it is supposed to be the happiest time of every woman’s life.

Don’t worry, you are not alone! Postnatal anxiety, also known as ‘baby blues’, affects 85% of women and may occur on the day of the birth, the day after or not at all. Despite those overwhelming feelings, remember it is a normal reaction after having a baby.

‘Crying and confusion are experienced by most women and are partly due to the hormone changes experienced during the labour and can also be connected to when the milk comes through. But for some 15% of women, this despair and tearfulness continues and develops into post-natal depression’, explains Dr Marilyn Glenville, the UK’s leading nutritionist and an author of The Nutritional Health Handbook For Women.

Before you start worrying, follow these five simple steps to beat baby blues naturally and start enjoying motherhood!

Take a break

Make sure you find time to rest. Permanent sleep deprivation is the biggest cause of anxiety and low mood. Instead of catching up on all those chores that have piled up, try to coordinate your rest periods with your baby.

‘You may need to ask for help with the housework and other chores so that you can have time to rest, sleep, eat properly and also spend time getting to know your baby. It is a good idea to get out the house on your own; it can feel quite overwhelming to suddenly have someone depending on you twenty-four hours a day. Giving birth may bring up unresolved emotional issues from the past that needs to be dealt with. Counselling may be very helpful if this has happened’, Dr Glenville suggests.

Keep your sugar levels at bay

It is important that you make sure that you are eating little and often. Keeping your blood sugar in balance is crucial for helping you through this time as it directly affects mood and energy. ‘Aim to eat complex and unrefined carbohydrates as part of your main meals – this means choosing brown instead of white (wholewheat bread, brown rice and wholemeal flour). Don’t forget about breakfast, porridge and oatmeal is a good choice. Do reduce and preferably avoid stimulants including tea, coffee, chocolate, smoking and canned drinks with caffeine’, explains Dr Glenville.

Too much copper is no good news

Mineral imbalances or deficiencies can also contribute to ‘baby blues’. One of the most important nutrients during this difficult time is zinc.

Zinc and copper are antagonists, which means that high levels of copper reduce zinc and vitamin B6. Once you are pregnant, copper levels in the blood tend to rise dramatically and remain high for up to a month after giving birth as it stimulates the uterus.* This can cause what feels like depression: extreme fears, anxiety, sleep problems, paranoia and even hallucinations. ‘High levels of copper that decrease zinc can be dangerous, especially for a new mum, as she may be already low in this mineral after giving birth. Zinc deficiency can cause stretch marks, white spots on fingernails, decreased wound healing, loss of appetite and low mood. Make sure you are taking good multivitamins and minerals, the ones you took during pregnancy are fine but add some extra zinc’ (recommended daily intake is 50mg of zinc a day), advises Dr Glenville. Try Nature’s Plus Zinc (www.nutricentre.com, £8.59).

Fatty acids

During pregnancy, women are constantly being deprived of fatty acids because of the physical demands of growing fetus. ‘Omega 3 fatty acids are proved to increase levels of serotonin so they are essential in fighting depression and anxiety. Try to include salmon, avocado and nuts in your daily diet. If you don’t like fish, choose a good quality omega-3 supplement such as Omega 3 by Quest Vitamins (www.revital.co.uk, £6.19).’ recommends Shona Wilkinson, Head Nutritionist at www.nutricentre.com.

Balance your hormones

‘Try to take milk thistle every day to support the liver and gall bladder. This powerful herb can help the liver to deal with toxins and process excess hormones from the body. In addition, it is an excellent promoter of milk production, so will help with breast-feeding as well’, says Shona.

*http://metabolichealing.com/zinc-copper-imbalances-immense-biochemical-implications/